US20030100414A1

US20030100414A1 - Abdominal exercise system

Info

Publication number: US20030100414A1
Application number: US09/990,112
Authority: US
Inventors: Patricia Mahon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-11-21
Filing date: 2001-11-21
Publication date: 2003-05-29

Abstract

An abdominal exercise system for effectively exercising the lower abdominal region. The abdominal exercise system includes a base having a tapered structure for creating a fulcrum and a platform positioned upon an upper portion of the base for receiving the pelvis of an individual. The base is comprised of a bottom portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion extending opposite of the first end portion. The bottom portion of the base is preferably substantially parallel to an upper surface of the platform. The first end portion preferably extends upwardly from the bottom portion at an angle less than sixty degrees. The platform preferably has a flanged portion extending from the base a finite distance for grasping by an individual. A pair of first recessed portions and a pair of second recessed portions preferably extending into the platform for receiving the hands of the individual.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to abdominal exercise devices and more specifically it relates to an abdominal exercise system for effectively exercising the lower abdominal region.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Conventional abdominal exercise devices have been in use for years. For example, there are numerous devices that support an individual's head and neck during the performing of a sit-up. There are also numerous exercise devices that provide resistance during the movement of the abdominal region.

The main problem with conventional abdominal exercise devices upon the market today is that they do not utilize the weight of an individual's lower and upper body to exercise the lower abdominal region. Another problem with conventional abdominal exercise devices on the market today is that they are relatively complex and are susceptible to breakage. Another problem is that conventional abdominal exercise devices require a relatively significant amount of storage space during nonuse thereof. A further problem is that conventional abdominal exercise devices tend to exercise only the upper abdominal region by utilizing a “crunch” motion wherein the upper body is bent down.

Examples of patented devices which are related to the present invention include U.S. Pat. No. 4,752067 to Colonello; U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,829 to Rivas; U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,119 to Clark; U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,765 to Koch, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,686 to Caruana; U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,533 to Yin et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,427 to Pagano et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,537 to Felice; U.S. Pat. No. 428,454 to Fischer et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,742 to Johnson et al.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for effectively exercising the lower abdominal region. Conventional abdominal exercise devices do not provide for a convenient, easy to utilize and effective apparatus for exercising the lower abdominal region.

In these respects, the abdominal exercise system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of effectively exercising the lower abdominal region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of abdominal exercise devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new abdominal exercise system construction wherein the same can be utilized for effectively exercising the lower abdominal region.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new abdominal exercise system that has many of the advantages of the abdominal exercise devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new abdominal exercise system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art abdominal exercise devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a base having a tapered structure for creating a fulcrum and a platform positioned upon an upper portion of the base for receiving the pelvis of an individual. The base is comprised of a bottom portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion extending opposite of the first end portion. The bottom portion of the base is preferably substantially parallel to an upper surface of the platform. The first end portion preferably extends upwardly from the bottom portion at an angle less than sixty degrees. The platform preferably has a flanged portion extending from the base a finite distance for grasping by an individual. A pair of first recessed portions and a pair of second recessed portions preferably extending into the platform for receiving the hands of the individual.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide an abdominal exercise system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

A second object is to provide an abdominal exercise system for effectively exercising the lower abdominal region.

Another object is to provide an abdominal exercise system that is comprised of a solid and compact structure.

An additional object is to provide an abdominal exercise system that effectively utilizes an individual's own upper and lower body mass to exercise the lower abdominal region.

A further object is to provide an abdominal exercise system that both exercises the abdominal region and the back of an individual.

Another object is to provide an abdominal exercise system that creates a fulcrum between the lower body and the abdominal region.

A further object is to provide an abdominal exercise system that cradles the pelvis and uses the lower body mass for providing abdominal resistance.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: [0025]
FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention. [0026]
FIG. 2 is an end view of the present invention. [0027]
FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention. [0028]
FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention. [0029]
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the present invention. [0030]
FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention during the first stage of the abdominal exercise. [0031]
FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention during the second stage of the abdominal exercise. [0032]
FIG. 8 is a side view of the present invention during the third stage of the abdominal exercise. [0033]
FIG. 9 is a side view of the present invention during the fourth and final stage of the abdominal exercise. [0034]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 9 illustrate an [0035] abdominal exercise system 10, which comprises a base 20 having a tapered structure for creating a fulcrum and a platform 30 positioned upon an upper portion of the base 20 for receiving the pelvis of an individual. The base 20 is comprised of a bottom portion 22, a first end portion 24, and a second end portion 26 extending opposite of the first end portion 24. The bottom portion 22 of the base 20 is preferably substantially parallel to an upper surface of the platform 30. The first end portion 24 preferably extends upwardly from the bottom portion 22 at an angle less than sixty degrees. The platform 30 preferably has a flanged portion extending from the base 20 a finite distance for grasping by an individual. A pair of first recessed portions 32 and a pair of second recessed portions preferably extend into the platform 30 for receiving the hands of the individual.
As best shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the [0036] base 20 is comprised of a structure that is tapered downwardly from the platform 30 to create a fulcrum location. The base 20 is preferably comprised of a rigid material such as but not limited to plastic, however materials of varying degrees of rigidity may be utilized. The base 20 may be comprised of a solid, hollow or other appropriate structure and design. The base 20 is preferably fabricated with the platform 30, however it can be appreciated that assembly of the platform 30 and the base 20 may be utilized to create the present invention. The base 20 further includes a pair of opposing side portions 28 that extend upwardly from the bottom portion 22 to the platform 30 at an outward angle as best shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the [0037] base 20 is generally comprised of a bottom portion 22, a first end portion 24, and a second end portion 26 extending opposite of the first end portion 24. The bottom portion 22 of the base 20 is preferably substantially parallel to an upper surface of the platform 30 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings. Various other angles for the bottom portion 22 with respect to the platform 30 may be utilized.
The [0038] bottom portion 22 is preferably comprised of a relatively flat structure as shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 of the drawings. The bottom portion 22 preferably has a length narrower than the length of the platform 30 as best shown in FIG. 4 of the drawings. The bottom portion 22 further preferably has a width approximately fifty-percent or less than the width of the platform 30 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings. The relatively narrow width of the bottom portion 22 facilitates the creation of a fulcrum that allows for several stages of pivotal movement of the invention during the exercise. As further shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings, the bottom portion 22 is positioned towards the second end portion 26 side of the platform 30 for providing a desired fulcrum location when the legs of the user are fully extended.
The [0039] first end portion 24 extends upwardly from the bottom portion 22 opposite of the second end portion 26 at a first angle to the platform 30. The first angle of the first end portion 24 is preferably less than sixty degrees as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The first angle may range between twenty-degrees to seventy degrees in various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings, the first end portion 24 has a relatively flat structure, though curved and non-flat structures may also be utilized for the first end portion 24. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, the first end portion 24 is formed for being positioned upon a floor 12 during the first and second stages of the exercise.
The [0040] second end portion 26 extends upwardly from the bottom portion 22 opposite of the first end portion 24 at a second angle to the platform 30. The second angle of the second end portion 26 is preferably greater than forty degrees as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The second angle may range between twenty-degrees to seventy degrees in various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 of the drawings, the second end portion 26 has a relatively flat structure, though curved and non-flat structures may also be utilized for the second end portion 26.
The [0041] platform 30 is a generally flat structure that is attached to an upper portion of the base 20 as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings. The platform 30 may have various upper surface shapes and designs for accommodating and receiving the pelvis of an individual. The platform 30 may be comprised of a rigid, resilient, or cushioned structure as can also be appreciated for comfortably receiving and supporting the lower pelvis of an individual.
The [0042] platform 30 generally has a broader structure than the base 20 as best illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The platform 30 preferably has a flanged portion 31 that extends outwardly from the base 20 a finite distance for facilitating grasping by an individual. The flanged portion 31 may have various thickness that facilitate gripping by an individual. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5 of the drawings, a pair of first recessed portions 32 and a pair of second recessed portions 34 preferably extend into the platform 30 for comfortably receiving the hands of the individual. The recessed portions 32, 34 are formed so that the individual's fingers will not become pinched between the platform 30 and the floor 12 during the exercise. As shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a central recessed area 39 may also extend into the platform 30 for allowing the spine to freely move upon the platform 30.
In use, the user first positions the [0043] abdominal exercise system 10 upon a floor 12 or other relatively flat surface. The user then positions their lower pelvis and buttocks upon the upper surface of the platform 30. During the first stage of the exercise, the user first positions their feet upon the floor 12 with their upper body flat upon the floor 12 and tilts the base 20 so that the first end portion 24 is adjacent the floor 12 as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The second stage of the exercise involves the user elevating their legs with the first end portion 24 remaining adjacent the surface of the floor 12 as shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. The third stage of the exercise involves the user elevating their upper body and lowering their lower body thereby causing the base 20 and platform 30 to pivot about the fulcrum until the bottom portion 22 is positioned flush against the floor 12 as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. The bottom portion 22 assists the individual in maintaining a desired position of the base 20 and platform 30 during the third stage of the exercise. The fourth stage of the exercise involves the user lowering their feet to the floor 12 and raising their upper body so that the base 20 is tilted forwardly and being supported at the edge of the bottom portion 22 and the second end portion 26 as shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings. The user thereafter simply reverses the process back to stage two in order to complete one repetition of the exercise. The user reciprocates between the second stage and the fourth stage until the user has exercised the lower abdominal region to the desired extent. The user does not return to stage one of the exercise until they are completed.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. [0044]
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. [0045]

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.



Index of Elements for Abdominal Exercise System

	□ ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
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	□ 10. Abdominal Exercise System
	□ 11.
	□ 12. Floor
	□ 13.
	□ 14.
	□ 15.
	□ 16.
	□ 17.
	□ 18.
	□ 19.
	□ 20. Base
	□ 21.
	□ 22. Bottom Portion
	□ 23.
	□ 24. First End Portion
	□ 25.
	□ 26. Second End Portion
	□ 27.
	□ 28. Side Portions
	□ 29.
	□ 30. Platform
	□ 31. Flanged Portion
	□ 32. First Recessed Portions
	□ 33.
	□ 34. Second Recessed Portions
	□ 35.
	□ 36.
	□ 37.
	□ 38.
	□ 39. Central Recessed Area
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Claims

I claim:

1. An abdominal exercise system for exercising the lower abdominal region, comprising:

a base having a bottom portion, a first end portion extending at a first angle from said bottom portion, a second end portion extending at a second angle from said bottom portion opposite of said first end portion; and

a platform attached to an upper portion of said base opposite of said bottom portion, wherein said platform has a width greater than a width of said bottom portion.

2. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said width of said bottom portion is less than fifty-percent of said width of said platform.

3. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said bottom portion is positioned toward said second end portion.

4. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said first angle is less than sixty degrees.

5. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said second angle is greater than forty degrees.

6. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein first end portion and said second end portion form an obtuse angle between thereof.

7. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said bottom portion is comprised of a flat structure.

8. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said bottom portion is substantially parallel to an upper surface of said platform.

9. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said first end portion is comprised of a flat structure.

10. The abdominal exercise system of claim 1, wherein said platform includes a plurality of recessed portions for receiving the hands of a user.

11. An abdominal exercise system for exercising the lower abdominal region, comprising:

a base having a bottom portion, a first end portion extending at a first angle from said bottom portion, a second end portion extending at a second angle from said bottom portion opposite of said first end portion;

a platform attached to an upper portion of said base opposite of said bottom portion, wherein said platform has a width greater than a width of said bottom portion;

and

a flanged portion extending about a perimeter of said platform, wherein said flanged portion extends a finite distance outwardly from said base for grasping by an individual.

12. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said width of said bottom portion is less than fifty-percent of said width of said platform.

13. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said bottom portion is positioned toward said second end portion.

14. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said first angle is less than sixty degrees.

15. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said second angle is greater than forty degrees.

16. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein first end portion and said second end portion form an obtuse angle between thereof.

17. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said bottom portion is comprised of a flat structure.

18. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said platform includes a central recessed portion for receiving a lower end of a spine of a user.

19. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said first end portion is comprised of a flat structure.

20. The abdominal exercise system of claim 11, wherein said platform includes a plurality of recessed portions for receiving the hands of a user.