Method and device to enable and assist the elderly and females to exercise their abdominal and lower back muscles

Abstract

This multi-abdominal exercise machine is comprised of at least one foot-bar arranged to move up and down a vertical angular path for exercising the abdominal muscles otherwise known as the rectus abdominis. It is used in the sitting position. A controlled weight resistance mechanism is connected to the said foot-bar for providing adjustable resistance to movement. A seat that tilts up and down during the exercising movements together with and on the same axis as the foot-bar. At least one adjustable hand bar is positioned to aid entry to and exit from the machine and to stabilize the user while exercising. A dynamic back support is positioned to provide a contra, massage and stability while exercising. A method for using the abdominal exerciser is comprised of sitting on the dynamic seat, putting one's feet onto the foot-bar and lifting the knees towards the stomach. The said lifting causes the abdominal muscles to exercise, which effect is enhanced as the said seat moves.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An exercise machine comprising
 a frame,   a foot-bar for placing the feet onto using the knees   to press in an upward direction while said foot-bar supports rising feet,   a means to apply resistance to the said foot-bar,   a dynamic seat,   a dynamic back-support pad,   at least one steadying and stabilization handle,   whereby people generally and especially the elderly,   infirm and females can exercise their abdominal muscles.   
     
     
         2 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said resistance is adjustable. 
     
     
         3 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the said adjustability is in increments of at most one kilogram. 
     
     
         4 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 3  where the extent of the resistance is chosen by means of inserting a pin in a horizontal hole passing through the width of a chosen weight and into a bored pin-rod that is attached to a cable joining the said bored pin-rod to the said foot-bar whereby that weight and all the weights above it are lifted by the said cable when the seat tilts upwards by the abdominal muscles contracting and tilting the pelvis upwards 
     
     
         5 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said weights are attached by means of a cable and pulleys to a pivotal link connecting the said tilting seat and connected foot-bar. 
     
     
         6 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the stack of weights and the said pin are easily reachable by the user prior to exercising. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a numbered dial with a means to adjust the position of the said steadying handles. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the said adjustment is effected with a spring-loaded pin entering synchronized holes in two parallel adjacent discs, one disc being attached to the stationary frame of the said exercise machine and the other disc being attached to the connecting bar of the said steadying handles. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the said adjustment is graded by numbers on a disc 
     
     
         10 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said dynamic seat moves on a pivot in tandem with the foot-bar. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the said dynamism is represented by the said seat seesawing up and down as the knees are raised and lowered during exercising. 
     
     
         12 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said back-support is dynamic in a circular motion. 
     
     
         13 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the said circular motion is a rotation around its central horizontal axis. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising at least three wheels for transporting the machine where at least one wheel mechanism lifts the said exercise machine off the ground causing the weight of the said exercising machine to rest on the said wheel and of which at least one wheel is lockable thereby enabling the said exercise machine to rest firmly on the ground or optionally, be moved on the said wheels. 
     
     
         15 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the access to the said exercise machine is open and uncluttered thereby easing the entry to and exit from the said exercising machine by the elderly or infirm and easing the work of a helper of the said elderly or infirm. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said stabilization is during entry to and exit from the said exercising machine as well as during the action of exercising. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise machine comprising
 a frame,   a foot-bar for placing the feet onto that supports the feet when knees are raised and then returns to starting position,   a dynamic seat,   a dynamic back-support pad,   at least one steadying and stabilization handle,   instructions for use of the said exercising machine, at least one picture of an everyday task that is enhanced by the use of the said exercising machine,   whereby people generally and especially the elderly,   infirm and females can exercise their abdominal muscles.   
     
     
         18 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the said instructions are in large clear print well contrasted with the background of the said print being visible and readable by the user of the said exercise machine from the position of the user when ready to exercise. 
     
     
         19 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the said picture of an everyday task is affixed to the body of the said exercise machine in a position easily visible and designed to be easily understandable which task is being represented. 
     
     
         20 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 19  wherein the said everyday task is the carrying of objects by holding them in ones arms opposite the stomach and/or chest. 
     
     
         21 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said cable is substituted by a belt or chain.