WO2005018753A1

WO2005018753A1 - An exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2005018753A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/003514
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Peter Maroon Younane
Original assignee: Paul Peter Maroon Younane
Priority date: 2003-08-18
Filing date: 2004-08-16
Publication date: 2005-03-03
Also published as: GB0319365D0; GB2405108A

Abstract

An exercise apparatus (10) for abdominal strength training that includes a resilient member (17) anchored at one end to a base (spine 11) and with a grip (20) at the other end. The apparatus is adapted such that the anchored end is substantially behind a user (U) and the gripping end is positioned at, adjacent or over a shoulder of the user to load abdominal muscles of the user when pulling the resilient member into a 'stretched position'. The apparatus is intended to be relatively portable. Alternatives to a specific 'elastic cord' type resilient member (17) are disclosed.

Description

AN EXERCISE APPARATUS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, particularly for strengthening the abdominal muscles (rectus abdominus and obliques) .

BACKGROUND ART

Many abdominal exercise apparatus/machines are known, the majority of which are confined to the "sit-up" or "crunch" movement where an individual, lying on one's back, flexes the trunk against the combined loads of upper body weight and gravity. By increasing the number of repetitive sit-ups endurance is improved over time and the abdominal muscles can become toned (more defined) . However, there are no strength gains other than for the specific load value provided by upper body weight and gravity.

The known abdominal exercisers for home use are focussed on controlling the "sit-up" or "crunch" movement in a consistent manner without contributing any load (adjustable or - otherwise-) of its own.

It is well established in physiological literature that in order to develop strength muscles must be progressively loaded so that a maximum of 8 to 20 repetitions are performed.

Exercise machines to achieve this progressive loading are generally only available in a gymnasium because they tend to be large and heavy, often bolted to the floor. A typical device of this type requires the user to be sitting with the weight situated behind and pulled via an overhead pulley wheel into a bent forward (loaded) position (keeping one's back straight). The user then returns to the generally unloaded sitting position and repeats. This type of exercise is most closely related to a "sit-up" rather than "crunch" movement.

These machines are expensive and therefore not accessible to most people, particularly those with an interest in exercising at home . DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that, in use, allows a load to be applied to the abdominal muscle groups and is generally portable. In a preferred form the load to be applied should be a resistance greater than gravity, however, in another form the exercise apparatus could provide active assistance (lessening the effect of gravity on body weighted movement) . Furthermore, it is preferable that there be the facility to increase the load, leading to strength gains over time.

In one broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus for abdominal strength training including a resilient member anchored at one end to a base and including (or associated therewith) a gripping portion at the other end, the apparatus adapted such that, in use, the anchored end is substantially behind a user and the gripping end is positioned adjacent or over a shoulder of the user to load abdominal muscles of the user when pulling the resilient member into a "stretched position".

In a second broad aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise apparatus for abdominal strength training including an elongate base wherein an elongate resilient member is anchored substantially perpendicularly to one end of said base and a foot engagement means is provided at another end, the elongate resilient member including a gripping end distal from the anchored end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a general overview of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is an underneath general view, Figure 3 is a general overview of the apparatus in a folded position, Figure 4 is a side elevation view showing a user in a first position, Figure 5 is a side elevation view showing a user in a second (crunch) position, and Figure 6 is a view of upper end of the apparatus showing a resilient member. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

According to a preferred form of the invention as illustrated, the exercise apparatus 10 includes an elongate base (spine) member 11 onto which is mounted a seat 12 at roughly a midway point, a shoulder rest 13 (at one distal end) and, extending outward therefrom (at the opposite distal end to the shoulder rest 13), stirrups 14. Spine 11 has a preferably flat ground contacting surface 11a and further stability is provided by the extending stirrup mounts 14 when a user is on the apparatus.

Further embodiments of the apparatus may introduce an inclined/declined nature to all or part of the spine 11, possibly by virtue of adjustable hinge positions. Stirrups 14 are preferably mounted for slidable adjustment within a longitudinal slot 15. At the distal end of the spine 11 adjacent shoulder rest 13 is an anchoring point 16 for a resilient member 17.

As illustrated by Figure 2, a bulbous end of resilient member 17 is retained at anchor point 16 by a notch 18 suitably dimensioned to hold member 17 in an interference fit. Anchor point 16 could be in various other forms to achieve anchoring of the resilient member 17.

In the illustrated embodiment, resilient member 17 is an elastic cord made from suitable material extending perpendicularly to spine 11 (and also effectively perpendicular to stirrups 14) .

At the other end of resilient member 17, distal from anchor 16, is a gripping means 19. Grip 19 comprises two arms 20 that extend from a U-shape (head rest) part 21. It will be appreciated that the "gripping means" could be replaced by a belt or other fastening means such that the resilient member is effectively coupled directly to the user' s upper body so gripping with the hands is not strictly necessary. Accordingly "gripping means" should be given a broad interpretation as meaning any way of holding the resilient member to the body, e.g. by way of a harness for the upper body.

The exercise apparatus is adjustable to the size of a user by virtue of stirrup adjustment slot 15 and a seat adjustment slot 22. The apparatus 10 is also intended to be foldable (collapsible) by virtue of at least one hinge point 23. Two hinges are illustrated by the embodiment to enable folding to a form as illustrated by Figure 3. Other "collapsible" methods may be used such as a telescopic spine part 11 as an alternative to hinge (s) 23.

The intended use of the exercise apparatus is best described by reference to Figures 4 and 5.

In order to begin use, a user U must lay in a supine position with feet in stirrups 14. Stirrups 14 preferably have a Velcro® type fastener such that the feet can be secured. It will be observed from the illustration that the user's knees and hips are flexed to angles of approximately 45° to 90° and 45° respectively.

The U-shaped grip 19 is arranged with the user's neck/head N resting against part 21 and the hands H each holding a grip arm 20 close to the chest.

In order to load the abdominal muscle groups with resistance the user now begins to raise the upper body in a "crunch" type movement, held stable by the feet within stirrups 14. Resilient member 17 stretches and the load will be greatest as the user approaches an upright sitting position. This feature is important and it will be apparent that a user will have- a maximum stretch distance for a given cord (at least until they become stronger through repeated use) . However, the lesser resistance inherent in the cord at the beginning of the pull is beneficial for the user to "get started".

The supine-toward-sitting movement is repeated (preferably) 8 to 20 times. The last of these repetitions may be to failure. If the resistance provided by resilient member 17 is not enough, then it is intended that it can be replaced by a member 17 that offers more resistance. Likewise, if the resilient member 17 is too much for the user, a lower resistance member should be selected.

Accordingly the apparatus is preferably provided with a range of resilient cords 17 with increasing resistance. Alternatively, in a commercial sense, these could be sold separately because a particular user may never be capable of using the most resistant cords.

As with other weight training methods (bench press, bicep curls etc) , it is intended that the user will progressively add more resistance over time to improve strength, and not simply aim to perform more and more repetitions.

As an example, the resilient member 17 may be in the form of a Santoprene® TPE cord of varying diameters (or density) depending on the resistance required. Alternatively, the anchor point 16 and grip 19 may simply include provision for adding a second (or more) member 17 of the same specifications, thereby doubling (or more) the resistance load.

Resilient members may not only have different diameters when comparing _a plurality of cords (e.g.. provided in a set), but may also have a non-constant (i.e. increasing in a cone-like manner or with two or more different stepped zones) diameter in a single cord in order to modify the stretch/resistance profile of that cord. For example, it is suggested above that it is desirable for the user to be able to complete the first part of the crunch movement with less resistance than a second part (moving towards sitting) . In other words the level of resistance increases the further you pull.

This increasing resistance is inherent in the cord design anyway as there will usually be a maximum elastic point and resistance significantly increases as the user approaches that point.

In the past resilient spring members have been used for chest expansion-type devices. These materials are equally relevant to the present application as an alternative to synthetic "bungee" type cords.

An alternative embodiment could have a resisted extending element to replace the resilient member. For example, a spring loaded webbing coil (such as used for a car seat belt) could perform an equivalent function where resistance is optionally increased by modifying the spring load between a maximum and minimum capability.

In yet further alternative embodiments a resilient member providing resistance to the apparatus could be located within or at the base or under the seat (e.g. a set of springs, possibly with adjustable loading) and connected via a cord running through a pulley at the "anchor" point 16 to the grip means 19. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is the position of the user relative to the point from which the resistance load is pulled that is more important than the location of the actual resistance providing element. Such an arrangement also provides increasing resistance the further the user pulls (by contrast to weight plates used in fixed gymnasium equipment that provides a constant resistive force) .

Further embodiments with supplementary mechanisms (e.g. a powered actuator) can enable the apparatus to provide an active assistance for performing a crunch movement. In this case the effect of gravity on body weight can be reduced to assist the user. An apparatus of this type thereby features negative to positive resistance that may be desirable for a "true beginner" or out of shape user.

Such a device with a negative to positive resistance can have application in accident rehabilitation or other therapeutic practices .

The present invention is best suited to be comparable to a "crunch" exercise because of the way it targets the required abdominal muscle groups, however, modified embodiments can be adapted for "sit up" exercises. The general apparatus can be inclined or declined depending on requirements.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The exercise apparatus according to the present invention is preferably designed for safe ergonomic use, hence the seat 12, shoulder rest 13 and neck/head support portion 21 are illustrated with this in mind. Portability by virtue of the collapsible aspect makes the apparatus particularly well suited for home, office or outdoor use.

All. components can be constructed from, known materials (e.g-. ABS for rigid members and polyurethane foam where appropriate for the seat etc) but, it will be appreciated that alternatives may be developed (particularly in respect of the resilient member 17) in the future.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. An exercise apparatus for abdominal strength training including a resilient member anchored at one end to a base and including (or associated therewith) a gripping or attachment portion at the other end, the apparatus adapted such that, in use, the anchored end is substantially behind a user and the gripping end is positioned at, adjacent or over a shoulder of the user to load abdominal muscles of the user when pulling the resilient member into a stretched position.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base is an elongate member.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 or 2 wherein a foot engagement means is provided distal from the resilient member.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein the foot engagement means is a stirrup.

5. The exercise apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein a seat is provided coupled with the base.

6. The exercise apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein a shoulder rest is provided coupled with the base.

7. The exercise apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the gripping portion is a U-shape, the legs of the U being grippable by the hands of a user.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7 wherein the U-shape provides a neck and/or head support for the user.

9. The exercise apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the base is collapsible.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 wherein the elongate base includes a hinge.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 or 4 wherein the foot engagement means is slidably mounted with the base.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 5 wherein the seat is slidably mounted with the base.

13. The exercise apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the resilient member is replaceable.

14. The exercise apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein there are a plurality of resilient members .

15. An exercise apparatus for abdominal strength training including an elongate base wherein an elongate- resilient member is anchored perpendicularly to one end of said base and a foot engagement means is provided at another end, the elongate resilient member including a gripping end distal from the anchored end.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 wherein the gripping end includes a handle means.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 wherein the gripping means is replaced by a harness for coupling with a user's upper body.

18. An exercise apparatus for abdominal strength training including a base and a resisting extendable element, the extendable element having a gripping end and being mounted on the base at a position behind a user.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 18 wherein the resisting extendable element is an elongate element arranged in a spring-loaded coil.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19 wherein the load on the spring-loaded coil is adjustable.

21. An exercise apparatus for abdominal strength training including a base upon which a user may sit or lay, a resistance providing member attached with the base and a means for coupling the resistance providing member to the user at, adjacent or over the shoulder of the user.

22. The exercise apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base may be on or include an incline or decline position.

23. The exercise apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further including a means for positive assistance to the user, thereby reducing the effect of gravity on bodyweight.