Torso Support Structure for Lower Abdominal Muscle Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exercise tools fail to effectively target the lower abdomen for strength increase, body definition, and flexibility, and do not adequately support the torso for individuals with lower back or torso injuries, limiting the range of exercises that can be performed.

Innovation Solution

A static exercise tool with a planar base and torso support structure, featuring handle assemblies with vertical posts, stiffeners, and padded torso support, allowing for secure positioning of the torso above the ground and providing support for various exercises, including those that isolate the lower abdominal muscles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If exercise is performed on a flat surface without support structures, then the exercise regimen can be pursued without additional equipment, but the lower abdomen cannot be effectively targeted and the torso cannot be adequately supported for injury rehabilitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of exercise setupVSAvoideffectiveness for lower abdomen exercises

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The exercise tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a base structure for stability, a torso support component with padding for comfort, and adjustable positioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional flat surface exercise to three-dimensional positioned support by elevating the torso at an angle using the support structure, enabling new exercise planes and muscle isolation capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the torso is elevated above ground level, then the lower abdominal muscles can be isolated and strengthened, but the device complexity increases with additional support structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to isolate lower abdominal musclesVSAvoidstructure of support device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it elevates the torso, provides angular positioning, offers padded comfort support, and enables various exercise variations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the elevation mechanism, support surface, and positioning structure into a single integrated base unit, eliminating the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple moving parts are used in exercise mechanisms, then the range of motion and exercise variety increases, but the device complexity and potential instability increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of exercise motionsVSAvoidnumber of moving parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention provides fixed positional support that enables partial ranges of motion sufficient for targeting specific muscle groups, particularly the lower abdomen, without requiring full-range movable mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure creates a stable, repeatable positional template for exercise execution, allowing consistent muscle engagement without the variability introduced by movable parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If the torso is supported for exercise, then individuals with lower back or torso injuries can perform exercises, but the device complexity increases to provide adequate support

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for injury rehabilitationVSAvoidsupport structure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The padded support surface is designed in advance to provide comfort and pressure distribution before the user begins exercising, preventing discomfort or injury during the exercise routine

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The padded torso support acts as an intermediary between the user's body and the rigid base structure, providing comfort and pressure distribution while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11628331B1Exercise tool

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 LOEBBECKE KEITH J

AI summary

The exercise tool includes a rigid base with a torso support extending up from a central portion of the base, and with a pair of handles extending up from lateral portions of the base. The torso support includes padding on at least an upper portion thereof. The padding is contoured to have a non-planar upper surface. The handles can be gripped by fingers of a user while the user rests a backside of a torso of the user upon the torso support, and leg and hip lifting and lowering exercises can be performed. In one embodiment, the handles include multiple separate bars in different orientations to facilitate optimal hand gripping. The exercise tool can be utilized for a large number of exercises with then tool supporting hands, feet, and/or torso or other body portions which benefit from being supported above ground while performing various exercises.