ABDOMINAL EXERCISING DEVICE

Abstract

An abdominal exercising device is disclosed that includes a base. At least one pivotable member is pivotably coupled to the base to provide at least a first position substantially parallel to the base and a second position substantially perpendicular to the base. At least one resistive member is coupled to a portion of the at least one pivotable member to provide a restorative force to urge the pivotable member from the first position to the second position.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of fitness equipment, and more particularly relates to an abdominal exercising device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional fitness equipment for exercising the abdominal muscles is either very bulky or only targets a select group of the abdominal muscles. For example, the equipment at fitness centers that targets the abdominal muscles is generally large and cumbersome or too expensive for an average individual to purchase for his/her home. Also, some of the commercial abdominal strengthening equipment may be too hard for disabled, injured, or elderly people to use effectively. For example, equipment such as a captain's chair and hanging leg raise units requires a user to bring his/her knees towards his/her chest. The upper body such as the arms and shoulders of a user support the entire body weight of the user while the user is pulling his/her legs up towards his/her chest. This exerts undue stress on the user's upper body (e.g., arms, shoulder, neck, etc.) and back. As a result, the upper body is usually exhausted before the abdominal muscles, which compromises the integrity of the exercise.

Home fitness equipment for the abdominal muscles can also be cumbersome and require sizeable storage space. This equipment is generally not portable and in some situations only targets a select group of the abdominal muscles. Also, many of the consumer based abdominal exercising devices provide a limited amount of resistance that cannot be upgraded. Therefore, when a user peaks at the device's most resistive setting, the user is unable to upgrade the device to obtain a greater degree of resistance. Additionally, most of this equipment requires a user to bring his/her knees towards his/her chest which exerts undue stress on the user's back.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, an abdominal exercising device is disclosed. The abdominal exercising device comprises a base. At least one pivotable member is pivotably coupled to the base to provide at least a first position substantially parallel to the base and a second position substantially perpendicular to the base. At least one resistive member is coupled to a portion of the at least one pivotable member to provide a restorative force to urge the pivotable member from the first position to the second position.

In another embodiment, an abdominal exercising device is disclosed. The abdominal exercising device comprises a base. The base comprises at least a rear portion and a first portion. At least one pivotable member is pivotably coupled to at least one of the front portion, the first portion, and the second portion. The at least one pivotable member transitions from a starting position to an operating position and any position there between. The operating position is closer to the rear portion of the base than the starting position. The at least one pivotable member comprises a first member and a second member. The first member is situated substantially parallel to the rear portion of the base. The second member is coupled to an end portion of the first member, and wherein the second member is substantially perpendicular to the first member. At least one resistive member coupled to a portion of the at least one pivotable member to provide a restorative force to urge the pivotable member from the first position to the second position

In another embodiment, an abdominal exercising device is disclosed. The abdominal exercising device comprises a base. The base comprises at least a front portion and a rear portion. A first pivotable member is pivotably coupled to the base. A second pivotable member is pivotably coupled to the base. A first vertical member is coupled to the base and extends from the base in a substantially vertical direction. The first vertical member is coupled to the first pivotable member. A second vertical member is coupled to the base and extends from the base in a substantially vertical direction. The second vertical member is coupled to the second pivotable member. The first and second pivotable members transition independent of each other from a starting position to an operating position and any position there between. The operating position is closer to the rear portion of the base than the starting position and the starting position is closer to the front portion of the base than the operating position. Each of the first and second pivotable members comprises a first member and a second member. Each first member and each second member are coupled to each other in a perpendicular configuration. The first and second vertical members comprise an adjustable member that moves in a vertical direction about each of the first and second vertical members, respectively. The adjustable member adjusts at least the second member in a vertical direction. The adjusting member comprises a cam member that is situated thereon. The adjustable member further comprises a first coupling member situated on an outer portion of the adjustable member. Each second member comprises a second coupling member situated on an inner portion of the second member that faces the outer portion of the adjustable member. The second coupling member is situated below the first coupling member. A first end of a resistive member is removably coupled to the first coupling member and a second end of the resistive member is removably coupled to the second coupling member. A portion of the resistive member extends around the cam member when the pivotable member transitions from a starting position towards a chest of a user. The resistive member exerts a rotational restorative force opposite a rotational force applied by a user on the first and second pivoting members, respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an abdominal exercising device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the abdominal exercising device of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an abdominal exercising device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the abdominal exercising device of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side-front perspective view of the abdominal exercising device of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 6-8 are perspective views of the abdominal exercising device of FIG. 3 showing a user completing one exercise repetition according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Various embodiments of the present invention are advantageous over conventional abdominal exercising devices for at least the following reasons. Most conventional devices require a “pushing” motion (e.g., pushing head/neck back) to create resistance on the abdominal muscles. The various embodiments of the present invention, however, incorporate a “pulling” motion (e.g., pulling legs up). The device of one or more embodiments of the present invention incorporates a “pulling” motion in order to create resistance on the abs (pulling legs up versus pushing neck/back down). By stabilizing the legs with the device of one or more embodiments the lower abdominal muscles are always engaged (a key difference to most devices). Motions such as pulling one's legs up and the reverse crunch motion are exercises that work only the lower abdominal muscles exclusively.

Abdominal Exercising Device

According to various embodiments of the present invention, as shown in the figures below, an abdominal exercising device is illustrated. The abdominal exercising device is advantageous over conventional devices because it is portable, adjustable, and provides varying degrees of resistance that can be increased or decreased based on a user's needs. These advantages as well as many other are illustrated in greater detail below.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an abdominal exercising device 100. The abdominal exercising device 100 comprises a base portion 102. The base portion 102 comprises a front portion 104, a rear portion 106, a first side portion 108, and a second side portion 110. The base 102 provides stability and rigidity to the abdominal exercising device 100 during use. The abdominal exercising device 100 further comprises a first pivoting member 114 and a second pivoting member 116. Each of the first and second pivoting members 114, 116 comprises a first member 118, 120, a second member 122, 124, and a third member 126, 128. An optional fourth member 129, 131 can also be included as well. Two or more of these members 118/120, 122/124, 126/128, 129/131 can be separate components or a single component. The first member 118, 120 is substantially parallel to the rear portion 106 of the base when in a resting position (e.g., when a user is not interacting with the abdominal exercising device 100) as shown in FIG. 1. The first member 118, 120 can comprise an optional padded/cushioned component that provides comfort to a user's knees/thighs when using the device 100. The second member 122, 124 is coupled to a first end 130, 132 of the first member 118, 120. The second member 122, 124 is perpendicular to the first member 118, 120 and extends from the first end 130, 132 of the first member 118, 120 toward the front portion 104 of the base 102.

The third member 126, 128 is coupled to the second member 122, 124 of the pivoting member 114, 116 at a first end 134, 136 of the second member 122, 124. The third member 126, 128, in one embodiment, is substantially vertical with respect to the base 102. The optional fourth member 129, 131 can be coupled to a second end 133, 135 of the first member 118, 120. The optional fourth member 129, 131 is perpendicular to the first member 118, 120, is parallel to the second member 122, 124, and extends from the second end 133, 135 of the first member 118, 120 towards the front portion 104 of the base 102. Optional extending members 137, 139 can be coupled to the first and second side portions 108, 110 of the base 102. A user can use these optional extending members as handles during use of the device 100.

In one embodiment, a bottom portion 138, 140 of the third member 126, 128 is pivotably coupled to a first resistive mechanism/member 142, 144. This first resistive mechanism 142, 144 is mechanically coupled to an inward curving portion 146, 148 of the base 102 that is situated between the rear portion 106 and front portion 104 of the base 102. However, it should be noted that this first resistive mechanism 142, 144 can be formed as part of the base 102 as compared to being a separate component that is mechanically coupled thereto. In one embodiment, the first resistive mechanism 142, 144 is a static resistance mechanism. In other words, the resistance provide by the first resistive mechanism 142, 144 cannot be varied/adjusted. In this embodiment, the first resistive mechanism 142, 144 is similar to a torsion spring and the resistance is proportional to the number of helixes in the spring. It should be noted that any static resistance mechanism can be used and the present invention is not limited to a torsion spring.

In another embodiment, the first resistive mechanism 142, 144 is a variable resistance mechanism as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment the user can vary the resistance provided by the first resistive mechanism 142, 144 to either decrease or increase the resistance. For example, if a torsion spring is being used, the user can adjust how much the torsion spring is twisted to increase or decrease the resistance. It should be noted that the use of a variable torsion spring as an adjustable first resistive mechanism is only one example applicable to the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any way.

In one embodiment, the first resistive mechanism 142, 144 comprises an elongated member 150, 152 that is insertable into the bottom portion 138, 140 of the third member 126, 128 of the pivoting member 114, 116, which in this embodiment is at least partially hollow, thereby pivotably coupling the third member 126, 128 to the first resistive member 142, 144. In this embodiment, the third member 126, 128 comprises adjustment slots/slats/openings 154 that allow the third member 126, 128 to be coupled to the elongated member 150, 152 at various positions. This increases the height of the pivoting member 114, 116 with respect to the base 102. This allows the abdominal exercising device 100 to be adjusted to accommodate various users. Any adjustment/coupling mechanism can be used such as pins, push buttons, and the like.

In addition to the first resistive mechanism 142, 144, the device 100 can also comprise a second resistive mechanism 156, 158. In one embodiment, a separate second resistive mechanism 156, 158 is coupled to each of the pivotable members 114, 116. FIG. 1 shows the second resistive mechanism 156, 158 being coupled to a portion 160, 162 of the third member 126, 128 and a portion 164, 166 of the base front portion 104 of the base 102. However, it should be noted that the second resistive mechanism 156, 158 can be coupled to the first, second, and or third members as well instead of or in addition to the third member. The second resistive mechanism 156, 158, in one embodiment, is removable from at least one of the base front portion 104 and/or the portion(s) such as 160, 162 of the member(s) 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 129, 131 that the mechanism 156, 158 is coupled to. It should be noted that the device 100 can comprise only the first resistive mechanism 142, 144, only the second resistive mechanism 156, 158, or both. Also, the first resistive mechanism 142, 144 and/or second resistive mechanism 156, 158 can be permanently or removable coupled to the device 100.

In one embodiment, the second resistive mechanism 156, 158 is a resilient member that when stretched exerts a resistive force, such as an elastic band or tension band. The resilient member can be adjusted by coupling the resilient member to different portions of the pivotable member 114, 116, the base front portion 104, and/or the portion(s) such as 160, 162 of the member(s) 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 129, 131 that the mechanism 156, 158 is coupled to However, it should be noted that the second resistive mechanism 156, 158 can be other types of resistive mechanisms as well such as, but not limited to, weights, a torsion spring or other types of springs, or the like. If weights are used, an elongated member (not shown) can extend from the third member 126, 128 (or other members) where the weights can be placed. It should be noted that any number of second resistive mechanisms 156, 158 can be used.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of an abdominal exercising device 300. The abdominal exercising device 300 comprises a base portion 302. The base portion 302 comprises a front portion 304, a rear portion 306, a first side portion 308, and a second side portion 310. The base 302 provides stability and rigidity to the abdominal exercising device 300 during use. The base 302 also comprises a user contact area 312. The user contact area 312 substantially abuts a user's back while the user is interacting with the abdominal exercising device 300, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The user contact area 312, in one embodiment, can be cushioned to provide comfort to the user. Also, the user contact area 312 can be comprised of any material. The user contact area 312 can also be perforated for increased airflow against a user's back area; removable; contoured to provide added support; or the like.

The abdominal exercising device 300 further comprises a first pivoting member 314 and a second pivoting member 316. Each of the first and second pivoting members 314, 316 comprise a first member 318, 320 and a second member 322, 324. A third member (vertical member) 326, 328 is coupled to each of the second members 322, 324 and to the base portion 302. In one embodiment, this third member 326, 328 is removably coupled to the base portion 302 via one or more coupling mechanisms 301, 303. This coupling mechanism 301, 303 allows the third member 326, 328 to be positioned at various locations on the base portion 302. The third member 326, 328 can also be fixably coupled to the base portion 302 as well. In one embodiment, the third member 326, 328 is perpendicular to the base portion 302 and extends in a vertical direction from the base portion 302. A fourth member (horizontal member) 329, 331 can also be included as well. Two or more of these members 318/320, 322/324, 326/328, 329/331 can be separate components or a single component.

The first member 318, 320 is substantially parallel to the rear portion 306 of the base when in a resting position (e.g., when a user is not interacting with the abdominal exercising device 100) as shown with respect to the first member 320 of the second pivoting member 316 in FIG. 3. The first member 318, 320 can comprise an optional padded/cushioned component 321, 323 that provides comfort to a user's knees/thighs when using the device 300.

The second member 322, 324 is perpendicular to the first member 318, 320. The first member 318, 320, in one embodiment, is adjustably coupled to the second member 322, 324. For example, the first member 318, 320, in this embodiment, is coupled to an adjustable member 305, 307 at a first end 341, 343. The adjustable member 305, 307 substantially surrounds the second member 322, 324. This allows the first member 318, 320 to move up and down (or back and forth) on the second member 322, 324. The adjustable member 305, 307 comprises a retaining member 309, 311, such as, but not limited to, a screw and a nut, that when tightened retains the first member 318, 320 at the given location on the second member 322, 324. In one embodiment, the second member 322, 324 comprises a cylindrical or a non-cylindrical shape. A non-cylindrical shape such as, but not limited to, square, rectangular, octagonal, or hexagonal shapes helps prevent unnecessary rotational movement/slippage of the first member 318, 320 around the second member 322, 324. An inner portion of the adjustable member 305, 307 can comprise a shape that substantially matches the shape of the second member 322, 324. This provides further stability between the first member 318, 320 and the second member 322, 324 and helps prevent any rotational slippage there between. In addition, when the retaining member 309, 311 is not retaining the first member 318, 320, the user can rotate the first member about the second member 322, 324 as shown in FIG. 6. This allows the user to easily enter/exit the device 300. In another embodiment, the second member 322, 324 can be rotated and/or pivoted about the third member 326, 328 to allow the user to enter/exit the device 300.

A bottom portion 313, 315 of the second member 322, 324 is coupled to and/or inserted into a fifth (horizontal) member 317, 319. It should be noted that this fifth member 317, 319 can be part of the second member 322, 324. The fifth member 317, 319 pivots about the fourth member 329, 331 that is substantially perpendicular to the third member 326, 328. In one embodiment, the fourth member 329, 331 extends through the fifth member 317, 319 and is coupled to a cam member 325, 327 that is coupled to an adjustable member 333, 335 situated on the third member 326, 328. Alternatively, the fourth member 329, 331 extends through the fifth member 317, 319 and the cam member 325, 327, and is coupled to the adjustable member 333, 335 or the third member 326, 328 if the adjustable member 333, 335 is not used. In FIG. 3, the fourth member 329, 331 is shown as extending outwards from the fifth member 317, 319. This allows the fourth member 329, 331 to be used as a handle by the user while interacting with the device 300. However, the fourth member 329, 331 is not required to extend past the fifth member 317, 319.

In one embodiment, the third member 326, 328 comprises adjustment slots/slats/openings 454, as shown in FIG. 4 that allow the third member 326, 328 pivoting member 314, 316 to be situated at various positions on the third member 326, 328. This increases the height of the pivoting member 326, 328 with respect to the base portion 302. This allows the abdominal exercising device 300 to be adjusted to accommodate various users. Any adjustment/coupling mechanism can be used such as pins, push buttons, and the like.

FIG. 4 shows one example of the adjustment slots/slats/openings 454 in more detail. In the example of FIG. 4, the third member 326, 328 of each pivoting member 314, 316 is a stationary member that extends in a vertical direction from the base portion 302 and comprises a plurality of adjustment slots/slats/openings 454. The second member 322, 324 of each pivoting member 314, 316 is coupled to an adjustable member 333, 335 that is adjustably coupled to the third member 326, 328. In this example, the adjustable member 333, 335 moves in a vertical direction about the third member 326, 328. As the adjustable member 333, 335 moves in a vertical direction with respect to the third member 326, 328, a retaining member activated by a mechanism 456, 458 situated on the adjustable member 333, 335 is inserted into at least one of the slots/slats/openings 454. In one embodiment, the mechanism 456, 458 is a handle, button, etc. that when in a first position releases the retaining member from the adjustment slots/slats/openings 454 and when in a second position places the retaining member into the adjustment slots/slats/openings 454 to lock the adjustable member 333, 335 at that given position. It should be noted that the mechanism 456, 458 is not required. Also, the retaining member can be an insertable member that is placed in one of the adjustment slots/slats/openings 454 below the adjustable member 333, 335 to retain the adjustable member 333, 335 at that given position. This insertable member, in another embodiment, can also be inserted through the adjustable member 333, 335 as well.

It should be noted that the first member 318, 320 can also be adjusted to accommodate varying widths of a user's knees/thighs. For example, the first member 318, 320 can be comprised of two or more sections where one section slides in/out of the other section, thereby increasing/decrease the length of the first member 318, 320. In another embodiment, the second member 322, 324 can also be adjustable. For example, the second member 322, 324 can be comprised of two or more sections where one section slides in/out of the other section, thereby increasing/decrease the length of the second member. Adjusting the second member 322, 324 also allows various users to more easily use the abdominal exercising device 100. Also, adjusting the second member 322, 324 varies the starting position of a user's knees/thighs when using the device 100. For example, lengthening the second member 322, 324 results in the user's knees/thighs starting closer to his/her chest. Shortening the second member 322, 324 results in the user's knees/thighs starting further away from his/her chest. It should be noted that the various members and mechanisms used to adjust the first and second members 318/320, 322/324 are only examples and other members and mechanisms can be used.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, the user interacts with the abdominal exercising device 100 by placing his/her knees or thighs against the first member 318, 320 of the pivoting member 314, 316 and bringing his/her knees or thighs toward the user's chest and then retuning the pivoting member 314, 316 back to its staring position. Therefore, lengthening the second member 322, 324 decreases the distance that the user is required to move the pivoting member by moving his/her knees/thighs to the chest. This makes the motion easier to perform and also causes less resistance to be encountered. Shortening the second member 322, 324 increases the distance that the user is required to move the pivoting member 314, 316 by moving his/her knees/thighs to the chest. This makes the motion more difficult to perform and also causes more resistance to be encountered.

In addition to one or more of the first, second, third, and/or fourth members of the pivoting member 314, 316 being adjustable, one or more of these members can be foldable, collapsible, or the like. This allows for easy storage of the exercising device 300. Also, the first, second, third, and/or fourth members of the pivoting member 314, 116 can be self adjustable. For example, one or more of these members can comprise a self adjusting mechanism such as a ratcheting system or any other type of self adjusting system that automatically adjusts to the user. Additionally, the angle of the first member 318, 320 with respect to the second member 322, 324; the angle of the second member 322, 324 with respect to the third member 326, 328; the angle of the third member 326, 328 with respect to the base 302; and/or the angle of the fourth member 329, 331 with respect to the first member 318, 320 can be adjusted as well.

FIG. 4 also shows that one or more resistive members 442, 442 are coupled to the adjustable member 335, 337 situated on the third member 326, 328 and are also coupled to the fifth member 317, 319. These resistive members 442, 442 can be removed for other resistive members that provide more or less resistive force. In one embodiment, the resistive member 442, 444 is removably coupled to a first attachment/coupling point/member 460 situated on an inner side 462 of the fifth member 317, 319 toward a first end portion 464 of the fifth member 317, 319 that is opposite of a second end portion 466 of the fifth member 317, 319 comprising the fourth member 429, 431. The first attachment point 460, in one embodiment, extends outward from the inner side 462 in a horizontal direction with respect to the base 302 and is perpendicular to the inner side 462 of the fifth member 317, 319. The resistive member 442, 444, in this embodiment, comprises a first fastening mechanism 467 on a first end 468 that removably fastens the resistive member 442, 444 to the first attachment point 460.

A second end 470 of the resistive member 442, 444 is removably coupled to a second attachment/coupling point/member 472 situated on an outer side/portion 474 (facing the first side portion 308 and the second side portion 310, respectively of the base portion 302) of the adjustable member 333, 335. The second attachment point 472, in one embodiment, extends outward from the outer side 474 of the adjustable member 333, 335 in a horizontal direction with respect to the base 302 and is perpendicular to the outer side 474 of the adjustable member 333, 335. Similar to the first end 468 of the resistive member 442, 444, the second end 470 comprises a second fastening mechanism 476 that removably fastens the resistive member 442, 444 to the second attachment point 472 situated on the outer side 474 of the adjustable member 333, 335.

The second attachment point 472 is situated on a lower portion 478 of the of the outer side 474 of the adjustable member 333, 335 such that the second attachment point 472 is below the first attachment point 460 situated on the inner side 462 of the of the adjustable member 333, 335. However, it should be noted that the locations of the first and second attachment points 460, 472 are not limited to these respective locations and other configurations/locations are also applicable to various embodiments of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the resistive member 442, 444 becomes at least partially extended when the fifth member 317, 319 is pivoted towards the chest of the user. For example, FIG. 5 shows that the resistive member 442 on the fifth member 317 comprises a partially extended configuration as the fifth member 317 is pivoted towards the chest of the user (e.g., towards the rear portion 306 of the device (See FIG. 3)). This curved configuration occurs as the resistive member 442, 444 wraps around an upper portion 580, 582 of the cam member 325, 327 coupled to the adjustable member 333, 335. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the resistive member 442 at least partially wraps around the cam member 325 such that a portion 584 of the resistive member 442 is above the upper portion 580 of the cam member 325. FIG. 5 shows the second pivoting member 316 in a resting position. Further, the resistive member 444 of the second pivoting member 419 is not extended on the upper portion 582 of cam member 327.

As the user interacts with the fifth member 317, 319, the fifth member 317, 319 rotates with respect to the fourth member 429, 431. This results in the resistive member 442, 444 exerting a resistive force on the fifth member 317, 319 as the fifth member 317, 319 first end 468 of the resistive member 442, 444 is stretched/pulled toward the user's chest while the second end 470 of the resistive member 442, 444 remains fixed at its location. This resistive force is a rotational restorative force opposite the rotational force applied by the user on the fifth member 317, 319.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate various examples of a user interacting with the abdominal exercising device 100. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a user lying on his/her back, where his/her back 602 is in substantial contact with the user contact area 312 of the base 302. FIG. 6 shows a first pivotable member 314 being in an interacted position where the user has began to pull the first pivotable member 314 towards his/her chest 606. FIG. 6 further shows the second pivotable member 316 in starting position with the first member 318 being rotated about the second member 324 for easy entry onto the device 300. When interacting with the device 300, the thighs 604 of the user are in substantial contact with at least one of the first members 318, 320 (or the cushioned component 321, 323).

As the user brings his/her thighs/knees 604 towards his/her chest 606 as shown in FIG. 7, the resistive mechanism 342, 344 exert a force on the pivotable members 314, 316. The motion of bringing the thighs/knees 604 towards the chest 606 exercise the lower/upper abdominal muscles and the resistance strengthens these muscles. FIG. 8 shows that the user has brought his/her thighs 604 as close to his/her chest 606 as desired completing the first phase of the exercise (e.g., bringing knees/thighs to chest). The user then returns one or more of the pivotable members 314, 316 to their starting position shown in FIG. 6, thereby completing the second phase of the exercise (e.g., returning knees/thighs to their original position).

It should be noted that the pivotable members 314, 316 are moveable from the starting position of FIG. 6 to the end position of FIG. 8 and any position there between. Also, the pivotable members 314, 316 can be moved independent of each other as shown in FIGS. 3-8. In an embodiment, where the pivotable members 314, 316 are independent of each other, one or more coupling mechanisms (not shown) can be used to coupled the pivotable members 314, 316 to each other. This coupling allows the pivotable members 314, 316 to be moved dependent upon one another. In other words when a user exerts a pulling motion on one pivotable member the other pivotable member is moved in response thereto. It should be noted that a single third member 326 can be used that is coupled to both second members 322, 324 to create a single pivotable member where the coupling device is not required.

As can be seen various embodiments of the present invention provide a device that incorporates a “pulling” motion in order to create resistance on the abs (pulling legs up versus pushing neck/back down). By stabilizing the legs with the device of the presently claimed invention the lower abdominal muscles are always engaged (a key difference to most devices).

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An abdominal exercising device comprising:

a base;

at least one pivotable member pivotably coupled to the base to provide at least a first position substantially parallel to the base and a second position substantially perpendicular to the base; and

at least one resistive member coupled to a portion of the at least one pivotable member to provide a restorative force to urge the pivotable member from the first position to the second position.

2. The abdominal exercising device of claim 1, wherein the at least one pivotable member comprises:

a first member, and

a second member,

wherein the first member is situated substantially parallel to the rear portion of the base,

wherein the second member is coupled to an end portion of the first member, and wherein the second member is substantially perpendicular to the first member.

3. The abdominal exercising device of claim 2, wherein the first member is rotatable around the second member.

4. The abdominal exercising device of claim 2, wherein the first member is rotatable about the second member.

5. The abdominal exercising device of claim 2, wherein

a length of at least one of the first member and the second member is adjustable.

6. The abdominal exercising device of claim 2, further comprising:

a vertical member coupled to the base and that extends from the base in a substantially vertical direction, wherein the vertical member comprises an adjustable member that moves in a vertical direction about the vertical member, the adjustable member comprising a cam member situated thereon, the cam member accepting the at least one resistive member there around.

7. The abdominal exercising device of claim 6, further comprising:

a fourth member that extends through a lower portion of the second member and is coupled to one of the cam member and the adjustable member, the fourth member being substantially perpendicular to the vertical member, the second member being configured to rotate about the fourth member.

8. The abdominal exercising device of claim 6, wherein the adjustable member comprises a first coupling member situated on an outer portion of the adjustable member, wherein the second member comprises a second coupling member situated on an inner portion of the second member that faces the outer portion of the adjustable member, wherein a first end of the resistive member is removably coupled to the first coupling member and a second end of the resistive member is removably coupled to the second coupling member, the resistive member wrapping around the cam member when the pivotable member transitions from the first position to the second position.

9. An abdominal exercising device comprising:

a base comprising at least a front portion and a rear portion;

at least one pivotable member pivotably coupled to the base,

wherein the at least one pivotable member transitions from a starting position to an operating position and any position there between, wherein the operating position is closer to the rear portion of the base than the starting position, and wherein the at least one pivotable member comprises: a first member, and a second member,

wherein the first member is situated substantially parallel to the rear portion of the base, and

wherein the second member is coupled to an end portion of the first member, and wherein the second member is substantially perpendicular to the first member, and

at least one resistive member coupled to a portion of the at least one pivotable member to provide a restorative force to urge the pivotable member from the first position to the second position.

10. The abdominal exercising device of claim 9, wherein

a length of at least one of the first member and the second member is adjustable.

11. The abdominal exercising device of claim 10, wherein an angle of at least one of:

the first member with respect to the second member, and

the second member with respect to at least one of the first member and the second member is adjustable.

12. The abdominal exercising device of claim 9, further comprising:

a vertical member coupled to the base and that extends from the base in a substantially vertical direction,

wherein the vertical member comprises an adjustable member that moves in a vertical direction about the vertical member, the adjustable member comprising a cam member situated thereon, wherein the adjustable member comprises a first coupling member situated on an outer portion of the adjustable member, wherein the second member comprises a second coupling member situated on an inner portion of the second member that faces the outer portion of the adjustable member, wherein a first end of the resistive member is removably coupled to the first coupling member and a second end of the resistive member is removably coupled to the second coupling member, the resistive member extending around the cam member when the pivotable member transitions from the starting position to the operating position.

13. The abdominal exercising device of claim 12, further comprising:

a fourth member that extends through a lower power portion of the second member and is coupled to one of the cam member and the adjustable member, the fourth member being substantially perpendicular to the vertical member, the second member being configured to rotate about the fourth member.

14. The abdominal exercising device of claim 12, wherein the resistive member is a spring.

15. The abdominal exercising device of claim 9, wherein the at least one pivotable member comprises two pivotable members, wherein a first of the two pivotable members is coupled to the first portion of the base and a second of the two pivotable members is coupled to the second portion of the base.

16. The abdominal exercising device of claim 15, wherein the two pivotable members move independent of each other.

17. An abdominal exercising device comprising:

a base comprising at least a front portion and a rear portion;

a first pivotable member pivotably coupled to the base;

a second pivotable member pivotably coupled to the base;

a first vertical member coupled to the base and that extends from the base in a substantially vertical direction, wherein the first vertical member is coupled to the first pivotable member; and

a second vertical member coupled to the base and that extends from the base in a substantially vertical direction, wherein the second vertical member is coupled to the second pivotable member,

wherein the first and second pivotable members transition independent of each other from a starting position to an operating position and any position there between, wherein the operating position is closer to the rear portion of the base than the starting position, the starting position being closer to the front portion of the base than the operating position, and wherein each of the first and second pivotable members comprise: a first member, and a second member, and

wherein each first member and each second member are coupled to each other in a perpendicular configuration,

wherein the first and second vertical members comprise an adjustable member that moves in a vertical direction about each of the first and second vertical members, respectively, the adjustable member adjusting at least the second member in a vertical direction,

wherein each adjusting member comprises a cam member situated thereon, the adjustable member further comprising a first coupling member situated on an outer portion of the adjustable member,

wherein each second member comprises a second coupling member situated on an inner portion of the second member that faces the outer portion of the adjustable member, the second coupling member being situated below the first coupling member,

wherein a first end of a resistive member is removably coupled to the first coupling member and a second end of the resistive member is removably coupled to the second coupling member, a portion of the resistive member extending around the cam member when the pivotable member transitions from the starting position to the operating position, the resistive member exerting a rotational restorative force opposite a rotational force applied by a user on the first and second pivoting members, respectively.

18. The abdominal exercising device of claim 17, further comprising:

a first horizontal member corresponding to the first pivotable member and a second horizontal member corresponding to the second pivotable member that extend through a lower power portion of each second member and is coupled to one of the cam member and the adjustable member, the first and second horizontal members being substantially perpendicular to the first and second vertical members, respectively, each second member being configured to rotate about the first and second horizontal members, respectively.