U.S. patent application number 10/853434 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for torso exercise methods and machines.
Invention is credited to Stearns, Kenneth W..
Application Number | 20040220027 10/853434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23747996 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040220027 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stearns, Kenneth W. |
November 4, 2004 |
Torso exercise methods and machines
Abstract
A torso exercise machine includes a frame designed to rest upon
a floor surface; a seat pivotally mounted on the frame; at least
one handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame; and a link pivotally
interconnected between the seat and the handlebar. The link
constrains the seat and the handlebar to pivot in opposite
directions relative to the frame. A resistance device may be
interconnected between the handlebar and the frame to resist
pivoting of the handlebar and the seat toward one another.
Inventors: |
Stearns, Kenneth W.;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark A. Krull
P. O. Box 7198
Bend
OR
97708
US
|
Family ID: |
23747996 |
Appl. No.: |
10/853434 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10853434 |
May 25, 2004 |
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10316983 |
Dec 9, 2002 |
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6740015 |
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10316983 |
Dec 9, 2002 |
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09440239 |
Nov 15, 1999 |
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6491611 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/159 20130101;
A63B 2208/0228 20130101; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 23/0211
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B
21/055 20130101; A63B 21/0421 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101;
A63B 21/0555 20130101; A63B 23/0233 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/123 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00; A63B
071/00; A63B 022/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of exercise, comprising the steps of: providing an
exercise apparatus having a frame; a seat movably connected to the
frame; and a handlebar movably connected to the frame and the seat
in a manner that constrains the handlebar and the seat to rotate in
opposite directions relative to one another; resting one's feet on
a stationary support surface; and moving the handlebar toward one's
feet in a manner that exercises one's abdominal muscles.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
operatively interconnecting a resistance device between the
handlebar and the frame to resist movement of the handlebar toward
one's feet.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein movement of the handlebar toward
one's feet causes the seat to rotate about an axis disposed beneath
the seat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/316,983, filed on Dec. 9, 2002 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,015), which
in turn, is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/440,239, filed on Nov. 15, 1999 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,611).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise methods and
apparatus, and more specifically, to an exercise machine which
facilitates exercise of a person's abdominal muscles and/or back
muscles while accommodating the person in a sitting position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Those skilled in the art recognize the desirability of
exercise, as well as the positive influence of fitness products on
people's exercise technique and/or motivation. For example,
relatively sophisticated and/or expensive machines have been made
for use in clubs, gyms, and the like, to exercise specific muscles
or muscle groups. These dedicated machines encourage proper
exercise motion and generally provide positive results to people
who make use of them. However, because these institutional machines
are not available to everyone, a need remains for less complicated
and/or less expensive machines which may be acquired for use in the
home, but nonetheless provide a satisfactory workout.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides torso exercise machines which
are relatively simple in construction, easy to operate, and
effective in use. Generally speaking, the machines include a frame
designed to rest in a stationary position upon a floor surface; a
seat pivotally mounted on the frame and defining a seat pivot axis;
and at least one handlebar pivotally mounted on the frame and
defining a handlebar pivot axis. A biasing device may be
interconnected between the frame and at least one of the handlebar
and the seat, to assist or resist pivoting of same relative to the
frame.
[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to interconnect the
seat and the handlebar in such a manner that the seat is
constrained to pivot relative to the frame as the handlebar pivots
relative to the frame, and vice versa. For example, a linkage may
be interconnected between the seat and the handlebar to constrain
the seat and the handlebar to pivot in opposite directions relative
to one another. The linkage may be optionally disengaged, so that
the seat and the handlebar may be operated in an independent mode,
as well as a dependent mode. With left and right handlebars
disposed on opposite sides of the frame, the decoupling of the seat
also frees the handlebars for independent movement relative to one
another. Additionally, the seat may be locked against pivoting
relative to the frame when the handlebars are free to undergo
independent movement.
[0006] Additional aspects of the present invention are to position
the seat pivot axis at a distance apart from the handlebar pivot
axis; position the seat pivot axis to extend beneath the seat;
position the seat pivot axis to bisect the planform of the seat;
position the handlebar pivot axis to extend beneath the seat;
position the handlebar pivot axis to extend rearward of the
planform of the seat; and/or position the handlebar pivot axis to
be lower to the floor than the seat pivot axis. Still more features
and/or advantages of the present invention may become apparent from
the more detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE OF THE DRAWING
[0007] With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like
numerals designate like parts and assemblies throughout the several
views,
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first exercise machine
constructed according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of the exercise machine of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a top view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG.
1, shown with a protective panel removed;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG.
5, shown at a discrete point in an exercise cycle;
[0014] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the exercise machine
of FIG. 5, shown from a generally rearward perspective; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second exercise machine
constructed according to the principles of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] A first exercise apparatus constructed according to the
principles of the present invention is designated as 100 in FIGS.
1-7. The exercise apparatus 100 generally includes a frame 110; a
seat 130 pivotally mounted on the frame 110; left and right
handlebars 140 pivotally mounted on the frame 110; left and right
resistance devices 150 interconnected between the frame 110 and
respective handlebars 140; and left and right connector links 160
pivotally interconnected between the seat 130 and respective
handlebars 140.
[0017] The frame 110 includes left and right side members 111, each
of which is a round steel tube bent into a generally rectangular
configuration. A transverse member 119, having a generally H-shaped
configuration, is rigidly secured between the side members 111 at
the rearward end of the apparatus 100. Rubber pads or feet 112 are
secured underneath the side members 111 to engage an underlying
floor surface. The feet 112 tend to maintain the apparatus 100 in a
stationary position relative to the floor surface, while also
reducing the likelihood of damage to the floor surface. Left and
right trunnions 113 are mounted on top of respective side members
111 to support the seat 130, as further explained below. Also,
rubber pads or bumpers 121 and 122 (which may be similar to the
pads 112 to achieve economies of scale) are mounted on top of the
side members 111, proximate the forward end of the apparatus 100
and the rearward end of the apparatus 100, respectively.
[0018] The seat 130 includes an upwardly facing cushion 131 and an
underlying rigid base 132. The base 132 is made of steel tubes that
are secured together into a rectangular configuration. Opposite
sides of the base 132 are pivotally mounted on respective trunnions
113 by means of bolts or other suitable fasteners. As a result of
this arrangement, the seat 130 pivots about a seat pivot axis
relative to the frame 110. The seat pivot axis is disposed beneath
the seat and is both coaxial with the bolts and co-planar with a
plane extending perpendicularly through the center of the seat 130.
The forward bumpers 121 absorb impact associated with the forward
end of the seat 130 pivoting downward into contact with the frame
110, and the rearward bumpers 122 absorb impact associated with the
rearward end of the seat 130 pivoting downward into contact with
the frame 110. A respective shield 133 is mounted on each side of
the seat 130 to cover the trunnions 113 and reduce potential pinch
point problems associated with pivoting of the seat 130 relative to
the frame 110.
[0019] Each of the handlebars 140 includes an intermediate portion
that is rotatably mounted on a respective side member 111 by means
of a respective bolt 114 or other suitable fastener. As a result of
this arrangement, each handlebar 140 pivots about a common
handlebar pivot axis relative to the frame 110. The handlebar pivot
axis extends parallel to the seat pivot axis and is coaxial with
the bolts 114. The handlebar pivot axis is disposed rearward of the
seat 130 and beneath both the seat 130 and the seat pivot axis.
Each intermediate portion includes a lower square tube segment 141
and an upper round tube segment 147 which are secured together by
welding or other suitable means.
[0020] A respective connector plate 146 is secured to the
intermediate portion of each handlebar 140 by welding or other
suitable means, spanning the juncture between a respective square
tube segment 141 and a respective round tube segment 147. A rigid
left connector link 160 is pivotally interconnected between the
left connector plate 146 and the left side member 111, and a rigid
right connector link 160 is similarly pivotally interconnected
between the right connector plate 146 and the right side member
111. The associated pin joints are designated as 163 and 164 in
FIG. 5. The pin joints 164 are spaced radially apart from the bolts
114 (and the handlebar pivot axis).
[0021] Each handlebar 140 also includes a lower distal portion 142
which is a square tube sized and configured to fit over a
respective square tube segment 141 in telescoping fashion. As shown
in FIG. 3, several holes 143 extend through the forward side of
each tube 142 and alternately align with a comparable hole through
the forward side of a respective segment 141. A snap button 99 is
disposed inside each square tube segment 141 and projects through
the hole in the segment 141 and any aligned hole 143 in a
respective end portion 142. As a result of this arrangement, the
end portion 142 may be adjusted radially relative to the handlebar
pivot axis.
[0022] Tubular supports 145 project laterally outward from
respective end portions 142 to support the rearward ends of
respective resistance devices 150. The forward ends of the
resistance devices 150 are secured to similar supports 115 on
respective side members 111. The supports 115 and 145 are rigidly
secured in their respective places by welding or other suitable
means. Snap buttons 99 are disposed inside respective supports 115
and 145 and project through upwardly opening holes in same. The
snap buttons 99 releasably retain the ends of respective resistance
devices 150 in place on respective supports 115 and 145.
[0023] Each resistance device 150 is a conventional band of elastic
material having annular ends and tangential strips extending
therebetween. The supports 115 and 145 may be configured to support
more than one such device 150 on each side of the apparatus 100, in
the event that additional resistance force is desired. Those
skilled in the art will also recognize that other known resistance
devices (or assisting devices) may be used in place of and/or
together with the elastic members 150 without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0024] Each handlebar 140 further includes an upper distal portion
148 which is a round tube sized and configured to fit over a
respective round tube segment 147 in telescoping fashion. As shown
in FIG. 7, several openings 149 are provided in each upper distal
portion 148 and alternately align with a comparable hole through a
respective segment 147. A snap button 99 is disposed inside each
round tube segment 147 and projects through the hole in the segment
147 and any aligned opening 149 in a respective end portion 148. As
a result of this arrangement, the upper end portion 148 may be
adjusted radially relative to the handlebar pivot axis.
[0025] Each of the upper distal portions 148 is also rotatably
mounted on a respective segment 147. The extent of rotation is
limited by travel of the snap buttons 99 within respective openings
149. In this regard, the openings 149 are circumferential slots,
and the upper distal portions 148 are free to rotate relative to
respective segments 147 until the snap buttons 99 engage the ends
of respective slots 149. When the snap buttons 99 are centered in
respective slots 149, each end portion 148 extends axially away
from a respective intermediate portion, then forward to a
respective handle 144 which extends upward and toward an opposite
side of the apparatus 100. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that the arm portions 148 and/or segments 147 may be replaced by
other conventional force receiving members without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0026] To operate the apparatus 100 for abdominal exercise
purposes, a person sits on the seat 130 and faces forward (with
his/her knees relatively closer to the front bumpers 121 than the
rear bumpers 122). In the absence of user applied force, the
handlebars 140 tend to occupy the respective positions shown in
FIG. 5 (with the seat 130 tilted forward into contact with the
bumpers 121. As the person presses forward against the handlebars
140, preferably with a respective handle 144 grasped in each hand,
the handlebars 140 and the seat 130 pivot toward one another, as
shown in FIG. 6. The resistance bands 150 stretch in response to
this movement, thereby providing resistance to the movement and
encouraging the handlebars 140 and the seat 130 to return to the
respective positions shown in FIG. 5.
[0027] The upper distal portions 148 may be adjusted relative to
the handlebar pivot axis to accommodate people of different sizes,
and/or the lower distal portions 142 may be adjusted relative to
the handlebar pivot axis to provide different levels of resistance.
To operate the apparatus 100 for back exercise purposes, the person
goes through a similar procedure while sitting on the seat 130 and
facing the opposite direction.
[0028] The preferred embodiment 100 strikes a desirable balance
between the cost of manufacture, the ease of use, and the results
of use. The linkage assembly defined by and among the frame 110,
the seat 130, the handlebars 140, and the links 160 provides a
natural feeling exercise motion which is conducive for exercising
the upper abdominal muscles and/or the lower abdominal muscles. The
machine 100 is easy to mount and dismount, as well.
[0029] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to a particular embodiment, those skilled in the art will
recognize additional embodiments and/or applications which
incorporate the essence of the present invention. For example, the
rigid links 160 may be replaced by cable arrangements which may
optionally be configured to impose a force ratio between handle
movement and seat movement. Also, the links 160 may be selectively
rendered inoperative to allow independent motion of the handlebars
140 relative to the seat 130 and the frame 110, as well as one
another, thereby allowing a person to exercise his/her oblique
muscles. In this regard, the pins 164 may be spring detent pins
which are selectively removable, in which case the loose end of
each link 160 may be secured to the seat 130 (for an independent
movement mode), or the loose end of each link 160 may be secured to
the frame 110 (for a stationary seat mode). The seat 130 may
alternatively be locked in place by inserting one or more fasteners
through aligned holes in one or more frame members 111 and covers
133.
[0030] In order to illustrate some of the many possible variations
that may be incorporated into the present invention, FIG. 8 shows a
second exercise apparatus 200 which is constructed according to the
principles of the present invention. The apparatus 200 generally
includes a frame 210; a seat 230 pivotally mounted on the frame
210; a single handlebar 240 pivotally mounted on the frame 210; a
resistance device 150 interconnected between the frame 210 and the
handlebar 240; and a linkage pivotally interconnected between the
seat 230 and the handlebar 240.
[0031] The frame 210 is similar to the frame 110 except for the
locations of holes for fasteners and the upwardly extending
segment(s) at the rear of the apparatus 200. In this regard, at
least one of the side members 211 terminates in an upwardly
extending end segment which is provided with a fastener receiving
hole 271. The seat 230 is similar to the seat 130 except that the
covers 133 have been eliminated.
[0032] The handlebar 240 is pivotally mounted on the frame 210 at
the right side trunnion 113 together with the seat 230. More
specifically, an intermediate portion of the handlebar 240 is
secured inside a bracket 246 having a U-shaped profile, and the
bracket 246 is pivotally connected to the trunnion 113 by a bolt or
other suitable means. As a result of this arrangement, the
handlebar 240 and the seat 230 pivot about a common pivot axis
X.
[0033] The bracket 246 covers a juncture between members 147 and
141 similar to those on the first embodiment 100. A lower distal
end 142 is slidably mounted over the member 141 and releasably
secured in place by a snap button 99, in the same manner as on the
first embodiment 100. A tubular support 145 projects laterally
outward from the lower distal end 142 to support the rear end of
the resistance device 150. Another tubular support 215 projects
laterally outward from the right side member 211 to support the
front end of the resistance device 150. The supports 145 and 215
are secured in their respective places by welding or other suitable
means. Snap buttons 99 are disposed inside the supports 145 and 215
to releasably secure the ends of the conventional elastic band 150
in place.
[0034] As on the first embodiment 100, an upper distal end 248 is
slidably mounted over the member 147 and releasably secured in
place by a snap button. The upper distal end 248 terminates in a
laterally extending member 244 which is sized and configured to
span a person's chest. This particular arrangement is shown on the
second embodiment 200 to emphasize that the present invention may
be implemented with one handlebar 240 or two handlebars 140.
[0035] A connector plate 276 is pivotally mounted on the frame 210
and pivots about a pivot axis Y. A first connector link 260 is
pivotally interconnected between a lower portion of the connector
plate 276 and a lower portion of the handlebar bracket 246. A
second connector link 273 is pivotally interconnected between a
forward portion of the connector plate 276 and a rearward portion
of the seat frame 132. As a result of these interconnections, the
seat 230 and the handlebar 240 are constrained to pivot in opposite
directions relative to the frame 210. A removable pin is used to
interconnect the second connector link 273 and the connector plate
276, so that in the alternative, the second connector link 273 may
be interconnected between the seat 230 and the frame 210 (at hole
271). In this alternative configuration, the seat 230 remains
stationary, and the handlebar 240 is pivotal relative to both the
frame 210 and the seat 230.
[0036] Recognizing that the present invention is not strictly
limited to the specific embodiments and applications disclosed
herein, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to
the extent of the following claims.
* * * * *