Patent Application
20250152994
The present invention generally relates to a backrest intended for a workout bench, as well as the system and apparatus of the workout bench. The backrest is configured to allow a user's upper body to retract past a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest.
It has been known that exercise is good for the body for thousands of years, and humans have been exercising recreationally for just as long. Bench press machines are a type of weight-lifting exercise machine wherein a user generally lies on their back, horizontally, and push a weight upwards. Primarily, the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoids, and the triceps, amongst other stabilizing muscles, are used and developed.
One of the most typical bench press exercises is the barbell bench press. The basic bench press involves a barbell being lifted from a horizontal position on a bench to an overhead position, and then being lowered back to the starting position. Two dumbbells may be substituted instead of a barbell. To maximize effectiveness of the exercise for a single lift, the shoulders should be at 90 degrees, and the elbows should be at 90 degrees. In layman's terms, the shoulders should be positioned such that the upper arms are parallel to the shoulders, and the elbows should be bent at a right angle. Lift angles may be modified to target certain muscles or vary the exercise. To lift, the pectoralis major horizontally adducts the humerus, the triceps extend the elbow, and the anterior deltoids flex the shoulders. Further modifications may be made to the exercise by varying the incline angle of the bench, instead of having the user be completely horizontal.
Bench presses come in primarily two types: FID (Flat, incline, decline) and flat benches. They may also be combined with other exercise devices for an all-in-one approach. Flat bench presses have a single, continuous flat bench that a user lies on. There is no gap between a bench and seat, are generally more stable due to their simpler structure, and typically weigh less. FID bench presses typically consist of a bench and a seat, which are separated by a gap in order to allow the bench portion to incline or decline. The incline or decline allows for deeper range of motion when exercising, as well as enabling further variations of typical bench press exercises. Many FID benches also come with leg guards. These are typically padded guards that brace against a user's legs, so as to prevent the user from slipping when inclined.
Padding is added to the bench and seat portions of bench press machines to absorb impact and ease pressure on the back of the user. Typically, padding consists of a cover layer such as leather, polyurethane, or vinyl to protect the other layers. Deeper down is a cushioning layer, such as memory foam, to absorb the pressure of the exercise. A final backing layer is provided to stabilize the padding and keep its durability.
In modern times, bench press machines have stayed generally consistent in overall shape, because there are only so many ways to design an apparatus optimized for bench presses. The innovations in the field come in the form of material upgrades, ability to support multiple types of workouts, and safety features. Indeed, good form is a hot topic within the weight lifting community and innovations are being made to deepen range of motion while providing safety for its users.
A backrest, as well as the system and apparatus of the workout bench, having grooves configured to allow a user's upper body, such as their shoulder blade, to retract past a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is on the backrest. The backrest, paired with the workout bench system, also adjustably articulates and adjusts an incline or decline angle relative to a seat via an adjustment member.
Therefore, a general object of the invention is to allow a user to perform upper body exercises such as bench presses, while providing increased safety and mobility of motion through its groove structure, found on opposing sides of the backrest.
Many preexisting bench press machines use multiple layers of material stacked on top of each other for stability and comfort when pressure is exerted on the cushioning areas. Usually, there is a backing layer and a cushioning layer. The present invention uses four separate layers: a backing layer, a firm layer, a medium layer, and a foam layer. The layers are generally ordered such that the posterior end of the cushioning area is harder, and the anterior end of the cushioning area (which most directly interfaces with the user) is softer. Each layer has utility in differing degrees of stability and comfort, and optimizes each aspect in the novel composition of its layers.
Preexisting bench press machines allow for an adequate range of motion when bench pressing. However, certain users, such as those with narrower backs, may have trouble with scapular retraction when the material of the backrest is in the way. Cutouts within the sides of the present invention allow for increased range of motion by allowing a greater range of scapular retraction to those users. While those users may be able to perform scapular retraction by arching their back, back arching when bench pressing is a choice, and the bench press machine should not shoehorn users into one choice or another due to their body.
The present invention focuses on the novel aspects of the backrest, the exercise apparatus it is attached to, and its method of manufacturing.
In a first novel aspect, a backrest includes a plurality of cutouts, configured to allow a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest, a plurality of layers configured to combine together so to form the backrest, and a plurality of materials included in the plurality of layers.
In a second novel aspect, the plurality of cutouts have a first area.
In a third novel aspect, the plurality of cutouts are symmetrically located about a backrest centerline.
In a fourth novel aspect, each of the plurality of cutouts comprise a ninety-degree edge.
In a fifth novel aspect, each of the plurality of cutouts comprise a rounded edge.
In a sixth novel aspect, the backrest includes a first cutout having a first shape, wherein a second cutout has a second shape, and wherein the first shape is a mirroring of the second shape.
In a seventh novel aspect, the plurality of cutouts are configured to allow at least a portion of the user's shoulder to protrude beyond the top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest.
In an eighth novel aspect, the plurality of layers includes a backing layer, a firm layer, a medium layer, and a soft layer.
In a ninth novel aspect, the backing layer includes plywood, the firm layer includes a first latex, the medium layer includes a second latex, and the soft layer includes a foam.
In a tenth novel aspect, the backing layer abuts the firm layer, the firm layer abuts the medium layer, and the medium layer abuts the soft layer.
In an eleventh novel aspect, the foam included in the soft layer is a memory foam.
In a twelfth novel aspect, a first end of the backrest is tapered, a second end of the backrest is tapered, and the first end of the backrest is located opposite the second end of the backrest.
In a thirteenth novel aspect, a backrest comprises a plurality of cutouts, a seat, and a support base, wherein a relative angle and a relative position of the seat to the backrest is adjustable, and wherein the backrest and the seat are directly, or indirectly, supported by the support base.
In a fourteenth novel aspect, the exercise apparatus further includes a stabilizing guard configured to brace against a user's legs, and an adjustable member.
In a fifteenth novel aspect, the adjustment member is an elongated, arcuate rod attached to a posterior face of the adjustable backrest.
In a sixteenth novel aspect, the adjustment member includes a plurality of holes along its length to couple with an incline mechanism located on the support base to adjust the incline angle of the adjustable backrest.
In a seventeenth novel aspect, the incline angle of the adjustable backrest relative to the seat ranges from 90 degrees to 180 degrees.
In an eighteenth novel aspect, the stabilizing guard further comprises mirrored upper pads, and mirrored lower pads, and a stabilizing attachment member connects the mirrored upper pads and the mirrored lower pads, wherein the mirrored upper pads and mirrored lower pads are located opposite two opposing ends on said stabilizing attachment.
In a nineteenth novel aspect, an exercise system comprises a backrest, a seat, a support base, a first means for allowing a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest, and a second means for adjusting a relative angle and a relative position of the seat to the backrest.
In a twentieth novel aspect, the first means is a plurality of cutouts in the backrest, and wherein the second means is an adjustment member.
In a twenty-first novel aspect, a method of manufacturing a backrest includes connecting a backing layer to a firm layer, wherein the backing layer comprises plywood, and the firm layer comprises a first latex, connecting the firm layer to a medium layer, wherein the medium layer comprises a second latex, and connecting the medium layer to a soft layer, wherein the soft layer comprises a foam, and wherein each of the backing layer, the firm layer, the medium layer, and the soft layer comprise a plurality of cutouts configured to allow a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest.
Further details and embodiments and techniques are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention.
The invention is defined by the claims.
The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to background examples and some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the description and claims below, relational terms such as “top”, “down”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “left” and “right” may be used to describe relative orientations between different parts of a structure being described, and it is to be understood that the overall structure being described can actually be oriented in any way in three-dimensional space.
The backrest, and accompanying workout system, comprises several embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for use in enabling a user's exercise. The backrest includes cutouts configured to allow a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest. This design allows for enhanced range of motion and safety when performing exercises such as bench presses. The material composition of the backrest further enhances comfort and provides longevity to the device. As explained in more detail below, the basic embodiment of the backrest may be combined with other elements and/or modified to include other features that increase utility.
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The backing layer 10, comprising plywood, provides stability and durability to the backrest 1. Any durable material able to withstand the pressure of a bench press that is known to one of ordinary skill in the art may suffice, such as fiberboard and carbon fiber. Additionally, multiple layers may be added such as multi-layer plywood.
The backrest 1 utilizes two types of latex-based material in its firm layer 11 and medium layer 12. In the upholstery art, it is known that a firmer material may keep its shape longer, while a softer material is more comforting to rest upon. The combination of the two provides both qualities. In one example, firm layer 11 may be made of a natural latex foam made by the Dunlop process, while medium layer 12 may be made of a natural latex foam made by the Talaylay process. Dunlop foam is harder, making it more resistant to distortion, while Talaylay foam molds to the body easier when rested upon. Both foams are additionally antimicrobial, resistant to dust mites, and do not retain heat, making them ideal for a cushion. Blended or synthetic latex foam may also be used to reduce the cost of manufacture, but natural latex foam is preferred for its superior quality.
In other embodiments, firm layer 11 instead comprises another material that provides support while holding its shape well under high impact usage such as rebonded foam, high resilience foam, high density foam, and EPE pearl cotton.
In other embodiments, medium layer 12 instead comprises another material that provides support while having some viscoelasticity, such as lux foam, HD36 foam, and high density memory foam.
Soft layer 13 is the topmost layer of backrest 1, and most directly interfaces with the user. As such, memory foam is used to provide pressure point support and cradle the user's back when in use.
In other embodiments, soft layer 13 instead comprises another material with viscoelastic properties, such as reflex foam and tempur. A gel may be added, alone or in another material, its heat-cooling properties. Polyester fibers and cotton may be added to increase comfort and softness.
The combination of the above layers provides adequate longevity of the backrest 1, while still providing comfort in use.
A covering layer may be added on top of the workout bench. Typically, this is a vinyl, polyurethane, or leather covering wrapped around the backrest and stapled to the posterior face of the backrest. The covering protects the other layers from moisture such as sweat, is easily cleaned, and provides grip such that a user does not slide off the backrest 1.
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A relative angle 108 is defined by the relative position of the seat 102 to the adjustable backrest 101, and operated by the incline mechanism 107. A user adjusts the configuration of incline mechanism 107 by interacting with adjustable member 105. Adjustable member 105 is an elongated, arcuate rod and located between the adjustable backrest 101 and the support base 103. It is attached to the posterior face of adjustable backrest 101 and attached to base 103 via a slot configured to receive it. A plurality of holes 106 lies along the length of adjustable member 105 such that pegs within the slot of support base 103 may couple with the plurality of holes 106 to adjust the incline angle 108. Incline angle 108 ranges from about 90 degrees to 180 degrees, wherein 180 degrees is defined by the adjustable backrest 101 being aligned and horizontal to seat 102. A stabilizing guard 104 is attached to the seat 102 on an end opposite of adjustable backrest 101. Stabilizing guard 104 is configured to brace against a user's legs such that the user does not slide off of exercise apparatus 100 when in use.
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In an exemplary embodiment, a user intending to bench press will first sit on seat 102. They will then adjust the stabilizing guard 104 such that their knee area abuts mirrored upper pads 109 and their shin area abuts mirrored lower pads 110. Next, the user modifies the incline angle 108 by manipulating adjustable member 105 to a desired degree. The user then rests their back area on the adjustable backrest 101 and is now ready to bench press. The section defined by the plurality of cutouts 112 of the backrest 101 receives the shoulder blades, thereby enabling further range of motion. A proper bench press form requires scapular retraction (in layman's, squeezing the shoulder blades together) such that a barbell or other lifted object rests on top of a user's chest. Proper form, in tandem with a spotter, also reduces the risk of injury.
The composition in the layers of material 13 in the adjustable backrest 101 ensures comfort when pressure from the bench press is applied to the exercise apparatus 101, while providing elasticity to the apparatus such that the adjustable backrest 101 does not permanently deform to the shape of the particular user.
The invention may also be an exercise system, having a backrest, a seat, a support base, a first means for allowing a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest, and a second means for adjusting a relative angle and a relative position of the seat to the backrest. The first means is a plurality of cutouts in the backrest, and the second means is an adjustment member.
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Scapular retraction is a necessary movement to avoid long term injury when performing bench presses and enabling users to perform it easier benefits their long term health and mobility. While users may also be able to perform a scapular retraction by arching their back, back arching when bench pressing is arbitrary to target separate muscle groups, and the bench press machine should not shoehorn users into one choice or another due to their body sizing. The principal novelty, plurality of cutouts 2, enhances range of motion when performing a scapular retraction, especially to users with narrower shoulders that are physically hindered from their full range of motion against a wider, standard backrest.
The material composition of the current invention, as well as the order of its layering, optimizes comfort and longevity to the device.
As described herein, the backrest may be configured to allow adjustment of the angle of the backrest relative to the seat. In another embodiment, the distance between the backrest and the seat is adjustable. Given the varied anatomy of users, some users may find that the alignment of the user's shoulder blades, and the backrest cutout area become misaligned as the user adjusts from a horizontal position to a more vertical position, where the user's weight may cause the location of the user's shoulder blade's to no long align with the backrest cutouts. To remedy this scenario, the distance between the backrest and the seat may be adjustable so “re-align” the backrest cutouts with the user's shoulder blades. In this fashion, the user may maintain their shoulder blade alignment with the backrest cutout when using the backrest at different positions.
As described herein the backrest may have two tapered ends to allow for better fit to the user's body shape. In another embodiment, the amount of taper of the backrest is adjustable. For example, a first user may have very little shape variation, while another user may have a large amount of shape variation. In this example, one user's body shape will not fit well with the backrest having a fixed amount of tapering. To remedy this scenario, one embodiment provides a backrest having adjustable tapering. This adjustable tapering may be achieved by providing a mechanical mechanism that effectively expands the non-taper plane of the backrest so that the backrest is “thicker” from a side view and therefore has a greater degree of tapering at either end. To achieve this variable amount of taping, the backrest may comprise an elastic material that can stretch and contract as the amount of tapering (or backrest thickness) is varied. In this fashion, the improved backrest may provide idea support for different users having different body shapes by merely adjusting the amount of tapering as needed by each user.
A method of manufacturing a backrest, comprising connecting a backing layer to a firm layer; wherein the backing layer comprises plywood, and wherein the firm layer comprises a first latex, connecting the firm layer to a medium layer, wherein the medium layer comprises a second latex; and connecting the medium layer to a soft layer, wherein the soft layer comprises a foam, and wherein each of the backing layer, the firm layer, the medium layer, and the soft layer comprise a plurality of cutouts configured to allow a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest.
Although certain specific embodiments are described above for instructional purposes, the teachings of this patent document have general applicability and are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.
