Exercise device and method of use thereof

Abstract

Exercise devices and methods of using the same. An exercise device for performing abdominal exercises in a supine or seated position comprises a central portion and two end portions, the central portion being contoured for comfortably fitting around the rear of the user's neck, while the end portions serve as handles for the user such that, in use, the hands are arranged slightly above the front of the shoulder at the shoulder width. The device has a cased structure comprising three sequential tubular sections of substantially equal length, the tubular sections joined together in a cased manner and locked in position relative to one another by a retractable locking pin. The handle may be selectively connected to the middle portion in two different ways, one way that the handle is configured to be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, and the second way that the handle is configured to be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the exercise device. The device may be used to perform sit-ups and a variety of other exercises from a supine or seated position.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of prior application No. 29 / 889,586 filed on April 13, 2023 and prior application No. 29 / 889,588 filed on April 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to exercise devices, and more particularly to new exercise devices that enable a user to perform exercises for firming and toning the abdominal muscles while in a supine or seated position with reduced stress and strain on the user's shoulders, neck and back. Background Art

[0004] Sit-ups are a popular exercise for strengthening and toning the abdominal muscles and are therefore the most commonly used abdominal exercise. Sit-ups are usually performed by a person lying on their back with their knees bent and their feet flat on the floor. The person then contracts their abdominal muscles to lift the head and upper body off the ground. The person's hands grasp behind the head with the elbows forward so that the elbows touch the knees as the head and shoulders are raised.

[0005] Conventional sit-ups can strain a person's neck and shoulder muscles due to the stress and strain required to keep a person holding their hands behind their head. Sit-ups can be made easier by crossing the arms in front of the body and placing the palms in front of the shoulders. However, this variation can make the exercise less intense and effective.

[0006] Regular sit-ups can also cause back pain and arching of the lower back, which can increase the risk of back injuries. As a result, some organizations have begun phasing out sit-ups due to high rates of lower back injuries.

[0007] As an alternative to sit-up type exercises, there are twisting abdominal exercises that are performed by a person while in a standing or upright position. In the trunk twisting exercise, the user typically places a shaft-like device or exercise bar along the back of the neck and rests on the shoulders, with the arms falling on the top of the bar or the hands grasping the ends of the bar extended at full arm extension. The user then goes through a series of exercise movements, the result of which is to apply tension to the abdominal muscles. In one of these movements, the body twists or rotates from side to side. In another movement, the body bends at the waist as the user attempts to make the ends of the shaft or bar contact the opposite foot.

[0008] However, this bar has disadvantages. The bar behind the neck displaces most of the muscle groups in the upper body out of their natural position. As a result, those muscles may become sore, causing discomfort to the user, which acts as a disincentive to continue exercising. It is also very uncomfortable because the shoulders must be retracted far back to accommodate the straight line of the axis, causing unnecessary strain.

[0009] The wide hand position involving full arm extension also places additional stress on the secondary and auxiliary muscle groups in the shoulders, back and neck. Especially if the user's shoulders are tense, the pectoralis (chest muscles), upper trapezius (upper back muscles) and neck muscles may all be stressed. The sheer length of the bar (typically extending 5 to 6 feet) also makes it awkward to use, difficult to transport and store, and not suitable for performing exercises in a supine or seated position.

[0010] Exercises performed in a standing or upright position also do less to isolate the abdominal muscles because more muscle groups are used than exercises performed in a supine or seated position. The supine or seated position is also safer for the back and neck due to its friendlier relationship to gravity when toning or stretching muscles, especially when doing combined force and torque exercises (such as many conventional abdominal exercises).

[0011] There is a need for an exercise device that can be used to perform abdominal exercises while in a supine or seated position, that reduces stress and strain on the user's shoulders, neck, and back while performing the exercises, that is compact and easy to store and transport, that is inexpensive to manufacture, and that can be used to perform a variety of different exercises. The present invention meets all of these needs. Summary of the invention

[0012] Briefly, and generally speaking, the present invention provides a new and improved exercise device for performing sit-ups and other abdominal exercises in a supine or seated position, which reduces stress and strain on the user's neck, shoulders, and lower back by keeping the user's hands, head, and neck in the correct position to safely and effectively isolate and target the abdominal muscles for exercise. The device is small and compact, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to use, and can be quickly and conveniently disassembled for storage and travel.

[0013] More specifically, in a presently preferred embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, the invention is embodied as a small handheld device that can be placed behind a user's neck while performing abdominal exercises in a supine or seated position. It comprises a substantially rigid assembly of predetermined length, the assembly including at its ends a pair of left and right handle portions, the left and right handle portions being held in laterally spaced positions at a distance corresponding to the width of the user's shoulders by a laterally extending middle portion, the middle portion being continuous and coplanar with the handle portions, and being contoured along a plane to fit comfortably around the back of the user's neck and hold the handles slightly forward and above the user's shoulders when the device is in use. Each handle portion has a substantially linear center portion bounded by two angled ends that constrain the user's hands to the center portion of the handle, the center portions being spaced apart at a distance corresponding to the width of the user's shoulders so that the user's hands are spaced apart by the width of the shoulders when grasping the center portion.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the handle is configured to be generally parallel to the user's shoulders when in use with the user's palms facing forward. In an alternative embodiment, the handle is configured to be generally perpendicular to the user's shoulders when in use with the user's palms facing inward toward each other. In a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle is reconfigurable and reversible, allowing the user to select which of the two handle orientations they wish to use.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the exercise device is made of a lightweight rigid tubular material such as aluminum or PVC.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, padding is provided around at least a midsection of the intermediate tubular portion to protect the surface of the device and cushion the device against the user's neck, thereby enhancing user comfort and reducing skin abrasion when using the exercise device.

[0017] In a currently preferred embodiment, the handle portion is removably connected to the middle portion. Preferably, the device is composed of three telescopic sequential tubular sections of approximately equal length corresponding to the left and right handle portions and the middle portion, each tubular section being selectively connected to each other by retractable locking pins, which lock the telescopic tubular members in place relative to each other.

[0018] Preferably, the exercise device has a length of about 26" and a width of about 5" to about 6" when fully assembled. When disassembled, the device can be conveniently and compactly stored in a small storage bag.

[0019] The present invention also relates to various methods of using the above-described exercise device to exercise the abdominal muscles while in a supine or seated position. In one currently preferred method, a user performs a sit-up type exercise by grasping the handle portion of the exercise device with both hands so that the user's hands are positioned in a laterally spaced position slightly above and forward of the user's shoulders at shoulder width while holding the middle portion of the exercise device against the back of the user's neck above the user's shoulders. From the supine position, the user then contracts the abdominal muscles while grasping the exercise device and holding it against the back of the user's neck above the user's shoulders to lift the user's back from the floor toward the knees, relaxes the abdominal muscles while grasping the exercise device and holding it against the back of the user's neck above the user's shoulders to lower the user's back to the floor, and repeats the contraction and relaxation steps as many times as desired to exercise the abdominal muscles.

[0020] In other preferred methods for exercising the abdominal muscles, the user places the above-mentioned handheld device behind the user's neck while in a supine or seated position, grasps the handle portion of the exercise device with both hands so that the user's hands are positioned at shoulder width in a laterally spaced position slightly above and in front of the user's shoulders, while holding the middle portion of the device against the back of the user's neck above the shoulders, and performs exercises selected from the group consisting of: sit-ups, bicycle crunches, leg raises, Russian twists, static boat pose, leg raises, and reverse crunches, all while grasping the handle portion and holding the middle portion against the back of the user's neck above the shoulders.

[0021] In yet another preferred method, the user performs a rowing exercise with the aid of an elastic resistance band while in a seated position with legs extended in the following steps: connecting the ends of the resistance band to an exercise device, placing the center portion of the resistance band across the bottoms of the user's feet, grasping the handles with both hands with palms facing downward, pulling the exercise device toward the user's chest against the contractile force of the resistance band, releasing to allow the resistance band to return the exercise device to a position close to the user's feet, and repeating the pulling and releasing steps as many times as needed to simulate a rowing motion.

[0022] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the features of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device constructed in accordance with the present invention as viewed from above;

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a rear view of the exercise device shown;

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the exercise device shown;

[0026] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of the exercise device shown;

[0027] Figure 5 Is used by users Figure 1 a perspective front view of the device shown;

[0028] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top plan view of the device in FIG. 1 , shown in three disassembled sections in a disassembled mode;

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 an enlarged view of the disassembled device shown with the segments configured in storage mode and stored in the carrying bag;

[0030] Figure 8 is a partial enlarged view showing in exploded form the components of a device for removably connecting the middle and end portions of a telescopic arrangement;

[0031] Fig. 9 A sleeve connection is shown between the middle and one end of the device. Figure 8 A partial enlarged view of a component;

[0032] Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view showing the tubular structure of the device taken along line 9-9;

[0033] Fig.11 is a perspective view of the exercise device as viewed from above showing the handle assembled in an alternative configuration;

[0034] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 a rear view of the device shown;

[0035] Fig.13 yes Fig.11 A plan view of the device shown;

[0036] Fig.14 yes Fig.11 a front view of the device shown;

[0037] Fig.15 Is used by users Fig.11 a perspective front view of the device shown;

[0038] Fig.16 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of the exercise device showing a thicker pad in the middle portion;

[0039] Fig.17 It is shown that the use Figure 1 a side view of a starting posture of a user of the device;

[0040] Fig.18 It is shown that the use Figure 1 A side view of an activity posture of a user of the device; and

[0041] Fig.19 Is used by users Figure 1 The apparatus is shown in a top perspective view for use in a rowing exercise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] As shown in the drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention is embodied in a handheld exercise device 10 designed to be used to perform abdominal exercises from a supine or seated position while on a floor, exercise mat, or other surface. The device 10 includes a contoured middle portion 12 for comfortably fitting around the back of a user's neck and a pair of end portions 14 designed to be grasped by the user's hands during use.

[0043] According to the present invention, the ends 14 of the device preferably extend away from the middle portion 12 in opposite directions along the same plane as the middle portion, and serve as positive handles to maintain the user's hands at shoulder width during use. Each end 14 preferably has a length substantially the same as the middle portion 12. The handles 14 are designed to be grasped by the user's hands during use, and they are sufficiently spaced apart so that the user's hands will be maintained at shoulder width when grasping them. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the ends 14 can be selectively detached from the middle portion 12 and can be connected to the middle portion in two different ways, which allows the user to choose between two different hand positions (both at shoulder width) when using the device, and selectively reduces the size of the device for compact storage and transportation.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, Figures 1 to 4 As best shown in FIG. 1 , each handle 14 includes a central portion 16 flanked by two ends, namely, an inward end 18 joined to the middle portion 12 and an outward end 20. In a preferred embodiment, the central portion 16 of each handle is relatively straight and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise device 10 so that when the central portion is grasped by a user's hand during use, the user's palm will face forward. In a preferred embodiment, the central portions 16 are also aligned with each other along a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the user's shoulder when in use. Preferably, each central portion 16 has a width of approximately 4" to accommodate the width of a typical user's hand and to be more comfortable on the user's wrist when the user grasps the device.

[0045] The ends 18, 20 of the handle 14 extend rearwardly from the center portion 16 at an angle and serve as outer boundaries or limits for confining the user's hand to the center portion of the handle. Although variations in the bend angle are permissible, a low bend angle of about 20° relative to the longitudinal axis of the center portion 16 is preferred for the outward end 20, while a slightly greater bend angle of about 45° is preferred for the inward end 18. Each end 18, 20 is preferably straight and has a length of about 1" to about 2".

[0046] Preferably, the outward end 22 of the outward end portion 20 is blunt or flat and is fitted with a plastic push-in end cap 24 having rounded or chamfered edges for greater safety. If desired, the innermost end 26 of the inward end portion 18 may also be fitted with a plastic end cap. Figure 8 is best shown in .

[0047] The middle portion 12 of the exercise device 10 has a curved center section 28 that terminates in two straight end sections 30. The center section 28 preferably has a centerline radius of about 5" extending through an arc of about 90° to fit comfortably around the back of the user's neck. The center of curvature is also preferably located at or approximately midway between the handles 14 so that when the device 10 is properly positioned for exercise, it will be located directly behind the user's neck. The straight end sections 30 preferably have a length of about 2" to about 3". The depth of the middle portion is selected to accommodate the back of the user's neck and the slightly forward position of the user's shoulders (in which position the handles will lie flat when the device 10 is in use, as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 ). By fitting behind the user's neck while extending slightly forward and superior to the user's shoulders, the device 10 does not require the user's hands and shoulders to flex backward when in use, thereby alleviating stress and strain on the shoulder and neck muscles that may occur when performing conventional sit-ups with the hands grasped behind the user's head. By securing the user's hands at shoulder width when in use, the device avoids stressing the secondary and auxiliary muscle groups in the user's shoulders, back, and neck that may occur if the user's arms are extended.

[0048] The present invention allows the structure of the device 10 to match a person of any size. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the front of each handle portion 14 and the rear of the middle portion 12 is about 5" to about 6", more preferably about 5.5", and the distance between the handles 14 as measured between the center of each handle is about 13" to about 15", more preferably about 14". The overall length of the device 10, as measured along a straight line connecting the outermost ends 22 of the device 10, is preferably no more than about 3', more preferably no more than about 30". In a preferred embodiment, the overall length, as measured along a straight line connecting the outermost ends 22 of the device 10, is about 25" to about 27", most preferably about 26". This is sufficient to accommodate most shoulder widths, but small enough to be easily compacted for storage and transportation, as described in more detail below. The smaller physiques of women and children can benefit from a slightly different set of measurements for the device.

[0049] The device 10 is preferably constructed of a lightweight rigid tubular material, such as metal (e.g., aluminum) or plastic (e.g., PVC), which allows for a lightweight, easy to use device that is also easy and inexpensive to manufacture. Figures 8 to 10 The tubular structure can be best seen in FIG. 1. When using a metal such as lightweight tubular aluminum, the outer surface of the metal can be given a smooth finish if desired, or it can be given a textured finish to create an additional grip for the user's hand.

[0050] The device 10 is preferably made from a hollow tube blank that is circular in cross-section, although other shapes may be used if desired. The outer diameter of the tube blank is a parameter that can affect user comfort. The larger the outer diameter, the larger the area over which the force is distributed. Thus, a large diameter can prevent pain caused by pressure of the device against the body. The maximum outer diameter is limited by the comfort of the user's hand grasping the device. Although an outer diameter of about 2" is generally the maximum that most users will become accustomed to, the outer diameter of the tube blank can be useful when it is as large as 3". Between about 1" and about 1 1 / 4 An outer diameter within the range of ” is preferred.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the device 10 is constructed from three telescopic pipe sections that snap together and can be easily connected or disconnected for reconfiguration and compact storage and transport.

[0052] Figure 6 A preferred telescopic structure for the device 10 is shown, which is configured so that the left and right handles 14 can be detached from the central portion 12, each handle being made from a separate tube section. Figures 8 to 10The details of the preferred snap-fit ​​connection for selectively connecting and disconnecting the three sections of the knockdown configuration are described in more detail. Suffice it to say that at this point, the inward end 18 of each handle portion 14 is removably connected to one of the outward ends 30 of the middle portion 12 by means of a retractable locking pin 32 mounted on a leaf spring 34 (disposed in the inward end 18 of each handle 14). The leaf spring 34 is preferably made of spring steel or other flexible material. When the leaf spring 34 expands, the locking pin 32 (which protrudes through a small opening 36 in the tubular wall of the handle 14) engages with a corresponding aligned opening 38 in the tubular wall of the straight end section 30 of the middle portion 12 to lock the handle and middle portion together. Pushing down on the pin 32 compresses the leaf spring 34, thereby disengaging the pin from the opening 38 in the middle portion 12 and allowing the handle portion 14 to be removed from the middle portion.

[0053] Reference again Figure 6 , which shows the device 10 broken into a middle section 12 and separate left and right handles 14, each of these sections preferably having a length in the range of about 9" to about 11". Due to their compact size and similar shapes, the disassembled parts can be arranged adjacent to each other and placed inside a flexible fabric or leather carrying bag 40 with a drawstring closure 42, such as Figure 7 As shown. The drawstring 42 may be provided with a removable clamp 44 that may be used as a small handle to carry the bag 40 or to adjust the size of the loop 46 at the end of the drawstring 42 to close the loop around the user's wrist for carrying. In addition to the storage bag 40 shown, other types of storage containers may be used to store the disassembled components of the exercise device 10. For example, the storage bag may be configured as a small backpack (not shown) with straps for carrying on the back of the user.

[0054] As in Figures 8 to 10 As seen in more detail in FIG. 1 , the inward end 18 of the handle 14 is slidably received in the outward end 30 of the middle section 12 in a telescopic manner and locked in place by a retractable locking pin or spring button 32 mounted in the end of the handle. The straight structure on the interlocking ends 18, 30 of the handle 14 and the middle section 12 facilitates the sliding telescopic movement. In a preferred embodiment, the middle section 12 has about 1 1 / 4 ” outside diameter and about 1 1 / 8 " to slidably receive the end 18 of the handle portion 14, the outer diameter of the end 18 is about 1 1 / 16 " and the inner diameter is approx. 15 / 16When the device is assembled, the close spacing between the outer diameter of the handle portion 14 and the inner diameter of the middle portion 12 provides a snug fit and limits the amount of play and wobble between the handle and the middle portion. An additional snug fit can be achieved by wrapping the inward end 18 of the handle 14 with a sleeve (not shown) prior to insertion into the middle portion 12 or by inserting a liner (not shown) into the end 30 of the middle portion 12 prior to inserting the handle portion 14.

[0055] Refer again Figures 8 to 10 , the overlapping tubular walls in the sleeve sections of the middle section 12 and the handle section 14 contain holes 36, 38, respectively, which are in linear radial alignment with each other when the device is fully assembled. In a preferred embodiment, a retractable locking pin 32 mounted to the inward end 30 of each handle section 14 can fit into the holes 36, 38. The pin 32 extends through the holes 36, 38 in the wall of the tubular member and is retracted by being mounted on a flexible resilient V-shaped clamp or leaf spring 34. When the locking pin 32 is pushed down, for example by ordinary finger pressure, the clamp 34 compresses and the locking pin is pushed downwardly below the hole 36, thereby allowing the tubular member of the handle section 14 to be slidably and sleeve-like arranged into the end 30 of the middle section 12. As the sliding movement continues, the hole 36 in the handle section 14 eventually becomes aligned with the hole 38 in the middle section 12, whereupon the locking pin 32 springs into the middle section hole 38 and locks the tubular members of the middle section 12 and the handle section 14 together in this position. In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the locking pin 32 is made relatively close to the inner diameter of the locking pin holes 36, 38 to advantageously prevent or limit relative rotation or twisting of the handle portion 14 and the middle portion 12 when assembled, thereby ensuring that the various parts of the device 10 remain in their intended and correct alignment during use. Pushing the locking pin 32 down below the hole 38 in the middle portion 12 allows the handle portion 14 to be slidably removed from the end 30 of the middle portion 12. The locking pin 32 is preferably made of metal, but may also be made of other materials such as plastic.

[0056] In the presently preferred embodiment, the locking pin holes 38 are disposed on the top and bottom sides of the middle portion 12, radially aligned and spaced 180° apart. Figures 8 to 10 As best shown, locking pin 32 is configured to extend through hole 38 in the opposite direction relative to exercise device 10 when the device is fully assembled, as shown in FIG. Figures 1 to 4 As shown. Constructing the pin 32 and hole 38 in this manner has at least two advantages. First, it allows the handle 14 to be connected to the middle portion 12 in two different ways: Figures 1 to 4 The general configuration shown; and Figures 11 to 14 The reverse or horseshoe configuration shown, wherein the handle 14 is relative to Figures 1 to 4The orientation shown is rotated 180° on an axis. In addition, it allows the handles 14 to be made identical to each other. No separate left and right handles are required. This reduces manufacturing costs and facilitates ease of use and assembly by the end user, because the user no longer needs to keep track of which handle 14 fits into which end of the device 10.

[0057] In such Figures 11 to 15 In the horseshoe configuration shown, the handles 14 remain coplanar with the middle portion 12 during use and continue to position the user's hands at shoulder width, but the central portion 16 of each handle is now configured generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the exercise device so that when the central portion is grasped by the user's hands during use, the user's palms will face inwardly toward each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 It should be noted that the user's hand is kept in the same position as when the handle 14 is as shown. Figures 1 to 4 The configuration shown is generally the same user's shoulder slightly forward and above the position. Some users due to their physical limitations may find this horseshoe configuration more comfortable to use while retaining many of the same benefits, namely the Figures 1 to 4 The conventional configuration shown provides reduced stress on the shoulder, back and neck muscles.

[0058] Reference again Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 11 to 14 In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the middle portion 12 is sheathed with a resilient liner 48 disposed around the middle portion of the device 10 over a portion of its length, but not all of it, leaving the locking pin hole 38 exposed. The liner 48 can be made of a variety of different materials, such as soft rubber or open-cell foam for cushioning and absorption, or a firmer and harder closed-cell foam that still provides good cushioning, shock absorption, and resistance to molding, mold, and bacteria. The liner 48 can be wrapped around the tube in one or more layers. The thickness of the liner 48 can range from about 5 / 10 to about 1 / 2 of the tube, as desired. 8 ” to about 11 / 8 ” or greater. Padding 48 can protect the surface of the tube and cushion the tube against the user's neck, thereby enhancing body comfort and preventing skin abrasion when using exercise device 10. Thicker padding generally provides more cushioning and increased comfort for the user. Optionally, if desired, similar or different padding materials can be wrapped around handle portion 14 to prevent skin abrasion on the user's hands and provide a more comfortable gripping surface for the user.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the pad 48 is provided with chamfered ends 50 to smooth the transition from the padded area to the unpadded area of ​​the device 10. For very thick pads, it may be desirable to form a recessed area 52 in the center portion of the pad between the enlarged ends 54, such as Fig.16, so that the cushion is more form-fitting with a cupping effect, especially around the back of the user's neck, which can enhance the user's comfort and resist undue sliding movement of the device 10 across the back of the user's neck.

[0060] The pad 48 may be sold as a pre-installed component of the exercise device 10 or as an aftermarket add-on accessory device in the form of a removable slide-on cylindrical sleeve made of the pad material having a central axial aperture sized to closely fit the outer diameter of the tube material.

[0061] Exercise device 10 may be used by a person to perform sit-ups while in a supine position by gripping the device with both hands 56 (one hand on each handle 14, with the palm facing forward) and placing the middle portion 12 of the device behind the back of the user's neck 58, resting on the neck above shoulders 60, as shown. Figure 17 to Figure 18 Best shown. Fig.17 As shown, lying on the back 62 with the knees 64 bent and the feet 65 flat on the floor, the user then contracts the abdominal muscles to lift the upper and lower vertebrae from the floor until everything above the hips is clear of the ground and the user is in a position such as Fig.18 The movement 66 can be facilitated by pushing the hands 56 forward against the handles 14 while the middle portion 12 rests on and supports the back of the user's neck 58. The user can then relax the abdominal muscles to stretch the muscles as shown while continuing to hold the exercise device against the back of the user's neck 58 throughout the range of motion. Fig.17 Lower your back to the floor as shown. These moves can be repeated multiple times to work the abdominal muscles in a manner similar to regular sit-ups.

[0062] By maintaining the user's hands 56 at shoulder width and slightly forward and above the user's shoulders 60, exercise device 10 eliminates strain on the user's neck 58 and shoulders 60 and allows the user's shoulders to flex without unduly loading the secondary and auxiliary neck, back and shoulder muscles.

[0063] Placing the device 10 behind the user's neck 58 also supports the user's neck and keeps the user's hands, head and neck in the correct position to safely and effectively isolate and target the abdominal muscles for exercise. It also helps to reduce high compression lumbar spine loads and lower back strain when performing sit-ups or other exercises that involve raising both the upper and lower back from the floor and bending at the waist from a supine position toward a sitting position in order to strengthen, tighten and strengthen the abdominal muscles. The forward force of the user's arms against the device 10 can help lift the user's neck 58 and back 62 from the floor without bending the neck forward or rounding the upper back each time the user lifts the back from the floor.

[0064] In addition to performing these sit-up type exercises, the exercise device 10 can also be used to perform a variety of additional exercises from a supine or seated position, thereby maximizing the utility of the device as an exercise device. Examples of exercises that can be performed with the device 10 from a supine position include sit-ups (conventional), sit-ups (twist), bicycle crunches, and leg raise crunches. Examples of exercises that can be performed with the device 10 from a seated position include Russian twists and static boat poses, as well as leg raises and reverse crunches performed in a semi-sitting position. All of these exercises are performed while holding the exercise device 10 on the handles 14 with the hands 56 and resting the middle portion 12 on the back of the user's neck 58 above the user's shoulders 60, as previously described.

[0065] like Fig.19 As shown, the device 10 can also be used to perform rowing exercises with the aid of an elastic resistance band 68. The ends 70 of the resistance band 68 are removably attached to the exercise device 10 near the junction between the handles 14 and the middle portion 12 with a strap 72 made of a strong woven nylon webbing connected to the ends of the resistance band. The strap 72 is preferably permanently connected to the resistance band 68, which can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including, for example, by passing the end 70 of the resistance band 68 through a grommet hole 74 on the strap 72 and terminating the end of the band in an enlarged head 76, the diameter of which is too large to pass through the grommet hole.

[0066] While in a seated position with legs 78 extended, the user then places resistance band 68 at the base of their feet 80 and grasps handles 14 in each hand 82 with the palms facing downward, as shown in FIG. Fig.19 The user pulls the exercise device 10 toward his chest against the contracting force of the resistance band 68, then relaxes to allow the resistance band to return the exercise device to its original position away from the user's chest and closer to the user's feet 80, repeating this motion as many times as necessary to simulate a rowing motion.

[0067] From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the exercise device 10 of the present invention reduces stress and strain on the user's neck, shoulders, and back by keeping the user's hands, head, and neck in the correct exercise position while performing sit-ups and other abdominal exercises in a supine or seated position. In addition, the handles 14 can be reconfigured to allow the user to choose between two different hand positions and select the most comfortable hand position for use, and the device 10 can be disassembled and reduced in size for compact storage and transportation by removing the handles 14 and placing them along the middle portion 12 in a storage bag 40 or other container. The device 10 is also extremely easy to manufacture and use, and can be used to perform a variety of different exercises.

[0068] While several particular forms of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited, except as in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hand-held exercise device for performing exercises from a supine or seated position, include: a generally rigid assembly of predetermined length comprising a left handle portion and a right handle portion, the left handle portion and the right handle portion being laterally spaced apart and retained by a transverse midsection that is continuous and coplanar with the handle portions; the middle portion being contoured along a generally horizontal plane relative to a user in a seated position to fit around a back of the user's neck and accommodate a distance between a back of the user's neck and a front of the user's shoulders; The left handle portion extends away from the middle portion and is used to hold the user's left hand slightly above and forward of the user's left shoulder when grasped by the user's left hand; The right handle portion extends away from the middle portion and is used to hold the user's right hand slightly above and forward of the user's right shoulder when grasped by the user's right hand; each of the handle portions having a generally linear central portion of generally equal length bounded by two end portions that constrain a user's hand to the central portion of the handle portion; and The central portions are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the width of a user's shoulders so that the user's hands are spaced apart by the width of the shoulders when grasping the central portions during use.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the right handle portion extends away from the middle portion in a direction opposite and longitudinally aligned with the left handle portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the left handle portion and the right handle portion extend away from the middle portion in substantially the same direction and are generally parallel to each other.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is made of a lightweight tubular material.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the tubular material is selected from the group consisting of aluminum and plastic.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pad disposed in a middle section of the middle portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the pad has a concave central portion.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the handle portion is removably connected to the middle portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the handle portion is selectively attachable to the middle portion in a first configuration wherein the handle portion is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the exercise device and in a second configuration wherein the handle portion is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the handle portions are identical to one another when detached from the central portion.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exercise device comprises three telescopically ordered tubular sections, one section corresponding to the middle section and two sections corresponding to each of the handle sections.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each handle portion has an inward end configured to be slidably received in a telescopic manner into the outward end of the central portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a retractable locking pin for locking the tubular sections in position relative to each other.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each of the tubular segments has a hole extending radially through the wall of the tubular segment, and the retractable locking pin is configured to engage with the hole so that when the locking pin is inserted into the holes in both the middle portion and the handle portion, the tubular segments corresponding to the middle portion and the handle portion are locked in place relative to each other.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the exercise device has a length of less than about 30" and a width of about 5" to about 6" measured along a line connecting the ends of the device.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the center portion of each handle portion has a length of approximately 4".

17. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the tubular segments each have a length of about 9" to about 11" measured along a line connecting the ends of the segments.

18. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 to exercise the abdominal muscles from a supine position, include: When the user is in a supine position, placing the exercise device of claim 1 behind the user's neck; grasping the handle portion of the exercise device with both hands so that the user's hands are positioned at shoulder width in a laterally spaced position slightly above and forward of the user's shoulders; holding the middle portion of the exercise device against the back of the user's neck over the user's shoulders; While grasping the exercise device and holding it over the user's shoulders against the back of the user's neck, contracting the abdominal muscles to lift the user's back toward the knees; While grasping the exercise device and holding it over the user's shoulders against the back of the user's neck, relaxing the abdominal muscles to lower the user's back; as well as Repeat the contraction and relaxation steps several times to exercise your abdominal muscles.

19. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 to exercise the abdominal muscles from a supine or seated position, include: When the user is in a supine or sitting position, placing the exercise device of claim 1 behind the user's neck; grasping the handle portion of the exercise device with both hands so that the user's hands are positioned at shoulder width in a laterally spaced position slightly above and forward of the user's shoulders; holding the middle portion of the exercise device against the back of the user's neck over the user's shoulders; as well as While grasping the handle portion and holding the middle portion against the back of the user's neck over the user's shoulders, perform exercises selected from the group consisting of sit-ups, bicycle crunches, leg raises, Russian twists, static boat pose, leg raises, and reverse crunches.

20. A method of using the apparatus of claim 1 to perform exercises while in a seated position with legs extended, include: attaching ends of a resistance band to the exercise device; placing a center portion of the resistance band across the bottoms of the user's feet; Grasp the handle portion of the exercise device with both hands with palms facing downward; Pulling the exercise device toward the chest of the user against the contraction force of the resistance band; releasing to allow the resistance band to return the exercise device to a position proximate the user's feet; as well as The pulling and releasing steps are repeated multiple times to exercise the user's muscles.

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