Abdominal exercise and training apparatus
An abdominal training apparatus designed to be used by a seated exerciser for concentrated training of the abdominal muscles, comprising an upper portion and a lower portion pivotably suspended from a base, the upper portion and lower portion being linked together causing them to rotate in opposite directions from, in a fixed angular proportion to, one another. The apparatus includes weight addition means on the upper and lower portions to respectively increase and decrease the force required to perform the crunch exercise, so as to accommodate both advanced and beginning exercisers as well as those with injured or weak abdominal muscles. The apparatus further includes a pivotably mounted seat portion enabling the apparatus to be used by an exerciser to target both the oblique and the frontal abdominal muscles.
The present invention relates generally to apparatus for exercising and strengthening the abdominal muscles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that enables a wide range of exercisers to perform isolated training of both the frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without straining the lower back.
There are many exercise devices intended to train specific parts of the body. Training of the abdominal muscles can be particularly challenging because of the desire to concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles and at the same time minimize the stress and risk of injury to the lower back. Traditional sit-ups on a flat surface or on an inclined bench are far from optimal for strengthening the abdominal muscles. Beginning the exercise in a flat position puts stress on the spine and the neck and may be very difficult for a person with weak abdominal muscles. Additionally, the traditional sit-up motion engages the hip flexor muscles more than the abdominal muscles. Crunches are better than sit-ups insofar as isolating the abdominals. However, because the movement in performing a crunch is from a position with the back flat on the floor to a crunch position where just the head and shoulders are raised from the floor, the range of motion to which the abdominals are subjected is limited.
Various resistance-type exercise devices for exercising abdominal muscles have been developed over the years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,154 [Forcillo] discloses a pivotable abdominal bench that provides lessened or increased resistance while exercising. Although this apparatus provides the capability to both aid an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles in doing a sit-up and increase the resistance for a more advanced exerciser, it suffers from the basic configuration deficiency of starting the exercise in a flat prone position. Therefore, this device does not minimize lower back stress nor does it concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles as opposed to the hip flexors.
Another type of device is known as a seated abdominal exercise machine. Generally, this type of machine places an exerciser in a seated position raised off the ground in a framework and includes an upper torso engaging structure that allows the exerciser to bend forwardly into a simulated crunch position against a variable resistance. The present invention is such a device.
Although various attempts have been made to perfect these machines, there remain several disadvantages to many of the designs. Some of these machines emphasize motions that work the hip flexors more than the abdominal region. Other machines concentrate on moving about a particular axis or axes without fully supporting the head, shoulders, and lower back. Still other versions are limited by other factors such as a limited range of movement.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,926 [Ellis] discloses a seated exercise machine permitting the exerciser to do crunches against weight resistance from a seated position. However, this device does not provide positive assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles and does not support the exerciser's back throughout the exercise. Additionally, this device has the exerciser seated in a position where the feet are placed on the floor, which may result in an awkward exercise position for exercisers of various heights.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,372 [Steffee, et al.] discloses a seated exercise machine wherein the exerciser works against a weight stack. However, the exerciser's back and head are not supported throughout the range of the exercise motion and there is no assistance provided for exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,748 [Scotti] discloses a seated exercise machine whereby the exerciser pulls down on handles from above which cause his feet, which are resting on a platform, to be simultaneously raised from below in a crunching motion. However, this device provides no back or head support for the exerciser, provides neither weight resistance nor assistance to an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles, and has no means for the exerciser to use his legs to assist in actuating the crunching motion.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus for doing crunches that provides continuous support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser. It is another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that does not impose undue stress on the exerciser's spine. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that concentrates the work on the abdominal muscles of the exerciser.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that provides assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles as well as weight resistance to exercisers with strong abdominal muscles. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise machine that enables an exerciser to strengthen both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles by a simple adjustment of the apparatus.
Other objects will appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides an abdominal exercise apparatus to be used by an exerciser in a seated position. The apparatus of the present invention is symmetrical left to right and comprises a base from which an upper and a lower portion are pivotably suspended. The upper and lower portions are linked together, causing them to rotate in opposed directions with respect to the base. As an exerciser pulls down on handles extending from the top of the upper portion, drawing the upper portion pivotably forward and downward, the exerciser also pulls up on leg retaining means extending from the bottom of the lower portion, drawing the lower portion pivotably forward and upward, resulting in a sit-up or crunch motion. The upper portion and lower portion rotate in a fixed proportion to, and in opposite directions from, one another. Additionally, because the head is supported and the legs and feet are secured, the apparatus concentrates the intensity of the crunch workout on the abdominal muscles.
The apparatus of the present invention protects against strain to the spine and lower back by providing support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser, the upper portion of the apparatus comprising head and shoulder pads and the lower portion of the apparatus comprising lumbar and seat pads. As the exerciser draws the apparatus into the crunch position, his back and head continue to be supported throughout the entire range of motion.
The abdominal exercise apparatus of the present invention additionally includes means to add weights to the upper and lower portions in order to both increase and decrease the force required to perform the crunch exercise. An advanced exerciser can benefit by increasing the weight on the upper portion, thereby making the exercise more difficult and enhancing the workout of the abdominal muscles. A beginning exerciser, or one who is rehabilitating from injury or has weak abdominal muscles, can benefit by increasing the weight on the lower portion, thereby making the exercise easier and enabling an exerciser to train using the crunch motion even if he is not capable of achieving that motion unassisted. Further, the apparatus of the present invention enables an exerciser to target both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles.
In addition, the seat portion of the apparatus has the capability of pivoting to the left and right. The seat portion can also be secured in one of a straight ahead position, a leftwardly angled position, or a rightwardly angled position, without the exerciser rising from the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFor the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in
The apparatus 10 is symmetrical from left to right, as illustrated in
The upper portion 16 supports the back of an exerciser, provides a means for the exerciser to grip the apparatus with his hands for the purpose of articulating the apparatus 10 while exercising, and provides a means for adding weight to increase the difficulty of the exercise. The upper portion 16 comprises a centered vertical back rail 40, left and right back cross rails 48 extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid portion thereof, an upper weight support rail 52 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and a handle support 42 extending leftwardly and rightwardly from the upper rear portion thereof.
Left and right upper side rails 50 are attached rigidly to the outward facing ends of the back cross rails 48, extending frontwardly therefrom. Each upper side rail 50 includes a stop pin 60 protruding outwardly from the mid portion thereof, an upper pivot pin 70 protruding outwardly from the front portion thereof, and an upper link pin 72 protruding outwardly from near the front end thereof. The upper lever distance A between the upper pivot pin 70 and the upper link pin 72 is a critical measure for the proper operation of the apparatus 10.
The upper portion 16 is suspended from the base 12 by the upper pivot pins 70, which are pivotably supported in the upper journals 34. The upper journals 34 are secured to the front rail 22 of the base 12 by the upper journal bolts 36. When the apparatus 10 is not in use, or between workout sets, the upper portion 16 pivots, under the force of gravity, until the stop pins 60 come to rest on top of the stop pads 62.
A weight support base plate 54 extends rearwardly from the bottom end of the back rail 40, joining with the upper weight support rail 52 to form a rigid triangular structure for supporting any number of upper weight plates 58 which an exerciser may choose to add to increase the workout load of the apparatus 10. An upper weight peg 56 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion of the upper weight support rail 52 and is sized to accept standard weight plates 58 such as those used in a gym or fitness center. Weights added to the upper weight peg 56 increase the resistance of the apparatus 10 during the workout. More weights 58 will raise the level of force required to articulate the apparatus 10 into a fully crunched position.
A head pad 66 is attached to the upper portion, and a back pad 68 to the lower portion, of the front side of the back rail 40. A pair of handles 44 extends upwardly, frontwardly, and outwardly from the handle support 42 affixed to the upper rear of the back rail 40, and include handgrips 46 on the ends thereof for an exerciser to grasp while exercising on the apparatus 10. By pulling the handles 44 downward, the exerciser forces the upper portion 16 to rotate about the upper pivot pins 70, thereby raising the upper weight plates 58 as the exerciser bends forward into a sit-up or crunch position. The rotating action of the upper portion 16, combined with that of the cooperating lower portion 14 and an independently positionable swiveling seat portion 18, provides the exerciser with a focused and safe abdominal workout. The back rail 40, combined with the head pad 66 and the back pad 68, provides support throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise and minimizes the stress on an exerciser's back in completing crunches.
The lower portion 14 supports the seat and lower back of an exerciser and provides a means for adding weight to decrease the difficulty of the exercise. The lower portion comprises a centered vertical lumbar rail 78, left and right lumbar cross rails 82 extending respectively leftwardly and rightwardly from the mid portion thereof, a lower weight support rail 86 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the mid portion thereof, and a seat rail 92 extending frontwardly from the bottom end thereof. A lumbar pad 84 is attached to the front side of the lumbar rail 78.
Left and right lower side rails 94 are attached rigidly to the outward facing ends of the lumbar cross rails 82, extending frontwardly therefrom. Each lower side rail 94 includes a lower pivot pin 96 protruding outwardly from near the front end thereof and a lower link pin 76 protruding outwardly from near the rear end thereof. The lower lever distance B between the lower pivot pin 96 and the lower link pin 76 is another critical measure for the proper operation of the apparatus 10.
The lower portion 14 is suspended from the base 12 by the lower pivot pins 96, which are pivotably supported in the lower journals 30. The lower journals 30 are secured to the front rail 22 of the base 12 by the lower journal bolts 32. A stop pad 80, backed by a stop pad support 81, is fastened to the top end of the lumbar rail 78. When the apparatus 10 is not in use, or between workout sets, the lower portion 14 pivots, under the force of gravity, until the stop pad 80 comes to rest against the bottom side of the weight support base plate 54 of the upper portion 16, directly beneath the bottom end of the back rail 40.
The lower weight support rail 86 is strong enough to support any number of lower weight plates 90 which an exerciser may chose to add to decrease the workout load of the apparatus 10. A lower weight peg 88 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the lower portion of the lower weight support rail 86 and is sized to accept standard weight plates 90 such as those used in a gym or fitness center. Weights added to the lower weight peg 88 decrease the resistance of the apparatus 10 during the workout, a feature that may be particularly helpful to beginners or exercisers with weak abdominal muscles. More weights 90 will reduce the level of force required to articulate the apparatus 10 into a fully crunched position, acting to assist a beginning exerciser. Additionally, the interplay between the upper weights 58 and the lower weights 90 may allow an advanced exerciser to fine-tune the loading of the apparatus 10 during a workout. The lower weights 90 counteract proportionally greater upper weights 58, in a ratio of B/A, i.e., the ratio of the distance of the lower lever, measured between the lower pivot pin 96 and the lower link pin 76, to that of the upper lever, measured between the upper pivot pin 70 and the upper link pin 72.
The rigid link bars 74, one each on the right and left side of the apparatus 10, interconnect the upper link pins 72 with the lower link pins 76 and coordinate the rotational motion of the upper portion 16 with the lower portion 14. Each linking bar 74 completes the four bar linkage that creates the unique benefits of the apparatus 10. The length of the link bar 74 is fixed so that the back rail 40 and the lumbar rail 78 are aligned when the apparatus 10 is at rest. When the handles 44 are pulled by a seated exerciser to rotate the upper portion 16 downward and inward about the upper pivot pins 70, the upper link pins 72 push downward on the link bars 74 which in turn push downward on the lower link pins 76, causing the lower portion 14 to rotate upward and inward about the lower pivot pins 96.
The relative amount of rotational motion of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 is fixed by the ratio of the lower lever distance B to the upper lever distance A. For example, if the ratio of B/A equals three, then a 30 degree rotation of the upper portion 16 will cause (approximately) a corresponding 10 degree rotation of the lower portion 14, so that the total amount of crunch experienced by an exerciser using the apparatus 10 will be about 40 degrees. The opposed directions of rotation of the upper portion 16 and the lower portion 14 explains the reverse effect of the lower weights 90 as opposed to the upper weights 58. When an exerciser pulls on the handles 44, he is working against the upper weights 58, raising them as his torso rotates forward. However, simultaneously, the lower weights 90 are pulling downward on the linking bar 74, working in the same rotational direction as the exerciser's hands and helping to rotate his legs upward and inward. Because of the relative distances of the lower lever B and upper lever A, the net effect of a the lower weight plates 90 is reduced proportionally when compared with that of the upper weight plates 58.
The seat portion 18 is pivotably supported above the seat rail 92 via the seat journal 108 mounted towards the front portion of the seat rail 92. The seat portion 18 comprises a swivel rail 100, a leg extension rail 102 extending downwardly from the front end thereof, and a seat pad 98 affixed on top thereof. A seat pivot pin 110 extends downwardly from the mid portion of the swivel rail 100 and is received by the seat journal 108 in the seat rail 92, enabling the seat portion 18 to rotate leftwardly and rightwardly. The seat portion 18 can be secured by a seat swivel positioner 112 and cooperating seat swivel pin 114 in one of three angular positions with respect to the seat rail 92, including straight-ahead (parallel to the seat rail 92) and approximately 15 degrees to either the right or left of center. Thereby, an exerciser may exercise the frontal abdominal muscles with the seat portion 18 in the straight-ahead position as well as the oblique abdominal muscles with the seat in either or both of the left and right positions.
The seat swivel positioner 112 is attached to the front end of the seat rail 92 and has three seat positioning holes 118 corresponding to the three possible positions of the seat portion 18, to secure the seat portion 18 in each of those positions. A spring loaded seat swivel pin 114 with an associated seat-positioning lever 116 is attached to the underside of the swivel rail 100. Each of the seat positioning holes 118 is adapted for receiving the seat swivel pin 114 when the seat-positioning lever 116 is released. To rotate the seat portion 18 from one position to another, the seat positioning lever 116 is actuated to pull the seat swivel pin 114 out from one of the seat positioning holes 118, the seat portion 18 is rotated to the desired position, and the seat positioning lever 116 is released to allow the seat swivel pin 114 to be received into another of the seat positioning holes 118.
A leg extension rail 102 extends downwardly and frontwardly from the front of the swivel rail 100. The leg extension rail 102 supports an ankle bar 104 at the bottom end thereof, the ankle bar 104 extending symmetrically leftwardly and rightwardly therefrom, each side of the ankle bar 104 being covered with an ankle pad 106. When exercising in the apparatus 10, a seated exerciser hooks his ankles behind the ankle pads 106 so that his legs may be used to assist in the crunching motion of the apparatus 10.
Exercising the front abdominal muscles using the apparatus 10 is a simple procedure. First, the exerciser places the desired weight plates 58, 90 on their respective weight pegs 56, 88. For a more difficult exercise, the exerciser will increase the amount of the upper weight plates 58; for assistance in the exercise, the exerciser will increase the amount of the lower weight plates 90. Second, the exerciser sits on the seat pad 98 with his lower back resting against the lumbar pad 84, his shoulders resting against the back pad 68, and his head resting against the head pad 66. The seat portion 18 is in the straight-ahead position. Once seated, the exerciser hooks his ankles behind the ankle pads 106 and reaches up to grasp the handgrips 46 on the handles 44. Third, the exerciser simultaneously pulls downward with his hands and upward with his knees, actuating the upper portion 16 rotationally downward and inward and the lower portion 14 rotationally upward and inward, resulting in a crunch. Fourth, the exerciser resists the motion of the apparatus 10 as it returns to its rest state, the upper portion 16 rotating upward and outward and the lower portion 14 rotating downward and outward.
To exercise the oblique abdominal muscles, the seated exerciser need only pivotably reposition the seat portion 18 to the left or to the right by actuating the seat positioning lever 116, rotating the seat portion 18 to the desired position, and releasing the seat positing lever 116 to secure the seat portion 18 in the desired position. Crunches may then be accomplished in exactly the same manner as for the front abdominal muscle exercises.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.
Claims
1. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch motion comprising: a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended from said base, said upper portion including a back support, a head support, and handles adapted to be gripped by the hands of a person; a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a seat and a lumbar support; and a link bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base, the relative angular displacement of said upper portion and said lower portion being a fixed ratio determined by the distances between the respective pivot points and link bar attachment points thereof.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said lower portion additionally includes means to retain the legs of a person seated in said apparatus, enabling the legs to be used to assist in performing the intended crunch motion.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said lower portion further includes a means for receiving weights to assist a person with weak abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said upper portion further includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said leg retaining means is rigidly interconnected to said seat and said seat is pivotably positionable on said lower portion, allowing said seat and said leg retaining means to be angularly positioned with respect to said apparatus, said lower portion additionally including a means to secure said seat and said leg retaining means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position, enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus.
6. An apparatus for training abdominal muscles using a crunch motion comprising: a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended from said base, said upper portion including a back support, a head support, handles adapted to be gripped by the hands of a person, and a weight receiving means for increasing the workout resistance of said apparatus; a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a seat, a lumbar support, means to retain the legs of a person seated in said apparatus, and a weight receiving means for decreasing the workout resistance of said apparatus; and a link bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said seat and said leg retaining means are interconnected to form a seat portion that is pivotably positionable on said lower portion and said lower portion further includes a seat portion securing means, said seat portion being angularly positioned and secured by said seat portion securing means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position with respect to said apparatus, enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus.
8. A method for exercising and training abdominal muscles using an apparatus having a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended from said base, said upper portion including a back support, a head support, and handles adapted to be gripped by the hands of a person; a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a seat, a lumbar support, and leg retaining means; and a link bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base, comprising the steps of: sitting on said seat in said apparatus; resting the lower back against said lumbar support, the shoulders against said back support, and the head against said head support; hooking the legs behind said leg retaining means; grasping said handles with the hands; simultaneously pulling downward and inward with the hands and pulling upward and inward with the legs, resulting in a crunch exercise action; and resisting the motion of said apparatus in returning to the original rest position by simultaneously applying downward and inward force to the handles via the hands and upward and inward force to the leg retaining means via the legs.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said lower portion further includes a means for receiving weights to assist a person with weak abdominal muscles in performing the intended crunch motion, said method further comprising a predecessor step of placing weights as desired on said weight receiving means.
10. The method of claim 8 wherein said upper portion further includes a means for receiving weights to increase the force required by a person to perform the intended crunch motion, said method further comprising a predecessor step of placing weights as desired on said weight receiving means.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein said seat and said leg retaining means are interconnected to form a seat portion that is pivotably positionable on said lower portion and said lower portion further includes a seat portion securing means, said method additionally comprising the steps of angularly positioning said seat portion and securing said seat portion using said seat portion securing means in a selected one of a straight-ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position with respect to said apparatus, thereby enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus.
12. A method for exercising and training abdominal muscles using an apparatus having a base; an upper portion pivotably suspended from said base, said upper portion including a back support, a head support, handles adapted to be gripped by the hands of a person, and an upper weight receiving means for increasing the workout resistance of said apparatus; a lower portion pivotably suspended from said base, said lower portion including a seat, a lumbar support, leg retaining means, and a lower weight receiving means for decreasing the workout resistance of said apparatus; and a link bar interconnecting said upper portion to said lower portion causing said upper portion and said lower portion to pivot simultaneously and cooperatively in opposite rotational directions with respect to said base, comprising the steps of: placing the desired weights on either or both said upper weight receiving means and said lower weight receiving means as desired; sitting on said seat in said apparatus; resting the lower back against said lumbar support, the shoulders against said back support, and the head against said head support; hooking the legs behind said leg retaining means; grasping said handles with the hands; simultaneously pulling downward and inward with the hands and pulling upward and inward with the legs, resulting in a crunch exercise action; and resisting the motion of said apparatus in returning to the original rest position by simultaneously applying downward and inward force to the handles via the hands and upward and inward force to the leg retaining means via the legs.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said seat and said leg retaining means are interconnected to form a seat portion that is pivotably positionable on said lower portion and said lower portion further includes a seat portion securing means, said method additionally comprising the steps of angularly positioning said seat portion and securing said seat portion using said seat portion securing means in one of a straight ahead position, a rightwardly angled position, or a leftwardly angled position with respect to said apparatus, enabling a person to exercise both frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without leaving said apparatus.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 18, 2005
Publication Date: Sep 21, 2006
Inventor: Russell Nohejl (East Stroudsburg, PA)
Application Number: 11/084,562
International Classification: A63B 21/06 (20060101); A63B 21/08 (20060101);
