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Abdominal exercise and training apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Weight Resistance, Including Stationary Support For Weight, Having Lever Carrying The WeightAbdominal exercise and training apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060211549, Abdominal exercise and training apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to apparatus for exercising and strengthening the abdominal muscles. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus that enables a wide range of exercisers to perform isolated training of both the frontal and oblique abdominal muscles without straining the lower back. [0002] There are many exercise devices intended to train specific parts of the body. Training of the abdominal muscles can be particularly challenging because of the desire to concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles and at the same time minimize the stress and risk of injury to the lower back. Traditional sit-ups on a flat surface or on an inclined bench are far from optimal for strengthening the abdominal muscles. Beginning the exercise in a flat position puts stress on the spine and the neck and may be very difficult for a person with weak abdominal muscles. Additionally, the traditional sit-up motion engages the hip flexor muscles more than the abdominal muscles. Crunches are better than sit-ups insofar as isolating the abdominals. However, because the movement in performing a crunch is from a position with the back flat on the floor to a crunch position where just the head and shoulders are raised from the floor, the range of motion to which the abdominals are subjected is limited. [0003] Various resistance-type exercise devices for exercising abdominal muscles have been developed over the years. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,154 [Forcillo] discloses a pivotable abdominal bench that provides lessened or increased resistance while exercising. Although this apparatus provides the capability to both aid an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles in doing a sit-up and increase the resistance for a more advanced exerciser, it suffers from the basic configuration deficiency of starting the exercise in a flat prone position. Therefore, this device does not minimize lower back stress nor does it concentrate the work to the abdominal muscles as opposed to the hip flexors. [0004] Another type of device is known as a seated abdominal exercise machine. Generally, this type of machine places an exerciser in a seated position raised off the ground in a framework and includes an upper torso engaging structure that allows the exerciser to bend forwardly into a simulated crunch position against a variable resistance. The present invention is such a device. [0005] Although various attempts have been made to perfect these machines, there remain several disadvantages to many of the designs. Some of these machines emphasize motions that work the hip flexors more than the abdominal region. Other machines concentrate on moving about a particular axis or axes without fully supporting the head, shoulders, and lower back. Still other versions are limited by other factors such as a limited range of movement. [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,926 [Ellis] discloses a seated exercise machine permitting the exerciser to do crunches against weight resistance from a seated position. However, this device does not provide positive assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles and does not support the exerciser's back throughout the exercise. Additionally, this device has the exerciser seated in a position where the feet are placed on the floor, which may result in an awkward exercise position for exercisers of various heights. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,372 [Steffee, et al.] discloses a seated exercise machine wherein the exerciser works against a weight stack. However, the exerciser's back and head are not supported throughout the range of the exercise motion and there is no assistance provided for exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles. [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,752,748 [Scotti] discloses a seated exercise machine whereby the exerciser pulls down on handles from above which cause his feet, which are resting on a platform, to be simultaneously raised from below in a crunching motion. However, this device provides no back or head support for the exerciser, provides neither weight resistance nor assistance to an exerciser with weak abdominal muscles, and has no means for the exerciser to use his legs to assist in actuating the crunching motion. [0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus for doing crunches that provides continuous support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser. It is another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that does not impose undue stress on the exerciser's spine. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise apparatus that concentrates the work on the abdominal muscles of the exerciser. [0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a seated abdominal exercise apparatus that provides assistance to exercisers with weaker abdominal muscles as well as weight resistance to exercisers with strong abdominal muscles. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise machine that enables an exerciser to strengthen both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles by a simple adjustment of the apparatus. [0011] Other objects will appear hereinafter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012] The present invention provides an abdominal exercise apparatus to be used by an exerciser in a seated position. The apparatus of the present invention is symmetrical left to right and comprises a base from which an upper and a lower portion are pivotably suspended. The upper and lower portions are linked together, causing them to rotate in opposed directions with respect to the base. As an exerciser pulls down on handles extending from the top of the upper portion, drawing the upper portion pivotably forward and downward, the exerciser also pulls up on leg retaining means extending from the bottom of the lower portion, drawing the lower portion pivotably forward and upward, resulting in a sit-up or crunch motion. The upper portion and lower portion rotate in a fixed proportion to, and in opposite directions from, one another. Additionally, because the head is supported and the legs and feet are secured, the apparatus concentrates the intensity of the crunch workout on the abdominal muscles. [0013] The apparatus of the present invention protects against strain to the spine and lower back by providing support for the head, shoulders, and lower back of the exerciser, the upper portion of the apparatus comprising head and shoulder pads and the lower portion of the apparatus comprising lumbar and seat pads. As the exerciser draws the apparatus into the crunch position, his back and head continue to be supported throughout the entire range of motion. [0014] The abdominal exercise apparatus of the present invention additionally includes means to add weights to the upper and lower portions in order to both increase and decrease the force required to perform the crunch exercise. An advanced exerciser can benefit by increasing the weight on the upper portion, thereby making the exercise more difficult and enhancing the workout of the abdominal muscles. A beginning exerciser, or one who is rehabilitating from injury or has weak abdominal muscles, can benefit by increasing the weight on the lower portion, thereby making the exercise easier and enabling an exerciser to train using the crunch motion even if he is not capable of achieving that motion unassisted. Further, the apparatus of the present invention enables an exerciser to target both the frontal and the oblique abdominal muscles. [0015] In addition, the seat portion of the apparatus has the capability of pivoting to the left and right. The seat portion can also be secured in one of a straight ahead position, a leftwardly angled position, or a rightwardly angled position, without the exerciser rising from the apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. [0017] FIG. 1 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its rest state. [0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in a partially articulated state. [0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its fully articulated state. [0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown in its straight-ahead position, taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 3. [0021] FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the seat of the abdominal training apparatus of the present invention shown swiveled to its rightwardly angled position (from the perspective of a person seated on the machine) as depicted in FIG. 4 as taken along Line 4-4 of FIG. 3. Continue reading about Abdominal exercise and training apparatus... Full patent description for Abdominal exercise and training apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Abdominal exercise and training apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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