Patent Application
20250073523
The systems and methods herein are directed to exercise equipment.
A bench press is a weight training exercise where a person presses a bar upwards and downwards, while lying on a weight training bench. The bench press, which is a compound movement that trains the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoids, and the triceps brachii, can improve upper body strength, endurance, muscle development, and other features associated with physical fitness. Proper technique and form, such as ensuring particular orientations of elbows, in relation to the bar; gripping the bar; moving the bar in an upwards and downwards direction, in a stable manner (i.e., the movement of the bar without shaking or tilting); and working with a reliable spotter, are essential to: achieve gains in bench press and reduce injuries to the elbows, chest, shoulders, triceps, or other joints of the bench press. Even if proper technique and form are practiced, injuries to the shoulders and elbows, and plateaus of bench press max (i.e., a single repetition maximum for bench pressing) occur. Injuries and plateaus of bench press max are impediments to achieving optimal physical fitness, when bench pressing.
What is needed is a bench press device that can address the above mention impediments to achieving optimal physical fitness.
In a variant, a bench press device (1) comprises: a first layer (10A) and a second layer (10B); a first pad (2); a plurality of slots (3); a second pad (4), wherein the second pad is configured for a rebound effect, wherein the rebound effect modifies the bench press device from a first height to a second height; a third pad (5), wherein the third pad is configured for the rebound effect; a fourth pad (6), wherein the fourth pad is: (i) configured for the rebound effect and (ii) operatively connected into the first pad; a first demarcation area (7); a second demarcation area (8); a rubber band (11); a plurality of notches (14); and a fifth pad (13).
In a variant, the first layer (10A) is operatively connected to the second layer (10B) or the first layer 10A is separated from the second layer (10B).
In a variant, the first height is four inches and the second height is eight inches.
In a variant, the first pad (2) is four inches.
In a variant, the plurality of notches (14) has a first set of notches and second set of notches.
In a variant, the first set of notches is operatively connected to the first layer (10A) and the second set of notches is operatively connected to the second layer (10B).
In a variant, the plurality of notches (14) is operatively connected to the rubber band (11).
In a variant, the first demarcation unit (7) contains a sensor.
In a variant, the plurality of slots (3) is configured to receive polyurethane tubular pads to enhance the rebound effect.
In a variant, the first layer (10A) operatively connected to the second layer (10B) leads to a compression effect, when contacted with a bar.
In a variant, the compression effect leads to the rebound effect.
In a variant, the first demarcation area (7) is an area for a bar to contact.
In a variant, the fifth pad (13) is configured to contact a bar, wherein the bar is descending downwards.
In a variant, the sensor sends a signal if a bar contacts the first demarcation unit (7).
In a variant, the first pad (2), the plurality of slots (3), and the first demarcation area (7) reside within the first layer (10A).
In a variant, the second pad (4), the third pad (5), the fourth pad (6), the second demarcation area (8), and the fifth pad (13) reside within the second layer (10B).
In a variant, the first layer (10A) and the second layer (10B) has an outer core and an inner core.
In a variant, the outer core is composed of polyurethane foam and the inner core is composed of a flexible PCP pipe and tubular polyurethane.
In a variant, the rubber band (11) is configured to span a first side of the bench device and a second side of the bench device.
In a variant, the first demarcation unit (7) contacts the bar, such that a lifter handling the bar orients elbows of the lifter at 45 degrees.
The systems and methods herein are directed to a bench press device, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, which are described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.
The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as “top”, “bottom” or “side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.
The systems and methods herein are directed to a bench press device that can be used in concert with a bench press bar. This bench press device, which has dual layer setup with a padding network, wherein the dual layer setup has a top layer and a bottom layer operatively connected to each other or separated. More particularly, the dual layer setup with the padding network can have: a bottom layer comprising a first pad (4 inches) and a plurality of slots for receiving tubular padding; and top layer comprising three units of an extra rebound pad and second pad (4 inches). Additionally, the padding network can be impregnated with a Red Line touch area, as a first demarcation unit, for a lifting bar to touch in, or contact the correct spot (e.g., a red line that is directly above lower sternum) and a second Red Line add on, as a second demarcation unit, wherein the Red Line touch area has a sensor under the Red Line mark on both 4 inch pads. When the bar touches, or contacts, the Red Line mark, a signal can be emitted, thereby emitting a sound that indicates that the lifting bar has contacted the correct spot. Therefore, the bench press device, of the systems and methods herein, can reduce injuries, when bench pressing; and overcome bench pressing plateaus.
The bench press device, of the systems and methods herein, is described herein in terms of example embodiments. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how the invention can be implemented in different and alternative embodiments.
From time-to-time, the bench press device, of the systems and methods herein, is described herein in terms of example environments. Description in terms of these environments is provided to allow the various features and embodiments of the bench press device, of the systems and methods herein, to be portrayed in the context of an exemplary application. After reading this description, it will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art how the bench press device, of the systems and methods herein, can be implemented in different and alternative environments.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention (i.e., the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) belongs. All patents, applications, published applications and other publications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition set forth in this section is contrary to or otherwise inconsistent with a definition set forth in applications, published applications and other publications, that are herein incorporated by reference, the definition set forth in this document prevails over the definition that is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to
The components and instances of assembly of the bench press device of the systems and methods herein, as depicted in
Assembly 1 is the bench press device (Bench Pro-Tech).
First pad 2, can be a 4-inch high pad, which is in direct contact with the chest of the person bench pressing.
Plurality of slots 3 can be configured for receiving extra polyurethane tubular pads for extra rebound effect, when the bar contacts the bench press device and there is downward force from the bar against the bench press device.
Extra rebound pad 4 can increase height of the bench press device from 4 inches to 8 inches.
Extra pad 5 can increase the height and be composed of more rebound polyurethane padding.
Extra pad 6 can be a 4 inch rebound pad that can be locked onto first pad 2.
Red line touch area 7 can be a first demarcation area for lifting bar to touch, or contact, in a particular spot (e.g., a red line). The red line is directly above the lower sternum, which is the preferred or correct spot for the bar to be in proximity to or contact with. Red Line has a sensor under the red line mark on first pad 1 and second add-on-pad 13. When lifting the bar and the bar touches the red Line, a sound can go off indicating that the bar has touched or contacted the aforementioned correct spot.
Second Red Line add on 8 can be a second demarcation area.
Bench presser 9 is the person exercising or using the bar of the bench bar setup, in combination with the bench press device (assembly 1).
Layers 10A and 10B are both layers of the Bench Pro-Tech, which is the bench press device (assembly 1).
Rubber band 11 is a rubber bad that can be hooked to the Bench Pro-Tech. Rubber band 11 can go around the back of bench presser 9 and attaches to other side of the plurality of notches 14, to secure rubber band 11, thereby keeping the Bench Pro-Tech from sliding off bench presser 9.
Instance 12 can be an instance of lifting bar touching both layers (layers 10A and 10B) at the same time of the Bench Pro-Tech, which compress to give a rebound effect.
Second add-on-pad 13 can reside in layer 10B, where the bar should touch when descending downward.
Plurality of notches 14 can be appendages to which rubber band 11 hooks onto both pads (first pad 2 and second add-on-pad 13) for securing rubber band 11 around the back of bench presser 9.
Assembly 1, or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein, can help protect bench presser 9 from shoulder injuries; and increase the maximum bench press of bench presser 9 (i.e., overcoming the bench pressing plateau). The padding network of assembly 1 can be composed of polyurethane foam on the outer core, with an inner core flexible PCP pipe and more tubular polyurethane inside assembly 1, thereby providing a rebound effect, when the bar contacts assembly 1. Bench presser 9 can grip the bar of the bench press setup (i.e., the lifting bar) in his or her hands and lower the bar down to the bench press device (assembly 1), wherein the bench press device can be: (i) first pad 2, which can have a height of 4 inches off the chest of bench presser 9 or (ii) second add-on-pad 13 placed on first pad 2, thereby bringing the height of 8 inches off the chest of bench presser 9. Red Line touch area 7, which can be a first demarcation area, is an already marked red line on assembly 1 and the first demarcation unit shows where bench presser 9 should touch, or contact, the bench press device. The marked red line should be placed directly above the lower middle sternum of bench presser 9, thereby the bar can land on the correct position associated with proper form and technique. When the marked red line is contacted with or touched by the bar, the elbows of bench presser 9 can be kept at 45 degrees, thereby preventing impingement on the anterior deltoids, and placing more stress on the triceps of bench presser 9. When the bar touches the marked red line, a noise is made that lets bench presser 9 know that the bar has contacted the correct position associated with proper form and technique. Rubber band 11 can be attached to assembly 1, on one side and with rubber band 11 going around the back of bench presser 9 and hooking on the other side of assembly 1, thereby holding assembly 1 firmly on the chest of bench presser 9, during bench pressing exercises. Plurality of slots 3 in assembly 1, which can impart or add more firmness to the padding network by receiving polyurethane tubes, can accommodate a heavier bench press for bench presser 9, thereby leading more of a rebound effect for heavier lifting.
Assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) can therefore have the bar touch higher on the dual layer setup (layers 10A and 10B), which allows bench presser 9 to handle heavier weight, by virtue of the bar not descending all the way down to the chest. More particularly, assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) can be used to: (i) increase or correct minimax bench press lifts; (ii) accommodate a larger range of motion for bench presser 9, thereby increasing strength, when a minimax bench press overloads the specific area of the bench press in contact with the bench press device; and (iii) handle heavier weights. While bench presser 9 has heavier weight in his or her hands, assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) can support an instance where bench presser 9 works with only a partial range of motion, which is easier on the central nervous system of bench presser 9 and allows for faster recovery, due to less stress on the central nervous system.
If bench presser 9 competes in a weight lifting contest for bench pressing or goes for a maximum lift (which are scenarios associated with handling heavier weight), the weight feels lighter because bench presser 9 has handled the heavier weight, by training with assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) contacting the bar of the bench press setup, which supported a partial range of motion. During the weight lifting contest for bench pressing or going for the maximum lift, a full range of motion is available, whereas partial range of motion was available when assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) contacted the bar of the bench press setup. This would also increase the confidence level of bench presser 9 during scenarios associated with handling heavier weight. Assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) can also aid in rehabilitation or prehabilitation conditioning, by taking the shoulder rotation out of the motions during a bench press. By pressing against assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein), the elbows of bench presser 9 can be higher from the flow, while having a range of motion that reduces strain or stress on the shoulders. In contrast to boards and slots, assembly 1 (i.e., Bench Pro-Tech or the bench press device of the systems and methods herein) contains the polyurethane foam on the outer core, with an inner core flexible PCP pipe and more tubular polyurethane inside assembly 1, as rebound material that: provides protection to the shoulders and resolves sticking points during bench pressing, which is suitable for speed training.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical, or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to accomplish the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.
Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in this document and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In addition, when a single callout line in the drawings leads to two or more separate reference numbers (first, second, etc. reference numbers), (and each reference numeral refers to a different piece of text in the detailed description) and it would be inconsistent to designate the drawing item being called out as both pieces of text, the drawing should be interpreted as illustrating two different variants. In one variant, the drawing item is referred to by the first reference number and in another variant, the drawing item is referred to by the second reference number, etc.
The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to,” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components of functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether CTRL logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed across multiple locations.
Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/628,858, filed on Aug. 29, 2023, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63628858 | Aug 2023 | US |
