Abdominal exercise apparatus

[0001] 1. Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an abdominal exercise apparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Prior Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,186 discloses INTERACTIVE EXERCISE DEVICES. An interactive exercise device includes a stationary base to which a first exercise implement is movably connected. A first resistance element is operably connected to the first exercise implement to provide resistance against at least some movements of the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base. An interactive motion guide that directs a user of the interactive exercise device to move the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base in an indicated manner is operably connected to the interactive exercise device. The interactive motion guide includes first and second electronic indicators to which a processor is operably connected. A non-transitory and tangible computer readable medium is operably connected to the processor and includes instructions to manipulate output of the first and second electronic indicators in response to movement of the first exercise implement relative to the stationary base.

[0005] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0006] An abdominal exercise apparatus can include a track, at least one rolling member, a cart, and a base. The track can extend a length between a first end and a second end. The at least one rolling member can be rectilinearly moveable along the track between the first end and the second end by a user during exercise. The cart can support the at least one rolling member for the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track and can have a portion configured to be grasped by the user during exercise. The base can be engaged with the track proximate to the first end and have at least one surface configured to receive first and second knees of the user during exercise. The second end can be pivotally movable about the base over an arcuate range by the user while exercising during the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track by the at least one rolling member. The abdominal exercise apparatus can also include means for resisting pivotal movement that is elastically deformable during movement over the arcuate range.

[0019] A plurality of different embodiments of the present disclosure is shown in the Figures of the application. Similar features are shown in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar features across different embodiments have been numbered with a common reference numeral and have been differentiated by an alphabetic suffix. Similar features in a particular embodiment have been numbered with a common two-digit, base reference numeral and have been differentiated by a different leading numeral. Also, to enhance consistency, the structures in any particular drawing share the same alphabetic suffix even if a particular feature is shown in less than all embodiments. Similar features are structured similarly, operate similarly, and/or have the same function unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification. Furthermore, particular features of one embodiment can replace corresponding features in another embodiment or can supplement other embodiments unless otherwise indicated by the drawings or this specification.

[0020] In a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, an abdominal exercise apparatus 10 can include a track 12, at least one rolling member, a cart 16, and a base 18. The track 12 can extend a length between a first end 22 and a second end 24. The at least one rolling member in the first exemplary embodiment is embedded in the cart 16 and not visible. The rolling member can be rectilinearly moveable along the track 12 between the first end 22 and the second end 24 by a user during exercise. The cart 16 can support the at least one rolling member for the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track 12 and can have a portion 26 configured to be grasped by the user during exercise. The exemplary portion 26 can include first and second handles 32, 132. The base 18 can be engaged with the track 12 proximate to the first end 22 and have at least one surface 28 configured to receive first and second knees of the user during exercise. The second end 24 can be pivotally movable about the base 18 over an arcuate range 30 by the user while exercising during the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track 12 by the at least one rolling member 14. The user can concurrently move the cart 16 from the first end 22 to the second end 24 while moving the second end 24 along the arcuate range 30. The abdominal exercise apparatus 10 can also include means 20 for resisting pivotal movement along the arcuate range 30 that is elastically deformable during movement over the arcuate range 30. It is noted that means 20 is shown magnified or enlarged relative to the other structures of the apparatus 10 in FIG. 1.

[0021] The exemplary track 12 is shown as having a rectangular cross-section. However, a track in an implementation of the present disclosure can take other forms. For example, the track can have a channel profile, a cylindrical outer surface, or some other shape.

[0022] The rolling member is not visible in FIG. 1, but can take several different forms. By way of example and not limitation, the rolling member can be a wheel, a cylindrical bearing, or a spherical bearing. Embodiments of the present disclosure can have multiple rolling members respectively positioned in multiple planes to inhibit binding.

[0023] The rolling member is rectilinearly moveable along the track 12 in that instantaneous movement of the rolling member relative to the track is rectilinear. The rolling member can be rotating along the track, but the center of rotation of the rolling member is moving rectilinearly along the track.

[0024] The exemplary track 12 can be T-shaped, with longitudinal portion 44 and a transverse portion 46. The track 12 be supported on casters, such as casters 34, 134. The cart 16 can also be supported on one or more casters, such as caster 234. Additional structures can be mounted on the track 12, such as at the distal ends of the transverse portion 46. For example, handle bars for doing push-ups can be mounted at the distal ends of the transverse portion 46.

[0025] The exemplary base 18 can include a cart 36 and a rail 38. The cart 36 can define the surface 28 and be moveable along the rail 38. The cart 36 can be supported on casters, such as caster 334. The rail 38 can define a plurality of apertures, such as aperture 40, and the cart 36 can be selectively locked into a particular position along the rail 38 by inserting a pin 42 through an aperture in the cart 36 and in one of the apertures in the rail 38.

[0026] The exemplary base 18 can also include a cart 136. The cart 136 can define pockets 48, 148 and be moveable along the rail 38. The cart 136 can be supported on casters, such as caster 434. The cart 136 can be selectively locked into a particular position along the rail 38 by inserting a pin, such as pin 42 or a similar pin, through an aperture in the cart 136 and in one of the apertures in the rail 38. The pockets 48, 148 can receive a user's feet.

[0027] The at least one surface 28 can be defined by a single surface that receives both of the user's knees or by a plurality of surfaces that are each configured to receive one of the user's knees. The surface 28 can support forward faces of the knees or sides of the knees.

[0028] A transverse member 50 can be positioned at an end of the base 18. The transverse member 50 can be fixedly or releasably engaged with the rail 38. The transverse member 50 can be encased in rubber or an elastomer. During exercise, the transverse member 50 can provide inhibit movement of the apparatus relative to the floor.

[0029] Means 20 for resisting pivotal movement can define the strongest structural interconnection between the track 12 and the base 18 that prevents separation of the track 12 and the base 18. In the first exemplary embodiment, means 20 can include a pair of plates 52, 152 and a helical spring 54. The first end 22 of the track 12 can define a pocket 56. The pocket 56 is best shown in FIG. 2. The plate 52 can slide into and be retained by the pocket 56. The base 18 can include a similar pocket 156 and receive the plate 152. In the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the means 20 for resisting pivotal movement is the only structural interconnection between the track 12 and the base 18.

[0030] Means 20 allows the second end 24 to be pivotally movable about the base 18 by the user during exercise during the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track 12 by the at least one rolling member. The spring 54 is bendable by a human user during movement of the at least one rolling member and cart 16 along the track 12. The spring 54 is elastically deformable during the rectilinear and rolling movement of the cart 16 along the track 12. The spring 54 can also be deformed when the cart 16 is maintained at a fixed position along the track 12; the user can contract his/her oblique muscles to induce bending of the spring 54 while keeping the cart 16 at a fixed position between the first and second ends 22, 24.

[0031] The means 20 between the base 18 and the track 12 is such that the user is not required to plastically deform or fracture the track 12, the base 18, or the means 20 to pivot the second end 24 about the base 18. The typical maximum stack weight for a rotary abdominal machine is two hundred and fifty pounds, so the spring 54 can be configured to resist bending by two hundred and fifty pounds. Springs having other levels of resistance to bending can also be used in other embodiments of the present disclosure. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the arcuate distance of the range 30 can be observable by a human, not de minimis or microscopic bending.

[0032] In one or more implementations of the present disclosure, means 20 can include a plurality of spring-plate structures. Each can take the form of a spring fixedly attached at opposite ends to two plates. The plates can be arranged to fit into pockets defined by the track 12 and the base 18. Each spring-plate structure can include a differently-sized spring. The strongest spring can be configured to resist bending by two hundred and fifty pounds. The other springs can define a range of different resistances to bending. Over time, the user can progressively increase the size/strength of the spring used during training. Each of the plurality of helical springs can be individually and selectively engageable with both of the track 12 and the base 18 and also be replaceable with each of the other of the plurality of helical springs.

[0033] In one exercise, the user can grasp the handles 32, 132, lock the cart 36, rest his/her knees on the cart 36 of the base 18, and move the cart 16 in back-and-forth rectilinear movement along the longitudinal portion 42 of the track 12 between the first and second ends 22, 24.

[0034] In another exercise, the user can grasp the handles 32, 132, lock the cart 36, rest his/her knees on the cart 36 of the base 18, and move the cart 16 in back-and-forth rectilinear movement along the longitudinal portion 42 of the track 12 between the first and second ends 22, 24 and also urge the second end 24 to pivot along the range 30 (bending the spring 54).

[0035] In another exercise, the user can grasp distal ends of the transverse portion, or handles mounted thereon, unlock the cart 36, and move the cart 36 in back-and-forth rectilinear movement along the rail 38.

[0036] In another exercise, the user can grasp the handles 32, 132, lock the cart 136, place his/her feet in the pockets 48, 148 of the cart 136 of the base 18, and move the cart 16 in back-and-forth rectilinear movement along the longitudinal portion 42 of the track 12.

[0037] U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,186 is hereby incorporated by reference. In a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an abdominal exercise apparatus can include a track such as “track 1” in the '186 patent, at least one rolling member such as “rollers 48” in the '186 patent, a cart such as “console 3” in the '186 patent, and a base such as “base 7” in the '186 patent. Referring now to FIG. 3, the second exemplary abdominal exercise apparatus can also include means 20a for resisting pivotal movement that is elastically deformable during movement over the arcuate range of movement of the second end of the track, such as “distal end 4” of the '186 patent.

[0038] In FIG. 3, the pin 58a is analogous to the “locking mechanism 23.” The slit 60a is analogous to the “slit 29.” The beam 62a is analogous to the “beam 9.” The slit 60a is defined between first and second portions 64a, 66a of the base. The beam 62a is received in the slit 60a. A pin 68a defines the pivot axis of the beam 62a relative to the base (this structure is not numbered in the '186 patent). The pin 68a thus defines part of a hinge assembly 71a interconnecting the track and the base.

[0039] Means 20a comprises at least one torsion spring 70a encircling the hinge pin 68a. A first end 72a of the torsion spring 70a can be fixed to one of the portions 64a, 66a and a second end 74a of the torsion spring 70a can be fixed to the beam 62a. The ends 72a, 74a can be held by clips or received in notches or apertures in order for the torsion spring 70a to be replaceable. When the beam 62a is urged from an orientation that is perpendicular to the base, the torsion spring 70a can be elastically deformed and resist the movement. Means 20a for resisting pivotal movement is thus structurally disposed between the track and the base in parallel to the hinge assembly 70a. In parallel refers to the fact that means 20a is engaged with the track and the base but does not provide a structural interconnection. The exemplary engagement is physical contact and concurrent movement.

[0040] In one or more implementations of the present disclosure, means 20a can include a plurality of torsion springs. Each torsion spring can be differently-sized, and provide different levels of resistance to deformation. Over time, the user can progressively increase the size/strength of the spring used during training. Each of the plurality of torsion springs can be individually and selectively engageable with both of the track and the base and also be replaceable with each of the other of the plurality of torsion springs.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, in a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an abdominal exercise apparatus 10b can include a track such as “track 1” in the '186 patent, at least one rolling member such as “rollers 48” in the '186 patent, a cart such as “console 3” in the '186 patent, and a base such as “base 7” in the '186 patent. The second exemplary abdominal exercise apparatus can also include means 20b for resisting pivotal movement that is elastically deformable during movement over the arcuate range of movement of the second end of the track, such as “distal end 4” of the '186 patent.

[0042] In FIG. 4, the base 18b is analogous to the “base 7.” The beam 62b is analogous to the “beam 9.” A pin 68b defines the pivot axis of the beam 62b relative to the base 18b. A caster 34b is analogous to the “wheel 62.”

[0043] Means 20b for resisting pivotal movement is at least one rod 76b. The rod 76b can be formed with carbon fiber, plastics such as nylon, or composites of various materials. One end of the rod 76b can be captured in a pocket 78b associated with the base 18b and a sleeve 80b associated with the distal end of the beam 62b. One end of the sleeve 80b can be selectively closed with a cap 82b. The sleeve 80b and cap 82b can be threadingly engaged with one another, allowing one or more rods to be selectively used. A plurality of rods can be engageable with the track and the base 18b individually and in groups of two or more. FIG. 5 shows a plurality of rods 76b, 176b, 276b disposed in the sleeve 80b for bending during exercise by a user. The rods 76b, 176b, 276b can have different outside diameters, can be solid or hollow, and hollow rods can have different wall thicknesses to provide different resistances to bending.

[0044] In a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an abdominal exercise apparatus 10c can include a track 12c, at least one rolling member 14c, a cart 16c, and a base 18c. The track 12c can extend a length between a first end 22c and a second end 24c. The track 12c is defined by rods 76c, 176c. The at least one rolling member 14c can be rectilinearly moveable along the track 12c between the first end 22c and the second end 24c by a user during exercise. The exemplary rolling member 14c is one a plurality of rolling members 14c, 114c, 214c each having a respective rolling axis 82c, 182c, 282c about which the respective rolling movement occurs. The rolling axes 82c and 182c are transverse to one another. The rolling axes 182c and 282c are transverse to one another. The rolling axes 82c and 282c are parallel to one another. The rolling members 82c, 182c, 282c can be wheels or cylindrical bearings. A rolling member 314c can be a spherical bearing.

[0045] The cart 16c can support the at least one rolling member 14c for the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track 12c and can have a portion 26c configured to be grasped by the user during exercise. The base 18c can be engaged with the track 12c at the first end 22c and have at least one surface 28c configured to receive first and second knees of the user during exercise. The second end 24c can be pivotally movable about the base 18c over an arcuate range 30c by the user while exercising during the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track 12c by the at least one rolling member 14c. The abdominal exercise apparatus 10c can also include means 20c for resisting pivotal movement that is elastically deformable during movement over the arcuate range 30c.

[0046] Means 20c for resisting pivotal movement is further defined as integrally-formed with the track 12c. The track 12c is defined by rods 76c, 176c and the rods 76c, 176c are elastically deformable during exercise, as shown in phantom in FIG. 6. “Integrally-formed” refers to things that are formed together rather than being formed separately and then subsequently joined. The term defines a structural feature since structures that are integrally-formed are structurally different than structures that are comprised of subcomponents formed separately and then subsequently joined. “Integral” means consisting or composed of parts that together constitute a whole and thus encompasses structures of more than one part wherein the parts are either integrally-formed or formed separately and then subsequently joined. In other implementations of the present disclosure, means for resisting pivotal movement can be integrally-formed with the base.

[0047] The rods 76c and 176c can be received in apertures in the base 18c (not visible) and capped by being received in apertures in an end member 84c. A plurality of rods can be engageable with the rods 76c, 176c that define the track 12c, individually and in groups of two or more. FIG. 7 shows that one or more rods can be disposed within other rods. A rod 276c can be positioned in the rod 76c. The exemplary rod 276c is solid (non-hollow), but hollow rods can be received in either rod 76c or 176c so that more than one rod can be received in each. It is noted also that more than one rod can be placed side-by-side in one of the rods 76c, 176c. The various rods can have can have different outside diameters and different thicknesses to provide different levels of resistance to bending.

[0048] In a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an abdominal exercise apparatus 10d can include a track 12d, at least one rolling member 14d, a cart 16d, and a base 18d. The track 12d can extend a length between a first end 22d and a second end 24d. The at least one rolling member 14d can be rectilinearly moveable along the track 12d between the first end 22d and the second end 24d by a user during exercise. The cart 16d can support the at least one rolling member 14d for the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track 12d and can have a portion 26d configured to be grasped by the user during exercise. The base 18d can be engaged with the track 12d at the first end 22d and have at least one surface 28d configured to receive first and second knees of the user during exercise. The second end 24d can be pivotally movable about the base 18d over an arcuate range by the user while exercising during the rectilinear and rolling movement along the track 12d by the at least one rolling member 14d. The abdominal exercise apparatus 10d can also include means 20d for resisting pivotal movement that is elastically deformable during movement over the arcuate range.

[0049] Means 20d for resisting pivotal movement can be integrally-formed with the base 18d and the track 12d. The track 12d, base 18d, and means 20d can be integrally formed together. Means 20d can be a portion 26d of variable cross-section of the track 12d. The track 12d, base 18d, and means 20d can be formed with carbon fiber, plastics such as nylon, or composites of various materials.

[0050] The cross-section of the structure at means 20d varies in that as cross-sections are taken along the apparatus 10d from the base 18d to the second end 24d, at least two cross-sections will have different shapes from one another. The portion of variable cross-section of the track 12d is further defined as a bellows. FIG. 9 shows a cross-section through the bellows. FIG. 10 shows a cross-section through the track 12d proximate to the second end 24d. The track 12d is generally channel-shaped, but the bottom of the channel is missing in the bellows portion to allow for pivoting of the second end 24d about the base 18d.

[0051] The fifth embodiment can also include a sleeve 86d. The sleeve 86d can be shaped to surround at least part of the portion 26d of variable cross-section as well as part of the track 12d. The sleeve 26d can be slidable along the length of the track 12d to overlap a selectable amount of the portion 26d. By overlapping part of the portion 26d, the sleeve 86d can limit the number of bellows that can be elastically deformed and thereby make pivoting movement more difficult. The bellows overlapped by the sleeve 86d are inhibited from elastically deforming. When none of the bellows are overlapped, each of the bellows can be elastically deformed generally the same amount over a particular arcuate range. As more bellows are overlapped, the bellows that are not overlapped by the sleeve 86d must elastically deform a greater amount when elastically deforming over the particular arcuate range.

[0052] Various embodiments of means for resisting pivotal movement have been disclosed. Means that are selectively variable have been disclosed. The first embodiment can include a plurality of different helical springs. The second embodiment can include a plurality of different torsional springs. The third embodiment can include a plurality of different rods, including rods of different sizes and thickness. The fourth embodiment can include a plurality of rods, including rods within other rods. The fifth embodiment can include a sleeve that can overlap a selectable number of bellows.

[0053] Various embodiments of means for resisting pivotal movement have been disclosed. Means that are fixedly variable have been disclosed. The second embodiment can include a torsional spring having a resistance to bending that varies over the extent of deformation. A torsion spring can be applied that increases in resistance over the arcuate range to match the distance that the cart is from the pivot axis. As the cart moves further from the pivot axis, the moment acting on the torsion increases. Therefore, a torsional spring can be utilized that prevents pivoting movement from becoming easier as the cart moves further from the pivot axis.

[0054] FIG. 11 illustrates another exercise system. An apparatus 88 can include a track 90 and a base 92. The exemplary base 92 can be fixed relative to the track 90, but the apparatus 88 could include a base 94 (shown in phantom) mounted for movement along the track 90. The apparatus 88 can also include a cart 96 for movement along the track 90. The track 90 can define a slot 98 for receiving part of the cart 96 and guiding the cart 96 in movement along the track 98.

[0055] The apparatus 88 can also include curved track members 100, 102. The curved track members 100, 102 can be releasably engageable with the track 90. The curved track members 100, 102 can define slots that can receive part of the cart 96 and guiding the cart 96 in movement along the curved track members 100, 102. The cart 96 can be removed from the slot 98 and placed in one of the slots of the curved track members 100, 102. The user can switch from straight movement along the track 98 to arcuate movement with one of the curved track members 100, 102.

[0056] The apparatus 88 can also include a t-section 104 releasably engageable with a second end of the track 90. The t-section 104 can include curved handles 106, 108 for use while doing push-ups.

[0057] The apparatus 88 can also include a carbineer section 101 releasably engageable with the second end of the track 90. The carbineer section 101 can include a carbineer 103 for use while doing pull exercises with an elastic elongate member 105.

[0058] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. The right to claim elements and/or sub-combinations that are disclosed herein as other present disclosures in other patent documents is hereby unconditionally reserved.