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Exercise deviceRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory Therefor, Utilizing Fluid Resistance, Confined Hydraulic Or Pneumatic ChamberExercise device description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060040803, Exercise device. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is related to U.S. Provisional App. No. 60/599,190 filed on Aug. 4, 2004. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention generally relates to a combination lumbar support and exercise device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lightweight and portable exercise device that provides both lumbar support and resistance for exercising a user's back muscles and abdominal muscles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Traditional lumbar support devices are limited in their versatility. Many are pillow-like devices which are placed between an individual's lower back and the seat back of a chair. Such devices only offer static lumbar support. They do not allow the user to move or flex the lower back against any device-provided resistance and do not permit the user to vary the amount of support or resistance provided by the device. [0004] Traditional back and abdominal exercise devices are also limited in their versatility. For example, an individual cannot use most such devices while he or she is seated in an ordinary chair. Instead, such devices often require that the user use the device while lying prone on the floor, or the like. Many of these devices are rather large and cumbersome and are difficult to transport and store. [0005] The traditional manner of performing "sit-ups", wherein the exerciser lies on the floor on his or her back and lifts the torso toward the bent knees is generally adequate for exercising one's lower back and abdominal muscles. However, such exercises cannot be performed in some settings, such as in an office or while traveling on a train or airplane. [0006] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a device that provides lumbar support and enables the user to exercise his or her lower back and abdominal muscles. It is desirable to have a device that provides variable resistance such that the user can control and adjust the amount of lumbar support provided by the device and can control the amount of resistance provided in exercising the lower back and abdominal muscles. SUMMARY OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0007] The present invention is directed to a device that provides lumbar support and enables the user to exercise his or her lower back and abdominal muscles. In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device includes a self-inflating pillow having a compressed state and an expanded state. In an initial position, the pillow is biased in an expanded state. To perform exercises, the user must compress the pillow by applying force on the pillow. A two-way valve is provided on the pillow to facilitate the intake and the exhaust of air through the pillow, thereby causing the pillow to expand and compress. The valve can be adjusted to provide variable resistance and lumbar support to the user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0008] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: [0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the abdominal exercise and lumbar support device of the present invention; [0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of various component parts of a preferred embodiment of the abdominal exercise and lumbar support device of the present invention; [0011] FIGS. 3a through 3d are perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a valve utilized in the present invention; [0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a valve used in the present invention; [0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate valve; and [0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a supplemental valve utilized in the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0015] As shown in the accompanying drawings for purpose of illustration, the present invention resides in an abdominal exercising device generally referred to by the reference number 10. As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the exercise device 10 is in the form of a self-inflating pillow. The pillow is preferably sized to be inserted between a user's lower back and a back rest of a chair or the like. As will be more fully described herein, the exercise device 10 provides a degree of lumbar support while the user is seated and can be adjusted to provide a desired level of resistance for support. To exercise the abdominal and lower back muscles, the user pushes against the exercise device, overcoming the resistance provided by the device and causing it to deflate. To successfully deflate the pillow, the user must utilize his or her abdominal and back muscles. The difficulty level of the exercise can be varied depending on the resistance provided, which movement is resisted to an adjustable degree by the device 10. [0016] With reference to FIG. 2, the device 10 includes foam 12 disposed within a cover 14. The cover 14 is preferably of a material which is impermeable to air, or otherwise resists airflow therethrough. In a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated, foam 12 comprises two pieces, or is otherwise formed, so as to create a cavity 16 within the device 10. [0017] Disposed within the cavity 16 is resistance means 18. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, resistance means includes springs 20 disposed between plates 22 and 24. The number and type of springs used can vary according to the desired level of resistance. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two sets of coiled springs 20 are attached to semi-flexible plates 22 and 24, which can be comprised of plastic or the like. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the springs can be attached directly to the foam 12, eliminating the need for plates 22 and 24. [0018] The springs are preferably biased in an outward direction such that exercise device 10 is in an expanded, decompressed state when no external force is applied to it. Those skilled in the art will understand that any biasing device that biases the pillow in an expanded state can be used. To further assist the device in maintaining an expanded state while at rest, the foam 12 can be shaped and positioned to maintain an expanded volume, defining a cavity therein, when external forces are not applied to the exercise device. Furthermore, in another embodiment of the invention, the foam may comprise shape-memory foam, i.e., constructed of a material that returns to its initial shape and position upon removal of external forces. Continue reading about Exercise device... Full patent description for Exercise device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Exercise device 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 Exercise device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Exercise bar with head-accepting gap Next Patent Application: Coil spring connector for use in an exercise apparatus Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Exercise device patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.19199 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf 174 |
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