ABlitz
This invention is an exercise apparatus that relates to the field of exercise. The apparatus is user worn and primarily targets the lower region of the abdominal muscles, the lower portions of the rectus abdominis and obliquus internus. It is composed of 11 parts, 2 one size fits all foot pieces, 1 waist strap, 1 bench attachment, 4 easy-turn hand bolts and 3 elastic resistance bands. When used the invention generates the resistance needed to successfully exercise the lower abdominal region.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention, the ABltz is an exercise apparatus. More specifically, it is an apparatus that is to be used when attempting to strengthen the abdominal muscles. However, whereas many inventions focus on targeting the abdominal muscles as a whole, the current invention focuses on targeting the lower portion of the rectus abdominis and the obliquus internus. The invention provides the maximum amount of resistance to the lower portion of the rectus abdominis and the obliquus internus during each repetition performed. Exercising the lower portion of the abdominal muscles is the primary application of this invention, although other secondary muscles may be exercised as well.
2. Description of Related Art
There are countless machines and apparatuses out there to assist in strengthening the body and all of its muscle groups. Sebastian (U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,720) discusses the importance of strong abdominals and their direct affect on an individual's “core.” Furthermore, he dissects the term “abdominals” and concludes the term references many different muscle groups including the obliquus internus, transversus abdominis, the rectus abdominis, and the pyramidalis muscle. This invention focuses on targeting the lower regions of the rectus abdminis and the obliquus internus, although the transversus abdominis and the pyramidalis muscle may be exercised secondarily.
The abdominal muscles as a whole are essential to an individual's core strength and one's overall health. Athletes, sports enthusiasts and non-athletes alike must build a strong core in order to endure rigorous workouts involving weight training or to simply maintain good health. The current invention promotes weight loss, thus, improving the user's overall health and well being. Previous apparatuses aimed at targeting the lower portion of the abdominal muscles are limited. Most apparatuses and machines focus on the upper and middle areas of the abdominal muscles. The ABlitz is a user-worn apparatus intended to strengthen the lower area of the rectus abdominis and the obliquus internus.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThis invention, the ABlitz allows exercisers to exercise their lower abdominal region without having to have a partner present, a great advantage to all exercisers looking to perform various exercises that target the lower abdominals. Exercisers may achieve the same goal by sitting at the edge of a bench and performing knee raises with a dumbbell between his or her feet, but he/she risks bruising, and possibly injuring, his/her foot.
The following drawings will be referenced in the following section in greater depth.
Composition/Manufacture
The apparatus is generally comprised of 11 parts: two (one size fits all) foot pieces in which the user may use an adjustable and fasten-ready strap to securely fasten his or her feet in; 1 attachment (
The exercise apparatus according to claim 1 contains 2 (one size fits all) foot pieces (
Its secure and permanent attachment is on the left and right side, a ½″ closer to the user's toes than the palm of the user's foot (
Each foot piece is 13″ long ×4½″ wide. The nylon strap that is to be used will have a 2″ excess of nylon material (
The invention is an apparatus according to claim 1 in which three elastic bands are contained and employed by the user. The elastic bands are composed of heavy-duty synthetic rubber with elasticity and will be used at different times, when the user is using the apparatus on its own, connected to the body; when the user is using the apparatus while connected to the bench attachment; and when the user is using the apparatus to exercise muscles other than the abdominals. The resistance weights are the same on all three elastic bands, 30 lbs of resistance each, however the lengths are not. One end of the double hooked elastic bands will have 1 closable hook, while the other will branch out and have 2 closable hooks (
The invention is an apparatus according to claim 1 containing an attachment that is two halves connected by a hinge (
The bench attachment halves (
Each corner of the bench attachment has 1 hole (
Usage
Upon taking the invention out of the box, the user will have to put in minimal effort before using it. He or she will have to do the following: adjust each foot strap to the size of his foot; hook the 2 foot pieces together, making them 1 cohesive unit; adjust and securely fasten the nylon foot strap on each foot piece; put on the waistband; hook the closable hook to the waist band and each foot piece; and, if he or she desires to use the bench attachment, close the shell around the leg of a bench and hook it shut, just before screwing in the 4 easy turn hand bolts into the grooved openings along the edges of the connected halves to securely fasten and ready the attachment for use by the user instead of connecting the elastic resistance band to the waist strap.
The ABlitz is primarily an exercise apparatus in which the user may exercise the lower portion of the rectus abdominis (
Exercises that may be performed on other muscle groups with the single hooked elastic band by connecting the two foot pieces together via the hooks on the inner sides of the outside of each foot piece: standing leg curls (biceps femoris, adductor magnus, semitendinosus gracillis, and semimembranosus); outer quadriceps leg kicks to the side and lying leg-spreads (tensor fasciae, rectus femoris and vastus lateralis); standing leg-extensions (rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, gracillis and adductor longus); standing bent-knee kickbacks (gluteus medialis and gluteus maximus); and deadlifts (thoracolumbar fascia and erector spinae). The single hooked elastic resistance band is 8″ long and has a resistance of 30 lbs.
Distinguished from Other Inventions
The only other invention that even comes close to the ABlitz are the arm slings that attach to an elevated curl-bar in which the user slips his or her arms into the sling, effectively resting on the triceps muscles, while lifting his or her legs up. The two are incomparable, as is the machine that solely focuses on the obliquus internus as a whole, which requires the user to load up a weight stack and rotate his or her body while fighting the weighted resistance. This invention adds as much resistance as the user would like. The elastic bands included in the factory packaging start at 30 lbs, but the user may purchase additional bands with greater resistance if he or she desires.
Most other machines and apparatuses aimed at targeting the abdominal muscles target the upper to middle regions, with minimal engagement with the lower abdominals. The AB-roller, an apparatus that requires the user to get on his/her knees and roll the roller forward and, subsequently, return to back to the starting point. This apparatus engages the abdominal muscles as a whole, specifically targeting the upper and middle regions. The lower abdominals are targeted minimally, if at all.
Leg pushdowns are known to fully engage the lower abdominal muscles, making them one of the most effective ways to target the lower abdominal area. This invention allows the user to perform such exercises without having to enter a fitness club or have a training partner present.
Claims
1. The invention is an exercise apparatus that is comprised of 11 pieces: 2 one size fits all foot pieces; 1 bench attachment; 4 easy-turn hand bolts; 1 waist strap; and 3 elastic bands;
- The invention uses user-created tension with 2 elastic bands that are connected from the user-worn waist strap to the user-worn foot pieces, one each. Furthermore, said foot pieces are hooked together via hook and loop on each piece's innermost side.
- The invention utilizes a third elastic band and bench securement bench attachment. Said bench attachment is box shaped, is hinged on one side and clasped on the other, opening side. Said clasp locks and unlocks said attachment to either put on or take off said attachment from exercise bench. Said attachment further utilizes 4 easy turn hand screws, which are screwed into said attachment to lock it into the desired place on the exercise bench.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 27, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 27, 2014
Inventor: Howard Rapp (Orlando, FL)
Application Number: 13/595,289