Abdominal and back exercise apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of abdominal and upper body exercise. More particularly, the present invention is associated with an exercise apparatus having separately supported platform for a portion of a user combining coordinated upper body exercise with the motion of the platform. When the knees of a user are positioned on the platform and the hands grasping the handle, the platform is pulled forward for abdominal exercise. The upper body and back muscles are used to return the platform. A plurality of rollers support the platform to provide a desirable resistance to movement. Movable supports are provided to raise either end for inclined exercise adding intensity. Alternately, the user may sit on the platform, whereby the leg muscles of the user return the platform against incline resistance for total body exercise.

1 ) an exercise apparatus configured for upper body and abdominal exercise;
 a framework, said framework configured to be positioned upon a supporting surface;   a plurality of rollers, each said roller pivotally connected to said framework;   a platform, said platform configured to support a user and in rollable contact with a portion of said plurality of rollers;   a handle, said handle attached to said framework and positioned at one end;   said platform configured to be pulled towards said handle with said user in a kneeling position by the arms of said user grasping said handle whereby said user is able to exercise said upper body and abdominal muscles.   
     
     
         2 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said handle end whereby said framework is inclined relative to said supporting surface to increase the intensity of abdominal exercise. 
     
     
         3 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said framework end opposite said handle end whereby said framework is inclined relative to said supporting surface to increase the exercise intensity of the back muscles of said user. 
     
     
         4 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a control rod, said control rod positioned beneath said platform and attached to said framework. 
     
     
         5 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 4  further comprising a control element, said control element attached to said platform and guided by said control rod. 
     
     
         6 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a guide, said guide attached to said platform and in contact with a portion of said rollers whereby said platform is constrained to move in a back and forth direction. 
     
     
         7 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said framework end opposite said handle end whereby said framework is inclined relative to said supporting surface to allow the user to sit upon said platform with a foot in contact with said handle to exercise the leg muscles. 
     
     
         8 ) An exercise apparatus configured for upper body and abdominal exercise;
 a framework, said framework having a pair of frame rails and configured to be positioned upon a supporting surface;   a plurality of rollers, each said roller pivotally connected to said frame rails;   a platform, said platform configured to support a user and in rollable contact with a portion of said plurality of rollers;   a guide, said guide attached to said platform and in contact with a portion of said plurality of rollers causing said platform to have back and forth movements;   a handle, said handle attached to said framework and positioned at one end;   said platform configured to move back and forth with said user in a kneeling position using said handle to constrain the arms of said user whereby said user is able to exercise said upper body and abdominal muscles.   
     
     
         9 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said handle end whereby said frame rails are inclined relative to said supporting surface to increase the intensity of abdominal exercise. 
     
     
         10 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said framework end opposite said handle end whereby said frame rails are inclined relative to said supporting surface to allow the user to sit upon said platform with a foot in contact with said handle to exercise the leg muscles. 
     
     
         11 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 8  further comprising a control rod, said control rod positioned beneath said platform and attached to said framework. 
     
     
         12 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 11  further comprising a control element, said control element attached to said platform and guided by said control rod. 
     
     
         13 ) An exercise apparatus configured for upper body and abdominal exercise;
 a framework, said framework configured to be positioned upon a supporting surface;   a plurality of rollers, each said roller pivotally connected to said framework;   a platform, said platform configured to support a user and in rollable contact with a portion of said plurality of rollers;   a control rod, said control rod positioned beneath said platform and attached to said framework;   a control element, said control element attached to said platform and guided by said control rod;   a handle, said handle attached to said framework and positioned at one end;   said platform configured to be pulled towards said handle then pushed away from said handle with said user in a kneeling position by the arms of said user grasping said handle whereby said user is able to exercise said upper body and abdominal muscles.   
     
     
         14 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 13  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said handle end whereby said framework is inclined relative to said supporting surface to increase the intensity of abdominal exercise. 
     
     
         15 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 13  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said framework end opposite said handle end whereby said framework is inclined relative to said supporting surface to increase the exercise intensity of the back muscles of said user. 
     
     
         16 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 13  further comprising a guide, said guide attached to said platform and in contact with a portion of said rollers whereby said platform is constrained to move in a back and forth direction. 
     
     
         17 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 13  further comprising a movable support, said movable support operably associated with said framework to raise said framework end opposite said handle end whereby said framework is inclined relative to said supporting surface to allow the user to sit upon said platform with a foot in contact with said handle to exercise the leg muscles. 
     
     
         18 ) The exercise apparatus according to  claim 13  wherein said plurality of rollers are composed of polymeric material intended to rotate directly upon a pivot shaft having a chosen rotational resistance.