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This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/814,996 filed Jun. 20, 2006 for Ab Spinner Abdominal Exerciser, which application is incorporated here by this reference.
This invention relates to devices for aiding exercise of the abdominal muscles of a user.
In today's fitness conscious society, people are often interested in exercising their abdominal muscles. Currently, there are many ways this can be performed, some requiring equipment and some requiring the resistance of the exerciser's own body. Popular abdominal exercises include the sit-up, the crunch, reverse crunch, stability ball pull-ins, and the bicycle abdominal exercise. However, such exercises are often difficult to do with proper form. Additionally, these exercises are generally performed on the floor or by using complex gym equipment. As such the exercises can be uncomfortable or inconvenient for some persons. Furthermore, many existing devices for the abdominal muscles focus on a single primary exercise, such as the crunch.
Therefore, there exists a need for an exercise device upon which a person can perform multiple abdominal exercises and to further ensure the exercises are done with the proper form. There exists a further need for an exercise device to allow the user to perform abdominal exercises off of the floor, in a comfortable position, and without the need for complex gym equipment.
The invention is directed to an exercise device having a seat, a spine, a hoop, a connector, and preferably at least one flexible rod. The spine extends upward from the rear edge of the seat, and the length of the spine may be adjustable. The hoop is connected to the spine by way of a connector, such as a dual-axis joint, at a circumferential portion of the hoop. The connector permits the hoop to rotate or pivot relative to the spine. The flexible rod extends outward from the hoop proximate the connector and is attached to a tensioning mechanism via a resistance cable at a second end of the flexible rod. The tensioning mechanism provides a tensile force in the resistance cable, permitting the flexible rod to provide a force to oppose the pivoting of the hoop.
By sitting on the seat, enclosed by the hoop, and grasping the hoop with both hands, a person may perform a number of exercises, including an oblique twist, an abdominal crunch, a radial abdominal crunch, and an infinity abdominal crunch. The exercise device helps to ensure proper form and may provide resistance to the person's motions in order to provide a more strenuous exercise of the person's abdominal muscles.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a side plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a front plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a rear plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a view of an embodiment of an ab spinner in a folded position.
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a side plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a side plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIGS. 11A-11C are front plan views of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIGS. 12A-B are top plan views of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 13 is a side plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 14 is a front plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 15 is a front plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 16 is a front plan view of a user utilizing an embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise device of the invention.
FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a side plan view of the embodiment of FIG. 17.
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Referring to the figures, the invention is directed to an exercise device 10 having a seat 12, an upright support or spine 14, a hoop 16, a connector 18, and preferably at least one flexible rod 20.
The seat 12 may further have legs 22 to support the seat 12 off of a floor or other support surface. The seat has a front edge and a rear edge, where preferably the seat 12 is tilted downward toward the rear edge of the seat 12 at an angle of about twelve degrees. In some embodiments, at least one of the legs may jut from the front edge of the seat in a forward direction, thereby providing additional stability for the exercise device 10.
The spine 14 extends upward from the rear edge of the seat 12, and the spine 14 may further be an extension of one of the legs 22. The spine 14 may be relatively straight, or it might be bent concavely or convexly. Preferably, the spine 14 is slightly convex, bending in toward the seat at the lower end of the spine 14 and away from the seat at its upper end.
In some embodiments, the length of the spine 14 is adjustable. In some versions of the invention, this adjustment may be accomplished by a telescoping feature, where a portion of the spine 14 is extendable within another portion of the spine 14 or within an extension of one of the legs 22.
The spine 14 may also be bendable, flexible, or elastically deformable about an axis perpendicular to its major axis. An example of this flexion is depicted in FIG. 10. Preferably, though, the spine 14 is rigid and the motion of the hoop 16 is transmitted to a connector 18 between the hoop 16 and the spine 14, as further defined below.
The hoop 16 is connected to the spine 14. In its neutral position, where no external forces are being applied to the hoop other than gravity, the hoop is generally parallel to the floor or support surface. The hoop 16 preferably has a diameter of between about twenty-four inches and thirty-four inches, and more preferably has a diameter of about twenty-eight inches. This range of diameters has been found to be particularly beneficial for the performance of the exercises described below. Preferably, the hoop 16 has a generally circular cross-section, although additional cross-sections may be utilized. In some versions, the hoop 16 may resemble a bicycle hoop or a plastic toy hoop commonly known as a hula hoop.
The connector 18 is between the hoop 16 and the spine 14 at a circumferential portion of the hoop 16, and it may be a multidirectional hinge. The connector 18 permits the hoop 16 to rotate or pivot relative to the spine 14 in a direction oblique to the plane of the floor or support surface. For example, refer to FIG. 10 and FIGS. 13-16. In some embodiments, the connector 18 may be resistive such that there is opposition to the rotation or pivoting, and this resistance may be continuously adjustable between a relatively low level of resistance and a relatively high level of resistance.
In a version of the invention, the connector 18 also permits the hoop 16 to slide through the connector 18, allowing the hoop 16 to spin about an axis through the center of the hoop 16. An example of this is shown in FIG. 9, FIGS. 11A through 11C, and FIGS. 12A through 12B. Preferably, though, this relative motion is accomplished instead by way of a slider mechanism 24 as described below.
The connector 18 preferably comprises a dual-axis joint such as shown in FIGS. 17-19. The dual-axis joint permits the hoop 16 to pivot relative to the spine 14 in a first direction oblique to a plane of the support surface (such as shown in FIG. 13) as well as a second direction oblique to a plane of the support surface. For the preferred range of motion of the hoop, the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal, the first direction having an axis parallel to the support surface and the second direction having an axis that is generally vertical.
In some embodiments, the connector 18 may be resistive such that there is opposition to the pivoting. In further embodiments, the connector 18 may be continuously adjustable between a relatively low level of resistance and a relatively high level of resistance, permitting the user to adjust the difficulty level of performing an exercise.
The resistive force in the connector 18 may be created by, for example, a spring or frictional device. Preferably, the resistive force is provided by one or more bows or flexible rods 20. Each flexible rod 20 extends outward from the hoop 16, preferably proximate the connector 18, and each flexible rod 20 is attached to a tensioning mechanism 26 via a resistance cable 28. The tensioning mechanism 26 provides a tensile force in each resistance cable 28, typically causing each flexible rod 20 to flex or bow such that the flexible rod 20 takes on an arc shape. In such embodiments, the tensile force provided by the tensioning mechanism 26 may be adjustable, and preferably is continuously adjustable between a relatively low level of resistance and a relatively high level of resistance to movement of the hoop 16.
In some versions of the invention, the exercise device 10 also includes a slider mechanism 24 on the hoop 16. The slider mechanism 24 permits the user to pivot their upper body about an axis through the center of the hoop 16. Preferably, the slider mechanism 24 has a first portion 30 and a second portion 32, where the first portion 30 and the second portion 32 are each shaped and dimensioned to slide around at least a portion of the hoop 16. In some versions of the invention, each of the first portion 30 and the second portion 32 of the slider mechanism 24 are able to slide around the hoop independently of the other portion, while also being able to slide around together as a single unit, as desired. This is described more fully below.
In versions having a slider mechanism 24, the exercise device 10 may also have a first resistive band being connected to the first portion 30 of the slider mechanism 24 at a first end of the first resistive band, while a second end of the first resistive band is connected to the spine 14. The exercise device 10 may further have a second resistive band that is connected to the second portion 32 of the slider mechanism 24 at a first end of the second resistive band, while a second end of the second resistive band is connected to the spine 14. Preferably, the first resistive band and the second resistive band each comprise an elastic band. Sliding the first portion 30 or the second portion 32 creates additional tension in the first resistive band or the second resistive band, respectively. Preferably, each of the first portion 30 or the second portion 32 may be moved separately or in unison, as desired for a particular exercise. Each of the first resistive band and the second resistive band preferably resides inside of the hoop 16.
In versions having adjustable resistance (including of the first resistive band and the second resistive band of the slider mechanism 24 as well as the tensioning mechanism 26), the adjustment may be by way of a dial or resistance selector 38 to increase and decrease the force opposing the motion. The dial or resistance selector 38 may have gradations, numbers, letters, or other markings to indicate the relative level of resistance. In some versions, changing the dial or resistance selector 38 from one resistance level to another is accompanied by a click or another audible indicator to provide feedback to the user that the change was accomplished. Preferably, a first dial or resistance selector 38 controls the first resistive band and the second resistive band, while a second dial or resistance selector 38 controls the tensioning mechanism 26.
In some embodiments, the exercise device 10 may be foldable for storage. An example of such an embodiment is depicted in FIG. 7. In versions having one or more flexible rods 20, each flexible rod 20 may pivot, such as on a hinge, to permit neat folding for storage.
To use the exercise device 10, the person sits on the seat 12 in a generally upright position and grasps the hoop 16, preferably with both of the person's hands and more preferably with their left hand on the first portion 30 of the hoop 16 and their right hand on the second portion 32 of the hoop 16. This defines a starting position, an example of which is depicted in FIG. 11B and FIG. 12A. The person may furthermore rest their feet on a portion of one of the legs 22, thereby improving the stability of the exercise device 10 in relation to the floor or support surface. Alternatively the person may rest their feet directly on the floor or support surface, particularly for embodiments like the one depicted in FIGS. 17-19.
From the starting position, a person may perform an oblique twist by the person twisting about their upper body to the right about their waist while maintaining their grasp on the hoop 16. The twist may also be performed to the person's left side. During the twist, in some versions of the invention the hoop 16 slides through the connector 18. Examples of these twists are given by FIG. 9, FIGS. 11A-C, and FIGS. 12A-B. In some embodiments, the connector 18 may provide resistance to the person's motion. In some embodiments, flexion of the spine 14 may provide resistance to the person's motion. In versions of the invention having a slider mechanism 24, rather than the hoop 16 sliding through the connector 18, the sliding motion is achieved via the slider mechanism 24 as described above.
From the starting position, a person may perform an abdominal crunch by the person bending about the person's waist while pivoting the hoop 16 about the horizontal axis of the connector 18. An example of this motion is shown in FIG. 10, and FIGS. 13-16.
From the starting position, a person may perform a radial abdominal crunch by first pivoting the hoop 16 about the connector 18 such that the hoop 16 is oblique to the floor or support surface and the portion of a hoop 16 to the person's left is higher than a portion to the person's right. The person then twists downward to the right about the person's waist while maintaining the grasp on the hoop 16. An example of this motion is shown in FIG. 14. The motion may also be performed to the person's left side, and an example of this is depicted in FIG. 15. In versions of the invention having a slider mechanism 24, rather than the hoop 16 sliding through the connector 18, the sliding motion is achieved via the slider mechanism 24 as described above.
A person may perform an infinity abdominal crunch by combining the motions for the abdominal crunch and the radial abdominal crunch, such that the person's hands trace a generally sideways figure-eight pattern similar to the symbol for infinity (∞). An example of this is depicted in FIG. 16.
While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.
This invention may be industrially applied to the development, manufacture, and use of devices for aiding exercise of the abdominal muscles of a user.