Abstract:
The invention provides a device to allow the user to perform the plank exercise without having to get on the floor that does not suffer from any of the problems or deficiencies associated with prior solutions. In a related embodiment, the invention includes the ability to do side planks for the oblique muscles and back planks where the user would be facing the anchor point.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to a device that you can perform the plank exercise, amongst other exercises, without having to get on the floor. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Currently there are a number of solutions for exercising while perpendicular to the floor. Some of these solutions attempt to provide resistance to a workout without the use of various weights, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because they are not designed in a manner to work the abdominal cavity without getting on the floor. Other solutions attempt to use exercise resistance bands, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because they do not utilize a sling device to properly position one&#39;s extremities while exercising. Still other solutions seek to be versatile, but these solutions also fail to meet industry needs because they are not easily controllable by the user. 
         [0003]    It would be desirable to have an apparatus that allows the user to exercise the abdomen and or core muscles without having to get on the floor. It would be advantageous to have a device that only needs to be attached to a stationary object which/that can be used to work abdominal muscles while standing. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have an apparatus that allows for resistance levels to be easily varied. Still further, it would be desirable to have a device that is flexible and durable. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a device that enables the plank exercise to be performed while standing which provides a platform to vary the resistance level of the exercise and its iterations. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a device that allows for multiple (front, side, and back) abdominal exercises (Plank) at varying levels of resistance that is performed while standing. 
         [0005]    Most people cannot perform the actual “Plank” exercise position on the floor. This is primarily due to classic plank exercises are an “All or None” type of exercise. Thus, if an person&#39;s core muscles are not strong enough to support their weight lying on the floor in a “plank” position, they are not able to perform the plank exercises at all. The device describes herein works the plank position starting from no resistance to full resistance because one is standing up and walking away from the attachment sling of the band. The further one walks away from the stationary object the device is attached to, the more resistance is achieved. 
         [0006]    Among other things, it is a feature of the invention to allow one to perform the plank exercise without having to get on the floor that does not suffer from any of the problems or deficiencies associated with prior solutions. 
         [0007]    It is still further a feature of the invention to include the ability to do side planks for the oblique muscles and back planks where the user would be facing the anchor point. 
         [0008]    The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exercise device. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of another example embodiment of an exercise device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows a side elevation view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows a top plan view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows a support and cable assembly of an exercise device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of an exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  shows a side perspective view of an exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  shows a side elevation view of an exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  shows a front elevation view of a portion of an exercise device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The invention is directed to performing the plank exercise without having to get on the floor. 
         [0020]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts through several views,  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  9 - 10  where the stand-up plank device  10  generally includes a cable  15 , first support  20 , a second support  25  and an adjustable strap  50 . Cable  15  generally provides elastic resistance to the user and can be comprised of several materials known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a list of non-limiting materials include, rubber, plastics and nylon materials. Cable  15  will typically be comprised of a single unitary body. A medial portion of cable  15  is connected to adjustable strap  50  which is a connection means between cable  15  and a support, such as a pole or door jam. 
         [0021]    First support  20  and second support  25  may also include printed or stamped indicia to display an advertisement, trademark, company logo or product name. In addition, first support  20  and second support  25  provides a support means to allow for a person using stand-up plank device  10  to avoid the process of lying on the floor to perform a plank exercise.  FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment without bridge  20 , which is removable for other exercises. 
         [0022]    Cable  15  also includes two terminal ends which may include cable rings  35  which allow for cable  15  to be connected to first support  20  and second support  25 . First support  20  and second support  25  provide a support mechanism for a user&#39;s arms while performing stand-up plank exercises. First support  20  and second support  25  may be made of a number of materials such as nylon, polyester, cotton, neoprene and combinations thereof 
         [0023]    First support  20  and second support  25  may also include a D-ring  30  which can allow for mechanical connection between cable ring  35 . It should be appreciated that cable ring  35  and D-ring  30  may have an intermediary connection means, such as a metal carabineer  40 , depicted in FIGS.  1  and  6 - 9 . 
         [0024]    A best shown in  FIG. 1 , first support  20  and second support  25  may optionally include a trim  45 , which can be used to prevent fraying of arm sling material over a period of use. Trim  45  may also provide additional support for arm sling when the arm sling is in use. This is especially advantageous because the arm sling may incur a significant amount of torque when a user places a portion of their bodyweight on arm sling during upright plank exercises. 
         [0025]    First support  20  and second support  25  may have a means of being removeably attached to D-ring  30 , such as with hook and loop fasteners (i.e., Velcro®), buttons or fasteners known in the art. First support  20  and second support  25  may also be permanently fixed to D-ring  30 . This permanent attachment can occur through several securement means, such as adhesives, stitching, chemical welding and the like. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2-3  and  5  where an alternative embodiment of stand up plank device  10  is described. In at least this example embodiment, cable  15  is attached to first support  20  and second support  25  with a grommet  55  and a bulge fastener  60  as best shown in  FIG. 5 . This configuration allows the connection of first support  20  and second support  25  to cable  15  without additional pieces of hardware. 
         [0027]    When in use stand-up plank device  10  may be attached, via adjustable strap  50  to a support. Once secured a user may insert a first human extremity, such as an arm, into first support  20 . The user may subsequently pass a second extremity into second support  25 . 
         [0028]    Once the user and stand-up plank device  10  are secured, the user may adjust first support  20  and second support  25  to be disposed on the forearm area. Alternatively, the user may wish to place first support  20  and second support  25  on the bicep region. 
         [0029]    Once first support  20  and second support  25  are positioned the user may participate in a number of exercises to focus the plank exercises on specific muscle groups. In one example exercise, the user may lean forward in a position from at least 15 degrees from a vertical position. In another related exercise, the user may lean backwards in a position from at least 15 degrees from a vertical position. In another related exercise the user may lean laterally in a position from at least 10 degrees from a vertical position to either the left or right side of user. Once positioned in any of the aforementioned positions the user may hold the position for several seconds, or may hold the position until muscle fatigue requires the user to move to a vertical (non-exercise) position. 
         [0030]    While the present invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.