ABDOMINAL EXERCISE DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/946,146, filed December 10, 2019, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to a device for use in exercising the muscles of the body. Particularly, the disclosed device can be used to strengthen and tone the abdominal muscles, such as through the performance of sit-ups and related exercises.

BACKGROUND

Strong abdominal and core muscles have a variety of health benefits, from supporting the internal organs to reinforcing the spine. However, many people (i.e., the obese, elderly, and/or injured) are unable to do many forms of exercise due to body and fitness limitations. Even simple exercises such as walking are often painful or difficult, so it is expected that the use of traditional exercise equipment is not practical. To this end, prior art exercise devices suffer from several drawbacks. Particularly, the devices typically require the user to get into a reclined or supine position on the floor, which can be difficult for people with physical limitations (e.g. , the elderly). Further, prior art devices commonly require the user to lie in a reclined position, which creates the possibility of stress, strain, and discomfort in the lower back and/or neck. In addition, prior art devices can be repetitive and thus do not allow for a wide variety of muscle strengthening and toning. It would therefore be beneficial to provide an exercise device that can accommodate a wide variety of users, regardless of disability, body type, or age. It would also be beneficial if the device was adaptable to strengthen or support the user’s core and abdominal muscles. SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed an exercise device. Particularly, the device comprises a support member defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an approximately vertically extending lip and the second end comprises an angled flange. The support member lip comprises at least one attachment element. The device further comprises a connector that releasably attaches to the support member, wherein the connector is defined by at least one strap that joins with the attachment element of the support member lip, and an opening created by a plurality of sidewalls, sized and shaped to allow a user’s legs to fit therethrough.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a kit. Specifically, the kit comprises one or more different support members, wherein each support member comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an approximately vertically extending lip and the second end comprises an angled flange, and wherein the lip comprises at least one attachment element. The kit further comprises one or more different connectors that releasably attach to a support member, wherein each connector comprises at least one strap that joins with the attachment element of the support member lip, and an opening created by a plurality of sidewalls, sized and shaped to allow a user’s legs to fit therethrough. The kit additionally optionally includes one or more accessories.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of performing an exercise. Specifically, the method comprises positioning the support member of an exercise device in between an upper element and a lower element. The exercise device comprises a support member defined by a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises an approximately vertically extending lip and the second end comprises an angled flange. The support member lip comprises at least one attachment element. The device includes a connector that releasably attaches to the support member. The connector is defined by at least one strap that joins with the attachment element of the support member lip, and an opening created by a plurality of sidewalls, sized and shaped to allow a user’s legs to fit therethrough. The method includes attaching the connector strap to the attachment element of the support lip member. The method further includes inserting a user’s legs into the opening of the exercise device, optionally tightening or loosening the device as needed to provide a secure attachment and performing an exercise whereby the user’s feet are restrained.

In some embodiments, the exercise device further comprises an angled catch positioned on the main body, lip, or both.

In some embodiments, the angled catch has an angle of about 5-60 degrees, relative to the main body.

In some embodiments, the flange has an angle of about 95-175 degrees, relative to the main body.

In some embodiments, the at least one attachment element is selected from one or more apertures, zippers, clasps, snaps, fasteners, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the support member optionally includes one or more handles.

In some embodiments, at least one sidewall of the device comprises padding.

In some embodiments, the connector comprises a tensioner and a plurality of tabs to allow the opening to be increased or decreased in size.

In some embodiments, the upper element is a mattress and the lower element is a box spring, or the upper element is a couch cushion and the lower element is a couch base.

In some embodiments, the exercise is a sit-up or core exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate some (but not all) embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a device support member in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2b is a side plan view of the support member of Fig. 2a in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2c is a side plan view of a device support member in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2d is a perspective view of a device support member in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2e is a side plan view of the support member of Fig. 2d in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 2f is a fragmentary bottom plan view of a device support member in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 3a is a perspective view of a device connector in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 3b is a top plan view of a device connector in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 3c is a perspective view of a device connector in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 4 is a side plan view of a device connector sidewall in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Figs. 5a and 5b are side plan views of one method of using the device in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 5c is a side plan view of a one method of using the device in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms "a", "an", and "the" refer to "one or more" when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to "a device" can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term "about", when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/- 20%, in some embodiments +/- 10%, in some embodiments +1-5%, in some embodiments +/- 1%, in some embodiments +/- 0.5%, and in some embodiments +/- 0.1 %, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a device for use in exercising and strengthening the body of a user, particularly the user’s abdominal and core region. Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of disclosed device 5 comprising support member 10 that is operably joined to connector 15. As shown, the support member includes main body 20 that is planar in design, and lip 25 that includes one or more attachments 30 for providing a releasable pairing to the connector. As set forth in more detail herein below, the support member is positioned between two surfaces (such as a mattress and a box spring) to anchor the device in place. Connector 15 secures a user’s legs in position so that sit-ups or other exercises can be performed while the user is sitting or lying in bed. Device 5 therefore enables a wide variety of users to perform sit-ups and various other exercises with less effort and stress on the body compared to prior art devices.

Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate one embodiment of support member 10 that includes substantially flat main body 20 comprising first end 7 and second end 8. The first end comprises operably attached lip 25 and the second end comprises optional flange 26. The planar main body is shown as being approximately rectangular in shape, although it will be understood the main body can have any desired shape (e.g., square, circular, oval, trapezoidal, abstract, and the like). The main body includes a first pair of spaced, generally parallel opposed side edges 11, 12 and a second pair of spaced, generally parallel opposed end edges 13, 14 that can be about perpendicular to the side edges. The support member also includes top surface 21 and bottom surface 22. The term “top surface” refers to the surface that faces the user during use. The bottom surface is the surface opposite the top surface. The main body is substantially flat and/or planar to engage a first surface during use (e.g., a flat box spring).

The top surface of the support member is configured to be positioned directly adjacent to an upper element, such as the lower surface of a mattress. The bottom support member surface is configured to contact the top surface of a lower element, such as a box spring. The support member is therefore intended to be positioned between two surfaces, such as a mattress and box spring or between a couch cushion and the couch base. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the support member can be positioned between a variety of upper and lower elements.

Main body 20 can have any desired dimensions to accommodate a wide variety of body types. Thus, the main body can be configured with a length and/or width of about 6-30 inches. Thus, the main body can have a length and/or width of at least about (or no more than about) 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 inches. The term “length” refers to the longest straight distance across a particular shape, such as the highest point in a triangle or the longest side of a rectangle. The term “width” refers to the longest straight distance perpendicular to the length. It should be appreciated that the length and width of main body 20 is not limited and can be greater than the range given above.

The main body can have a thickness of at least about (or more than about) 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, or 1 inches. The term “thickness” refers to the dimension of an object that is perpendicular to the length and width dimensions. The main body thickness is not limited and can be greater or less than the range given herein.

As shown, the main body can include flange 26 positioned at second end 8, opposite to lip 25. The term “flange” refers to a portion of the main body that is angled in an upward or downward direction relative to the approximately horizontal portion of the support member main body. As shown, the flange can be configured to angle up and away from the plane of the main body. The flange can assist in resisting movement when in use (e.g., between the mattress and box spring). In this way, the device can remain properly positioned even while being used. The flange can have a width that is about the same, greater, or less than the width of the remaining portion of main body 20. It should be appreciated that flange 26 is optional and the support member can be configured without a flange.

Flange 26 can be constructed with any desired angle relative to the remainder of main body 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 2c, the flange can have angle 27 of about 95-175 degrees, such as at least about (or no more than about) 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, or 175 degrees relative to the main body.

In some embodiments, support member 10 includes at least one catch 40, as illustrated in Figs. 2d and 2e. Particularly, the term “catch” refers to a portion of main body 20 and/or lip 25 that is cut away from the remainder of the support member and angled in a downward direction, away from the plane of the main body. The catch can be constructed at any desired angle relative to the remainder of the main body of the support member. As shown in Fig. 2e, the catch can be constructed at an angle 28 of about 5-60 degrees (e.g., no more/less than about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 degrees). The function of catch 40 is to provide stability to the device and resist movement during use. The catch thus functions as an anchor, pressing into the lower surface upon which the device rests during use, as described in detail herein below.

Although depicted as rectangular in shape, the catch can be constructed in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For example, the catch can be configured in a square, rectangular, oval, circular, triangular, abstract, etc. shape. Further, although a single catch is depicted in the Figures, the presently disclosed device can include a plurality of catches. Similarly, the catch can be configured in any desired dimensions.

As set forth above, first end 7 of support member 10 includes lip 25. The lip can be configured at any desired angle relative to main body 20. For example, in some embodiments, the lip can be perpendicular or about perpendicular to the main body. Alternatively, the lip can have angle 31 of about 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145 degrees relative to the main body.

In some embodiments, lip 25 includes one or more attachment elements 30 that allow for releasable attachment to connector 15. In some embodiments, attachment 30 can be configured as one or more apertures, as illustrated in the Figures. However, attachment 30 is not limited and can include any known element that allows two members to be joined, such as (but not limited to) adhesive, snaps, magnets, VELCRO®, clips, pins, clasps, buttons, zippers, staples, hooks, fasteners, screw fit attachment, pressure fit attachment, snap fit attachment, or combinations thereof. For example, when configured as a clip, attachment 30 cooperates with a corresponding member on connector 15 as described below.

When configured as an aperture, attachment 30 allows one or more connector straps to pass therethrough. The apertures can be configured in any desired shape, such as circular, oval, square, rectangular, abstract, triangular, and the like. There further can be any desired number of apertures (e.g., one to 100). The apertures can also be configured in any desired size, such as (but not limited to) a length and/or width of about 0.5-6 inches. However, it should be appreciated that the presently disclosed subject matter also includes embodiments wherein the apertures have a length and/or width outside the range set forth above. Lip 25 can therefore comprise a plurality of apertures that are uniform in size and shape and are configured for removable attachment of connector 15. Alternatively, the support member can include any combination of apertures and/or other attachments 30 of various sizes and shapes.

Lip 25 can have any desired dimensions, such as a length and/or width of about 2- 12 inches. However, the presently disclosed subject matter includes embodiments wherein lip 25 has a length and/or width greater or less than the range set forth above.

Optionally, support member 10 can include handle 35 by which the user can grasp the device. In some embodiments, the handle can be configured on lip 25, although it can be positioned on any desired surface of the device. As shown in Fig. 2a, the handle can be integrally formed in support member 10, such as in the form of a void. Alternatively, the handle can be operably connected to the support, such as on the main body. In such cases, the handle can include a separate wooden, metal, or plastic grip attached to the device using conventional fasteners, such as bolts, screws, and the like. It will be readily appreciated that the handle provides a way to easily transport the device from one location to another, whether for traveling or transporting the device between rooms in a home.

In some embodiments, the handle can be used as an attachment, allowing pairing to the connector.

In some embodiments, the bottom surface of at least a portion of support member 10 can comprise one or more non-slip elements to prevent or resist movement during use. Fig. 2f illustrates one embodiment of a gripping element, which can include a plurality of textured regions 50. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the entire portion of bottom surface 22 can comprises a gripping element. The nonslip elements can include any desired movement-resistant material, such as (but not limited to) rubber, fabric, felt, polymeric material, and the like.

Support member 10 can be constructed from any desired rigid material. The term “rigid material” refers to a material that resists deformation and can support its own weight. Any rigid material can be used, such as (but not limited to) wood, plastic, metal (e.g., stainless steel or aluminium), or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the material used to construct the support member can be lightweight to allow the user to easily transport the device. Support member 10 can be formed using any known method. For example, the support member can be constructed in a unitary manner by integrally casting the lip and main body as one piece. Alternatively, the portions can be separated constructed and joined using any known method (e.g., adhesive, welding, screws, pins, bolts, clips, magnets, snap fit attachment, pressure fit attachment, and the like).

As set forth above, device 5 comprises connector 15 that releasably attaches to support member 10 and functions to restrain the legs of the user during use. In this way, the lower body is supported, allowing the user to do a sit-up or other core exercise. Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate one embodiment of connector 15 comprising at least one strap 55 that releasably connects to attachment 30 of support member lip 25. The term “strap” refers broadly to any element that can be attached or released to the main body (e.g., support lip).

Strap 55 is sized and shaped to cooperate with support lip attachment 30. For example, the strap can be of sufficient shape and length to pass through attachment 30 configured as an aperture and then re-attach to itself, using VELCRO® or any other desired connector elements. Alternatively, the strap can be tied, buckled, buttoned, zipped, snapped, or attached to lip 25 to snugly retain the attachment adjacent to the support member. The straps can therefore be attached to element 30 in any known manner. Although two straps are depicted in the Figures, the presently disclosed subject matter includes embodiments with any number of straps (e.g., one or more than two).

As shown, the connector also includes central opening 70 sized and shaped to allow a user’s legs to pass therethrough. The opening is created by sidewalls 71 that join together to form a cavity. The cavity can optionally include one or more padded materials 75 on one or more sidewall interior faces to provide added comfort to the user during use. The padded materials can include any known materials, such as (but not limited to) fabric, rubber, foam, and the like. In some embodiments, the padding can include any known compressible and non-abrasive material. The padding can be permanently attached to the connector, such as through the user of adhesive, stitching, lamination, and the like. Alternatively, the padding can be releasably attached to allow for cleaning, customization, and repair. Opening 70 can be configured in any desired shape, such as (but not limited to) square, oval, circular, rectangular, triangular, abstract, and the like. Any practical shape of opening 70 is contemplated.

At least one sidewall 71 of opening 70 can include tensioner 80 that allows the circumference of the opening to be increased or decreased based on the comfort of the user and/or the leg size of the user. The term “tensioner” as used herein refers to any structure that allows opening 70 to be increased or decreased in circumference. Particularly, the opening can be decreased by applying pressure and pulling on one or both tabs 85, which extends the tab through the tensioner. Likewise, the opening can be increased by feeding at least a portion of tab 85 back through the tensioner. The opening is therefore easily adjusted by the user to fit a wide variety of body shapes.

In some embodiments, opening 70 can include divider 90 that splits the opening into two or more compartments, such as for each of the user’s legs to pass through. Thus, divider 90 can partition the opening into two portions of about equal size and shape, as shown in Fig. 3c.

Connector 15 can be constructed from a variety of resilient materials, such as (but not limited to) fabric, polymeric material, rubber, foam, and the like. The materials selected for construction of connector 15 can successfully sustain the force exerted on them during a sit-up or other exercise.

The disclosed device can include one or more optional features that enable a variety of different exercises to be accomplished, in addition to a traditional sit-up. For example, at least one sidewall 71 of the connector can include coupler 100 as illustrated in Fig. 4. The coupler can include any known coupling agent, such as a hook, magnet, socket, button, buttonhole, clip, zipper, clasp, and the like. The coupler allows for the attachment desired accessory to permit additional exercises to be performed. For example, in some embodiments, elastic bands, handles, or tubing can be attached to coupler 100. Advantageously, the couplers allow various muscle groups to be stretched and/or strengthened.

In some embodiments, a desired accessory can be positioned at one end of a cord and can be removable. For example, the accessory can include a clip to allow different connectors to be interchanged (e.g., handles, grips, and the like). In some embodiments, the accessory can provide weight resistance that allows the user to perform leg, arm, and/or core exercises. Alternatively, the accessory can enable stretching, such as through the use of resistance bands. Thus, the user may proceed with various movements to exercise and/or stretch different muscle groups (e.g., leg lifts, knee bends, bicep curls, sit-ups, reverse sit-ups, shoulder press, hammer curl, triceps extension, etc.). Such movements are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, device 5 can be provided in the form of a kit. Specifically, the kit can include at least one support member and at least one connector. In some embodiments, a variety of support members can be included to facilitate usage by users of different sizes (e.g., overweight, petite, tall, short). In some embodiments, different connectors can be included to allow the user to vary his or her workout. For example, the connectors can include couplers positioned in a variety of locations. The kit can further include one or more accessories, such as resistance bands or handles suitable for attachment to couplers 100.

In use, support member 10 is first inserted in between two surfaces, such as a mattress and box spring on a bed, or in between the cushions and base of a couch. The thin profile of the support member allows insertion to be easily accomplished. For example, as shown in Figs. 5a and 5b, the support member is positioned such that top surface 21 directly contacts the lower face of an upper component 105 (e.g., mattress) and bottom surface 22 directly contacts upper face of a lower component 106 (e.g., box spring). The support member is positioned such that the main body lies flat in between the upper and lower components 105, 106 but lip 25 is flush against (or angled away from) vertical edge 107 of the lower component. In this way, attachments 30 (e.g., apertures) are accessible to allow attachment of connector 15.

It should be appreciated that even very weak users can slide the support unit between surfaces 105, 106. The support unit can be made of smooth material to allow the device to easily slide in. Alternatively, the device can be positioned between surfaces 105, 106 (such as by a caregiver) and remain in position for an extended period of time. This way, the user is not required to insert and remove it before/after each use. The support unit flange and/or catch function to resist movement of the main body once positioned between upper and lower components 105, 106. Specifically, the angled members provide pressure, thereby gripping the upper and lower elements to hold the support member in place, even if the connector pulls or tugs thereon (e.g., during the performance of a sit-up). The action of the user sitting on the upper element provides additional gripping to the support flange and catch, as the weight of the user presses into the device.

Either before or after support unit is inserted between elements 105, 106, connector 15 can be attached to lip 25. In some embodiments, the connector straps can be inserted into corresponding lip apertures. Alternatively, the attachment can be accomplished using any known connection mechanism (snaps, buttons, etc.) as discussed herein above. In some embodiments, the connector is permanently attached to the support unit. In other embodiments, the connector is releasably attached.

The user can then sit on the top surface of upper element 105 (e.g., the top of a mattress), with their legs dangling over the edge. The legs can then be inserted into connector opening(s) 70, as shown in Fig. 5c. Depending on the user’s leg length, the user’s upper or lower shins are positioned in opening 70. Padding 75 can be positioned to directly contact one or more areas of the user’s legs for added comfort.

As needed, the size of the connector opening can be adjusted to fit the user’s leg size and for comfort using tensioner 80 and tabs 85. For example, if opening 70 is desired to be smaller in size, the tabs can be fed through the tensioner. When the opening is too large, the tabs can likewise be pulled through the tensioner to make the opening smaller.

The user can then easily lie back and return to a seated position to accomplish a sit- up or other core exercise. As the user lies down or returns to a seated position, his legs remain in the connector opening, providing support for the user. The term “sit-up” includes an exercise where a user lies on his back, with the arms across the chest or behind the head. The user then elevates his head and torso to a sitting position. The user can then slowly return to the position where he is on his back, and repeats. The term “core exercise” includes crunches (where the user does not fully sit all the way up), side crunches, side stretches, and the like. During use, the user’s feet will be restrained from moving upward by device 5 as exercises are being performed. This simulates a similar technique wherein a second person would hold the feet of a person performing a sit-up. The user can perform various exercises on the device and as many repetitions as desired.

Additional exercises such as leg lifts can be performed using the device. Particularly, the user can attach one or more accessories to the device to perform arm raises, arm lifts, and the like.

Device 5 therefore permits a wide range of exercises to be performed, allowing the user to lie on a bed or other supportive surface (e.g., couch cushion). The disclosed device is designed for use by a person that wants to perform general fitness, but may be limited by age, weight, health, or general level of physical fitness (although the device can be used by any individual). The disclosed device is therefore especially well adapted to allow a user to perform a basic sit up quickly and efficiently.

When the user is done using the device, he simply removes his legs from opening 70 of the connector. In some embodiments, the opening can be increased in size for an easier removal. The user can then step away from the device, such as by standing up from the bed. The device can easily be removed from between the upper and lower elements and stored for use.

The disclosed device provides many benefits over prior art devices. For example, device 5 is lightweight and portable, allowing the user to easily store it when not in use.

The device is specifically designed to be utilized by persons that have physical problems, such as advanced age, obesity and those that cannot engage in strenuous physical conditioning exercises. However, device 5 is not limited to such people, and is believed to also provide benefits for those that do not exhibit the aforementioned problems.

Throughout the entire use of the disclosed device, the user can perform exercises alone and will not need assistance or supervision from another person.

The disclosed device increases athletic ability and endurance for the user. Regular use of the device may also improve axial skeletal strength and posture, as well as improve core and abdominal muscle strength. Thus, the device can be used to alleviate fitness problems of a user, such as back pain and/or a weak core. Moreover, the device can be adjusted based on the fitness level of the user.

The device allows a user to perform an efficient and effective exercise in the safety and comfort of their own home (e.g., while watching television). The device is therefore convenient and encourages the user to use the device.

Attachment of one or more accessories allows the user to adjust the level of difficulty of use and involve multiple areas of the body. As a result, a total body workout can be accomplished.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.