Exercise device

Abstract

The exercise device uses three main components to provide a simplified abdominal exercise for the user. A base frame relaeasably supports two pivoting body support structures. The body support structures are pivotally secured to the frame at intermediate points in the length of the body support structures. The base frame is preferably collapsible to simplify securement and storage. Each body support structure is independently secured to the base frame. The user is able to perform exercises according to his own requirements merely by modifying the extent of movement of the body support structures.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . An exercise device for supporting the body of a user and allowing the user to force the exercise device through a predetermined motion, said exercise device comprising a base frame supporting to opposite sides of said base frame two body support structures which extend beyond said base frame, each body support structure on opposite sides thereof having a pivot location with said pivoting locations defining a stub segment located within said base frame and a lever segment extending beyond said base frame, each body support structure being movable through an angle of at least 30° from a generally horizontal position towards an upright position causing said stub segments to move downwardly through an opposite angle.  
     
     
         2 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said base frame is of a height of less than 18 inches and said body support structures move below horizontal whereby said stub segments are upwardly angled.  
     
     
         3 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said stub segments each include a structural support member extending across said body support structure for supporting a user's buttocks on one body support structure and the lower portion of the user's back on the structural support of the other body support structure.  
     
     
         4 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said stub segments have notched end portions relative to the width thereof which generally interfit with the opposite stub segment.  
     
     
         5 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said stub segments in a horizontal orientation of said pivoting structures are separated one from the other at least one inch.  
     
     
         6  An exercise device as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said stub segments have a separation of at least one and a half inches.  
     
     
         7 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said stub segments each have a longer segment at one side thereof and a shorter segment at the opposite side thereof.  
     
     
         8 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein longer segment and said shorter segment are joined by a diagonal segment.  
     
     
         9 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said body support structures are releasably secured to said base frame.  
     
     
         10 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said frame includes inwardly directed pivot pins and said pivoting supports include bearing members for attaching to said pivot pins.  
     
     
         11 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein each pivoting support includes at least one latch for positively maintaining said pivoting support on said frame.  
     
     
         12 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 11  wherein each latch has a spring lock for maintaining said latch in a lock position.  
     
     
         13 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 10  wherein said frame includes two ‘U’ shaped side portions with the ends of the ‘U’ shaped portions pivotally connected to two floor engaging traverse members, each floor engaging traverse member being pivotally connected at one end to one ‘U’ shaped portion and pivotally connected to the other ‘U’ shaped portion at the opposite end, said traverse members and said ‘U’ shaped portions cooperating to form a 4 bar linkage movable between an extended in use position and a collapsible folded condition.  
     
     
         14 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said frames are separated from the sides of said body support structures by at least one and a half inches.  
     
     
         15 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said pivoting supports are generally rectangular like frames with a stretched support material extending across said rectangular like frames.  
     
     
         16 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 15  wherein at least one of said body support structures at a free end thereof includes a floor engaging stop leg to limit the movement of said body support structure.  
     
     
         17 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 16  wherein one of said pivoting supports at a free end thereof remote said frame includes an upwardly extending cushioned foot bar.  
     
     
         18 . An exercise device as claimed in  claim 17  wherein said foot bar is adjustable in spacing from said pivoting support.