Abdominal training machine and method

Some embodiments provide an abdominal training machine that uses an adapted reverse crunching motion to minimize stress to the knees, back, shoulders, and neck when training the abdominal muscles. The machine combines weight resistance training with a replicated natural motion of each leg to produce the adapted reverse crunching motion. The adapted reverse crunching motion is performed using a section of the lower part of the body closest to the abdominal muscles while the upper body or torso remains stationary. In some embodiments, the abdominal training machine includes a frame, a body support member, and two individually rotating resistance members. Each resistance member includes a weight assembly for providing a user adjustable amount of resistance.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an abdominal training machine and method. More particularly, this invention relates to a weight training machine that primarily trains the abdominal muscles using an adapted reverse crunching motion.

BACKGROUND ART

Core training involves strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles between the pelvic and stomach areas. The abdominal muscles include the transverse abdominal, internal obliques, external obliques, rectus abdominus, and the pyramidalis muscles. The abdominal muscles provide postural support in bending, flexing, and overall movement of the mid-section of the body. Additionally, the abdominal muscles facilitate breathing in depressing the thorax when exhaling.

Various training machines and methods have been developed to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles. A majority of such machines and methods utilize a “stomach crunch” motion whereby the actor produces a force from within the abdominal region to bring the torso or upper body towards the lower body. Different body positioning may be employed (e.g., seated or lying on the floor) and weights may be included to provide resistance when performing the stomach crunching motions.

Other abdominal training machines and methods utilize a “reverse crunching motion”. These machines and methods use a variety of leg lifting motions to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles. Specifically, these machines and methods train the abdominal muscles by requiring the actor to lift the legs from a parallel body position towards a perpendicular body position. Weights may be applied to the feet or ankles to increase resistance in the motion.

Some leg lifting machines and methods require the actor to suspend the body above the ground using the actor's arms to press against an elevated platform. Once suspended, the legs can freely rotate and perform the reverse crunching motion.

Though effective in training the abdominal muscles, these machines and methods also detrimentally impact the body by placing excessive stress on regions of the body that are unrelated to the training of the abdominal muscles. Specifically, abdominal crunching motions place stress on the neck and back especially when weights are applied to the upper body to increase resistance during the crunching motion. Reverse crunching motions place stress on the knees and hips which is further exacerbated when weights are applied to the feet or ankles. Excessive stress may also be applied against the shoulders and back when suspending the body to perform the reverse crunching motion.

The amount of stress and the likelihood of injury may increase from improper technique when using any of the above mentioned abdominal training machines or methods. Machines and methods that do not facilitate a controlled crunch or reverse crunch allow for deviations in technique. Such deviations may distribute excess stress to other parts of the body potentially causing other injuries to result from the abdominal training motions.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved machine and method to effectively train the abdominal muscles. Such a machine or method should employ a new or adapted motion to minimize stress to other parts of the body thereby reducing the potential for injury to the neck, back, shoulders, knees, hips, and other parts of the body. There is further a need for such a machine and method to include weight resistance to overload train the muscles while providing a controlled motion to prevent deviations in technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments provide an abdominal training machine and method that uses a controlled adapted reverse crunching motion to minimize stress to the knees, back, shoulders, and neck when training the abdominal muscles. The machine combines weight resistance training with a replicated and natural independent motion of each leg to produce the adapted reverse crunching motion. In this manner, resistance is targeted to the abdominal muscles with little to no impact to other parts of the body thereby reducing the possibility of injury to the actor.

In some embodiments, the abdominal training machine includes a frame, a body support member, and two individually rotating resistance members. The frame stabilizes the machine and supports the body support member and rotating resistance members. In some embodiments, the frame is composed of a set of steel segments.

The body support member provides a cushion against which the actor rests his body in a supine position. The body support member is angled 15 to 60 degrees from the ground level with a preferred angle of 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the body support member member includes sets of hand grips. Each set of hand grips may be attached at different locations along the body support member or the frame with a different orientation relative to the other sets of hand grips.

Each of the rotating resistance members rotates about a hinge that couples the resistance member to the frame. The hinges are located at a position that is parallel with the hips of the actor using the machine. This position allows for the rotation of the resistance members to replicate the natural rotation of the actor's leg.

Each rotating resistance member includes a pad and a weight assembly. The position of the pad is adjustable to align above the knee or upper thigh of the actor. At this position resistance is applied at a point that is close to the abdominal muscles, but that does not create excess stress to the neck, back, shoulders, knees, and feet of the actor. The weight assemblies support adjustable amounts of weight to increase or decrease the amount of resistance provided by the machine when an actor performs the adapted reverse crunching motion.

To perform the adapted reverse crunching motion, the actor replicates walking or running with the pad of the resistance member located above the knee or thigh of the actor. The leg may be bent at the knee. The actor performs a contraction motion for the adapted reverse crunch by elevating the leg from a parallel body position (i.e., the supine body position). The actor completes the contraction motion and begins the extension motion at any point before, at, or after the actor's leg reaches a perpendicular body position. The pad applies resistance throughout the motion to train the abdominal muscles without stress being applied to the knees, ankle, back, neck, or shoulders. Each leg is able to move independent of the other. This independent motion replicates the natural motion of the legs and facilitates a reverse crunching motion that is natural to the physiology of the human body. Furthermore, the resistance members facilitate a controlled motion that follows the natural rotation of the legs at the hip. The reverse crunching motion provides primary training of the lower abdominal muscles and outer abdominal oblique muscles and secondary training of the upper abdominal muscles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, numerous details, examples, and embodiments of the abdominal training machine and method are set forth and described. However, it will be clear and apparent to one skilled in the art that the abdominal training machine and method are not limited to the embodiments set forth and that the abdominal training machine and method may be practiced without some of the specific details and examples discussed.

Some embodiments provide an abdominal training machine and method that uses a controlled adapted reverse crunching motion to minimize stress to the knees, back, shoulders, and neck when training the abdominal muscles. The machine combines weight resistance training with a replicated and natural independent motion of each leg to produce the adapted reverse crunching motion. In this manner, resistance is targeted to the abdominal muscles with little to no impact to other parts of the body thereby reducing the possibility of injury to the actor.

I. Abdominal Training Machine

FIG. 1illustrates the abdominal training machine100of some embodiments from a front left perspective. Alternate views of the abdominal training machine100are presented inFIGS. 2 and 3. Specifically,FIG. 2provides a reverse angle (i.e., front right) perspective of the machine100andFIG. 3provides a rear perspective of the machine100. The structural and functional components of the machine100are presented in association withFIG. 1. However,FIGS. 2 and 3may be referred to in order to better illustrate some of the structural and functional components.

The abdominal training machine100includes: frame110, body support member115, and rotating resistance members120and125. The frame110is composed of several rigid segments that are welded or bolted together to provide stability and a foundation for the machine100and its other components. In some embodiments, the frame110is composed of steel, aluminum, or other rigid materials.

The base of the frame110includes a lengthwise extending segment130and a widthwise extending segment135. The lengthwise extending segment130couples to the center of the widthwise extending segment135to create a “T” shaped base. In some embodiments, the lengthwise extending segment130and the widthwise extending segment135extend three to six feet, each with a preferred length of four feet. The widthwise extending segment130includes end pieces140and145that extend at an angle of 45 degrees from the widthwise extending segment130. In some embodiments, rubber caps are placed over each of the end pieces140and145and the end of the lengthwise extending segment130to increase friction between the ground and the base of the frame110. In this manner, the base of the frame110prevents lateral and longitudinal movement of the machine100when idle or in use.

As better seen inFIG. 3, the lengthwise extending segment130includes a vertically extending segment150with a rear brace element310that support the body support member115. A perpendicular cross-member320to the vertically extending segment150links to and provides additional stability to two vertically extending segments160and165of the widthwise extending segment135.

The vertically extending segments160and165support each of the rotating resistance members120and125. The segments160and165are positioned a sufficient distance from the body support member115to allow an actor to place his body in between the segments160and165. Rotating hinges170and175are located at the top of the segments160and165.

The hinges170and175couple the rotating resistance members120and125to the frame110while allowing longitudinal rotation of the members120and125. In some embodiments, the rotating hinges170and175are aligned parallel with the widthwise extending segment135. However, it should be apparent that in some embodiments, the rotating hinges170and175may be angled one to sixty degrees towards or away from the body support member115to produce alternate rotating trajectories for the rotating resistance members120and125. Moreover, it should be apparent that in some embodiments, the angle of the rotating hinges170and175and by extension the angle of the rotating resistance members120and125is user adjustable.

In some embodiments, each of the vertically extending segments150,160, and165and cross-member320are composed of two or more segments that join at acute angles to create a concave support structure. It should be apparent that the segments150,160, and165may also include single segments that extend perpendicularly or at an angle from the base.

The body support member115provides a backrest against which the actor lays in a supine position during use of the machine100. The body support member115is attached to the vertically extending segment150of the lengthwise extending segment130. In some embodiments, the body support member frame attaches to the vertically extending segment150using a lockable hinge mechanism which can be used to alter the angle of the body support member115relative to the vertically extending segment150. In some such embodiments, the actor unlocks the hinge by pulling a lever located underneath the body support member115. The actor repositions the body support member115to a preferred angle and releases the lever whereby the position of the body support member115is locked at the actor specified angle. In some embodiments, the angle at which the body support member115couples to the frame110may be adjusted 15-60 degrees with a preferred angle of 45 degrees from the point at which the body support member115contacts the vertically extending segment150.

FIG. 4illustrates the body support member400in accordance with some embodiments. The body support member400includes a “T” bar frame405, an upper back support section410, a lower back support section420, and sets of hand grips430,440, and450. The body support member400may also include a section below the lower back support section420that is a seat on which the actor sits. In some embodiments, each section of the body support member400is an upholstered cushion.

The sets of hand grips430,440, and450are used by the actor to maintain body position during exercises. The sets of hand grips430,440, and450are positioned at different locations along the body support member400and may be oriented differently relative to each other. The different positions and orientations of the hand grips430,440, and450allow the user options with which to maintain the body position as the actor performs the adapted reverse crunching motion of some embodiments. It should be apparent that in some embodiments the position or orientation of the hand grips430,440, and450may be set and adjusted along different points of the body support member400.

In some embodiments, the length of the body support member400is adjustable. As shown, the lower back support section420is coupled to an inner shaft460and the upper back support section410is coupled to an outer shaft470. The outer shaft470slides over and out from the inner shaft460to vary the length of the body support member400. The upper back support section410may slide away from the lower back support section420in order to increase the length of the body support member400or slide towards the lower back support section420in order to decrease the length of the body support member400.

Each shaft460and470includes one or more predrilled holes480and485located along an outward facing side of the shaft. Pin490secures the length of the body support member400by sliding through a hole480of the outer shaft470that is aligned with a particular hole of the set of holes485of the inner shaft460. In this manner, the length of body support member115ranges from 3-6 feet.

The body support member115may include other adjustable features to accommodate users of different heights and body proportions. For example, the bottom of the body support member115is elevated 3 feet off of the ground level in some embodiments, though it should be apparent that the height of the body support member115may be user adjustable and may be repositioned 2-5 feet off of the ground level. Additionally, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill that the angle of the upper back support section and the angle of the lower back support section of the support member115may be user adjustable.

With reference back toFIGS. 1-3, the rotating resistance members120and125produce an adapted reverse crunching motion to train the abdominal muscles. The adapted reverse crunching motion is performed using a section of the lower part of the body that is closest to the abdominal muscles (e.g., upper thigh or knee) while the upper body or torso remains stationary. In this manner, there is little to no stress applied to the back and neck which reduces the risk of injury to the actor's neck and back. This is in contrast to ordinary stomach crunching machines and methods where stress is continually placed on the upper body or torso as they are moved to perform the crunching motion.

The adapted reverse crunching motion also has the benefit of placing little to no impact on the knees, ankles, or feet of the actor, because the motion and resistance is isolated to the lower part of the body that is closest to the abdominal muscles. Conversely, leg lifts or typical reverse crunching motions require that the entire leg be used in the motion which causes stress to be applied to the knees and feet especially when resistance weights are used.

Further still, the adapted reverse crunching motion of some embodiments allows for each rotating resistance member120and125to rotate independent of the other. In this manner, the actor is able to replicate a natural running or walking motion to train the abdominal muscles.

To produce the adapted reverse crunching motion, the rotating resistance members120and125couple to the vertically extending segments160and165of the frame110. The rotating hinges170and175allow each of the resistance members120and125to rotate about a longitudinal axis (i.e., y-axis). This rotation replicates the natural motion of the leg at the hip and provides a controlled, natural, and low impact motion that trains the abdominal muscles.

FIG. 5presents a view of a rotating resistance member510of some embodiments separate from the abdominal training machine. The rotating resistance member510is composed of a main shaft520, outer shaft530, inner shaft540, pad550, and weight assembly560. The main shaft520couples the rotating resistance member510to a rotating hinge of the abdominal training machine. The outer shaft530is attached to the main shaft520at an angle of 45 degrees, though the angle may range from 15-60 degrees in some different embodiments.

In some embodiments, the outer shaft530is a hollow tube in which the inner shaft540slides in to and out from. The outer shaft530includes at least one hole570that aligns with one of several holes575located along the inner shaft540. Using a pin or screw based mechanism580, an actor is able to adjust the length of the rotating resistance member510. The actor slides the inner shaft540in to or out from the outer shaft530to a desired length. By aligning a hole of the inner shaft540with the hole570of the outer shaft530at the desired length, the actor can secure the length of the inner shaft540relative to the outer shaft530using the pin or screw based mechanism580.

In some embodiments, the actor sets the length of each rotating resistance member such that the pad550rests above the knee or upper thigh of the actor's legs when his body is placed against the body support member of the machine. It should be apparent that the length of the resistance member and pad550may also be adjusted to rest above the ankle of the actor to allow the actor to perform a typical leg lift motion. The pad550is an upholstered cushion from which resistance is transferred from the weight assembly to the actor's legs during rotation of the resistance members.

The resistance is applied directly to the actor's legs at the point of contact between the pad550and the actor's leg. However, the actor primarily utilizes the lower abdominal muscles and the oblique abdominal muscles and secondarily utilizes the upper abdominal muscles to generate the force necessary to overcome the resistance and rotate the resistance member. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill that other muscles are secondarily trained during the adapted reverse crunching motion provided by the abdominal training machine of some embodiments. For example, the gluteus muscles are used to perform the adapted reverse crunching motion.

The resistance is bidirectional and remains constant throughout the entire range of motion (i.e., contraction and extension). This is in contrast to resistance cable training where resistance gradually increases the greater the resistance cable is stretched. An actor is therefore unable to train a full range of motion using resistance cables as the resistance cables provide too much resistance at the end of the motion and too little resistance at the beginning of the motion.

The weight assembly560constantly applies resistance throughout the adapted reverse crunching motion. The weight assembly560includes a steel peg that protrudes outwards from the base of the main shaft520of the resistance member510. The actor increases the amount of resistance by placing weights onto the weight assembly560peg and decreases the amount of resistance by removing weights from the weight assembly560peg. The weight assembly560utilizes the amount of weight and the gravitational force to counter the actor generated force or upward rotation of the resistance member510. Specifically, the weight assembly560and supported weight retains an angle that is less than parallel with the level of the ground surface throughout the entire range of motion of the rotating resistance member510. At this position, the weight creates a downward counter-force to the actor generated upward force.

It should be apparent that alternative weight assemblies may be incorporated with the abdominal training machine of some embodiments. For example, the weight assembly of some embodiments includes a cable that connects the bottom of the resistance member main shaft to a weight stack using a series of pulleys. As the resistance member rotates, the cable pulls and lifts the weight stack. The greater the amount of weight on the weight stack, the greater the resistance encountered during the upward rotation of the resistance member.

When the rotating resistance member510is not in use, the main shaft520and weight assembly560have a default resting position that is perpendicular or near perpendicular to the level of the ground surface. The default resting position for the main shaft520and the entire rotating resistance member510is determined by the stop pegs180illustrated inFIGS. 1-3. The stop pegs180include rubber stops that are affixed to extensions from the two vertically extending segments160and165of the widthwise extending segment135. When the abdominal training machine of some embodiments is not in use, the downward force produced by the weight assembly causes the rotating resistance member to rotate back towards and rest against the stop pegs180.

FIGS. 6-9illustrate operation of the abdominal training machine in accordance with some embodiments.FIG. 6illustrates the abdominal training machine605at a default resting position or at a position prior to the commencement of an adapted reverse crunch in accordance with some embodiments. The figure illustrates the body position of the actor610relative to the grips620, body support member630, rotating hinges640, rotating resistance member650, and pad660of the abdominal training machine605.

As shown, the actor610lays in a supine position against the body support member630. The actor610grabs the grips620to stabilize the body position and prevent movement during exercises. The actor610aligns his body such that his hips are in parallel with the rotating hinges640. This body positioning allows the rotation of the resistance member650to replicate the natural movement of the actor's leg at the hip. Specifically, the femur of the leg attaches to the acetabulum (i.e., hip) using a ball and socket joint and the rotating hinges640in combination with the rotating resistance member650replicate movement of this ball and socket joint.

The actor adjusts the length of the rotating resistance member650such that the pad660is positioned above and behind the knee (closer to the hips). Additionally, the actor may adjust the amount of resistance provided by the rotating resistance member650by placing weights on to the weight assembly of the rotating resistance member650.

The motion provided by the resistance member650produces an adapted reverse crunching motion since each of the actor's legs are able to move independent of the other with an actor specifiable amount of constant resistance applied to each leg. Moreover, the reverse crunching motion is adapted to apply the resistance closer to the abdominal muscles (e.g., over the knee or thigh). This is in contrast to the resistance that is applied by a common reverse crunching motion where the resistance is applied at or near the feet of the actor. Further still, the reverse crunching motion is adapted to allow the actor to remain in an upright position instead of lying on the ground or flat position. The upright body positioning provided by the abdominal training machine of some embodiments facilitates natural blood flow to the abdominal muscles and legs while performing the exercises. This upright body positioning prevents premature fatigue of the muscles from improper blood flow which occurs when the actor lays down or is parallel to the ground surface when performing reverse crunching motions.

FIG. 7illustrates the actor610ofFIG. 6having completed a contraction for an adapted reverse crunch in accordance with some embodiments. InFIG. 7, the actor610has elevated the right leg to be perpendicular to the upper body. In so doing, the actor610produced sufficient force using the abdominal muscles to overcome the counter-force or resistance applied over the knee by the pad710of the rotating resistance member720.

The actor610can continue the contraction motion to bring the knee closer to the chest or reverse the motion and begin the extension from the position shown inFIG. 7. The abdominal training machine provides bidirectional resistance training of the abdominal muscles by providing a constant amount of resistance during each of the contraction and extension motions.

To perform resistance training of the abdominal muscles during the extension motion, the actor610allows the rotating resistance member720to return to its starting position while continually resisting against the downward counter-force of the rotating resistance member720as it returns to the starting position. The actor610may perform additional repetitions using the same leg or perform additional repetitions while alternating between legs.

FIG. 8illustrates an actor810performing the adapted reverse crunching motion while alternating legs in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the actor810does not complete the extension of the adapted reverse crunch performed by the left leg820before performing the contraction of the adapted reverse crunch using the right leg830. The actor810retains the body position by grabbing the grips840even though both legs are off the ground.

Using the alternating leg motion, the actor810is able to train the full set of abdominal muscles (e.g., left and right side). The alternating leg motion replicates a running or walking motion by allowing each leg to move independent of the other. This natural movement decreases the likelihood of injury from undue stress to the neck, back, knees, and other areas commonly overstressed and injured through traditional crunching and reverse crunching motions and machines. Moreover, the motion provides abdominal training using a low impact and controlled motion that is simple for the most basic user to learn.

The actor810may use the same or different amount of resistance on each resistance member850and860to vary the training. Furthermore, by gradually increasing the amount of resistance over time, the actor810is able to progressively overload train the abdominal muscles using the abdominal training machine of some embodiments.

It should be apparent that an actor810may perform the adapted reverse crunching motion in several different ways than those illustrates inFIGS. 6-8above. For example, the actor may commence the contraction motion or reverse the extension motion at a point before the resistance member contacts the stop pegs or reaches the default resting position. The actor may continue the contraction motion beyond the perpendicular body position shown inFIG. 8or the actor may end the contraction motion and begin the extension motion prior to reaching the perpendicular body position. In some embodiments, the actor alternates legs but allows each leg to perform a full contraction and extension before performing the contraction and extension with the other leg. The actor may also move both legs in unison. Some embodiments provide a bar to link the two resistance members together such that the resistance members move in unison.

FIG. 9illustrates using the abdominal training machine of some embodiments to perform a variation of the adapted reverse crunching motion. As shown, the pad910of the resistance member920has been positioned over the ankle930of the fully extended leg of the actor. In this configuration, the actor performs reverse crunching motions using a fully extended leg with little to no knee bend. As before, the actor may perform the adapted crunching motion while alternating legs.

Various modifications may be made to customize and adjust comfort and functionality of the abdominal training machine.FIGS. 10-14illustrate some such modifications to the abdominal training machine in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10illustrates adjusting the length of the resistance member to modify a position of the pad in accordance with some embodiments. As described above with reference toFIG. 5, the resistance member includes an inner shaft1010that comprises a set of predrilled holes and the outer shaft1020includes a single hole. By aligning the hole along the outer shaft1020with a different hole along the inner shaft1010, an actor is able to modify the length of the resistance member and thereby modify a position of the pad1030to accommodate actors of different lengths and heights. The length of the resistance member is then secured by a screw based mechanism or pin1040.

1050illustrates increasing the length of the resistance member by pulling the inner shaft1010away from the outer shaft1020.1060illustrates shortening the resistance member by pushing the inner shaft1010towards the outer shaft1020.

FIG. 11illustrates a modified abdominal training machine with off-leg supports1110and1115in accordance with some embodiments. The off-leg supports1110and1115provide added body support for the actor performing the adapted reverse crunching motion. When performing a contraction motion or an extension motion with the on-leg (i.e., leg performing the contraction or extension motion), the actor braces the off-leg (i.e., leg not performing a contraction motion or an extension motion) against the corresponding off-leg support1110or1115. The actor's leg contacts the off-leg support thereby stabilizing the lower body of the actor during the adapted reverse crunching motions. This additional support for the lower body allows the actor to transfer greater force through the on-leg while maintaining body position using the off-leg. The actor may alternate between the right and left legs as the off-leg that is used to brace against the corresponding right or left off-leg support1110and1115.

Each off-leg support1110and1115is attached to a protractible coupling bracket1125. Each protractible coupling bracket1125couples a corresponding off-leg support1110or1115to the latitudinal extending segment1120of the base of the frame. In some embodiments, the protractible coupling bracket1125is composed of a frame extension1130, latitudinal expanding shaft1140, and longitudinal expanding shaft1150.

The frame extension1130attaches orthogonally to the latitudinal extending segment1120of the frame. The latitudinal expanding shaft1140slides in to and out from the frame extension1130. The frame extension1130includes a single hole and the latitudinal expanding shaft1140includes multiple holes that can be aligned with the hole of the frame extension1130in order to adjust the length of the corresponding off-leg support from the latitudinal extending segment1120of the frame. A pin1160secures the length of the latitudinal expanding shaft1140relative to the frame extension1130.

At one end, the latitudinal expanding shaft1140forms an “L” bracket. The longitudinal expanding shaft1150slides in to and out from the “L” bracket of the latitudinal expanding shaft1140thereby allowing an actor to adjust the height of the corresponding off-leg support. To adjust the height, the actor aligns and secures one of a set of holes located along the longitudinal expanding shaft1150with a hole located along the “L” bracket of the latitudinal expanding shaft1140using pin1170.

In some embodiments, the off-leg supports1110and1115are angled to be parallel to the ground though this angle may be greater or less in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the angle of the off-leg supports1110and1115are user adjustable via a lockable hinge mechanism that couples the off-leg support to the corresponding longitudinal expanding shaft of the corresponding protractible coupling bracket. The lockable hinge mechanism allows the angle of the off-leg supports1110and1115to rotate up to 60 degrees from the parallel position to replicate the dorsiflexion about the ankle of the actor's foot. By adjusting the angle of the off-leg supports, an actor can cause a different contact point between the off-leg supports and the actor's leg or foot. In some embodiments, the off-leg supports1110and1115are solid metal plates or cushioned pads.

FIG. 12illustrates inverting and swapping the inner shafts of rotating resistance members to provide a modified comfort setting for the actor in accordance with some embodiments. At1210, inner shaft1220is inserted into the outer shaft1230of the rotating resistance member1205such that the pad1240is some distance above the inner shaft1220.1250shows the resistance member1205with the inner shaft1260of the opposite resistance member being inverted and inserted into the outer shaft1230of the resistance member1205. By inverting and swapping the inner shafts, the pad1240becomes positioned some distance below the inner shaft1260.

To perform the inversion and swapping of the inner shafts1220and1260, each inner shaft1220and1260is modified to include a set of holes along both horizontally facing sides of the shaft. The dual set of holes enable the screw based mechanism or pin of the outer shaft1230to secure the position of the inner shafts1220and1260irrespective of whether the inner shafts1220and1260are inserted with the pad above the shaft or inverted with the pad below the shaft. As before, the actor aligns the hole of the outer shaft1230with any hole along either side of the inner shafts1220and1230and secures the position by screwing or inserting a pin through the aligned holes.

The modification ofFIG. 12adjusts the height of the pad to suit the comfort specifications of some actors. The modification also allows for a different lower starting position for the abdominal training machine. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that further height adjustments may be made to the pad by modifying the resistance members to include a similar mechanism as that used inFIG. 10to adjust the length of the rotating resistance member.FIG. 13below illustrates such a modification.

FIG. 13illustrates the abdominal training machine of some embodiments with modified rotating resistance members. As shown inFIG. 13, the abdominal training machine1300includes the frame and body support member as inFIGS. 1-3. However, the rotating resistance members are modified. Each rotating resistance member includes the main shaft1310, outer shaft1320, inner shaft1325, pad1330, and weight assembly1340as inFIG. 5. Additionally, each rotating resistance member is modified to include rotating hinge1350, angled shaft1360, adjustable height bracket1370, linking hole1380, and support arm1395.

The angled shaft1360couples to the inner shaft1325using the rotating hinge1350. Specifically, a first bracket of the rotating hinge1350is attached to the base of the angled shaft1360and a second bracket of the rotating hinge1350is attached to the base of the inner shaft1325. The brackets are linked together using a nut and bolt assembly which allows the brackets to rotate about the bolt. The rotating hinge1350therefore couples the angled shaft1360to the inner shaft1325while providing longitudinal rotation of the angled shaft1360about the base of the inner shaft1325.

The rotation of the angled shaft1360about the base of the inner shaft1325provides additional flexibility with regards to the position of the pad1330. Specifically, this rotation flexes the position of the pad1330throughout the full range of the adapted reverse crunching motion. In some embodiments, the flexibility provides additional comfort to some actors using the machine. In some embodiments, the flexibility maintains the pad1330in a stationary position along the actor's leg throughout the full range of motion of the resistance member.

Some embodiments include the support arm1395to limit the amount of rotation of the angled shaft1360about the inner shaft1325. The support arm1395also specifies the amount of inclination for the angled shaft1360relative to the inner shaft1325and provides a default resting position for the angled shaft1360.

The support arm1395couples to the inner shaft1325at one end and to the angled shaft1360at the opposite end. The position of the support arm1395along the inner shaft1325and the angled shaft1360is user adjustable. To adjust the position, an actor aligns one of a set of holes located along the support arm1395with holes located along the side of the inner shaft1325and the angled shaft that face the center of the machine1300. By aligning holes along the support arm1395with a particular hole along the inner shaft1325and the angled shaft1360, the actor is able to adjust the radial movement of the angled shaft1360relative to the inner shaft1325. In doing so, the actor controls the inclination and amount of rotation of the angled shaft1360relative to the inner shaft1325. The position of the support arm1395is secured along the inner shaft1325and angled shaft1360using a screw, knob, or pin.

The support arm1395is fixed in length but provides for rotation about the holes that connect the support arm1395to the inner shaft1325and the angled shaft1360. In this manner, support arm1395determines radial movement of the angled shaft1395about the inner shaft1325.

At the end of each angled shaft1360is a laterally extending peg that extends from the angled shaft1360towards the center of the machine1300. The peg passes through the pad1330. In this manner, the peg holds the pad1330in position over the actor's leg from an external side of the pad1330(i.e., side facing away from the center of the machine1300). The angled shaft1360positions the pad1330higher above the actor's leg and the adjustable height bracket1370allows the actor to reposition the pad1330along the longitudinal axis. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the length of the angled shaft1360may be user adjustable via a similar inner shaft and outer shaft mechanism as that of the resistance members.FIG. 14illustrates the adjustability and flexibility of the modified rotating resistance member of some embodiments.

InFIG. 14, the height of the pad1410is lowered from1420to1430using the adjustable height bracket1440. The adjustable height bracket1440includes an inner shaft1450and outer shaft1460. The inner shaft1450includes a set of holes that may be aligned with a single hole within the outer shaft1460. By aligning the different holes, users are able to adjust the height of the pad1410. A screw based mechanism or pin1470secures the position of the pad1410.

The adjustable height bracket1440allows for flexibility to the height of the pad1410before the abdominal training machine is in use. However, the hinge1480allows for flexibility to the position of the pad1410while the abdominal training machine is in use. Specifically, the hinge1480allows the angled shaft1490to rotate independent of the rotation of the resistance member. This flexibility allows for the pad1410to remain in a stationary position along the actor's leg while the actor performs the adapted reverse crunching motion.

The linking holes1380allow for the resistance members to be linked. Linking the resistance members causes them to move in unison thereby allowing an actor to train both legs in a single motion. Bar1390may be inserted into the linking holes1380to link the resistance members.

It should be apparent that other modifications may be made to the abdominal training machine to provide additional customizations and comfort settings. For example, in some embodiments, the inner and outer shafts of the resistance members may be angled or curved instead of straight to modify the arcing trajectory of the resistance member rotation.