Abdominal exercise device with lateral arcuately slidable seat

Abstract

An abdominal exercise device includes a support frame defining a first axis and a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. A seat assembly associated with the support frame includes a seat which pivots about the first axis and is laterally and arcuately slidable about the second axis. The exercise device includes a footrest and a bar that attaches the footrest to the seat assembly such that the bar and the footrest pivot with the seat about the first axis.

1 . An abdominal exercise device, comprising: 
 a support frame defining a first axis and a second axis; and    a seat assembly associated with the support frame, including a seat which pivots about the first axis and is laterally and arcuately slidable about the second axis.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the second axis is generally perpendicular to the first axis.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes a bar attaching a footrest to the seat assembly, wherein the bar and the footrest pivot with the seat about the first axis.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes means for rocking the seat relative to the bar.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the seat arcuately rotates about the second axis and slides laterally perpendicular to the bar.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein the rocking means includes a track and roller assembly connecting the seat and bar.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes a cradle pivotally associated with the support frame and supporting the seat.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the support frame comprises two ground-engaging sub-frames, and the seat assembly is pivotally disposed therebetween.  
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein each ground-engaging sub-frame includes a hinge, whereby the ground-engaging sub-frame may be moved between an open position and a folded position.  
   
   
       10 . The device of  9 , wherein the hinge includes a lock for holding the ground-engaging sub-frame in the open position.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the support frame includes a pair of handles.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , including a footrest associated with the seat assembly.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly includes a lock for holding the seat in one of a plurality of positions along the bar.  
   
   
       14 . An abdominal exercise device, comprising: 
 a support frame defining a first axis and a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis;    a seat assembly associated with the support frame, including a seat which pivots about the first axis and is laterally and arcuately slidable about the second axis;    a footrest; and    a bar attaching the footrest to the seat assembly, wherein the bar and the footrest pivot with the seat about the first axis.    
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the seat assembly includes means for rocking the seat relative to the bar comprising a track and roller assembly connecting the seat and bar; wherein the seat arcuately rotates about the second axis and slides laterally perpendicular to the bar as the seat arcuately slides about the second axis.  
   
   
       16 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the support frame comprises two ground-engaging sub-frames, the seat assembly pivotally disposed therebetween, and each ground-engaging sub-frame includes a hinge having a lock for holding the ground-engaging sub-frame in an open position, whereby the ground-engaging sub-frame may be moved between the open position and a folded position.  
   
   
       17 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the seat assembly includes a cradle pivotally associated with the support frame and supporting the seat.  
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the seat assembly includes a lock for holding the seat in one of a plurality of positions along the bar.  
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the support frame includes a pair of handles.  
   
   
       20 . An abdominal exercise device, comprising: 
 a support frame defining a first axis and a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis;    a seat assembly associated with the support frame, including a seat which pivots about the first axis and is laterally and arcuately slidable about the second axis;    a footrest;    a bar attaching the footrest to the seat assembly, wherein the bar and the footrest pivot with the seat about the first axis; and    means for rocking the seat relative to the bar comprising a track and roller assembly connecting the seat and bar; wherein the seat arcuately rotates about the second axis and slides laterally perpendicular to the bar as the seat arcuately slides about the second axis;    wherein the support frame comprises two ground-engaging sub-frames, the seat assembly pivotally disposed therebetween, and each ground-engaging sub-frame includes a hinge having a lock for holding the ground-engaging sub-frame in an open position, whereby the ground-engaging sub-frame may be moved between the open position and a folded position.    
   
   
       21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the support frame includes a pair of handles.  
   
   
       22 . The device of  claim 20 , including a lock for holding the seat in one of a plurality of positions along the bar.