JP2017528297A - Equipment for physical exercise - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for performing abdominal exercises for operating the device, a frame (10) for providing a stable substrate, a seat (14) for a user to sit on, and for operating the device A resistance adjusting means (20) for adjusting the resistance level, and a connecting mechanism (22) for supporting a load and providing a rotation operation, and the resistance adjusting means (20) includes a frame (10). The arm (16), which is operable to resist the operation of the coupling mechanism (22) located at the center point of the frame and connected to the coupling mechanism (22) located at the center point of the frame (10), is connected to the coupling mechanism. (22) is rotatable at the center point of the frame (10), the seat (14) is linearly connected to the arm (16) and can be linearly traversed around the arm (16); The seat (14) is further rotatably connected to the arm (16) Wherein, device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for physical exercise. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for performing abdominal exercises.

  Abdominal tightening is an exercise performed to train muscles located in the human abdominal region for strength and aesthetic appearance. To tighten the abdomen, a person stands with his knees up, bent down, pressed his feet against a flat surface, stretched sideways, bent his elbows and placed his arms under his head. With your head on top, you sleep on your back. Thereafter, the person contracts the abdomen, raises the upper back at the same time, and brings the chest close to the knee while bending the abdomen. The person then lowers his back to a flat surface and repeats the motion up to the desired number of iterations. This behavior stretches the abdominal muscles, and repeated stretching increases muscle strength and consumes calories accumulated in the body.

  Conventional abdominal tightening exercises expose the person performing such exercise to some degree of injury risk and posture related problems. The pulling behavior places an excessive burden on the lower back and neck, which can lead to damage. Overworked and tight abdominal muscles can limit the expansion of the rib cage, which inhibits proper breathing. In addition, having an overly tightened abdominal muscle can result in poor posture, whereby the abdominal muscle pulls the sternum toward the pubic bone and compresses the viscera, with the head and shoulders protruding forward This causes the posture distortion. Over time, this poor posture can become stronger. In addition, exercise is not efficient because the hip flexors that extend from the hips to the abdomen are mainly used for movement, and the rectus abdominis or other abdominal muscle groups over the entire length of the abdomen are not used.

  Abdominal exercise machines are common in the market, and these machines assist in performing abdominal tightening so that the user can exercise in a more efficient and safe manner.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,926 (B1) is framed, seat mounted on the frame, backrest attached to the frame behind the seat, arms and head support, handle, and pivotally interconnected A seated abdominal exercise machine comprising a plurality of transition members is disclosed. The user sits on the provided seat and leans against the backrest while pulling the handle located above the head downwards to perform abdominal exercises. The plurality of interconnected transition members function to allow full range of motion for performing abdominal movements.

  US Pat. No. 5,577,987 discloses an abdominal exercise device that is a unique frame structure having a head and arm support, a handle, and a rocking chair for the device to pivot back and forth during abdominal exercise. The device is placed on the ground, and the user lies on the surface while the head and arms rest on the support, and the device supports the user's head and arms while the user is exercising By supporting abdominal exercise.

  U.S. Patent Application No. 2012/0100973 (A1) discloses an abdominal exercise device having a rail on which the cushioning material slides and rotates, thereby providing further rotational motion and use The person slides from one side to the other and performs abdominal exercises.

  Prior art devices only support performing abdominal tightening, which does not completely alleviate the above set of problems. In addition, fitness professionals recommend that trunk regions including upper and lower abdomen, lower back muscles, and pelvic muscles should be exercised for balanced strength and functionality . Doing a balanced trunk exercise promotes good posture, reduces damage, and improves the effectiveness of other exercises such as weight lifting.

  Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows a user to safely perform abdominal exercises and work on the entire trunk muscle during exercise.

US Pat. No. 6,186,926 (B1) US Pat. No. 5,577,987 US Patent Application No. 2012/0100973 (A1)

The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing abdominal exercises, and the apparatus includes a frame for providing a stable substrate, a seat for a user to sit, and an operation of the apparatus for the operation of the apparatus. Therefore, a resistance adjusting means for adjusting the resistance level, and a connecting mechanism for supporting a load and providing a rotating operation, the resistance adjusting means is an operation of the connecting mechanism located at the center point of the frame. The arm connected to the coupling mechanism located at the center point of the frame is rotatable at the center point of the frame by the coupling mechanism, and the seat is connected linearly to the arm. , Characterized in that it can be traversed linearly around the arm and the seat is further rotatably connected to the arm.
The drawings form part of the present specification and include exemplary or preferred embodiments of the invention that may be implemented in various ways. However, it should be understood that the disclosed preferred embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art of the invention. Should.

FIG. 1 shows an abdominal exercise machine which is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2a shows an exploded view of the abdominal exercise machine of FIG. FIG. 2b shows an enlarged exploded view of the seat shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. 2c shows an enlarged exploded view of the arm and coupling mechanism shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. 2d shows an enlarged exploded view of the resistance adjusting means shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. 2e shows an enlarged exploded view of the frame and a pair of handles shown in FIG. 2a. FIG. 2f shows a cross-sectional view of the seat connected to the seat coupling mechanism. FIG. 2g shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling mechanism connected to the central axis. FIG. 3 shows the abdominal exercise machine of FIG. 1 with the seat and arm removed. FIG. 4a shows a top and bottom isometric view of the seat and arm. FIG. 4b shows a top and bottom isometric view of the seat and arm. FIG. 5 shows a person operating the abdominal exercise machine of FIG.

  A detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention is disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments that may be implemented in various ways are merely illustrative of the invention. Accordingly, the details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art of the invention. It is. The numerical data or ranges used herein should not be construed as limiting.

  FIG. 1a shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where the device, which is an abdominal exercise machine, comprises a frame (10), a handle (12), a seat (14), an arm (16), a circular rail (18), and a resistance adjustment. Means (20) are provided. The frame (10) houses all components and provides a stable substrate for operation of the device. The arm (16) is connected to the center point of the frame (10) via the coupling mechanism (22). The arm (16) rotates around the center point of the frame (10), and the outer end of the arm (16) has a roller (shown in later drawings) that runs on a circular rail (18). The handle (12) is extendable sideways to allow the user to hold them for support while operating the device and to accommodate the size of the user, and more A user with a large body pushes the handle (12) for a more convenient grip, while a user with a smaller body pulls the handle (12) to achieve a more convenient grip. A resistance adjustment means (20) is provided on one of the handles (12) for the user to adjust the desired amount of resistance by manipulating the resistance adjustment means (20). It is understood that the resistance adjusting means (20) can be operated without being attached to the handle (12). An anti-slip foot cover (26) made of rubber, silicone, and polyurethane, or a combination thereof is provided to increase friction between the foot (24) of the device and the ground, Prevents gliding or moving around during operation of the device. Any variation in the number of feet (24) may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention, or the frame (10) of the device may be a single solid without any feet. It is envisioned to engage the ground by the substrate.

  Fig. 2a shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, while Fig. 2b shows an enlarged exploded view of the seat, Fig. 2c shows an enlarged exploded view of the arm, and Fig. 2d shows resistance adjusting means. Fig. 2e shows an enlarged exploded view of the frame and handle.

  With further reference to FIGS. 2b and 2c, the seat assembly is connected to the seat (14), the shaft (14b) connected to the seat coupling mechanism (14c), and the shaft (14b) and the seat coupling mechanism (14c). A roller bracket (14a) having a roller (14d) is provided. The bolt (28) fixes the shaft (14b) to the seat (14). The seat coupling mechanism (14c) allows the seat (14) to rotate about the axis (14b), while the roller (14d) allows the seat (14) to freely roll in a linear direction. To. The various components within the seat coupling mechanism (14c) are further described in FIG. 2f.

  The seat (14) is linearly connected to the arm (16), which can be traversed linearly on the arm (16). Furthermore, the seat (14) can also be rotated about its own vertical axis at any point along the arm (16) by the seat coupling mechanism (14c). The arm (16) is also connected to a coupling mechanism (22), the coupling mechanism (22) is connected to a central axis (30) located at the center point of the frame (10), and the arm (16) Allows rotation around the center point of the frame (10). The roller (16a) is located at the bottom of the arm (16), and the roller runs on the circular rail (18). The roller (16a) functions to help support the user's load with the coupling mechanism (22) during operation of the exercise apparatus. This is to prevent the arm (16) from flexing when loaded.

  Still referring to FIG. 2d, the resistance adjusting means (20) includes a lever (20a), a brake cable (20b), and a brake pad (20c). The lever (20a) and the brake pad (20c) are connected via the brake cable (20b), and the brake pad (20c) surrounds the coupling mechanism, while the lever (20a) is freely held with one hand. Or can be attached to a handle. In a preferred embodiment, the resistance adjustment means (20) is attached to the handle. The lever (20a) is operable by the brake pad (20c) to apply a braking force to the coupling mechanism, or to release the coupling mechanism based on the force exerted on the lever (20a). It is possible to operate.

  Still referring to FIG. 2e, the handle (12) has a slot (32) formed on the frame (10) such that the handle (12) can be expanded outward and stored in the slot (32). ). In this embodiment, the handle (12) is detachable to allow the device to be disassembled into a smaller form for ease of storage. Alternatively, the handle (12) is foldable and is incorporated into position by a latch, screw or bolt.

  The frame (10) in the preferred embodiment is rectangular in shape, but on the other hand, to provide a similar degree of stability and rigidity while providing a lighter weight, it is the smallest frame (not shown). Can be used.

  FIG. 2f shows a cross-sectional view of the seat (14) connected to the seat coupling mechanism (14c). The bolt (28) fastens the seat (14) to the frame from which the shaft (14b) protrudes. The shaft (14b) is positioned below the seat (14) and protrudes downward, and the shaft (14b) contacts the seat coupling mechanism (14c). The seat coupling mechanism (14c) includes a ball bearing (34) fixed to the shaft (14b) by a lock ring (14g) clamped around a groove (14h) formed on the shaft (14b). It is. The lock ring (14g) holds the ball bearing (34) in place and prevents the ball bearing (34) from moving vertically along the shaft (14b) during operation of the device. Furthermore, the ball bearing (34) is fixed in its position by a cover (14e) covering the seat coupling mechanism (14c). The washer (14f) fills the space between the cover (14e) and the ball bearing (34).

  FIG. 2g shows a cross-sectional view of the central axis (30) protruding upward from the central axis substrate (30a). The coupling mechanism (22) is rotatably fixed to the central shaft (30) by a nut (22b) that fixes a ball bearing (34) included in the coupling mechanism (22). It can be seen that the central shaft (30) tapers toward a wider diameter under the ball bearing (34), and this taper prevents the ball bearing (34) from sliding down on the central shaft (30). Is done. A plurality of washers (22c) are placed at the lower end of the central shaft (30) to support the coupling mechanism (22) and prevent the coupling mechanism (22) from tilting in any direction while rotating. The cover (22a) seals the coupling mechanism (22) and prevents foreign matter from entering the coupling mechanism (22).

  The ball bearing (34) is used as a preferred means for supporting the load and promoting rotation in the coupling mechanism (22) and the seat coupling mechanism (14c); however, it supports the load and facilitates rotation. Other types of rotary connections known to those skilled in the art, such as swivel connections or ball connections suitable for the application are also envisaged.

  FIG. 3 shows the device with the seat and arm removed so as to expose the coupling mechanism (22) and the resistance adjustment means (20). The coupling mechanism (22) freely rotates around a central axis (not shown), and applying a braking force to the coupling mechanism (22) delays the operation of the coupling mechanism (22). Delays the movement of the arm (not shown in this figure). When the force for gripping the lever (20a) is not exerted, the brake cable (20b) is slack, and there is no braking force acting on the coupling mechanism (22) by the brake pad (20c). Grabbing the lever (20a) causes the brake cable (20b) to be tensioned and pulls both ends of the brake pad (20c) together. This tightens the brake pad (20c) around the coupling mechanism (22) and applies a braking force to the coupling mechanism (22), thus creating mechanical friction and reducing the operation of the coupling mechanism (22). Delay. This creates resistance to the user exercising using the device to increase the difficulty of exercise. As the greater force applied to the lever (20a) is applied by the user, as a result, a greater braking force is applied to the coupling mechanism (22), which increases the resistance and thus the movement is reduced. It becomes more difficult. The user exercises freely applying the force necessary to achieve the desired level of difficulty. Compared to other types of mechanisms, such as a dial adjustment mechanism that requires repeated twisting of the dial to increase or decrease resistance, the means for providing this resistance allows the user to hold the lever (20a) Or, by releasing, it is preferable because the resistance of the movement performed on the apparatus can be increased or decreased instantaneously.

  Other means of providing resistance include using a brake with a dial adjustment mechanism (not shown) that approaches or moves away from the coupling mechanism by turning the dial. Turning the dial to tighten the brake around the linkage increases the resistance of the activity, while turning the dial to loosen the brake around the linkage reduces the activity resistance.

  Yet another means of providing resistance is to use a dial adjustment mechanism to move the magnet closer to or away from the coupling mechanism (not shown). Bringing the magnet closer to the coupling mechanism creates a resistive magnetic force between the magnet and the coupling mechanism, which resists the operation of the coupling mechanism without physically contacting the coupling mechanism. Separating the magnet from the coupling mechanism reduces the resistive magnetic force. It is envisioned that still other means of providing resistance can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  Figures 4a and 4b show top and bottom isometric views of a seat (14) connected to an arm (16) via a roller bracket (14a). The seat (14) can be traversed linearly on the arm (16) by a roller (14d) set in a groove (16b) formed in the side of the arm (16). The roller (14d) projects inwardly into the groove (16b) on the side of the arm (16) so that the seat (14) does not fall during active operation of the device.

  The seat (14) is layered with a non-slip material such as rubber, silicone, or polyurethane, or combinations thereof to prevent the user from slipping off the seat during operation of the device. The seat (14) may be packed with cushioning material, such as foam or rubber, for comfort, and is also provided with restraining means, such as a safety belt, so that the user can slide off the seat during operation of the device. It is assumed that this can be further prevented.

  FIG. 5 shows a user sitting on the device. The seat (14) moves linearly (B) towards and away from the frame (10), limited by its rotational movement (A) about its own vertical axis and the length of the arm (16). ) With two different behavioral freedoms. The arm (16) is rotatable around the center point of the frame (10) (C). By combining the degrees of freedom of these movements (A, B, C), the user can use the user's buttocks and trunk muscles for exercise to be constrained by the freedom of these movements. The elliptical behavior (D) can be followed.

  Commercial exercise equipment for abdominal exercise is typically either a rotation around the vertical axis, i.e. a twisting behavior, or a rotation around the horizontal axis, i.e. abdominal tightening behavior, Focus only on one degree of behavior. It is not effective to exercise using these behaviors because only a narrow region of the abdomen is exercised and these behaviors can overburden the user's back, which can cause damage. By combining various freedoms of movement, the device performs elliptical behavior (D) by the user for exercises that allow more muscle groups to be exercised, not just the abdominal muscle groups. And the risk of spinal injury is further reduced since the twisting or tightening behavior is eliminated by performing an elliptical behavior (D).

  In order to exercise with the device, the user sits on the provided seat (14) and holds the handle (12) for stability. The user's foot is spread outward and pressed against the ground. The user then sits and follows an elliptical behavior using the hip and trunk muscles while exercising these muscle groups. By grasping or holding the resistance adjustment means (20), the user can increase or decrease the resistance of the device and thus increase or decrease the difficulty of movement.

The dimensions of a preferred embodiment of the device are given as follows.
Handle height: 350mm
Left and right width of the frame: 900mm
Depth before and after frame: 830mm
Arm length: 450mm
Circular rail radius: 250mm
Foot height: 50mm

Claims (11)

A device for performing abdominal exercises,
A frame (10) for providing a stable substrate for operation of the apparatus;
A seat (14) for the user to sit;
Resistance adjusting means (20) for adjusting the resistance level for operation of the device;
A coupling mechanism (22) for supporting the load and providing rotational movement,
The resistance adjusting means (20) is operable to resist the operation of the coupling mechanism (22) located at the center point of the frame (10),
i) The arm (16) connected to the coupling mechanism (22) located at the center point of the frame (10) can be rotated at the center point of the frame (10) by the coupling mechanism (22). ,
ii) The seat (14) is linearly connected to the arm (16) and can be linearly traversed around the arm (16), and the seat (14) is connected to the arm (16). Further, the device is connected to be rotatable.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arm (16) is connected to the coupling mechanism (22) at a terminal end of the arm (16).   The device according to claim 1, wherein the resistance adjusting means (20) generates resistance in the form of mechanical friction between the resistance adjusting means (20) and the coupling mechanism (22). The resistance adjusting means (20)
i) lever (20a);
ii) brake cable (20b);
iii) a brake pad (20c),
Grabbing the lever (20a) tensions the brake cable (20b), which tightens the brake pad (20c) around the coupling mechanism (22), while holding the lever (20a) The apparatus of claim 1, wherein releasing causes the brake cable (20b) to sag, which loosens the brake pad (20c) around the coupling mechanism (22).   The seat (14) is connected to the arm (16) via a roller bracket (14a), and a straight line around the arm (16) by a roller (14d) connected to the roller bracket (14a). The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the roller (14d) rotates in a groove (16b) formed on the arm (16).   The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the seat is rotatable in the arm (16) about its own vertical axis by a seat coupling mechanism (14c) attached to the roller bracket (14a).   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the seat (14) is made of a non-slip material.   The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the non-slip material is selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, and polyurethane, or combinations thereof.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a handle (12) for a user to hold during operation of the apparatus.   The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle (12) is expandable and retractable outward.   The device according to any one of claims 3 and 9, wherein the resistance adjusting means (20) is connected to the handle (12).

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