US20110319237A1 - Abdominal squat machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for performing abdominal and squat exercises is provided with a frame having a support member, a first end and a second end that operate to provide horizontal stabilization, and at least two leg securing bars extending substantially transversely from the frame of the apparatus. A first leg securing bar may be disposed at a first location along the frame, and a second leg securing bar may be disposed at a second location along the frame such that the arrangement of the leg securing bars in the first and second locations permits the apparatus to operate as an exercise device for abdominal and squat exercises. A user of the apparatus may position one or more legs in between the leg securing bars and perform abdominal and squat exercises without having to readjust the leg securing bars and without having to move one or more feet thereof in between routines.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/398,648, filed Jun. 29, 2010, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to exercise machines, in particular, exercise machines providing combined abdominal and squat routines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Abdominal and squat exercises are an essential part of a proper strengthening routine. Abdominal exercises such as crunches and sit-ups provide resistance to the abdominal muscles including the rectus abdominus and external obliques. Sit-ups and crunches are commonly performed on the ground as the torso is pulled from a supine position to a semi-inclined position by contracting the abdominal muscles. Alternately, some machines have been developed to assist with sit-ups and crunches that similarly provide resistance to the abdominal muscles during contraction. Additionally, passive apparatus such as an inclined bench may further concentrate abdominal resistance to a specific region and limit inadvertent secondary assist muscle use.
• Squat exercises provide resistance primarily to the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteals, hip flexors and calf muscles. Most commonly, squat exercises are performed utilizing a straight barbell with free-weights added equally to opposing ends of the barbell. The barbell is placed relatively behind the neck on the trapezius muscle. The bar is loaded on the trapezius muscle while in the standing position, with ones knees slightly bent, and a downward moving phase begins in which the body is slowly lowered to the floor by bending at the hips and knees. Once the upper legs are almost parallel to the floor, the upward phase begins by exerting force on the ground with the legs, straightening them to return to the standing position.
• The conventional abdominal and squat exercises are performed separately, adding additional time to the workout. Furthermore, the conventional abdominal and squat exercises each have limited success due to inadvertent errors and/or positioning. Proper form is essential to both types of exercises and a lack thereof can even lead to serious injury. Squat exercises often require a spotter (second person assisting and monitoring the primary exerciser) to provide assistance in the event that the exerciser fails. As a result, this type of exercise is seldom performed by a single exerciser. The squat also requires frequently adding and removing weights between sets. Frequent injuries to the knees are common due to the tremendous amount of strain focused in the knee area from the barbell and weights. Squat assist machines such as the Smith Press and abdominal assist machines are large and costly and therefore are usually only found in commercial gymnasiums. As a result, it is necessary to travel and pay for membership at fitness centers to gain the ability to perform these routines.
• Thus, it would therefore be desirable to provide an apparatus that operates to permit a user of the apparatus to perform squat and abdominal exercise routines with seamless transition between squat and abdominal routines without having to adjust/modify the apparatus when switching between such routines. The present invention provides a novel apparatus for simultaneously performing both abdominal and squat exercises that overcomes the inherent disadvantages associated with the conventional designs and methods.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for performing abdominal and squat exercises is provided with a frame having a support member, a first end and a second end that operate to provide horizontal stabilization, and at least two leg securing bars extending substantially transversely from the frame of the apparatus. A first leg securing bar may be disposed at a first location along the frame, and a second leg securing bar may be disposed at a second location along the frame such that the arrangement of the leg securing bars in the first and second locations permits the apparatus to operate as an exercise device for abdominal and squat exercises. A user of the apparatus may position one or more legs in between the leg securing bars and perform abdominal and squat exercises without having to readjust the leg securing bars and without having to move one or more feet thereof in between routines. The present invention of the instant application allows for cost reduction associated with employing, buying, maintaining, etc. exercise machines because both abdominal and squat exercise routines may be performed thereon without having to adjust/modify any settings (e.g., the position of first leg securing bar, the position of second leg securing bar, the position of a seat, etc.) when transitioning between such routines, and provides for efficient use of space (e.g., because only one machine is needed to perform abdominal and squat exercises rather than two machines).
• In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for performing abdominal and squat exercises, the apparatus includes: a frame having a support member, a first end and a second end, the support member extending between the first and second ends a predetermined length, the first and second ends being sized and shaped such that the first and second ends operate to provide horizontal stabilization to the frame; and at least two leg securing bars extending substantially transversely from the frame, a first leg securing bar of the at least two leg securing bars being disposed at a first predetermined location along the frame and a second leg securing bar of the at least two leg securing bars being disposed at a second predetermined location along the frame such that the arrangement of the at least two leg securing bars in the first and second predetermined locations permits the apparatus to operate as an exercise device for both one or more abdominal exercises and one or more squat exercises.
• The at least two leg securing bars may operate to: (i) permit a user of the apparatus to position one or more legs of the user in between the at least two leg securing bars and to perform the one or more abdominal exercises and the one or more squat exercises without having to readjust or modify the position of the at least two leg securing bars; and (ii) retain one or more feet of the user in substantially the same position when the user is performing the one or more abdominal exercises and the one or more squat exercises. The first leg securing bar may operate to support one or more calf muscles and/or one or more knees of the user, and the second leg securing bar may operate to support one or more feet, one or more shins and/or one or more ankles of the user. The first leg securing bar and second leg securing bar may operate to retain one or more feet of the user at least one of: substantially flat on the floor, substantially on the floor, substantially on the floor and partially on a portion of the first end, and substantially on the floor and partially on a portion of the second end. The first and second leg securing bars may operate to prevent movement of the one or more legs of the user during operation, focusing the exercise resistance on the targeted muscles. The first leg securing bar: (i) may be disposed on the support member proximately to where the second end is joined to the support member; (ii) may extend outwardly from each side surface of the support member in opposite directions; and (iii) may have mounted on opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam or vinyl pads each having a central bore that operates to receive the first leg securing bar therein. The second leg securing bar: (i) may be disposed on a lower portion of the second end; (ii) may extend outwardly from each side of the second end in opposite directions; and (iii) may have mounted on opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam or vinyl pads each having a central bore that operates to receive the second leg securing bar therein. The first leg securing bar may be permanently affixed to the support member in the predetermined first location. The second leg securing bar may operate to be freely slideably engaged with the second end of the frame when no lateral force or pressure is applied thereto and may operate to be retained in the predetermined second location when a lateral force or pressure is applied by the one or more legs of the user. The first leg securing bar may operate to be slideably adjustable along a track portion of the support member and the second leg securing bar may operate to be slideably adjustable along a second track portion of the telescoping member, the track portion of the support member being formed along the length of the support member and having at least one hole in the support member and the second track portion of the telescoping member being formed along the length of the telescoping member and having at least one hole in the telescoping member.
• The first and second leg securing bars may be each affixed to respective adjustment brackets each having a space therethrough and a central bore therein, the adjustment bracket of the first leg securing bar operating to receive the support member therein and to be slideably engaged with the track portion of the support member, the adjustment bracket of the second leg securing bar operating to receive the telescoping member therein and to be slideably engaged with the second track portion of the telescoping member. The first leg securing bar and the track portion of the support member may operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the track portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket of the first leg securing bar such that the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member of the tubular frame. The second leg securing bar and the second track portion of the telescoping member may operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with another engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the second track portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket of the second leg securing bar such that the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the telescoping member.
• The frame may operate to direct resistance to the abdominal muscles and leg muscles of the user by focusing the body mass of the user into a training resistance routine. The first and second ends of the frame may each have a substantially transverse member extending laterally therefrom and being sized and shaped such that the respective transverse members of the first and second ends operate to provide further horizontal stabilization to the frame. The frame may be tubular such that the support member and the first and second ends include top, bottom and side surfaces. At least one of the first and second ends may be angled outwardly in relation to the support member. The second end may include a telescoping member extending substantially collinearly therefrom, and the telescoping member may have a member extending substantially transverse therefrom such that the telescoping member and the substantially transverse member are substantially L-shaped or substantially T-shaped. The telescoping member may be sized and shaped to fit into the tubular second end, and the tubular second end may operate to telescope over the telescoping member as the telescoping member slides into the tubular second end, thereby decreasing a height of the frame, and out of the tubular second end, thereby increasing the height of the frame. The telescoping member and the tubular second end may operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from at least one hole of the telescoping member and at least one hole of the second end when the at least one holes are aligned and the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the second end of the tubular frame and an internal bore of the telescoping member. The first end of the frame may be shorter in length than the second end of the frame, and the first and second ends of the frame may be angulated such that the support member is oriented in a slightly declined manner in a direction from the second end of the frame to the first end of the frame.
• The height of the frame may be adjustable to dispose a center of gravity of the user of the apparatus inwardly of the first end such that the second end of the apparatus will remain on the floor during the exercise routine(s) of the user. The height of the frame and/or a height of the apparatus may be at least: about 15 inches; 15 inches-about 17⅝ inches; about 17⅝ inches. A length of the frame and/or a length of the apparatus may be at least: about 28⅞ inches; about 28⅞ inches-about 40¼ inches; about 40¼ inches.
• The apparatus may further include a handle locking mechanism disposed on the telescoping second end. The handle locking mechanism may have a handle pivotally attached to a pair of mounting posts extending substantially perpendicularly from the telescoping second end and to a pin extending between the mounting posts, the pin operating to couple the handle to the mounting posts and to a spring that operates to bias a first end of the handle away from, and a second end of the handle towards, the telescoping second end such that a locking pin disposed on, and extending substantially perpendicularly from, the second end of the handle is similarly biased towards the telescoping second end of the frame and operates to selectively engage one of a plurality of spaced apart holes collinearly positioned along a surface of the telescoping member and an engagement hole of the telescoping second end of the frame, wherein the handle locking mechanism operates to couple the telescoping second end of the frame with the telescoping member, thereby limiting extension and/or refraction of the telescoping member when the locking pin is engaged with the one of the plurality of holes and the engagement hole of the telescoping second end of the frame, and to decouple the telescoping member and the telescoping second end of the frame when a downward pressure is applied to the first end of the handle to overcome the force of the spring and to remove the locking pin from the engagement hole of the telescoping second end of the frame and the one of the plurality of holes of the telescoping member.
• The apparatus may include a seat disposed on the support member such that the seat operates to support a user of the apparatus. The seat may be affixed to an adjustment bracket having a space therethrough for receiving the support member and being slideably engaged with the track portion of the support member, the adjustment bracket having a central bore therein, wherein the seat and the track portion operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged from each other with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the track portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket such that the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member of the tubular frame.
• Other aspects, features, advantages, etc. will become apparent to one skilled in the art when the description of the invention herein is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For the purposes of illustrating the various aspects of the invention, wherein like numerals indicate like elements, there are shown in the drawings simplified forms that may be employed, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited by or to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, but rather only by the claims. To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant art in making and using the subject matter hereof, reference is made to the appended drawings and figures, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of the telescoping end of the abdominal squad machine formed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged side perspective view of the handle locking mechanism of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the handle locking mechanism of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is an enlarged side perspective view of the adjustment bracket of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a side view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a side view of two abdominal squat machines formed in accordance with at least another two embodiments of the present invention, showing the preferred dimensions of the abdominal squat machines in each embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat machine with an unstable center of gravity.
• FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, showing an unstable center of gravity.
• FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing an elongated frame with a stable center of gravity.
• FIG. 14 is a side view of the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with at least another embodiment of the present invention, showing a slideable second leg securing bar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
• The present invention provides a combined abdominal and squat machine2. The abdominal squat machine2 formed in accordance with the present invention is a passive exercise machine. More specifically, the machine directs resistance to the abdominal muscles and leg muscles of the exerciser by focusing the natural body mass of the user into a training resistance routine without the need of additional weights, pulleys or similar tensioning devices.
• As can be seen inFIG. 1 of the drawings, the abdominal squat machine formed in accordance with the present invention includes a tubular frame4 having an angulatedfirst end6 and oppositely disposed angulated telescopingsecond end8, interconnected by aprimary support member10. The angulatedfirst end6, being preferably relatively shorter in length than thesecond end8, is angled outwardly in relation to theprimary support member10. The longer telescopingsecond end8 is also preferably outwardly angled in relation to theprimary support member10, opposite the angle of thefirst end6, to orient theprimary support member10 in a slightly declined manner in a direction from thesecond end8 to thefirst end6, as illustrated inFIG. 1 of the drawings.
• Theprimary support member10 further includes atop surface12, oppositely disposedbottom surface13 and side surfaces14; thetop surface12,bottom surface13 and side surfaces14 defining an internal bore15 (not shown). Aseat16 may be selectively adjusted and engaged along atrack portion18 formed along the length of theprimary support member10. Theseat16 andtrack portion18 may be selectively coupled together by engaging apin100 into one of a plurality of spaced apartholes102 collinearly positioned along thebottom surface13 of theprimary support member10, theholes102 extending through thebottom surface13 into the internal bore15 of theprimary support member10.
• More specifically, theseat16 having a topcushioned surface104 for supporting a user and a oppositely disposedbottom surface105, may further include anadjustment bracket106 extending perpendicularly from thebottom surface105. Theadjustment bracket106 preferably includes a pair of oppositely disposedsidewalls108, thesidewalls108 having a first end110 (not shown), the first end110 being in communication with thebottom surface105 of theseat16, and asecond end112, thesecond end112 extending downwardly from the first end110. The second ends112 of thesidewalls108 may be interconnected by abottom adjustment plate114 spanning the separation betweensidewalls108 and having a central bore116 (not shown) formed therethrough for receiving thepin100 to permit thenose120 of thepin100 to be received by a selectedhole102 of theprimary support member10 in order to selectively lock theadjustment bracket106 and theseat16 affixed thereto in a desired position on thetrack portion18 of theprimary support member10. Thesidewalls108 andadjustment plate114 are preferably dimensioned to define therebetween a space117 (not shown) for receiving theprimary support member10, theadjustment bracket106 andseat16 attached thereto thereby being movable along the length of the track portion.
• Theadjustment plate114 further includes anengagement pin collar124 having a central bore126 (not shown) for receiving thepin100, thepin collar124 being aligned with the central bore116 of theplate114 and extending perpendicularly outwardly therefrom. Thepin100 further comprises ahandle118 and ahole engagement nose120, thehole engagement nose120 being interconnected to the handle by ashaft122, theshaft122 being received by and axially movable within thecollar124. Thehandle118, being axially extendable from a distal end128 (not shown) of thecollar124, may be pulled downwardly to compress aconical spring132 surrounding a portion of the shaft extending from the central bore between theadjustment plate114 and thehole engagement nose120, thehole engagement nose120 thereby being moveable within a space between thetrack portion18 and theadjustment plate114. Theconical spring132, in an uncompressed state, provides an upward force on thehole engagement nose120, pushing it towards thebottom surface13 of theprimary support member10 andtrack portion18. Alternatively, thehandle118 may be axially refracted from thecollar124, pulling thehole engagement nose120 downwardly towards theadjustment plate114 and thereby compressing theconical spring132.
• Theseat16 andadjustable bracket106 attached thereto may be selectively moved along thetrack portion18 to a desired position conforming to the user's body size by retracting thehandle118 ofpin100 outwardly to disengage thehole engagement nose120 from ahole102 within thetrack portion18. For example, a taller user might find it necessary to move theseat16 further towards thefirst end6 of the frame4, while a smaller user might position theseat16 relatively closer to thetelescoping end8 of the frame4. Once such a position is found, the central bore116 of theadjustment plate114 is aligned with one of theholes102 of thetrack portion18 and thehandle118 is released. Theconical spring132, now in an uncompressed state, forces thehole engagement nose120 into an alignedhole102, coupling theadjustable bracket106, andseat16 attached thereto, to theprimary support member10.
• Thetelescoping end8 of the frame4 includes atop surface44, oppositely disposedbottom surface46 and a pair ofside walls48, defining aninner bore50 for receiving atelescoping member52. The telescopingmember52 having afirst end54, oppositely disposedsecond end78, and a pair ofparallel sidewalls49, the telescopingmember52 being extendable and retractable within thecentral bore50 of thetelescoping end8. Preferably, the telescopingmember52 is slightly longer than thetelescoping end8. The telescopingmember52 further includes asupport member58 perpendicularly affixed to thesecond end78 thereof. Thesupport member58 is preferably L-shaped and provides horizontal stabilization to the frame4 (e.g., by engaging the ground, a surface, etc.). Thesupport member58 has at least oneend56 thereof (best seen inFIG. 3).
• In a first embodiment of the present invention, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 7 of the drawings, the telescopingmember52 may be extended or retracted from thetelescoping end8 to increase or decrease the degree of declination of theprimary support member10 and adjusted based upon the height of the user. For example, a 6′6″ user810 (best seen inFIG. 8) may employ the apparatus in the highest position710 (best seen inFIGS. 7-8), and a 5′4″ user820 (best seen inFIG. 8) may employ the apparatus in the lowest position720 (best seen inFIGS. 7-8). The telescopingmember52 andtelescoping end8 may be coupled together by engaging a pin60 in one of a plurality of spaced apart holes62 collinearly located through theside walls48 of thetelescoping end8 and through a pair ofholes51 in theparallel side walls49 of the telescopingmember52. More specifically, the telescopingmember52 is extended or retracted to a desired amount and theholes62 through thetelescoping end8 andtelescoping member52 are aligned. The pin60 is inserted through the aligned holes, coupling thetelescoping end8 andtelescoping member52, limiting further extension and/or retraction.
• In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thetelescoping end8 may include ahandle locking mechanism90, as shown inFIGS. 1-5 of the drawings. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, thehandle locking mechanism90 is assembled on thetop surface44 of thetelescoping end8. In an engaged state, thelocking mechanism90 couples thetelescoping end8 with the telescopingmember52, limiting extension and/or retraction.
• More specifically, thehandle locking mechanism90 includes ahandle92, the handle having a first end94 and an oppositely disposedsecond end96. Thehandle92 is preferably pivotally attached to a pair of mountingposts98 extending perpendicularly from thetop surface44 of thetelescoping end8. The mounting posts98 further include a pair ofholes300 at a free-end302 thereof. Thehandle92, further including abottom surface304,top surface306, andopposite sidewalls308, is pivotally attached to the mountingposts98 by inserting apin310 through a pair ofholes312 in its sidewalls. A pair ofspacers314 and aspring316, thespacers314 being positioned on opposite sides of thespring316, are aligned with the sidewall holes312 and mounting post holes300. Preferably, thespacers314 andspring316 are positioned between the two mountingposts98. Thepin310, having a headedend318 and oppositely disposedgrooved end320, theends318,320 being interconnected by ashaft322, is inserted through the sidewall holes312 of the handle, mountingpost holes300,spacers314 andspring316. A locking C-ring324 is inserted onto thegrooved end320 of thepin310 exiting thesidewall308 of the handle, coupling thehandle92 to thetelescoping end8.
• A lockingpin324 extending perpendicularly from thebottom surface304 of the handle'ssecond end96 may selectively engage one of a plurality of spaced apartholes326 collinearly positioned along thetop surface328 of the telescopingmember52, theholes326 extending through a top surface of the telescopingmember52 into aninternal bore329 therein. More specifically, in an uncompressed state, the force of thespring316 on the first end of the handle and thetop surface44 of thetelescopic end8 pushes thesecond end96 of the handle and lockingpin324 attached thereto inwardly towards thetop surface44. Thelocking pin324 is inserted through anengagement hole330 on thetop surface44 of thetelescopic end8 and into one of theholes326 on the top surface of the telescopingmember52, coupling the telescopingmember52 to thetelescoping end8. To decouple thetelescoping member52 andtelescoping end8, downward pressure is applied to the first end94 of the handle to overcome the force of the spring, and thelocking pin324 is removed from theengagement hole330 andhole326 in thetop surface328 of the telescoping member.
• A pair of leg securing bars64 prevents movement of the user's legs during operation, focusing the exercise resistance on the targeted muscles. More specifically, a firstleg securing bar66 is preferably situated to rest on thetop surface12 of theprimary support member10, near to where thetelescoping end8 is joined to the primary support member. The firstleg securing bar66 extends outwardly from eachside wall14 of theprimary support member10 in opposite directions. The firstleg securing bar66 preferably has mounted on the opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam orvinyl pads72 having acentral bore74 that receives the firstleg securing bar66. More specifically, thefoam pads72 are optimally placed on opposite sides of the firstleg securing bar66 so that they are oriented on opposing sides of theprimary support member10. Thefoam pads72 provide comfort to the user and are positioned behind the upper portion of a user's calf muscles.
• A secondleg securing bar76, having structure similar to that of the firstleg securing bar66 and also havingfoam pads72 mounted thereon in a similar manner, is positioned along alower portion78 of the telescopingmember52, and is preferably situated to rest on abottom surface80 thereof. The secondleg securing bar76 is preferably positioned in front of the user's ankles.
• The firstleg securing bar66 and secondleg securing bar76 may be selectively adjustable along the primary supportmember track portion18 and asecond track portion332 along thetop surface328 of the telescopingmember52, respectively. More specifically, as shown inFIG. 6 of the drawings, the securing bars66,76 each further include anadjustment bracket206. Theadjustment bracket206 preferably includes a pair of oppositely disposedsidewalls208, thesidewalls208 having afirst end210, the first ends210 being interconnected by atop plate234, and asecond end212, the second ends212 extending downwardly from the first ends210. The second ends212 of thesidewalls208 may be interconnected by anadjustment plate214 having acentral bore216 for receiving apin100 to selectively engageadjustment bracket206 with thetrack portion18 on theprimary support member10 and thetrack portion332 on the telescopingmember52. Thesidewalls208 andadjustment plate214 are preferably dimensioned to define aspace215 for receiving theprimary support member10, with respect to the firstleg securing bar66, and telescopingmember52, with respect to the secondleg securing bar76, theadjustment brackets206 thereby being movable thereon.
• Theadjustment plate214 further includes anengagement pin collar224 having a central bore226 (not shown) for receiving thepin100, thepin collar224 being aligned with thecentral bore216 of theplate214 and extending perpendicularly outwardly therefrom. Thepin shaft122 is received and axially movable within thecollar224. Thehandle118, being axially retractable from a distal end228 of thecollar224, may be pulled outwardly from theadjustable plate214 to compress aconical spring132 surrounding a portion of the shaft extending from the central bore between theadjustment plate214 and thehole engagement nose120, thehole engagement nose120 thereby being moveable within thespace215 between thetrack portions18,332 and theadjustment plates214.
• With respect to the firstleg securing bar66, theconical spring132, in an uncompressed state334 (best seen inFIG. 6), provides a force on thehole engagement nose120, pushing it towards thebottom surface13 of theprimary support member10 andtrack portion18. Alternatively, thehandle118 may be axially extended from thecollar224, pulling thehole engagement nose120 downwardly towards theadjustment plate214 and thereby compressing theconical spring132.
• The firstleg securing bar66 andadjustable bracket206 attached thereto may be selectively moved along thetrack portion18 to a desired position conforming to the user's body size by pulling thehandle118 of pin200 outwardly to disengage thehole engagement nose120 from ahole102 within thetrack portion18. Once such a position is found, thecentral bore216 of theadjustment plate214 is aligned with one of theholes102 of thetrack portion18 and thehandle118 is released. Theconical spring132, now in an uncompressed state, forces thehole engagement nose120 into an alignedhole102, coupling theadjustable bracket206 and firstleg securing bar66 attached thereto to theprimary support member10.
• Similarly, with respect to the secondleg securing bar76, theadjustable bracket206 may be selectively engaged with one of the plurality of spaced apartholes326 collinearly positioned along thetrack portion332 on the top surface of the telescopingmember52.
• In at least a further embodiment, the secondleg securing bar76, and thebracket206 therefor, may operate to slide freely along the telescopingsecond end8 and/or the telescopingmember52 of the apparatus (e.g., by not using thepin100,200 to lock thebracket206 of the secondleg securing bar76 into theholes326 along thetop surface328 of the telescoping member52). Indeed, a user may slide the secondleg securing bar76 and the pads therefor72 to a predetermined location based on one or more of the user's anatomy, exercise routine, transition between routines, etc., and the secondleg securing bar76 may be freely moved by the user as desired. When the user positions his or her legs and/or ankles proximately to the secondleg securing bar76, the force of such application is sufficient to hold the secondleg securing bar76 and/or thepads72 in place for the duration of the exercise routine.
• During operation, a user positions theseat16 to the desired position. Making reference toFIG. 7 of the drawings, the user may extend or retract thetelescoping member52 to a desired position by engaging and/or disengaging thehandle locking mechanism90. Now referencingFIG. 8, the firstleg securing bar66 is positioned to the upper portion of the calf muscle. The secondleg securing bar76 is positioned in front of the ankles while the user's feet are positioned flat on the floor. In at least one or more embodiments, the user may seamlessly transition between the squat position (see e.g.,FIG. 8) and the abdominal routine position (see e.g.,FIG. 9) while keeping the user's feet in substantially the same position, e.g., the user's feet may be positioned substantially flat on the floor, substantially on the floor, substantially on the floor and partially on a portion of thesupport member58, etc. Theuser810,820 may then sit on theseat16 and decline his body to a start position, as shown inFIG. 9 of the drawings.
• Now referring toFIG. 10 of the drawings, the preferred dimensions of the abdominal squat machine for two embodiments formed in accordance with the present invention are as shown inFIG. 10. As shown inFIG. 10, the firstleg securing bar66 for use with a user's knees may be disposed in a predetermined location, and the firstleg securing bar66 may be disposed in a fixed position such that the firstleg securing bar66 may not move during operation, between routines, for different users, etc. Theheight1030 of the left embodiment inFIG. 10 may be about 15 inches; 15 inches-about 17⅝ inches; about 17⅝ inches (as shown inFIG. 10). Thelength1010 of the frame and/or the apparatus of the left embodiment inFIG. 10 may be about 28⅞ inches (as shown inFIG. 10); about 28⅞ inches-about 40¼ inches; about 40¼ inches. Theheight1040 of the right embodiment inFIG. 10 may be about 15 inches (as shown inFIG. 10); 15 inches-about 17⅝ inches; about 17⅝ inches, and thelength1020 of the frame and/or apparatus of the right embodiment inFIG. 10 may be about 28⅞ inches; about 28⅞ inches-about 40¼ inches; about 40¼ inches (as shown inFIG. 10).
• As shown inFIGS. 11-13, the center ofgravity1100 of the user is preferably inward of thefirst end6. When the center ofgravity vector1100 is not inward of the first end6 (e.g., is located 9 inches to the left of thefirst end6 as shown inFIG. 11), thefirst end6 may be moved to a new location (e.g., more than 9 inches to the left, three inches beyond the center ofgravity1100 so that the first end is now twelve inches from its previous position, etc.) such that thefirst end6′ is now outside of the center ofgravity vector1100.FIG. 12 depicts the center ofgravity1100 being located to the left of thefirst end6 such that the user may be in an unstable position.FIG. 13 illustrates the center ofgravity1100 being located within (i.e., to the right of) thefirst end6 such that the user is able to exercise in a stable position. Because the apparatus is adjustable in such a fashion, the apparatus allows the user to safely use the apparatus (also referred to as an exercise machine) without thesecond end8 lifting off the floor on which the exercise machine rests. The user may employ weights, such asbarbells1120, when using the apparatus2 as well.
• During the exercise routine of the present invention, the user moves in a single continuous motion from the supine position to the standing position by contracting the target muscles. The user then slowly returns to the declined position by releasing the muscles. The first securingbar66 and the second securingbar76 relieve tension on the knees, limiting inadvertent injury. The seamless transition between the supine position and the standing position (and vice versa) permits a user to benefit from the multi-functional exercise apparatus (i.e., the apparatus permits the user to perform various routines, e.g., abdominal and squat routines, whereas the user would otherwise have to use multiple, separate exercise machines to achieve such operation). The user may further benefit by one or more embodiments of the apparatus because the user may perform both the squat and abdominal exercise routines without having to adjust/modify any settings (e.g., the position of firstleg securing bar66, the position of secondleg securing bar76, the position ofseat16, etc.) of the apparatus. Thus, the apparatus is economical because only one apparatus is needed to perform abdominal and squat routines, and the apparatus provides ease of use for a user since settings do not need to be modified when transitioning between such routines.
• As shown inFIG. 14, the secondleg securing bar76 of the apparatus2 may operate to be freely slideably engaged with thesecond end8 of the frame4 and/or the telescopingmember52 when no lateral force or pressure is applied thereto. The secondleg securing bar76 of the apparatus2 may operate to be retained in a predetermined second location when a lateral force or pressure is applied by the one or more legs of the user. The secondleg securing bar76 may operate to be slideably adjustable along a second track portion of the telescopingmember52. For example, in at least one embodiment, the secondleg securing bar76 may be attached to abracket208, andbracket208 may slide freely on the second8 of the frame4 and/or the telescoping member52 (e.g., nopin100 retains thebracket208 in place, thebracket208 is not fastened/secured in place without the lateral force or pressure provided by the legs, ankles, shins, etc. of the user of the apparatus2, etc.). Additionally, the firstleg securing bar66 may permanently affixed to the frame4 (e.g., to supportmember10 of frame4) in the predetermined first location.
• Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. An apparatus for performing abdominal and squat exercises, the apparatus comprising:

a frame having a support member, a first end and a second end, the support member extending between the first and second ends a predetermined length, the first and second ends being sized and shaped such that the first and second ends operate to provide horizontal stabilization to the frame; and

at least two leg securing bars extending substantially transversely from the frame, a first leg securing bar of the at least two leg securing bars being disposed at a first predetermined location along the frame and a second leg securing bar of the at least two leg securing bars being disposed at a second predetermined location along the frame such that the arrangement of the at least two leg securing bars in the first and second predetermined locations permits the apparatus to operate as an exercise device for both one or more abdominal exercises and one or more squat exercises.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least two leg securing bars operate to: (i) permit a user of the apparatus to position one or more legs of the user in between the at least two leg securing bars and to perform the one or more abdominal exercises and the one or more squat exercises without having to readjust or modify the position of the at least two leg securing bars; and (ii) retain one or more feet of the user in substantially the same position when the user is performing the one or more abdominal exercises and the one or more squat exercises.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein at least one of:

(i) the first leg securing bar operates to support one or more calf muscles and/or one or more knees of the user, and the second leg securing bar operates to support the one or more feet, one or more shins and/or one or more ankles of the user;

(ii) the first leg securing bar and second leg securing bar operate to retain the one or more feet of the user at least one of: substantially flat on the floor, substantially on the floor, substantially on the floor and partially on a portion of the first end, and substantially on the floor and partially on a portion of the second end;

(iii) the first and second leg securing bars operate to prevent movement of the one or more legs of the user during operation, focusing the exercise resistance on the targeted muscles; and

(iv) the frame operates to direct resistance to the abdominal muscles and leg muscles of the user by focusing the body mass of the user into a training resistance routine.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the first and second ends each have a substantially transverse member extending laterally therefrom and being sized and shaped such that the respective transverse members of the first and second ends operate to provide further horizontal stabilization to the frame.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the frame is tubular such that the support member and the first and second ends include top, bottom and side surfaces and at least one of the first and second ends is angled outwardly in relation to the support member.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the first leg securing bar: (i) is disposed on the support member proximately to where the second end is joined to the support member; (ii) extends outwardly from each side surface of the support member in opposite directions; and (iii) includes opposite free ends and has mounted on the opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam or vinyl pads each having a central bore that operates to receive the first leg securing bar therein.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the second leg securing bar: (i) is disposed on a lower portion of the second end; (ii) extends outwardly from each side of the second end in opposite directions; and (iii) includes opposite free ends and has mounted on the opposite free ends thereof a pair of foam or vinyl pads each having a central bore that operates to receive the second leg securing bar therein.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein at least one of: (i) the first leg securing bar is permanently affixed to the support member in the predetermined first location; and (ii) the second leg securing bar operates to be freely slideably engaged with the second end of the frame when no lateral force or pressure is applied thereto and operates to be retained in the predetermined second location when a lateral force or pressure is applied by the one or more legs of the user.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein:

(i) the second end includes a telescoping member extending substantially collinearly therefrom, the telescoping member having a member extending substantially transverse therefrom such that the telescoping member and the substantially transverse member are substantially L-shaped or substantially T-shaped; and

(ii) the telescoping member is sized and shaped to fit into the tubular second end and the tubular second end operates to telescope over the telescoping member as the telescoping member slides into the tubular second end, thereby decreasing a height of the frame, and out of the tubular second end, thereby increasing the height of the frame.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the height of the frame is adjustable to dispose a center of gravity of the user of the apparatus inwardly of the first end such that the second end of the apparatus will remain on the floor during the exercise routine(s) of the user.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein:

(i) the height of the frame and/or a height of the apparatus is at least: about 15 inches; 15 inches-about 17⅝ inches; about 17⅝ inches; and

(ii) a length of the frame and/or a length of the apparatus is at least: about 28⅞ inches; about 28⅞ inches-about 40¼ inches; about 40¼ inches.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the telescoping member and the tubular second end operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from at least one hole of the telescoping member and at least one hole of the second end when the at least one holes are aligned and the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the second end of the tubular frame and an internal bore of the telescoping member.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 9, further comprising a handle locking mechanism disposed on the telescoping second end, the handle locking mechanism having a handle pivotally attached to a pair of mounting posts extending substantially perpendicularly from the telescoping second end and to a pin extending between the mounting posts, the pin operating to couple the handle to the mounting posts and to a spring that operates to bias a first end of the handle away from, and a second end of the handle towards, the telescoping second end such that a locking pin disposed on, and extending substantially perpendicularly from, the second end of the handle is similarly biased towards the telescoping second end of the frame and operates to selectively engage one of a plurality of spaced apart holes collinearly positioned along a surface of the telescoping member and an engagement hole of the telescoping second end of the frame,

wherein the handle locking mechanism operates to couple the telescoping second end of the frame with the telescoping member, thereby limiting extension and/or retraction of the telescoping member when the locking pin is engaged with the one of the plurality of holes and the engagement hole of the telescoping second end of the frame, and to decouple the telescoping member and the telescoping second end of the frame when a downward pressure is applied to the first end of the handle to overcome the force of the spring and to remove the locking pin from the engagement hole of the telescoping second end of the frame and the one of the plurality of holes of the telescoping member.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the first leg securing bar operates to be slideably adjustable along a track portion of the support member and the second leg securing bar operates to be slideably adjustable along a second track portion of the telescoping member, the track portion of the support member being formed along the length of the support member and having at least one hole in the support member and the second track portion of the telescoping member being formed along the length of the telescoping member and having at least one hole in the telescoping member.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein:

(i) the first and second leg securing bars are each affixed to respective adjustment brackets each having a space therethrough and a central bore therein, the adjustment bracket of the first leg securing bar operating to receive the support member therein and to be slideably engaged with the track portion of the support member, the adjustment bracket of the second leg securing bar operating to receive the telescoping member therein and to be slideably engaged with the second track portion of the telescoping member;

(ii) the first leg securing bar and the track portion of the support member operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the track portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket of the first leg securing bar such that the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member of the tubular frame; and

(iii) the second leg securing bar and the second track portion of the telescoping member operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged with another engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the second track portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket of the second leg securing bar such that the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the telescoping member.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 14, further comprising a seat disposed on the support member such that the seat operates to support the user of the apparatus.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the seat is affixed to an adjustment bracket having a space therethrough for receiving the support member and being slideably engaged with the track portion of the support member, the adjustment bracket having a central bore therein, wherein the seat and the track portion operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged from each other with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the track portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket such that the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member of the tubular frame.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the first end of the frame is shorter in length than the second end of the frame and the first and second ends of the frame are angulated such that the support member is oriented in a slightly declined manner in a direction from the second end of the frame to the first end of the frame.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 5, further comprising a seat disposed on the support member such that the seat operates to support the user of the apparatus.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the seat is affixed to an adjustment bracket having a space therethrough for receiving the support member and being slideably engaged with a track portion of the support member, the track portion of the support member being formed along the length of the support member and having at least one hole in the support member, the adjustment bracket having a central bore therein, wherein the seat and the track portion operate to be releasably coupled together and/or disengaged from each other with an engaging pin being disposed in and/or removed from the at least one hole of the track portion and the central bore of the adjustment bracket such that the pin extends into and/or is removed from an internal bore of the support member of the tubular frame.

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