APPARATUS FOR STRENGTHENING ABDOMINAL MUSCLES

Abstract

 A novel apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles is disclosed, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a body placeable on rectus abdominis muscles, the body comprising protrusions that can be directed on the rectus abdominis muscles of the left-hand and right-hand side, the protrusions being vertically offset from each other so as to be aligned with both the right-hand and left-hand side rectus abdominis muscles, and means connected to the body and capable of compressing the body against the abdominal muscles by means of a mechanical compression force adapting to the movements of the user when the apparatus is being worn by the user.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles. The invention is especially related to an abdominal muscle apparatus by means of which abdominal muscles can be strengthened without physical effort. In more detail the invention relates to an apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 for strengthening abdominal muscles.

[0002] Abdominal muscles can be strengthened by means of apparatuses designed for physical exercise or by means of apparatuses strengthening abdominal muscles without physical exercise. The apparatuses for strengthening abdominal muscles without physical exercise are based on electrical stimulation of abdominal muscles. The technique of electrically stimulating causes active muscle contractions and tensions in the abdominal muscles. This causes the muscle strands to contract, increasing abdominal muscles passively. These abdominal muscle apparatuses feature a belt wearable around the, the belt being provided with an apparatus causing contractions of abdominal muscles at the location of the muscles. The electrical parts cause the apparatus to be complex to manufacture. The apparatuses utilizing electric muscle stimulation technique cause the abdominal muscles to contract only instantaneously and for a short time.

SHORT DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] More specifically, the invention is characterized by what is disclosed in the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0004] The purpose of the invention is to allow strengthening the abdominal muscles without physical exercise.

[0005] The apparatus of the invention works by means of mechanical compression force causing the protrusions of the body of the apparatus to compress against the abdominal muscles, which in turn causes contraction of abdominal muscles. This means that a separate electrical stimulation apparatus is not necessary, the apparatus is more simple to manufacture and easier to use. The invention makes it possible to contract the abdominal muscles continuously, in long cycles, enhancing the strengthening of the muscles. This apparatus allows strengthening abdominal muscles without physical exercise, so it is suitable for use in situations where physical exercise is not possible, such as after an accident, when recuperating from an operation, while working in an office with computers or during other activities. The apparatus is compact in size so it can be used anywhere.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] In the following, some embodiments of the invention are disclosed in more detail by means of reference to the appended drawings, in which:

figure 1 illustrates an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles,

figure 2a illustrates an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles seen from the front,

figure 2b illustrates an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles seen from the rear,

figure 2c illustrates an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles with the locking mechanism opened,

figure 2d illustrates one side of the body of an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles,

figure 2e illustrates one side of the body of an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles seen from the side, and

figure 2e illustrates one side of the body of an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles seen from the direction of the wing part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates an apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles. As can be seen in figure 1, the apparatus comprises a body 100 and means 102 attached to the body. The apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles comprises a body 100 placeable on rectus abdominis muscles, the body comprising protrusions 101 that can be directed on the rectus abdominis muscles of the left-hand and right-hand side, the protrusions being vertically offset from each other so as to be aligned with both the right-hand and left-hand side rectus abdominis muscles, and means 102 connected to the body and capable of compressing the body against the abdominal muscles by means of a mechanical compression force adapting to the movements of the user when the apparatus is being worn by the user. These protrusions of the body are compressed against the abdominal muscles and cause a contraction of the abdominal muscles.

[0008] Preferably the apparatus is worn on the waist of the user, whereby the user instinctively tensions the abdominal muscles when the apparatus is worn and the body 100 compresses against the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are tensioned as long as mechanical compression force is directed at the abdominal muscles. The tension level of the abdominal muscles is directly related to the strength of the mechanical compression force produced by the means 102. The level of the mechanical compression force can vary, so the apparatus will yield during breathing, for example. Due to continuous compression force the abdominal muscles are in constant tension so there is no rest period. Because of this, a single utilization time for achieving the desired effect can be shorter than with known apparatuses. The tension of abdominal muscles caused by the mechanical compression force is at least partly involuntary and reflex-like so it is also well suitable in situations where physical exercise is not possible, such as working in office with computers or during domestic chores.

[0009] The body 100 can be a plate, a frame or other suitable support structure. The body can be square, rectangular or elliptical in shape. The edges of the body can be rounded. The size of the body can be adapted to approximately correspond with the width and/or length of the rectus abdominis muscles. The width of the body can be from 10 cm to 20 cm and the height can be from 15 cm to 20 cm. The thickness of the body can be from 0.5 cm to 2 cm. The body can be rigid and thus transmit the compression force efficiently to the abdominal muscles.

[0010] The protrusions 101 in the body 100 can be evenly divided between the left-hand and the right-hand side of the body. The protrusions can be arranged vertically on each side of the body. Thus the sequence of the protrusions corresponds to the direction of the abdominal muscles in vertical direction when the apparatus is being used. The locations of the vertically arranged protrusions on the body can correspond with the locations of rectus abdominis muscles or they can be derived from the locations of the rectus abdominis muscles. The protrusions on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the body can form pairs in horizontal direction, whereby each pair can be formed by protrusions located on opposite sides of the body and adjacent each other. Preferably the protrusions are located horizontally on the same level so that the compression force is directed on essentially the same height on the abdominal muscles of both the left-hand and right-hand side. Thus the sequence of the protrusions corresponds with the location of the left-hand and right-hand abdominal muscles, when the apparatus is used. If the body is square or rectangular, the protrusions can be arranged at the corners of the body. The protrusions can be located equidistant from each other and equidistant from the edges of the body.

[0011] The protrusions 101 can be hemispherical, bumps or dowels in shape. The protrusions can be totally or partly integral with the body 100 or they can be fully or partly fastened to the body during manufacturing. The body-side ends of the protrusions can be flat. The outermost ends of the protrusions, alignable to the abdominal muscles can be dull, rounded or flat. The protrusions can taper towards the end alignable to the abdominal muscles. Tapering produces a strong structure for the protrusions and the compression force can be directed to an area smaller than the area of the body-side end on the abdominal muscles.

[0012] The protrusion 101 can have a flexible reserve, whereby it is adjusted according to the shape of the torso of the user when the apparatus is being worn. The flexible reserve can be realized at the end of the protrusion facing the abdominal muscles. Additionally or alternatively the flexible reserve can be realized at the body-side end of the protrusion. The flexible reserve makes the apparatus suitable for different users. The flexible reserve can be realized by means of elastic material.

[0013] The protrusions 101 can be a mixture or different protrusions. The protrusions can be different in shape and/or material, as described above. The protrusions on the left-hand and right-hand sides of the body can form pairs in horizontal direction, whereby each pair can be formed by protrusions located on opposite sides of the body and adjacent each other. The pair of protrusions thus formed cam be formed by similar protrusions. Use of different protrusions may allow individual distribution of compression force directly into each rectus abdominis muscle.

[0014] In one embodiment the means 102 comprise a rubber band, a spring or a pressure apparatus. The operation of the pressure apparatus can be based on compressed air or hydrostatic pressure. Thus the apparatus can work by means of mechanical compression force adapting to the movements of the user and formed by a rubber band, compressed air or hydrostatic pressure. The rubber band can be a wide elastic band having a width of 10 cm to 15 cm. In unstretched condition its length can be from 60 cm to 100 cm and it is adjustable to fit the waist of the user. The mechanical compression force can also be caused by a spring being compressed when the apparatus is being worn. As the tension applied to the abdominal muscles is caused by the mechanical compression force a separate electrical stimulation apparatus is not necessary, the apparatus is more simple to manufacture and easier to use.

[0015] In one embodiment the means comprise a cushion aligned with the back of the user when the apparatus is being worn. The cushion is provided with a rubber band led back to the cushion through holes or loops in the plate. Thus the cushion is fastened by means of a rubber band around the waist of the user. The fastening between the cushion and the rubber band can be released so that the length of the rubber band can be adjusted. Thus the apparatus can be adjusted for users of different sizes. The releasable fastening can be e.g. a sticker fastening. The sticker fastening can be realized as a hook and loop fastening or hook and pillar fastening, known as Velcro fastening. The Velcro fastenings can be located in the cushion and the rubber band so that the rubber band can be fastened to different locations of the cushion, whereby the length of the rubber band is adjustable. Rubber bands can be fastened to the cushion on both the right-hand and left-hand side of the apparatus, whereby the cushion can be aligned towards the back and the adjustability can be increased.

[0016] In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a body 100, in which the number of protrusions 101 on both sides of the abdominal muscles is 2, 3 or more. The protrusions can be aligned to only some or to all abdominal muscles, however so that their number is the same on both sides of the abdominal muscles. The protrusions on the left-hand and right-hand side can form pairs in horizontal direction. There can also be more protrusions for each abdominal muscle.

[0017] One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a body 100 that can be made of metal, plastic, rubber, silicone, wood or composite by means of, for example, moulding. The body and protrusions 101 can be made as a single piece of the same material. This makes for a simpler structure, manufacturing and assembly of the apparatus. The body can also be a combination of different materials. The body and/or protrusions can be coated with a material, such as a textile, whereby it will be more pleasant to wear.

[0018] In one embodiment the body 100 and the protrusions 101 can be produced separately and they can be of a different material. In this case they can be joined together by a press joint, thread joint or by gluing. Producing separate parts allows a more versatile use of materials.

[0019] In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an item of clothing, such as a shirt or a jacket. Thereby the body 100 and the means 102 for producing mechanical compression power can be integrated into the item of clothing already during manufacturing. The body and means can be fixed or removable in the item of clothing by means of e.g. zipper, buttons, snap fasteners or Velcro fasteners. In other words, the body and the means can be attached to the shirt or jacket also after the production. It is to be noted that one of the body and means can be fixed in the shirt or jacket and the other can be removable.

[0020] Figures 2a to 2c illustrate an apparatus according to one embodiment for strengthening the abdominal muscles, seen from the front and from above. Figures 2d to 2f illustrate the second part of the body of the apparatus seen from different angles. As the figures show, the apparatus comprises a body 100, protrusions 101, means 102, lock mechanism 200 and wings 500. The lock mechanism comprises a connector pair comprising a male part 300 and a female part 400. The figures are provided with examples of the dimensions of the apparatus according to the invention, with millimetres as units.

[0021] In one embodiment the body 100 comprises two parts, wherein the protrusions 101 having an effect on right-hand and left-hand abdominal muscles are located in dedicated parts. The apparatus comprises a lock mechanism 200 arranged in parts of the body 100, the mechanism locking the parts to each other so that the shape of the body remains unchanged when the apparatus is used. The lock mechanism makes the apparatus easier to wear and the apparatus is easier to place on the right place for applying compression force to abdominal muscles.

[0022] In one embodiment the lock mechanism 200 is located away from the protrusions 101 closest to the edge, such as the upper edge or lower edge, of the body 100. The parts of the lock mechanism located on each part of the body comprise a male part 300 and a female part 400 being mutually mirror symmetrical so that when the parts of the body are joined together, the male parts are inserted into the female parts. The male parts are at least partly flexible in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion and the female parts are arranged to be tighter at the entrance holes for the male parts than deeper than the entrance holes inside the female parts. Thus a locking between the parts of body is achieved as the male parts expand when the male parts are inserted into the female parts deeper than the entrance hole. Such a locking is simple to produce and easy to use. The male parts, flexible in the insertion direction, make it easier to push the male parts into the female parts.

[0023] In one embodiment the parts of the body 100 are laterally symmetrical and the lock mechanism 200 in vertically in the middle of the apparatus between the protrusions 101. Thus the apparatus can easily be placed against the abdominal muscles and the compression force is evenly distributed on both sides of the abdominal muscles.

[0024] In one embodiment each part of the body 100 comprises wings 500 extending laterally in relation to the user, the wings acting as handles for manually directing the protrusions 101 symmetrically on the abdominal muscles. The wings facilitate handling of the apparatus and placing the protrusions in correct places on the abdominal muscles.

[0025] In one embodiment the outermost ends of the protrusions 101 that can be aligned with abdominal muscles are turned against each other in medial direction. Thereby the apparatus follows better the curved shape of the torso and the compression force can be more precisely placed on the abdominal muscles.

[0026] The apparatus according to the invention works by means of mechanical compression force causing the protrusions of the body of the apparatus to compress against the abdominal muscles, which in turn causes contraction of abdominal muscles. This means that a separate electrical stimulation apparatus is not necessary, the apparatus is more simple to manufacture and easier to use. The invention makes it possible to contract the abdominal muscles continuously, in long cycles, enhancing the strengthening of the muscles. This apparatus allows strengthening abdominal muscles without physical exercise, so it is suitable for use in situations where physical exercise is not possible, such as after an accident, when recuperating from an operation, while working in an office with computers or during other activities. The apparatus is compact in size so it can be used anywhere.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0027] The apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles is usable for both normal consumers as well as amateur and professional athletes. The apparatus can be industrially produced, whereby both its structure and effect can be reproduced. The apparatus can be used in jackets and shirts to which the apparatus can be attached during manufacturing or after the manufacturing.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100	body
101	protrusions
102	means
200	lock mechanism
300	male part
400	female part
500	winglets

Claims

1. An apparatus for strengthening abdominal muscles, characterized in that the apparatus comprises:

- a body (100) placeable on rectus abdominis muscles, having protrusions (101) alignable to left-hand side and right-hand side rectus abdominis muscles, the protrusions being vertically offset from each other to be aligned to both the left-hand side and right-hand side rectus abdominis muscles; and

- means (102) integrated into the body (100) that can compress the body (100) by means of mechanical compression power adapting to the movements of the user against the abdominal muscles when the apparatus is being worn.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (102) comprise a rubber band, spring or compression apparatus.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the number of protrusions (101) in the body (100) on both sides of the abdominal muscles is 2, 3 or more.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the body (100) is made of metal, plastic, rubber, silicone, wood or composite.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the apparatus is a shirt or jacket into which the body (100) and the means (102) are integrated.

6. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (100) comprises two parts, wherein the protrusions alignable with the right-hand and left-hand abdominal muscles are located in dedicated parts, and the apparatus comprises a lock mechanism (200) arranged in the parts of the body 100), the mechanism locking the parts in relation to each other so that the shape of the body (100) remains unchanged when the apparatus is used

7. An apparatus according claim 6, characterized in that the lock mechanism (200) is located away from the protrusions (101) closest to the edge of the body (100) and the parts of the lock mechanism (200) located on each part of the body (100) comprise a male part (300) and a female part (400) being mutually mirror symmetrical so that when the parts of the body (100) are joined together, the male parts (300) are inserted into the female parts (400) and the male parts (300) are at least partly flexible in a direction perpendicular to the direction of insertion and the female parts (400) are arranged to be tighter at the entrance holes for the male parts (300) than deeper than the entrance holes inside the female parts (300), whereby a locking between the parts of body (100) is achieved as the male parts (300) expand when the male parts (300) are inserted into the female parts (400) deeper than the entrance holes.

8. An apparatus according claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the parts of the body (100) are laterally symmetrical and the lock mechanism (200) is vertically in the middle of the apparatus between the protrusions (101).

9. An apparatus according claim 6 or 7 or 8, characterized in that each part of the body (100) comprises wings (500) extending laterally in relation to the user, the wings (500) acting as handles for manually directing the protrusions (101) symmetrically on the abdominal muscles.

10. An apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outermost ends of the protrusions (101) that can be aligned with abdominal muscles are turned against each other in medial direction.

Drawing