Exercise devices – User manipulated force resisting apparatus – component... – Utilizing weight resistance
Reexamination Certificate
1998-05-05
2001-03-27
DeMille, Danton D. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...
Utilizing weight resistance
C482S095000, C482S142000, C482S140000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206809
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an exercise device, particularly a variable resistance exercise device for strengthening the abdominal and gluteus muscles. The present invention includes a platform or bench to support a user in a reclining position with resistance to the exercise provided by the weight of the user.
The fitness industry has heretofore provided various exercise devices, particularly for home use, for exercising a user's lower torso. U.S. Pat. No. 4,489,936 issued on Dec. 25, 1984, provides a platform or board to support a user in a reclining position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises. A movable frame having a single nonadjustable pivot axis is actuated by the user and may be positioned at selected fulcrum points along the platform to provide the desired resistance. Such an exercise machine is relatively inexpensive and can be utilized for exercising various body muscles.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,447 issued on Sep. 13, 1994, an exercise machine is provided having a platform on which a user is supported in a reclining position. The weight of the user is utilized as the resistance for various exercises performed on the exercise machine. A lever pivotally connected to the platform may be actuated by the user for raising or lowering one end of the platform with respect to a pivot point. U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,114 issued on Aug. 13, 1996 provides an exercise device for exercising the upper and lower abdomen and the back. The device includes rigid upper and lower back supports which are pivotally joined. Resistance means attach to the pivotal portions of the device to allow adjustable resistance to exercise motions. Each of the above described devices however are directed to one mode of exercise for strengthening specific muscles.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device which is light weight and portable utilizing the user's body weight to provide resistance to the exercises.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise device in which the glute and abdominal muscles are exercised while the user is in a prone or supine position.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise device in which the exercise resistance is adjustable providing a means of progressive resistance exercise.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after referring to the following specification and drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The exercise apparatus of the present invention includes a rigid frame having upper and lower back supports pivotally connected in axial alignment. Upper and lower back pads are mounted on the upper and lower back supports for supporting a user in a reclined position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises. Leverage arms are mounted at the head end of the upper back support. The leverage arms extend above the rigid frame such that the free ends thereof may be grasped by the user while performing abdominal exercises. The lower back support includes handles extending outwardly from the foot end thereof for grasping by the user while performing glute exercises. A thigh pad is mounted on the upper end of a lever arm pivotally attached to the lower back support. Upon the application of lifting force against the thigh pad by the user, the lower back support of the rigid frame is raised along with the body of the user. Abdominal curls or crunching exercises are performed by grasping the leverage arms and pulling up the upper back support. The apparatus of the invention including means for collapsing the upper and lower back support members for forming a reduced storage profile.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4489936 (1984-12-01), Dal Monte
patent: 5147267 (1992-09-01), Kunewalder
patent: 5346447 (1994-09-01), Stearns
patent: 5545114 (1996-08-01), Gvoich
patent: 5665041 (1997-09-01), Hsieh
patent: 5702334 (1997-12-01), Lee
patent: 5746688 (1998-05-01), Pragen
patent: 5769766 (1998-06-01), Huang
patent: 5792035 (1998-08-01), Ward
patent: 5833590 (1998-11-01), Chiu
Habing Theodore G.
Stearns Kenneth W.
DeMille Danton D.
Dream Visions, L.L.C.
LaMarca William
Nichols Jr. Nick A.
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