Patent ID: 7481752
Filing Date: 2009-01-27
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. An abdominal exercise machine comprising: a frame assembly with a seat and a lumbar support attached thereto, the seat and lumbar support statically positioned with respect to the frame assembly, the frame assembly at a tilted position and having a support arm; a seat back assembly pivotally attached to the frame assembly at a pivot axis, the seat back assembly with an upper back support member, the seat back assembly adapted to pivot on the pivot axis from a rest position where the upper back support member is tilted back from vertical to a tilt forward position when the upper back support member is past vertical and wherein the pivot axis is positioned above the seat within a user's lower lumbar area at a point forward of and perpendicular to the frame assembly; and a piston and cylinder assembly attached between the frame assembly and the seat back assembly and having a longitudinal axis; wherein the longitudinal axis of the piston and cylinder assembly is close to the pivot axis when the seat back assembly is in the tilt back position; wherein the piston and cylinder assembly is attached between the frame assembly and the seat back assembly by means of an angled bracket, such that as the seat back assembly moves to the tilt forward position, the distance between the longitudinal axis of the piston cylinder assembly and the pivot axis increases; wherein the pivot axis is adapted to be positioned in a lower lumbar area of the user when the user is seated on the frame assembly against the seat and lumber support; wherein the seat has a perimeter that has a leading edge adapted to accommodate a range of swiveled hip positions; and wherein the seat back assembly further includes hand members.