U.S. patent application number 10/778736 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for exercise device and method.
Invention is credited to Feng, Lin Chin, Frost, Howard M..
Application Number | 20050181916 10/778736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838233 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050181916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frost, Howard M. ; et
al. |
August 18, 2005 |
Exercise device and method
Abstract
An exercise device includes an upper frame supporting a seat
back, the seat back enabling support of a torso of a user. A lower
seat includes a lower frame that is pivotally mounted to the upper
frame. The lower frame includes front and rear support wheels for
contact with a supportive surface; and an arcuate member is secured
to the upper frame substantially opposite to the seat back. The
device also includes a tension arm with a first end movably mounted
to the upper frame and a second end movably supported on the
supportive surface by a roller or wheel. A tension band is mounted
at one end to the tension arm between the first and second ends of
the tension arm and at its opposite end to the lower frame by an
anchor bar, which is pivotally mounted to the lower frame.
Inventors: |
Frost, Howard M.;
(Colleyville, TX) ; Feng, Lin Chin; (Tai-Ping
City, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Howard M. Frost
3407 Middleton Way
Colleyville
TX
76034
US
|
Family ID: |
34838233 |
Appl. No.: |
10/778736 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/140 ;
482/132; 482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0228 20130101;
A63B 21/0421 20130101; A63B 21/159 20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101;
A63B 23/0222 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 21/00061
20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 21/06 20130101; A63B 2071/025
20130101; A63B 2071/027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/140 ;
482/142; 482/132 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00; A63B
071/00; A63B 021/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device comprising: an upper frame; a lower frame
movably mounted to the upper frame and including a front support
and a rear support adapted to contact a supportive surface; a seat
back secured to the upper frame; a lower seat secured to the lower
frame; and an arcuate member mounted to said upper frame
substantially opposite to said seat back to permit rolling of said
exercise device on said arcuate member when a force is exerted on
said seat back in a direction toward said arcuate member, whereupon
said rear support is elevated from the supportive surface.
2. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a tension
arm with a first end movably mounted to said upper frame and a
second end adapted to be movably supported on said supportive
surface.
3. An exercise device as in claim 2, wherein said second end is
adapted to be movably supported on the supportive surface by use of
a rolling element.
4. An exercise device as in claim 3, wherein said rolling element
includes a roller selected from the group consisting of a wheel, a
bushing roller and a ball bearing.
5. An exercise device as in claim 2, further comprising a tension
band releaseably mounted between said tension arm and said lower
frame.
6. An exercise device as in claim 5, further comprising an anchor
bar pivotally mounted to said lower frame, for mounting said
tension band to said lower frame.
7. An exercise device as in claim 6, wherein said anchor bar
includes a band receiver adapted to receive one end of said tension
band.
8. An exercise device as in claim 5, wherein said tension band is
releaseably mounted to said tension arm at a position between said
first end and said second end of said tension arm.
9. An exercise device as in claim 5, further comprising a band
receiver for mounting said tension band to said tension arm.
10. An exercise device as in claim 5, further comprising a spring
clip used to releaseably secure said tension band to said tension
arm.
11. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a set of
lower handles mounted to said upper frame adjacent to said lower
frame.
12. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a set of
upper handles mounted to said upper frame, distal ends of said
upper handles positioned adjacent the head of the user positioned
on the device.
13. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a headrest
adjustably mounted to said upper frame.
14. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said arcuate member
includes a pair of arcuate members spaced adjacent to one another
and positioned such that there is a greater distance between the
arcuate members farther away from said upper frame relative to
nearer said upper frame.
15. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a plate
receiver mounted to said upper frame for enabling weight plates to
be received thereon.
16. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a plate
receiver mounted on said device and positioned near said lower
frame.
17. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a plate
receiver positioned on a portion of said device that vertically
moves during an exercise.
18. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a cover on
a portion of said arcuate member, for providing a high friction
contact between the supportive surface and said arcuate member.
19. An exercise device comprising: an upper frame supporting a seat
back, the seat back enabling support of at least a portion of a
torso of a user; a lower frame supporting a lower seat, the lower
frame being pivotally mounted to said upper frame and including a
front support and a rear support adapted to contact a supportive
surface; and an arcuate member secured to said upper frame
substantially opposite to said seat back to permit rolling of said
exercise device on said arcuate member when a force is exerted on
said seat back in a direction toward said arcuate member, whereupon
said front support remains in contact with the supportive
surface.
20. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a tension
arm with a first end movably mounted to said upper frame and a
second end adapted to be movably supported on said supportive
surface.
21. An exercise device as in claim 20, wherein said second end is
adapted to be movably supported on the supportive surface by use of
a rolling element.
22. An exercise device as in claim 20, further comprising a tension
band releaseably mounted between said tension arm and said lower
frame.
23. An exercise device as in claim 22, further comprising an anchor
bar pivotally mounted to said lower frame, for mounting said
tension band to said lower frame.
24. An exercise device as in claim 23, wherein said anchor bar
includes a band receiver adapted to receive one end of said tension
band.
25. An exercise device as in claim 22, further comprising a band
receiver for mounting said tension band to said tension arm at a
position between said first end and said second end of said tension
arm.
26. An exercise device as in claim 22, further comprising a spring
clip used to releaseably secure said tension band to said tension
arm.
27. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a set of
lower handles mounted to said upper frame adjacent to said lower
frame.
28. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a set of
upper handles mounted to said upper frame, distal ends of said
upper handles positioned adjacent the head of the user positioned
on the device.
29. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a
headrest adjustably mounted to said upper frame.
30. An exercise device as in claim 19, wherein said arcuate member
includes a pair of arcuate members spaced adjacent to one another
and positioned such that there is a greater distance between the
arcuate members farther away from said upper frame relative to
nearer said upper frame.
31. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a plate
receiver mounted to said upper frame for enabling weight plates to
be received thereon.
32. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a plate
receiver mounted on said device and positioned near said lower
frame.
33. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a plate
receiver positioned on a portion of said device that vertically
moves during an exercise.
34. An exercise device as in claim 19, further comprising a cover
on a portion of said arcuate member, for providing a high friction
contact between the supportive surface and said arcuate member.
35. For use with an exercise device including an upper frame and a
lower frame movably mounted to one another, the upper frame having
a seat back secured thereto, and the lower frame having a lower
seat secured thereto, the lower frame including a front support and
a rear support adapted to contact a supportive surface; and an
arcuate member mounted to said upper frame substantially opposite
to said seat back, an exercise method comprising the steps of:
seating a user on said lower seat with the back of the user against
the seat back; extending the legs and hip joints of the user,
thereby pushing said seat back in a direction toward said arcuate
member; and rolling back on said arcuate member and elevating a
lower portion of said upper frame while extending the body of the
user.
36. A method as in claim 35, wherein said device further includes a
tension arm with a first end movably mounted to said upper frame
and a second end movably supported on said supportive surface and a
tension band releaseably mounted between said tension arm and said
lower frame, said method further including the step of: displacing
said tension arm and elongating said tension band, thereby
increasing work done by the user.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to exercise
equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to
light weight systems of physical exercise that stress the extensor
muscles of the lower body and trunk.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Exercise devices are becoming an increasingly more important
part of our lives. As our society becomes more technologically
advanced, we become more sedentary. Therefore we must rely on
equipment to provide our muscles and organs with the stimulation
necessary to maintain a healthy existence. Much of the equipment
available is large, inexpensive and not practical for the average
consumer to have in their home. Gyms and health clubs are not
available to many people, especially in rural areas. In addition,
with our busy lives, many simply do not have time to drive to the
gym to exercise and return to home or work. As an alternative, home
fitness products are inexpensive, lightweight products that offer
an alternative to the traditional iron. These products must be
functional, versatile and inexpensive to obtain and maintain.
[0003] Weight loss is a key issue with most Americans. As such, a
useful product must exercise the larger muscles in the body,
specifically the extensor muscles of the hips and legs. These are
the most powerful muscles in the body and can therefore do the most
work. Increased work done by the body is extra energy expended.
Therefore given a constant dietary intake this results in weight
loss. In order for this to happen, the product must be used. A
product that is too large and bulky, or where the user must sit on
the ground to use it, is not found to be popular with the typical
consumer. They like to be in a chair-like device, off the floor,
where they can perform perform the exercises and when finished,
pick the machine up and roll or carry it away.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, the invention features an exercise device
with an upper frame supporting a seat back, the seat back enabling
support of at least a portion of a torso of a user. A lower seat
includes a lower frame that is movably or preferably, pivotally
mounted to the upper frame. The lower frame includes a front
support and a rear support for contact with a supportive surface
(the floor); and an arcuate member secured to the upper frame
substantially opposite to the seat back. When a force is exerted on
the seat back toward the arcuate member, the upper frame translates
up and back, rolling on the arcuate member while the front support
remains in contact with the supportive surface and the rear support
is elevated from the supportive surface.
[0005] A tension arm may be included that has a first end movably
mounted to the upper frame and a second end movably supported on
the supportive surface. This movable support is preferably by use
of a rolling element such as a wheel, bushing roller and a ball
bearing. A tension band is preferably used in conjunction with the
tension arm. It is releaseably mounted to the tension arm,
optimally between the first and second ends of the tension arm by
use of a band receiver, and also to the lower frame. A spring clip
may be used to releaseably secure the tension band to the tension
arm. The tension band may be attached to the lower frame by way of
an anchor bar, which is optimally pivotally mounted.
[0006] Handles may be mounted to the upper frame adjacent to the
lower frame. In addition, a set of upper handles may be mounted to
the upper frame, a distal end of said upper handles positioned
adjacent the head of a user as they would be positioned on the
device. A headrest may be included that is adjustably mounted to
the upper frame.
[0007] An exercise device will optimally include a pair of arcuate
members spaced adjacent to one another and positioned such that
there is a greater distance between the arcuate members father away
from the upper frame relative to nearer the upper frame. The device
may include a plate receiver mounted to the upper frame, thus
enabling weight plates to be received thereon. This plate receiver
is optimally positioned near the lower frame and most importantly
positioned on a portion of the device that includes vertical
movement during an exercise. A cover comprised of a high friction
material is optimally placed on the arcuate members to insure a
high frictional force between the supportive surface and the
arcuate member.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention includes a method of
exercising including providing a device as previously disclosed and
seating a user on the lower seat with the back of the user against
the seat back. The user extends his legs and hip joints, pushing
the seat back toward the arcuate member, rolling back on the
arcuate member and elevating a lower portion of the upper frame
while extending the body of the user. If a tension arm is provided,
the method may include displacing the tension arm and elongating
the tension band, thereby increasing work done by the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a body extension
exercise machine, the device produced in accordance with the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of a body extension exercise
machine, the device produced in accordance with the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, front isometric view of a
body extension exercise machine with the seat back and lower seats
separated, the device produced in accordance with the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of a body extension exercise machine
shown in a starting position, the user with one hand on a lower
handle and the other hand on an upper handle, the device produced
in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of a body extension exercise machine
shown in a final or extended position, the user with one hand on a
lower handle and the other hand on an upper handle, the device
produced in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of a body extension
exercise machine shown in the extended or final position and with
the seat back displaced, the device produced in accordance with the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a body extension exercise machine
illustrating the angled orientation of the arcuate members, the
device produced in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a front isometric, exploded view of a body
extension exercise machine shown in its starting position and
including two pair of clips to secure the tension bands, the device
produced in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of a body extension
exercise machine shown in its starting position with plate
receivers and weight plates added on one side and exploded on the
other side, the device produced in accordance with the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of a body extension
exercise machine shown in its starting position with plate
receivers and weight plates added on both sides and without a
tension bar behind the seat, the device produced in accordance with
the present invention.
[0020] 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
[0021] The present invention is an exercise device that enables a
body extension movement and is convertible to a flat bench for
multiple exercises. The basic version of the device 12 is shown in
FIG. 1 in the form of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
The device 12 includes a seat back 14 and a lower seat 16 for
supporting a user in a seated position, similar to a chair. A pair
of arcuate members 18 is positioned behind the seat back 14 to
provide for articulating stable support when the device 12 is
rolled back. In this view only one member 18 is seen, and only one
member is necessary in order that the device be functional. For
increased stability, a pair of members 18 is optimally used. This
will become more evident further in the disclosure. The rearward
movement constitutes the basis for the majority of the exercises
that are performed on the device 12. To assist in this movement,
two sets of handles are provided. The first set is the lower
handles 20 that are mounted to the frame of the device 12 near the
back of the lower seat 16. The user, when seated in the device 12,
can extend his arms down, grasp the handles 20 and offer a
stabilizing reaction to sliding up and off of the seat back 14
during the extension exercise. The second or upper handles 22 offer
an alternative support during the basic exercise in that the arms
of the user are raised and "push" to secure his body. This
alternative positioning of the body stresses the deltoid muscles
and triceps rather than the biceps and forearms when using the
lower handles 20. Subtle variations such as this offer a key
versatility to the capabilities and therefore the success of the
product. The upper handles 22 have another function in that the
device 12 can be fully extended back on the arcuate members 1o
creating a bench. The upper handles 22 are then positioned to
provide stability to allow abdominal exercises to be performed.
Arcuate members 18 each have one end connected to upper frame 30
via transverse stub extensions (not numbered) and effectively form
extensions of the lower ends of upper handles 22. The upper ends of
the arcuate members 18 can also attach to the frame substantially
orthogonal to the lower ends of the upper handles 22. The opposite
ends of arcuate member 18 are connected to lower frame member 34 or
handles 20.
[0022] Another key element in this version of the invention is also
shown here. A tension arm 24 is movably mounted to the device 12
behind the seat back 14. This arm 24 is supported by a support 26,
preferably in the form of a wheel or roller as shown here. The
support 26 is supported on the floor on which the device 12 sits
and translates away from the seat back 14 as the device 12 rolls
back on the arcuate members 18. When this happens the tension bands
28 elongate, thus work is done. Different tension bands 28 can be
used for varying the resistance. For example, the different tension
bands 28 can be made thicker, of different materials, etc.
[0023] In FIG. 2 the device 12 is shown from the rear, thereby
illustrating the structural elements in this the preferred
embodiment. An upper frame 30 provides the structural support for
the seat back 14, the arcuate members 18, lower handles 20, upper
handles 22 and a first end of the tension arm 24. The tension arm
24 is pivotally mounted to the upper frame 30 by way of a clevis
32. The second key frame element is the lower frame 34. The lower
frame 34 provides a secure mounting surface for the lower seat 16
and provides a base mount for the tension bands 28. Optimally, two
tension bands 28 are used, as is shown here, that are mounted
between the tension arm 24 and the lower frame 34. In this
position, the device 12 is at "rest" and therefore the tension
bands 28 are not extended significantly beyond their resting
length. At the second end of the tension arm 24, two supports 26
are provided. As previously noted, these are intended to move or
translate along the floor or other supportive surface. Here, two
supports 26 are used. This is not necessary for the function of the
device 12 in that a single support 26 or roller could be used. Two
supports 26 are used to offer greater stability to the arm 24 and
the device 12 when in use.
[0024] Another aspect of the invention illustrated here is an
adjustable headrest 36. The headrest 36 is comprised of a head pad
38 and a male post 40. The male post 40 is telescopically received
by the upper frame 30 and secured in a desired position by
placement of a pin in one of the tube holes 42, which is received
in a corresponding one of a plurality of spaced apart holes (not
shown) in male post 40. Additional holes 44 are used to secure the
seat back 14 to the upper frame 30. The versatility of the movable
headrest 36 is another advantage to more adequately fit a variety
of physical types of users.
[0025] Another view of this embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. Here the
seat back 14 and lower seat 16 have been separated to show the
structure of the device 12. Of specific interest in this view is
the lower frame 34. The lower frame 34 is pivotally mounted to the
upper frame 30. When in this position the bottom portions of the
arcuate members 18 are in contact with the floor as well as the
supports 26. In this, the starting position of the exercise, the
lower seat 16 must substantially support the body weight of the
user. This load is transferred to the lower frame 34, which must be
supported by the floor on which the device 12 sits. For that, the
lower frame 34 must also have supports. The upper frame 30 is
supported from behind by the arcuate members 18. The upper frame 30
is pivotally mounted to the lower frame 34, which includes front
supports 46. Without a rear support 48, the area of pivotal
connection of the upper frame 30 and the lower frame 34 would hit
the floor. As the exercise is performed, with the weight of the
user on the device 12, the initial movement of this pivotal
connection area would drag on the floor until enough vertical
displacement was achieved. By rolling back on the arcuate members
18, the lower frame must be horizontally displaced. Because of
that, the preferred embodiment of the front supports 46 and the
rear support 48 are wheels or rollers. A slider or pad with a low
coefficient of friction could be used, but a rolling element is
preferred. This eliminates any damage to the floor by the device 12
scratching along the initial movement of the exercise.
[0026] The tension bands 28 are mounted between the tension arm 24
and the lower frame 34. The lower frame 34 acts as an anchor to
provide a reaction force to the tension applied by the tension
bands 28 when they are stretched due to the displacement of the
tension arm 24 when in an extended (rolled back) position. To aid
in the alignment of the tension bands 28 with minimal axial
slippage and associated wear, an anchor bar 50 is provided. The
anchor bar 50 is pivotally mounted to the lower frame 34 and
therefore acts as an extension of the lower frame 34. The anchor
bar includes a band receiver 52 in the form of a rod that accepts
the end of the band 28. The anchor bar 50 is shown here to be
pivotally mounted to the lower frame 34 at the axis of the wheel,
which is the rear support 48. This is a design choice and
considered to be the preferred embodiment, but that precise
location of the mounting of the anchor bar 50 to the lower frame 34
is not considered critical to the invention. The ability of the
anchor bar 50 to move or pivot relative to the lower frame 34 is of
value in that as the device 12 is extended backward, the positions
of the tension bar 24 relative to the lower frame 34 and relative
to the upper frame 30 both change. The rotational displacement of
the lower frame 34 relative to the band 28 can be great. When the
band 28 is under tension this load produces a great deal of
friction on the band receiver 52. The band 28 is traditionally a
molded rubber bar, with holes to receive the band receiver 52. This
is not a good bearing surface. A better bearing can be provided in
the pivotal attachment of the anchor bar 50 to the lower frame 34,
thus reducing wear on the band 28, increasing its functional life
and reducing its likelihood to inadvertently come off during the
exercise session. Also regarding safety, a cover 53 comprised of a
high friction material is optimally placed on the arcuate members
18 to insure a high frictional force between the supportive surface
and the arcuate member. This reduces the likelihood of the device
12 slipping when used and makes it reduce noise and potential
damage to the floor.
[0027] The starting position of the device 12 is shown in FIG. 4,
from the side with a user 54 positioned on the device 12. The user
54 is seated on the lower seat 16 and for illustration sake is
shown grasping a lower handle 20 with his left hand and an upper
handle 22 with his right hand. The user 54 has his back positioned
against the seat back 14 and his feet 56 on the floor in front of
the device 12.
[0028] The final position is shown in FIG. 5 where the user 54 has
extended his leg 58 and hip joints, pushing against the floor, with
the feet 56 relatively stationary, pushing the seat back 14 back on
the arcuate members 18. This results in rolling the device 12 back
on the arcuate members 18 raising the rear support 48 of the lower
frame 34 off the floor. At this degree of rearward extension, the
user 54 may be raised off the lower seat 16. The front support 46
maintains contact with the floor in that it is pivotally mounted to
the upper frame 30. This allows the user to fully extend his hips
and legs without being physically inhibited by any aspect of the
device 12. If the device 12 were extended further, depending upon
the subtleties of the pivotal connection of the lower frame 34 to
the upper frame 30, a limit of the angular displacement can be
built in. In this case the front support 46 would eventually be
raised off the floor. This provides more work done by the user in
that this seat 16 structure has weight and is being vertically
displaced. As long as the lower seat 16 and the seat back 14 can
become substantially coplanar, there is little potential for the
lower seat 16 to interfere with the movement of the legs 58 of the
user 54 and therefore can reach a range limiting stop relative to
the seat back 14. The angular displacement of the tension arm 24 is
also illustrated here. In FIG. 4 the angle between the upper frame
30 and the tension arm 24 is noted by the angle .alpha.. When
extended, as in FIG. 5, the new angle .alpha..sub.1 is visibly
greater than the acute angle .alpha.. This angular displacement
results in an increased length of the tension bands 28 between
these two figures. The tension band 28 is a tension producing
spring that when elongated applies a force that opposes this
elongation. Thus, work is done by the user to elongate the tension
bands 28. The user pushing against the seat back 14, stabilized by
the lower handle 20, pushing on the upper handle 22 or any
combination thereof, does this work.
[0029] The device 12 is shown in the elongated or extended position
in FIG. 6 with the seat back 14 displaced to better view the
elongated bands 28 and the function of the anchor bar 50. As the
tension arm 24 is displaced rearward and the device 12 rolls onto
the arcuate members 18, the angle between the lower seat 16 and the
tension band 28 changes dramatically. The angular displacement of
the tension band 28 relative to the lower seat 16 is roughly twice
that of the angular displacement of the band 28 relative to the
tension arm 24. The tension band 28 is an elastic element, as
previously note and preferably made of a natural or synthetic
rubber material. These materials typically have a high coefficient
of friction with smooth steel. The band receivers 52 are typically
smooth steel. Therefore, continuous rotation under tension can
create a great deal of wear. The applicants have overcome this
issue by using an anchor bar 50 that is pivotally mounted to the
lower frame 34. This moving anchor bar 50 enables virtually no
angular rotation of the band 28 on the band receiver 52 of the
anchor bar 50, which acts as a part of the lower frame 34. This
greatly increases the life of the bands 28 when used on the device
12.
[0030] Shipping size is another issue to home fitness products. In
many cases it is desirable for the product to ship in a "knocked
down" state requiring some assembly by the user. The value of the
knock down products as to the shipping costs is greatly reduced,
which can be passed on to the consumer as a lower sale price. In
doing this, it is desirable to design the components so that they
take up a minimal amount of carton size without compromising the
function of the product.
[0031] Stability of the device while in use is always an issue of
concern. The base must be wide enough to allow for normal
side-to-side forces without tipping the device over. This is ever
apparent when getting on to or exiting the device. The applicants
addressed this issue in several ways. A top or plan view of the
device 12 is shown in FIG. 7. Here the lower seat 16 is quite
apparent in this view along with the upper handles 22 and the lower
handles 20. The tension bar 24 extends from the back of the device
12 with the tension bands 28 in place as previously disclosed. Two
unique features are apparent in this view. First, the arcuate
members 18 are cantered or flared to the outside. This is done to
increase the width of the contact points of the arcuate members 18
with the floor while maintaining a minimal sized frame structure to
support the members 18.
[0032] The second feature is the width of the supports 26 on the
tension bar 24. These supports 26 are purposefully positioned to
add to the stability of the device, both in a starting position (as
when entering and exiting the device 12) and in an extended
position as when being used. This support width also aids in
stability in case only one of the tension bands 28 would be used.
The eccentric load on the frame members would be decreased by the
increased width of the supports 26 on the floor.
[0033] A partially exploded view of the device 12 is shown in FIG.
8. This better illustrates the knock down capability of the device
12. It is not necessary that the consumer assembles all components,
and in most cases it is preferable not to do so. This does give the
manufacturer the assembly options. In addition, this view
illustrates one example of the manufacturability of this device 12.
The elements are as previously disclosed, with the exception of two
sets of clips 60. These clips 60 can take a variety of physical
forms but have been determined by the applicant to preferably be a
form of a torsion spring. The clips 60 can be provided in pairs, as
shown here and connected by a tether 62. This can connect an upper
to a lower clip 60, as shown here, or a right to a left clip 60.
The tether 62 is not critical to the function of the device 12, but
only added as prevention against losing the clips 60. The function
of the clips 60 is to be received by the band receivers 52 on the
outside of the bands 28. The clips 60 apply a frictional force to
the band receiver 52 to releaseably secure the band 28 on the band
receivers 52. This prevents the inadvertent dislodging of a band
28. This could be especially detrimental when the device 12 is
extended and the bands 28 are under tension.
[0034] An alternative to the preferred embodiment is shown in FIG.
9. In this embodiment, the lower portion of the upper frame, or the
bases of the handles 20 are fitted with plate receivers 64. The
plate receivers 64 enable receiving weight plates 66. These plates
66 are shown here in two different sizes, or weights. The amount
and combination would be completely up to the user and the
structural capability of the weighted device 68. The weight plates
66 are shown to be in position on the device 68 on the rear side
and exploded on the far side. The purpose of the weights 66 is to
provide additional weight for additional resistance during the
exercise. As was illustrated in FIG. 5, this lower portion of the
upper frame is elevated during the extension exercise. Therefore,
adding additional weight would increase the work done by the user,
and therefore the load on the muscles of the user. The tension
bands 28 on the tension arm 24 can still be used in this embodiment
of the invention.
[0035] A second alternative to the preferred embodiment is shown in
FIG. 10. As previously disclosed, the presence of the weight plates
66 on the plate receivers 64 provides additional resistance to the
muscles of the user performing the exercise. In light of that, it
is possible to add enough resistance though weight plates 66 to
substitute for the previously disclosed tension arm 24 and tension
bands 28. This embodiment illustrates this version of the device 70
without the tension producing elements of the tension arm 24 and
tension bands 28. The general function of the device 70 would be
identical to that as previously disclosed only with the noted parts
being absent.
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