U.S. patent application number 16/393391 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-29 for weighted glute bridge apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Arsenal Strength LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Arsenal Strength LLC. Invention is credited to Richard Andrew Hall, Bradley J. Holt.
Application Number | 20200338391 16/393391 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004049266 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-29 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200338391 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Richard Andrew ; et
al. |
October 29, 2020 |
WEIGHTED GLUTE BRIDGE APPARATUS
Abstract
An apparatus for use in performing a weighted glute bridge
exercise. A back support contacts a user's back and a foot support
contacts at least one of the user's feet, with each supporting a
portion of the user's weight. A rigid elongate arm is mounted
adjacent the back support at a pivot point. A hip bar is connected
to the elongate arm and is configured to contact a user's hip
region throughout the exercise. When the user moves from a hip
flexed position to a hip extended position, the elongate arm moves
from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position. A
resistance loading area connected to the elongate arm applies a
resistance force directly onto the user's hip region that opposes
the motion. Reversing the motion moves the elongate arm from the
second pivotal position back to the first pivotal position and
completes the repetition.
Inventors: |
Hall; Richard Andrew;
(Knoxville, TN) ; Holt; Bradley J.; (Knoxville,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Arsenal Strength LLC |
Knoxville |
TN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Arsenal Strength LLC
Knoxville
TN
|
Family ID: |
1000004049266 |
Appl. No.: |
16/393391 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00058 20130101;
A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 21/4027 20151001; A63B 23/0405
20130101; A63B 21/4023 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/04 20060101
A63B023/04; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for use in performing a weighted glute bridge
exercise where a user alternates between a hip flexed position and
a hip extended position, the apparatus comprising: a back support
configured to contact a user's back and to support a portion of the
user's weight; a foot support configured to contact at least one of
the user's feet and to support a portion of the user's weight when
the user's back is supported by the back support; a rigid elongate
arm pivotally mounted adjacent a left side or a right side of the
back support at a pivot point; a hip bar connected to the elongate
arm at a hip bar connection and configured to contact the user's
hip region throughout the exercise such that (i) when the user
moves from the hip flexed position to the hip extended position,
the elongate arm pivots about the pivot point from a first pivotal
position to a second pivotal position in a first direction and (ii)
when the user moves from the hip extended position to the hip
flexed position, the elongate arm pivots about the pivot point from
the second pivotal position to the first pivotal position in a
second direction; and a resistance loading area for applying a
resistance force to the elongate arm that resists pivotal movement
of the elongate arm in the first direction, wherein the resistance
loading area is disposed on the elongate arm in line with and
vertically above the user's hip region such that the resistance
force is applied substantially directly downwards at the user's hip
region throughout the entire weighted glute bridge exercise.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rigid elongate arm
comprises a rigid elongate arm pivotally mounted adjacent both
sides of the back support and the hip bar is connected between the
elongate arms.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2 further wherein each of the
elongate arms has a first portion located on one side of the pivot
point and a second portion located on an opposite side of the pivot
point that is closer to the foot support than the first portion of
the elongate arm, wherein the hip bar is connected between the
second portions of the elongate arms and is configured to be
selectively disconnected from at least one of the elongate
arms.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein a rigid connection
member connects the first portions of the elongate arms together
such that the elongate arms pivot simultaneously with one another
during the exercise.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein a hinged side of the
hip bar is hinge mounted to one of the elongate arms such that the
hip bar may swing between an open position and a closed position
and wherein, when the hip bar is in the closed position, a locking
side of the hip bar is configured to be removably connected to the
other elongate arm via a lock that moves between an unlocked
position, where the hip bar is configured to be pivoted about the
hinge to the open position, and a locked position, where the hip
bar is prevented from being pivoted about the hinge to the open
position.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5 further comprising: a first
tube disposed on the elongate arm the is located proximate the
locking side of the hip bar; a second tube disposed on the back
support that aligns with the first tube when the hip bar is in the
closed position; and a sliding bolt that is configured to slide
through the first and second tubes, wherein, when the lock is in
the locked position, a portion of the sliding bolt is located in
each of the first and second tubes, and wherein, when the lock is
in the unlocked position, the sliding bolt is located in only one
of the first and second tubes.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the resistance loading
area is an elongate post extending laterally outwards from the
elongate arm that is configured to receive weight plates.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7 further comprising: rigid
elongate arms are pivotally mounted adjacent both sides of the back
support; a resistance loading area for applying a separate
resistance force to each the elongate arm, wherein each resistance
loading area is an elongate post extending laterally outwards from
the elongate arm that is configured to receive weight plates,
wherein each of the elongate arms has a first portion located on
one side of the pivot point and a second portion located on an
opposite side of the pivot point that is closer to the foot support
than the first portion of the elongate arm, wherein the hip bar is
connected between the second portions of the elongate arms and
wherein elongate posts are concentrically aligned with the hip
bar.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the back support and
the foot support remain fixed in place throughout the exercise.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the foot support
includes a first end and a hinged second end such that the first
end of the foot support is configured to be raised and lowered
about the hinged second end and fixed in at least two
positions.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
pivot-limiting leg having a first end mounted to the elongate arm
and a second end that is configured to contact a bearing surface
once the elongate arm has pivoted sufficiently far enough about the
pivot point in the second direction and, through that contact, to
automatically prevent further pivot of the elongate arm about the
pivot point in the second direction.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a catch
that (i) when engaged, statically holds the elongate arm in a
pivotal position that is between the first pivotal position and the
second pivotal position and (ii) when disengaged, allows the
elongate arm to freely pivot between the first pivotal position and
the second pivotal position.
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12 wherein the catch comprises:
an arm that is pivotally mounted at one end between the back
support and the foot support and that pivots about the one end
between an engaged position and a disengaged position; a cradle
formed at an opposite end of the arm, wherein the catch is engaged
by moving the arm to the engaged position and placing the elongate
arm into the cradle such that the elongate arm is statically held
between the first pivotal position and the second pivotal position,
and wherein the catch is disengaged by pivoting the elongate arm in
the first direction to remove the elongate arm from the cradle and
moving the arm to the disengaged position.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: rigid
elongate arms that are pivotally mounted adjacent both sides of the
back support; a catch located on each side of the back support
adjacent an elongate arm that (i) when engaged, statically holds
the elongate arm in a pivotal position that is between the first
pivotal position and the second pivotal position and (ii) when
disengaged, allows the elongate arm to freely pivot between the
first pivotal position and the second pivotal position; and a
linkage connecting the two catches together, such that engaging or
disengaging one catch automatically engages or disengages the
opposite catch, respectively.
15. An apparatus for use in performing a weighted glute bridge
exercise where a user alternates between a hip flexed position and
a hip extended position, the apparatus comprising: a back support
having left and right sides, a front and a back and configured to
be contacted by the user's back and to support a portion of the
user's weight; a foot support configured to be contacted by at
least one of the user's feet and to support a portion of the user's
weight when the user's back is supported by the back support; a
pivoting enclosure surrounding the left and right sides and the
front of the back support, the pivoting enclosure formed by:
elongate arms that are pivotally mounted adjacent the left and
right sides of the back support; a hip bar connected between the
elongate arms separating the back support and foot support; and a
resistance loading area for applying a resistance force to the
pivoting enclosure that resists pivotal movement of the pivoting
enclosure in at least one direction, wherein the hip bar is aligned
with the hip region of the user when the user's back is supported
by the back support and the user's at least one foot is supported
by the foot support, wherein the pivoting enclosure pivots in a
first pivotal direction and the hip bar moves away from the foot
support when the hip bar is in contact with the user's hip region
and the user moves to the hip extended position. wherein the
pivoting enclosure pivots in a second pivotal direction and the hip
bar moves towards the foot support when the hip bar is in contact
with the user's hip region and the user moves to the hip flexed
position.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the resistance loading area
includes a post extending laterally outwards from at least one of
said elongate arms that is configured to receive weight plates.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein a post that is configured to
receive weight plates extends laterally outwards from each of said
elongate arms and wherein the posts and the hip bar are collinear
with each other.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein one end of the hip bar is
configured to selectively disconnect and swing away from one of the
elongate arms to provide an opening for the user to enter the
pivoting enclosure.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the elongate arms include a
first portion that extend rearward behind the back of the back
support and a second portion that extends forwards in front of the
back support, and wherein a rigid connecting member is located
behind the back of the back support and rigidly connects the
elongate arms together such that the elongate arms pivot
simultaneously with one another.
20. A method for performing a weighted glute bridge exercise
comprising the steps of: A. providing a glute bridge apparatus
comprising: a. a back support having left and right sides, a front
and a back; b. a foot support; c. a pivoting enclosure surrounding
the left and right sides and the front of the back support, the
pivoting enclosure formed by: i. elongate arms that are pivotally
mounted adjacent the left and right sides of the back support; ii.
a hip bar connected between the elongate arms separating the back
support and foot support that is configured to be contacted by a
user's hip region and to pivot the pivoting enclosure in a first
pivotal direction when the user's hips are moved in a first
direction and to pivot the pivoting enclosure in a second pivotal
direction when the user's hips are moved in a second direction; and
d. a resistance loading area for applying a resistance force that
resists pivotal movement of the pivoting enclosure in at least one
pivotal direction, B. placing the user into the glute bridge
apparatus such that the user's back contacts the back support and a
portion of the user's weight is supported by the back support, at
least one of the user's feet contacts the foot support and a
portion of the user's weight is supported by the foot support, and
the hip bar is in contact with the user's hip region; C. with the
hip bar contacting the user's hip region, the user moving to the
hip extended position such that the pivoting enclosure pivots in
the first pivotal direction and the hip bar moves away from the
foot support; and D. with the hip bar contacting the user's hip
region, the user moving to the hip flexed position such that the
pivoting enclosure pivots in the second pivotal direction and the
hip bar moves towards the foot support.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a strength
training apparatus. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a strength training apparatus for performing a hip
thrust exercise for training the gluteus ("glute") muscles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A common exercise routine used by athletes to train and
specifically target their glute muscles is known as the "glute
bridge" exercise. During the typical glute bridge exercise, the
athlete places her back and at least one of her feet on a
supporting surface to support her weight. Her back and foot remain
in contact with these support surfaces throughout the entire
exercise. In the concentric phase of the exercise, the athlete
pushes her hips forward while contracting her glute muscles (the
"up" or "hip extended" position). In this up position, the
athlete's upper body and upper leg (i.e., femur) are aligned and
form a substantially straight line or an angle of approximately
180.degree. is formed at the athlete's hips and extends from the
athlete's shoulders to her knees. In the eccentric phase of the
exercise, the athlete flexes her hips rearwards and relaxes her
glute muscles (the "down" or "hip flexed" position). In this down
position, the athlete's upper body and upper leg are approximately
orthogonal to one another such that an approximate angle of
90.degree. is formed at the athlete's hips by her torso and
femur.
[0003] In its simplest form, the glute bridge may be performed on
the floor or other ground surface without any equipment. In that
case, the athlete's shoulders and feet are supported by the ground
surface. One disadvantage to performing the glute bridge exercise
with back and feet supported by surfaces on the same plane (i.e.,
both supported by the ground) is that it provides limited range of
motion, which limits the effectiveness of the exercise. One way to
improve the effectiveness of the exercise routine through
increasing the range of motion is for the athlete to place her back
on a support surface that is on a different plane (typically a
higher plane) from the surface supporting her feet, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2. This variety of the glute bridge, where the back is
elevated with respect to the feet, is often called a "hip thrust."
In FIG. 1, the athlete's back is supported by a bench and his feet
are supported by the floor. He is in the down or hip flexed
position and an angle of approximately 90.degree. is formed at his
hip by his torso and femur. An angle of approximately 90.degree. is
also formed at his knee by his femur and tibia (shin bone). In FIG.
2, the athlete's back is still supported by the bench and his feet
are still supported by the floor. He is in the up or hip extended
position and an angle of approximately 180.degree. is formed at his
hip by his torso and femur. However, an angle of approximately
90.degree. is still formed at his knee by his femur and tibia. This
approximate 90.degree. angle formed at the knee remains constant
throughout the exercise.
[0004] The difficulty of the glute bridge exercise may be increased
by applying resistance to the movement of the athlete's hips.
Often, this is accomplished by placing a barbell across the
athlete's hips, which the athlete must then raise during the
concentric phase of the exercise, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
However, a disadvantage of performing a weighted glute bridge using
a free barbell is that balancing the weight can be difficult,
particularly for novice athletes. Additionally, because the motion
of the barbell is unrestricted, it may travel along different
motion paths from one repetition to the next, which can impact its
effectiveness and the consistency of results.
[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is a method and apparatus that
offers the advantages of performing an elevated glute bridge
exercise (hip thrust) that addresses the disadvantages discussed
above.
Notes on Construction
[0006] The use of the terms "a", "an", "the" and similar terms in
the context of describing embodiments of the invention are to be
construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The
terms "comprising", "having", "including" and "containing" are to
be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not
limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The terms "substantially",
"generally" and other words of degree are relative modifiers
intended to indicate permissible variation from the characteristic
so modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or
functional characteristic of the invention is not intended to limit
such characteristic to the absolute value which the term modifies,
but rather to provide an approximation of the value of such
physical or functional characteristic.
[0007] Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as
"attached", "connected" and "interconnected", refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both moveable and rigid attachments or
relationships, unless otherwise specified herein or clearly
indicated as having a different relationship by context. The term
"operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as
intended by virtue of that relationship.
[0008] The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g.,
"such as" and "preferably") herein is intended merely to better
illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof, and
not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in
the specification should be construed as indicating any element as
essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with
specificity.
[0009] The term "femur angle" is relative to a linear approximation
of the user's spine. The "hip region" is located generally on the
front of the user's body and extends generally from the top of the
hipbone downwards to approximately midpoint of the femur. The term
"hip flexed position" means that the user's hips are generally
flexed rearward and (i) the user has a femur angle of approximately
90.degree., (ii) the user's back is supported by a back support,
and (iii) the user's foot of the leg whose femur is angled at
approximately 90.degree. is supported by a foot support. The term
"hip extended position" means that the user's hips are generally
extended forward and (i) the user has a femur angle of
approximately 180.degree., (ii) the user's back is supported by a
back support, and (iii) the user's foot of the leg whose femur is
angled at approximately 180.degree. is supported by a foot
support.
SUMMARY
[0010] The above and other needs are met by an apparatus for use in
performing a weighted glute bridge exercise where a user alternates
between a hip flexed position and a hip extended position. The
apparatus includes a back support that contacts a user's back and
supports a portion of the user's weight and a foot support that
contacts at least one of the user's feet and also supports a
portion of the user's weight when the user's back is supported by
the back support. The back support and the foot support remain
fixed in place throughout the exercise. However, in certain
preferred embodiments, the foot support includes a first end and a
hinged second end such that the first end of the foot support may
be raised and lowered about the hinged second end and fixed in at
least two positions.
[0011] A rigid elongate arm is pivotally mounted adjacent a left
side or a right side of the back support at a pivot point. A hip
bar is connected to the elongate arm at a hip bar connection and is
configured to contact the user's hip region throughout the
exercise. When the user moves from the hip flexed position to the
hip extended position, the elongate arm moves from a first pivotal
position to a second pivotal position (in a first direction). When
the user moves from the hip extended position to the hip flexed
position, the elongate arm moves from the second pivotal position
back to the first pivotal position (in a second direction). A
resistance loading area may be used to optionally apply a
resistance force to the elongate arm that resists pivotal movement
of the elongate arm in the first direction to increase the
difficulty of the exercise. The resistance loading area is located
on the elongate arm near the hip bar connection such that the
resistance force is applied substantially directly onto the user's
hip region in order to closely replicate conventional weight hip
thrust exercises.
[0012] In certain preferred embodiments, rigid elongate arms are
pivotally mounted adjacent both sides of the back support and the
hip bar is connected between the elongate arms. Each of the
elongate arms has a first portion located on one side of the pivot
point and a second portion located on an opposite side of the pivot
point that is closer to the foot support than the first portion of
the elongate arm. The hip bar is preferably connected between the
second portions of the elongate arms and may be selectively
disconnected from at least one of the elongate arms. A rigid
connection member connects the first portions of the elongate arms
together such that the elongate arms pivot simultaneously with one
another during the exercise.
[0013] According to certain embodiments, a hinged side of the hip
bar is hinge mounted to one of the elongate arms such that the hip
bar may swing between an open position and a closed position. When
the hip bar is in the closed position, a locking side of the hip
bar (located opposite the hinged side) may be removably connected
to the other elongate arm via a lock. The lock moves between an
unlocked position, where the hip bar may be pivoted about the hinge
to the open position, and a locked position, where the hip bar is
prevented from being pivoted about the hinge to the open position.
The lock may include a first tube located on the elongate arm that
is located proximate the locking side of the hip bar. In that case,
a corresponding second tube is also located on the back support and
it aligns with the first tube when the hip bar is in the closed
position. A sliding bolt is configured to slide through the first
and second tubes. When the lock is in the locked position, a
portion of the sliding bolt is located in each of the first and
second tubes. When the lock is in the unlocked position, the
sliding bolt is located in only one of the first and second
tubes.
[0014] In certain preferred embodiments, the resistance loading
area is an elongate post extending laterally outwards from the
elongate arm that is configured to receive weight plates. In
certain embodiments, rigid elongate arms are pivotally mounted
adjacent both sides of the back support and resistance loading
areas are provided on each elongate arm. The resistance loading
areas preferably allow a separate resistance force to be applied to
each of the elongate arms. In preferred embodiments, each
resistance loading area is an elongate post extending laterally
outwards from the elongate arm that is configured to receive weight
plates. The elongate arms have a first portion located on one side
of the pivot point and a second portion located on an opposite side
of the pivot point that is closer to the foot support than the
first portion of the elongate arm. Preferably, the hip bar is
connected between the second portions of the elongate arms and the
elongate posts are concentrically aligned with the hip bar to
closely replicate the appearance and performance characteristics of
a conventional weight hip thrust exercises with a barbell.
[0015] Certain embodiments of the apparatus are provided with a
pivot-limiting leg. A first end of the pivot-limiting leg is
mounted to the elongate arm and a second end is configured to
contact a bearing surface once the elongate arm has pivoted
sufficiently far enough about the pivot point in the second
direction. Through that contact, the pivot-limiting leg
automatically prevents further pivoting of the elongate arm about
the pivot point in the second direction.
[0016] Certain embodiments of the apparatus includes a catch that
(i) when engaged, statically holds the elongate arm in a pivotal
position that is between the first pivotal position and the second
pivotal position and (ii) when disengaged, allows the elongate arm
to freely pivot between the first pivotal position and the second
pivotal position. Preferably, the catch includes an arm that is
pivotally mounted at one end between the back support and the foot
support and that pivots about the one end between an engaged
position and a disengaged position. A cradle is formed near an end
of the arm that is opposite the pivot point. The catch is engaged
by pivoting the arm to the engaged position and placing the
elongate arm into the cradle such that the elongate arm is
statically held between the first pivotal position and the second
pivotal position. The catch is disengaged by pivoting the elongate
arm in the first direction to remove the elongate arm from the
cradle and moving the arm to the disengaged position. In certain
embodiments, rigid elongate arms are pivotally mounted adjacent
both sides of the back support and a catch is located on each side
of the back support to support an elongate arm, as described above.
Preferably, a linkage connects the two catches together, such that
engaging or disengaging one catch will also automatically engage or
disengage the opposite catch, respectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Further advantages of the invention are apparent by
reference to the detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more
clearly show the details, wherein like reference numerals represent
like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0018] FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an athlete performing a conventional
glute bridge exercise using a bench and a barbell free weight;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view depicting an exercise
apparatus for performing a weighted glute bridge according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
3;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a left-side elevation view of the apparatus of
FIG. 3 in the "up" position;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a left-side elevation view of the apparatus of
FIG. 3 in the "down" position;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3
illustrating a swing away hip bar;
[0024] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 with a
back support, foot support, middle support, hip bar removed to
illustrate supporting structures for these components;
[0025] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0026] FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of the apparatus of FIG.
3;
[0027] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line "11-11" in FIG.
7 illustrating an at least partially hollow bar extending along the
width of the apparatus;
[0028] FIG. 12 is a detail view of the portion of the apparatus
marked "FIG. 12" in FIG. 10;
[0029] FIG. 13 is a detail view of the portion of the apparatus
marked "FIG. 13" in FIG. 10;
[0030] and
[0031] FIGS. 14 and 15 depict an athlete performing a glute bridge
exercise using the apparatus of FIG. 3 according to a method of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, there is provided an apparatus
100 for use in performing a weighted glute bridge exercise
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus
100 generally includes a back support 102 and a foot support 104,
at least one rigid elongate arm 106 extending at least partially
along the length of the apparatus, a hip bar 108 extending at least
partially across the width of the apparatus, and at least one
resistance loading area 110. To use the apparatus 100, a user first
assumes the hip flexed positioned by placing his back against the
back support 102, his feet on the foot support 104, and his hip
region under the hip bar 108. Next, the user brings his hip region
into contact with the hip bar 108 and, by pressing his hips
upwards, moves from the hip flexed position to the hip extended
position. During this motion, the elongate arm 106 pivots upwards
away from the foot support 104 in a first direction A from a first
pivotal position to a second pivotal position. The user then moves
from the hip extended position to the hip flexed position by
lowering his hips and allowing the hip bar 108 to be lowered
towards the foot support 104. During this movement, the elongate
arm 106 pivots in a second direction B from the second pivotal
position to the first pivotal position, which completes the
repetition.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a
supporting frame or base 112 that is placed onto a ground surface.
The base has a front 114, rear 116, left side 118, and right side
120. Risers 122 extend generally vertically upwards from the left
and right sides 118, 120 at the rear 116 of the base 112. The back
support 102 is mounted between the two risers 122 at approximately
2/3 the height of the risers. The back support 102 is configured to
contact a user's back and to support a portion of the user's
weight. In this embodiment, the back support is formed by a rod
(128, shown in FIG. 8) that is rigidly mounted between the risers
122 and that is covered by a padded outer covering.
[0034] The foot support 104 is a plate-like surface that preferably
extends from just in front of the hip bar 108 to the front 114 of
the base 112. Preferably, the foot support 104 includes a first end
104A and a hinged second end 104B that is closer to the back
support 102 than the first end. Preferably, the first end 104A of
the foot support 104 may be raised and lowered about the hinged
second end 104B and fixed in at least two positions.
[0035] As shown best in FIGS. 5 and 9, a hinge 130 connects the
second end 104B of the foot support 104 to the to the base 112 to
allow the first end 104A to be raised and lowered about the second
end. One end of a collapsible leg 132 is mounted near the first end
104A of the foot support 104 by another hinge 130. The opposite end
of the collapsible leg 132 is mounted to rods 134 that extend
through each of the left and right sides 118, 120 of the base 112.
Ends of the rods 134 extend out of corresponding slots 136 that are
formed in each of the left and right sides 118, 120 of the base 112
and guide the motion of the rod along the slot and their enlarged
ends secure the rod in the slot. When the rod 134 is positioned at
the end of the slot 136 nearest the first end 104A of the foot
support 104, the foot support is held at an inclined angle. When
the rod 134 is positioned at the end of the slot 136 nearest the
second end 104B of the foot support 104, the foot support is held
substantially horizontally. Preferably, in the inclined position,
the foot support 104 is inclined approximately 5.degree.-20.degree.
from the horizontal position. More preferably, in the inclined
position, the foot support 104 is inclined approximately 10.degree.
from the horizontal position. In other embodiments, the foot
support 104 may be fixed at three or more positions, including a
horizontal position and at least two different inclined positions.
In still other embodiments, the angle of incline of the foot
support 104 is infinitely adjustable.
[0036] Preferably, a handle 138 is provided on the foot support 104
to facilitate raising and lowering the foot support. The slot 136
and hinge 130 are preferably configured such that pulling upwards
on the handle 138 to lift the foot support 104 automatically causes
the rod 134 to slide along the slot and, once the handle is
released, to automatically be seated at the end of the slot nearest
the first end 104A of the foot support 104, such that the foot
support is held at an inclined angle. To lower the foot support
104, the first end 104A is first raised and then the rod 134 is
pushed rearward along the slot 136 towards the second end 104B of
the foot support. Since both rods 134 are connected to the same
hinge 130, which acts as a linkage, moving a rod on one side of the
apparatus 100 (e.g., the right side) also simultaneously moves the
rod on the opposite side of the apparatus (e.g., the left side).
This allows the angle of incline of the foot support 104 to be
adjusted from either the left or right side of the apparatus
100.
[0037] The foot support 104 is configured to contact at least one
of the user's feet and to support a portion of the user's weight
when the user's back is supported by the back support 102. As
discussed above, the foot support 104 is preferably a plate-like
surface. However, in other embodiments, the foot support 104 could
be a ground, floor, or other surface. To mimic the elevated hip
thrust discussed above, the back support 102 and foot support 104
are preferably located on two different vertical planes (i.e., the
back support is vertically higher than the foot support). More
preferably, the top of the back support 102 is raised to a vertical
height above the foot support 104 by a distance that replicates the
height difference between the top of a standard weightlifting bench
and the ground surface that it rests on (approximately 18'' to
approximately 24''). In some embodiments, either of the back
support 102 and foot support 104 may be moved, pivoted, rotated. An
example of a pivoting foot support 104 is described below. However,
the back support 102 and foot support 10 preferably remain fixed in
place throughout the exercise in order to provide a stable support
surface for the user.
[0038] Referring again to FIGS. 3-6, the rigid elongate arms 106
are pivotally mounted adjacent a left side or a right side of the
back support 102 at a pivot point 124 that is located on the
outside surface of the risers 122. Due to their being pivotally
mounted at one end, the motion of the elongate arms 106 is
constrained to an up and down circular path about the pivot point
124. As a result, the motion path of each repetition of the glute
raise remains consistent, which provides more consistent results
than the convention glute raise discussed above. It is possible for
the elongate arms 106 to each pivot about their respective pivot
points 124 independently of one another. However, in preferred
embodiments, the elongate arms 106 pivot simultaneously with one
another during the exercise. To ensure that the elongate arms 106
pivot simultaneously with one another, a rigid connection member
126 connects the two elongate arms together. More particularly,
each elongate arm 106 includes a first portion 106A that is located
on one side of the pivot point 124 and a second portion 106B
located on an opposite side of the pivot point that is closer to
the foot support 104 than the first portion of the elongate arm.
The rigid connection member 126 is connected between the first
portions 106A of the elongate arms 106. Thus, the rigid connecting
member 126 is spaced sufficiently far enough behind the back
support 102 that it does not interfere with the user while they
perform the exercise.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the hip bar 108 is connected
between the second portions 106B of the elongate arms 106 via a hip
bar connection 140. The hip bar 108 is located between the back
support 102 and the foot support 104 and is positioned such that it
contacts the user's hip region when the user's back is supported by
the back support 102 and at least one of the user's feet is
supported by the foot support 104. The user's hip region remains in
contact with the hip bar 108 throughout the exercise. When the user
moves from the hip flexed position to the hip extended position,
the elongate arm 106 moves from a first pivotal position to a
second pivotal position. When the user moves from the hip extended
position to the hip flexed position, the elongate arm 106 moves
from the second pivotal position to the first pivotal position. In
some embodiments, a separate hip bar 108 extends from each of the
hip bar connections 140 located on the left and right sides of the
apparatus 100. In that case, each hip bar would contact one side
(i.e., left or right) of the athlete's hip region during the
exercise. However, more preferably, a single hip bar 108 extends
across the width of the apparatus 100 and is connected at opposing
ends between the hip bar connections 140. Thus, a pivoting
enclosure that surrounds at least the left and right sides and the
front of the back support 102 is formed by the elongate arms 106
and the hip bar 108. When the apparatus 100 is equipped with the
rigid connection member 126, it also forms part of the pivoting
enclosure and surrounds the back of the back support 102. The
pivoting enclosure surrounds the user's upper body during the
exercise and pivots, as a single unite about the pivot points
124.
[0040] As discussed above, to perform the exercise, the user first
assumes the hip flexed position with his hip region located below
the hip bar 108. To accomplish this, the user may first step into
the pivoting enclosure between the back support 102 and hip bar 108
and then seat himself on a middle support 142, which may be
provided with a padded seat 144. Once seated, the user then
positions his back against the back support 102 and his feet onto
the foot support 104, raises his hip region to the hip 108, and
begins the exercise.
[0041] However, more preferably, at least one side of the hip bar
108 may be selectively disconnected from at least one of the
elongate arms 106 in order to provide more convenient access to the
pivoting enclosure. For example, in some embodiments, both sides of
the hip bar 108 may be disconnected from the elongate arms 106 via
a removable hip bar connection 140. In other embodiments, only one
side of the hip bar 108 is disconnected. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 7, the hip bar 108 is provided with a hinged
hip bar connection located on one side of the hip bar and a locking
hip bar connection located on the opposite side of the hip bar.
This hinged and locking hip bar may swing open on one side to
provide an opening to allow the user more convenient access to the
pivoting enclosure.
[0042] More detailed views of the hinged hip bar connection and the
locking hip bar connection are provided in FIGS. 10-13. The hip bar
108 swings between an open and closed position. When the hip bar
108 is in the closed position, the locking side (FIG. 12) of the
hip bar may be removably connected to the adjacent elongate arm 106
via a lock. The lock moves between an unlocked position, where the
hip bar 108 may be pivoted about the hinged side (FIG. 13) to the
open position, and a locked position, where the hip bar is
prevented from being pivoted about the hinged side to the open
position. In this particular embodiment, the lock is formed by a
pair of tubes 146, including one tube in the hip bar 108 and
another tube mounted to the elongate arm 106, whose open ends align
when the hip bar is in the closed position and a sliding bolt 148
that slides through the tubes. In the illustrated embodiment, a
handle 150 extends through a slot 152 formed in one of the tubes
146 and connects to the bolt 146. To engage the lock, the user
aligns the open ends of the tubes 146, grasps the handle 150, and
slides the bolt 148 to the right (as shown in FIG. 12) along the
slot 152 until a portion of the bolt is located in each of the
tubes. To disengage the lock, the user grasps the handle 150 and
slides the bolt 148 to the left (as shown in FIG. 12) along the
slot 152 until the bolt is located in only one of the tubes.
[0043] As discussed above, the difficulty of the glute bridge
exercise may be increased by applying resistance to the movement of
the athlete's hips. Traditionally, this is done by placing a
weighted barbell across the athlete's hip region. Accordingly, in
preferred embodiments, the apparatus 100 is provided with the
resistance loading area 110, which may be used for applying a
resistance force to the user's hip region. Referring again to FIGS.
3-6, the resistance loading area 110 is located on the elongate arm
106 near the hip bar connection 140 such that the resistance force
is transmitted to the hip bar 108 and is applied substantially
directly onto the user's hip region throughout the entire exercise.
That resistance force resists pivotal movement of the elongate arm
106 as the user extends his hips forward. Applying the resistance
force directly over the user's hip region (rather than at some
distance spaced away from the hip region) causes the performance of
the glute bridge exercise using the apparatus 100 to more closely
resemble performing conventional glute bridge exercises with a
weighted barbell placed across the user's hip region.
[0044] The resistance loading area 110 and the type of resistance
applied may take many forms. For example, a resistance band could
be connected between the elongate arm and the base 112 via hooks
that are located on each structure. Alternatively, one end of a
cable could be connected to the elongate arm 106 at the resistance
loading area 110. The cable could then be routed to a weight stack
using known methods to provide an easily adjustable resistance
load. In the illustrated embodiment, the resistance loading area
110 is an elongate post that extends laterally outwards from the
elongate arm 106 and that is configured to receive weight
plates.
[0045] In order to more closely replicate the feel and performance
of conventional weighted glute bridge exercises, the apparatus 100
preferably includes a pair of elongate posts 110 that extend
laterally outwards in opposite directions from the elongate arms
106. These posts are preferably concentrically aligned with the hip
bar 108 (i.e., they are collinear or placed along a straight line).
The arrangement gives the appearance and performance
characteristics (i.e., motion path) of having a traditional
weighted barbell placed across the athlete's hip area.
[0046] The presently-disclosed apparatus 100 may be provided with a
number of optional safety and convenience features that are not
available when performing the glute bridge according to
conventional methods. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, certain
preferred embodiments of the apparatus 100 may include a
pivot-limiting leg 154 that is rigidly mounted underneath the
elongate arm 106 and that pivots with the arm. In this particular
embodiment, the hip bar 108 is indirectly mounted to arms 106 by
being directly mounted to leg 154 via hip bar connection 140. The
pivot-limiting leg 154 automatically limits the distance that the
pivoting enclosure can pivot in the second direction B as the
athlete lowers his hips to hip flexed position. A first (top) end
of the pivot-limiting leg 154 is fixedly mounted to the elongate
arm 106. The leg 154 extends downwards from this mounting location
and is sized such that, in the event the elongate arm 106 pivots
downwards too far (such as during an accidental drop), a second
(bottom) end the leg contacts a bearing surface and prevents the
arm from pivoting further. Among other things, the pivot-limiting
leg 154 is intended to prevent the hip bar 108 from falling onto
and pinning the athlete against the base 112. The bearing surface
that the pivot-limiting leg could be a ground surface that the
apparatus 100 rests on, the apparatus itself, or some other
surface. Preferably, the bottom end of leg 154 is protected by a
pad 156, such as a rubberized bumper.
[0047] Additionally, in some preferred embodiments, the apparatus
100 may include a catch that contacts a portion of the pivoting
enclosure and that holds the pivoting enclosure between the first
pivotal position and the second pivotal position. The catch is used
between exercise sets to hold the hip bar 108 (and leg 154) in a
raised position away from the base 112 and the pivoting enclosure
at a slightly pivoted position. Having the hip bar 108 spaced away
from the base 112 facilitates the athlete's entry and exit of the
apparatus 100. Having the pivoting enclosure at a slightly pivoted
position makes beginning and ending the exercise more comfortable
and controlled.
[0048] The catch may take any form that is capable of holding the
pivoting enclosure in a partially pivoted position away. For
example, a spring-loaded or detent pin could be configured to
engage an opening formed in the elongate arm. In other cases, the
catch could take the form of a brake mounted to the pivot points
124. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the catch is a bar
that, when swung to a vertical position, contacts and vertically
supports a lower portion of the pivoting enclosure. More
particularly, the catch includes an elongate bar 158 having a
bottom end that is pivotally mounted to a lower portion of the
frame 112 to enable the bar to swing rearwards towards the back
support 102 to an angled and disengaged position. When disengaged,
the bar 158 is preferably supported by an angled rest 160 that is
also mounted to a lower portion of the frame 112. The bar 158 also
swings forward about its pivotal mounting point to a substantially
vertical and engaged position. A cradle 162 is located on a forward
face of the bar 158 (i.e., on the side nearest the foot support
104). When the bar 158 is engaged, the cradle 162 is positioned
under and vertically supports a post 164 that extends laterally
outwards from the side of the elongate arm 106 (or, in this
particular case, the leg 154 mounted to the elongate arm 106),
which supports the pivoting enclosure in a slightly pivoted
location.
[0049] The bar 158 is mounted between the back support 102 and the
foot support 104. Preferably, the bar 158 is sized and configured
such that it may always be easily grasped by a user in either the
engaged or disengaged position when that user's back is on the back
support 102 and his feet are on the foot support 104. Therefore, as
a safety and convenience feature, the bar 158 and post 164 are
sized and positioned such that the bar cannot swing beyond the post
164. Therefore, in order to swing the bar 158 forward, it must be
engaged and placed under the post 164. In this case, the bar 158
extends upwards past the post 164 and the post 164 extends outward
from the leg 154 far enough that the two will always contact one
another when the bar swings forward. In preferred embodiments,
catches are located on both sides of the apparatus 100 in order to
provide added safety (i.e., higher weight capacity) and stability
or balance. Additionally, as shown best in FIGS. 8 and 9, a linkage
166 extends through the base 112 below the middle support 142 and
rigidly connects the two catches together. As such, engaging or
disengaging one catch automatically engages or disengages the
opposite catch, respectively. Some embodiments may also include a
handle 160 for moving the bar 158 between the engaged and
disengaged positions. In the illustrated case, a handle 160 is
mounted at the top of one bar 158. In certain embodiments, the
handle 160 is removable and may be moved to either the left or
right side of the apparatus 100 to accommodate user's with either a
right- or left-hand preference. In other embodiments, handles 160
are located on both the left and right side of the apparatus
100.
[0050] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the above-described apparatus
may 100 be used to perform a weighted glute bridge exercise more
conveniently, consistently, and safely than conventional methods,
such as that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 14, a user is located
in the apparatus 100 in the hip flexed position. In particular, her
back is in contact with the back support 102, such that a portion
of her weight is supported by the back support. Next, at least one
of her feet is in contact with the foot support 104, such that a
portion of her weight is supported by the foot support. The hip bar
108 is in contact with the user's hip region. An angle of
approximately 90.degree. is formed at the user's hips by her upper
torso and the upper portion of her leg. An angle of approximately
90.degree. is also formed at the user's knee by the upper and lower
leg portions on either side of the knee. With the hip bar 108
contacting her hip region, the user extends her hips forwards and
moves to the hip extended position, shown in FIG. 15, which causes
the pivoting enclosure to pivot in the first pivotal direction
(counterclockwise in the illustrated views) and the hip bar 108
moves upwards away from the foot support 104 and base 112.
[0051] In FIG. 15, the user is shown in the hip extended position.
An angle of approximately 180.degree. is formed at the user's hips
by her upper torso and the upper portion of her leg. An angle of
approximately 90.degree. is also still formed at the user's knee by
the upper and lower leg portions on either side of the knee. With
the hip bar 108 contacting her hip region, the user moves back to
the hip flexed position such that the pivoting enclosure pivots in
the second pivotal direction (clockwise in the illustrated views)
and the hip bar 108 moves towards the foot support 104. This
completes one repetition of the glute bridge or hip thrust
exercise.
[0052] Although this description contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode
contemplated by the inventor of carrying out the invention. The
invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various
modifications and adaptations as would be appreciated by those
having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention
relates.
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