Abstract:
The abdominal exerciser of the present invention is an exercise device designed to work the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser includes a sled that is supported by and slides or rolls along at least one track. The upper body support is ergonomically positioned higher than the sled, and fixed to a cross bar supported by the track. The cross bar is designed to rotate forward to simulate an abdominal exercise “crunch” motion when the knees are brought within proximity of the upper body support.

Description:
CLAIM TO PRIORITY 
   The present application claims the benefit of to U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “Ab Razor,” Application No. 60/541,744, filed on Jan. 5, 2004 which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Technical Field 
   The present invention relates to exercise machines and methods and more particularly, the invention relates to an exercise machine and method that targets the abdominal muscles. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   There are numerous abdominal exercises that an individual may practice in order to decrease abdominal girth, strengthen the abdominal muscles and maintain abdominal muscle tone. 
   The various abdominal exercises generally known as crunch exercises have long been regarded as among the most effective for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles. However, performing these exercises requires repeated stress and strain the muscles of the head, neck, and back which can cause inefficiency, discomfort, and even injury. 
   For example, a very common exercise of the abdominal muscles is a sit-up wherein a person lies on the floor or an inclined bench with legs secured and repeatedly bends at the waist to cause the upper torso to move forward and then away from the legs. This type of exercise is known to cause overload to the spine and neck and can easily cause injury when sitting up from a prone position to a sitting position. To correct this problem, many devices and exercises have been created in an attempt to develop and maintain the abdominal muscles. Unfortunately these devices and exercises often produce results which do not necessarily strengthen the abdominal muscles but strengthen the hip and thigh muscles attached to the lumbar spine area and to the rear of the pelvis and hip bones. When such muscles contract not only does the rectus muscle of the abdomen work with little effort but the other muscles rotate the pelvis forward thus creating the occurrence of increased lower back pain which contributes to poor mechanical alignment and undesirable upright posture of the exerciser. 
   For example, abdominal exercises that use arm slings and the person hanging from a bar are only beneficial to advanced athletes that are able to perform the exercise effectively. However, even when performed effectively, the back is extremely overloaded and the hip-flexors handle much of the load creating a risk of injury. 
   Also, lower abdominal exercises utilizing leg raises or reverse cruches where the knees are raised to the chest while the body is suspended vertically, supported only by arms or elbows, are strenuous on the lower back and offer minimal back support. These types of exercises are especially bad due to excessive strain on the back caused by lifting the knees to the chest. Furthermore, a significant number of people who do this type of abdominal exercise become injured with continued use. 
   Also, some exercise machines concentrate on cardio training with too little resistance thereby producing semi-effective strength training with very limited results. For example, exercise machines similar to the AB LOUNGE or AB SCISSOR provide more isolation than the above abdominal exercise but do not provide enough resistance because the exercise motions performed with these devices do not provide a resistance that is consistent with strength training. 
   In addition, exercise machines similar to the AB DOLLEY or AB SLIDE are effective for upper abdominal muscles and upper torso but not for lower abdominals. Also, exercises using these types of devices are difficult and dangerous for two reasons: first resistance is concentrated downward by gravity making isolation on the abdominal muscles impossible, as the entire upper torso, front and back muscles, and arms are needed to handle the load; and second, the user&#39;s back is forced into an ergonomically unfriendly angle with the upper body which is operating too low in conjunction with the lower body. Such a position is uncomfortable, awkward and can cause injury. 
   What is needed is an abdominal exerciser that will isolate the upper and lower abdominal muscles with true strength conditioning to change the shape of the overall abdomen muscle structure without compromising safety or support for the back. It would be beneficial if the apparatus could enable a user to execute the abdominal exercise in a biometrically neutral position, minimizing or eliminating back and neck strain. It would also be beneficial if the user could perform an upper abdominal crunch simultaneously with a controlled and supported reverse crunch. It would further be beneficial if the apparatus could allow the user to hold either the upper or lower crunch in a fully contracted ‘isometric’ position while continuing with the opposite crunch rendering a dynamically concentrated isolation of the abdominal muscles. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The abdominal exerciser of the present invention is an exercise device designed to work the abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The abdominal exerciser includes a sled that is supported by and slides or rolls along at least one track. The upper body support is ergonomically positioned higher than the sled, and fixed to a cross bar supported by the track. The cross bar is designed to rotate forward to simulate a “crunch” motion when the knees are brought within proximity of the upper body support. 
   The track that supports the sled is fixed to front and rear foundations at opposite ends of the track. The front foundation includes a telescopic extension to raise the height of one end of the track to a desired level of inclination. 
   To perform the abdominal exercise, a user first positions the forearms on the upper body support and then positions the shins onto the sled. The user then slides the sled towards the upper body support by using the abdominal muscles to bring the knees as close as possible to the upper body support. 
   Near the point of maximum forward motion of the sled, the user has the option to rock the upper body support forward simulating a sit up or what is known as a “crunch” motion. 
   An optional pad is attached to the upper body support to rest the chest, head, or chin in order to increase the user&#39;s pressure with the forward crunch motion. The optional pad can also changes the dynamics of the exercise and the muscles worked. A compression spring or other type of resistance can provide increased resistance for this motion. 
   Resistance to sliding the sled is provided by a user&#39;s body weight working against gravity, as it is forced upward on the inclined tracks. Resistance can be increased or decreased by raising and lowering the level of incline. Also, resistance bands or free weights attached to the sled may be used for additional resistance. 
   The abdominal exerciser of the present invention isolates the upper and lower abdominal muscles with true strength conditioning to change the shape of the overall abdomen muscle structure without compromising safety or support for the back. It also enables a user to execute the abdominal exercise in a biometrically neutral position, minimizing or eliminating back and neck strain. In addition, the abdominal exerciser of the present invention allows a user to perform an upper abdominal crunch simultaneously with a controlled and supported reverse crunch. Also, it allows a user to hold either the upper or lower crunch in a fully contracted isometric position while continuing with the opposite crunch rendering a dynamically concentrated isolation of the abdominal muscles. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an abdominal exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an upper body support of an abdominal exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an abdominal exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  in use by a person. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures may be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
     FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of abdominal exerciser  102 . Abdominal exerciser  102  has a front portion  132 , rear portion  134  and contains rear support  104 , forward support  106 , track  108 , sled,  110 , and upper body support  112 . 
   Rear support  104  rests on the ground and provides foundational support for abdominal exerciser  102 . Rear support  104  may have a long tubular profile, a solid square or rectangular profile, or any other profile known in the art for use as support of a bench like structure similar to abdominal exerciser  102 . Rear support  104  is attached to track  108 . 
   Track  108  is made of metal, plastic with a metal or TEFLON coating or some other material that has a relatively low coefficient of friction with the material used to make roller  128 . In the preferred embodiment there are two tracks  108 , however in other embodiments there may be only one track or, alternatively, more than two tracks. Track  108  extends from rear support  104  to forward support  106  and has a rear portion  114  proximate to rear support  104  and a forward portion  116  proximate to forward support  106 . 
   Forward support  106  elevates forward portion  1156  of track  108  at least approximately 6 inches off the ground and contains hollow outer base  118  and adjustable top portion  120  and provides foundational support for abdominal exerciser  102 . Base  118  may have a long tubular profile, a solid square or rectangular profile, or any other profile known in the art for use as support for a bench like structure similar to abdominal exerciser  102 . 
   Adjustable top portion  120  is slidably mounted within outer base  118  in telescoping relation. By sliding the adjustable top portion  120  inwardly or outwardly relative to outer base  118 , the overall length of forward support  106  can be selectively changed to vary the height of forward support  106 . A locking means is provided for locking outer base  118  and adjustable top portion  120  in desired relative positions to create a desired length for forward support  106 . 
   Preferably, the locking means includes at least one hole  129  in outer base  118  and a plurality of holes  130  in adjustable top portion  120  which can be selectively aligned with least one hole  129  in outer base  118 . A pin member is constructed to be inserted in the aligned holes, thereby securely locking forward support  106  in the desired length. At least one hole  129  and holes  130  may be threaded holes, and the pin member may have cooperating threads to enable the pin to be threaded or screwed into the holes to secure forward support  106  at a desired length. Track  108  is secured to forward support  106  and forward support  106  elevates tracks  108  to a desired level, preferably at least approximately 6 inches above to provide an incline. 
   Sled  110  glides along track  108 . Sled  110  contains sled base  126 . Attached to sled base  126  are instep pad  122 , knee pad  124 , and roller  128 . Roller  128  may be made of metal, plastic with a metal or Teflon® coating or some other material that has a relatively low coefficient of friction on the material used to make track  108 . In and alternate embodiment, roller  128  may be ball bearings or some other means which would allow sled  110  to travel along track  108  with a relatively low coefficient of friction. 
   Instep pad  122  is made of dense foam, rubber, or some other similar material. The purpose of instep pad  122  is to elevate the feet to avoid interfering with the movement of the sled. Other means may be used to elevate the feet such as a wedge or the feet may not be elevated at all. 
   In one embodiment, knee pad  124  can pivot approximately 2 to 45 degrees to the right or left of a plane vertical to the center of sled  110 . By pivoting knee pad  124  the oblique muscles can be effectively exercised. 
   Sled  110  can travel the entire length of track  108  but preferably travels to the approximate area of upper body support  112 . 
   Upper body support  112  is attached to front portion  132  of abdominal exerciser  102  and comprises elevation bar  144 , cross bar  136 , arm pad  138 , and chest pad  140 . Elevation bar  144  is attached to track  108  such that sled  110  can travel past elevation bar  144 . In an alternate embodiment, elevation bar  144  is attached to track  108  such that sled  110  cannot travel past elevation bar  144 . In addition, elevation bar  144  may be attached to forward support  106 . Cross bar  136  is pivotally attached to elevation bar  144  and suspend approximately 12 to 48 inches above track  108 . 
   Cross bar  136  is pivotally attached to elevation bars such that the amount of torque required to rotate cross bar  136  can be adjusted, preferably by tension control member  142 . Tension control member  142  controls the amount of resistance required to rotate cross bar  136  and can be set such that cross bar  136  may be locked in any rotational position especially one where arm pad  138  has been rotated towards track  108 . 
   Arm pad  138  is attached to cross bar  136 , has a general rectangular or square profile, and is made of dense foam or some other similar material. Arm pad  138  provides support for the arms during use. Chest pad  140  is attached to arm pad  138  and elevated approximately 1 to 36 inches above arm pad  138 . Chest pad  140  has a general cylindrical, rectangular, or square profile and is made of dense foam or some other similar material. Chest pad  140  provides support for the chest during use. In an alternate embodiment, a head support may be used to support the head. In addition, shoulder pads may be used in conjunction with or to replace chest pad  140 . Other means to support the upper body of the user would be apparent to one skilled in the art. 
   In an alternate embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2 , the cross bar  136  is divided into two sections, right bar section  202  and left bar section  204 . Right bar section  202  and left bar section  204  are pivotally attached to elevation bar  144  such that the torque required to rotate right bar section  202  and left bar section  204  can be adjusted, preferably by a tension control members  206  and/or  208  respectively. Tension control members  206  and  208  controls the amount of resistance required to rotate right bar section  202  and left bar section  204  and can be set such that right bar section  202  and left bar section  204  may be locked in any rotational position especially one where arm pad  138  has been rotated towards the track  108 . Tension control members  206  and  208  have markings or slots such that each one can be set to the same tension as the other or only one tension control member may be used to control the amount of resistance required to rotate the upper body support  112 . 
   The chest pad  140  is also divided into two sections, right pad  210  and left pad  212 . Right pad  210  and left pad  212  are attached to right bar section  202  and left bar section  204  respectively. In an alternate embodiment, chest pad  140  is a single one piece member. 
     FIG. 3  shows an alternate embodiment wherein upper body support  112  is pivoted when sled  110  is accelerated towards upper body support  112 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the pivot means is a bell crank with pivot member  302  attached to elevation bar  144 , lower arm  304  attached to sled  110 , and upper arm  306  attached to upper body support  112 . In use, when sled  110  is accelerated towards upper body support, lower arm  304  pushes pivot member  302  causing it to rotate and pull down on upper arm  306 , which causes upper body support  112  to rotate. A second function of the pivot means is to help accelerate sled  110  towards upper body support  112  by rotating upper body support  112  towards track  108 . 
   Use of a pivot means, such as the bell crank, forces the user to perform an upper abdominal crunch simultaneously with a controlled and supported reverse crunch. As would be known in the art, other means may be used to pivot upper body support  112  when sled  110  is accelerated towards upper body support  112 . For example, other mechanical means similar to a bell crank or a cable and pulley system may be used to pivot upper body support  112  when sled  110  is accelerated towards upper body support  112 . 
   To increase resistance, free weight  308  may be attached to sled  110 . In addition, resistance bands  310  may also be used to increase resistance. Resistance bands are elastic and attached to rear support  104  and sled  110 . 
   In use, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the forearms are positioned on upper body support  112  and the shins are positioned onto instep pads  122  on sled  110 . Sled  110  is then accelerated towards upper body support  112  by bringing the knees as close as possible to upper body support  112  while keeping forearms positioned on upper body support  112 . 
   By pivoting knee pad  124  approximately 5 to 45 degrees to the right or left of a plane vertical to the center of sled  110  the force needed to accelerate sled  110  can be supplied by the right or left oblique muscles. In addition, the knees may be brought as high as possible at the peak of the contracted point of both crunches, rendering a tight squeeze in a near fetal position. 
   To perform an upper body crunch the legs are frozen at a 90 degree angle with respect to knee pad  124  while sled  110  is accelerated towards upper body support  112  and cross bar  136  is pivoted towards track  108 . Then, using the upper abdominal muscles, sled  110  is made to travel back and forth along track  108  while the legs and hips remaining locked at a 90 degree angle with respect to knee pad  124 . 
   To perform a reverse crunch, the knees are allowed to freely move while sled  110  is accelerated towards upper body support  112  but cross bar  136  is not allowed to pivot in any direction. Then, using the lower abdominal muscles, sled  110  is made to travel back and forth along track  108  while cross bar  136  is locked in a desired position. 
   To perform a tandem crunch and exercise both the upper and lower abdominal muscles, the knees are allowed to freely move while sled  110  is accelerated towards upper body support  112  and cross bar  136  is pivoted towards track  108 . Then, the upper and lower abdominal muscles are used to force sled  110  to travel back and forth along track  108  while cross bar  136  is pivoted towards track  108 . 
   Although the invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, the description is not to be construed in a limiting sense. There is modification of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of this invention, which will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art and various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention shall be viewed as limited only by reference to the following claims.