Patent Application
20070135282
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to fitness equipment, and more particularly to an arch device.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Various pieces of fitness equipment have been designed for the purpose of isolating and exercising the abdominal muscles of the human body. These devices tend to work the abdominal muscles well, but are not able to train other areas of the body.
Therefore, a need exists for a device that isolates and exercises the abdominal muscles while being adaptable to other muscle groups.
A frame includes first adjacent sides and second adjacent sides. The length and width of the frame are adapted to support the human body lying on ones back with feet planted within the frame. An arch of the second adjacent sides extends a predetermined distance from the first adjacent sides to a middle portion of the arch. Within the frame, a substantially rigid trampoline formed of a high strength material is disposed under tension between the adjacent sides of the frame.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings:
The abdominal muscles include the Rectus Abdominus, Obliques (external and internal) and Transverse Abdominus. The Rectus Abdominus flex the spine, bringing the rib cage towards the pelvis. The Transverse Abdominus is used for trunk stability. Obliques rotate the torso and stabilize the abdomen. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an arch device for exercising the abdominal muscles includes a frame having four sides, wherein adjacent sides have unequal lengths. Longer adjacent sides are curved outward, perpendicular to a plane of the four sides.
Referring to
Within the frame, a substantially rigid trampoline 106 formed of a high strength material is disposed under tension between the adjacent sides 101-104 of the frame 100. The rigid trampoline 106 may be formed of a plastic thermoform shell, for example, by vacuum, pressure, or direct mechanical force. The rigid trampoline 106 may be formed of other materials, including nylon fiber, etc. The rigid trampoline 106 is connected to the frame 100. The frame 100 may be formed of, for example, steel (e.g., powder coated steel tube), carbon-fiber composite material, etc.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a length of the frame is 52 and ¾″, a height (D1 in
According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame may be formed of outer 1″ tubes, e.g., national standard black pipe schedule 40, having an outside diameter of 1.050″, an inside diameter of 0.824″, and a 0.113″ wall thickness. Cross bars may be ¾″ seamless cold rolled tubing having a 0.750″ outside diameter, a 0.500″ inside diameter, and a 0.125″ wall thickness.
It should be understood that the dimensions given for the arch device/frame are exemplary, and that other dimensions may be used according to application, e.g., petite users verses large users.
Referring to
The rigid trampoline 106 is formed such that certain portions, e.g., 107 of the frame 100 are exposed, for example, corner areas and a middle of the first adjacent sides 101-102. Thus, the exposed sites of the steel frame may number eight (8)—a different number of exposed sites may be provided. The exposed frame may be grasped for leverage, additional exercise, tubing (108) placement, etc.
Referring to
An elastic strap 108 may be connected to the frame for providing resistance in resistance-based exercises. The elastic strap 108 includes a handle/ankle cuff 109 and a means 110 for connecting to the frame 100. The elastic strap 108 may be of various lengths. The means 110 for connecting to the frame 100 may include a clip, a loop in the elastic strap, etc.
Referring now to
As shown in
The curve allows for a rocking motion, useful in certain exercises. The rocking motion is controlled by a user using secondary muscle groups.
Rectus Abdominis are used in the abdominal crunching movement.
The following exemplary exercises may be performed using the arch device.
Standard Crunch: Lie on back with knees bent. Lift shoulders off the floor, concentrating on moving ribs towards hips. The arch will rock slightly forwards adding in isolating the Rectus Abdominis. Variations on this exercise are contemplated.
Reverse Curl: Targets the lower portions of the Rectus Abdominis and also the Oblique abdominals. Lie on back and bend knees toward chest, keeping hips on the trampoline. Contract abdominal muscles to lift hips off the trampoline and bring knees toward chest. The elastic straps may be attached to the ankles to increase resistance.
Combination Crunch: Do the standard crunch and the reverse curl at the same time.
Standing Curl: Standing with feet apart on the arch, arm curls using two elastic straps, one connected to each of the first adjacent sides 101-102. Balance is used to limit the rocking motion of the arch.
Bridge Pose: With first adjacent sides on the floor such that the middle of the arch extends away from the floor, lay on the arch and assume the bridge pose. The arch provides support and safety from falls.
These and other exercises are possible.
Having described embodiments for body arch device, it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/737,241, filed on Nov. 15, 2005, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60737241 | Nov 2005 | US |
