U.S. patent application number 13/407788 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-07 for exercise system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anthony P. Calantoni. Invention is credited to Anthony P. Calantoni.
Application Number | 20130059703 13/407788 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46787405 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130059703 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Calantoni; Anthony P. |
March 7, 2013 |
Exercise System
Abstract
An exercise system for conducting complete body range of motion
exercises having a base restable on a surface. A vertical support
is mounted to the base. A rear support is attached between the base
and the vertical support. At least one lower resistance device is
slidably secured to the rear support. A lower resistance band is
attached to the lower resistance device with a handle on each end.
A back support is mounted to the vertical support. A chest support
is mounted above the abdominal support. A head support is mounted
to the vertical support with an upper resistance device mounted
below the head support. An upper resistance band is attached to the
upper resistance device with a handle on each end. A pair of arms
extends from the vertical support. The resistance bands provide
resistance to the user thereby toning and strengthening user's body
improving both posture and range of motion.
Inventors: |
Calantoni; Anthony P.;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Calantoni; Anthony P. |
Philadelphia |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46787405 |
Appl. No.: |
13/407788 |
Filed: |
February 29, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61464374 |
Mar 3, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/126 ;
482/112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0204 20130101;
A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B 21/4003 20151001; A63B 23/1272
20130101; A63B 2225/093 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B
69/0057 20130101; A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 21/0552
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/126 ;
482/112 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02; A63B 21/008 20060101 A63B021/008 |
Claims
1. An exercise system for conducting complete body range of motion
exercises, the exercise system comprising: a base having a top
surface and a bottom surface, the top surface restable on a
surface; a vertical support having a first end and a second end,
the first end of the vertical support mounted to the top surface of
the base; a rear support having a first end and a second end, the
first end of the rear support attached to the top surface of the
frame, the second end of the rear support attached to the vertical
support at a point above the base frame; at least one lower
resistance device slidably secured to the rear support; a lower
resistance band releasably attachable to the at least one lower
resistance device, the lower resistance band having a handle on
each end; a back support mounted to the vertical support; a chest
support mounted above the abdominal support; a head support mounted
to the second end of the vertical support; an upper resistance
device mounted below the head support; an upper resistance band
releasably attachable to the upper resistance device, the upper
resistance device having a handle on each end; a pair of arms
extending from the vertical support; wherein upon the user grasping
the handles and pulling on the lower resistance band or the upper
resistance band, the resistance bands provide resistance to the
user thereby toning and strengthening user's body thus improving
both posture and range of motion.
2. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the vertical support
further comprises: a first support section; a second support
section; and a tightening knob for releasably securing the desired
position of the first support section to the second support
section.
3. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the rear support angles
from the base to the vertical support.
4. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the at least one lower
resistance device is slidably moveable along the rear support and
releasably securable in place.
5. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: two lower
resistance devices.
6. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: an
abdominal support releasably securable to the back support.
7. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising; a hand
grip mounted on each side of the back support.
8. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the chest support is
mounted to a first shaft moveable through a first sleeve, the first
sleeve being secured to the vertical support and securing means for
thereby allowing the chest support to move in a general direction
away from and toward the vertical support.
9. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the head support is
mounted to a second shaft moveable through a second sleeve with the
second sleeve secured to the vertical support thereby allowing the
head support to move in a general direction away from and toward
the vertical support.
10. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: a
resistance head band securable around the head support for
receiving a user's head and applying pressure from the back of the
head forcing the user to hold the head back while performing
exercises facing the exercise system.
11. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein the upper resistance
device is slidably moveable along the vertical support and
releasably securable in place.
12. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein pair of arms are
adjustable in at least two orthogonal directions relative to the
vertical support.
13. The exercise system of claim 12 wherein each arm includes an
arm mounting sleeve secured to the vertical support and a mounting
shaft slidably receivable in each side of the mounting sleeve,
wherein the length of the arms are adjustable and releasably locked
in place.
14. The exercise system of claim 12 wherein each arm has a hinge
portion for bending each arm ninety degrees relative to the
remaining portion of the arm.
15. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: a first
handle slidably receivable in one of the arms; and a second handle
slidably receivable in another arm; wherein the handles are
directed in a downward direction.
16. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of each
of the back support, the chest support, and the head support are
alignable for a user to position his or her back against each
support.
17. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the
chest support extends further from the vertical support than an
outer surface of each of the back support and the head support.
18. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of the
head support extends further from the vertical support than an
outer surface of each of the back support and the chest
support.
19. The exercise system of claim 1 wherein an outer surface of each
of the chest support and the head support extends further from the
vertical support than an outer surface of the back support.
20. The exercise system of claim 1 and further comprising: an air
shock for assisting the user for ease in accomplishing their
intended height.
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of
pending provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/464,374, filed
on Mar. 3, 2011, entitled "Exercise system".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to an exercise system and,
more particularly, the invention relates to an exercise system
enabling users to comfortably and properly complete upper body
range of motion exercises.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] There is little dispute that regular exercise is extremely
beneficial to the human body. Whether an elderly couple embarking
on an evening stroll, a health conscious coed enjoying an afternoon
aerobics class, or a homemaker stretching her muscles and raising
her heartbeat through yoga, regular exercise is beneficial to the
body, mind and spirit. In particular, performing upper body
exercises will not only work the muscles of the chest, shoulders,
triceps and biceps, but can also work the heart and lungs, while
improving posture. As such, a properly executed upper bodywork out
can effectively improve overall health. An important aspect of
upper body exercise has to do with achieving proper range of
motion. Range of motion is the normal range of movement for a
joint, specifically: flexion (how far it can be bent) and extension
(how far it can be stretched out). Joints are where bones come
together. Joints hold the bones together and allow for movement of
the skeleton. All of the bones form joints (except the hyoid bone
in the neck). A beneficial range of motion exercise is sometimes
referred to as "angel arms". Angel arms provide a great way to
perfect one's understanding of how to use the arms and shoulders
without losing the alignment of the back and ribcage. Angel arms
develop core stabilization, improve posture, and help increase
range of motion for the shoulders and arms.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present invention is an exercise system for conducting
complete body range of motion exercises. The exercise system
comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface with the
top surface restable on a surface. A vertical support is provided
having a first end and a second end with the first end of the
vertical support mounted to the top surface of the base. A rear
support is provided having a first end and a second end with the
first end of the rear support attached to the top surface of the
frame and the second end of the rear support attached to the
vertical support at a point above the base frame. At least one
lower resistance device is slidably secured to the rear support. A
lower resistance band is releasably attachable to the at least one
lower resistance device with the lower resistance band having a
handle on each end. A back support is mounted to the vertical
support. A chest support is mounted above the abdominal support. A
head support is mounted to the second end of the vertical support.
An upper resistance device is mounted below the head support. An
upper resistance band is releasably attachable to the upper
resistance device with the upper resistance device having a handle
on each end. A pair of arms extends from the vertical support. Upon
the user grasping the handles and pulling on either the lower
resistance band or the upper resistance band, the resistance bands
provide resistance to the user thereby toning and strengthening
user's body thus improving both posture and range of motion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating an exercise
system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exercise
system, constructed in accordance with the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 3 is another rear perspective view illustrating the
exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present
invention, with the exercise system in a configuration for a male
user;
[0010] FIG. 4 is still another rear perspective view illustrating
the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the present
invention, with the exercise system in a configuration for a female
user;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an elevational side view illustrating a top
portion of the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with a head cushion moveable in and out;
[0012] FIG. 6 is an elevational side view illustrating the top
portion of the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the
present invention, with a chest cushion moveable in and out;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view illustrating the exercise
system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with
the resistance bands secured to the exercise system;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view illustrating the exercise
system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with
the resistance bands secured to the exercise system; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view illustrating the top
portion of the exercise system, constructed in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the present invention is an
exercise system, indicated generally at 10, enabling users to
comfortably and properly complete upper body range of motion
exercises. The exercise system 10 of the present invention is an
upright exercise equipment utilized when standing and configured
expressly for use in toning and strengthening the entire body, thus
improving both posture and range of motion.
[0017] The exercise system 10 of the present invention includes a
substantially planar base 12 positionable directly on a surface.
Extending from the base 12 is a vertical support 14 having a first
end and a second end with the first end of the vertical support 14
secured to the base 12 by bolts, screws, welding, or other
fastening mechanism. The vertical support 14 preferably has a
bottom piece secured to the base 12 and a top piece slidably
receivable within the bottom piece allowing the height of the
vertical support 14 to be adjusted, as desired. Basically, the
length of the vertical support 14 is adjustable, i.e., telescoping,
allowing the user to determine the position of the various supports
by raising and lowering the vertical support 14 to accommodate
users of varying heights. The desired height of the vertical
support 14 is releasably secured in place with a tightening knob 16
or the like.
[0018] In addition, the exercise system 10 of the present invention
includes a rear support 18 having a first end and a second end with
the first end of the rear support 18 attached to the base 12 and
the second end of the support attached to the vertical support 14
at a point above the base 12. Preferably, the rear support 18
angles from the base 12 to the vertical support 14 providing better
securement of the vertical support 14 relative to the base 12 when
exercises are being performed, as will be described in further
detail below.
[0019] Furthermore, the exercise system 10 of the present invention
includes at least one lower resistance device 20 having a center
bar 24 with a resistance hook 22 on each end. The center bar 24 of
the lower resistance device 20 is slidably moveable along the rear
support 18 and releasably secured in place with a tightening knob
26 or the like. Preferably, the exercise system 10 includes a pair
of lower resistance devices 20. A resistance band 28 is releasably
attachable to each resistance hook 22 for providing resistance to
the lower body when exercises are being performed, as will be
described in further detail below.
[0020] The exercise system 10 of the present invention further
includes an elongated, rectangular-shaped padded back support 30
mounted to the vertical support 14 against which the user leans
their back and upper body when completing their work out. An
abdominal support cushion 32 can be releasably secured to the back
support 30 for use by female users while performing exercises
facing the exercise system 10 so their chest does not press up
against a chest support 30 mounted to the vertical support 14
directly above the abdominal support 32. In addition, a hand grip
34 can be mounted on each side of the back support 30 for grasping
by the user during exercise.
[0021] As stated, mounted above the back support 30 of the exercise
system 10 of the present invention is the chest support 34.
Preferably, the chest support 34 is mounted to a first shaft 36
moveable through a first sleeve 38 with the first sleeve 38 secured
to the vertical support 12 thereby allowing the chest support 34 to
move in a general direction away from and toward the vertical
support 14. The position of the chest support 34 relative to the
vertical support 14 is releasably secured in place with a
tightening knob 40 or the like.
[0022] The exercise system 10 of the present invention additionally
includes a head support 42 mounted to the second end of the
vertical support 14. The head support 42, like the chest support
34, is mounted to a second shaft 44 moveable through a second
sleeve 46 with the second sleeve 46 secured to the vertical support
14 thereby allowing the head support 42 to move in a general
direction away from and toward the vertical support 14. The
position of the head support 42 relative to the vertical support 14
is releasably secured in place with a tightening knob 48 or the
like. A resistance head band 50 can be provided to apply pressure
from the back of the head forcing the user to hold the head back
while performing exercises facing the exercise system 10.
[0023] In addition, the exercise system 10 of the present invention
includes an upper resistance device 52 having a center bar 54 with
a resistance hook 56 on each end. The center bar 54 of the upper
resistance device 52 is slidably moveable along the vertical
support 14 beneath the head support 42 and releasably secured in
place with a tightening knob 58 or the like. A resistance band 60
is releasably attachable to each resistance hook 56 of the upper
resistance device 52 for providing resistance to the upper body
when exercises are being performed, as will be described in further
detail below.
[0024] Further yet, the exercise system 10 of the present invention
includes an angel arm mounting sleeve 62 secured to the vertical
support 14, a first arm mounting shaft 64 slidably receivable in
one side of the angel arm mounting sleeve 62, and a second arm
mounting shaft 66 slidably receivable in the other side of the
angel arm mounting sleeve 62. The length of the first arm mounting
shaft 64 and the second arm mounting shaft 66 receivable within the
angel arm mounting sleeve 62 can be adjusted and releasably locked
in place via a tightening knob or the like.
[0025] The exercise system 10 of the present invention includes a
first exercise arm 68 having a first end and a second end and a
second exercise arm 70 having a first end and a second end. The
first end of the first exercise arm 68 receives at least a portion
of the first arm mounting shaft 64 and the second end of the second
exercise arm 70 receives at least a portion of the second arm
mounting shaft 66. The length of the first arm mounting shaft 64
and the second arm mounting shaft 66 receivable within the first
exercise arm 68 and the second exercise arm 70 can be adjusted and
releasably locked in place via tightening knobs or the like. A
hinge 72 is positioned in the first exercise arm 68 and the second
exercise arm 70 allowing the first exercise arm 68 and the second
exercise arm 70 to bend approximately ninety (90.degree.) degrees.
The angle of the bend can be releasably locked into place with a
pin or the like.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the first exercise arm 68 has a
first handle 74 slidably receivable in the second end of the first
exercise arm 68 and the second exercise arm 70 has a second handle
76 slidably receivable in the second end of the second exercise arm
70. A pin or the like is insertable in a series of alignable
apertures formed in both the first exercise arm 68 and the first
handle 74 and the second exercise arm 70 and the second handle 76
allowing the extent of the handles 74, 76 to be adjusted by the
user and making it easy laterally to raise (abduct) the arms over
the head. The handles 74, 76 preferably are directed in a downward
direction.
[0027] The manner of use of the exercise system 10 of the present
invention will now be described. It will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the manner of use of the exercise system 10
described herein is merely one method of use and other methods of
use of the exercise system 10 are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0028] In operation of the exercise system 10 of the present
invention, there are basically two main positions while performing
exercises. First, the exercise system 10 is height adjustable for
adjusting the height of the exercise system 10. The exercise system
10 can include an air shock for assisting the user for ease in
accomplishing their intended height. A tightening knob locks the
height of the vertical support of the exercise system 10 in place.
The user can either face the exercise system 10 or the user can put
their back against the exercise system 10 so that the user is
supported in the upright position. One of the main objectives
accomplished by users using the exercise system 10 supporting the
body in assuming a plumb line (i.e., standing straight up)
posture.
[0029] Exercises that are performed facing the exercise system 10
of the present invention, if the user is male, include positioning
the chest area against the chest support adjusted for the size of
the user. The user can also position the resistance head band
around the back of the head so it forces the user to hold the head
back. One of the common postural mistakes people make when
performing exercises is they flex their head forward and by having
the resistance head band applying constant pressure on the back of
the head is that it reminds the user to hold the head up and back,
as it strengthens the back and neck extensor muscles (the muscles
that hold upper body and head up.)
[0030] For female users of the exercise system 10 of the present
invention, the user mounts the abdominal support on the back
support for supporting their abdominal area, with their chest not
touching the chest piece. The user will also position the
resistance head band around the back of the head forcing the user
to stand up straight assuming plumb line posture while engaging in
the exercises.
[0031] With the user standing with the body facing the exercise
system 10 of the present invention in a supported perfect upright
position and the resistant band applying forward pressure on the
back of the head, the exercise system 10 forces the user to hold
the head back thereby creating a postural exercise. The exercise
system strengthens the muscles in the entire back and neck that are
fundamental for having correct, upright posture. As the user is
standing in an upright posture with the head and back engaging in
extension to stand up straight, there are also exercises of the
upper body to improve the strength and stability of the upper body
and shoulders.
[0032] The exercise system 10 of the present invention features
adjustable lower resistance tubing hooks on the lower and upper
parts that can also move up and down and lock in the desired
position that the user wants. The resistance tubing used is
approximately three (3') feet to four (4') feet in length and has
handles on both sides. The resistance tubing is wrapped around the
hooks on both sides of the exercise system 10 and the patient grabs
hold of the handles with each hand. A range of different exercises
are then performed overhead, arms straight out, and arms facing
straight down.
[0033] The exercises being performed while facing the exercise
system 10 of the present invention are all in the backward
direction which strengthens the muscle that will bring the
shoulders and upper body back (squeeze the shoulder blades back).
These muscles are called the "scapular retractor muscles" (muscles
used when the user squeezes the shoulder blades back.) The other
muscles focused on are the external rotator muscles of the
shoulder. These muscles simply allow the user to rotate the arms up
and back for strengthening the scapular retractors and the external
rotation muscles of the shoulders thereby counter balancing the
commonly stressed positions assumed during daily activities
consisting of excessive time on the computer, texting, and driving
in a vehicle. These daily activities cause the shoulders to
protract (go forward) and the internal rotator muscles (the muscles
that rotate the arms forward and down) to over compensate, which
leads to forward rounded, protracted shoulders, hunched posture,
and forward head posture. The goal of the exercise system 10 is to
work the muscles that do the exact opposite of the things done on
an everyday basis that cause these bad postures.
[0034] While performing exercises on the exercise system 10 of the
present invention with the user's back against the exercise system
10, the abdominal support (which is used for females) is removed
and the chest support is positioned all the way in so the supports
are flat allowing the user to put their back supported flat against
the exercise system 10. With the hips, back, and head supported
flat against the machine, the user can do a range of resistant
tubing exercises. The users have the option of wrapping the
resistance tubing around the lower resistance band hooks or around
the upper resistance band hooks. The users also have the option of
performing "angel arm exercises". The exercise system 10 has two
horizontal adjustable arms with grips for the user to grab. The
handles guide the patient while performing abduction (laterally
raising the arms over head) exercises.
[0035] The exercise system 10 of the present invention offers users
a number of significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the
exercise system 10 provides users a simple, efficient and
comfortable means of performing upper body range of motion
exercises. Enabling the user to easily complete abduction or "angel
arm" exercises, without causing strain and injury to themselves,
the exercise system 10 allows the user to complete this exercise in
a smooth and easy fashion. As such, use of the exercise system 10
spares the user the strain and discomfort associated with
performing this exercise in the traditional manner. Eliminating the
strain to the shoulders, upper back and arms so often associated
with attempting to improve range of motion when in less that
optimal physical shape, the exercise system 10 enables users to
exercise their upper body safely and with ease. Further, by
controlling the motion of the arms, via the integrated first
exercise arm 34 and the second exercise arm 40 and handgrips 50,
56, use of the exercise system 10 ensures that the exercise was
executed properly, as well as in a smooth and even manner.
Increasing stability and improving posture, the exercise system 10
serves to improve the user's muscle tone, facilitating optimal
overall health. Ideal for use by any exercise enthusiast, the
exercise system 10 also proves an invaluable therapy tool for those
who suffer limited mobility or are recovering from injury.
[0036] The exercise system 10 of the present invention offers
exercise enthusiasts and those receiving from injury a practical
way in which to complete range of motion exercises. Fully
adjustable and easily operated, the exercise system 10 proves an
invaluable commodity to anyone concerned with toning and building
the upper body.
[0037] The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative
preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained
in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications
and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has
been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood
by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and
detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit
and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present
invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded
by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may
be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which
are disclosed herein.
* * * * *