Abstract:
A device is disclosed which is more effective and efficient than the traditional sit-up, but does not include the inherent negative side effects. Moreover, the device is intuitive to use, will have increased efficiency, and can be used in a variety of ways. The device is made of a plurality of components, including: a pair of tube housings, a plurality of compression mechanism, a plurality of height-adjustment mechanisms, a width-adjustment mechanism, and a plurality of grips. These components work in conjunction to form an abdominal exercise machine that is more safe and efficient than traditional abdominal exercises.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/771,696, filed on Mar. 1, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to an exercise aid, and more particularly, to an apparatus which is positioned between the chest and the legs for use in developing muscular fitness. 
     DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
     Physical exercise can generally be described as a physical activity for maintaining physical fitness, boosting cardiovascular health, promoting weight loss, sharpening athletic skills, reducing stress, or improving one&#39;s general well-being. Aerobic exercise, also colloquially known as cardio, is a low intensity type of physical exercise used to expel the energy of the body and burn fat. Conversely, anaerobic exercise is a type of physical exercise where the intensity is magnified to trigger anaerobic metabolism, which builds muscle mass. 
     Physical exercise, especially anaerobic exercise, often includes the use of exercise machines for increased efficiency. Typically, exercise machines provide resistance to the user for weight training, where gravitational or resistive forces are utilized by the user through pulleys, levers, wheels, and other simple mechanical devices. Exercise machines commonly include a means for adjusting the amount of force or resistance desired, typically through placing a pin through a plurality of labeled apertures or by adjusting a mechanism to do the same. 
     Abdominal exercise is used to build abdominal muscles, where users typically place increased importance due to societal demands. The most common type of abdominal exercise is the sit-up, or crunch, where the user rests on their back with their knees bent and their hands on the back of their head. The user will then curl their shoulders towards their pelvis and return to the floor, completing one of a plurality of sit-ups. While this exercise is indeed effective, it is also commonly associated with neck and back strain, and many physical trainers encourage alternative techniques for abdominal exercises. 
     While several devices for weight training are currently available, there is a void in the area of abdominal exercise, where users often resort to bizarre devices which promise results but seldom deliver. Therefore, a need exists for a device which is more effective and efficient than the traditional sit-up, but does not include the inherent negative side effects. The present invention satisfies these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will provide a device which is more effective and efficient than the traditional sit-up, but does not include the inherent negative side effects. Moreover, the present invention will be intuitive to use, will have increased efficiency, and will not have the negative side effects of the traditional sit-up exercise. 
     The present invention is comprised of a plurality of components, including: a pair of tube housings, a plurality of compression mechanism, a plurality of height-adjustment mechanisms, a width-adjustment mechanism, and a plurality of grips. These components work in conjunction to provide an abdominal exercise machine that is intuitive, safe, and more efficient than traditional abdominal exercises. 
     These and other objectives of the present invention will become obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary, and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a top view of the exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a bottom view of the exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a side view of the exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6A  is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the compressed exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  is a diagram illustrating a top view of the compressed exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6C  is a diagram illustrating a side view of the compressed exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7A  is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the uncompressed exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a diagram illustrating a top view of the uncompressed exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7C  is a diagram illustrating a side view of the uncompressed exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the expanded exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is a diagram illustrating a top view of the expanded exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8C  is a diagram illustrating a side view of the expanded exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a top exploded view of the exercise aid according to one embodiment of the invention; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. 
     The present invention  10  comprises a pair of arcuate tube housings  20  releaseably connected with a width-adjustment mechanism  60 . The present invention  10  further comprises a plurality of compression mechanisms  30 , one at each end  21  of the tube housings  20 . The tube housings  20  are adapted to be placed between the chest and legs while the compression mechanisms  30  provide resistance during use. 
     The compression mechanisms  30  are responsible for providing outward force during use. Each compression mechanism  30  is mechanically attached at each tube housing end  21 , for a total of four compression mechanisms  30 . Each compression mechanism  30  further comprises a compression spring  31  to provide the resistance needed for this outward force, and an end cap  32  to retain the spring  31 . More specifically, each spring  31  is contained within a recess  33  at each end  21  of the tube housings  20 , and an end cap  32  is mechanically attached each end  21  of the tube housings  20  to secure each spring  31  in place. In the preferred embodiment, the tube housing ends  21  are outwardly threaded, while the end caps  32  are inwardly threaded. Each end cap  32  further comprises a plurality of protrusions to assist in gripping and rotating the end caps  32 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the spring  31  provides a fixed resistance. As such, the present invention  10  may be replaced with springs  31  of various resistances to provide a variety of workout intensities. Springs  31  are replaced by completely removing the end caps  32 , releasing the springs  31  from the recesses  33 . For easily identifying resistance levels, each spring  31  will have a color for easily determining which spring provides which desired resistance. For example, a green spring may be used for a low resistance, a yellow spring for a medium resistance, and a red spring for a high resistance. In an alternative embodiment, a spring aperture is positioned on the compression mechanism  30  to easily identify the color of the spring  31  being used. In a further alternative embodiment, a gas spring is used as opposed to a compression spring  31 , wherein the gas spring is adapted to provide variable resistance when the gas pressure is increased or decreased. 
     A plurality of height-adjustment mechanisms  40  are rotatably attached to each compression mechanism  30 . Each height-adjustment mechanism  40  further comprises a plunger  41  that is mechanically attached to the end cap  32  through a plunger aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the plunger  41  is outwardly threaded, while the plunger aperture is inwardly threaded. The springs  31  will provide resistance directly against the plungers  41 . As such, the amount of resistance exerted by each height-adjustment mechanism  40  and plunger  41  will be determined by the resistance of the specific springs  31  within the compression mechanisms  30  in the device at the time of use. 
     Each height-adjustment mechanism  40  is adapted to adjust the overall height of the apparatus such that the plungers  41  rest on the body of the user comfortably. More specifically, the plungers  41  can be adjusted inward or outward from the compression mechanisms  30  to extend or contract the overall height of the device. This is accomplished by either unscrewing the plunger  41  from the end cap  32 , increasing its distance from the compression mechanism  30 , or screwing the plunger  41  into the end cap, decreasing its distance. Furthermore, the plungers  41  can be completely removed upon fully unscrewing them from the end caps  32 . This permits the user to customize workouts by choosing to use less than all four of the compression mechanisms  30  at the same time. 
     A plurality of height-adjustment apertures  40  are positioned along the plungers  41 , providing a visual aid when adjusting the height of the plungers  41 . Here, the user will screw or unscrew each plunger  41  until the height-adjustment apertures  40  are consistent. In the preferred embodiment, the threading of the end cap  32  and plunger aperture operate such that an opposing direction is necessary to tighten or untighten each. In an alternative embodiment, tightening of the end caps  32  secures the plungers  41  in a fixed position, supporting the user&#39;s weight during workouts. Here, releasing the tension of the end caps  32  releases the plungers  41  for extending and contracting. 
     The locking mechanism  50  comprises opposing release buttons  51  positioned on each compression mechanism  30 . The release buttons  51  are adapted to obstruct the movement of the compression mechanisms  30 , preventing any force from being exerted and consequently locking the plungers  41  in a fixed position. This is accomplished by engaging the release buttons  51 , which are mechanically attached to the compression mechanisms  30 , with a pair of opposing lock protrusions  52  fixedly attached to the tube housings  20 . When activated, the release buttons  51  will then prevent movement of the compression mechanisms  30  due to the attachment of the release buttons  51  to the opposing lock protrusions  52 . In an alternative embodiment, only a single release button  51  and lock protrusion  52  are used, while an aperture is provided in the absent release button  51  to view the spring  31 . In a further alternative embodiment, the locking mechanism  50  is also used to adjust the force exerted by the spring  31 . 
     Each plunger  41  is in mechanical communication with the springs  31  of the compression mechanisms  30 . As such, the user will apply bodily force against the plungers  41  in order to generate the resistance required during workouts. The plungers  41  further comprise pads  43  that provide support for the body parts in contact with the plungers  41  during use. Furthermore, each pad  43  comprises a viscid texture which will add grip when forced upon the body of the user. In the preferred embodiment, the pads  43  are made of a soft material such as silicone, although foam or other suitable materials may be used. In an alternative embodiment, the pads  43  are adapted to freely rotate in 360 degrees in a single plane perpendicular to the direction of force exerted by the compression mechanisms  30 . In this embodiment, the present invention  10  is easily adjusted to the body of the user and provides additional safety and comfort due to the free-moving nature of the pads  43 . 
     The width-adjustment mechanism  60  expands and contracts laterally to increase or decrease the distance between the tube housings  20 . This allows the user to customize the displacement between the tube housings  20  for better placement on the chest and legs. Furthermore, the width-adjustment mechanism  60  can be contracted to minimize the size of the present invention  10  for storage purposes. The width-adjustment mechanism  60  comprises a pair of opposing cross braces  61 , a center support  62 , a pair of width-adjustment screws  63 , and a width-adjustment track  64 . The cross braces  61  are positioned around each tube housing  20 , and are secured together with the center support  62 . 
     To activate the width-adjustment mechanism  60 , the width-adjustment screws  63  will be untightened, permitting the cross braces  61  and tube housings  20  to move along the width-adjustment track  64  and permitting expansion and contraction. The cross braces  61  are adapted to keep alignment within the width-adjustment tracks  64  so long as the width-adjustment screw  63  is not removed entirely. The width-adjustment mechanism  60  is further adapted to release the cross braces  61  from the center support  62  and the tube housings  20  from the width-adjustment mechanism  60 . This is accomplished by removing the width-adjustment screws  63  completely from the width-adjustment track  64  and opening the cross braces  61  in a jaw-like manner, thereby detaching the tube housings  20  from the width-adjustment mechanism  60 . As such, each tube housing  20  can be released and used individually for certain exercises that may require the use of only one the tube housing  20  at a time, or for storage purposes. 
     The cross braces  61  are made of a durable material, while the center support  62  is made from a firm, yet flexible material adapted to provide a less-rigid structure. In other words, the center support  62  is adapted to be flexible and provide flexibility between the tube housings  20  for further adjustability between exercises and body types. Each cross-brace  61  further comprises a protrusion at its hinge point, adapted to lock itself with the tube housings  20 , and a plurality of teeth adapted to grip the center support  62  when closed. Therefore, the cross-members  61  will remain secure and in a perpendicular orientation at all times. In the preferred embodiment, the center support  62  can be adjusted in a 90 degree range)(+45°/−45°. 
     A plurality of grips  70  are positioned at the center of the tube housings  20 . The grips  70  allow the user to grasp the tube housings  20  for positioning before use and to generate extra force during use. In the preferred embodiment, the grips  70  are positioned between the cross braces  61  and comprise a viscid material with a texturized surface for improved grip. Alternatively, a gel-based substance, foam, or other comfortable, yet durable, material can be used. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of handles (not shown) are externally attached to the tube housings  20  and replace the grips  70  to allow the user to support the device and generate additional force. 
     Before use, the present invention  10  must be adjusted such that it will fit comfortably on the chest and legs of the user. First, the user must adjust the width of the tube housings  20  with the width-adjustment mechanism  60 . The user will adjust the width by unscrewing the width-adjustment screws  63  and extending or contracting the cross braces  61  and tube housings  20  along the width-adjustment track  64 . Next, the user must adjust the height of the plungers  41  with the height-adjustment mechanism  40 . The user will adjust the plungers  41  by unscrewing or screwing them from the end cap  32 , thereby extending or contracting the plungers  41  until they rest comfortably on the chest and legs. Lastly, the user must select the appropriate resistance level by replacing the springs  31  in the compression mechanisms  30 . Resistance level is adjusted by removing the end caps  32  and exchanging the springs  31  within the recesses  33  with springs  31  having a desired resistance level. 
     For advanced customization, the user may lock one or more plungers  41  by activating the locking mechanism  50 , preventing the corresponding plunger  41  from receiving outward force from the corresponding compression mechanism  30 . This can be advantageous for injured users who are only able to exercise specific parts of their body or for cross-body exercises. Furthermore, the user may use a tube housing  20  individually by releasing the tube housing  20  from the width-adjustment mechanism  60  with the width-adjustment screw  63 . This is advantageous for isolating a muscle group during exercise. 
     Once the present invention  10  is adjusted to the specifications of the user, it is ready for use as an exercise aid. One example includes using the present invention  10  for abdominal exercises, performed while sitting in a chair, lying on a half-ball, or lying on a mat. First, the user will grasp the present invention  10  with the grips  70  and place the plungers  41  and pads  43  against their chest and legs. Next, the user will bring their chest towards their legs, exerting force upon the compression mechanisms  30 . The compression mechanisms  30  will provide resistance to this motion by returning a force commensurate with the resistance level of the springs  31 . While this is an exemplary exercise, the adjustability and customization of the present invention  10  will provide many useful exercises and workouts for the user. 
     The above detailed description of the embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above or to the particular field of usage mentioned in this disclosure. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, the teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     Changes can be made to the invention in light of the above “Detailed Description.” While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Therefore, implementation details may vary considerably while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. 
     While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.