U.S. patent application number 10/223570 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-19 for exercise bar.
Invention is credited to Katami, Paul T..
Application Number | 20040033867 10/223570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31715176 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040033867 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Katami, Paul T. |
February 19, 2004 |
Exercise bar
Abstract
An exercise bar is used to increase the moment of inertia of the
body during twisting and flexing motions, thereby increasing
exercise intensity. The bar includes a back portion that is adapted
to be received by the mid-portion of the user's back. A pair of
arms extends from the back portion and does so at an angle relative
to each other. This angle is between 100 and 130 degrees and is
optimally 114 degrees. The arms extend anteriorly away from the
back of the user, allowing the user to grasp the arms with their
shoulders depressed (below horizontal) rotated slightly forward
(anteriorly). This proper positioning of the shoulder and upper
extremities allows for increased blood supply to the extremities
during exercise. In addition, this arm position has been shown to
reduce undesirable superfluous nerve stimulation as compared to
traditional straight bars or curved bars that are placed behind the
neck. The mid-back, anterior positioned arms used by the disclosed
invention provide a more comfortable shoulder position for
performing trunk exercises.
Inventors: |
Katami, Paul T.; (Valley
Village, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL KATAMI
10911 BLUFFSIDE DRIVE #3
STUDIO CITY
CA
91604
US
|
Family ID: |
31715176 |
Appl. No.: |
10/223570 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/109 ;
482/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0227 20130101;
A63B 2023/003 20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 23/03575
20130101; A63B 21/0724 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/109 ;
482/106 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/072; A63B
021/075; A63B 015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise bar comprising: a substantially longitudinal first
and; a substantially longitudinal second arm; and a back portion
adapted to be supported by the back of a user and connecting said
first arm and said second arm positioning said first arm and said
second arm at a relative angle between 100 and 130 degrees.
2. An exercise bar as in claim 1, wherein said back portion
includes a structure comprising a single bend.
3. An exercise bar as in claim 2, wherein said single bend is a
radius between 4 and 12 inches.
4. An exercise bar as in claim 1, wherein said back portion is
comprised of a substantially straight portion.
5. An exercise bar as in claim 4, wherein said angle is comprised
of a 33-degree angle from a longitudinal axis of said straight
portion to each arm.
6. An exercise bar as in claim 4, wherein said straight portion is
between 8 and 16 inches long.
7. An exercise bar as in claim 1, wherein said relative angle is an
angle between 105 and 125 degrees.
8. An exercise bar as in claim 1, wherein said relative angle is an
angle between 109 and 119 degrees.
9. An exercise bar as in claim 1, wherein said relative angle is
114 degrees.
10. An exercise bar as in claim 1, wherein said back portion
includes a length adjustment.
11. An exercise bar as in claim 10, wherein said length adjustment
is comprised of a pair of tubes that telescope and a locking
mechanism.
12. An exercise bar as in claim 11, wherein said locking mechanism
includes a lock selected from the group consisting of a shear pin
and a detent pin.
13. An exercise bar as in claim 1, wherein said first arm and said
second arm include a length adjustment.
14. An exercise bar as in claim 13, wherein said length adjustment
is comprised of a pair of handles that are movably mounted each one
to a distal end of an arm and including a locking mechanism.
15. An exercise bar as in claim 14, wherein said locking mechanism
includes a lock selected from the group consisting of a shear pin
and a detent pin.
16. An exercise bar comprising: a substantially longitudinal pair
of arms; and a substantially longitudinal back portion connecting
said pair of arms such that an angle between said pair of arms
falls within the inclusive range of 100 and 130 degrees.
17. An exercise bar as in claim 16, wherein said back portion
includes a structure comprising a single bend.
18. An exercise bar as in claim 17, wherein said single bend is a
radius between 4 and 12 inches.
19. An exercise bar as in claim 16, wherein said back portion is
comprised of a substantially straight portion.
20. An exercise bar as in claim 19, wherein said angle is comprised
of a 33-degree angle from a longitudinal axis of said straight
portion to each arm.
21. An exercise bar as in claim 19, wherein said straight portion
is between 8 and 16 inches long.
22. An exercise bar as in claim 16, wherein said angle is an angle
between 105 and 125 degrees.
23. An exercise bar as in claim 16, wherein said angle is an angle
between 109 and 119 degrees.
24. An exercise bar as in claim 16, wherein said angle is 114
degrees.
25. An exercise bar as in claim 16, wherein said back portion
includes a length adjustment.
26. An exercise bar as in claim 25, wherein said length adjustment
is comprised of a pair of tubes that telescope and a locking
mechanism.
27. An exercise bar as in claim 26, wherein said locking mechanism
includes a lock selected from the group consisting of a shear pin
and a detent pin.
28. An exercise bar as in claim 16, wherein said first arm and said
second arm include a length adjustment.
29. An exercise bar as in claim 28, wherein said length adjustment
is comprised of a pair of handles that are movably mounted each one
to a distal end of an arm and including a locking mechanism.
30. An exercise bar as in claim 29, wherein said locking mechanism
includes a lock selected from the group consisting of a shear pin
and a detent pin.
31. An exercise method including: providing an exercise bar
comprising: a substantially longitudinal first arm; a substantially
longitudinal second arm; and a back portion adapted to be supported
by the back of a user and connecting said first arm and said second
arm positioning said first arm and said second arm at a relative
angle between 100 and 130 degrees; positioning said bar with said
back portion against the user's back with said first arm and said
second arm extending laterally and anteriorly beneath the arms of
the user; and moving the torso of the user while holding said bar,
thereby exercising the muscles of the user.
32. An exercise method as in claim 31, further including the step
of adjusting the length of said back portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to an exercise
apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an
exercise bar that is used to position the user's arms relative to
their body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Exercise bars have long been used as an aid in the field of
exercise and rehabilitation.
[0003] The traditional bar is a longitudinal rod approximately 48
to 72 inches in length. A broomstick is still commonly used. The
purpose of the device, in general, is to allow the user to position
their hands and arms laterally and usually in a raised position,
placing the shoulder in a substantially or even excessively
elevated position. The user then performs trunk rotation, flexion
and extension movements. The elevation of the arms provides an
increased moment of inertia of the upper body about the
longitudinal axis of the body. This repositioning of the mass of
the body enables a greater stress on the trunk muscles in the
starting and ending phases of each movement. Since these movements
are typically very low resistance with high repetitions, it is not
uncommon for a user to perform one hundred or more repetitions of a
side-to-side trunk rotation exercise. Every "start" and every
"stop" requires a change in direction of the trunk. The muscular
stress from the starting and stopping is greatly increased when the
moment of inertia is increased.
[0004] The traditional bars, which are substantially straight, are
placed on top of the user's shoulders, behind the neck, on their
trapezius muscle. The user then grasps the bar near the distal ends
with the user's arms elevated and extended. This arm position
causes the scapula to adduct with the shoulders joints
(glenohumeral) to be posteriorly rotated. To say the least, this is
an uncomfortable position. Consider the extreme condition where
this same upper body position is used during crucifixion.
[0005] Some attempts have been made to reduce the adduction. Some
bars have been made with alterations to accommodate the neck of the
user. This allows the shoulders to be rotated slightly more
forward, usually to the point of neutral. No device has been
constructed with the intent of using the bar below the shoulders
and with the shoulders rotated forward.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the invention features an exercise arm with a
substantially longitudinal first arm, a substantially longitudinal
second arm and a back portion adapted to be supported by the back
of a user. The back portion further connects the first arm and the
second arm, positioning the first arm and the second arm at a
relative angle between 100 and 130 degrees.
[0007] The back portion of the exercise arm may also include a
structure comprising a single bend of a radius between 6 and 12
inches, or the back portion may be comprised of a substantially
straight portion between 8 and 16 inches long. The straight portion
connects the arms thereby positioned at an optimal angle of
33-degrees from a longitudinal axis of the straight portion to each
arm. Functional inclusive angles between the arms are between 105
and 125 degrees, and more specifically between 109 and 119 degrees.
The 33-degree angle from the straight portion yields an optimal
relative angle between the arms of 114 degrees.
[0008] The back portion of the exercise arm may also include a
length adjustment. This length adjustment may be comprised of a
pair of tubes that telescope and also include a locking mechanism.
The locking mechanism may include a lock selected from the group
consisting of a shear pin and a detent pin. The first arm and the
second arm may include a length adjustment. This length adjustment
may be comprised of a pair of handles that are movably mounted each
one to a distal end of an arm and may also include a locking
mechanism. The locking mechanism may include a lock selected from
the group consisting of a shear pin and a detent pin.
[0009] In another aspect, the invention includes a method of
providing a method of exercise. This includes the steps of
providing an exercise bar as previously disclosed, positioning the
bar with the back portion against the user's back with the first
arm and the second arm extending laterally and anteriorly beneath
the arms of the user, and moving the torso of the user while
holding the bar. The method may also include the step of adjusting
the length of the back portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing and other objects of this invention, the
various features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be
more fully understood from the following description, when read
together with the accompanying drawings, described:
[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise bar with a set
back width, the bar produced in accordance with the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b are front views of an exercise bar with
a single bend and a double bend respectively, each providing a set
back width, the bars produced in accordance with the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b show disassembled and assembled front
views of an exercise bar that enables a varied back width, the bar
produced in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 shows an exercise bar, as it would typically be used,
resting against the user's back just under the inferior aspect of
the scapula, the bar produced in accordance with the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a user with the bar positioned
against the back of the user, as it would typically be used, the
bar produced in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an exercise bar with variable
position handles and a set back width, the bar produced in
accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are retracted and extended handle
positions, respectively, using a pin assembly with the telescoping
members of an exercise bar, the bar produced in accordance with the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are retracted and extended handle
positions, respectively, using a detent pin within the telescoping
members of an exercise bar, the bar produced in accordance with the
present invention.
[0019] For the most part, and as will be apparent when referring to
the figures, when an item is used unchanged in more than one
figure, it is identified by the same alphanumeric reference
indicator in all figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0020] The present invention is an exercise bar that provides a
more comfortable arm position for the user, thereby allowing
individuals with shoulder or neck injuries or limited range of
motion to perform exercises otherwise compromised in form or
completely impossible to perform. Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1
shows an isometric view of an exercise bar 10 with a back portion
12, a first arm 14 and a second arm 16. The back portion 12
includes a substantially straight portion 18. The length of this
straight portion is noted by the dimension (x) and in this
embodiment, must be long enough to be comfortably received by the
back of the user. The position of the back portion can vary, but
optimally this portion of the bar 10 is positioned against the
user's back just under (inferior) the scapula or approximately at
the 10.sup.th thoracic vertebrae. The optimal length of the
straight (x) has been determined by the inventor to be between 8
and 16 inches, depending upon the population and specific
individuals. The length of the arms (14 & 16) are greater than
the back portion straight (x), but the specifics are in many cases
less critical. The arms (14 & 16) can be longer than the user's
arms while the bar 10 is in use, relatively speaking, in that the
arms (14 & 16) can extend beyond the greatest possible arm
length hand position. In this case, the user can grasp the arms (14
& 16) at any point prior to the ends of the arms (14 & 16).
For a normative population, the inventor has determined the optimal
arm length to be greater than 27 inches.
[0021] Another critical aspect of the invention 10 relates to the
angle (a) of the arms (14 & 16) relative to the longitudinal
axis of the straight portion 18. The purpose of this angle (a)
allows the user's shoulders to rotate slightly anteriorly, placing
the shoulder in a more relaxed position and reducing scapular
adduction. The bar 10 is held under the user's arms with the back
portion 12 against the back of the user. This lower elevation of
the upper arm reduces the potential interference to blood flow
through the axillary artery. This vessel becomes the brachial
artery at the upper arm. The axillary artery feeds the upper
extremities and is used to measure blood pressure. The axillary
portion (superior) of the artery runs just under (inferior) to the
head of the humerus, the humerus positioned within the glenoid
cavity of the scapula. Yet closer to the heart, this vessel is
called the subclavian artery in that it is positioned under the
clavicle. This portion of the vessel is anatomically higher than
the head of the humerus. By elevating the humerus (upper arm bone)
the artery can be partially compromised, thereby causing a
restriction to blood flow. Also, if the arm is elevated, the blood
must be pumped up to the extremities. This combination can cause
the upper extremities to tire prematurely or even to "fall asleep"
during exercise. Exercise is when the muscles' need for nutrients,
especially oxygen, is critically elevated. To reduce access to
these nutrients by diminished blood flow is detrimental to exercise
performance. In addition, the radial and ulnar nerves follow a
similar anatomical placement to this blood vessel, thereby
providing a potential for unwanted neurological feedback through
tactile stimulation of the more vulnerably positioned nerve.
[0022] Another version of the bar 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 2a and
2b. Here a front view is shown, which is a top view if it were
being used. The radiused single curve 20 in FIG. 2a can be used,
but the radius must be great enough to allow the user's back to fit
within the arms (14 & 16). The inventor has determined the
minimum radius to be 6 inches. The optimal range is between 6 and
12 inches. FIG. 2b shows the preferred shape of the bar 10, using a
longitudinal straight portion 18. The length of the longitudinal
straight portion 18, as denoted by the dimension (x) is further
shown here. The optimal angle (a) the arms (14 & 16) make with
back portion 12 has been previously noted as 33 degrees. If this is
symmetrical, the optimal relative angle (b) is 114 degrees. It
should be further noted that the angle (a) to the back portion 12
is less critical than the relative angle (b). This is because if
one bend angle (a) is 30 degrees and the other bend angle (a') is
36 degrees, the bar 10 would still function with a 114 degree
relative angle (b). The back portion 12 would not rest flat against
the user's back, but the relative angle (b) would remain. Though
not optimal, this would still be functional.
[0023] As a method of adjusting the length of the back portion 12,
an adjustable version of the bar 10 is disclosed in FIGS. 3a and
3b. FIG. 3a shows the bar 10 disassembled. The back portion 12
includes a male portion 20 and a female portion 22. The male
portion 20 is inserted into the female portion 22 at a variety of
positions and locked in place. This lock can take a number of
forms, from a straight pin that is placed through holes in the
tubes, or any other form of lock that is known in the art. By
varying the length of the back portion 12, the width of the arms
(14 & 16) are altered, thereby allowing a size adjustment of
the arms (14 & 16).
[0024] In FIG. 3b, the assembled version of the bar 10 is shown.
The male portion 20 of the back portion 12 is inserted into the
female portion 22 with a set of holes 24 aligned throughout both
parts. A pin 26 is then inserted through the holes 24 to lock the
parts together.
[0025] A typical use of the bar 10 is shown in FIG. 4. The bar is
placed under the arms of the user 28 with the back portion 12
resting against the back of the user 28. The back portion 12 is
positioned approximately at the middle of the back just below the
lower portion of the scapula. The bar 10 can be adjusted to alter
the length (x) of the back portion 12. The user grasps the first
arm 14 and the second arm 16 with a right and left hands of the
user. The arms of the user are now elevated slightly above the
waist, but allowing the shoulders to be rotated forward and the
upper arms below horizontal. The user may now perform a variety of
exercises including spinal rotation (as depicted by the arrow 30),
right and left flexion within the frontal plane (as depicted by the
arrows 32) or any combination thereof.
[0026] In order to further illustrate the purpose of the forward
angle of the arms (14 & 16), a top view of a user 28 with the
bar 10, as it is being used, is shown in FIG. 5. Here it can be
seen that the back portion 12 rests against the back of the user
28. The user's hands grasp the first arm 14 and the second arm 16
near the distal ends thereof. From this view it is easily seen that
the shoulders are rotated slightly forward (anteriorly) due to the
angle of the arms (14 & 16).
[0027] Another variation is shown in FIG. 6. Here the bar 10
includes a pair of handles 34, one at each end of the first arm 14
and the second arm 16. These handles 34 can be adjustable in length
relative to the free end of the arms (14 & 16). The purpose of
the adjustable length is in the event that the user desires to
grasp the bar at the end of the handle 34, and not on the arm
itself, the length can be adjusted to accommodate different torso
and arm lengths.
[0028] If various handle lengths are desired, the handles must not
only be able to be adjusted, but they must also be locked in place.
FIGS. 7a and 7b show one method of adjusting and locking. Here the
distal end of the first arm 14 is shown, the arm 14 being a round
tube, as in the preferred embodiment. The tube includes a hollow
center, thus being a female arm portion 36. This receives a male
arm portion 38 that is attached to a handle 34. A pin 40 is used to
lock the arm 14 and the handle 34 to one another by securing
through the holes 42 in both parts. By placing several holes 42 in
the male portion 38, the length that the handle 34 extends from the
free end of the arm 14 can be easily adjusted and locked into
place. FIG. 7a shows the handle 34 in a substantially retracted
state and FIG. 7b shows the handle 34 in a substantially extended
state. The pin 40 can include a detent ball toward the end of the
pin to offer resistance, thereby making it unlikely to fall out
during use.
[0029] Similar to the previous is shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. Here a
method is used by which multiple holes 42 are placed in the female
arm portion 36 and a single handle hole 50 is placed in the male
arm portion 38 with the handle 34 attached thereto. A detent pin 44
is used to releasably lock the parts together. The detent pin 44 is
comprised of a pin 46 and a spring 48. The detent pin 44 is placed
within the male arm portion 38 (also preferably a hollow tube) with
the pin 46 being received by the handle hole 50. The spring 48
pushes against the inside walls of the tube 38 to bias the pin 46
through the hole 50. The pin 46 is long enough to extend through
the handle hole 50 and the holes 42 in the arm 14 when the male arm
portion 38 is received by the female arm portion 36. FIG. 8a shows
the parts disassembled and FIG. 8b shows the parts assembled.
[0030] In FIG. 8b, the pin 46 can be seen showing through the hole
42. To adjust the position of the handle 34 the user's finger or,
if preferred a punch tool, is used to depress the pin 46, further
flexing the spring 48. The pin 46 is depressed far enough to pass
through the female arm portion 36 but yet be maintained by the
handle hole 50 in the male arm portion 38. The male arm portion 38
can then be moved relative to the female arm portion 36 until the
desired position can be reached. The pin 46 is released by the
user, allowing the spring 48 to bias the pin 46 through the newly
positioned hole 42 in the female arm portion 36 and lock it into
place. This allows quick and easy variation of the handle 34 and
therefore overall arm length.
[0031] The detent pin 44 assembly as previously disclosed, can also
be used in the adjustment of the back portion 12 adjustment as
shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, along with any other adjusting and
locking mechanism known in the art. Thereby the method of adjusting
and locking of both the handle 35 and the back portion 12 are not
intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention.
* * * * *