Muscle exercise and strengthening device

A working element, such as a ball (4) is held at a preselected position in front of a user exercising abdominal muscles. The ball is supported (9, 31a, 31b, 44) by a positioning device (6) for positioning lower members of the user. The lower member positioning device includes at least one of a user knee positioning member (11, 15, 74) and a foot or ankle positioning member (10). A frame or other connecting element (21, 22, 40, 42, 61, 71) interconnects the foot and knee positioning elements in a preselected relationship. A flexible or spring mounting (14) or flexible straps (31a, 31b, 44) permit the ball (4) to be resiliently displaced during exercise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to the art of muscle exercise and 
strengthening devices. It finds particular application for working out 
abdominal muscles in gym settings for athletic practice, in kinesitherapy 
departments for functional rehabilitation, and the like. It is to be 
appreciated that the invention will also find application in other 
exercise and muscle strengthening environments. 
Numerous appliances are known for exercising abdominal muscles. However, 
these prior appliances frequently call for repetitive movement and have a 
lack of diversity in the exercises performed. By nature, these appliances 
present a formidable deterrent to their use. 
The present invention overcomes these drawbacks by providing a simple, 
reliable, sportive device. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In accordance with the present invention, a muscular exercise device for 
exercising abdominal muscles of a user is provided. It includes a working 
element and a means for positioning the working element. It further 
includes a means for positioning lower members of the user. 
In accordance with a more limited aspect of the present invention, the 
working element includes a ball. 
In accordance with another more limited aspect of the present invention, 
the means for positioning lower members of the user includes a device for 
positioning the feet or ankles of the user. 
In accordance with another specific embodiment of the present invention, 
the means for positioning the lower members includes a device for 
positioning the knees of the user. 
In accordance with another specific embodiment of the present invention, 
the knee positioning device includes a transverse strut for positioning 
inside the bend of the knee and a means for fixing the strut in this 
position. 
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the means for 
positioning lower members includes a device for positioning the pelvis of 
the user. 
In accordance with another more limited aspect of the present invention, 
the working element positioning means is adjustable. 
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the muscle 
exercise device includes a support surface for supporting the user's back. 
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the muscle 
exercise device includes an inclination means or ramped support surface. 
One advantage of the present invention resides in its versatility. A wide 
variety of exercises are performable. 
Another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces user boredom. 
Other advantages of the present invention reside in its simplicity and 
reliability. 
Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparent to 
those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the 
following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a muscle exercise device 1 includes a 
working element, such as a ball 4. The ball 4 is positioned in a zone, 
called the working zone, by a positioning means 5. The exercise device 
also includes a lower member positioning means 6 for positioning at least 
one part of the lower member 7 of a user 3. This permits the device to be 
installed in a position in which the user can perform exercises 
optimizing, for example, the workout of the abdominal muscles. 
In alternate embodiments, the lower member positioning means is configured 
to engage different portions of the lower members, such as the ankle or 
foot positioning device 10, the knee positioning device 11, or the pelvis 
12. In some embodiments, the device can also include a back support 13 for 
engaging the back of the user to permit dorsal support when the user is in 
a reposed position. 
The device permits a workout of muscles, particularly the abdominal 
muscles, including movement between an inactive position of repose where 
the muscles are relaxed and an active work position. 
The work element ball 4 is positioned by the positioning means 5 in such a 
manner that when the user is in the active work position, the ball is 
positioned to be held, pushed, punched, evaded, or the like. Due to this 
flexibility, the user can engage in workouts to exercise different muscles 
while at the same time, bestowing a playful aspect to the exercises. This 
also combines abdominal exercises with upper member muscle exercises. 
Although the working element is described as a ball in the various 
embodiments, it is to be understood that the work element can be a 
different shaped element without departing from the protected field of 
this invention. 
With reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a first embodiment of the muscle 
exercise device 1 is designed to be placed directly on the user. It is 
fixed in a passive manner by a fixation means 8 or in an active manner by 
muscular effort of the user. In this embodiment, the device is designed to 
be placed off the ground. 
The ball 4 is mounted on a positioning means which includes a stem 9 
connected to the ball by a connection means 14, such as a spring. The stem 
and connection means preferably has a sufficient degree of flexibility to 
permit movement of the ball to the side and spring it back to its initial 
position. The degree of flexibility can vary over the length of the stem 
and is preferably controllable. The stem 9 is fixed to a transverse strut 
15 shaped to be received behind the user's knees 16 with the stem 9 
passing between the knees and the strut inside the fold of the knees. The 
fixation means 8 includes two retainer straps 8a, 8b one of which wraps 
around and immobilizes the user's tibias against a lateral wall 17a of the 
strut and the other strap wraps around an immobilizes the user's thighs 
against a lateral wall 17b of the strut. The transfer strut 17 and the 
fixation means 8a, 8b constitute a device which positions the knees and 
consequently positions the lower members 6. Alternately, the transverse 
strut need not include fixation means but may be held in the fold of the 
knees by muscular action of the user. 
It should be noted that in this first embodiment, the transverse strut is 
preferably of a prismatic shape. In the longitudinal plane, it forms a 
triangular prism of substantially constant cross-section. The lateral wall 
17a, 17b of the strut defines and angle called a flexation angle that is 
received below the knees. The flexation angle is preferably chosen between 
25.degree. and 140.degree.. Although not illustrated, the transverse strut 
may include a control means for controlling the flexation angle to permit 
the user to adjust the flexation position of the knees as desired. In 
addition, the strut 15 includes a foam layer located along the lateral 
walls to improve the user's comfort during the performance of the 
exercises. Further, the muscle exercise device can include an adjustment 
means for adjusting the height of the ball. For example, a tube 18 which 
extends into the interior of the strut slidably receives the stem 9. A 
lock such as cotter pins received in mating bores in the stem and the 
strut, a threaded clamp, or the like adjust the degree to which the stem 9 
is received in the tube 18, hence the height of the ball 4. 
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the fixation means includes a pair of T-shaped 
elements 20 which extend from the lateral walls 17a, 17b of the transverse 
strut 15. The cross bars of the T are spaced an appropriate distance from 
the lateral walls to engage and hold the tibias and thighs against the 
lateral walls. 
With reference to FIG. 3, in another variation of this embodiment, the 
lower member positioning means 6 again includes the strut 15 and a thigh 
strap 3a. Further, the lower member positioning means includes a foot 
positioning means, such as straps 10a. A connection element, such as a 
tube 21 that is bent and adjustable in length extends below the strut 15 
to the foot straps 10a. It is to be noted that the transverse strut 15 is 
again positioned under the knees of the user, but may have a shape other 
than that of a triangular prism without departing from the present 
invention. 
With reference to FIG. 4, the lower member positioning means includes a 
foot positioning device 10 and a knee positioning device 11. In this 
embodiment, the knee positioning device is a transverse support bar that 
is positioned under the user's knees and over the user's feet. A tube 21 
interconnects the foot and knee positioning devices and is connected with 
the ball positioning means 5. Preferably, the connections are adjustable 
to accommodate users of different sizes and to adjust the height and 
position of the ball 4, hence the height and position of the work zone. In 
the embodiment of FIG. 4, the user's feet pass below the support bar and 
the knees above it. However, it is to be appreciated that this could be 
reversed with the legs wedged between the support bars under the feet and 
over the knees. 
With reference to FIG. 5, the exercise device 1 includes a ball 4 mounted 
on a stem 9 by a connection means 14. The stem is adjustable in height 
relative to a frame 22 of the device. The frame 22 includes a tube segment 
23 which extends upward and vertically to receive the ball carrying stem 9 
in a slidable and locking manner. The tube section 23 is mounted to a 
longitudinal bar 24 which carries foot positioning elements 10 at one end. 
The longitudinal bar 24 is preferably made in two slidingly received parts 
which are bolted or otherwise selectively connected together to adjust the 
longitudinal distance between the ball receiving tube part 23 and the foot 
receiving elements 10. This embodiment further includes a back support 13 
which is mounted to an opposite end of the longitudinal bar 24. The back 
support 13 is preferably configured with an appropriate anatomical shape 
to provide dorsal support. Alternately, the foot support elements may take 
the form of two flexible straps mounted on a transverse support bar 25. 
With reference to FIG. 6, in a variation on this embodiment, the foot 
receiving device 10 includes straps situated on a transverse support wall 
of the frame as described above. However, in this embodiment, the ball is 
supported at an adjustable height by a bracket 30 and semi-rigid straps 
31a, 31b. The bracket takes the form a curved bar 30 which extends in an 
upward and rearward arcing direction from a front end 24a of the 
longitudinal bar 24. The ball is connected to the two semi-rigid straps 
which are connected one to the upper extremity 30a of the bracket 30 and 
the other to a point at a center zone of the longitudinal bar 24. 
Preferably, the straps 31a, 31b are of adjustable length such that the 
height of the ball is selectively adjustable. 
With reference to FIG. 7, the tube portion 23 which carries the stem 9 on 
which the ball is supported is mounted directly on the base 32 or a 
pedestal which includes the foot positioning device 10a, 10b which is 
positioned on the ground. The base 32 preferably has a slightly 
hemispherical shape and is adapted to be weighted down, for example, 
filled with sand. It is fitted with two lateral openings 33a, 33b for 
receiving the feet of the user. The foot positioning devices takes the 
form of two holding straps 34a, 34b which immobilize the feet or ankles in 
the lateral openings. 
With reference to FIG. 8, the lower extremity positioning means 6 of the 
muscle exercise device includes both a foot or ankle positioning device 10 
as well as a knee positioning device 11. The exercise device includes a 
frame structure 40 on which the ankle positioning cross piece 10 and the 
knee positioning cross piece 11 are mounted. The ankle holding cross piece 
is positioned in a slightly elevated fashion at the front of the structure 
in such a manner that the user's feet can pass below it. The ankle 
positioning device 10 abuts the upper surface of the ankle. The knee 
positioning device 11 includes a cross piece which is located slightly to 
the rear of the ankle retaining cross piece and is situated at an 
adjustable height to adapt to the morphology of the user. The knee 
positioning device includes a cross piece which is positioned to cooperate 
with the fold of the knee. 
It should be noted that in this embodiment, the cross pieces are preferably 
cylindrical and have relatively soft coverings or padding to improve user 
comfort. The ball 4 is mounted on a ball support stem 9 which is connected 
to the knee positioning cross piece 11. 
With reference to FIG. 9, the foot positioning device 10 includes a pair of 
retention straps 10a, 10b positioned on a transverse front bar 41 of the 
frame. A pair of longitudinal frame bars 42a, 42b extend rearward from the 
transverse bar 41 to a cross bar 43 on which the ball 4 is suspended. The 
cross bar 23 includes two lateral bars 45a, 45b and an upper bar, 
preferably curved, from which the ball 4 is suspended by a flexible strap 
44 or other connection means. The lateral bars 45a, 45b are optionally 
configured to support a knee retaining cross piece extending transversely 
therebetween at an adjustable height. 
Optionally, the embodiments of FIGS. 8 or 9 can include anchoring means for 
anchoring the device more securely to the ground or other support surfaces 
in order to avoid untimely movements. Such anchoring means can, for 
example, include a pair of straps 50a, 50b positioned to a front part of 
the frame or structure of the device. The straps are fitted at their ends 
with catch feet 51a, 51b which are designed to be slid under an opening 
which is then closed. Of course, the anchoring means can also be 
constituted by any equivalent system without departing from the present 
invention. 
With reference to FIGS. 10a and 10b, the ball 4 and stem 9 is mounted on an 
elongated structure 60 including a pair of longitudinal bars 61a, 61b. A 
knee support cross piece 11 extends transversely in a horizontal plane 
above the bars 61a, 61b to provide a device for positioning the knees. A 
support surface 62 is movably arranged between a dorsal support position 
illustrated in FIG. 10a and a buttock support position illustrated in FIG. 
10b. In the dorsal support position, the support surface 62 is folded down 
onto the longitudinal bar 61a, 61b. In the buttock support position, it is 
folded up and supported on the knee support cross piece and pivotal 
element 63 on a horizontal plane above the ground. 
When the support surface 62 is disposed in the buttock support position of 
FIG. 10b, it constitutes a pelvis positioning device which allows the user 
to position its pelvis in order to arrange a sitting position as the 
active working position. It should be noted that the exercise device 
includes an actuation means in the form of an intermediate piece 63 
connected between the support surface 62 and the longitudinal bars 61a, 
61b by a pair of pivot connections 70a, 70b. A locking device, not shown, 
securely holds the support surface 62 in the buttock supporting position 
of FIG. 10b. 
It is to be appreciated that the support surface can be configured 
specifically for dorsal support. It can also be equipped with an 
inclination adjustment means for adjusting its inclination to permit the 
user to adjust exercising positions. The inclination means can be achieved 
by a pivot connected to one side and an adjustable holding foot on the 
other. 
Alternately, the device is equipped with electro-therapeutic elements, such 
as electrodes which are connected with a conventional electro-current 
supply device. In this manner, the user can combine standard muscle 
exercise with electro-therapy, as is known in the art. 
Further, additional working elements can be combined with the described 
exercise device. For example, an electronic device may be combined which 
acts in the role of a metronome or muscle timing guide, a movement 
counting unit, or the like. The electronic device can have recreational 
use as well, such as to serve as a random indicator of movements to be 
performed and their rhythm. 
With reference to FIG. 11, the cross bar 43 is positioned further from the 
foot retaining straps 10a, 10b than in FIG. 9 and arcs to a higher 
elevation. This enables the ball to be supported above the user. 
With reference to FIG. 12, the exercise device includes a mechanism for 
positioning the back and pelvis in the form of an inwardly curved rocking 
board 70. Foot holding straps 10a, 10b are connected to the rocking board. 
The working element or ball 4 is suspended above the user by an elongated 
stem 9. 
With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the muscle exercise device 1 includes a 
longitudinal strut 71 which the user holds between the knees in an active 
fashion to position the knees. The ball support stem 9 and the ball 4 are 
supported by the strut 71. An attachment device 72 connects the strut 71 
with a carpet 73. Alternately, a transverse support bar 74 can be used to 
position the feet when the device is used in another mode. This strut can 
also be wedged between the feet or hands of the user as may the transverse 
bar 74. 
Regardless of the selected mode of use, the stem which carries the ball is 
preferably arranged in such a manner so as to regulate its inclination in 
relationship to the other elements of the device. The invention may also 
include suitable carpet on which the user is positioned. The muscle 
exercise device may be foldable or taken apart for storage in a portable 
carrying case or similar accommodation. 
The invention has been described with reference to the preferred 
embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others 
upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is 
intended that the invention be construed as including all such 
modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the 
appended claims or the equivalents thereof.