Abstract:
The Ab Web device of the present invention may assist users in effectively working out without having to use and store cumbersome fitness equipment. This innovative item is ideal for individuals looking for a substantially simple way to flatten and strengthen their abdominals without having to lie on their back, thereby decreasing the likelihood of straining the exerciser&#39;s neck muscles. The present Ab Web device disclosed herein preferably includes roller gloves having braking mechanisms located proximate digit-tip portions, and leg roller units that may be removably coupled to the roller gloves via connection band(s).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/155,598, filed Feb. 26, 2009 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to the field of abdominal exercise devices and more specifically relates to abdominal exercising systems. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many individuals enjoy exercising as a means to recreate and to promote better personal health. A significant number of these individuals desire to tone or strengthen a specific muscle group such as the abdominals or core; however, using traditional exercises and devices the abdominal region may be difficult to strengthen and tone. The abdominal area of an individual is comprised of four muscle groups including the rectus abdominis, the external obliques, the internal obliques and the transverse abdominis. Since these four muscles are located in the center (core) of one&#39;s body, the process of toning and isolating them has proven difficult. As a result, proper exercise techniques have been developed for anatomy group-specific exercises and/or stretches with or without the use of equipment. These exercises have been designed to specifically tone and strengthen only certain muscles/muscle groups via isolation means. These exercises and/or equipment may aid in supporting the body weight of a user for certain types of exercises or provide resistance and/or weights to promote the toning and strengthening of the designated muscle group. 
         [0006]    One universal exercise to tone the abdominal region is the sit-up. The sit-up is a strength training exercise commonly performed with the aim of strengthening the hip flexors and abdominal muscles. It begins with lying with the back on the floor, typically with the knees bent in an attempt to reduce stress on the back muscles and spine, and then elevating both the upper and lower vertebrae from the floor until everything superior to the buttocks is not touching the ground. However, since full sit-ups involve the hip flexors, as well as the abdominal muscles, the back may arch, with the risk of spinal damage. Additionally, the flexion of the lumber and thoracic spine over a significant range of motion may cause strain on the lower back. Further, positioning the hands clasped behind the neck may put undue stress on the neck and the spine when doing a sit-up. This is a particular risk for individuals with weak abdominal muscles, but also for individuals who train aggressively, exhausting their abdominal muscles in a training session. Even if these risks are avoided, the leverage exerted by the hip flexors risks compression of the lumbar intervertebral discs, thereby creating potentially unsafe health conditions for the exerciser. 
         [0007]    Various solutions have been proposed for the aforementioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,864 and U.S. Publication No. 2003/0139267. Although these patents address some of the problems stated previously, they fail to provide an abdominal exercise device that may be performed in an orientation substantially other than that of a user lying on one&#39;s back. Further, the mentioned patents do not have a compact design suitable to fit/store within limited space constraints. The above mentioned patents also tend to create muscle strain put on the back and neck since the abdominal exercises are largely performed with the user laying on his/her back. 
         [0008]    Ideally, an ab web system for exercising should efficiently and effectively tone an exerciser/user&#39;s abdominal muscles, be safe, user friendly, and manufactured at a modest expense. Further, the ab web system should be aesthetically pleasing, easy to operate within a confined space and allow for toning of one&#39;s abdominal muscles without the need to lie on one&#39;s back or strain one&#39;s neck. Thus, a need exists for an ab web system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known abdominal exercising and strengthening art, the present invention provides a novel Ab Web system(s) for performing abdominal exercises. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a users with a new way to tone their midsection without having to uncomfortably lie adjacent the floor. The Ab Web device may assist users in effectively working out without having to use and store cumbersome fitness equipment. This innovative item is ideal for individuals looking for a substantially simple way to flatten and strengthen their abdominals without having to lie on their back, and increasing the likelihood of straining their neck muscles. 
         [0010]    The present ab web device disclosed herein preferably comprises the following components: roller gloves having braking mechanisms located proximate digit-tip portions, and rollers permitting a user to perform at least one upper body workout. The rollers may comprise casters within particular embodiments. Additionally, the present invention may also comprise leg roller units having, leg-contoured cast-profiles including a toe-inclusive portion. The leg roller units may also comprise casters for ease of movement on various substrates in multiple directions. The Ab Web may further comprise connection bands in certain embodiments made of resistably-stretchable cords. The connection bands preferably connect the roller gloves and the leg roller units through clips via which they are removably attached thereto. The user may don the roller gloves and the leg roller units thereby allowing the user to move the roller gloves and the leg roller units in relation to one another to perform at least one exercise. 
         [0011]    A kit is embodied herein for the Ab Web system comprising: ab web device; at least one set of user instructions and a plurality of abdominal exercising instructions for exercising and toning at least one muscle set of the body comprising abdominals, arms, and legs. 
         [0012]    In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: connecting connection bands to clips thereby linking roller gloves and leg roller units in at least one criss-cross configuration; moving roller gloves and leg roller units in relation to one another to perform at least one exercise in an orientation wherein the user faces a planar surface (such as a floor); pushing the toes of the user against the toe-inclusive portion of the leg-contoured cast-profile on leg roller units to perform calf strengthening and toning exercises; and optionally disassembling ab web device to separately use roller gloves or leg roller units in a removably couplable relationship. 
         [0013]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an ab web system. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, Ab web systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating Ab Web systems in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating roller gloves of the Ab Web systems according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating braking mechanisms located proximate digit-tip portions of the roller gloves used in the Ab Web systems according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating leg roller units of the Ab Web systems according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  shows top and bottom perspective views respectively, of the ab web systems according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 6 . is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
       
    
    
       [0021]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to an abdominal exercise devices and more particularly to Ab Web systems  100  as used to strengthen and tone a user&#39;s abdominal muscles. Ab Web systems  100  provides user  120  an effective and efficient means to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles and other muscles/muscle groups of the body without having to lie on his/her back or the hard ground, risking potential injury. Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating Ab Web systems  100  in an in-use condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates roller gloves  110 , leg roller units  150 , and connection bands  180  used in relation to each other to perform at least one abdominal exercise. Ab Web system  100  as disclosed herein may comprise ab web device  102  preferably including roller gloves  110 , leg roller units  150 , and connection bands  180 . Roller gloves  110  further comprise left roller glove  112  and right roller glove  114 . Left roller glove  112  may be placed on a left hand of user  120 . Right roller glove  114  may be placed on right hand of user  120 , within the particular embodiment shown. 
         [0024]    Leg roller units  150  of the present embodiment further comprises left leg roller unit  152  and right leg roller unit  154 , as also shown in  FIG. 5 . Left leg of user  120 , as shown may be removably coupled to left leg roller unit  152  while right leg of user  120  may be removable coupled to right leg roller unit  154 , also shown. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments that left leg roller unit  152  and right leg roller unit  154  may be interchangeable and that they may be attached via straps, clips or other suitable means or methods. 
         [0025]    Roller gloves  110  may be removably coupled to leg roller units  150  via connection bands  180 , preferably threaded through clips  182 , as shown or other suitable means. Connection bands  180  may comprise resistably-stretchable cords. Connection bands  180  link roller gloves  110  and leg roller units in a removably-couplable relationship via clips  182  within this particular embodiment. Connection bands  180  are preferably clipped, thereby linking roller gloves  110  and leg roller units  150  in at least one criss-cross configuration  184 . Criss-cross configuration  184  may be used to increase resistance and tension in connection bands  180  thereby providing user  120  with a more challenging abdominal workout when ab web device  102  is in use. Further, criss-cross configuration  184  provides an inherent balancing means whereby a user may be substantially stabilized during the exercise routine. 
         [0026]    When user  120  dons roller gloves  110  and leg roller units  150 , user  120  may to rotationally move roller gloves  110  leg roller units  150  in relation to one another to perform at least one abdominal exercise in an orientation facing a planar surface. Certain embodiments may include toe-inclusive portion(s)  164  which are alluded to by the dotted lines in the bottom figure of  FIG. 1 . These toe-inclusive portions  164  allow user  120  to perform various exercises that help to strengthen calves and also may provide a further means whereby leg roller units  150  may be substantially secured to the legs of user  120 . Toe-inclusive portions  164  may comprise a strap or have a cast-formed shape fitting to toes/foot of user  120 . 
         [0027]    Ab Web system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5  may comprise kit  500 . Kit  500  may comprise the following parts: ab web device  102 ; at least one set of user instructions  510  and a plurality of abdominal exercising instructions  520  for exercising and toning at least one muscle set of the body comprising abdominals, arms, and legs. Kit  500  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Further, the various components may be interchangeable between kits  500 . 
         [0028]    Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user preferences, design preference, structural requirements, marketing preferences, cost, available materials, technological advances, etc., other exercising methods and motions may be performed with the present invention as well as other configurations may be possible, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  showing a perspective view illustrating roller gloves  110  of Ab Web systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    Roller gloves  110  preferably comprise braking mechanisms  130  and rollers  210 , as shown. Braking mechanisms  130  on roller gloves  110  may be located proximate at least one digit-tip portion  124 . Digit-tip portion  124  within this description refers to the four fingers and thumb on hand  116  of user  120 . 
         [0031]    Rollers  210  on roller gloves  110  permit user  120  to perform at least one upper body workout by extending or retracting arms in relation to body of user  120 . In this way user  120  exercises, thereby increasing their heart-rate causing the burning of calories via dynamic movement(s). Roller gloves  110  may be used as a pushup tool by rolling hands  116  of user  120  away from the chest and back towards the chest. Rollers  210  rotate in relation to roller gloves  110  as rollers  210  engage substrate such as a floor or the ground or other suitable surface. Roller gloves  110  may be substantially secured to the hand(s) of user  120  via straps, as shown. An enlarged view of rollers  170  is shown to illustrate the relative rotational movement capabilities as demonstrated by the arrows shown. Components of roller gloves  110  and their means of use are discussed in greater detail in the following figure. 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  showing a perspective view illustrating braking mechanisms  130  located proximate digit-tip portions  124  of roller gloves  170  used in the Ab Web systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . Braking mechanisms  130 , within the present embodiment permits user  120  to substantially control ab web device  102  and halt ab web device  102  as so desired. Control is achieved via braking mechanisms  130  allowing user  120  to extend and retract arms in relation to body and/or leg roller units  150 . In a position such that hands  116  of user are furthest from the body of user  120 , connection bands  180  are in their highest state of tension. The tension is relieved as user&#39;s hands  116  move proximate user&#39;s body. The greater the ‘stretch’ the greater the tension in connection bands  180  in relation to roller gloves  110  and leg roller units  150 . The greater the resistance produced, the greater the energy required to overcome the resistance, thereby causing strengthening and toning of the abdominal muscles of user  120 . 
         [0033]    Braking mechanism  130  on roller glove  110  are preferably ‘finger-operated’, more specifically digit-operated (including some of or all fingers and thumbs). In certain embodiments roller gloves  110  may also extend beyond digit tip portion  124  (not shown) to increase finger-safety and general manipulatability. Braking mechanism  130  within certain embodiments may comprise a periphery-protruding braking means whereby rollers  170  may be located in recessed portions in relation to periphery of roller gloves  110 . Braking mechanisms  130  create at least one frictional-resistance to movement via digit-manipulated surfaces when braking mechanisms  130  contact rollers  170 , (as shown in the lower figure of  FIG. 3 ). Roller gloves  110  may also comprise a compressible foam or other suitable material between hand  116  and/or digit tip portion  124  and braking mechanisms  130  whereby that portion may be pressed against rollers  170  to provide frictional resistance. The foam may also provide user  120  with a comfortable resting point thereby potentially effectively reducing fatigue during exercise periods. In these embodiments user  120  may place hand  116  atop a non-glove assembly (not shown). In this embodiment a rubber rim may be used as a braking means via a sliding mechanism which causes a rubber stopper to go up and down to grab the substrate surface to slow or stop the unit. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  showing a perspective view illustrating leg roller units  150  of Ab Web systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0035]    Leg roller units  150  are shown within the present figure at different orientations, the top left showing the bottom of leg roller unit  150  (also illustrating an embodiment having toe-inclusive portion  164 ), a perspective view is illustrated in the intermediate figure and the bottom figure illustrates a side profile to more fully explain the embodiments of the present invention. Leg roller units  150  may comprise leg-contoured cast-profiles  160 , as shown. Leg-contoured cast-profiles  160  are designed and molded to specifically contour to the shape of a leg of user  120 , thereby creating a comfort-fit to promote prolonged exercise. Leg-contoured cast-profiles  160  may also include a toe-inclusive portion  164  in certain embodiments (not shown, but alluded to in the present figure). Toe-inclusive portion  164  allows user  120  to perform calf strengthening exercises using the present invention. 
         [0036]    Leg roller units  150  may further comprise a plurality of rollers  170 . Rollers may comprise casters  174 , thereby providing full range of movement. Caster  174  may be an undriven, single, double, or compound wheel mounted leg roller units  150  and roller gloves  110  designed to minimize resistance and create fluidity within movements. Further, caster  174  is durable in construction and less likely to harm substrate surfaces contacted. Casters  174  may be fixed to roll in one direction, or mounted on a pivot, such that caster  174  will automatically swivel, aligning itself to the direction in which it is moving. Caster  174  may come in various sizes and be made from various materials so as to support user  120  of varying weights during exercising routines. 
         [0037]    As previously mentioned, it should be appreciated that Ab Web systems  100  may be used to perform various exercises, some of which are disclosed herein. Leg roller units  150  may be used separately from roller gloves  110  as a cardio fat burner by pushing the legs of user  120  up and down or running in place by using opposite legs in an up and down motion. Other motions that may be used comprise ‘scissor motion’ to build muscle and tone legs of user  120 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows top and bottom perspective views respectively, of Ab web systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . The present figure illustrates criss-cross configuration  184  of Ab Web systems  100 , thereby demonstrating spatial relationship between roller gloves  110 , leg roller units  150 , and connection bands  180 . For clarity the bottom side and top side are shown respectively. Connection bands  180  may comprise various consistency material(s) to provide ranges in resistance in stretching. These resistances may be classed according to beginner, intermediate and difficult, thereby providing a system whereby user(s)  120  may train according to their personal preference and ability. Connection bands  180  may comprise retractable cables that may control relative tightness/looseness of the cables to provide suitable resistance. Retractable cables may retract into a cable box  560  as alluded to via dotted lines in right illustration of  FIG. 5 . Cable box  560  may house rotatable pulleys or cable retractors that are used to wind or unwind cable therefrom, via rotation as demonstrated by bi-directional arrow shown, causing liner motion of cables as demonstrated by liner bi-directional arrow. Cable retractors may be spring-loaded and be housed externally or internally to cable box  560 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 6  showing flowchart  650  illustrating a method of use  600  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-5 . 
         [0040]    In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use  600  is disclosed herein comprising: step one  601  connecting connection bands  180  to clips  182  thereby linking roller gloves  110  and leg roller units  150  in at least one criss-cross configuration  184 ; step two  602  donning and moving roller gloves  110  and leg roller units  150  in relation to one another to perform at least one exercise in an orientation wherein user  120  faces at least one planar surface; step three  603  exercising abdominal muscles using the present invention as described above; step four  604  optionally pushing toes of user  120  against toe-inclusive portion  164  of leg-contoured cast-profile  160  on leg roller units  150  to perform calf strengthening and toning exercises; and step five  605  optionally disassembling Ab web device  102  to separately use roller gloves  110  or leg roller units  150  in a removably couplable relationship. 
         [0041]    It should be noted that step  604  and step  605  are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  600  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 6  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  600 . 
         [0042]    It should be noted that the steps described in method of use  600  can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain exercise or storing steps, including or excluding certain steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0043]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.