Abstract:
An apparatus for the strengthening and rebuilding of the muscles of the pelvic floor includes a center generally flat main resistance spring that includes a generally U-shape. The main resistance spring supplies a force which urges separation between a first end and an opposite second end of the main resistance spring. A surrounding case provides a stop mechanism to limit further separation of the first end with respect to the second end. A secondary resistance spring is attached to an interior of the main resistance spring and is used to supply an increase in overall resistance as well as to actuate an optional mechanical counter. An optional pair of auxiliary resistance bands are provided and are urged within a longitudinal channel to vary the magnitude of overall resistance. An optional handle is included to aid in transportation.

Description:
[0001]    This application is related to a previous invention by the same inventor that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,186 on Jun. 7, 1988. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention, in general, relates to exercise devices and, more particularly, to a gynecology exercise device. 
         [0004]    The specification of prior U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,186 by inventor Andrea Harding-Randle that issued on Jun. 7, 1988 is herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0005]    The above-identified patent discusses the need for effectively restoring the muscles of the pelvic floor of a patient by the use of an externally-disposed exercise device and discloses a structure that is suitable for such a purpose. 
         [0006]    Remediation of the detrimental effects of weakening or damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor, such as thinning out and stretching of the muscles due to childbirth, tear or episiotomy and the resultant decline in the ability to maintain proper tension and closure of the any of the three openings (urethra, vagina, anus) present both practical problems of leakage (i.e., urinary stress incontinence) as well as psychological problems to women. 
         [0007]    Weakening or damage to the muscles of the pelvic floor also can contribute to a decline in sexual satisfaction and therefore adversely affect intimacy between couples. Therefore, the quality of the muscles of the pelvic floor include both physical and psychological impacts to the patient. 
         [0008]    While the above-described prior art device is useful there remain important unsolved needs for women who wish to improve the tone of the muscles of the pelvic floor area. 
         [0009]    For example, there exists a long-standing need for a more simplified construction that incorporates one solid spring instead of two individual wings that are welded to a frame structure. This has not been possible to accomplish heretobefore because of an inability to adjust the tension (i.e., the resistance level) and also because of an inability to control (limit) the opening size in both a safe and aesthetically pleasing manner. 
         [0010]    There is also a long-standing need to be able to more easily transport the exercise device from one location to another. 
         [0011]    Similarly, users want to know how many repetitions that they have done at each usage. 
         [0012]    Also, there exists a long-standing need to easily be able to adjust the resistance to accommodate varying levels of ability. It is important to be able to provide a minimal resistance to those just starting to use the device who have substantially weakened or damaged muscles of the pelvic floor. This is necessary to ensure that further tearing or damage does not occur during exercise. After muscle tone has improved, it is desirable to easily be able to increase the resistance so that maximum toning can occur to the affected muscle groups. 
         [0013]    There is also a need to be able to provide a gynecology exercise device that can fit the anatomical size of a greater number of women. 
         [0014]    Additionally, if such a device could be used to exercise other muscle groups its utility would be proportionately increased. 
         [0015]    Accordingly, there exists today a need for a gynecology exercise device that helps to ameliorate the above-mentioned problems and difficulties as well as ameliorate those additional problems and difficulties as may be recited in the “OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION” or discussed elsewhere in the specification or which may otherwise exist or occur and are not specifically mentioned herein. 
         [0016]    Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device. 
         [0017]    2. Description of Prior Art 
         [0018]    Exercise devices are, in general, known. 
         [0019]    Devices for exercising and improving the muscles of the pelvic floor that are internally inserted into the vagina are known and have severe limitations inherent in their use including issues of hygiene and convenience of use. 
         [0020]    The following patent describes an externally disposed device useful in helping to rebuild the muscles of the pelvic floor: 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,186 to Andrea Harding-Randle that issued on Jun. 7, 1988. 
         [0022]    While the structural arrangements of the above described devices may, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a gynecology exercise device that is easy to manufacture. 
         [0024]    It is also an important object of the invention to provide a gynecology exercise device that is durable. 
         [0025]    Another object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that is adjustable in the amount of resistance to movement of a portion thereof that is experienced by a user. 
         [0026]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that is useful in rebuilding or strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor area. 
         [0027]    Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that is able to keep track of the number of repetitions that have been accomplished. 
         [0028]    Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that is suitable for use by a majority of women having a significant-variance in body size. 
         [0029]    Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that includes a solid one-piece main resistance spring at its core. 
         [0030]    A first continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that can be used by women. 
         [0031]    A second continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that includes a carrying handle. 
         [0032]    A third continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that includes means to prevent a one-piece spring from opening an excessive amount during use. 
         [0033]    A fourth continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that does not include sharp or exposed edges that could snag on clothing that is worn by a user or which might injure the user. 
         [0034]    A fifth continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that can be used in varying positions to exercise additional muscles that are not part of those associated with the pelvic floor. 
         [0035]    A sixth continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that includes one or more auxiliary resistance bands that are used to vary an amount of resistance to motion that is experienced during use of the device. 
         [0036]    A seventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that includes a channel and an auxiliary resistance band disposed in the channel and wherein the auxiliary resistance band can be moved along a longitudinal length of the channel to vary an overall resistance level. 
         [0037]    A seventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a gynecology exercise device that includes a channel and two or more auxiliary resistance bands disposed in the channel and wherein each of the two or more auxiliary bands can be moved along the longitudinal length of the channel to vary an overall resistance level. 
         [0038]    Briefly, a gynecology exercise device that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention has a main resistance spring that extends in a generally U-shape. The main resistance spring supplies a force that tends to further increase the distance between a first main spring end and an opposite second main spring end of the main resistance spring. A stop mechanism built into a surrounding case limits further separation of the first main spring end with respect to the second main spring end. Auxiliary resistance bands disposed in a channel along a center longitudinal axis of the device are urged along a longitudinal length of the channel and are used to vary an overall resistance level provided by the device. Various exercises can be performed by the device and are used to strengthen the pelvic floor as well as to strengthen other muscle groups of the body. A handle is preferably included to aid in transportation. A repetition counter is preferably included to provide an indication of the number of repetitive exercise cycles performed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a view in perspective of a gynecology exercise device, absent a pair of auxiliary resistance bands for improved clarity of construction. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the gynecology exercise device of  FIG. 1  with the two auxiliary resistance bands in their respective tracks. 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is a side view in perspective of the gynecology exercise device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a spring assembly of the gynecology exercise device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the spring assembly of  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]    Referring primarily to  FIG. 1  and on occasion to all of the drawing figures is shown, a gynecology exercise device, identified in general by the reference numeral  10 . 
         [0045]    Inside of the gynecology exercise device  10  and extending along its longitudinal length is found a main resistance spring  12  ( FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 ) that is formed of flat-stock of spring steel. A first portion of the main resistance spring  12 , as identified by bracket  14  includes a height dimension of approximately 2 inches. A second portion as identified by bracket  16  of the main resistance spring  12  includes a height dimension of approximately 2.5 inches. The first portion  14  and the second portion  16  are on each of two opposite sides of the gynecology exercise device  10 . 
         [0046]    A small upper taper  18  and a small lower taper  20  accommodates the change in height between the first portion  14  and the second portion  16 . The small upper taper  18  and the small lower taper  20  occur in mirror-like manner on opposite sides of the main resistance spring  12 . A preferred thickness for the main resistance spring  12  is approximately 0.62 inches, although this and all dimensions are subject to variance, as desired. 
         [0047]    The second portion  16  of the main resistance spring  12  includes a generally U-shape. The first portion  14  of the main resistance spring  12  is slightly arcuate with an outward flare along its longitudinal length. 
         [0048]    The main resistance spring  12  provides a significant portion of the overall resistance that is experienced when using the gynecology exercise device  10 , as is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0049]    A pair of opposite ends  22   a ,  22   b  of a smaller generally U-shaped secondary resistance spring  22  are attached by rivets  24  or by any preferred fastener or method to an inside of the main resistance spring  12  proximate the upper taper  18  and the lower taper  20  on both sides of the main resistance spring  12 . 
         [0050]    The main resistance spring  12  and the secondary resistance spring  22  supply a force that tends to urge a first main spring end  12   a  apart from a second main spring end  12   b , in a direction as is generally shown by arrows  26  and  28 , respectively. 
         [0051]    The first main spring end  12   a  and the second main spring end  12   b  preferably supply a force that is tending to urge the first main spring end  12   a  and the second main spring end  12   b  to separate further apart from each other than is shown in  FIG. 1  or  FIG. 4 . 
         [0052]    However, the distance that the first main spring end  12   a  and the second main spring end  12   b  can separate apart from each other (as shown by arrows  26  and  28 ) is limited by a plastic case, identified in general by the reference numeral  30  ( FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ). A forward portion of the case  30  preferably extends across a top and bottom of the gynecology exercise device  10  and it also overlaps the sides of the main resistance spring  12  on an exterior of the gynecology exercise device  10 . 
         [0053]    A portion of the case  30  is used to limit outward motion of the first main spring end  12   a  away from the second main spring end  12   b . This portion includes a rigid material for use in the case  30  that extends, generally, up to a location that is proximate the upper taper  18  and the lower taper  20  on both sides of the gynecology exercise device  10 . 
         [0054]    The overlap of this portion of the case  30  limits and thereby prevents a further opening of the first main spring end  12   a  and the second main spring end  12   b  by the main resistance spring  12 . Other ways of limiting separation are also possible, for example, by the use of a flexible but not overly stretchable strap  31  (dashed line  FIG. 4 ), such as would be provided by the use of a metallic cable that extends across and which was attached at any desired location to the main resistance spring  12  and preferably along the forward portion of the main resistance spring  12 , as defined by bracket  16  (i.e., the second portion of the main resistance spring  12 ). 
         [0055]    A rearward portion of the case  30  (see  FIG. 2 ) corresponds generally with an area of the main resistance spring  12  as identified by bracket  14  (i.e., the first portion of the main resistance spring  12 ) and is especially flexible. A softer plastic or vinyl or other type of material or a combination of materials is used to form the overall case  30 . The rearward portion of the case  30  surrounds the main resistance spring  12 , which is shown disposed in the case  30  by dashed lines in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0056]    The rearward portion of the case  30  includes a first outer arcuate member  32  and an oppositely disposed second outer arcuate member  34  that are disposed on an outside of the case  30 , facing generally away from each other. The first outer arcuate member  32  and the second outer arcuate member  34  are either molded, and thereby included as an integral part of the rearward portion of the case  30 , or they are attached to the case  30  by any preferred method. 
         [0057]    The first outer arcuate member  32  and the second outer arcuate member  34  extend along the longitudinal length of the rearward portion of the case  30  and include a generally concave curvature. A geometric center of the first outer arcuate member  32  and a center of the second outer arcuate member  34  are disposed maximally close to a center longitudinal axis  36  (dashed line,  FIG. 2 ) that passes through a center of the gynecology exercise device  10 . A pair of opposite ends  32   a ,  32   b  of the first outer arcuate member  32  and a pair of opposite ends  34   a ,  34   b  of the second outer arcuate member  34  are disposed generally further away from the center longitudinal axis  36  than are the geometric centers of the first and second outer arcuate members  32 ,  34 . 
         [0058]    A first cushion pad  38  is attached to the first outer arcuate member  32  and a second cushion pad  40  is attached to the second outer arcuate member  34 . The first and second cushion pads  38 ,  40  engage with various body parts of the user during use of the gynecology exercise device  10  for any exercise that is to be performed. For all exercises performed, the user supplies a periodic, repetitive force that urges the first cushion pad  38  and the second cushion pad  40  simultaneously in a direction toward each other, opposite to that as shown by arrows  26  and  28  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0059]    It is important to understand that for any exercise performed, the first cushion pad  38  and the second cushion pad  40  are urged toward each other a predetermined amount that can vary from person to person or from exercise to exercise and to complete the cycle the first cushion pad  38  and the second cushion pad  40  are then released back into a quiescent or extended state, as shown by  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . This is accomplished by a muscle contraction and release of a desired muscle or muscle group by the user. 
         [0060]    Each compression and subsequent release of the first cushion pad  38  and the second cushion pad  40 , together, constitute one repetition, or one cycle, of the gynecology exercise device  10 , regardless of the magnitude (i.e., the distance) of inward motion by the first cushion pad  38  and the second cushion pad  40  that occurs. 
         [0061]    It is desirable to be able to keep track of the number of repetitions accomplished for any given exercise that is preformed by the gynecology exercise device  10  and to reset the number and begin from zero for each particular exercise. It is also desirable to not rely upon an electronic type of counting device (not shown) that needs periodic battery replacements, although such a device could be used with the gynecology exercise device  10 , if desired. 
         [0062]    This is accomplished by the use of a mechanically actuated counter, identified in general by the reference numeral  42 , that can be mechanically reset to zero and which incrementally counts upward from zero for every compression and release of a counting member  44  ( FIG. 2 ) of the counter  42  that occurs. This is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0063]    The counter  42  is secured to the case  30  and is disposed within a forward opening provided in the case  30  immediately forward of and adjacent to a center point  22 c (see  FIG. 4 ) of the secondary resistance spring  22 . The forward opening in the case  30  extends along the longitudinal axis  36  from the center point of the secondary resistance spring  22  to a center point  12   c  of the main resistance spring  12  and across the width of the case  30  up until contact with the opposite sides of the main resistance spring  12  occurs. 
         [0064]    If the strap  31  is used to limit outward motion of the main resistance spring  12 , the strap  31  is raised or lowered so that it does not cause interference with the counter  42 . 
         [0065]    It is to be noted that the counting member  44  is disposed adjacent to the center point  22   c  of the secondary resistance spring  22 . For every cycle of the gynecology exercise device  10  beginning with the inward movement of the first and second cushion pads  38 ,  40 , the secondary resistance spring  22  is also compressed. Because the opposite ends  22   a ,  22   b  of the secondary resistance spring  22  are fixedly attached to the main resistance spring  12 , any amount of compression of the secondary resistance spring  22  will immediately urge the center point  22   c  of the secondary resistance spring  22  in a direction as shown by arrow  46  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0066]    The motion of the center point  22   c  of the secondary resistance spring  22  in the direction of arrow  46  compresses the counting member  44  which, in turn, increments a mechanical digit display  48 . The digits of the mechanical digit display  48  are visible through either an opening or through a clear covering that is provided in the case  30  and which is disposed over the digit display  48  of the counter  42 . This allows the user to monitor the number of repetitions (cycles) that occur during exercise. 
         [0067]    A relaxation by the user of the force applied to the first and second cushions  38 ,  40  allows expansion of the main resistance spring  12  and of the secondary resistance spring  22  to occur until they are again disposed in the expanded, quiescent position. The center point  22   c  of the secondary resistance spring  22  is accordingly urged in a direction opposite to that as shown by arrow  46 . A spring in the counter  42  urges the counting member  44  outward so that it stays adjacent to, and thereby tracks, the movement experienced by the center point  22   c  of the secondary resistance spring  22  either in the direction of arrow  46  or in the opposite direction of arrow  46 . In this manner, the counter  42  is made ready to repeat the process and to increment the digit display  48  for each cycle of the gynecology exercise device  10 . 
         [0068]    A reset button  50  is disposed so that it is accessible for depression from an exterior of the case  30 . When the resent button  50  is depressed and released, the digit display  48  is reset to zero. The counter  42  is secured to the case  30  by any preferred means. If desired, screws  52  or other fasteners may be used to secure the counter  42  to the case  30 . 
         [0069]    A forward portion of the case  30  extends along the longitudinal axis  36  in a forward direction and includes a pair of first and second oppositely disposed sides  54 ,  56  that are generally parallel with the longitudinal axis  36 . If desired, for decorative or mechanical reasons, a first side opening  58  may be included in the first side  54  and a similar second side opening  60  may be included in the second side  56 . 
         [0070]    An arcuate member  62  extends in a curvature from the first side  54  to the second side  56  and provides a carrying handle for easy transport of the gynecology exercise device  10 . A handle opening, identified in general by the reference numeral  64 , is provided between the first and second sides  54 ,  56  and the arcuate member  62  into which the fingers of the user may be placed during carrying of the gynecology exercise device  10 . 
         [0071]    A first longitudinal channel  66  ( FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ) is disposed along an interior of the case  30  on the side of the gynecology exercise device  10  where the first cushion  38  is disposed. The first longitudinal channel  66  extends along a portion of the length of first portion  14  of the main resistance spring  12 . 
         [0072]    An oppositely disposed second longitudinal channel  68  ( FIG. 2 ) is a mirror-image of the first longitudinal channel  66  and is disposed along an interior of the case  30  on the side of the gynecology exercise device  10  where the second cushion  40  is disposed. The second longitudinal channel  68  extends along a portion of the length of first portion  14  of the main resistance spring  12  an amount that is equal to that of the first longitudinal channel  66 . 
         [0073]    When the gynecology exercise device  10  is disposed in the quiescent state, the first longitudinal channel  66  and the second longitudinal channel  68  are both generally parallel with respect to each other and also with respect to the center longitudinal axis  36 . 
         [0074]    An upper auxiliary resistance band  70  is disposed in an upper portion of both the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68  (see  FIG. 2 ). A lower auxiliary resistance band  72  is disposed in a lower portion of both the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68 , and under the upper auxiliary resistance band  70 . 
         [0075]    The upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are approximately the same size and generally form a somewhat circular shape when the gynecology exercise device  10  is in the quiescent state. It is also possible that when the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are disposed in the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) they may be slightly compressed even when the gynecology exercise device  10  is disposed in the quiescent state and, therefore, they may assume a slightly oval shape. 
         [0076]    When the first and second cushions  38 ,  40  are urged toward each other during use of the gynecology exercise device  10 , the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are further compressed and tend to assume a somewhat more oval shape during such usage. 
         [0077]    Either the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  can be independently urged in the direction of arrows  74  to provide a higher overall resistance setting or in the direction of arrows  76  to provide a lower overall resistance setting. If desired, both the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  can be moved together in the same direction, for example, either in the direction of arrows  74  for an even greater overall resistance or in the direction of arrows  76  for a more minimal overall resistance. 
         [0078]    It is, of course, possible to urge either one of the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  in the direction of either arrows  74  or arrows  76  and to urge the remaining one in the opposite direction. 
         [0079]    The overall resistance that is experienced when attempting to urge the first and second cushions  38 ,  40  together includes the resistance provided by the main resistance spring  12 , combined with resistance provided by the secondary resistance spring  22 , further combined with the resistance provided by the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  taking into account, also, the position of the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the position of the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  as they are disposed within the longitudinal length of the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68 . 
         [0080]    If either the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are urged in the direction of arrows  74 , the higher overall resistance is provided because more compression of the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  will occur for any given amount of compression of the gynecology exercise device  10  than if either the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are urged in the direction of arrows  76 . 
         [0081]    The higher resistance settings of the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are generally increasingly used as the muscle tone of user progressively improves. Conversely, the lower resistance settings of the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are generally used for users with weaker muscle tone or when recovering from an injury or surgery. 
         [0082]    Disposed within each of the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68  are included a series of spaced-apart vertical protruding bars  78 . The vertical protruding bars  78  in the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68  mirror each other in shape and position and are used to retain the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  in any position within the upper or lower portions of the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68  that they are each individually urged into. 
         [0083]    As the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are each urged along the longitudinal length of the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68 , they must compress an additional amount in order to pass over the vertical protruding bars  78  which protrude above a bottom surface of the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68 . This additional compression provides increased resistance to the longitudinal movement by either the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  which helps to retain them in the position that they have been urged into. 
         [0084]    The upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  are formed of spring steel or any preferred material. An advantage to the use of the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72  and disposing them in the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68  is that they will not fall out accidentally but can be removed by a deliberate effort sufficient to compress them enough to clear either of the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68 . 
         [0085]    A problem with prior art types of exercise equipment is that additional devices used to vary the overall resistance can become separated from the equipment and possibly lost. The gynecology exercise device  10  prevents this from happening while providing both ease and speed of adjustment in varying the overall resistance level. The improved (over prior art) speed and ease of adjustment is accomplished by quickly urging either the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  or the lower auxiliary resistance band  72 , or both, in any desired direction within the first and the second longitudinal channels  66 ,  68 . 
         [0086]    Also, the use of two auxiliary bands (i.e., the upper auxiliary resistance band  70  and the lower auxiliary resistance band  72 ) provide a number of possible combinations of resistance to create many combinations of the overall resistance provided by the gynecology exercise device  10 . It is possible to only use one auxiliary resistance band (either  70  or  72 ) as it is possible to use more than two such auxiliary bands, if desired. 
         [0087]    A first exercise is to use the gynecology exercise device  10  similar to that as when using the invention as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,749,186. Basically, the gynecology exercise device  10  is placed with the arcuate member  62  (i.e., the handle) facing forward about an inch or two below the pelvic floor and pulling it forward. Using the pelvic floor muscles urge the first and second cushions  38 ,  40  toward each other and then release. Repeat this exercise for the desired number of repetitions after having first adjusted the overall resistance that is provided by the gynecology exercise device  10  in the manner previously described. This exercise embodies a primary purpose of the gynecology exercise device  10  and is used to rebuild or strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor. 
         [0088]    The gynecology exercise device  10  can also be used to rebuild or strengthen other muscles or muscle groups. For example, according to a second exercise it can be placed between the inner thighs with the arcuate member  62  facing downward and, in similar manner, the first and second cushions  38 ,  40  can be urged toward each other and then released for each exercise repetition. 
         [0089]    Similarly, to strengthen the chest and certain arm muscles, the gynecology exercise device  10  can be held in front of the user with the arms raised so that they are parallel to the floor, elbows out, with one of the hands grasping the first cushion  38  and the remaining hand grasping the second cushion  40 . The user then urges the cushions  38 ,  40  toward each other and releases pressure for each exercise repetition. 
         [0090]    In a similar manner, the gynecology exercise device  10  can be held over the head of the user with one of the hands grasping the first cushion  38  and the remaining hand grasping the second cushion  40 . The user then urges the cushions  38 ,  40  toward each other and releases pressure for each exercise repetition. 
         [0091]    Many other exercises are possible, as well. 
         [0092]    The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.