U.S. patent application number 10/293042 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for torso exercise machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cybex International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Giannelli, Raymond.
Application Number | 20030092541 10/293042 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26967720 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030092541 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giannelli, Raymond |
May 15, 2003 |
Torso exercise machine
Abstract
The subject invention provides an exercise machine for
exercising the lower torso. As described herein, the exercise
machine includes a stabilizer pad, which effectively immobilizes
the user's lower body to maintain proper pelvic positioning during
execution of the exercise. The stabilizer pad can be part of a user
support structure having a seat surface, a pelvic stabilizer pad
and a footrest. The footrest is positioned so the user can apply a
force using the leg muscles to push the pelvis into the pelvic
stabilization pad. The spatial arrangement of the stabilization
assembly which comprises: pelvic stabilizer pad, seat, and footrest
combination effectively immobilize the user's pelvic area,
preventing it from rotating in either the anterior or posterior
direction.
Inventors: |
Giannelli, Raymond;
(Franklin, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John Christopher
Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.
Suite 2040
200 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Assignee: |
Cybex International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26967720 |
Appl. No.: |
10/293042 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60338039 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 ;
482/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0233 20130101;
A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 23/02 20130101; A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 21/155 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/99 ;
482/100 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/062 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lower torso exercise machine comprising: a frame; a user
support structure mounted to the frame, wherein the user support
structure includes a seat and a pelvic stabilizing pad, the seat
being mounted to the frame below and at an angle oblique to the
pelvic stabilizing pad; and a footrest attached to the frame in
front of the user support structure.
2. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein
the oblique angle is such that the seat is directed towards the
footrest.
3. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein
the footrest is positioned such that a user's thighs are
substantially parallel to the ground.
4. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein
the footrest is positioned such that a user's knees are in an angle
of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30
degrees knee flexion.
5. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein
the footrest is adjustable such that a user's thighs are
substantially parallel to the ground and the user's knees are in an
angle of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30
degrees knee flexion.
6. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein
the pelvic stabilizing pad is substantially half-cylindrical in
shape.
7. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 1, further
comprising an input assembly engageable by a user; and a resistance
mechanism operably connected to the input assembly.
8. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 7, wherein
the input assembly includes a padded member affixed to a horizontal
arm, wherein the padded member is positioned substantially above
the seat and engageable by a user's upper back.
9. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 7, wherein
the input assembly comprises a horizontal arm including a pair of
arm handles, wherein the arm handles are positioned substantially
above the seat and engageable by a user's hands, through the user's
extend arms.
10. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein
the horizontal arms moves in a substantially liner direction.
11. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 9, where
the weight stack applies a resistive force through the users
extended arms.
12. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 7, wherein
the input assembly is positioned substantially above and in front
of the seat, such that the input assembly is engagable by a user's
extended arms.
13. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 7, further
comprising a range-limiting device disposed between the input
assembly and the frame, wherein the range-limiting device is
pivotally connected to the frame and operatively connected to the
resistance mechanism.
14. A lower torso exercise machine comprising: a frame; a user
support structure mounted to the frame, wherein the user support
structure includes a seat and a pelvic stabilizing pad, the seat
being mounted to the frame below and at an angle oblique to the
pelvic stabilizing pad; and a footrest attached to the frame in
front of the user support structure, such that a user's thighs are
substantially parallel to the ground and the user's knees are in an
angle of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30
degrees knee flexion.
15. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 14, wherein
the footrest is an adjustable footrest.
16. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 14, further
comprising an input assembly engagable by a user; and a resistance
mechanism operably connected to the input assembly.
17. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 16, wherein
the input assembly comprises a horizontal arm including a pair of
arm handles, wherein the arm handles are positioned substantially
above the seat and engagable by a user's hands, through the user's
extend arms.
18. The lower torso exercise machine according to claim 17, wherein
the input assembly includes a padded member affixed to a horizontal
arm, wherein the padded member is positioned substantially above
the seat and engagable by a user's upper back.
19. The lower torso machine according to claim 14, further
comprising a means for transmitting a resistive force through a
user's extended arms.
20. A lower torso exercise machine comprising: a frame; a user
support structure mounted to the frame, wherein the user support
structure includes a seat and a pelvic stabilizing pad, the seat
being mounted to the frame below and at an angle oblique to the
pelvic stabilizing pad; a footrest attached to the frame in front
of the user support structure, such that a user's thighs are
substantially parallel to the ground and the user's knees are in an
angle of flexion between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about 30
degrees knee flexion; an input assembly engagable by a user; and a
resistance mechanism operably connected to the input assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Serial No. 60/338,039, filed Nov. 13, 2001,
entitled TORSO EXERCISE MACHINE, the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] n/a
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a method and system for
exercising the lower torso, and more particularly to an exercise
machine which includes a stabilizer assembly to effectively
immobilize the user's lower body, maintaining proper pelvic
positioning and stabilization during execution of the exercise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Proper form is essential for effective and safe results when
performing resistive exercises such as with weight machines used
for strength training. This is especially true for exercise of the
muscle groups found in the torso during spinal extention and spinal
flexion exercises, as it is known in the art. This exercise motion
focuses on training the lower back muscles, the abdominals, and
obliques. Too often however, the various machines and devices
available for this purpose lack proper features to ensure that
users execute a safe and effective motion thereupon to exercise the
back or abdominal muscles.
[0005] Many torso exercise machines use a conventional cable and
pulley system coupled to a weight stack. A user typically sits on a
stationary surface, and then applies his or her upper body against
another surface. A user may then apply force on this latter surface
whilst rotating the torso about the base of the spine, to either:
(a) flex the spine by contracting the abdominal muscles so as to
train the abdominal muscles group, or (b) extend the spine by
contracting the back muscles so as to train the muscles of the
central and lower back. To achieve this range of motion, a user's
hips are often unsecured, and may be free to move or shift while
the exercise is performed. This allows other skeletal motions such
as hip flexion to substitute for spinal flexion and conversely hip
extension to substitute for spinal extention. When that is allowed
to happen, the user will be exercising the hip and not the
abdominals and back musculature. Some torso exercise machines may
use a back support to try to limit the extent of spinal extention
range especially in the lumbar region of the spine but unless there
is some significant force holding the back against this back
support, they are traditionally ineffective at stabilizing the
pelvis and preventing hip flexion/extention substitution.
[0006] It is desirable therefore, to provide a weight training
machine which allows a user to exercise his or her muscles in the
torso region, while sufficiently stabilizing the pelvis to
effectively block hip motion and substitution and focus the
training effect on the intended muscles of the abdomen and lower
back.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The subject invention provides an exercise machine for
exercising the lower torso. As described herein, the exercise
machine includes a pelvic stabilizer assembly, which effectively
immobilizes the user's lower body to maintain proper pelvic
positioning during execution of the exercise.
[0008] For example, the exercise machine of the present invention
could be a back extension machine, which includes a user support
structure is mounted on the support frame. The user support
structure includes a seat surface and a pelvic stabilizer pad. The
seat is mounted on a forwardly facing angled upper portion of the
support frame, below and at an angle oblique to the pelvic
stabilizer pad. The seat is positioned such that the user's lower
back and pelvic region abuts the pelvic stabilizer pad and the
user's legs extend outwardly and downwardly. The pelvic pad is
affixed to the upper end of the support frame and is inclined
rearwardly, and being curved in a substantially half-cylindrical
shape, to accommodate the user's lower back at full extension.
[0009] In addition to the pelvic stabilization pad, the
stabilization assembly includes an adjustable footrest is attached
to the front of the support frame, such that a user's feet are
positioned on the footrest. The footrest can be adjusted back and
forth with the footrest adjustment mechanism to accommodate users
of varying heights. The footrest is positioned so the user can
apply a force using the leg muscles to push the pelvis into the
pelvic stabilization pad. The spatial arrangement of the
stabilization assembly which comprises: pelvic stabilizer pad,
seat, and footrest combination effectively immobilize the user's
pelvic area, preventing it from rotating in either the anterior or
posterior direction while not interfering with the normal range of
motion in extention and flexion of the spine.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and
the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a back extension machine of
the subject invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of a back extension machine of the
subject invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of the
start-positioning device of the subject invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of the
start-positioning device of the subject invention; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an abdominal machine in
accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a back
extension machine 10 of the present invention includes a support
frame 12 on which a user support structure 14 is mounted. The user
support structure 14 includes a seat surface 16 and a pelvic
stabilizer pad 18. The seat 16 is mounted on the forwardly facing
angled upper portion of the support frame 12, below and at an angle
oblique to the pelvic stabilizer pad 18. The seat 16 is positioned
such that the user's lower back and pelvic region abuts the pelvic
stabilizer pad 18 and the user's legs extend outwardly and
downwardly. The pelvic stabilizer pad 18 is affixed to the upper
end of the support frame 12, is inclined rearwardly, and is curved
in a substantially half-cylindrical shape to accommodate for the
user's lower back.
[0017] An adjustable footrest 20 is attached to the front of the
support frame 12, where the oblique angle of the seat 16
substantially directs the seat 16 down towards footrest 20. The
footrest 20 is positioned so the user can apply a force using the
leg muscles to push the pelvis into the pelvic stabilization pad
18. The footrest 20 can be adjusted back and forth with the
footrest adjustment mechanism 22 to accommodate users of varying
heights. When a user's feet are positioned on the footrest 20, the
footrest is adjusted such that the users thighs are substantially
parallel with the ground. Additionally, the user's knees are in a
flexion position of between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about
30 degrees knee flexion. This spatial arrangement of the pelvic
stabilizer pad 18, seat 16, and footrest 20 combination effectively
immobilize the user's pelvic area, preventing it from rotating in
either the anterior or posterior direction.
[0018] An input assembly 24 is positioned above of the seat 16, and
mounted to the support frame 12 for rotation about a horizontal
axis A-A, as defined by the range-limiting device 26, described in
further detail below. The input assembly 24 includes a padded
member 28 affixed to a horizontal arm 30, where the padded member
28 is positioned for engagement of a user's upper back. The
horizontal arm 30 is attached to a curved offset arm 32, where the
curved offset arm 32 is affixed to the range-limiting device 26,
such that the padded member 28 is positioned above the seat 16. A
counterweight 34 is attached to the range-limiting device 26 to
balance the input assembly 24 about the horizontal axis A-A.
[0019] A weight stack brace 36 is attached to the support frame 12
by beams 38a and 38b and secondary support frame 40, such that the
weight stack 42 is easily accessed by a seated user. Weight stack
pulleys 44a and 44b are mounted to the top of the weight stack
brace 36, with pulley 44a being aligned with the start-positioning
device 26 and pulley 44b being aligned with the weight stack 42.
Rails 46 are mounted vertically within the weight stack brace 36,
where the individual plates of the weight stack 42 are slideably
mounted to the rails 46 and provide a resistance to the
exercise.
[0020] The weight stack 42 is selectively connected to one end of a
cable 48 by inserting a pin in one of a plurality of holes in a
lifting post 50 that passes vertically through the plates, as is
well known in the art. For example, the weight stack 42 is formed
by a stack of rectangular, brick-shaped plates 52. Each plate 52
further has at least one horizontal channel or hole, wherein a pin
may be disposed to slideably engage any of a series of horizontal
channels which are vertically oriented on the lifting post 50 in a
spaced apart manner to match the vertical spacing of the stacked
weight plates 52. The pin thereby engages a portion of the stack of
weight plates 52, such that when vertical force is applied to the
lifting post 50, the selected stack of weight plates 52 is moved
upwards to create a resistance. Typically, the weight stack 42
apparatus is oriented such that the further down the pin is entered
into the lifting post 50, the greater the number of plates 52 are
engaged, thereby increasing the resistance of the machine.
[0021] The cable 48 extends up from the weight stack 42 and a
portion of cable 48 extends over pulleys 44a and 44b. The second
end of the cable 48 is connected to the start-positioning device
26, thereby inhibiting rotation of the start-positioning
device.
[0022] Additionally, the weight stack 42 can be connected to the
start-positioning device 26 by other means known in the art,
including, but not limited to, belts, cables, chains, or tethers,
so as to inhibit rotation thereof.
[0023] In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms for providing
resistance, such as friction fittings, springs, elastic bands,
pneumatic or electromagnetic resistance, or an air resistance fan
could be employed (either alone or in combination) and still
practice the invention. Additionally, free weights could be
operably engaged to the transmission assembly to resist the
movement.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the range-limiting device 26 includes a
horizontal shaft 54, defining the horizontal axis of rotation A-A,
the horizontal shaft 54 being pivotally connected to the support
frame 22 and the secondary support frame 40. An end-positioning
device 56 and a start-positioning device 58 are affixed to the
horizontal shaft 54. The end-positioning device 56 includes a
detent plate 60 having a horizontal stop 61, a handle element 62,
and defining a plurality adjustment holes 64. (See also FIGS. 2).
The detent plate 60 is rotateably affixed about the horizontal
shaft 54 and affixable to the support frame's stop arm 66 by the
engagement of stop pin 68 to one of the detent plate's adjustment
holes 64. The detent plate's vertical stop 61 is positioned for
engagement of the curved offset arm 32, where the horizontal stop
61 limits the angle of rotation of the input assembly 24.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the start-positioning device 58
is affixed to the horizontal shaft 45, and includes a cam 70,
eccentric plate 72, and a cam plate 74. The cam 70 is configured to
receive the eccentric plate 72, such that the eccentric plate 72 is
rotateable within the cam 70. The cam plate 74 is attached to the
cam 70, sealing the eccentric plate 72 within the cam 70, such that
the cam 70 and cam plate 74 are rotateable about the eccentric
plate 72. The eccentric plate 72 includes a cam pin 76 for engaging
the cam plate's adjustment holes 78. The eccentric plate 72 is
attached to the horizontal shaft's offset mounting arm 80, such the
axis of rotation of the eccentric plate 72 is offset from the
eccentric plate's central axis.
[0026] As noted above, the eccentric plate 72 is attached to the
horizontal shaft's offset mounting arm 80, such the axis of
rotation of the eccentric plate 72 is offset from the eccentric
plate's central axis. Accordingly, as the eccentric plate 72
rotates within the cam 70, the radial positioning of the cam 70
about the horizontal shaft 54 is changed, changing the effective
radius of curvature of the cam 70 with respect to the input
assembly 24. The automatic change in the effective radius of
curvature of the cam 70 provides an automatic change in the
mechanical advantage over the adjusted range of motion, thus
providing the correct anatomical mechanical advantage for the
adjusted range of motion.
[0027] In an exemplary method of use, the end-positioning device 56
and the start-positioning device 58 are used in conjunction to
adjust the exercise start and stop positions. Initially, the user
adjusts the start position as noted above. In doing so, the
effective radius of curvature of the cam 70 is changed, providing
the appropriated mechanical advantage for the new start position.
The user can then adjust the stop position as noted above, thereby
provided a limited range of motion for the exercise.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5, the present invention is shown in
the context of an abdominal machine 86, which includes support
frame 12 on which a user support structure 14 is mounted. The user
support structure 14 includes a seat surface 16 and a pelvic
stabilizer pad 18. The seat 16 is mounted on the forwardly facing
angled upper portion of the support frame 12, below and at an angle
oblique to the pelvic stabilizer pad 18. The seat 16 is positioned
such that the user's lower back and pelvic region abuts the pelvic
stabilizer pad 18 and the user's legs extend outwardly and
downwardly. The pelvic stabilizer pad 18 is affixed to the upper
end of the support frame 12, is inclined rearwardly, and is curved
in a substantially half-cylindrical shape to accommodate for the
user's lower back.
[0029] The adjustable footrest 20 is attached to the front of the
support frame 12, where the oblique angle of the seat 16
substantially directs the seat down towards footrest 20. The
footrest 20 is positioned so the user can apply a force using the
leg muscles to push the pelvis into the pelvic stabilization pad
18. The footrest 20 can be adjusted back and forth with the
footrest adjustment mechanism 22 to accommodate users of varying
heights. When a user's feet are positioned on the footrest 20, the
footrest is adjusted such that the users thighs are substantially
parallel with the ground. Additionally, the user's knees are in a
flexion position of between about 10 degrees knee flexion to about
30 degrees knee flexion. This spatial arrangement of the pelvic
stabilizer pad 18, seat 16, and footrest 20 combination effectively
immobilize the user's pelvic area, preventing it from rotating in
either the anterior or posterior direction.
[0030] In the abdominal machine 86, the input assembly 12 includes
a horizontal arm 88 fitted with handles 90, where the horizontal
arm 88 and arm handles 90 are position directly in front of the
user. The horizontal arm 88 pivots about a hinge 92 positioned
substantially below the seat 16, such that handles 90 travel in a
substantially liner path as the user pushes against the arm handles
90.
[0031] In a method of use, the user extends their arms until the
elbows are fully extended. While keeping the elbows locked at zero
degrees of flexion, the user will alternately flex the spine in a
forward bending motion and extend the spine in a rearward bending
motion. As such, the user's upper torso faces a substantially
linear path of resistance, such that the body's abdominal muscles
are effectively contracted and exercised. The user uses his arms to
push the arm handles 90, and hence the path of resistance offered
by the weight stack 42 flows directly through the user's hands,
arms, and shoulders, and only then along the length of the torso.
The user must then contract the entire length of his or her frontal
abdominal wall. The stabilization assembly effectively locks the
pelvis in one position essentially blocking the hip muscles from
use during the exercise. This forces the abdominals to do all the
work. To end the exercise, the user simple bends the elbows,
removing the force exerted by the weight stack 42 on the user.
[0032] Alternatively, the user may grasp handle 90 with only one
hand while still flexing and extending the spine in the forward and
rearward direction, such that by pushing on the arm handles 90, the
oblique abdominals may be exercised either on the left or right
side of the torso.
[0033] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *