Abdominal exercising apparatus and method
First Claim
1. An abdominal exerciser apparatus comprising:
- a support frame;
a bench track pivotally affixed to the support frame;
a bench surface region affixed to the bench track;
an extension support rigidly affixed to the support frame;
an extension, having a predefined first radial arc, rigidly affixed to the bench track including a plurality of perpendicular footrests telescopically supported by the extension support;
a first locking pin between the extension and the extension support;
a lumbar support adjacent the bench surface and slidingly supported by the support frame;
a second locking pin between the lumbar support and the support frame;
the lumbar support having a semicylindrical support surface with a second predefined radial arc;
a laterally adjustable first wall connected to the lumbar support;
a laterally adjustable second wall connected to the lumbar support; and
,an adjustment means, attached to each of the pair of walls, for laterally moving the pair of walls with respect to the semicylindrical support surface.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The disclosed invention provides an abdominal exerciser comprised of a padded bench with an adjustable arc shaped lumbar support mounted to a tubular support frame. The radius of the lumbar support is slightly larger than the radius of ordinary spinal arching. The lumbar support fully extends the lumbar section of the spine decompressing the intervertebral space while stretching the abdominal muscles and neutralizing the lumbar muscles in preparation for a sit-up or legs-up movement in which the spine is fully supported. Adjustably attached on either side of the lumbar support are two generally semicircular shaped side extensions. The support frame includes a base, two feet, and an arc shaped extension with a plurality of parallel footrests. The support frame also includes a hinge about which the bench rotates through the arc of the extension to adjust the inclination angle of the bench.
73 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An abdominal exerciser apparatus comprising:
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a support frame; a bench track pivotally affixed to the support frame; a bench surface region affixed to the bench track; an extension support rigidly affixed to the support frame; an extension, having a predefined first radial arc, rigidly affixed to the bench track including a plurality of perpendicular footrests telescopically supported by the extension support; a first locking pin between the extension and the extension support; a lumbar support adjacent the bench surface and slidingly supported by the support frame; a second locking pin between the lumbar support and the support frame; the lumbar support having a semicylindrical support surface with a second predefined radial arc; a laterally adjustable first wall connected to the lumbar support; a laterally adjustable second wall connected to the lumbar support; and
,an adjustment means, attached to each of the pair of walls, for laterally moving the pair of walls with respect to the semicylindrical support surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An exercising apparatus comprising:
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a frame; a bench rotatably attached to the frame; an arc shaped projection attached to the bench, having a radius approximately equal to the length of the bench, containing a plurality of footholds and a pin; a lumbar support, having an arc shaped back support surface with a radius between about 9.5 inches and about eleven inches, adjacent the bench; a projection receiver, having a plurality of equidistant pin holes, rigidly attached to the frame; a pair of laterally adjustable generally semicircular shaped members attached to the lumbar support surface; wherein the lumbar support is longitudinally slidable along the length of the bench; and
,wherein the bench is rotatable to an angle of one of the group of 0°
, 15°
, 30°
, or 45°
with respect to the frame. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A method of exercising the abdominal muscles of the body comprising:
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providing a bench rotatably attached to a frame; providing an arc shaped extension including a plurality of cross members and an inclination pin attached to the frame; providing an arc shaped extension support including a plurality of holes attached to the bench; providing an arc shaped lumbar support adjacent the bench creating a seam at the and adjustably attached to the frame with an adjustment pin; providing a shaft with a knob and two oppositely threaded sections adjacent to a pair of notched rods where each rod is attached to one of a pair of semicircular shaped sideboards located on opposing lateral sides of the lumbar support; adjusting the inclination of the bench; adjusting the longitudinal position of the lumbar support on the bench; adjusting the width of the lumbar support; positioning the body lengthwise on the bench; supporting the body with the arc shaped lumbar support; and
,raising the torso of the body using only the abdominal muscles of the body. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A method of exercising the abdominal muscles of the body comprising:
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providing a bench rotatably attached to a frame; providing an arc shaped extension including a plurality of cross members and an inclination pin attached to the frame; providing an arc shaped extension support including a plurality of holes attached to the bench; providing an arc shaped lumbar support adjacent the bench creating a seam at the and adjustably attached to the frame with an adjustment pin; providing a shaft with a knob and two oppositely threaded sections adjacent to a pair of notched rods where each rod is attached to one of a pair of semicircular shaped sideboards located on opposing lateral sides of the lumbar support; adjusting the inclination of the bench; adjusting the longitudinal position of the lumbar support on the bench; adjusting the width of the lumbar support; positioning the body lengthwise on the bench; supporting the body with the arc shaped lumbar support; and
,raising the legs of the body using only the abdominal muscles of the body. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification