Method and apparatus for exercising abdominal muscles

Abstract

The present invention provides a device for improving posture, including a housing, a power supply disposed within the housing; a first communication element coupled to the housing, an actuation mechanism coupled to the housing, where the actuation mechanism selectively electrically couples the first communication element to the power supply, and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with a belt. The clip may include a substantially thin wire and the housing may be sized such that engagement of the clip with the belt positions a substantial portion of the housing behind the belt and out of view.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]n / aSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]n / aFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to health and fitness devices, and in particular to a device for improving posture and conditioning abdominal and associated torso muscles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Persistent problems in maintaining health and fitness have become an increasingly prevalent problem in today's society. A significant contributing factor has been the general trend for increased numbers of people to pursue urban and suburban environments largely consisting of non-physical types of skilled labor, i.e., office careers, which substantially reduce the amount of physical manual labor or activity experienced during a typical day. An additional contributing factor includes the steady decline in diet quality as less healthy, processed food products are more readily available and convenient for a busy schedule. As a result, the over...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention advantageously provides an improved posture and muscle training device that is simple to operate, and is further easily and comfortably worn. In particular, the present invention provides a device for improving posture having a housing, a power supply disposed within the housing, a first communication element coupled to the housing, an actuation mechanism coupled to the housing, where the actuation mechanism selectively electrically couples the first communication element to the power supply, and a clip coupled to the housing and engageable with a belt, where the clip includes a substantially thin wire, and where engagement of the clip with the belt positions a substantial portion of the housing behind the belt and out of view. The actuation mechanism may include a switch positioned on the housing facing the clip. The clip may extend from a top surface of the housing, have a length larger than a length of the housing. In addition, the housing may have a length less than approximately one and a half inches.

Problems solved by technology

Persistent problems in maintaining health and fitness have become an increasingly prevalent problem in today's society.

As a result, the overall body condition and fitness of people has, for the most part, declined.

Moreover, such poor muscle condition and excess weight may further lead to general posture problems.

It has long been known that persons with exceedingly poor posture may be unduly subjecting their internal organs to potentially harmful stress which may foster other maladies or conditions that could otherwise have been avoided had proper posture been maintained.

Despite the extremely undesirable and wide-ranging effects of poor abdominal / torso muscle conditioning and excess weight carried in the abdominal area, many people simply avoid moderate exercise, healthy diet and a conscious focus upon maintaining good posture as they go about their day.

Unfortunately, it is often difficult for people to remember to exercise good posture and to maintain tightened abdominal muscles as they go about a busy day.

Although devices have been proposed to meet the need for such a reminder or mechanism, thus far such prior art devices have been subject to practical limitations such as the undesirability and impracticality with users reluctant or refusing to use them.

In addition, such devices are typically unduly complex and burdensome for the user, or are unable to provide a simple and effective mechanism which will allow the user to be comfortable wearing the device.

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