US20040229737A1 - Abdominal exercise methods and apparatus - Google Patents
Abdominal exercise methods and apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20040229737A1 US20040229737A1 US10/853,441 US85344104A US2004229737A1 US 20040229737 A1 US20040229737 A1 US 20040229737A1 US 85344104 A US85344104 A US 85344104A US 2004229737 A1 US2004229737 A1 US 2004229737A1
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- Prior art keywords
- lever
- platform
- support
- body support
- user
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0205—Abdomen
- A63B23/0211—Abdomen moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/062—User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces
- A63B21/0626—User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means
- A63B21/0628—User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means for vertical array of weights
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/06—User-manipulated weights
- A63B21/068—User-manipulated weights using user's body weight
Definitions
- the subject invention relates to exercise methods and apparatus, and more particularly, to exercise of a person's abdominal muscles using a variety of innovative devices.
- a relatively inexpensive and simple exercise board or machine has been utilized heretofore which is adapted particularly for home use.
- a platform or board is provided to support a user in a reclining position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises.
- a movable frame having a single nonadjustable pivot axis is actuated by the user and may be positioned at selected fulcrum points along the platform to provide the desired resistance.
- Such an exercise machine is relatively inexpensive and can be utilized for exercising various body muscles.
- the present invention is directed to an exercise machine in which a platform is utilized to support a user in a reclining or supine position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises, the level of which may be adjusted with the machine.
- a lever is pivoted to one end of the platform and a plurality of spaced pivot axes on the lever permits the selection of a predetermined fulcrum point for the lever.
- the adjacent end of the platform is raised along with the body of the user.
- the resistance is likewise varied thereby to permit the machine to be used with users of various strengths.
- a seat supporting the lower torso of the user is pivotally mounted on the platform for relative pivotal movement upon pivoting of the lever for raising the lower body of the user supported on the seat and exercising pelvic muscles.
- Another embodiment provides a lower rail on which the lower end of the lever is supported for movement therealong upon pivoting of the lever by the user. Such an arrangement facilitates the movement of the lower end of the lever, which might be difficult, if supported on a thick plush carpet for example.
- An additional object of this invention is to provide such an exercise machine which is adapted particularly for home use and may be easily folded and stored under a bed or the like.
- Another object is to provide such an exercise machine in which the resistance may be easily varied for users of different strengths.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of the exercise machine comprising the present invention in which a user is in a reclining position on a platform of the machine and the weight of the user provides resistance against pivoting of a variable position lever for raising of the platform;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 and shows an end of the platform raised by the user exerting a pulling force on the lever;
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken generally along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation of another embodiment of an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention in which the thigh or upper leg of the user is utilized for exerting a force on the lever for raising an end of the platform supporting the user in a reclining position;
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 4 showing the lever actuated by the thighs of the user thereby pivoting the lever to a position which raises the end of the platform;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of the exercise machine of FIGS. 4 and 5 looking generally along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of this invention in which a seat is pivotally mounted on the platform for supporting the buttocks or lower torso of a user with the lever and seat being pivoted upon an upper movement of the lever from a force exerted by the thighs of the user;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 7 showing the lever and seat pivoted to an upper position by the thigh of a user supported in a supine position on the platform;
- FIG. 9 is a top plan of the exercise machine of FIGS. 7 and 8 taken generally along line 9 - 9 of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the exercise machine of this invention showing a pair of levers mounted on opposed ends of the platform supporting the user with a seat beneath the lower torso of the user with the exercise machine actuated by a manual pulling force on one lever and a lifting force by the thigh of a user on the other lever;
- FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the exercise machine in which a four-bar linkage is utilized with the user of the machine gripping and pivoting one of the levers;
- FIG. 12 is a further modification of the exercise machine in which the lever is actuated by a cable pulled by the user in supine position on the platform;
- FIG. 13 is a side elevation of an additional embodiment of the exercise machine of this invention in which a lever adjacent an end of the platform has a roller on its lower end mounted on a rail of a supporting base for movement therealong upon raising of the platform by the user;
- FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 13 in which the lever is raised by the user from a manual pulling action and a thigh lifting action to lift the associated end of the platform with a roller on the end of the lever riding along the rail on the base;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective of a further embodiment of the invention in which the lever has a roller mounted on a supporting rail for movement therealong with the lever including a pair of telescoping portions;
- FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 17 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the invention of which the machine of FIG. 16 is modified such that the lever is supported from a supporting rail by means of a pivot point which may be fixed to different points along such rail;
- FIG. 18 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the invention of which the machine of FIG. 16 is modified in a manner similar to that of FIG. 17 but with the elimination of one pivot for the connecting link between the rail and the lever arm;
- FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of an exercise machine according to the invention with the provision of a weight stack for further resisting exertion by the lower limbs and/or by the upper limbs of a user supported in a reclining position;
- FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the machine of FIG. 19, but with seat and comfort pads removed for better illustration of the underlying structures of the machine;
- FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 19 which illustrates the connection of a cable-pulley system connected from an upper body rotating frame to a cam-cable/pulley/weight stack assembly;
- FIG. 22 is a front view of the exercise machine of FIG. 19 which illustrates the connection of the cable assembly to the upper body rotating frame of the machine;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective of an additional embodiment of an exercise machine according to the present invention in which a connecting linkage between the upper back support and the lower body actuator provides a coordinated movement of the upper back support and the lower body actuator;
- FIG. 24 is a top plan of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 23;
- FIG. 25 is a front elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 23 and 24;
- FIG. 26 is a left side elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 23-25;
- FIG. 27 is a right side elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 23-26.
- FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4-6, FIGS. 7-9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIGS. 13 and 14, FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 , FIGS. 19-22 and FIGS. 23-27 Twelve different embodiments of exercise machines of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings with separate embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4-6, FIGS. 7-9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIGS. 13 and 14, FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 18 , FIGS. 19-22 and FIGS. 23-27.
- the variable resistance provided for the exercise machine, of FIG. 1-18 of these embodiments is provided by the weight of the user supported in a reclining position on a body supporting platform of each of the embodiments and a lever pivotally connected to an end of the platform.
- a weight stack provides added resistance for the embodiment of FIGS. 19-22.
- a connecting linkage extends between the upper back support and lower body actuator in the embodiment of FIGS. 23-27 to provide a coordinated movement of the upper back support and lower body actuator
- An exercise machine in accordance with the above by utilizing the weight of the user as a variable resistance is relatively simple and inexpensive.
- Various muscles or muscle groups may be exercised by the present invention including upper and lower abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles, and specific arm and leg muscles.
- an exercise machine is shown generally at 10 having a platform 12 to support a user 14 shown in broken lines in a supine position with the weight of user 14 being applied downwardly against platform 12 .
- Platform 12 includes legs 16 supported on a supporting surface 18 such as a floor or carpet on the floor.
- a lever shown generally at 20 has a pair of parallel arms 22 connected by a lower horizontal base or bar 24 on which rollers 26 are mounted for rotation on axles 28 .
- a plurality of spaced openings 30 are spaced along the length of each lever arm 22 and a spring loaded plunger pin 32 is received within a selected opening 30 and an aligned opening in platform 12 to mount lever 20 for pivotal movement about a pivot axis.
- the exercise machine 10 is shown in a rest position in FIG. 1 and is shown in a raised actuated position in FIG. 2.
- a relatively simple exercise machine 10 has been provided particularly for home use for easily storing under a bed or the like.
- the exercise is performed with a selectively variable resistance provided from the weight of the user 14 during the entire movement of lever 20 to an uppermost position and during return of lever 20 to a rest position as shown in FIG. 1.
- exercise machine 10 A having a lever 20 A including a pair of lever arms 22 A selectively mounted for pivotal movement on an end of platform 12 A in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.
- a pair of upper support arms 21 A are secured to lever arms 22 A and extend upwardly therefrom.
- An upper leg pad 23 A is mounted for rotation on the upper ends of support arms 21 A. Such pad is adapted for contact by the upper legs or thighs 15 A of user 14 A.
- a lifting force applied by thighs 15 A against leg pad 23 A, pivots lever 20 A to the position shown in FIG. 5 with the movement being resisted by the weight of user 14 A on platform 12 A.
- rollers 26 A roll a small distance as the entire machine pivots about legs 16 .
- the actuating force in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 is applied by thigh 15 A of user 14 A for the exercising of the lower abdominal muscles.
- FIGS. 7-9 an additional embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention is illustrated at 10 B and includes a platform 12 B having a lever 20 B selectively pivotally mounted at 32 B to platform 12 B.
- a leg pad 23 B is mounted on lever 20 B as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6.
- a seat 25 B has one end pivotally mounted 27 B to platform 12 B and has rollers 29 B adjacent another end mounted on lever arms 22 B for rolling movement thereon.
- the buttocks or lower torso 17 B of user 14 B is supported on seat 25 B for exercising the pelvic muscles upon rotation thereof as shown in FIG. 8.
- upward movement of thighs 15 B against leg pad 23 B raises lever 20 B to the position of FIG.
- FIG. 10 a further embodiment of the invention shows an exercise machine 10 C having a platform 12 C with the lower torso 17 C of user 14 C supported on a seat 25 C pivotally mounted at 27 C to platform 12 C with rollers 29 C configured to roll on lever arms 22 C of lever 20 C.
- a roller pad 23 C is mounted for rotative movement on the upper ends of support arms 21 C.
- Support arms 21 are secured to lever arms 20 C which are selectively mounted to platform 12 C for pivot rotation about pins 24 C.
- a second lever 31 C is selectively pivotally mounted at 33 C to platform 12 C on the end thereof opposite lever 20 C.
- Lever 31 C includes lever arms 35 C which are adapted to be gripped by user 14 C as shown in broken lines in FIG. 10.
- user 14 C pulls upwardly on arms 35 C to pivot lever 31 C about pins 33 C upwardly while lifting thighs 15 C upwardly against pad 23 C to pivot lower lever 20 C about pins 24 C along with seat 25 C as it pivots about pins 27 C.
- Such operation exercises upper and lower abdominal muscles as well as the pelvic muscles.
- rollers 26 C′′ roll a small distance
- lever arms 22 C pivot about pins 24 C rollers 26 C′′ roll a small distance.
- FIG. 11 A still further embodiment is shown FIG. 11 in which a four-bar linkage is provided to support platform 12 D of exercise apparatus 10 D.
- the four-bar linkage includes levers 20 D and 31 D mounted respectively for pivotal movement about pivots or pins 32 D and 33 D.
- Pins 32 D and 33 D may be mounted in various holes provided in lever arms 20 D and 31 D so as to selectively vary the amount of force exerted on the end of lever arms 20 D and 31 D to lift platform 12 D vertically with the weight of user 14 D pressing downwardly.
- a link 37 D is pivotally connected at its ends to pivots 28 D on rollers 26 D.
- a user 14 D actuates exercise machine 10 D by gripping lever arms 22 D to raise levers 20 D and 31 D for lifting platform 12 D against the variable resistance (depending on position of pins 32 D and 33 D) provided by the weight of user 14 D.
- FIG. 12 another embodiment of the invention is shown in which a lever 20 E is mounted at 32 E on each side of platform 12 E for pivotal movement relative to platform 12 E of exercise apparatus 10 E.
- a roller 26 E is mounted on lever 20 E for rolling support on a supporting surface such as a floor.
- a plurality of spaced openings 30 E in lever 20 E are offset laterally from pivot 32 E for selectively varying the anchoring position of the end of a cable shown generally at 39 E.
- Pulleys 41 E are mounted for rotation on support arms 43 E secured to platform 12 E and cables 39 E extend about pulleys 41 E.
- a handle 45 E on a free end of each cable 39 E may be gripped by user 14 E for actuation of exercise machine 10 E.
- levers 20 E pivot about pivots 32 E to raise the adjacent end of platform 12 E while lever E rolls a small distance on rollers 26 E.
- FIGS. 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of the invention in which a supporting base is provided having a rail supporting an adjustable lever for back and forth movement thereon during actuation of the exercise apparatus.
- exercise apparatus 10 F includes a platform 12 F supported on a support base generally indicated at 39 F on a supporting surface, such as the floor, and having a rail 41 F.
- Platform 12 F includes a main platform portion 43 F having a pad 48 F secured thereto and a rearwardly extending portion 44 F having pads 49 F and 50 F secured thereon.
- a rear leg 51 F secured to support base 29 F is connected to platform 12 F about pivot axis 33 F.
- Rear platform portion 43 F is mounted for pivotal movement about pivot 33 F relative to main platform portion 43 F.
- Support pads 48 F, 49 F, and 50 F support the body of user 14 F thereon in a supine position with pad 49 F supporting the lower torso and pad 50 F supporting the thighs of user 14 F.
- a leg pad 23 F is mounted above platform 12 F for contact by the thighs 15 F of user 14 F.
- a depending leg 45 F is secured to rear platform portion 44 F for limiting downward movement of platform portion 44 F by contact with upstanding frame member 51 F.
- upward pivotal movement of platform portion 44 F provides a lifting action against the body of user 14 F as shown in FIG. 14.
- a lever 20 F has inner and outer telescoping portions 54 F and 56 F which are longitudinally adjustable.
- a roller 57 F is mounted on the end of inner lower telescoping portion 54 F for rolling motion along rail 41 F.
- a plurality of spaced openings 58 F are provided in lower lever portion 54 F and an adjustable pivot pin or rod 32 F is mounted on the end of a downwardly extending leg 62 F secured to platform 12 F.
- Arm 62 F has a lower crank portion 64 F which includes pivot 32 F on its lower end.
- a pulley 66 F is secured to an extending end of upper (ever portion 56 F.
- Pulleys 68 F are secured to platform 12 F and a pulley 70 F is secured to rear leg 51 F.
- a pulley 71 F is mounted on an arm 73 F extending from an end of platform 12 F.
- a cable indicated generally at 72 F has one end anchored in a selected opening 74 F of platform 12 F. Cable 72 F extends about pulleys 70 F, 66 F, 68 F, 71 F and has a hand strap 80 F at its free end.
- user 14 F grips hand strap 80 F and exerts a pulling force thereon while simultaneously exerting a lifting force from thighs 15 F against pad 23 F to tension cable 72 F and raise lever 20 F from pulley 66 F with roller 57 F on an end of lever portion 54 F rolling a small distance along rail 41 F on base 39 F.
- Increased resistance to the exercises resulting from the weight of user 14 F may be selected by the user by increasing the distance between pivot 32 F and roller 57 F of lever 20 F.
- the thigh action exerted against pad 23 F and cable 72 F is opposed to the pulling action exerted by hand strap 80 F and cable 72 F by user 14 F, but both actions tension cable 72 F to exert a lifting action on pulley 66 F from cable 72 F for raising the extending end of lever 20 F and platform 12 F as indicated in FIG. 14.
- rear platform portion 44 F is pivoted about pivot 33 F.
- User 14 F may exert a pulling action on hand strap SOF either separately or simultaneously with a lifting action by thighs 15 F against roller pad 23 F.
- the lifting action exerted by thighs 15 F against pad 23 F may be provided separately, or omitted as desired.
- FIGS. 15 and 16 another exercise machine 10 G is shown in which platform 12 G includes pads 48 G and 49 G thereon.
- a base support 39 G provides a rail 41 G on which roller 57 G of lower telescoping lever arm 54 G is mounted for back and forth movement.
- Telescoping lever portions 54 G and 56 G of lever arm 20 G are mounted for lengthwise adjustment relative to each other in the same manner as the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14.
- Arm 62 G secured at its upper end to platform 12 G has a crank arm 64 G at its lower end pivotally connected at 32 G to lever 20 G.
- Upstanding rear leg 51 G is secured to platform 12 G adjacent one end thereof and is pivotally mounted at 33 G adjacent its lower end to base support 39 G.
- Pulley 66 G is mounted on the extending end of lever portion 56 G and pulleys 68 G are mounted on platform 12 G.
- a cable 72 G is anchored at 71 G to platform 12 G and its free end is secured to handle bar 80 G,having a pair of hand grips thereon.
- cable 72 G raises lever 20 G by virtue of the force applied at pulley 66 G with roller 57 G rolling a small distance on rail 41 G and platform 12 G pivoting about pivot 33 G during raising of lever 20 G and platform 12 G.
- user 14 G grips the hand grips on handle bar 80 G and exerts a pulling action to tension cable 72 G and lift pulley 66 G to rotate lever 20 G about pivot 32 G with roller 57 G rolling a small distance along rail 41 G.
- Platform 12 G is raised against the weight of user 14 G upon raising of lever 20 G and leg 51 G pivots about pivot 33 G upon raising of platform 12 G.
- Selective resistance is achieved by varying the moment arm of lever 20 G by varying the position of pin or rod 32 G in holes 58 G.
- Such force is roughly equal to the weight of the user 14 G times the distance of pin 32 G to roller 57 G. Accordingly, the smaller the ratio of the distance from pin 32 G to roller 57 G to the distance from end 70 G to roller 57 G, the easier it is for the user to pivot platform 12 G about pivot 33 G.
- the machine of FIG. 15 and 16 may be modified as shown in FIG. 17. Rather than the selective positioning of crank 64 G in holes 58 G of FIG. 16, the machine 17 provides plate 205 H with a prig loaded pull pin 207 mounted thereon such that the plate may be selectively fixed at different positions in holes along rail 41 H.
- extension 54 H telescopes within cylindrical arm 56 H of lever 20 H so as to shorten or lengthen the lever arm between pivot 201 of extension 54 H and pulley 66 .
- FIG. 18 The machine of FIG. 18 is similar in all respects to the embodiment of FIG. 17, but arm 621 is pivoted to lever arm 201 at pivot 321 and is not pivoted with respect to platform 121 .
- FIGS. 19, 20, 21 and 22 show an exercise machine 100 having a base structure 102 on which a support frame 109 is mounted by means of linear bearing assembly 106 .
- Such bearing assembly allows the support frame 109 to be moved horizontally with respect to base 102 to adjust the machine for users with different heights.
- a locking knob and pin assembly 110 may be used for slidable adjustment of the support frame 109 .
- a rotating back frame 111 is pivoted at 150 to frame member 109 .
- Rotating back frame plates 111 C are disposed on rotating back frame 111 and head frame 111 B is carried outwardly from rotating back frame 111 . As best seen in FIG.
- pad 112 is placed over plates 111 C and is designed and arranged to support a user's upper back and head and to move upwardly and downwardly as rotating back frame 111 pivots up and down with respect to frame 109 .
- Handles 114 are carried by head frame 111 B.
- a plate 109 A is fixed to support frame 109 for mounting pad 113 which is stationary during exercise but moves horizontally during adjustment of support frame 109 .
- Lower body support frame 104 is pivoted to frame 102 via structural member 102 A (FIGS. 20, 21) by pivot and main shaft 130 .
- Such pivot and main shaft 130 supports the lower body support frame 104 and allows the frame 104 to pivot with respect to frame 102 .
- Pillow blocks 134 A, 134 B allow shaft 130 to rotate with frame member 104 A and simultaneously carry cam 136 .
- Cam 136 is secured to shaft and pivot 130 and rotates with it.
- Lower body support pads 108 , 116 , 117 are carried by structural members of lower body support frame 104 .
- Adjustable foot restraint pads 118 , 119 are coupled to support member 120 which is carried by, structural member 104 C from lower body support frame 104 .
- an upper body cam lever 132 is mounted on shaft 130 and is free to rotate about shaft 130 .
- a cable 141 attached to cam lever 132 , runs via a pulley system to adjustable cable—pulley arrangement 144 , which is connected to rotating frame 111 as illustrated in FIG. 22.
- adjustable cable—pulley arrangement 144 When upper body handles 114 are pulled upwardly, the cable—pulley arrangement 144 and cable 141 forces upper body cam lever 132 down.
- An extension 132 A of upper body cam lever 132 is forced upward against engagement pin 138 on cam 136 thereby forcing it upwardly, causing cam 136 to rotate.
- a cable 140 is trained about the outer periphery of cam 136 and runs via a conventional cable pulley system to weight stack 160 . Accordingly, upward rotation of the upper body frame 111 , by virtue of a user's force against handles 114 , is translated to an upward force against weight stack 160 which, of course, resists such upward force and rotation of frame 111 .
- An extension spring 142 connected between base 102 and lever extension 132 A maintains tension on cable and pulley system 144 when lower body frame is rotated and back frame 111 remains stationary.
- cable 141 is secured to cam lever 132 .
- Cable 141 is attached to cable and pulley arrangement 144 .
- Cable 144 A loops around fixed pulley 144 C and floating pulley 144 B and has one end terminated at extension member 109 B of frame 109 and the other end at rotating frame 111 . (See FIG. 22)
- both ends of cable 144 A are attached to slidable adjustable extension 109 B, frame 109 and rotating frame 111 no movement of floating pulley 144 B takes places.
- extension 109 B and frame 109 are locked from moving by pin 110 so activation of handles 114 and frame 111 pulls one end of cable 114 A which pulls floating pulley 144 B and cable 141 which rotates lower body frame 104 and lifts weight stack 160 .
- exercise machine 200 has a base frame 202 including lower support members 204 and an upper generally U-shaped support member 206 (best seen in FIG. 27) extending between base support members 204 .
- An upper back support is shown generally at 210 having an upper seat pad 212 thereon.
- Upper back support 210 has a pair of handles 214 connected by a cross bar 216 as best seen in FIG. 25, in order to support back support 210 on base frame 202 , a generally S-shaped tubular bar 220 has one end portion 222 secured to the lower side of back support 210 and an opposed end portion 224 mounted for pivotal movement on a shaft 226 which is supported on arm 228 and secured to U-shaped member 206 of base frame 202 .
- a lower back support generally indicated at 230 has an upper seat pad 232 thereon and is secured along its lower surface to U-shaped support member 206 of base frame 202 .
- a lateral support arm or plate 236 is fixed to U-shaped member 206 and extends laterally outward from member 206 .
- Plate 236 supports a lower bearing sleeve or pillow block 238 as shown particularly in FIGS. 25 and 26.
- a lower body actuator generally indicated at 240 has a lower angle-shaped tubular support member 242 .
- Tubular support member 242 is mounted intermediate its length about a pivot shaft 244 on pillow block 238 for relative rotative movement.
- Tubular support member 242 has an upwardly extending end portion 246 on which foot pads 248 are mounted.
- Suitable weights may be positioned on tubular support member 242 on opposed sides of pivot shaft 244 to assist or resist movement of foot pads 248 .
- weights may be positioned on weight support 250 .
- weights may be positioned on weight support 252 .
- Back support 210 and lower body actuator 240 are interconnected to provide a coordinated movement with movement of one resulting in a simultaneous movement of the other.
- a connecting linkage is provided including a link 254 pivotally supported on pivot 256 which is mounted on upstanding arm 258 fixed to frame member 242 .
- Link 260 is fixed to shaft 226 at one end and pivotally connected at 262 at its other end to link 254 as shown particularly in FIG. 27.
- Back support 210 and lower body actuator 240 move in unison toward each other upon a lifting force exerted by a user by gripping handles 214 and pivoting back support 210 upwardly or a lifting force exerted by the legs of a user against foot pads 248 .
Abstract
An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (12121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13-16) include a base support (41F, 41G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS. 17-18 include a lever (20H-20 i) having telescoping members with an inner one (54H-541) for such telescoping member being selectively fixed to a rail (41H-411). Such inner telescoping member (54H-541) reciprocates within an outer telescoping member (56H-561) as the platform is raised and lowered. Another embodiment of the invention includes a lower body frame which may be rotated with lower limbs, an upper body frame which may be rotated with upper limbs and a weight stack-cable system for resisting rotation of the lower body frame and/or the upper body frame. A further embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 23-27) includes an upper back support (210) interconnected by a connecting linkage with a lower body actuator (240) for coordinated simultaneous movement upon a lifting action exerted by limbs of a user against either the upper back support (210) or the lower body actuator (240).
Description
- This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/316,981, filed Dec. 9, 2002; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/374,937, filed Aug. 16, 1999 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,608); which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/881,489, filed Jun. 24, 1997 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,575); which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/719,900, filed Sep. 25, 1996 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,997); which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/279,281, filed Sep. 2, 1994 (abandoned).
- The subject invention relates to exercise methods and apparatus, and more particularly, to exercise of a person's abdominal muscles using a variety of innovative devices.
- As indicated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,936 dated Dec. 25, 1984, a relatively inexpensive and simple exercise board or machine has been utilized heretofore which is adapted particularly for home use. As shown in this patent, a platform or board is provided to support a user in a reclining position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises. A movable frame having a single nonadjustable pivot axis is actuated by the user and may be positioned at selected fulcrum points along the platform to provide the desired resistance. Such an exercise machine is relatively inexpensive and can be utilized for exercising various body muscles.
- The present invention is directed to an exercise machine in which a platform is utilized to support a user in a reclining or supine position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises, the level of which may be adjusted with the machine. A lever is pivoted to one end of the platform and a plurality of spaced pivot axes on the lever permits the selection of a predetermined fulcrum point for the lever. Upon pivoting of the upper extending end of the lever by the user, the adjacent end of the platform is raised along with the body of the user. By varying the pivot axis or fulcrum point, the resistance is likewise varied thereby to permit the machine to be used with users of various strengths.
- In one embodiment of the invention a seat supporting the lower torso of the user is pivotally mounted on the platform for relative pivotal movement upon pivoting of the lever for raising the lower body of the user supported on the seat and exercising pelvic muscles. Another embodiment provides a lower rail on which the lower end of the lever is supported for movement therealong upon pivoting of the lever by the user. Such an arrangement facilitates the movement of the lower end of the lever, which might be difficult, if supported on a thick plush carpet for example.
- It is an object of this invention to provide an exercise device to support a user in a reclining position and with the resistance to the exercises provided by the weight of the user supported on a platform of the exercise device.
- An additional object of this invention is to provide such an exercise machine which is adapted particularly for home use and may be easily folded and stored under a bed or the like.
- Another object is to provide such an exercise machine in which the resistance may be easily varied for users of different strengths.
- Other objects, features, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent after referring to the following specification and drawing.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevation of one embodiment of the exercise machine comprising the present invention in which a user is in a reclining position on a platform of the machine and the weight of the user provides resistance against pivoting of a variable position lever for raising of the platform;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 and shows an end of the platform raised by the user exerting a pulling force on the lever;
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 taken generally along line3-3 of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a side elevation of another embodiment of an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention in which the thigh or upper leg of the user is utilized for exerting a force on the lever for raising an end of the platform supporting the user in a reclining position;
- FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 4 showing the lever actuated by the thighs of the user thereby pivoting the lever to a position which raises the end of the platform;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of the exercise machine of FIGS. 4 and 5 looking generally along line6-6 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of this invention in which a seat is pivotally mounted on the platform for supporting the buttocks or lower torso of a user with the lever and seat being pivoted upon an upper movement of the lever from a force exerted by the thighs of the user;
- FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 7 showing the lever and seat pivoted to an upper position by the thigh of a user supported in a supine position on the platform;
- FIG. 9 is a top plan of the exercise machine of FIGS. 7 and 8 taken generally along line9-9 of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 10 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the exercise machine of this invention showing a pair of levers mounted on opposed ends of the platform supporting the user with a seat beneath the lower torso of the user with the exercise machine actuated by a manual pulling force on one lever and a lifting force by the thigh of a user on the other lever;
- FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the exercise machine in which a four-bar linkage is utilized with the user of the machine gripping and pivoting one of the levers;
- FIG. 12 is a further modification of the exercise machine in which the lever is actuated by a cable pulled by the user in supine position on the platform;
- FIG. 13 is a side elevation of an additional embodiment of the exercise machine of this invention in which a lever adjacent an end of the platform has a roller on its lower end mounted on a rail of a supporting base for movement therealong upon raising of the platform by the user;
- FIG. 14 is a side elevation of the exercise machine of FIG. 13 in which the lever is raised by the user from a manual pulling action and a thigh lifting action to lift the associated end of the platform with a roller on the end of the lever riding along the rail on the base;
- FIG. 15 is a perspective of a further embodiment of the invention in which the lever has a roller mounted on a supporting rail for movement therealong with the lever including a pair of telescoping portions;
- FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 15;
- FIG. 17 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the invention of which the machine of FIG. 16 is modified such that the lever is supported from a supporting rail by means of a pivot point which may be fixed to different points along such rail;
- FIG. 18 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the invention of which the machine of FIG. 16 is modified in a manner similar to that of FIG. 17 but with the elimination of one pivot for the connecting link between the rail and the lever arm;
- FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of an exercise machine according to the invention with the provision of a weight stack for further resisting exertion by the lower limbs and/or by the upper limbs of a user supported in a reclining position;
- FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the machine of FIG. 19, but with seat and comfort pads removed for better illustration of the underlying structures of the machine;
- FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 19 which illustrates the connection of a cable-pulley system connected from an upper body rotating frame to a cam-cable/pulley/weight stack assembly;
- FIG. 22 is a front view of the exercise machine of FIG. 19 which illustrates the connection of the cable assembly to the upper body rotating frame of the machine;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective of an additional embodiment of an exercise machine according to the present invention in which a connecting linkage between the upper back support and the lower body actuator provides a coordinated movement of the upper back support and the lower body actuator;
- FIG. 24 is a top plan of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 23;
- FIG. 25 is a front elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 23 and 24;
- FIG. 26 is a left side elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 23-25; and
- FIG. 27 is a right side elevation of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 23-26.
- Twelve different embodiments of exercise machines of the present invention are illustrated in the drawings with separate embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3, FIGS. 4-6, FIGS. 7-9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIGS. 13 and 14, FIGS. 15, 16,17 and 18, FIGS. 19-22 and FIGS. 23-27. The variable resistance provided for the exercise machine, of FIG. 1-18 of these embodiments is provided by the weight of the user supported in a reclining position on a body supporting platform of each of the embodiments and a lever pivotally connected to an end of the platform. A weight stack provides added resistance for the embodiment of FIGS. 19-22. A connecting linkage extends between the upper back support and lower body actuator in the embodiment of FIGS. 23-27 to provide a coordinated movement of the upper back support and lower body actuator. The exercise machines are actuated by one of the following actions:
- (1) by the user manually gripping a bar or hand grip adjacent one end of the exercise machine and exerting a pulling force;
- (2) by the user exerting a lifting action by his thigh or upper leg for feet against a pad over the platform; or
- (3) by the user exerting a combination of actions (1) and (2) above.
- An exercise machine in accordance with the above by utilizing the weight of the user as a variable resistance is relatively simple and inexpensive. Various muscles or muscle groups may be exercised by the present invention including upper and lower abdominal muscles, pelvic muscles, and specific arm and leg muscles.
- Referring first to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, an exercise machine is shown generally at10 having a
platform 12 to support auser 14 shown in broken lines in a supine position with the weight ofuser 14 being applied downwardly againstplatform 12.Platform 12 includeslegs 16 supported on a supportingsurface 18 such as a floor or carpet on the floor. A lever shown generally at 20 has a pair ofparallel arms 22 connected by a lower horizontal base or bar 24 on whichrollers 26 are mounted for rotation onaxles 28. A plurality of spacedopenings 30 are spaced along the length of eachlever arm 22 and a spring loadedplunger pin 32 is received within a selectedopening 30 and an aligned opening inplatform 12 to mountlever 20 for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. Theexercise machine 10 is shown in a rest position in FIG. 1 and is shown in a raised actuated position in FIG. 2. - In operation,
user 14grips lever arms 22 manually and pulls upwardly to pivotlever 20 about the pivot axis formed byplunger pins 32 thereby to raise the associated end ofplatform 12 to the position shown in FIG. 2 with the resistance to such movement provided by the body weight ofuser 14 onplatform 12. Such exercise is known as “crunching” for the exercise of upper abdominal muscles. It is apparent that lengthening the distance betweenrollers 26 and plunger pins 32 increases the force required byuser 14 to pivotlever 20. Such distance may be increased or decreased selectively. - From the foregoing, a relatively
simple exercise machine 10 has been provided particularly for home use for easily storing under a bed or the like. The exercise is performed with a selectively variable resistance provided from the weight of theuser 14 during the entire movement oflever 20 to an uppermost position and during return oflever 20 to a rest position as shown in FIG. 1. - Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4-6,
exercise machine 10A is shown having alever 20A including a pair oflever arms 22A selectively mounted for pivotal movement on an end ofplatform 12A in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. A pair ofupper support arms 21A are secured to leverarms 22A and extend upwardly therefrom. Anupper leg pad 23A is mounted for rotation on the upper ends ofsupport arms 21A. Such pad is adapted for contact by the upper legs orthighs 15A ofuser 14A. In operation, a lifting force, applied bythighs 15A againstleg pad 23A, pivotslever 20A to the position shown in FIG. 5 with the movement being resisted by the weight ofuser 14A onplatform 12A. Aslever arms 22A pivot aboutpins 32A,rollers 26A roll a small distance as the entire machine pivots aboutlegs 16. Thus, the actuating force in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 is applied bythigh 15A ofuser 14A for the exercising of the lower abdominal muscles. - Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, an additional embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention is illustrated at10B and includes a
platform 12B having alever 20B selectively pivotally mounted at 32B toplatform 12B. Aleg pad 23B is mounted onlever 20B as in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6. In addition, aseat 25B has one end pivotally mounted 27B toplatform 12B and hasrollers 29B adjacent another end mounted onlever arms 22B for rolling movement thereon. The buttocks orlower torso 17B ofuser 14B is supported onseat 25B for exercising the pelvic muscles upon rotation thereof as shown in FIG. 8. In operation form the rest position of FIG. 7, upward movement ofthighs 15B againstleg pad 23B raiseslever 20B to the position of FIG. 8 withseat 25B being raised byrollers 29B riding alonglever arms 22B thereby to move thelower torso 17B to the position of FIG. 8 for exercising the pelvic muscles. Aslever arms 22B pivot aboutpins 32B,rollers 26B roll a small distance as the entire machine pivots aboutlegs 16. - Referring now to FIG. 10, a further embodiment of the invention shows an exercise machine10C having a
platform 12C with thelower torso 17C ofuser 14C supported on aseat 25C pivotally mounted at 27C toplatform 12C withrollers 29C configured to roll onlever arms 22C oflever 20C. Aroller pad 23C is mounted for rotative movement on the upper ends ofsupport arms 21C. Support arms 21 are secured to leverarms 20C which are selectively mounted toplatform 12C for pivot rotation aboutpins 24C. - in addition, a second lever31C is selectively pivotally mounted at 33C to
platform 12C on the end thereof oppositelever 20C. Lever 31C includeslever arms 35C which are adapted to be gripped byuser 14C as shown in broken lines in FIG. 10. In operation,user 14C pulls upwardly onarms 35C to pivot lever 31C aboutpins 33C upwardly while liftingthighs 15C upwardly againstpad 23C to pivotlower lever 20C aboutpins 24C along withseat 25C as it pivots aboutpins 27C. Such operation exercises upper and lower abdominal muscles as well as the pelvic muscles. As in other embodiments described above, as lever arm 31C pivots aboutpins 33C,rollers 26C″ roll a small distance, and aslever arms 22C pivot aboutpins 24C,rollers 26C″ roll a small distance. - A still further embodiment is shown FIG. 11 in which a four-bar linkage is provided to support platform12D of exercise apparatus 10D. The four-bar linkage includes levers 20D and 31D mounted respectively for pivotal movement about pivots or pins 32D and 33D.
Pins 32D and 33D may be mounted in various holes provided in lever arms 20D and 31D so as to selectively vary the amount of force exerted on the end of lever arms 20D and 31D to lift platform 12D vertically with the weight of user 14D pressing downwardly. A link 37D is pivotally connected at its ends topivots 28D onrollers 26D. - A user14D actuates exercise machine 10D by gripping lever arms 22D to raise levers 20D and 31D for lifting platform 12D against the variable resistance (depending on position of
pins 32D and 33D) provided by the weight of user 14D. - Referring to FIG. 12, another embodiment of the invention is shown in which a
lever 20E is mounted at 32E on each side ofplatform 12E for pivotal movement relative toplatform 12E ofexercise apparatus 10E. Aroller 26E is mounted onlever 20E for rolling support on a supporting surface such as a floor. A plurality of spacedopenings 30E inlever 20E are offset laterally frompivot 32E for selectively varying the anchoring position of the end of a cable shown generally at 39E. Pulleys 41E are mounted for rotation onsupport arms 43E secured toplatform 12E andcables 39E extend aboutpulleys 41E. Ahandle 45E on a free end of eachcable 39E may be gripped byuser 14E for actuation ofexercise machine 10E. Upon a pulling force exerted byuser 14E onhandles 45E, levers 20E pivot aboutpivots 32E to raise the adjacent end ofplatform 12E while lever E rolls a small distance onrollers 26E. - FIGS. 13 and 14 show a further embodiment of the invention in which a supporting base is provided having a rail supporting an adjustable lever for back and forth movement thereon during actuation of the exercise apparatus. As illustrated,
exercise apparatus 10F includes aplatform 12F supported on a support base generally indicated at 39F on a supporting surface, such as the floor, and having arail 41F.Platform 12F includes amain platform portion 43F having apad 48F secured thereto and arearwardly extending portion 44 F having pads rear leg 51F secured to support base 29F is connected toplatform 12F aboutpivot axis 33F.Rear platform portion 43F is mounted for pivotal movement aboutpivot 33F relative tomain platform portion 43F.Support pads user 14F thereon in a supine position withpad 49F supporting the lower torso andpad 50F supporting the thighs ofuser 14F. Aleg pad 23F is mounted aboveplatform 12F for contact by the thighs 15F ofuser 14F. - A depending
leg 45F is secured torear platform portion 44F for limiting downward movement ofplatform portion 44F by contact withupstanding frame member 51F. Thus, upward pivotal movement ofplatform portion 44F provides a lifting action against the body ofuser 14F as shown in FIG. 14. - A
lever 20F has inner andouter telescoping portions roller 57F is mounted on the end of innerlower telescoping portion 54F for rolling motion alongrail 41F. A plurality of spacedopenings 58F are provided inlower lever portion 54F and an adjustable pivot pin orrod 32F is mounted on the end of a downwardly extendingleg 62F secured toplatform 12F.Arm 62F has a lower crankportion 64F which includespivot 32F on its lower end. Apulley 66F is secured to an extending end of upper (everportion 56F. Pulleys 68F are secured toplatform 12F and apulley 70F is secured torear leg 51F. Apulley 71F is mounted on anarm 73F extending from an end ofplatform 12F. A cable indicated generally at 72F has one end anchored in a selectedopening 74F ofplatform 12F.Cable 72F extends about pulleys 70F, 66F, 68F, 71F and has ahand strap 80F at its free end. - In operation,
user 14F gripshand strap 80F and exerts a pulling force thereon while simultaneously exerting a lifting force from thighs 15F againstpad 23F totension cable 72F and raiselever 20F frompulley 66F withroller 57F on an end oflever portion 54F rolling a small distance alongrail 41F onbase 39F. - Increased resistance to the exercises resulting from the weight of
user 14F may be selected by the user by increasing the distance betweenpivot 32F androller 57F oflever 20F. The thigh action exerted againstpad 23F andcable 72F is opposed to the pulling action exerted byhand strap 80F andcable 72F byuser 14F, but bothactions tension cable 72F to exert a lifting action onpulley 66F fromcable 72F for raising the extending end oflever 20F andplatform 12F as indicated in FIG. 14. Additionally,rear platform portion 44F is pivoted aboutpivot 33F.User 14F may exert a pulling action on hand strap SOF either separately or simultaneously with a lifting action by thighs 15F againstroller pad 23F. Likewise, the lifting action exerted by thighs 15F againstpad 23F may be provided separately, or omitted as desired. - Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, another
exercise machine 10G is shown in whichplatform 12G includespads base support 39G provides a rail 41G on whichroller 57G of lowertelescoping lever arm 54G is mounted for back and forth movement. Telescopinglever portions lever arm 20G are mounted for lengthwise adjustment relative to each other in the same manner as the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14.Arm 62G secured at its upper end toplatform 12G has acrank arm 64G at its lower end pivotally connected at 32G to lever 20G. Upstandingrear leg 51G is secured toplatform 12G adjacent one end thereof and is pivotally mounted at 33G adjacent its lower end tobase support 39G.Pulley 66G is mounted on the extending end oflever portion 56G and pulleys 68G are mounted onplatform 12G. Acable 72G is anchored at 71G toplatform 12G and its free end is secured to handlebar 80G,having a pair of hand grips thereon. Upon pulling onhandle 80G by user 14G,cable 72G raiseslever 20G by virtue of the force applied atpulley 66G withroller 57G rolling a small distance on rail 41G andplatform 12G pivoting aboutpivot 33G during raising oflever 20G andplatform 12G. - In operation, user14G grips the hand grips on
handle bar 80G and exerts a pulling action totension cable 72G and liftpulley 66G to rotatelever 20G aboutpivot 32G withroller 57G rolling a small distance along rail 41G.Platform 12G is raised against the weight of user 14G upon raising oflever 20G andleg 51G pivots aboutpivot 33G upon raising ofplatform 12G. Selective resistance is achieved by varying the moment arm oflever 20G by varying the position of pin orrod 32G inholes 58G. By so doing, the torque required to lift the machine, exerted by the force via cable 72 acting atend 70G times the distance toroller 57G must be equal to or greater than the torque tending to maintain the machine at rest or at the bottom position. Such force is roughly equal to the weight of the user 14G times the distance ofpin 32G toroller 57G. Accordingly, the smaller the ratio of the distance frompin 32G toroller 57G to the distance fromend 70G toroller 57G, the easier it is for the user to pivotplatform 12G aboutpivot 33G. - The machine of FIG. 15 and16 may be modified as shown in FIG. 17. Rather than the selective positioning of
crank 64G inholes 58G of FIG. 16, the machine 17 providesplate 205H with a prig loadedpull pin 207 mounted thereon such that the plate may be selectively fixed at different positions in holes alongrail 41H. By so doingextension 54H telescopes withincylindrical arm 56H oflever 20H so as to shorten or lengthen the lever arm betweenpivot 201 ofextension 54H and pulley 66. - In operation, when a user pulls on
hand grips 80H, thecable 72H is tensioned tending to raise theplatform 12H and the weight of the exerciser aboutpivot 201.Arm 62H pivots with respect toplatform 12H atpivot 213 and with respect to lever 20H atpivot 32H. - The machine of FIG. 18 is similar in all respects to the embodiment of FIG. 17, but
arm 621 is pivoted tolever arm 201 atpivot 321 and is not pivoted with respect toplatform 121. - In operation, when a user pulls on
hand grips 801, thecable 721 is tensioned tending to raise theplatform 121 and the weight of the exerciser aboutpivot 201.Arm 621 pivots with respect tolever arm 201 atpivot 321. Asplatform 121 is raised and lowered,extension 541 reciprocates withincylindrical lever portion 561. - FIGS. 19, 20,21 and 22 show an
exercise machine 100 having abase structure 102 on which asupport frame 109 is mounted by means oflinear bearing assembly 106. Such bearing assembly allows thesupport frame 109 to be moved horizontally with respect tobase 102 to adjust the machine for users with different heights. A locking knob andpin assembly 110 may be used for slidable adjustment of thesupport frame 109. Arotating back frame 111 is pivoted at 150 to framemember 109. Rotating backframe plates 111C are disposed on rotating backframe 111 and head frame 111B is carried outwardly from rotating backframe 111. As best seen in FIG. 19,pad 112 is placed overplates 111C and is designed and arranged to support a user's upper back and head and to move upwardly and downwardly asrotating back frame 111 pivots up and down with respect toframe 109.Handles 114 are carried by head frame 111B. - A
plate 109A is fixed to supportframe 109 for mountingpad 113 which is stationary during exercise but moves horizontally during adjustment ofsupport frame 109. Lowerbody support frame 104 is pivoted to frame 102 viastructural member 102A (FIGS. 20, 21) by pivot andmain shaft 130. Such pivot andmain shaft 130 supports the lowerbody support frame 104 and allows theframe 104 to pivot with respect toframe 102. Pillow blocks 134A, 134B allowshaft 130 to rotate withframe member 104A and simultaneously carrycam 136.Cam 136 is secured to shaft andpivot 130 and rotates with it. Lowerbody support pads body support frame 104. Adjustablefoot restraint pads member 120 which is carried by,structural member 104C from lowerbody support frame 104. - As best seen in rear view FIG. 21 and
front views 19, 20, an upperbody cam lever 132 is mounted onshaft 130 and is free to rotate aboutshaft 130. Acable 141, attached tocam lever 132, runs via a pulley system to adjustable cable—pulley arrangement 144, which is connected to rotatingframe 111 as illustrated in FIG. 22. When upper body handles 114 are pulled upwardly, the cable—pulley arrangement 144 andcable 141 forces upperbody cam lever 132 down. An extension 132A of upperbody cam lever 132 is forced upward againstengagement pin 138 oncam 136 thereby forcing it upwardly, causingcam 136 to rotate. Acable 140 is trained about the outer periphery ofcam 136 and runs via a conventional cable pulley system toweight stack 160. Accordingly, upward rotation of theupper body frame 111, by virtue of a user's force againsthandles 114, is translated to an upward force againstweight stack 160 which, of course, resists such upward force and rotation offrame 111. - Upward rotation of
lower body frame 104 tends to rotateshaft 130 and alsocam 136. Again, rotation ofcam 136, and frame 104 aboutbase 102 is resisted byweight stack 160. - An
extension spring 142 connected betweenbase 102 and lever extension 132A maintains tension on cable andpulley system 144 when lower body frame is rotated andback frame 111 remains stationary. - As best seen in FIG. 21 and FIG. 20
cable 141 is secured tocam lever 132.Cable 141 is attached to cable andpulley arrangement 144. Cable 144A loops around fixedpulley 144C and floating pulley 144B and has one end terminated at extension member 109B offrame 109 and the other end at rotatingframe 111. (See FIG. 22) During horizontal adjustment since, both ends of cable 144A are attached to slidable adjustable extension 109B,frame 109 androtating frame 111 no movement of floating pulley 144B takes places. During exercise however, extension 109B andframe 109 are locked from moving bypin 110 so activation ofhandles 114 andframe 111 pulls one end of cable 114A which pulls floating pulley 144B andcable 141 which rotateslower body frame 104 and liftsweight stack 160. - Referring now to the embodiment of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 23-27,
exercise machine 200 has abase frame 202 includinglower support members 204 and an upper generally U-shaped support member 206 (best seen in FIG. 27) extending betweenbase support members 204. - An upper back support is shown generally at210 having an
upper seat pad 212 thereon.Upper back support 210 has a pair ofhandles 214 connected by across bar 216 as best seen in FIG. 25, in order to support backsupport 210 onbase frame 202, a generally S-shapedtubular bar 220 has oneend portion 222 secured to the lower side ofback support 210 and anopposed end portion 224 mounted for pivotal movement on ashaft 226 which is supported onarm 228 and secured toU-shaped member 206 ofbase frame 202. - A lower back support generally indicated at230 has an
upper seat pad 232 thereon and is secured along its lower surface toU-shaped support member 206 ofbase frame 202. - A lateral support arm or
plate 236 is fixed toU-shaped member 206 and extends laterally outward frommember 206.Plate 236 supports a lower bearing sleeve orpillow block 238 as shown particularly in FIGS. 25 and 26. A lower body actuator generally indicated at 240 has a lower angle-shapedtubular support member 242.Tubular support member 242 is mounted intermediate its length about apivot shaft 244 onpillow block 238 for relative rotative movement.Tubular support member 242 has an upwardly extendingend portion 246 on whichfoot pads 248 are mounted. Suitable weights may be positioned ontubular support member 242 on opposed sides ofpivot shaft 244 to assist or resist movement offoot pads 248. To resist upward movement offoot pads 248, weights may be positioned onweight support 250. To assist in the upward movement offoot pads 248, weights may be positioned onweight support 252. -
Back support 210 andlower body actuator 240 are interconnected to provide a coordinated movement with movement of one resulting in a simultaneous movement of the other. For interconnectingback support 210 andlower body actuator 240, a connecting linkage is provided including alink 254 pivotally supported onpivot 256 which is mounted onupstanding arm 258 fixed toframe member 242.Link 260 is fixed toshaft 226 at one end and pivotally connected at 262 at its other end to link 254 as shown particularly in FIG. 27.Back support 210 andlower body actuator 240 move in unison toward each other upon a lifting force exerted by a user by grippinghandles 214 and pivoting backsupport 210 upwardly or a lifting force exerted by the legs of a user againstfoot pads 248. - As viewed in FIG. 27, upward movement of
back support frame 210 by grippinghandles 214 pivots backsupport 210 in a clockwise direction aboutpivot 226 causinglower body actuator 240 to pivot in a counterclockwise direction aboutpivot 244. Likewise, upward movement offoot pads 248 from force exerted by the legs of a user againstfoot pads 248 pivots or rotateslower body actuator 240 aboutpivot 244 in a counterclockwise direction for simultaneous rotation ofback support 210 in a clockwise direction aboutpivot 226 as viewed in FIG. 27. - While several embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of the embodiments shown will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (12)
1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:
a frame;
a body supporting linkage mounted on the frame, including (a) a first padded body support, (b) a second padded body support, and (c) a third padded body support disposed between the first padded body support and the second padded body support, wherein the first padded body support pivots about a first axis relative to the third padded body support, and the second padded body support pivots about a discrete second axis relative to the third padded body support; and
a resistance device interconnected between the linkage and the frame in a manner that resists pivoting of the first padded body support relative to the third padded body support.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first padded body support is configured and arranged to engage a person's head, and the second padded body support is configured and arranged to engage a person's buttocks, and the third padded body support is configured and arranged to engage a person's back.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the second padded body support is constrained to pivot in a first direction relative to the third padded body support in response to pivoting of the first padded body support in an opposite, second direction relative to the third padded body support.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising a handlebar mounted on the first padded body support.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second padded body support is constrained to pivot in a first direction relative to the third padded body support in response to pivoting of the first padded body support in an opposite, second direction relative to the third padded body support.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5 , further comprising a handlebar mounted on the first padded body support.
7. A method of exercise, comprising the steps of:
providing an exercise apparatus with discrete, movably interconnected body supports configured and arranged to engage a person's upper back; a person's lower back; and a person's buttocks, respectively;
resting in a supine position on the body supports; and
performing a crunch exercise while maintaining one's lower back in a stationary position relative to a respective, intermediate one of the body supports.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the exercise apparatus is provided with a handlebar rigidly connected to the support that engages the person's upper back, and performance of the crunch exercise involves pulling upward and forward on the handlebar.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the support that engages the persons buttocks is constrained to rotate in a first direction relative to the intermediate one of the body supports in response to rotation of the support that engages the person's upper back in an opposite second direction relative to the intermediate one of the body supports.
10. A method of exercise, comprising the steps of:
providing an exercise apparatus with discrete, movably interconnected body supports configured and arranged to engage a person's head; a person's back; and a person's buttocks, respectively;
resting in a supine position on the body supports; and
performing a crunch exercise while maintaining one's back in a stationary position relative to a respective, intermediate one of the body supports.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the exercise apparatus is provided with a handlebar rigidly connected to the support that engages the person's back, and performance of the crunch exercise involves pulling upward and forward on the handlebar.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the support that engages the persons buttocks is constrained to rotate in a first direction relative to the intermediate one of the body supports in response to rotation of the support that engages the person's head in an opposite second direction relative to the intermediate one of the body supports.
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US10/853,441 US20040229737A1 (en) | 1994-09-02 | 2004-05-25 | Abdominal exercise methods and apparatus |
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US27928194A | 1994-09-02 | 1994-09-02 | |
US08/719,900 US5692997A (en) | 1991-11-18 | 1996-09-25 | Exercise machine |
US08/881,489 US5938575A (en) | 1991-11-18 | 1997-06-24 | Exercise machine |
US09/374,937 US6491608B1 (en) | 1991-11-18 | 1999-08-16 | Exercise machine |
US10/316,981 US7169097B1 (en) | 1991-11-18 | 2002-12-09 | Exercise machine |
US10/853,441 US20040229737A1 (en) | 1994-09-02 | 2004-05-25 | Abdominal exercise methods and apparatus |
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US10/853,441 Abandoned US20040229737A1 (en) | 1994-09-02 | 2004-05-25 | Abdominal exercise methods and apparatus |
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US (1) | US20040229737A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100105529A1 (en) * | 2008-10-29 | 2010-04-29 | Ilan Sela | Weight machine selector device and method of using same |
ITMI20130412A1 (en) * | 2013-03-19 | 2014-09-20 | Vincenzo Canali | GINNICA EXERCISE MACHINE, PARTICULARLY FOR THE AUXOTONIC TRAINING OF MUSCLES. |
US9072937B2 (en) | 2010-01-18 | 2015-07-07 | Katz Teknik Ab | Training apparatus for muscles in the upper part of the body |
US20190054339A1 (en) * | 2017-08-21 | 2019-02-21 | Abigail Price | Workout Machine |
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US5009417A (en) * | 1990-07-31 | 1991-04-23 | Jeff Sarkozi | Abdominal exercise device |
US5033742A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1991-07-23 | Consumer Direct, Inc. | Inflatable sit-up exercise device |
US5938575A (en) * | 1991-11-18 | 1999-08-17 | Stearns; Kenneth W. | Exercise machine |
-
2004
- 2004-05-25 US US10/853,441 patent/US20040229737A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5033742A (en) * | 1990-07-12 | 1991-07-23 | Consumer Direct, Inc. | Inflatable sit-up exercise device |
US5009417A (en) * | 1990-07-31 | 1991-04-23 | Jeff Sarkozi | Abdominal exercise device |
US5938575A (en) * | 1991-11-18 | 1999-08-17 | Stearns; Kenneth W. | Exercise machine |
US6491608B1 (en) * | 1991-11-18 | 2002-12-10 | Kenneth W. Stearns | Exercise machine |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100105529A1 (en) * | 2008-10-29 | 2010-04-29 | Ilan Sela | Weight machine selector device and method of using same |
US8192334B2 (en) | 2008-10-29 | 2012-06-05 | Ilan Sela | Weight machine selector device |
US9072937B2 (en) | 2010-01-18 | 2015-07-07 | Katz Teknik Ab | Training apparatus for muscles in the upper part of the body |
ITMI20130412A1 (en) * | 2013-03-19 | 2014-09-20 | Vincenzo Canali | GINNICA EXERCISE MACHINE, PARTICULARLY FOR THE AUXOTONIC TRAINING OF MUSCLES. |
WO2014146987A1 (en) * | 2013-03-19 | 2014-09-25 | Vincenzo Canali | Gymnastic exercise machine, particularly for auxotonic muscle training |
US9682271B2 (en) | 2013-03-19 | 2017-06-20 | Vincenzo Canali | Gymnastic exercise machine for auxotonic muscle training |
US20190054339A1 (en) * | 2017-08-21 | 2019-02-21 | Abigail Price | Workout Machine |
US10413773B2 (en) * | 2017-08-21 | 2019-09-17 | Abigail Price | Workout machine |
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