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Abdominal exercising and strength testing systemsRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Sit Up DeviceAbdominal exercising and strength testing systems description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070021282, Abdominal exercising and strength testing systems. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/023,038, filed Feb. 13, 1998, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to devices for strengthening the lower back, low abdomen and posture on multiple planes, and for teaching a neutral spine. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Devices for monitoring, controlling and correcting posture are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,582,935, to Verhaeghe; U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,032, to Brooks; U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,625, to Fraser et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,929, to Sawhill; U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,310, to Hsien; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,401, to Brucker. However, such corrective devices are not designed specifically for use in strengthening the low abdomen and lower back of the user. [0004] A need exists for an apparatus that is useful in an exercise regimen for strengthening the low abdomen and lower back of a human. A need also exists for an apparatus that informs the user when the neutral spine position is maintained during exercise in multiple positions (e.g., sitting, lying, standing). SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus including a pad, signal means and detection means. The signal means is affixed to the pad, and the detection means detects a weight applied to the pad and activates the signal means when the weight so detected exceeds a predetermined weight. [0006] In preferred embodiments, the signal means produces a vibratory signal, an auditory signal or a visible signal. More preferably, the signal means produces a vibratory signal and includes at least one vibrator unit. [0007] According to another preferred embodiment, the inventive apparatus includes a head rest affixed to the pad, preferably detachably affixed to the pad and spaced from the signal means. Preferably the head rest includes a plurality of handles. [0008] According to a more specific embodiment, the inventive apparatus includes a a wedge for insertion between the head rest and the pad. [0009] In another preferred embodiment, the detection means includes a mechanical switch which closes when a weight applied thereto exceeds a predetermined pressure. According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the detection means includes a pressure sensor and an electronic circuit which generates an output when pressure measured by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined pressure. [0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of strengthening the abdomen and lower back of a human by use of an apparatus as described herein. [0011] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which [0013] FIGS. 1a-b are top plan and exploded side views, respectively, of a first embodiment employing a detachable head rest and a lumbar pad, with vibrator units and pressure sensors disposed within the lumbar unit shown in phantom; [0014] FIGS. 2a-c are top, side and end views of a detachable head rest employed with the embodiments of FIGS. 1a-b; [0015] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the lumbar pad of FIGS. 1a-b showing the location of pressure sensors and vibrator units within the pad; [0016] FIGS. 4a-c are top, sectional and side views of an alternative embodiment of a head rest with separate pressure sensors, vibrator units and a control switch; [0017] FIG. 5 is a side exploded view of an alternative embodiment including a kyphosis wedge; [0018] FIGS. 6a-b are schematic diagrams showing a mechanical switch useful as a pressure sensor, showing activated and inactivated states; [0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a pressure sensor with light-generating signal means and an external power supply; [0020] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment in which two pressure sensors are employed in sequence, one in the head rest and one in the lumbar pad. Continue reading about Abdominal exercising and strength testing systems... Full patent description for Abdominal exercising and strength testing systems Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Abdominal exercising and strength testing systems 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. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Abdominal exercising and strength testing systems or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Gym apparatus Next Patent Application: System and method for the automated folding of textiles Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Abdominal exercising and strength testing systems patent info. 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