Patent Publication Number: US-5897472-A

Title: Abdominal exercise apparatus featuring prestretching and weight training facilities

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The instant invention relates generally to exercise devices and more specifically it relates to an abdominal exercise apparatus. The abdominal exercise apparatus will efficiently exercise all the muscles of the midsection of the body. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Numerous exercise devices have been provided in prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,553 to Hatfield; U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,052 to Evans; U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,291 to Pekkanen and U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,898 to Wilkinson all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. 
     HATFIELD, FREDERICK C. 
     WEIGHT LIFTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF EXERCISING 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,372,553 
     An exercising system for exercising the abdominal muscles in which the abdominal muscles are isolated and placed &#34;on stretch&#34; prior to contracture comprising an exercising device having a seat with a posteriorly curved, firm back in which the user sits and secures himself and bends forward working against a progressive force resistance system using weights supported on a pulley system or using a resilient, stretch material connected by means of shoulder harness with straps to the upper shoulder portions of the user, with the user strapped into place with a seat belt. In use, the exerciser simply straps himself into the seat, puts the shoulder harness on and lies back against the posteriorly curved back which puts the abdominals in stretch. Then, by &#34;crunching&#34; the entire upper torso forward (as though an attempt were being made to put the face on the knees), the resisting weights are moved or the material stretched and the abdominals are exercised in isolation, with the exercise repeated as long as desired. 
     EVANS, LAYNE 
     ABDOMINAL EXERCISE APPARATUS THAT PROVIDES FOR INCREASED ELONGATION OF THE ABDOMINAL MUSCLES 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,052 
     This apparatus is for the development of the abdominal muscles through their ranges of motion including that known as elongation. The objective of the apparatus is to build muscle power and endurance, not only when the abdominal muscles are mostly contracted, but also when the abdominal muscles are mostly elongated. The apparatus includes an outward arch which fits under the upper lumbar and lower thoracic spine. One slope of the arch provides the user&#39;s pelvis and lumbar spin with consistent support. The rest of the arch provides the user&#39;s remaining spine to be supported when resting, but to be free to arch beyond the amount of arch that occurs in normal standing posture. This exercise is made functional by a knee retainer that holds down on the knees which, in turn, holds down on the pelvis, thereby creating maintainable contact between the pelvis/low-lumbar area and the slope of the arch. 
     PEKKANEN, OLLI 
     DEVICE IN A TRAINING APPARATUS 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,291 
     A device in an exercising apparatus, comprising a belt or rope in the grip section which the operator grasps. The position is freely adjustable and can be locked in for the duration of the exercise. The mechanism to actuate locking can either be located in the grip section or be installed at the opposite end of the belt. The device is suitable for application in any type of exercising apparatus and is easily adaptable to existing apparatuses. 
     WILKINSON, WILLIAM T. 
     MULTIFUNCTION EXERCISE AND AEROBIC BENCH 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,898 
     A multifunction exercise and aerobic bench includes an elongated support member having a head end and a foot end. Legs extend below each of the head end and foot ends to elevate the support member. Handles are secured to the support member at the head end and extend upwardly above the support member. The legs at the foot end are movably mounted so that the elevation of the foot end can be lower than the head end to selectively incline the support member. A bar is pivotally mounted at the foot end for moving in an arc. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices. 
     Another object is to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that will make easier weight training for all the muscles of the midsection of the body, which will speed up fat loss, enhance forming of the muscles, increase muscle mass and strengthens the muscles. 
     An additional object is to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that will sufficiently prepare, correctly position and isolate the various muscles of the midsection of the body. 
     A further object is to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that is simple and easy to use. 
     A still further object is to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that is economical in cost to manufacture. 
     Further objects of the invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein; 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the instant invention positioned for working the rectus abdominus. 
     FIG. 2 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 2 in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 is a left side view taken in the direction of arrow 3 in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the pad base structure of FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 5 is a front view taken in the direction of arrow 5 in FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 6 is a bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 6 in FIG. 5. 
     FIG. 7 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 7 in FIG. 5. 
     FIG. 8 is a left side view taken in the direction of arrow 8 in FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded front view similar to FIG. 5. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 10 in FIG. 9. 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of the instant invention positioned for working the right obliques. 
     FIG. 12 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 12 in FIG. 11. 
     FIG. 13 is a left side view taken in the direction of arrow 13 in FIG. 11. 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded front perspective view of the pad base structure of FIG. 11. 
     FIG. 15 is an exploded right side view taken in the direction of arrow 15 in FIG. 14. 
     FIG. 16 is a left side view taken in the direction of arrow 16 in FIG. 14. 
     FIG. 17 is an exploded front view taken in the direction of arrow 17 in FIG. 14. 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 18 in FIG. 17. 
     FIG. 19 is a front view of the instant invention positioned for working the left obliques. 
     FIG. 20 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 20 in FIG. 19. 
     FIG. 21 is a left side view taken in the direction of arrow 21 in FIG. 19. 
     FIG. 22 is an exploded front perspective view of the pad base structure of FIG. 19. 
     FIG. 23 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 23 in FIG. 22. 
     FIG. 24 is an exploded left side view taken in the direction of arrow 24 in FIG. 22. 
     FIG. 25 is an exploded front view taken in the direction of arrow 25 in FIG. 22. 
     FIG. 26 is and exploded bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 26 in FIG. 25. 
     FIG. 27 is an enlarged front view of an area in FIG. 1 indicated by arrow 27, showing the sliding pulley in the grooved column in greater detail. 
     FIG. 28 is a further enlarged right side view taken in the direction of arrow 28 in FIG. 27. 
     FIG. 29 is a top view of the padding attached to the cable with VELCRO. 
     FIG. 30 is an elevational view of the V-shaped strap with rings at its ends. 
     FIG. 31 is a front view of the instant invention, showing the seat removed therefrom and positioned for working from a standing posture. 
     FIG. 32 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 32 in FIG. 31. 
     FIG. 33 is a right side view similar to FIG. 32 with the seat installed and height adjusted to a lower position. 
     FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of the pad base structure with both the additional detachable pads and the original detachable pads attached thereto. 
     FIG. 35 is a front view taken in the direction of arrow 35 in FIG. 34. 
     FIG. 36 is a bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 36 in FIG. 35. 
     FIG. 37 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 37 in FIG. 35. 
     FIG. 38 is a left side view taken in the direction of arrow 38 in FIG. 34. 
     FIG. 39 is an exploded front view similar to FIG. 35. 
     FIG. 40 is an exploded bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 40 in FIG. 39. 
     FIG. 41 is an exploded front perspective view of the pad base structure similar to FIG. 14, with the additional right detachable pad attached thereto. 
     FIG. 42 is an exploded right side view taken in the direction of arrow 42 in FIG. 41. 
     FIG. 43 is a left side view taken in the direction of arrow 43 in FIG. 41. 
     FIG. 44 is an exploded front view taken in the direction of arrow 44 in FIG. 41. 
     FIG. 45 is an exploded bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 45 in FIG. 44. 
     FIG. 46 is an exploded front perspective view of the pad base structure similar to FIG. 22, with the additional left detachable pad attached thereto. 
     FIG. 47 is a right side view taken in the direction of arrow 47 in FIG. 46. 
     FIG. 48 is an exploded left side view taken in the direction of arrow 48 in FIG. 46. 
     FIG. 49 is an exploded front view taken in the direction of arrow 49 in FIG. 46. 
     FIG. 50 is an exploded bottom view taken in the direction of arrow 50 in FIG. 49. 
     FIG. 51 is a rear perspective view of a person with parts broken away, wearing the hook strap. 
    
    
     Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the Figures illustrate an abdominal exercise apparatus 52 of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures. 
     52 abdominal exercise apparatus 
     54 adjustable upright stand of 52 
     56 multi-contoured back pad base structure of 52 
     58 person 
     60 component of 52 
     62 back of 58 
     64 force resistance assembly of 52 
     66 connecting facility of 52 
     68 upper body of 58 
     70 foot plate of 54 
     72 vertical leg of 54 
     74 understructure bar of 54 
     76 lock connector of 54 
     78 platform of 56 
     80 pad base of 56 
     82 left contoured pad of 56 
     84 right contoured pad of 56 
     86 convex top surface on 82, 84 
     88 concave bottom surface on 82, 84 
     90 attaching elements 
     92 left side end of 80 
     94 convex surface of 92, 96 
     96 right side end of 80 
     98 middle segment of 80 
     100 hole in 92, 96 
     102 magnetic pad in 100 
     104 cylindrical pin of 90 
     106 magnetic tip on 104 
     108 hollow tube of 60 
     110 fastener of 60 
     112 arm of 64 
     114 grooved bar of 64 
     116 hole in 114 
     118 L-shaped extension of 64 
     120 T-formation end of 118 
     122 aperture in 120 
     124 wheel of 64 
     126 pin of 64 
     128 swivel member of 64 
     130 casing of 64 
     132 pulley of 64 
     134 elongate cable of 64 
     136 ring on 134 of 64 
     138 weight on 134 of 64 
     140 hook strap vest of 66 
     142 hook on 140 of 66 
     144 neck of 58 
     146 seat of 52 
     148 attaching assemblage of 52 
     150 post of 146 of 148 
     152 sleeve of 148 
     154 additional left contoured pad 
     156 additional right contoured pad 
     158 convex top surface on 154, 156 
     160 concave bottom surface on 154, 156 
     The abdominal exercise apparatus 52 comprises an adjustable upright stand 54. A multi-contoured back pad base structure 56 is for positioning, preparing and isolating various muscles of the abdomen of a person 58 during exercise. A component 60 is for mounting the multi-contoured back pad base structure 56 to the adjustable upright stand 54, so that a back 62 of the person 58 can be placed against the multi-contoured back pad base structure 56. A force resistance assembly 64 is affixed onto a top end of the adjustable upright stand 54. A facility 66 is for connecting an upper body 68 of the person 58 to the force resistance assembly 64. When the person 58 moves forwardly away from the multi-contoured back pad base structure 56, the force resistance assembly 64 will apply a force resistance to the upper body 68 of the person 58, to exercise the abdominal muscles of the person 58. 
     The adjustable upright stand 54 includes an elongated horizontal foot plate 70 which sits upon a floor. A vertical leg 72 is attached to the foot plates 70. An understructure bar 74 is provided. A lock connector 76 is between a top end of the vertical leg 72 and a bottom end of the understructure bar 74, so as to maintain the understructure bar 74 at any desired angle with respect to the floor for an exercise requirement for the person 58. 
     The multi-contoured back pad base structure 56 consists of a platform 78, with a pad base 80 on the platform 78. Left and right contoured pads 82, 84 are provided, with each having a convex top surface 86 and a concave bottom surface 88. Elements 90 are for attaching the left and right contoured pads 82, 84 to the pad base 80 in a detachable manner, in three different combinations, so as to prestretch the rectus abdominus, the left obliques and the right obliques, as per exercise requirement. 
     The pad base 80 comprises a left side end 92 having a convex surface 94, with a right side end 96 having a convex surface 94. A middle segment 98 is between the left side end 92 and the right side end 96 with the respective convex surfaces 94 sloping away from the middle segment 98, so as to allow one half of the back 62 of the person 58 to decline onto either of the respective convex surfaces 94. 
     The attaching elements 90 include the left side end 92 of the pad base 80 having a pair of holes 100 therein. The right side end 96 of the pad base 80 has a pair of holes 100 therein. Four magnetic pads 102 are provided. The magnetic pads 102 are inserted into the bottom of the holes 100 in the left side end 92 and into bottom of the holes 100 in the right side end 96 of the pad base 80. Four cylindrical pins 104 are also provided, with each cylindrical pin 104 having a magnetic tip 106. Two cylindrical pins 104 extend from the concave bottom surface 88 of the left contoured pad 82 to be received in the holes 100 in the left side end 92 of the pad base 80, so that the two respective magnetic tips 106 will make contact with the two magnetic pads 102. The other two cylindrical pins 104 extend from the concave bottom surface 88 of the right contoured pad 84 to be received in the holes 100 in the right side end 96 of the pad base 80, so that the two respective magnetic tips 106 will make contact with the two magnetic pads 102. 
     The mounting component 60 consists of a hollow tube 108 mounted to a rear surface of the platform 78. The hollow tube 108 slides on the understructure bar 74 of the adjustable upright stand 54. A fastener 110 is for retaining the hollow tube 108 on the understructure bar 74 in a stationary position. 
     The force resistance assembly 64, as best seen in FIGS. 27 and 28, comprises an arm 112 angularly affixed to a top end of the understructure bar 74 of the adjustable upright stand 54. A grooved bar 114 is transversely mounted across a top end of the arm 112. The grooved bar 114 has a plurality of spaced apart holes 116 therethrough. An L-shaped extension 118 with a T-formation end 120 has an aperture 122 therethrough. A plurality of wheels 124 are carried on the T-formation end 120 of the L-shaped extension 118, which ride within the grooved bar 114. A pin 126 extends through any one of the holes 116 in the grooved bar 114 and the aperture 122 in the T-formation end 120 of the L-shaped extension 118, as per exercise requirement. A swivel member 128 is on a top end of the L-shaped extension 118, with a casing 130 on the swivel member 128. A pulley 132 is rotatively carried within the casing 130. An elongate cable 134 extends over the pulley 132. A ring 136 is affixed to an upper end of the elongate cable 134, while a weight 138 is affixed to a lower end of the elongate cable 134. 
     The connecting facility 66, as shown in FIG. 51, includes a hook strap vest 140 worn on the upper body 68 of the person 58. Five hooks 142 are affixed to the hook strap vest 140. Each of the hooks 142 engages the ring 136 on the upper end of the elongate cable 134, when performing the various exercises. Two of the hooks 142 located on the upper left and upper right on the hook strap vest 40 can be used for the oblique abdominal exercises. Two of the hooks 142 located at a lower portion of the hook strap vest 140 can be used for the transverse abdominal exercises. The hook 142 located directly behind the neck 144 of the person 58 can be used for the rectus abdominal exercise. 
     The abdominal exercise apparatus 52 further contains a seat 146 and an assemblage 148 for attaching the seat 146 to the vertical leg 72 of the adjustable upright stand 54 in a horizontal swivel locking manner below the multi-contoured back pad base structure 56, so that the person 58 can sit upon the seat 146 to exercise the abdominal muscles. 
     The attaching assemblage 148 includes the seat 146 having a post 150 which is parallel to the vertical leg 72 of the adjustable upright stand 54. A sleeve 152 is affixed at one side to the vertical leg 72, to receive the post 150 of the seat 146. The post 150 can swivel within the sleeve 152, so as to position the seat 146 with respect to the vertical leg 72 as per exercise requirement. 
     The abdominal exercise apparatus 52, as shown in FIGS. 34 to 50, can further contain additional left and right contoured pads 154, 156, with each having a convex top surface 158 and a concave bottom surface 160. The additional left and right contoured pads 154, 156 can be connected in a detachable manner to the respective left and right contoured pads 84, 86 to increase the arching of the back 62 of the person 58 when exercising. 
     The multi-contoured back pad base structure 56 can be partially substituted by two hollow metal arches having the same curvature dimensions as the detachable pads 82, 84 with each arch, two and a half inches wide and merely a half inch apart from one another when kept upright. These arches can be based on a conventional abdominal &#34;situp&#34; board with curved niches to accommodate the arches and the lower end of the board can be made to provided seating adjustability. The understructure of the board accommodates a detachable tubular bar which extends to centrally meet the grooved bar 14 containing the sliding pulley 132. The leg-support of the board can be made to fold back to the understructure, to provide for cable and weight space. The leg of the board can be made to provide an upright stance, the seat at the lower end of the board is positioned upright and the sliding pulley 132 in grooved bar 114 facility can be slid into the understructure to make for weight resisted crunches. When both arches are kept upright together they exercise the rectus abdominus and when kept upright singularly, they facilitate obliques exercises. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.