JP2010063881A - Abdominal exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an abdominal exercise apparatus (10) arranged generally to be worn over user's shoulders and to be secured thereto in a comfortable manner by way of front support portions (30, 32) and back support portion (38) which extend respectively downwardly from a central region (28). <P>SOLUTION: Extending laterally and forwardly from the central region (28) are a pair of arms (14, 16) which are arranged to be gripped by a user when wearing the apparatus and to which weights can be releasably mounted so as to control the weight against which the user works when performing an exercise routine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an abdominal muscle exercise device.

  A variety of different exercise devices and devices are known and can be used to exercise various muscles of the human body for general fitness and muscle conditioning purposes or for bodybuilding requirements.

  In general, the central part of the human body, including the abdomen, is the part that is frequently exercised as long as it can prove that adjustment of the abdominal muscles is important for obtaining the desired physique.

  Various exercises can be performed to adjust the abdominal muscles, which generally requires a variety of different devices / apparatus that result in associated additional cost, maintenance, and storage requirements.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an abdominal exercise device that has advantages over such known devices, in particular a device that can perform various exercises safely, comfortably and, importantly, efficiently and easily. Is to provide.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an abdominal muscle exercise device comprising a pair of arms each extending from a central region and each having a weight engaging structure towards its end, the central region covering the shoulder of the user. Arranged to extend in the direction of the user's front chest region and to provide a back support arranged to extend at least partially along the user's back. And a rear portion.

  By providing front and back supports, this device provides additional weight to the weight engagement structure not only when the user is standing upright but also when the user is lying in the supine position Nevertheless, it can prove advantageous as long as it allows various movements.

  Preferably, the front can be arranged to provide a weighting means that will be located in the chest area of the user during use.

  The exercise device may further comprise a front support member that can be easily engaged with the front portion and optionally equipped with a weighting means, as required.

  More particularly, the front support member comprises a relatively thin breastplate that is arranged to hang from the front part and is further arranged to have weighting means removably mounted thereon when necessary. Can do.

  Further, the rear portion is arranged to have an engagement structure for mounting a back support thereon, the back support being relatively thin, optionally flexible, and having an elastic back support plate. Can be provided.

  Preferably, the back support is arranged to extend from the central region and is generally integral with it.

  These features allow a particularly simplified configuration of the device and easy and comfortable use in both upright and supine positions.

  The back support can be provided with an inner back support surface arranged to engage the user's back, in which case it exhibits a curvature substantially similar to that of a human spine.

  As suggested above, the back support member is positioned to support the user's back when lying in a supine position thereon.

  In addition, the back support member can similarly be provided with an outer surface arranged to engage the floor surface when the user lies on his back in a supine position.

  Preferably, the outer surface has at least one region configured to facilitate movement of the back support on the floor surface.

  Said at least one region can comprise bearing means, rotating means and in particular one or more casters or wheels.

  More specifically, the back support member includes a flexible member.

  With respect to the at least one front support, it can likewise be arranged to extend from the central part.

  Preferably, left and right front support members are provided respectively extending from the left and right shoulder portions of the central region of the device, respectively.

  The at least one front support member may include a weight engagement structure.

  With respect to the weight engagement structure outlined above, such a structure can be arranged to detachably load the weighting means thereon.

  More particularly, the weight engaging structure may comprise a plurality of hollow members arranged to receive fluid and / or particulate matter with the weighting means.

  Alternatively, the weight engaging structure can be arranged to removably receive a plurality of hollow portions, each arranged to receive fluid and / or particulate material therein.

  As a specific function, the hollow member can be pivotally mounted so that its orientation relative to the device changes, and in particular, different exercise routines can be considered.

  In one particular embodiment, the arms that can be arranged to bend at their connection region to the central region can include a particular degree of bend.

  In one particular embodiment, the central region is arranged to extend behind the user's neck.

  As can be seen from the above, the device of the present invention is abdominal muscles that will be explained and revealed from the exercise routine as described below, regardless of whether the user is upright or supine. Can be easily used in connection with exercise.

  The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely exemplary.

It is a side perspective view showing an abdominal muscle exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view showing the apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 during an exercise routine for a user in an upright position. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 when the user is used in a supine position. It is a perspective view showing an abdominal muscle exercise device according to another embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the exercise device by other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a detachable load means for use in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating use of the embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating use of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of a device mounted thereon with the weighting means of FIG. 7 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of an embodiment of the present invention on which the weighting means shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are mounted. It is a perspective view which shows the exercise device by other embodiment of this invention.

  Referring first to FIG. 1, a side perspective view of an abdominal exercise apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided.

  The abdominal muscle exercise device (10) is arranged to be worn over the user's shoulder and includes a central region 12, from which a pair of side arms 14, extending laterally and forwardly as shown in the figure, 16 extends.

  At the end of the side arms 14, 16 remote from the central area 12, there is a pair of handgrips 18, 20 arranged ergonomically for easy and comfortable use of the device. Provided.

  Each arm 14, 16 is provided with a respective pair of recessed areas 22, 24 for releasably engaging the weight block as will be described later. However, the weight engaging areas 22, 24 of these recesses may be provided at any suitable location on each of the arms 14, 16, closer or further away from the central area 12.

  The central region 12 includes a neck portion 26 arranged to easily fit the device behind the user's neck, a respective shoulder portion 28 overlying the user's shoulder, and a respective front portion extending forward therefrom. And supports 30 and 32. The distal ends of these supports 30, 32 include engagement structures 34, 36 for releasably mounting a weighting block thereon as will also be described later.

  Extending downwardly from the central region 12 and the shoulder portion 28 are an inner back support surface 40 with a curvature positioned to fit the human spine and a floor when the user is using the exercise device 10 in a supine position. Is a back support plate portion 38 having an outer surface 42 (see FIG. 2) arranged to engage with.

  Extending outwardly from the lower region of the outer surface 42 is a pair of exercise equipment and, in particular, provided to facilitate movement of the lower region of the back support plate 38 on the floor surface as required. This is a caster wheel 44.

  Full details of the configuration of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 can be seen from FIG. 2, including perspective views from behind and below the exercise device 10, from which the central neck portion 26, a pair of shoulder portions. 28, the outer surface 42, and a pair of caster wheels 44 are easily understood.

  As can be further seen in FIG. 2, a bent portion 46 is provided in the region where the arms 14, 16 and the central portion 28 meet, whereby the central portion 28 and the front portions 30, 32 and rear portion 38 are provided. The arms 14, 16 can be bent with respect to the support.

  The bend is included to enhance the comfort of the exercise equipment, particularly when the user is used in an upright position.

  The full details of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are better understood by referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, which provide an example of using the exercise device 10 in connection with two completely different exercise routines for the abdominal muscles. Let's be done.

  Referring initially to FIG. 3, when the user is in an upright position, the user can wear exercise equipment with the arms 14, 16 extending behind the shoulders and upper arms, It will be appreciated that a support is provided that allows the forearm to be comfortably placed while holding the handgrips 18, 20 (see FIG. 1) of the hand.

  Also shown in FIG. 3 are each pair of weighted blocks 48 that are removably attached to the engagement features 22, 24 (see FIG. 1) of the device recess.

  The weighted block can comprise a hollow block arranged to receive fluid and / or particulate material to increase its weight in an easily controllable manner.

  Depending on how the weighting block 48 is attached to each arm, the weighting block hangs down vertically as shown in FIG. 3 or pivots 90 ° in the direction of arrow A and moves inward horizontally as a whole. Can be extended.

  This generally horizontal arrangement can be employed when the user performs a floor-based exercise routine as discussed below in connection with FIG.

  Still referring to FIG. 3, however, this device is safe and comfortable for the user to attach arm 14, 16 and handgrips 18, 20 regardless of whether additional weight is provided by weighting block 48. While engaged, the user can be prepared for a “core twist” exercise routine in which the feet rest as a whole and twist their torso together. Providing a weight addition proved advantageous as long as the user needed a work load to start and stop the overall circular motion performed by the weight to prepare for the enhanced exercise routine Yes. In addition, when the “core twist” is executed by the bending region 46 (see FIG. 2), the user can bend each arm 14, 16 of the exercise apparatus 10 using each arm. Therefore, an enhanced training session can be performed.

  Furthermore, the provision of the front support members 30, 32 and the back support member 38 particularly enhances the comfort and ease of use of the device.

  Referring now to FIG. 4, the use of exercise apparatus 10 in an exercise routine that is typically initiated by a user in a supine position is shown.

  Here, the outer surface 42 and caster wheels 44 associated with the back support member engage the floor on which the user lies, and the arms 14, 16 extend generally vertically and use their respective hand grips 18, 20. To be held again by the user.

  The exercise routine that is performed includes so-called abdominal tightening, in which the user specifically rises and repeatedly attempts abdominal exercises as indicated by arrow B using the abdominal muscles.

  The support function provided by the back support 42 facilitates the use of the device and, at a relatively short distance, the caster wheel 44, which is a particularly important function when the user's torso is lifted in the direction of arrow B. However, reliable and smooth movement of the exercise device in the direction of arrow C is possible.

  Thus, comfort and support is provided to the user's back and no snagging occurs on the back support member of the device.

  If desired, a weight member can be attached to the arms 14, 16 and swiveled inwardly as described above in connection with FIG. Alternatively, such a weight member is engaged with the engagement structure 34, 36 or the respective front support plate 30, 32 so that the user can exercise against the exercise routine as shown in FIG. Can provide special weight to do. A special feature is that when used for such a tightening exercise, a weight can be easily placed on the chest area of the user.

  Again, although additional weights are added to the device, the support members for the front portions 30, 32 and the back portion 42 maintain a comfortable and easy use of the exercise device 10.

  5A and 5B, a perspective view of an abdominal exercise device 50 according to another embodiment of the present invention is provided.

  The device 50 includes arms 52, 54 extending from a central neck support region 56, each of which facilitates lower support of the user's forearm while the central neck support 56 is located behind the user's neck. Respective structures 58, 62 are provided at the distal ends of the arms 52, 54. Structures 58, 62 are associated with forwardly extending handgrips 60, 64, respectively, whereby the device is positioned for the user to grip during the exercise routine.

  As most clearly shown in FIG. 5A, the rear portion 56A of the central neck support region 56 is arranged to extend outwardly behind the user's neck, and as shown most clearly in FIG. Protrusions 56B and 56C that extend downward separately are provided at the front. When worn by the user, the protrusions 56B, 56C extend downward toward the user's front chest / chest region. If desired, the arms 52, 54 can be provided with a degree of resilience with respect to the central neck support region 56 so that each arm 52, 54 can be flexed to some degree as needed during use.

  In the following, an example of use of the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B is provided, but it will be readily understood that the apparatus can be used in a manner similar to that described in connection with the above embodiment. .

  Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, each has side arms 52, 54, but forms yet another embodiment of the present invention. Another view of an exercise device 50 adapted by including a back support plate 66 is provided.

  It should be understood that the back support plate 66 can be provided integral with the device 50 or alternatively can be arranged to removably attach to the central neck support region 56 of the device 50.

  In either case, the back support plate 66 comprises a relatively thin, flexible, downwardly extending member and is arranged to provide curvature with respect to the natural curvature of the spine.

  Importantly, the outer surface of the back support plate 66 is provided with means for enhancing the mobility of the back support plate 66 on the floor surface in use. In the illustrated example of FIG. 6B, such means comprises a pair of casters 68,70.

  As will be understood from the following discussion, the back support 66 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B provides a similar method that occurs with respect to floor motion, and specifically with respect to the above-described embodiments and considerations associated with FIG. When executed, the user's back movement can be facilitated.

  With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, perspective views of weighting means 72 arranged to be releasably attached to an embodiment of the invention as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B are shown. Is provided.

  Each weighting means 72 is solid or, in one particular embodiment, hollow and can be arranged to fill with a suitable fluid and / or particulate material to increase its weight. A pair of weighting elements 74, 76 are provided.

  Further, each weighting means can include various engagement structures 78, 80 to allow for easy releasable engagement of the weighting means with the exercise device.

  As will become apparent from the following examples of use of the present invention, the weighting means 72 can be releasably engaged with the arms 52, 54 of the present invention or the front chest / chest region of the device.

  Such engagement for attaching the weighting means 72 to the user's front chest / chest area is directed to the protrusions 56B, 56C as shown in FIG. 5B or attached to the protrusions 56B, 56C. An intermediate anterior chest plate member can be used.

  Referring to FIG. 8, a first example is provided that shows how to use the apparatus shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

  This device is “mounted” in a manner similar to the previous embodiment as long as the central neck 56 is located behind the user's neck and the respective arms 52, 54 extend laterally along the user's shoulder. This allows the user to lift his forearm and place it on the support surfaces 58, 62, thereby allowing the handgrips 60, 64 to be easily used.

  Any suitable motion can then be performed in a manner similar to that discussed with respect to the above embodiments.

  Referring to FIG. 9, an example use of the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B is provided where a user is lying on the floor with his / her back supported. As will be appreciated, the back support plate 66 is provided so that the user can easily and comfortably position on the floor surface, further assisting the user's spine in achieving and maintaining a comfortable position. As most clearly shown in FIG. 9, a pair of casters 68, 70 each engage the floor and during the exercise routine including so-called rising or abdominal exercises, the arrows in FIG. Allows reverse movement in direction A. As will be appreciated, the casters 68, 70 allow the device 50 and specifically the back support plate 66 to move relative to the floor surface on which the exercise is being performed, thereby enabling the user during the exercise routine. Helps maintain an appropriate and comfortable position that supports the back of the person.

  Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an example of use of the apparatus according to the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B is provided, but with a weighting means 72 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. . Similar to the above embodiment, the addition of the weighting means 72 serves to increase the amount of exercise that the user takes during the exercise routine, thereby enhancing the benefits obtained by such routine.

  In addition to being mounted under each arm 52, 54 of the device as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the weighting means 72 can be similarly mounted near the user's front chest / chest area. As described above, such attachment is accomplished directly on the protrusions 56B, 56C as shown in FIG. 5, or more preferably, using the anterior chest plate member 82 shown in FIG. 82 can be mounted on the projections 56B and 56C shown in relation to FIG. 5B without difficulty, and is arranged so that the waiting means 72 is mounted thereon.

  The provision of such a front chest plate provides an advantageous function to achieve easy and immediate attachment of any necessary weighting configuration to the device 50.

  As shown in FIG. 11, it is possible to increase the amount of exercise that the user takes when performing a so-called rising abdominal exercise or abdominal exercise by attaching a weighting means 72 in a simple exemplified manner To do. This allows the user to safely use the weighting means 72 without having to use both hands for fixing. Indeed, the user's arms and hands can remain engaged with the support surfaces 58, 62 as needed and as shown in FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B, can be used to support front and back support members as needed to more particularly support floor-based exercise routines. It is advantageous to provide an exercise device that is advantageously small and easily adaptable.

  Referring to FIG. 12, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

  Here, the exercise device 84 embodying the present invention has a substantially right-angle configuration as shown in the figure, and a pair of crank-shaped cylinders that terminate in handgrip members 90 and 92 that extend vertically, respectively. Arms 86 and 88 are provided.

  The central portion of the device 84 includes a front region having a pair of downwardly-hanging protrusions (only one 94 of which is visible), a downwardly extending back support 96 and a bearing support member 98 extending therefrom. With a rear section.

  The bearing support member 98 is used to provide comfort to the user when lying on the device 84 on the floor.

  The bearing member 98 also provides a bearing surface that can facilitate sliding motion between the back platform 96 and the floor surface on which the exercise routine is being performed.

  The bearing support member may comprise a rigid or at least partially deformable member as required.

  It will be appreciated that in the exemplary embodiment, the bearing structure 98 comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical member that provides a bearing surface that is curved in a partially cylindrical shape.

  Near each handgrip 90, 92 is a pair of forearm supports 100 or 102, which can be cushioned as necessary to provide support to the user's forearm.

  With respect to the handgrip members 90, 92, these are shown in a substantially vertical orientation.

  In another development of the invention, providing the handgrip members 90, 92 to be pivotable relative to the arms 86, 88 and to be appropriately pivoted to any suitable vertical and / or horizontal configuration. Can do.

  That is, the handgrips 90, 92 can be pivoted forward from the position shown in FIG. 12 or effectively from the hand region of the arms 86, 88 to effectively form an extension of the arms 86, 88. To extend substantially horizontally and vertically, it can be pivoted down either left or right as shown in FIG.

  The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 comprises a cost-effective, comfortable and effective embodiment of the present invention.

  Of course, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the detailed contents of the above embodiments.

  For example, any suitable shaped weight engagement structure can be provided, and the exact shape of the arm, front and back support members can be varied as desired. Furthermore, the weight engagement structure can be provided at any suitable location as required.

Claims (34)

  An abdominal exercise device, each comprising a pair of arms extending from a central region and each having a weight engaging structure toward an end thereof, wherein the central region is arranged to extend over a user's shoulder An abdominal muscle exercise having a front portion arranged to extend in the direction of the front chest of the user and a rear portion arranged to provide a back support arranged to extend at least partially along the back of the user apparatus.   The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 1, wherein the front portion is arranged to provide a weighting means within a user's chest region.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front portion includes an engagement structure for a front support member arranged to extend over the chest region of the user.   The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 3, wherein the front support member comprises a chest plate.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the front support member is arranged to support the weighting means in the chest region of the user.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rear portion includes an engagement structure for mounting a back support thereon.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the front part is integrated with a front support member and / or the rear part is integrated with a back support member.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 7, wherein the back support is arranged to extend from the central region.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a single back support member.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the back support has an inner back support surface arranged to engage the back of the user.   11. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 10, wherein the back support surface exhibits a curvature substantially similar to a human spine.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the back support is configured to support the back of the user when lying in a supine position.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the back support includes a flexible member.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 13, wherein the back support includes an elastic member.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the back support has an outer surface arranged to engage a floor surface when the user lies in a supine position.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 15, wherein the outer surface has at least one region configured to be movable on the floor surface.   The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 16, wherein the at least one region includes a bearing means.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the at least one region indicates a curved surface protrusion.   19. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 18, wherein the protrusion comprises a substantially semi-cylindrical protrusion.   The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 16, wherein the at least one region includes a rotating member.   21. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 20, wherein the rotating member comprises casters / wheels.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 1, wherein at least one front support member extends from the central portion.   23. The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, comprising left and right front support members, respectively.   24. An abdominal muscle exercise device according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the at least one front support member includes a weight engagement structure.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the weight engaging structure is disposed so as to detachably mount a weighting means thereon.   26. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 25, wherein the weight engaging structure comprises a plurality of hollow members arranged to receive fluid and / or particulate matter as the weighting means.   26. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 25, wherein the weight engaging structure is arranged to releasably receive a plurality of hollow members each arranged to receive fluid and / or particulate material.   28. An abdominal muscle exercise device according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the hollow member is pivotally attached to the device.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein each of the pair of arms is arranged to bend with respect to the central region.   The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the central region is arranged to extend behind the back of the user.   31. The abdominal muscle exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, comprising a hand grip member at each of the end regions of the arm.   32. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 31, wherein the hand grip means is pivotable relative to the arm.   33. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 32, wherein the swivel motion is arranged to have at least one of a vertical and horizontal range.   34. The abdominal muscle exercise device of claim 33, wherein the hand grip means is pivotable at substantially 90 degrees between a substantially vertical plane and a horizontal plane and / or substantially within the horizontal plane.

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