Adjustable abdominal exercise machine

An exercise machine for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles of a user has a frame that includes a front leg pivotally connected to a rear leg. The exercise machine also includes a seat and a backrest for supporting the back of a user during an exercise routine that is adjustably positioned and secured with respect to the seat. The backrest is adjustably flexible in order to provide resistance to the movement of a user in order to help strengthen the user's abdominal and back muscles. The backrest includes handles to facilitate engagement between the backrest and the user and to encourage the user to move against the adjustable resistance provided by the backrest. The exercise machine includes a non-use, storage mode that facilitates storage of the exercise machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to exercise machines for exercising a user's abdominal and back muscles. Exercise machines generally provide resistance to the movement of a user in order to strengthen muscles of the user's body. However, conventional techniques, such as sit-ups, crunches, or roman chair hyperextension exercises, use the body's own weight to exercise the abdominal and back muscles of the user. Consequently, the conventional techniques fail to provide support and controlled resistance to the movements of a user, which can be particularly problematic for out-of-shape or obese users. Specifically, conventional techniques lack ways to control the resistance and motion of the user to prevent injury from an uncontrolled movement or from overloaded and strained muscles.

Of the available exercise machines that may be used to exercise and strengthen a user's abdominal and back muscles by providing resistance to the user's movements, many only permit certain portions of the abdominal and back muscles to be exercised, which leaves other portions unexercised and typically uneven in strength. This often leads to injury. Furthermore, many of these machines do not support the user's back during the exercise, which may lead to hyperextension injuries. These exercise machines also may not be capable of adjusting the resistance to a user's movements or adjusting the position of the user to provide more difficult exercise routines. Additionally, many currently available exercise machines take up large amounts of usable space when not in use, which prevents them from being conveniently located in the user's residence.

Accordingly, a need exists for an exercise machine that permits the position of a user to be adjusted for more or less difficulty during an exercise routine. A need exists for an exercise machine that supports the back to prevent injury and uncontrolled movements. Additionally, a need exists for an exercise machine that offers the ability to change the resistance to the motion of the user in exercising their abdominal and back muscles. Furthermore, a need exists for an exercise machine that does not occupy an excessive amount of room when it is not in use and that permits easy and convenient storage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus and system of the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not been fully solved by currently available exercise machines. Thus, the present invention provides an exercise machine that supports and provides resistance to the movements of a user while performing abdominal, oblique, and back exercises.

An embodiment of an exercise apparatus for use on a base surface by a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes a foldable frame for supporting a seat above the base surface. The foldable frame is moveable between an exercise mode and a storage mode. The exercise apparatus also includes a moveable backrest. The moveable backrest includes a resilient spine member. The moveable backrest also includes a first end connected to the frame and a second end that is freely moveable. The backrest is disposed to provide support to the user's back during movement of the backrest.

Another embodiment of an exercise apparatus for use on a base surface by a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes a foldable frame for supporting a seat above the base surface. The foldable frame is moveable between an exercise mode and a storage mode. The frame includes a front leg. The frame also includes a rear leg that is pivotally attached to the front leg such that the rear leg extends from the front leg at an angle. The exercise apparatus also includes a moveable backrest. The moveable backrest includes a resilient spine member. The moveable backrest also includes a first end connected to the frame and a second end that is freely moveable. The backrest is disposed to provide support to the user's back and neck during movement of the backrest.

A further embodiment of an exercise apparatus for use on a base surface by a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus includes a frame for supporting a seat above the base surface. The frame includes a front leg. The frame also includes a rear leg. The rear leg is pivotally attached to the front leg by a pin joint such that the rear leg extends from the front leg at an angle in the range of about 100 degrees to about 110 degrees. The rear leg also includes at least one attachment ring for connecting a resistance band to the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus also includes a moveable backrest. The moveable backrest includes a resilient spine member. The moveable backrest also includes a first end connected to the frame and a second end that is freely moveable. The moveable backrest may also include at least one elongate flexible member. Each elongate flexible member comprises flexible material to provide resistance to the movement of the user. The backrest is disposed to provide support to the user's back and neck during movement of the backrest. The exercise machine further includes a bracket that is pivotally connected to the backrest. The bracket includes at least one aperture. The bracket is attached to the rear leg using a pin through one of the apertures. The bracket is also used to adjust the position of the backrest connected to the rear leg. At least one of the apertures is configured to position the backrest in a substantially non-vertical position. The exercise apparatus also includes at least one pad. Each pad captures the resilient spine member and may capture the one or more elongate flexible members. One of the pads is attached to the bracket. The exercise machine further includes a handle that is disposed near the second end of the backrest.

In some embodiments, the second end of the backrest twists with respect to the first end of the backrest if acted upon by a threshold torsional force. In other embodiments, the second end of the backrest moves forward or backward with respect to the first end of the backrest if acted upon by a threshold, forward or backward, force. In further embodiments, the second end of the backrest moves side to side with respect to the first end of the backrest if acted upon by a threshold side to side force. In still further embodiments, the second end of the backrest moves forward and backward or side to side while twisting with respect to the first end of the backrest if acted upon by a threshold forward, backward, or side to side force and a threshold torsional force.

In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus further includes a bracket connected to the frame that includes at least one aperture. The bracket is used to adjust the position of the backrest with respect to the frame. In still further embodiments, at least one of the apertures is located to position the backrest in a substantially non-vertical position. In some embodiments, each of the apertures corresponds to a position that represents a desired difficulty such that the user can select a position and thereby select a desired difficulty. In further embodiments, one of the apertures is located to position the backrest in a substantially horizontal position (i.e., generally parallel to the base surface). In still further embodiments, one of the apertures is located to position the backrest in a position that is below horizontal (i.e., generally between the horizontal position and parallel to the rear leg).

In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus further includes one or more flexible members that may be disposed adjacent to the resilient spine member and captured by the backrest such that each added flexible member provides a different resistance to the user's movements than the resilient spine member alone. In further embodiments, the exercise apparatus also includes at least one pad, which captures the resilient spine member. In still further embodiments, the exercise apparatus further includes a handle that is disposed near the second end of the moveable backrest.

These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The phrases “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” refer to any form of interaction, though not necessarily direct interaction, between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, and thermal interaction. For example, a part or piece may intervene between two pieces that are “connected to,” “coupled to,” and “in communication with” each other. The phrase “attached to” refers to a form of mechanical coupling that restricts relative translation or rotation between the attached objects. The phrases “pivotally attached to” and “slidably attached to” refer to forms of mechanical coupling that permit relative rotation or relative translation, respectively, while restricting other relative motion. The phrase “directly attached to” refers to a form of attachment by which the attached items are either in direct contact, or are only separated by a single fastener, adhesive, or other attachment mechanism. The term “abutting” refers to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, although the items may not be attached together.

FIG. 1is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an exercise machine100showing a user in phantom lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise apparatus100has a frame101that includes a front leg102and rear leg104for disposing a seat106and a moveable backrest108above a base surface110, such as the floor of a building. The front leg102may be pivotally attached to the rear leg104by a pin112. Of course, the front leg102and the rear leg104may be pivotally attached in other ways.

In the exercise position, the front leg102may extend from the rear leg104at angle114. The angle114may range from about 90 degrees to about 130 degrees. However, the exercise apparatus100may still operate at angles114outside these stated ranges. In the present embodiment, the front leg102extends from the rear leg104at an angle114in the range of about 100 degrees to about 110 degrees.

As shown, the front leg102and the rear leg104may each be attached to feet116a,116b. The feet116a,116bmay extend on both sides of the exercise apparatus100to stabilize and provide a sturdy base for the exercise apparatus100. The rear foot116b, in the present embodiment, is attached to the rear leg104and includes attachment rings118for connecting resistance bands (shown inFIG. 2) to the exercise apparatus100. The attachment rings118may be connected to other parts of the exercise apparatus100. In the present embodiment, the attachment rings are welded to the feet116a,116b. In other embodiments, the attachment rings118may be integrally formed with the feet116a,116bor may be attached using other techniques. The front foot116a, in the present embodiment, is attached to the front leg102.

The resistance bands may be used with the exercise apparatus100to strengthen the arms, chest, and shoulders. For example, the resistance bands may permit a user to perform exercises such as Bench Press, Military Press, Chest Fly, Bicep Curl, Lateral Fly, Front Raise, Shoulder Press, and other exercises.

In the present embodiment, the seat106is connected to and extends from the rear leg104. In other embodiments, the seat106may be connected to another portion of the exercise apparatus100, such as the front leg102, the bracket120, etc. The seat may be padded for added comfort and may include a non-slip material to prevent a user from slipping off of the exercise apparatus100while exercising.

The backrest108may be pivotally attached to the rear leg104by a bracket120. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the bracket120is pivotally coupled to the rear leg104by a bolt122and the backrest108is attached to the bracket120.

The bracket120may include at least one aperture124,126,128,130. In the present embodiment, the bracket120includes a first aperture124, a second aperture126, a third aperture128, and a fourth aperture130that may be used to position the backrest108. Thus, as the bracket120is adjusted and secured to different positions, the backrest108may also be adjusted to a plurality of use positions to provide varying levels of difficulty in exercising the core muscle groups.

A pin132may be positioned to extend through the desired aperture124,126,128,130and a hole (shown inFIG. 3) extending through the rear leg104to secure the backrest108in a desired position. As shown, the pin132extends through the fourth aperture130and the rear leg104to secure the backrest108in the position shown. The pin132may be tethered to the frame, as shown inFIG. 3.

To prevent the backrest108from being pivoted too far forward, the bracket120may include a stop pin134that is inserted through a stop pin aperture135. When the backrest108is moved to its forward-most position, the stop pin134may abut a bottom surface119of the rear leg104. The stop pin134may be welded into place or may be fastened in position.

The exercise apparatus100may include a resilient spine member138. The resilient spine member138may support the user's back and will be discussed in more detail inFIG. 2. The backrest108may also include flexible members136. The flexible members136and the resilient spine member138may be captured by a series of pads142. Handles152may extend on both sides of the backrest108to permit a user to comfortably grip the handles152to exercise their abdominal and back muscles.

FIG. 2is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise machine100shown inFIG. 1. The assembly of the series of pads142over the resilient spine member138, in the embodiment of the exercise machine100ofFIG. 1, is generally illustrated.

The resilient spine member138may include a first end140aand a second end140b. The first end140amay be connected to the frame101by fasteners, welding, or any other connection method. In the present embodiment, the first end140ais connected using fasteners (not shown) to the bracket120. The bracket120may be connected to the rear leg104of the frame101. In some embodiments, the first end140amay be directly connected to the frame101, rather than indirectly connected to the frame101through the bracket120, as in the present embodiment, or may use some other type of indirect connection. The second end140bof the resilient spine member138is freely movable in any direction except toward the first end140a.

The series of pads142may be made of plastic, composite material, metal, foamed plastic, or any other suitable material. The series of pads142may be connected to or disposed over the resilient spine member138. In the present embodiment, only the bottommost and topmost pads142are connected to the resilient spine member138, while the remaining pads142are slidably attached to the resilient spine member138. For example, one of the pads142may also be attached to the bracket120to prevent the bracket120from abutting and irritating the back of a user. Attaching one of the pads142to the bracket120may also help to isolate certain muscle groups during an exercise routine. The pad142may be attached to the bracket120by fasteners (not shown).

Spacers144may be included with the series of pads142. The spacers144may be used to attach the pads142to the resilient spine member138and to separate the series of pads142. The spacers144, in the present embodiment, are connected to a structural portion (not shown) of the pads142. Cushioned portions146may be disposed to provide a comfortable surface to engage a user's back.

The seat106may be connected to the frame101. In the present embodiment, the seat106is bolted to the frame101. The seat106may be integrally formed with, welded to, or otherwise connected to the frame101using any connecting method.

FIG. 2also illustrates the resistance bands117inserted through the attachment rings118. The resistance bands117may be connected to the frame101using any method. The resistance bands117may be made of surgical tubing, elastic bands, springs, or other materials that may provide resistance to a user's movement. The resistance bands117may be threaded as shown inFIG. 2or each band117may be separately attached to an attachment ring118. Multiple resistance bands117may also be used to provide added resistance.

FIG. 3is a top perspective sectional view of the exercise machine100ofFIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest108is adjusted to an exercise position that corresponds with the fourth aperture130. The bracket120may be connected to the rear leg104of the frame101by the bolt122. A sleeve164of the rear leg104may permit the bolt122to pivotally attach the bracket120to the rear leg104. The bracket120may be secured in position by inserting the pin132through the fourth aperture130and the hole131through the rear leg104. The pin132may be tethered to the exercise apparatus100. The stop pin134is also shown.

FIG. 3generally illustrates forces141a,141b,141cof various types that the user may apply to the backrest108. The resilient spine member138may provide resistance to these forces (i.e., forward and backward forces141a, side to side forces141b, and torsional forces141c) applied by the user in order to strengthen the user's abdominal, lower back, and upper back muscles.

To adjust the resistance of the forces141a,141b,141ccreated by the user's movement of the backrest108, one or more additional flexible members136may be added or removed from the backrest108. The flexible members136may provide support to the user's back and may provide resistance to forward and backward forces141a, side to side forces141b, and torsional forces141cin order to strengthen the user's the abdominal, lower back, and upper back muscles.

The flexible members136may be elongated members made of a resilient material and/or may have a resilient structure. For example, the flexible member136may be made of nylon, fiberglass, plastics, metal, and/or composite materials and may be shaped as a rod, beam, leaf spring, or coiled spring. By varying the materials and/or design of the flexible member136the backrest108may provide different levels of resistance to the movements of a user.

In the present embodiment, the flexible members136have generally the same resistance characteristics. For example, the flexible members136may include a circular profile in order to provide relatively uniform resistance to any direction a force may be applied to the backrest108. Of course, other profiles may be used in order to increase resistance in desired directions. Alternatively, the flexible members136that are used may have different resistance characteristics.

The flexible members136may extend through loops158of the spacers144of the pads142and may be attached to an attachment structure148by the pin154and secured by the cotter pin156. The flexible members136may be secured to the backrest108in any fashion and may or may not be removable. In the present embodiment, the flexible members136may extend into a pocket160of the bracket120. Specifically, the proximal end (not shown) of the flexible member136is secured within the pocket160by fasteners (not shown).

Though, in the present embodiment, two flexible members136are used, in other embodiments, only one flexible member136may be used. In further embodiments, more than two flexible members136may be used. In many embodiments, the user may select the number and resistance characteristics of the flexible members136used to customize the user's exercise routine.

FIG. 3also generally illustrates the structure of the pads142in more detail. For example, the pads142may include structural portions145. The structural portions145may be disposed to permit the backrest108to flex while providing strength to the pads142. For example, the structural portions145of the pads142may include stiffening structures170that help the backrest108support a user's back. In the present embodiment, the stiffening structures170are webbing molded into the structural portions145of the pads142.

The series of pads142may include the attachment structure148for attaching the pads142to the first end140aof the resilient spine member138and to the handles152of the backrest108. The structural portions145may be molded over the attachment structure148to securely integrate the attachment structure148with the pads142. The structural portions145may or may not be connected to the spacers144.

The handles152may be connected to the attachment structure148by fasteners, may be welded into position, or may be connected using any other connection method. In the present embodiment, the handles152are connected to the attachment structure148using fasteners (not shown).

FIG. 4is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the exercise machine100ofFIG. 1showing various exercise positions of the backrest108. Each of the exercise positions correspond to the various apertures124,126,128,130in the bracket120. The exercise apparatus100is shown disposed in a first exercise position that corresponds to the first aperture124in the bracket120and held in place by virtue of the pin132. The other exercise positions are shown in phantom. The first position may be used to improve flexibility and for more difficult exercise routines. Additionally, the first exercise position can be a non-use, storage position. Specifically, the backrest108is disposed at an angle A from a vertical axis182that extends perpendicularly from the surface110supporting the exercise machine, such that the backrest108generally may abut a top surface197of the rear leg104. Of course, this assumes that the surface110is generally flat.

At this first exercise position, the angle A may range from about 105 degrees to about 125 degrees from the vertical axis182, such that the backrest108is in a position below horizontal with respect to the support surface110. In the present embodiment, the angle A is about 115 degrees from the vertical axis182, such that the backrest108is in a position about 25 degrees below horizontal.

The backrest108also extends at an angle B to seat106. The angle B between the seat106and the backrest108may range between about 180 degrees to about 200 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle B between the seat106and the backrest108is about 190 degrees.

FIG. 4illustrates the exercise apparatus100disposed in a second exercise position, shown in phantom, which corresponds to the second aperture126in the bracket120. The backrest108is disposed at an angle C from the vertical axis182. At this second exercise position, the angle C may range from about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees from the vertical axis182, such that the backrest108ranges from about 15 degrees above or below horizontal. In the present embodiment, the angle C is about 90 degrees from the vertical axis182, such that the backrest108is in a generally horizontal position.

The backrest108also extends at an angle D to seat106. The angle D between the seat106and the backrest108may range between about 150 degrees to about 180 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle D between the seat106and the backrest108is about 165 degrees.

FIG. 4further illustrates the exercise apparatus100disposed in a third exercise position, shown in phantom, which corresponds to the third aperture128in the bracket120. Specifically, the backrest108is disposed at an angle E from the vertical axis182. At this third exercise position, the angle E may range from about 45 degrees to about 75 degrees from the vertical axis182, such that the backrest108is in a position above horizontal. In the present embodiment, the angle E is about 60 degrees from the vertical axis182.

The backrest108also extends at an angle F to seat106. The angle F between the seat106and the backrest108may range between about 120 degrees to about 150 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle F between the seat106and the backrest108is about 135 degrees.

FIG. 4also illustrates the exercise machine100disposed in a fourth exercise position, shown in phantom, which corresponds to the fourth aperture130in the main bracket120. Specifically, the backrest108is disposed at an angle G from the vertical axis182. At this first exercise position, the angle G may range from about 45 degrees to about parallel with the vertical axis182, such that the backrest108is in a non-vertical position. In the present embodiment, the angle G is about 30 degrees from the vertical axis182.

The backrest108also extends at an angle H to seat106. The angle H between the seat106and the backrest108may range between about 90 degrees to about 120 degrees. In the present embodiment, the angle H between the seat106and the backrest108is about 105 degrees.

Of course, the exercise apparatus100may be modified to provide for additional exercise positions that correspond to additional fixed positions between the backrest108and the bracket120. These additional exercise positions should dispose the backrest108at an angle ranging from about 20 degrees from the vertical axis182toward the seat106to about 135 degrees from the vertical axis182away from the seat106. The apertures124,126,128,130may be replaced with a slot (not shown). The slot may enable the user to lock the backrest108in multiple positions within the slot. For example, the pin132may be replaced with a fastener that may clamp the bracket120to the frame101.

FIG. 5is a side elevation view of the exercise machine100illustrating a non-use, storage mode of the exercise machine100. As shown, the backrest108has been disposed in the first exercise position which corresponds to the first aperture124in the bracket120. Additionally, the front leg102has been folded back toward the rear leg104. In the present embodiment, the front foot116anearly abuts the lower surface119of the rear leg104.

As shown, the front leg102and the rear leg104are generally straight beams in order to minimize the profile of the exercise apparatus100in the non-use, storage mode. Of course, the front leg102and the rear leg104may also be curved to be more aesthetically pleasing, though the exercise apparatus100may utilize more room when in its non-use, storage mode.

This non-use, storage mode permits the exercise apparatus100to be easily stored in a closet or under or behind furniture, such as a bed, couch, or dresser when the exercise apparatus100is not in use. This non-use, storage mode is especially advantageous in small apartments and condos where space is limited. In the present embodiment, the exercise apparatus100may be hung from a wall using the rear foot116b.

In summary, an exercise machine for strengthening the abdominal and back muscles of a user includes a backrest for supporting a user's back to prevent injury. The backrest includes flexible members for adjusting the resistance the backrest provides to the user's movements. The backrest is also adjustable in position to control the difficulty of an exercise routine as well as the stress and strain that a user's back and abdominal muscles are subjected to during an exercise routine. The exercise also includes a non-use, storage mode that facilitates storage and makes the exercise machine more accessible because it may be kept at home or in an office where the user is most likely to use the exercise machine.