Stretching and exercise device

• US 5,795,276 A
• Filed: 08/12/1996
• Issued: 08/18/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Almeda T. Michael
• Original Assignee: Almeda T. Michael
• Inventors: Almeda, T. Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): BROWNE, LYNNE HAMBLETON
• Application Number:
  US08/695,783
• Time in Patent Office: 736 Days
• Field of Search: 482/142, 482/140, 5/630, 297/452.12, 297/452.14, 297/452.17, 606/240
• US Class Current: 482/142
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00047 Exercising devices not moving during use benches A63B21/4029; isometric exercising devices A63B21/0023; step exercisers A63B23/0458; walk exercisers A63B23/0464
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0247 with legs in a kneeled 90/90 position
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0252 supine
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0211 moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0233 Muscles of the back, e.g. by an extension of the body against a resistance, reverse crunch

Abstract

A portable, easy to use exercise device suited for various types of sit-up type exercises to increase muscular flexibility and generally strengthen the abdominal and back muscles while substantially minimizing stress to the lower back region. The exercise device includes a platform formed of a rigid material structured for supporting an exerciser'"'"'s body weight. The platform includes a top region, a bottom region, a first end zone, and a second end zone. The top region of the platform defines an upper support surface for contacting and supporting the exerciser. The upper support surface has a generally sinusoidal configuration between the first and second end zones. The upper support surface includes a convex support portion for supporting the exerciser'"'"'s back so as to cause it to partially arch when the exerciser reclines back. The upper support surface further includes a concave cradle portion for supporting and cradling the exerciser'"'"'s buttocks during the performance of exercises. The bottom region defines a bottom surface having a generally sinusoidal configuration between the first and second end zones and corresponding to the generally sinusoidal configuration of the upper support surface. The bottom region of the platform is structured to contact and support the device on a common planar surface when the device is in an operative position.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

a) a platform formed of a rigid material, said platform structured and disposed for supporting an exerciser'"'"'s body weight thereon;

said platform including a top region, a bottom region, a first end zone and a second end zone,

b) said top region of said platform defining an upper support surface for contacting and supporting the exerciser thereon;

said upper support surface having a generally sinusoidal configuration between said first and second end zones, said upper support surface further including;

i) a convex support portion for supporting a substantial portion of the exerciser'"'"'s back, said convex support portion causing the exerciser'"'"'s back to at least partially arch when the exerciser reclines against said convex support portion;

ii) a concave cradle portion for supporting and cradling the exerciser'"'"'s buttocks during the performance of exercises on said device;

c) said bottom region defining a bottom surface having a generally sinusoidal configuration between said first and second end zones corresponding said generally sinusoidal configuration of said upper support surface; and

d) said bottom region of said platform structured and disposed to contact and support said device on a common planar surface when said device is in an operative position.

2. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 wherein said bottom region of said platform further comprises a first and a second contact region disposed on said bottom surface, said first and second contact regions structured and disposed to contact the common planar surface and permit said exercise device to be supported thereon in an orientation substantially parallel to the common planar surface.

3. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 wherein said platform further defines an intermediate zone between said first and second end zones, and said convex support portion of said upper support surface extends from said first end zone to said intermediate zone, and said concave cradle portion of said upper support surface extends from said intermediate zone to said second end zone.

4. An exercise device as recited in claim 3 wherein said bottom region of said platform further comprises a first and a second contact region disposed on said bottom surface, said first and second contact regions structured and disposed to contact the common planar surface and permit said exercise device to be supported thereon in an orientation substantially parallel to the common planar surface.

5. An exercise device as recited in claim 4 wherein said first contact region of said bottom surface is disposed at said first end zone of said platform and said second contact region of said bottom surface is disposed at said intermediate zone.

6. An exercise device as recited in claim 5 further comprising means for elevating said device relative to the common planar surface.

7. An exercise device as recited in claim 6 wherein said means for elevating said device comprise:

a) a pair of elongate members secured to said bottom surface of said platform at a position generally centered under said convex support portion;

each of said elongate members disposed at a spaced apart distance from the other so as to define a gap therebetween; and

b) a jack member structured and disposed to be slidably and yet snugly received in said gap between said elongate members.

8. An exercise device as recited in claim 7 further comprising means for stabilizing said device in the operative position and when the exerciser is performing exercises thereon.

9. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 further comprising at least one handle formed on said platform.

10. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 wherein said exercise device is sized to be generally about thirty-six (36") inches in length, generally about twelve (12") inches in width and is sized to have a height which varies between said end zones from generally between two (2") inches to generally about six (6") inches.

11. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for mounting said device on an exercise bench.

12. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 wherein said platform is constructed of a wood material and formed to have a high gloss appearance.

13. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 further comprising a cushion removably secured to said device and sized and configured to substantially cover at least said upper support surface of said device.

14. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 wherein said platform includes a one piece, integrally formed construction.

15. An exercise device as recited in claim 1 wherein a plurality of said devices may be stacked vertically in a nested arrangement for storing said devices in a minimal amount of space.