ABDOMINAL STRENGTHENING APPARATUS

Abstract

An abdominal strengthening apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one handlebar grip, a handlebar pole coupled to the at least one handlebar grip, the handlebar pole comprising a base, wherein the base is configured to engage a first hook, a main unit body comprising a second hook and an open track channel; and an extension resistance system coupled to the first hook and the second hook. The handlebar pole is configured for a downward movement within the main unit body along the open track channel, in response to a force exerted by a user through the at least one handlebar grip. The extension resistance system is configured to facilitate an upward movement of the handlebar pole in response to release of the force exerted by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. U.S. 62/922,737 filed on 26 Aug. 2019. The said application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a power crunch abdominal strengthening apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus which allows the user to perform a plurality of abdominal exercises in multiple body positions, such as sitting, knees floor and standing position using different resistance tension level to strengthen the upper and lower abdominal muscle group as well as the oblique muscles using a sophisticated resistance mechanism to perform series of crunch exercises to isolate the abdominal muscle group.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fitness exercise is an important aspect of maintaining a person's general health. Fitness exercise promotes confidence and provides energy to a person, as well as, tones, strengthen muscles and developing a stronger body. While a majority of exercises may be performed without the aid of equipment, exercise equipment assists in prompting proper form for performing the exercises. Proper form allows a user to gain the most from the exercises, as performing the fitness exercise routine with proper form engages all of the targeted muscles group for the exercise. Thus, the person is able to maximize the potential of their exercise workout training program.

It is widely believed that core strength, abdominal and oblique muscles, is one of the most important muscle groups to strengthen. Having good core strength helps to prevent injuries, protects inner organs and the central nervous system, assuages back pains, promotes good posture and mobility, and gives a sense of confidence to a person.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device which provides for various forms of abdominal and oblique muscle group strengthening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an abdominal strengthening apparatus to strengthen the core of the user. The present invention allows a user to perform sitting, knees, standing and floor crunches workout. The present invention provides resistance to the abdominal crunching motion in order to maximize the strengthening potential for exercising the user's core muscles and stronger lower back.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an abdominal strengthening apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one handlebar grip, a handlebar pole coupled to the at least one handlebar grip, the handlebar pole comprising a base, wherein the base is configured to engage a first hook, a main unit body comprising a second hook and at least one open track channel; and an extension resistance system coupled to the first hook and the second hook. The handlebar pole is configured for a downward movement within the main unit body along the at least one open track channel, in response to a force exerted by a user through the at least one handlebar grip. The extension resistance system is configured to facilitate an upward movement of the handlebar pole in response to release of the force exerted by the user.

Further, the second hook is stationary, and may be attached to a top end of the main unit body. Also, the second hook and the first hook are aligned with the at least one open track channel.

Furthermore, the handlebar pole is configured to be moved downwards within the main unit body along the at least one open track channel from a first position of the first hook to a second position of the first hook, in response to the force exerted by the user through the at least one handlebar grip. The handlebar pole is further configured to push the at least one extension resistance system along the at least one open track channel. Further, the second position of the first hook may be farther away from a fixed position of the second hook as compared to the first position of the first hook. The upward movement corresponds to a movement of the first hook from the second position to the first position.

Additionally, the extension resistance system is configured to facilitate the upward movement of the handlebar pole using a tension built in the extension resistance system during the downward movement of the handlebar pole.

Moreover, the main unit body further comprises a brass male bush sleeve at a top end of the main unit body. The brass male bush sleeve is configured to guide movement of the handlebar pole in and out of the main unit body. The handlebar pole is a hollow tubular structure. Also, the main unit body further comprises the first hook, and wherein the first hook is configured to be moved along the at least one open track channel.

Still further, the extension resistance system may comprise one of a spring, a resistance band, at least one rubber band, and an elastic ring band. The extension resistance system is detachable, and is configured to be replaced with another extension resistance system. Also, the handlebar pole is configured to be telescopic inside the main unit body after detaching of the extension resistance system.

Also, the main unit body comprises one of a pivoting rubber knob, a rubber cap, or a swivel tilting rubber feet mounted at the base of the main unit body, and is configured to rotate the main unit body. The one of the pivoting rubber knob or a rubber cap is configured to be rotated during one or more oblique abdominal exercises performed by the user using the abdominal strengthening apparatus.

The abdominal strengthening apparatus may further comprise a handle grip assembly, wherein the handle grip assembly comprising the at least one handlebar grip and a neck. The neck is configured to be mounted inside the handlebar pole, and wherein the neck comprises a series of holes for accommodating one of a pin and a screw to be inserted for height adjustment of the abdominal strengthening apparatus.

The main unit body is configured to be pivot right and left, thereby facilitating performance of one or more oblique exercises by the user using the abdominal strengthening apparatus.

Further, the first hook is attached to the base of the handlebar pole to move along with the handlebar pole during the downward movement and the upward movement along the at least one open track channel of the main unit body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures or measurements of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an abdominal strengthening apparatus in unfolded and folded positions respectively, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate front detailed view of an apparatus for abdominal strengthening apparatus, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates side view of an apparatus for abdominal strengthening apparatus, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate front detailed view of various components of the abdominal strengthening apparatus, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a detailed view of a handlebar pole of the abdominal strengthening apparatus, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate exemplary extension resistance systems for the abdominal strengthening apparatus, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates detailed view of a second hook and extension resistance system of an apparatus for abdominal strengthening apparatus, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates detailed view of a pivoting rubber knob or a rubber cap of an apparatus for abdominal strengthening apparatus, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments.

With reference now to the drawing figures, several exemplary aspects of the present invention are described. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an abdominal strengthening apparatus 100, in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention. According to various embodiments described herein, the abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 is a handheld or portable device for fitness purposes.

While FIG. 1A illustrates the abdominal strengthening apparatus in an unfolded position, FIG. 1B illustrates the abdominal strengthening apparatus in a folded position. The apparatus 100 comprises a main unit body 102, handlebar pole 104, hooks 106a and 106b, handle grip assembly (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) comprising at least handle grips 108a and 108b, and an extension resistance system 110.

The main unit body 102 is a hollow cylindrical structure, enclosed by an outer wall, a top end, and a lower end. The top end comprises a brass male bush sleeve 112 attached thereto, which comprises a hole for guiding the handlebar pole 104 into and out of the main unit body 102 in a smooth manner. In one embodiment of the present invention, the brass male bush sleeve 112 may be 10 mm in width.

The outer wall surrounds the main unit body 102 on its circumference of the longitudinal end. In some embodiments of the present invention, the outer wall may surround the main unit body 102 at its lower end as well. The outer wall of the main unit body 102 comprises an open track channel 112 (not clearly shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The main unit body 102 (i.e., the outer wall) may be made up of a rigid and strong material, such as, but not limited to, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), plastic, metal, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc. Further, the main unit body 102 may be made in different shapes, such as, but not limited to, tubular, oval, elliptical, square, and rectangular hollow shape. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main unit body 102 is tubular in shape. The main unit body 102 is configured to receive the handlebar pole 104 through the brass male bush sleeve 112.

The abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 further comprises hooks 106a and 106b. After the abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 is assembled as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the hook 106b is located above the hook 106a. Further, the hook 106a is engaged to a base of the handlebar pole 104 and is movable along the narrow open track channel 114. On the other hand, the hook 106b is fixed/stationary on the main unit body 102. The hook 106b may be mounted to the top end of the main unit body 102 above the open track channel 114. Also, the hook 106b and its associated system is illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 7. As depicted, the hook 106b may have a safety knob 126 for locking the extension resistance system 110, wherein the hook 106b is mounted to the brass male bush sleeve 112.

The open track channel 114 of the main unit body 102 is illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 4A. The open track channel 114 is a long empty channel running in the outer wall and preferably centered parallel to the main unit body 102. Further, the open track channel 114 is configured to facilitate a downward movement of the hook 106a (or the engaged handlebar pole 104) from its first resting position depicted in FIG. 1A to the second position depicted in FIG. 1B. The downward movement is facilitated in response to a force exerted by a user through the handlebar grips 108a and 108b. During the downward movement of the hook 106a, a simultaneous elongation of the extension resistance system 110 (e.g., spring) would occur. Due to the elongation of the extension resistance system 110, a tension or force is built into the extension resistance system 110. Once the force exerted by the user is released, the built-in tension or force in the extension resistance system 110 facilitates an upward movement of the hook 106a, thereby moving the hook 106a (and simultaneously moving the handlebar pole 104) back to its original position as shown in FIG. 1A. The two different positions of the hook 106a in FIGS. 1A and 1B during its movement may also be referred to as unfolded/resting and folded positions, since the positions correspond to the unfolded/resting and folded positions of the abdominal strengthening apparatus, respectively. The open track channel 114 may extend through a limited portion of the main unit body 102 facilitating downward and upward movement of the hook 106a. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the open track channel 114 extends beginning from the unfolded/resting position of the hook 106a substantially till the lower end of the main unit body 102. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the open track channel 114 may be 360 mm in length, while the total length of the main unit body 102 may be 630 mm in length. This exemplary embodiment is also shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B with the lengths of the open track channel 114 and the main unit body 102 depicted as L1 and L2 respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the open track channel 114 may be 7 mm in width.

The handlebar pole 104 is configured to be mounted to the brass male bush sleeve 112 at the top of the main unit body 102, as also shown in FIG. 5A. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the handlebar pole 104 may be a long hollow cylindrical tube coupled to the brass male bush sleeve 112. While the abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 may be readily disassembled, the handlebar pole 104 is placed within the main unit body 102 for operation of the abdominal strengthening apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 1A.

The handlebar pole 104 may further include a sliding knob 122. The sliding knob 122 is configured to engage a pin or a screw in one hole of a series of holes of the neck 120 (shown in FIG. 4B) of the handle grip assembly 118 to increase or decrease the height of the apparatus 100, as explained hereinafter. The handlebar pole 104 in conjunction with the sliding knob 122 may be referred herein as a handlebar assembly. The first hook 106a is configured to be mounted at the bottom of the base of the handlebar assembly As depicted in FIG. 5A, a mechanism 130 may be provided for engaging the first hook 106a. According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism 130 may be a hole at the base of the handlebar pole 104 for engaging a pin or screw for coupling the hook 106a to the handlebar pole 104.

Further, as depicted in FIG. 5B, the mechanism may further include a guiding mechanism 132. The guiding mechanism, for example, may include a slider metal bar with one section of the bar inside the base of the handlebar pole 104. As depicted in FIG. 5B, one section of the bar towards the base of the handlebar pole 104 may be comparatively different in size than the section away from the base of the handlebar pole 104. The guiding mechanism 132 facilitates guidance of the base of the handlebar pole 104 against the interior wall of the main unit body 102, during the downward movement of the hook 106a and extension resistance system from one end of the open track channel to the other end. Further, the guiding mechanism 132 ensures straight line or parallel movement within the main unit body 102 along the open track channel during the downward and/or upward movement of the handlebar pole. Additionally, the guiding mechanism 132 facilitates attaching the first hook 106a to the base of the handlebar pole, as depicted in FIG. 5B.

During operation, the handlebar pole 104 is configured to be moved in an upward and a downward direction inside the main unit body 102 in a centered and parallel direction with the main unit body 102's open track channel 114. In some embodiments of the present invention, the handlebar pole 104 may include a sliding cap attached to the pushing pole base, which is configured to smoothly guide the pole base against the interior of the main unit body 102. In turn, this keeps the first hook 106a in a straight line with the open track channel 114.

During operation of the apparatus 100, the handlebar pole 104 is configured to be guided through the open track channel 114 of the main unit body 102, when pushed by a user downwards towards the lower end of the main unit body 102. Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 may be configured for downward movement of the handlebar pole 104 towards the lower end of the main unit body 102, while left and right direction turning of the handle grips 108a and 108b to target the obliques muscle group of the user. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the two handle grips 108a and 108b may have a distance of 300 mm, as shown as L5 in FIG. 2A.

Further, the main unit body 102 comprises a pivoting rubber knob or a rubber cap 116 mounted at its base or the lower end. The pivoting rubber knob, a rubber cap 116, or a swivel tilting rubber feet allows the apparatus 100 to rotate during one or more oblique abdominal exercises performed by a user. The pivoting rubber knob or a rubber cap 116 is clearly depicted in FIG. 8. According to various embodiments of the present invention, the pivoting rubber knob or the rubber cap 116 is non-sticky, such that the non-sticky rubber knob/cap prevents from sliding the abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 on the ground surface during its usage.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user pushes the handlebar pole 104 downwards and pivoting at the same time to perform a crunch and twist abdominal and oblique exercises.

Furthermore, the apparatus 100 comprises a height adjustable handle grip assembly (not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The handle grip assembly 118 is illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 4B. As illustrated, the handle grip assembly 118 comprises a neck 120 and two handle grips 108a and 108b. In some embodiments of the present invention, the handle grip assembly 118 may comprise only one handle grip. Such an embodiment is not discussed in detail, since the usage of a single grip instead of two grips is well known to one skilled in the fitness equipment domain. The neck 120 comprises a series of holes with the neck 120 being configured to be mounted inside the handlebar pole 104, with the purpose to increase or decrease the height level of the apparatus 100 based on the height of various users. Each of the series of holes are designed in a manner to accommodate a pin or a screw to be inserted via the sliding knob 122.

While FIGS. 1A and 1B both depict the handle grips 108a and 108b in a V-shape position, it may be apparent to one skilled in the art that the handle grips 108 and 108b may have a T-shape as well. The handle grips 108a and 108b are mounted on to the handle grip assembly 118's tube frame.

Furthermore, the abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 comprises an extension resistance system 110, which is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 7. The extension resistance system 110 comprises two hooks 106a and 106b and a loop hook, such as, but not limited to, a spring, a resistance band, rubber bands, elastic ring bands, etc. attached between the first hook 106a and the second hook 106b to create the pushing force. A tension or force is built into the extension resistance system 110 when the extension resistance system 110 is pushed downwards in response to a force exerted by the user through the handle grips 108a and 108b. Further, the extension resistance system 110 (e.g., a spring 124 or 128, or a resistance band 126) is configured to assist the upward movement with the extension resistance system 110 returning back to its normal position, i.e., the unfolded/resting position of the first hook 106a. Exemplary springs 124 and 128 to be used in the extension resistance system 110 are shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C. Similarly, an exemplary resistance band 126 is shown in FIG. 6B.

As discussed above, the first hook 106a is mounted to the pushing handlebar pole 104's base, while the second hook 106b is mounted to the top end of the main unit body 102 in a stationary position. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second hook 106b may additionally be attached to the brass male bush sleeve 112 for stronger attachment.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the distance between the hook 106a and 106b in the resting/unfolded position may be 200 mm, while the total length of the main unit body 102 may be 630 mm in length. This exemplary embodiment is also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A with the hooks' distance and the length of the main unit body 102 depicted as L3 and L4 respectively.

In operation of the apparatus 100, the apparatus 100 is positioned in an upright position with the base against the ground surface. The user can perform the abdominal exercises in multiple body positions, such as sitting position, standing position, and knees position. The user must push the handle grips 108a and 108b downward against the resistance extension system 110 along the open track channel 114 with the handlebar pole 104 moving towards the lower end of the main unit body 102, while the first hook 106a elongating/extending the extension resistance extension system 110 from one end/unfolded position to the other/folded position end. The new position of hook 106a, upon completion of the downward movement along with open track channel 114, is farther away from the position of the stationary hook 106b as compared to initial position of the hook 106b before beginning of the downward movement. In other words, the distance between the position of hook 106b and the hook 106a at the completion of downward movement of the hook 10b is more than such distance immediately before a start of the downward movement. When the first hook 106a moves downward along the open track channel 114, it allows the handlebar pole 104 to stretch the extension resistance system 110 in downward direction to create requisite force for the crunch abdominal exercises. The user can perform the crunch abdominal exercises by repeating the downward and upward crunch movement till the abdominal muscle groups are fatigue.

The exercises may be performed with the arms of the user either in a locking position, i.e., closer to the upper body, or may be used with open arms position to offer a harder core abdominal workout routine. When the user places both hands on the handle grips 108a and 108b, the handlebar pole 104 is pushed inside the main unit and in a downward direction by pushing the extension resistance system 110 to create and generate a contraction force to engage the abdominal and core muscle group. The main unit body 102 and the handlebar assembly 118 are configured to be pivot right and left in order to assist the user in performing the obliques exercises, while engaging the contraction motion of the abs and core in multiple directions to target all the abs and core muscle group.

The abdominal strengthening apparatus 100 is configured in a manner such that the extension resistance system 110 may be a configurable or a detachable system. Specifically, the user may be able to adjust the resistance tension by manually changing the extension springs and/or the extension elastic cords or the ring bands attached to the hooks 106a and 106b with a lighter or harder tension to increase or decrease the pushing force to the handlebar pole 104 during the abdominal crunch exercises. Once the desired resistance tension is selected, a safety nut/knob is additionally attached behind the hooks 106a and 106b to prevent from the extension resistance system 110 to exit from the hook during the exercises. In view thereof, users can perform top quality ab and core workout exercises in a quiet and smooth motion, and additionally in a safe and comfortable position to maximize the quality ab and core workout to help achieve better results.

For fast and easy storage, the user may disconnect the extension resistance system 110 from the hooks so the handlebar pole 104 can collapse in a telescope position inside the main unit body 102. Further, the hollow empty section inside the pushing handlebar pole 104 may also be used for storage of the spring or band.

The previous description of the invention is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An abdominal strengthening apparatus, comprising:

at least one handlebar grip;

a handlebar pole coupled to the at least one handlebar grip, the handlebar pole comprising a base, wherein the base is configured to engage a first hook;

a main unit body comprising a second hook and at least one open track channel; and

at least one extension resistance system coupled to the first hook and the second hook;

wherein the handlebar pole is configured for a downward movement within the main unit body along the at least one open track channel, in response to a force exerted by a user through the at least one handlebar grip, and wherein the at least one extension resistance system is configured to facilitate an upward movement of the handlebar pole in response to release of the force exerted by the user.

2. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second hook is attached to a top end of the main unit body.

3. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second hook and the first hook are aligned with the at least one open track channel.

4. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handlebar pole is configured to be moved downwards within the main unit body along the at least one open track channel from a first position of the first hook to a second position of the first hook, in response to the force exerted by the user through the at least one handlebar grip, and wherein the handlebar pole is further configured to push the at least one extension resistance system along the at least one open track channel.

5. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 4, wherein the second position of the first hook is farther away from a fixed position of the second hook as compared to the first position of the first hook.

6. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 4, wherein the upward movement corresponds to a movement of the first hook from the second position to the first position.

7. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one extension resistance system is configured to facilitate the upward movement of the handlebar pole using a tension built in the at least one extension resistance system during the downward movement of the handlebar pole.

8. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second hook is stationary.

9. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main unit body further comprises a brass male bush sleeve at a top end of the main unit body, and wherein the brass male bush sleeve is configured to guide movement of the handlebar pole in and out of the main unit body.

10. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handlebar pole is a hollow tubular structure.

11. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one extension resistance system comprises at least one of a spring, a resistance band, at least one rubber band, and an elastic ring band.

12. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 11, wherein the extension resistance system is detachable, and configured to be replaced with another extension resistance system.

13. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main unit body comprises one of a pivoting rubber knob, a rubber cap, or a swivel tilting rubber feet mounted at the base of the main unit body, and wherein the one of the pivoting rubber knob and the rubber cap is configured to rotate the main unit body.

14. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one of the pivoting rubber knob or a rubber cap is configured to be rotated during one or more oblique abdominal exercises performed by the user using the abdominal strengthening apparatus.

15. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a handle grip assembly, wherein the handle grip assembly comprising the at least one handlebar grip and a neck.

16. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 15, wherein the neck is configured to be mounted inside the handlebar pole, and wherein the neck comprises a series of holes for accommodating one of a pin and a screw to be inserted for height adjustment of the abdominal strengthening apparatus.

17. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main unit body is configured to be pivot right and left, thereby facilitating performance of one or more oblique exercises by the user using the abdominal strengthening apparatus.

18. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the extension resistance system is detachable, and wherein the handlebar pole is configured to be telescopic inside the main unit body after detaching of the extension resistance system.

19. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the main unit body further comprises the first hook, and wherein the first hook is configured to be moved along the at least one open track channel.

20. The abdominal strengthening apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first hook is attached to the base of the handlebar pole to move along with the handlebar pole during the downward movement and the upward movement along the at least one open track channel of the main unit body.