Abdominal exercise device and method
An abdominal exercise device with a stable rolling platform, a pair of handles, and four roller assemblies. In addition to conventional roller exercises, the user may place toes or feet on the stable platform and push or pull the device. The device has attachment features on the handle and platform that permit one or more adjustable elastic cords to be temporarily attached to the exercise device while the device is pushed or pulled relative to the user's body. Variable resistance cords are provided which have a plurality of stop elements to permit the user to adjust the effective resistance of the elastic cords by temporarily securing selected stop elements to the device. In one example, the stop elements have internal tapered plugs and external tapered covers over the tapered plugs; so that the stop elements may nest in tapered receptacles on the device.
The current invention relates to an apparatus and method for abdominal exercise.
Prior ArtVarious abdominal exercise devices are known in the prior art.
In one embodiment, an abdominal exercise device comprises a stable rolling platform with a pair of handles and four wheel, roller or caster assemblies. The device may be operated in a manner similar to prior art abdominal rollers while offering improved stability and versatility. The large platform and stability permits the user to perform additional abdominal exercises and other exercises, such as by placing toes or feet on the device and pushing or the device away from or toward the user's hands.
In another embodiment, the abdominal exercise device includes resistance element attachment features that permit one or more detachable resistance elements, such as an elastic bands or cords to be temporarily attached to the exercise device while the device is pushed or pulled relative to the user's body. These features permit the user to do curls and other exercises with the device.
In another embodiment, variable resistance bands or cords are provided which include a plurality of stop elements such as knots or cross sectional enlargement features that permit the user to adjust the effective resistance of the elastic bands or cords by temporarily securing selected stop elements. These variable resistance bands or cords may be used in combination with an abdominal exercise device, where the user adjusts the resistance of the elastic bands or cords by placing selected stop elements in resistance element attachment features provided on the device platform or handles. These variable resistance bands or cords and accessories may be also be used without the abdominal exercise device, such as with separate handles, bar, or foot attachments.
In this specification, the term “platform” means the portion of an exercise device configured to permit a user to place one or both feet; or one or both knees on the device so that the user can move the device with feet or knees. In some examples, the user may also stand on the platform, such as in a twisting exercise. The platform shape may be generally rectangular, polygonal, round or complex.
In this specification, the term “top surface” means the upper exposed surface of the platform when the device is positioned on a floor or other work area.
In this specification, the term “edge” refers to a circumferential portion of the device platform. The device may be generally rectangular, elliptical, circular, or have arbitrary shape. Edges may be straight, curved, or complex in shape.
In this specification, the terms “front edge” and “rear edge” are used for convenience to designate portions of the device, and the device can be oriented and operated in either direction when the handles are held, and can be pushed or pulled in any direction when the platform supports one or more foot or knee.
In this specification, the term “massage feature” means a protrusion configured to apply pressure on a thigh or other body area of a user.
In this specification, the term “chin indention” means a recessed area on a device that is configured to permit a user to conduct curling or other arm exercises by pulling the device closer to the user's chin.
In this specification, the term “handle” means a portion of an exercise device which is configured to permit a user to grasp and push or pull the device with a hand. In some examples, a handle is an elongated extension from or through the platform.
In this specification, the term “wheel, roller, or caster assembly” means an assembly which permits the exercise device to roll along a floor or other work area.
In this specification, the term “resistance element” means one or more elastic band, elastic cord, spring, or spring mechanism which provides a resistance to the moving the device away from a portion of the user's body or away from a fixed point. In this specification, the term resistance element refers to a device accessory that either increases the resistance of roller abdominal exercises or facilitates other exercises. The term does not refer to the adjustment of wheel, roller or caster friction, which may be provided independent of the device accessories.
In this specification, the term “elastic band or cord” means a cord, strap, or band of a single elastic material or composition, or having at least a middle portion of elastic material. For example, an elastic band or cord may have a fixed handle on one or more ends.
In this specification, the terms “cord exercises” or “elastic cord exercises” means exercises performed with one or more elastic cord, strap, or band.
In this specification, the terms “knot or cross sectional enlargement feature” or “stop element” mean a tied portion of a band cord, or strap; or a section of a band, cord, or strap having an enlarged cross-sectional area. The enlarged cross-sectional area may be formed of the same material as the band, cord, or strap, or may be formed by clamping gluing, welding, or otherwise affixing another material or element to the inside of a band, cord, or strap; to the outside of a band, cord, or strap; or to both the inside and outside of a band, cord, or strap.
In this specification, the term “resistance element attachment feature” means a feature provided on the abdominal exercise device, handle, surface attachment clamp, or other cord restraint device to permit attachment of a portion of an elastic cord or band. In some examples, this feature can be a slotted cord stop element receptacle that accepts a portion of the elastic cord or band, but restricts passage of a knot or other cross sectional enlargement feature on the elastic cord or band. In other examples, the attachment feature may be a ring which accepts a hook provided on the elastic cord or band. In other examples, other attachment features may be provided to mate with corresponding elements on the elastic cord or band.
In this specification, the term “cord foot attachment” means a strap, harness, or other device configured to be temporarily held by one or both feet while a cord, strap, or band is stretched relative to the device.
In this specification, the term “surface attachment clamp” means an element that is temporarily or permanently affixed to a wall, door frame, tree limb, article of furniture, or other surface than provides at least one cord retention feature to accept a selected knot or cross sectional enlargement feature while a user performs elastic cord exercises. A user may perform cord exercises at a desired adjustable cord or band strength by attaching a first selected knot or cross sectional enlargement feature, in proximity to a first end of a cord or band, to a first cord retention feature on the surface attachment clamp; and optionally attaching a second selected knot or cross sectional enlargement feature, in proximity to a second end of a cord or band, to a second cord retention feature on the surface attachment clamp.
Cord Retention Features
In this example, cord retention features are provided on both handles and the front edge of the platform. The front edge 140 has first front cord retention feature 141 comprising a cord stop element receptacle 142 and a cord retention slot 143; and a second front cord retention feature 144 comprising a cord stop element receptacle 145 and a cord retention slot 146. In this example, the cord retention features are examples of slotted attachment elements.
In another example, the front cord retention features 141 and 144 are rotated 90 degrees so that the elastic band or cords are aligned with the device. In other examples, the cord retention features may be set at different angles with respect to the platform.
A single looped resistance band may be configured with end portions secured in the two front cord retention features 141 and 144 so that the middle of the band may be held with the user's foot or feet while the device is used for curls and other exercises. In other examples, separate bands are provided, with one or more knots or other enlarged portions on the proximal ends, and a handle adapted to engage a hand or foot is provided on the distal ends.
Elastic bands and cords are examples of resistance elements. The cord retention features are one example of a resistance element attachment feature, and other methods of attaching a resistance element such as a cord or elastic band may be employed.
In this example, a plurality of massage features 147A, 147B, 148A, 148B are provided on the front edge so that the features may be used to provide pressure on a leg or other body area, such as to stimulate blood flow.
The rear edge 150 of the device has a chin indention 152 which permits the user to pull the device closer to the user's chin during elastic cord exercises.
Handles
Caster Assemblies
In other examples, other wheel or caster assemblies may be used, or the device may be provided with a low friction bottom sliding surface such as used in furniture moving disks.
The left side edge 120 has a left side rod hole 121; and the right side edge 130 has a right side rod hole 131. A metal rod 190 is inserted through the left side rod hole 121 and the right side rod hole 131.
In this example, the platform has a maximum length of about 12.5 inches (31.8 cm), and a maximum width of about 10.3 inches (26.2 cm). The handles have a floor clearance of about 1.5 (3.8 cm) inches.
The example exercises below illustrate the versatility of the exercise device for both cord exercises and abdominal exercises without a resistance element. The use of the device is not limited to these exercises.
Example—Knee Roll OutThe user takes an initial position on his knees with hands beneath the shoulders and facing downwards. The hands grasp handles of the abdominal exercise device. The user pushes the device away while keeping his arms extended. The torso is lowered as the device is pushed away. A first cycle is completed when the user pulls the device backwards to the initial position.
Example—V Roll OutsV Roll Outs are similar to Knee Roll Outs, but put a greater emphasis on the oblique muscles. In this exercise, the user pushes forward to the right at about a 45 degree angle; returns to the starting position; then pushes forward to the right at about a 45 degree angle; and returns to the starting position.
Example—Knee TuckThe abdominal exercise device platform is pushed backward and pulled forward by the user's feet. The user has an initial in a legs-extended position with toes of each foot placed on the top surface of device. The user's hands are placed outside of the torso and below the shoulders. The user pulls the device forward so that the user's knees are pulled closer to the hands. A first cycle is completed when the user pushes the device backwards and returns his legs to the extended position.
Example—Curl ExercisesThe end portions of a single elastic band are attached to the device handles, and the user stands on middle portions of the band. In a standing position, the user's hands are facing upwards and lowered to waist level. The device is held by grasping device handles and the device is partially rotated upwards as the hands are raised to the chest. In other examples, the band ends need not be attached to the device handles, and the handles may be configured to permit the user to hold a portion of the band in each hand as the device is grasped. In other examples, two short bands may be provided, and the user can hold one end of each band by each foot, and attach the other end of each band to the device.
Example—Hands Down Curl ExerciseThe end portions of a single elastic band are attached to the device handles, and the user stands on middle portions of the band. In a standing position, the user's hands are facing inwards and lowered to waist level. The device is held by grasping device handles and the device is partially rotated upwards as the hands are raised to the chest
Example—Twist ExerciseThe user stands with both feet on the device with arms outstretched, then rotates hips to the left and back to the right. A first cycle is completed when the user returns to the initial position.
Example—One Foot Push ExerciseThe user stands with right foot on the device, and left foot positioned behind and to the left of the device and pushes the device forward. The left leg is extended and the user is on the toes of left foot. The user repeats the movement with the left foot on the device.
Example—Sit and Curl ExerciseWhile seated, the user grasping device with hands facing upwards and feet on portions of the elastic cord and the user pulls the device to his chest.
Example—Abdominal Exercise Device with Bent Support Bar and ClampIn this example, the front edge 240 has first front cord retention feature 241 comprising a cord stop element receptacle 242 and a cord retention slot 243; and a second front cord retention feature 244 comprising a cord stop element receptacle 245 and a cord retention slot 246. In another example, the front cord retention features 241 and 244 are rotated 90 degrees.
A single looped resistance band may be configured with end portions secured in the two front cord retention features 241 and 244 so that the middle of the band may be held with the user's foot or feet while the device is used for curls and other exercises.
Example—Abdominal Exercise Device with Cord Retention SlotsIn this example, the first end portion is shown positioned to be attached at position “A” to the left handle of the exercise device by inserting one of the first end portion's tapered stops 513, 514, or 515 into a left handle cord retention feature. The cord attachment is made by inserting a cord section below the selected tapered stop through the cord retention slot so that the tapered stop is positioned above the tapered receptacle; and then pulling the cord so that the tapered stop nests in the receptacle of the left handle cord retention feature. Since the tapered stop is larger than the tapered receptacle, the tapered stop cannot be pulled through the receptacle. A second cord end portion is shown positioned to be attached at “B” to the right handle of the exercise device by inserting one of the tapered stops 523, 524, or 525 into to the right handle cord retention feature in a similar manner.
In an alternative configuration, selected tapered stops on the first and second end portions of the cord may be attached to the exercise device front edge cord retention features as shown at “C” and “D” respectively. In this example, the front edge cord retention features are show as parallel to the front edge. In other examples, the cord retention features are provided orthogonal, or at other angles relative to the front edge.
In this example, the cross sectional enlargement features are formed by tapered stops created by inserting a tapered plug in a hollow cord, and then securing a tapered cover over the plug portion.
In this example, three tapered stops are shown as being formed integral to each end of a single elastic cord. In other examples, two cords or bands may be used rather than a single band or cord. In other examples, other numbers of tapered stops may be provided on one or both ends of a cord.
In other examples, more than two cross sectional enlargement features may be provided on one or both ends of a cord or band, and those features can be formed integral to the elastic band or cord, or provided in another manner such as by tying knots in the band or cord, attaching end elements to an elastic band or cord where the end elements provide enlargement features, or by clamping or adhering beads or other elements to the band or cord at desired locations.
Example—Kit with Abdominal Exercise Device, Adjustable Resistance Cord, and Removable HandlesIn other examples, the cord retention housing 610 may include a pair of cord retention elements 620 so that a single handle may secure tapered stops from two end portions of an elastic cord.
In other examples, the handle may be formed with a rigid material rather than a strap.
Adjustable Resistance Elastic Cord
In this example, the tapered covers have lips 567a and 567b which hold the sleeves over the tapered plug portions so that the sleeves do not slip down the cord. In this example, the tapered covers have indicia to permit a user to readily distinguish between the tapered stops. In this example, the tapered cover lips each have a pair of slots which permit the lips to be pulled over the plug portions of the cord.
Example—Single Variable Resistance Exercise Cord with Four Tapered Stops on Each EndIn the example of
In other examples, a different number of tapered stops may be placed on the variable resistance exercise cord.
In other examples, a plurality of tapered stops may be provided on first end of an adjustable resistance elastic cord, and a fixed handle may be provided on a second end of the cord.
Example—Abdominal Exercise Device with Sensors and DisplayIn this example, the abdominal exercise device has a display screen and sensors. The sensors may provide timing, repetition, or force and strain information to the user through the display. The display may also show an exercise sequence or exercise instructions. A wireless connection such as bluetooth connection to a phone, tablet, or other device may also be provided so that data from an exercise session can be logged. A smart phone or other application may be provided to analyze and report the logged data so that the user can track progress over time.
Example—Youth Version of Abdominal Exercise DeviceIn this example, a smaller device is provided for youth so that a young person can exercise alongside a parent.
It is to be understood that the specific embodiments and examples described above are by way of illustration, and not limitation. Various modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill, and the scope of the invention is as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. An abdominal exercise device
- comprising a platform comprising a top surface, a left side edge, right side edge, a front edge, a rear edge, and a bottom;
- a left handle extending laterally from the left side edge of the platform, the left handle having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end in proximity to the platform, and a distal end:
- a right handle extending laterally from the right side edge of the platform, the right handle having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end in proximity to the platform, and a distal end; and
- four roller assemblies attached to the bottom of the platform.
2. The abdominal exercise device of claim 1 further comprising
- a plurality of elastic resistance cord attachment points, each comprising a housing portion comprising a cord retention slot parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cord stop element receptacle, such that the cord retention slot is configured to accept a portion of an elastic resistance cord, and a first cord stop element receptacle having a longitudinal axis, a top portion and a bottom portion, such that the cord stop element receptacle is configured to restrict passage of a stop element on the elastic resistance cord.
3. The abdominal exercise device of claim 2 wherein the cord stop element receptacle is tapered, such that the top portion is larger than the bottom portion.
4. The abdominal exercise device of claim 2 further comprising
- a first detachable elastic cord comprising a first end portion with a first elastic cord end, a second end portion, and
- a plurality of spaced apart first end portion stop elements, each first end portion stop element comprising a cross sectional enlargement feature formed on the first end portion of the elastic cord.
5. The abdominal exercise device of claim 4 wherein
- the plurality of spaced-apart first end portion stop elements each comprise a tapered plug positioned within a hollow elastic cord, and a cover element on the outside of the cord and positioned over the tapered plug.
6. The abdominal exercise device of claim 5 wherein
- each of the cover elements on the first end portion stop elements has an indicia.
7. The abdominal exercise device of claim 5 further comprising
- a plurality of spaced apart second end portion stop elements, each second end portion stop element comprising a cross sectional enlargement feature formed on the second end portion of the elastic cord.
8. The abdominal exercise device of claim 5 further comprising
- a second detachable elastic cord comprising a first end portion with a first elastic cord end, a second end portion, and
- a plurality of spaced apart first end portion stop elements, each first end portion stop element comprising a cross sectional enlargement feature formed on the first end portion of the elastic cord.
9. The abdominal exercise device of claim 2 wherein
- one of the plurality of resistance cord attachment points is provided on the distal end of the left handle, and has a longitudinal axis oriented orthogonal to the left handle longitudinal axis.
10. The abdominal exercise device of claim 2 wherein
- two of the plurality of elastic cord attachment elements are provided on an edge of the exercise device, and have a longitudinal axis oriented orthogonal to the edge.
11. The abdominal exercise device of claim 2 further comprising
- a pair of excess cord retention slots in proximity to the two of the plurality of elastic cord attachment elements.
12. The abdominal exercise device of claim 1 wherein
- the platform top surface further comprises top surface grip features.
13. The abdominal exercise device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of massage features further comprise
- a plurality of spaced apart massage feature projections extending laterally from the platform.
14. The abdominal exercise device of claim 1 wherein the platform rear edge further comprises a chin indention.
15. The abdominal exercise device of claim 1 wherein each roller assembly further comprises
- a base comprising a plurality of roller bearings;
- a roller ball having a diameter; and
- a cover having an opening with a diameter smaller than the roller ball diameter.
16. The abdominal exercise device of claim 13 wherein the roller ball comprises a rubber or polymer ball having a diameter of at least 3.8 cm.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 26, 2018
Publication Date: Sep 24, 2020
Inventors: Michael D. Manion (Cedar Park, TX), Roy Paul Prosise (Cedar Park, TX), Daniel F. Caputo (Cedar Park, TX)
Application Number: 16/639,336