EXERCISE BENCH

BACKGROUND
State of the Art

The present disclosure relates to an exercise bench. More particularly, it relates to exercise benches which can be used with resistance bands or weights to exercise different parts of muscle groups.

Field of Art

Millions of people use exercise benches while they work out to improve the effectiveness of their exercises. Exercise benches are often formed with a sitting surface and a titled backboard to allow people to sit or recline while performing various exercises. Some exercise benches will have a limited number of mounts which can be used to hold resistance bands for performing various exercises. Other exercise benches are commonly used with free weights or other structures for working different muscles and the like.

The present disclosure teaches an exercise bench which provides advantages over prior art benches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every possible implementation of an exercise bench in accordance with the invention, but rather to give illustrative examples of application of principles of the exercise bench which can be used individually or in combination with other principles.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, the exercise bench may include a seat portion which may include a seat bottom portion, a reclined seat back portion and a top seat top portion. The seat portion may be disposed on a first, forward portion of an exercise bench frame.

The first, forward portion may include a seat frame portion which is disposed under the seat portion to support the bottom seat portion, the seat back portion and the seat top portion. Below the seat portion may be a frame base portion which supports the seat portion on an upper end and rests on a ground surface on a lower end so as to support the seat portion at a desired height above the ground.

Opposite the first, forward portion of the exercise bench frame may be a second, rear portion of the exercise bench frame, which may have a base portion extending outwardly and resting upon the ground, and an inclined portion extending upwardly from the base portion at an angle. Extending from the inclined portion may be one or more generally horizontally extending portions which are designed to extend into or receive other frame portions to allow the exercise bench to be dissembled and reassembled when needed.

Between the first, forward portion and the second, rear portion may be a third, central portion which is attachable to the first, forward portion on one end and to the second, rear portion at an opposing end. The third, central portion may be inserted into or receive the generally horizontally extending portions at one end and receive similar structures at an opposing end. Spring buttons may be used to selectively lock the various portions together to form the exercise bench.

The first, forward portion may be formed from a first forward portion and a second forward portion so as to enable the frame of the exercise bench to break down into smaller pieces to facilitate transportation of the bench.

The exercise bench may include a plurality of attachment hooks which allow resistance bands to be attached at various locations to facilitate a person using the exercise bench to perform a wide variety of exercises by pulling against resistance bands mounted on the attachment hooks.

The exercise bench may include one or more mounts for attaching one or more bars which extend outwardly away from the exercise bench to increase the potential attachment points for resistance bands and to thereby increase the various angles at which a muscle or muscle group may be worked.

The exercise bench may also include one or more band holders for storing resistance bands which are not being used.

A plurality of appendage attachments may also be provided for attaching a resistance band to the foot, leg, hand or arm of a user to increase the number of different exercises with which the exercise bench may be used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described in reference to the numbered drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded front perspective view of an exercise bench in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows fronts a front perspective view of the exercise bench of FIG. 1 in an assembled configuration with a plurality of resistance bands disposed thereon.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the exercise bench of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 8 rear view of a second, rearward portion.

FIG. 9 shows a side, close-up view of one of the generally horizontally extending portions of the second, rearward portion.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the generally horizontally extending portion.

FIG. 11 shows a front view of the first, forward portion with representative dimensions disposed thereon.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the image of FIG. 11 with representative dimensions disposed thereon.

FIG. 13 shows a side view similar to that of FIG. 12 with other representative dimensions disposed thereon.

FIG. 14 shot a top view of the first, forward portion.

FIGS. 15 shows a side view of a support rail of the third, central portion.

FIG. 16 shows a top view of the support rail.

FIG. 17 shows an end view of the support rail.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the support rail.

FIG. 19 shows a close-up fire of an attachment hook.

FIG. 20 shows a front view of the seat backer.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of the seat backer.

FIG. 22 shows a side view of the seat backer.

FIG. 23 shows a front view of the seat pad.

FIG. 24 shows a side view of the seat pad.

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the seat pad.

FIG. 26 shows a side view of the end cap.

FIG. 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the end cap.

FIG. 28 shows an end view of the end cap.

FIG. 29 shows a side view of one embodiment of an attachment hook.

FIG. 30 shows two attachment hooks attached to a tube.

FIG. 31, there is shown a perspective view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 33 shows example sizes and angles which could be used in building the exercise bench.

FIG. 34 shows a plan view of a spring button lock.

FIG. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of a spring button lock.

FIG. 36 shows a perspective view of a spring button lock.

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 38 shows attachment hook disposed on the support rail.

FIG. 39 shows an alternate attachment hook attached to the generally vertical inclined portion.

FIG. 40 shows a rear perspective view of an exercise bench.

FIG. 41 shows a front perspective view of an exercise bench made in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 42 shows a rear perspective view of the exercise bench of FIG. 41 with a plurality of band attachment bars disposed thereon.

FIG. 43 shows the exercise bench of FIG. 41 with a plurality of exercise bands disposed thereon.

FIG. 44 shows a side view of an exercise bench having a plurality of resistance band holders and bar storage brackets.

FIG. 45 shows a rear view of the exercise bench having four of the attachment bars mounted on the exercise bench.

FIG. 46 shows a side view of the exercise bench having a plurality of band holders disposed thereon.

FIG. 47 shows a close-up of a band holder disposed along the seat frame.

FIG. 48 shows a side view of a person using the exercise bench to exercise.

FIG. 49 shows a side view of a person using the exercise bench to exercise.

FIGS. 50-52 show a construction of the seat frame and the generally vertical incline frame of the exercise bench.

FIG. 54 shows a rear perspective view of a user performing a bench press on the exercise bench.

FIG. 53 shows a foot sleeve attachment on a resistance band for performing leg presses and the like.

It will be appreciated that the drawings are illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims. The embodiments shown accomplish various aspects and objects of the invention. It will be appreciated that it is not possible to clearly show each element and aspect of the present disclosure in a single figure, and as such, multiple figures are presented to separately illustrate the various details of different aspects of the invention in greater clarity. Similarly, not all configurations or embodiments described herein or covered by the appended claims will include all of the aspects of the present disclosure as discussed above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the invention and accompanying drawings will now be discussed in reference to the numerals provided therein so as to enable one skilled in the art to practice the present invention. The skilled artisan will understand, however, that the methods described below can be practiced without employing these specific details, or that they can be used for purposes other than those described herein. Indeed, they can be modified and can be used in conjunction with products and techniques known to those of skill in the art in light of the present disclosure. The drawings and the descriptions thereof are intended to be exemplary of various aspects of the invention and are not intended to narrow the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the drawings may show aspects of the invention in isolation and the elements in one figure may be used in conjunction with elements shown in other figures.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “one configuration,” “an embodiment,” or “a configuration” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment, etc. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places may not necessarily limit the inclusion of a particular element of the invention to a single embodiment, rather the element may be included in other, or all embodiments discussed herein.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of embodiments of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details may be provided, such as examples of products or manufacturing techniques that may be used, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments discussed in the disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular structures, process steps, or materials discussed or disclosed herein, but is extended to include equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those of ordinarily skill in the relevant art. More specifically, the invention is defined by the terms set forth in the claims. It should also be understood that terminology contained herein is used for the purpose of describing particular aspects of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention to the aspects or embodiments shown unless expressly indicated as such. Likewise, the discussion of any particular aspect of the invention is not to be understood as a requirement that such an aspect is required to be present apart from an express inclusion of that aspect in the claims.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” may include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a bracket” may include an embodiment having one or more of such brackets, and reference to “the target plate” may include reference to one or more of such target plates.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result to function as indicated. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context, such that enclosing nearly all of the length of a lumen would be substantially enclosed, even if the distal end of the structure enclosing the lumen had a slit or channel formed along a portion thereof. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, structure which is “substantially free of” a bottom would either completely lack a bottom or so nearly completely lack a bottom that the effect would be effectively the same as if it completely lacked a bottom.

As used herein, the term “generally” refers to something that has characteristics of a quality without necessarily being exactly that quality. For example, a structure said to be generally vertical would be at least as vertical as horizontal, i.e. would extend 45 degrees or greater from horizontal. Likewise, something said to be generally circular may be rounded like an oval but need not have a consistent diameter in every direction.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member.

Concentrations, amounts, proportions and other numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1 to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individual values such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4, and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually. This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value as a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadth of the range, or the characteristics being described.

Turning now to FIG. 1, where is a shown an exploded view of an exercise bench, generally indicated at 4. The exercise bench 4 may include a first, forward portion 8, a second, rearward portion 10 disposed opposite the first, forward portion and a third, central portion 12 disposed between the first, forward portion and the second, rearward portion. In one or more embodiments, the first, forward portion 8, the second, rearward portion 10 and the third, central portion 12 may be releasably attachable to each other so as to form an assembled exercise bench. The first, forward portion 8, the second rearward portion 10 and the third, central portion 12 may be held together by pins inserted through structures in the various portions which enable the portions to fit together, by spring button locks 14 which extend through holes in the various portions, or other releasable fasteners.

The first, forward portion 8 may include a base portion 16 formed by a pair of legs 18 which may be between, for example, 6 and 18 inches tall and a support arm 20 disposed generally perpendicular thereto. Extending from the leg 18 and/or the support arm 20 may be an anchor arm 22 which can be used to secure an end of a resistance band (not shown). A pair of arms 24 may extend upwardly from the legs 18 and/or support arms 20 to engage a seat frame 26. The seat frame 26 may include a lower seat frame portion 26a, a central incline seat frame portion 26b and an upper seat frame attachment portion 26c. In one or more embodiments the central incline portion 26b may be disposed between about 50 and 70 degrees from the horizontal, with 55-65 degrees being more preferred, and an angle of approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal being presently preferred.

Disposed adjacent to the seat frame 26 may be a seat backer 28 which is designed for attachment to the seat frame. The attachment between the seat backer 28 and the seat frame 26 may be accomplished by mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets or adhesive material. Disposed adjacent to the seat backer 28 may be a seat pad 30 which may be made from foam, neoprene or other damping or cushioning material. The seat backer 28 and the seat pad 30 may be releasably attached to the seat frame 26, or maybe fixedly attached thereto.

The seat pad 30 may have a bottom portion 30a for sitting on, an inclined portion 30b against which a user may rest his or her back or stomach and an upper portion 30c on which the user's arms may rest while performing elevated curls, arm pulls or other arm exercises. It will be appreciated in light of the present disclosure, that the exercise bench 4 enables a user to perform a wide variety of exercises to isolate and improve various muscle groups and portions thereof during a workout which does not require the use of free weights. The exercise bench 4, however, can also be used in conjunction with free weights, thereby making it a highly versatile piece of exercise equipment.

The first, forward portion 8 may also include one or more hooks or projections 32 which form resistance band attachment points for doing bicep curls with resistance bands while sitting on the bottom portion 30a of the seat pad 30, or leg curls while kneeling on bottom portion of the seat pad with a band passing over the arm or leg at an upper end and under the projections 32 at the lower end. The legs 18 may also include plastic or rubberized end caps 34.

The seat frame 26 may be made from hollow tubing and the upper attachment portion 26c may be made to receive the second, rearward portion 10 in a nesting relationship with an upper attachment portion 40c of an incline frame 40 of the second, rearward portion. Thus, the exterior circumference or the outside diameter of one will be slightly smaller than the interior circumference or inside diameter of the other. The tubing forming the two sections may be cylindrical, or may have alternate cross-sections, such as square or oval.

While not visible in FIG. 1, the upper attachment portion 26c of the seat frame 26 and the upper attachment portion 40c of the incline frame 40 of the second, rear portion 10 may be held together by a spring button lock similar to that shown at 14. Removable pins could also be used. Alternatively, rivet, screws or clamps could also be used to hold the respective portions of the exercise bench 4 together.

The incline frame 40 of the second, rearward portion 10 may include a generally vertical incline frame portion 40b, which may be made or one or more upwardly extending tubes, etc., extending upwardly from the base frame member 40a. The term generally vertical incline is used because the incline portion is preferably disposed at an angle of between 60 and 90 degrees with a more preferable range being between 65 and 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the preferred incline of the incline frame 40b is disposed at approximately 70 degrees from the horizontal leaning toward the first, forward portion 8.

The generally vertical incline frame portion 40b may be formed by one or more posts or tubes extending upwardly at the same angle from the base frame member 40a. The tubes may then be bent to be generally horizontal to form the upper attachment portion 40c which can nest with the upper attachment portion 26C of the set frame of the first, forward portion 8.

A bracing frame 44 may be placed between the posts or tubes forming the generally vertical incline portion 40a. The bracing frame 44 may serve two purposes. First, the bracing frame 44 may provide additional rigidity to the generally vertical incline portion 40b thereby providing rigidity to the exercise bench 4. Additionally, the bracing frame 44 may include a plurality of attachment hooks 48 which can be used to attach resistance bands (not shown). While not shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of attachment hooks 48 may be disposed on the posts or tubes forming the generally vertical incline portion 40 and the bracing frame 44 so that a number of attachment hooks are disposed on the second, rear portion 10.

In light of the present disclosure it will be appreciated that the exercise bench 4 may be used in conjunction with resistance bands to provide a large variety of different workouts while using a small number of bands. The resistance band may be attached to one of the attachment hooks 48 and then pulled directly by a user while exercising. The placement of the attachment hooks 48 allows a user to customize the orientation of the resistance bands to their height and physical conditioning. Thus, for example, a short person could attach a pair or resistance bands to attachment hooks 48b and 48c respectively and perform bench presses with the resistance bands extending at an angle of about 20 degrees above the horizontal. A taller person using the same bands may be performing the same exercise with the resistance bands at about 30-35 degrees above horizontal. By moving the resistance bands to the next high set of attachment hooks 48, the Taller user could adjust the angle of the resistance bands to about 20 degrees above the horizontal.

Alternatively, a resistance band may be attached to a first hook and then passed through a second hook to shorten the length of the band between the last hook through which it has passed and the user to thereby increase the resistance provided by the band, and to change the point at which the band initially provides tension against which the user pulls. For example, a user may attach a band to an attachment hook 48 on the left side post of the generally vertical incline portion 40 (when viewed from the rear) and then sit in the seat portion 8 while pulling on the band to work a particular muscle group or portion thereof. By moving the attachment of the band from the initial location to the attachment hook 48a in the middle of the bracing frame 44, the end of the band opposite the user he has moved about 2-4 inches away from the user (depending on the spacing between the hooks) thereby moving the point at which the band provides tension rearward by 2-4inches. In other words, as resistance band will provide tension against a user's hand 2-4 inches sooner as the user extends his or her arms as the user performs an arm press. If the user passes the band through the attachment hook 48a on the bracing frame 44 and then through the attachment hook 48b on left post of the generally vertical incline portion 40, the length at which the band will extend toward the seat portion is reduced by about 4-6 inches. If the band is initially placed on the attachment hook 48c on the right post of the generally vertical incline portion 40 (when viewed from the rear), and then passed through attachment hook 48a and 48b, the length of the band stretching to the user has been reduced by an additional 4-6 inches. In such a manner a user can control the amount of resistance a given band will provide, thus minimizing the number of bands which need to be used to perform a variety of exercises or to provide a plurality of different resistances in a given exercise.

If the user is performing the bench press facing forwardly away from the seat portion 8, the start of the user's motion under resistance has been moved rearwardly by 10-12 inches, thereby providing significantly more resistance as the user passes through the range of motion of the bench press. The attachment hooks 48 allow the user to provide a large variety of exercise scenarios with just a few bands. Thus, the same exercise bench and resistance bands can be used by a beginner and by an experienced weightlifter without the need of additional equipment.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the generally vertical incline portion 40 has 4 or more attachment hooks, with a currently preferred number being between 6 and 12 attachment hooks. The number of attachment hooks 48 allows the bands to be attached so they extend at different angles to facilitate working of different portions of a desired muscle group by the user, as well as the ability to adjust the amount of tension provided by the resistance bands as discussed above.

Extending from the generally vertical incline portion 40 may be one or more lower attachment arms 52. The lower attachment arms 52 may include openings 54 to receive attachment members, such as the spring button locks 14, a pin or other type of fastener. The lower attachment arms 52 may be sized to receive support rails 56 of the third, central portion 12 in a nesting relationship. It will be appreciated if the support rails 56 may nest in the lower attachment arms, or vice versa. A spring button lock 14 may hold the two pieces together, or a pin or other fastener could be used.

An opposing end of the support rails 56 of the third, central portion 12 may form a nesting engagement with the support arm 20 of the first, forward portion 8. The support arm 20 may include an opening 60 to receive a spring button lock 14 to retain the end of the support rail 56 in the support arm 20, or the support arm 20 in the support rail 56.

The support rail(s) 56 may also include one or more attachment hooks 48. In one embodiment it is preferred that the support rails have three of more attachment hooks on each support rail The attachment hooks may be spaced apart at desired increments to provide a plurality of attachment points with varying positions relative to the first, seat portion. By selecting which attachment hook 48 a band is attached to and which, if any attachment hooks 48 the resistance band is passed through, the user may customize the amount of tension the resistance band provides and adjust the angle of the band relative to the arms or legs of the user to provide tension in the direction most desired by the user to maximize the effect on a muscle group or even a part of a muscle. This may be of particular benefit to a person who has sustained an injury and needs to develop part of a muscle which has been injured.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is a loop 62 which can be placed on one or both sides of the seat pad 30 so that resistance bands may be passed through to provide a pivot point immediately adjacent to the hip of the user. The loop 62 could also be used to tie off a resistance band while other resistance bands are being used.

Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a front perspective view of the exercise bench 4 in an assembled state so that the first, forward portion 8 is attached to the second, rearward portion 10 at the top of the exercise bench and the first, forward portion 8 is attached to the second, rearward portion 10 by the third, central portion 12 toward the lower part of the exercise bench. As can be seen, there are a large number of attachment hooks 48 on the generally vertical incline portion 40 and the support bars 56 of the third, central portion. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a plurality of resistance bands 70 which may be mounted on the exercise bench 4 for use in performing a variety of exercises. One of the principal advantages of the exercise bench 4 in the present disclosure is that a large number of different exercises may be performed with a minimal number of resistance bands 70. By selecting which attachment hooks 48 the resistance bands 70 are attached to and which attachment hooks (if any) the resistance bands 70 pass through, the user can control both the length of the band relative to the starting position and the angle at which the resistance bands are placed relative to the user. For example, if a user were to sit on the seat 30 and grab the end of the resistance band 70, he or she may perform a bench press. The number and location of the attachment hooks 48 through which the resistance bands 70 passes will control the effective length of the band and where the user commences the bench press. For example, if the band 70 were simply attached to the center left hook 48b, and the user were to perform a bench press the user's hand would start at a beginning position and feel resistance from the band at a certain angle such as that identified by dashed line 72. By attaching the end of the band to one of the central attachment hooks, such as attachment hook 48a and then passing the resistance band 70 through attachment hook 48b, point at which the user grabs the band has been moved rearwardly by approximately 5 to 6 inches. This is not only a more difficult position to start, but the tension provided by the band will be greater throughout the range of motion as the user extends his or her arms. For an even more difficult workout the user may attach the end of the band to attachment hook 48c, moving the commencement position at the start of the exercised back (toward the second, rearward portion) and increasing the amount of tension the user will have to move through as he or she extends the arms. Thus, a person just beginning to use resistance bands and a person in very good shape can use the same resistance bands on the same bench and receive significantly different workouts.

In addition to being able to adjust the effective length of the resistance band 70, the exercise bench 4 of the present disclosure allows a user to carefully customize his or her workout. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 the band 70 may pass through an attachment hook 48d on the support rail 56. This will change the angle at which the band is exerting force against the movement of the user. Rather than performing a bench press at approximately 20 degrees above horizontal as shown in FIG. 2, the user performing a bench press with the resistance bands as shown would remove the resistance bands from the anchor arms 22 and move their arms. The force of the resistance band 70 will pull downwardly against the user's arms as shown by dashed line 74 at an angle of about 70 degrees from horizontal, rather than having a force at 20 degrees from horizontal if not passed through attachment hook 48d. Such an orientation would not only work the triceps of the user, but it would place significant load on portions of the deltoid muscle. By selecting the angle at which force is being applied, a user can work out muscles group at a variety of different angles to thereby improve the overall size or strength of the muscles.

Because multiple attachment hooks allow the user to significantly adjust the angle of inclination at which the resistance band 70 will provide tension to the user, the exercise bench 4 can be used for a large number of different exercises and by a large number of users the vastly different strength profiles without the need for changing weights and having someone spot the user as they perform bench presses and the like. Additionally, the large number of attachment hooks allow users of different sizes to achieve similar angles by selecting which attachment hook a resistance band is attached to and threaded through.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a rear perspective view of the exercise bench 4. A pair of resistance bands 70 are attached at one end to the uppermost row of attachment hooks 48 and then extend down through the rearward most attachment hook 48e on the support rails 56 of the third, central portion 12. By selecting which of the attachment hooks 48 the distal end (i.e. closest to the second, rear word portion 10) of the resistance bands 70 is attached to, and which attachment hooks the resistance band passes through, the user is able to control the angle at which the resistance band is most closely parallel to the path of movement of the users arms or legs, as well as controlling the tension provided by the resistance band during the movement. For example, in FIG. 3 moving the attachment point of the distal end of the resistance band will maintain the same angle of the resistance band relative to the user, but will provide approximately 4 to 6 inches of additional length for the portion proximal of attachment hook 48e, thereby reducing the amount of tension which the resistance band applies as it is being pulled by its proximal end.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the exercise bench 4. The bench is numbered in accordance with the description set forth with respect to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the exercise bench 4 which is likewise numbered accordingly. One structure visible in FIG. 5 is a holding hook 64 which may be positioned on the back side of the seat frame 26 to enable attachment of an end of a resistance band so the end is available for use when needed, but out of the way when the user is working with other resistance bands. Thus, for example, resistance band 70 may be attached to attachment hook 48f and the holding hook 64 when not in use, and then the proximal end threaded through the loop 62 or under the anchor arm 22 during use. Alternatively, the resistance band 70 could be pulled against the attachment hook 48f directly for bench presses and the like.

As was noted previously, the seat frame 26 of the first, front portion 8 is typically disposed at an angle between about 50 and 70 degrees, and in this embodiment is preferably at approximately 60 degrees. The generally vertical incline portion 40 is disposed between 60 and 80 degrees from the support rails 56 of the third, central portion 12.

In FIG. 5, the arms 24 are shown in an alternate position relative to the legs 18. The arms 24 may be in a variety of positions based on ease of manufacture and the exact shape of the seat frame 26.

FIG. 6 shows a rear view of the exercise bench 4 with select features numbered in accordance with the description above. Dimensions in millimeters and inches (in brackets) are provided as may be used in one embodiment of the exercise bench 4. It will be appreciated that the bench could be made larger or smaller. In accordance with one embodiment the width of the exercise bench could be between 10 and 14 inches wide. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show respectively exemplary dimensions and angles of the generally vertical inclined portion 40 and the bracing frame 44 in an end view, a side-view and a cross-sectional view of what could form one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the exercise bench numbered in accordance with the previous discussion.

FIGS. 11 through 14 show a front view, a two side views and a top view of the first, forward portion of the exercise bench with the various dimensions provided in millimeters and inches (in brackets) and various radiuses of curvature angles being shown. The seat has been removed for visibility. The various parts are numbered in accordance with the discussion above and it will be appreciated that the dimensions provided are only one possible sizing of the exercise bench and that other sizes could also be used.

FIGS. 15-18 show side, end, top and perspective views of the support rails 56 of the third, central portion. The placement of one or more attachment hooks 48 along the support rails 56 is shown. While four attachment hooks 48 are shown on the support rails 56, it will be appreciated that the support rails may have fewer attachment hooks or more attachment hooks. For example a base version of the exercise bench may have only one or two attachment hooks 48 on a support rail 56, while a higher end version of the exercise bench may have four, five, or more attachment hooks along one of the support rails to facilitate more options for the angle at which an exercise band may be used. Additionally, while the attachment hooks 48 are shown as being positioned on one side of the support rail 56, it will be appreciated that attachment hooks could be placed on the top, bottom and/or sides of the support bars 56 to provide additional options for threading resistance bands.

While shown as being spaced approximately 7 inches (180 mm) apart, it will be appreciated that the attachment hooks 48 may be disposed closer or further from one another. For example, six attachment hooks 48 may be disposed along the support rails at a spacing of 5 inches apart. The more attachment hooks 48 which are present, the more the user can finely tune the tension provided and the resistive angle of the resistance bands attached to or passing through the attach hooks. Additionally, while openings 54 may be formed in the support rails 56, it will be appreciated that other types of attachments could be used, such as clamps, threaded attachments and the like.

FIG. 19 shows a close-up view of an attachment hook 48 with exemplary dimensions being provided in millimeters and inches (in brackets). The attachment hooks may be made of a piece of metal or other material having a diameter between ¼^thand a ½ inch, with a presently preferred diameter of about ⅜^thof an inch and will typically be bent back generally parallel to itself to provide an open space within the attachment hook between 1 and 2 inches long with 1 and ¼ to 1 and ½ inches being presently preferred. Other sizes may also be used.

FIGS. 20-22 show front and side view of the seat backer 28 showing dimensions and sizes in millimeters and inches (in brackets). Again, these sizes of only representative and the seat backer may be made larger or smaller as desired.

FIGS. 23-25 show front side and perspective views of the seat pad 30 along with representative angles and various dimensions in millimeters and inches (in brackets). Other angles may be used as desired based on the size and shape of the exercise bench.

FIGS. 26-28 show a side view, a cross-sectional view and an end view respectively of the end caps 34 which may be placed on legs 18 (FIG. 1) and the base frame member 40a (FIG. 1). The caps may be used to limit slipping of the legs 18 and/or base frame member 40a on a surface on which they rest, and to protect the surface from being marred by the metal tubes (or other material) forming the legs and base frame member.

FIG. 29 show a side view of one embodiment of an attachment hook 48 which may be used on the exercise bench 4 (FIG. 1). The attachment hook 48 may have an exterior portion 48g which is between 1 and 3 inches long, with a length of 1.5 to 3 inches being more preferred and a length of about 2.5 inches currently preferred. The end of the exterior portion 48g is bent down to leave projection 48h limiting an opening of between 0.125 and 0.5 inches, with 0.25 inches being presently preferred. It will be appreciated that the opening may be between the projection 48h and another par of the attachment hook 48 (such as in those versions where the attachment hook loops back to define the enclosure—e.g. FIG. 15-18) or the opening may be between the projection and the structure to which the attachment hook is attached (e.g. the support rail 56). The interior space of the hook may be between 0.5 and 2.25 inches long between the projection 48h and an opposing interior side of the attachment hook, such as portion 48i I. In a presently preferred embodiment, the interior space is between 1.75 and 2.25 inches long.

The height of the attachment hooks relative to the structure to which they are attached may be between 0.5 inches and 2 inches, with a height of between 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches being presently preferred for the embodiment shown in FIG. 29. Likewise, the interior height may be between 0.25 and 1 inch, with 0.5 to 0.75 being presently preferred. It will be appreciated that other sizes for the attachment hooks 48 may be used.

Turning now to FIG. 30, there is shown two attachment hooks 48j and 48k. While this formation of the attachment hook 48 may be used anywhere on the exercise bench 4 (FIG. 1), it is particularly beneficial on the generally vertical inclined portion 40 and bracing frame 44. The attachment hooks 48j and 48k may include a base portion 48m which is attached to the structure on which the attachment hook resides, such as the tubes of the generally vertical inclined portion 40 or the bracing frame 44. The base 48m may simply be the end of the piece of metal forming the attachment hook 48 to the tube or may include an elongate portion 48m′ formed by a portion of the piece of metal which extending along the tubing, and which is represented in the drawing by the dashed lines.

The attachment hooks 48j and 48k may also include a spacing portion 48n extending away from the base portion. In one embodiment the spacing portion 48n of the attachment hook 48j or 48k may extend at an angle of between 45 degrees above horizontal to 45 degrees below horizontal as it extends from the structure to which it is mounted. As shown in FIG. 30, the spacing portion 48n is substantially horizontal for attachment hook 48j, and approximately 35 degrees above horizontal for attachment hook 48k. This is different that the attachment hooks show, for example, in FIGS. 15-18, wherein the spacing portion is extending generally perpendicular from the structure to which the attachment hook is attached.

Extending from the spacing portion 48n is an engagement portion 48p against which the resistance band will rest if the resistance band extends out directly to the user. The engagement portion 48p of the attachment hooks 48j and 48k extend in a direction toward the structure to which the attachment hook is attached (e.g., the inclined tube), with the engagement portion being disposed between 50and 80 degrees from the horizontal. As shown in FIG. 30, the engagement portion 48p of the attachment hook 48j is disposed at about 60 degrees from horizontal extending toward the post of the generally vertical incline portion 40, which is disposed at about 70 degrees from horizontal in the opposite direction. The attachment hook 48k has an engagement portion 48p which is oriented at about 70 degrees from horizontal. The orientation of the engagement portion 48p provides a surface which is generally more perpendicular to the axis along which the resistance band is being stretched. That, combined with the projections 48h at or near the end of the engagement portion 48p helps ensure that the resistance band will not slip out of the opening between the attachment hook 48j or 48k and the tube of the generally vertical incline portion 40 or bracing frame 44 (not shown in FIG. 30). In one embodiment, the spacing portion 48n and the engagement portion 48p are both between about 1 inch and 3 inches long. In one preferred embodiment, the engagement portion is between 1.5 and 2.5 inches long along an inside surface between the spacing portion 48n and the projection 48h.

Turning now to FIG. 31, there is shown a perspective view of an exercise bench 4 which is numbered in accordance with the discussion above. The anchor arms 22 are different in that there are two anchor arms on the first, forward portion 8 and two anchor arms on the second, rearward portion 10. This allows resistance bands to be attached in additional ways. A projection 22a may extend from each of the anchor arms 22 on one side (as shown on the anchor arms of the second, rearward portion 10) or on both sides (as shown on the anchor arms of the first, forward portion 8 to help prevent a resistance band from slipping off the anchor arm.

Additionally, FIG. 31 shows a resistance band 70 being attached to an attachment hook, such as attachment hook 48j or 48k, as discussed in FIG. 30. The angle of the engagement portion 48p of the attachment hook 48k prevents the resistance band 70 from moving upwardly during reps and accidentally coming off the attachment hook. This enables the user to safely conduct a wide range of motions with the resistance band 70.

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise bench 4. Rather than having the lower seat portion 26a, inclined seat portion 26b and the upper attachment portion 26c of the seat frame 26 and the generally vertical incline portion 40b and the upper attachment portion 40c of the incline frame 40 being formed by bending the tubing, the each of the various portions are welded together and then the different portions attached together with spring button locks or the like. Likewise, the bracing frame 44 includes only 4 arms for engaging the incline frame 40.

The seat frame 26 may also include a plurality of support bars 26d to help hold the seat cushion, which has been omitted in FIG. 32. The support bars 26d help to prevent the seat cushion and supporting structure from being damaged when a user is using a resistance band which is providing a significant amount of tension, thereby pushing the user forcefully against the seat.

FIG. 33 shows an example of sizes and angles which could be used in building the exercise bench.

FIG. 34 through 36 show a plan view, a side cross-sectional view and a perspective view, respectively of a spring button lock 14. The spring button lock 14 may include a first arm 14a, and a second arm 14b which extend away from one another, and a button 14c attached to an end of the second arm 14b for selectively holding the first, forward portion to the second, rearward portion and to the third, central portion by engaging holes formed in each portion.

FIG. 37 shows a perspective view of an exercise bench 4 wherein the first, forward portion 8 uses a single support leg 18 and a single support rail 56 connecting the support leg to the second, rearward portion 8. In light of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that other embodiments may also be made.

Turning now to FIG. 38, there is shown a side view of the support rail 56 having a plurality of attachment hooks 48s, 48s and 48u attached thereto. Attachment hook 48r may include a base 48m which is attached to the support rail 56. The base 48m may attach at its end, or maybe bent so as to have a portion 48m′ extending along the support rail. Attachment hook 48r may include a spacing portion 48n add an engagement portion 48p. when oriented search that the spacing portion 48n faces toward the first, front portion 4 (FIG. 1) the spacing portion and the engagement portion may be formed by the same portion of the attachment hook. A return portion 48t may extend back toward the spacing rail so as to substantially enclose the open space between the attachment hook and the support rail. A projection 48h may be disposed at the end of the return portion 48t to thereby leave an opening which is preferably between ⅛ and ¼ of an inch so as to allow exercise bands to slide into the open area within the attachment hook, while not being easily removed.

Attachment hook 48s is generally similar to attachment hook 48r in that the base 48n maybe attached to the support rail 56. The spacing arm portion 48n and the engagement portion 48p are formed by the same portion of the arm forming the attachment hook due to its orientation. At the end of the return arm portion 48t is a projection 48h which slopes backwardly toward the opening within the attachment hook to thereby minimize the risk of a resistance band being inadvertently pulled out of the attachment arm.

Also shown in FIG. 38 is an attachment hook 48u which is attached in generally the opposite orientation as attachment hooks 48r and 48s. in such an arrangement the two arms forming the upper part of the attachment hook form an independent spacing portion 48n and engagement portion 48p. Because the projection 48h an entrance to the opening within the attachment hook is disposed on the side proximal to the first, front portion the use of such orientation would generally be on the support rail close to the seat frame and for use with exercises extending upwardly so that the resistance band 70 is not inadvertently pulled out of and away from the attachment hook 48u.

Turning now to FIG. 39, there is shown an alternate attachment hook 48w which may be used on the generally vertical inclined portion 40 of the second rearward portion 8 (FIG. 1) or on the backside of the seat frame 26. The attachment hook 48w is oriented so that the base 48m (and 48m′ if included) is attached on the top of the arm forming the attachment hook, with the spacing portion 48n extending proximately toward the first portion. The spacing portion 48n may be between 0.125and 1 inch with some embodiments having a preferred length of 0.5 inches. the engagement portion 48p may extend downwardly one to three inches, with one embodiment having a preferred length of about 1.75 inches. A return portion 48t extends back toward the structure on which the attachment hook is mounted and may be between one and two inches long. A projection 48h may also be provided and extend inwardly so as to minimize the risk of an exercise band being inadvertently removed from the opening within the attachment arm 48w. In light of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that a similar attachment arm could also be attached to the back of the seat frame 26 but would be essentially the mirror image of what is shown in FIG. 39.

Turning now to FIG. 40, there is shown a modification of the exercise bench as shown in FIG. 3. A plurality brackets or rings 80 may be attached to the second, rearward portion 10 along the generally vertical inclined portion. The rings 80 may be, for example, 1.5 inches on an outer diameter. A tube or attachment bar 84 may be slid through the rings 80 so that the attachment bar extends outwardly on either side. For example, the attachment bar 84 may be 4 feet long and 1.25-2 inches in the outer diameter. A user can attach a resistance band 70′ to the attachment bar by looping the end of the resistance bands around the attachment bar and then pulling the rest of the resistance band through the loop so that that end of the resistance band is wrapped about the attachment bar 84. This enables a user to do “fly” workouts with a broad point of origin to work parts of the chest. While FIG. 40 shows two attachment bars 84 on the back, it is anticipated that four or more attachment bars could be so disposed the exercise bench if desired.

FIGS. 41 and 42 show, respectively, a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an exercise bench 4 made in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The exercise bench 4 includes a first, forward portion 8, a second, rearward portion 10 disposed opposite the first, forward portion and a third, central portion 12 disposed between the first, forward portion and the second, rearward portion. The first, forward portion 8, the second, rearward portion 10 and the third, central portion 12 may be releasably attachable to each other so as to form an assembled exercise bench 4. The first, forward portion 8, the second rearward portion 10 and the third, central portion 12 may be held together by pins 86 inserted through structures in the various portions which enable the portions to fit together, by spring button locks which extend through holes in the various portions as discussed above, or by other fasteners.

The first, forward portion 8 may include a base portion 16 formed by a pair of legs 18 which may be between, for example, 6 and 18 inches tall. The legs may have a cross-support 19 disposed therebetween and a support arm 20 disposed generally perpendicular thereto at the top of each leg.

Extending from the leg 18 and/or the support arm 20 may be an anchor arm 22 which can be used to secure an end of a resistance band (not shown). A pair of arms 24 may extend upwardly from the legs 18 and/or support arms 20 to engage a seat frame 26. The seat frame 26 may include a lower seat frame portion 26a, a central incline seat frame portion 26b and an upper seat frame attachment portion 26c. In one or more embodiments the central incline portion 26b may be disposed between about 50 and 70 degrees from the horizontal, with 55-65 degrees being more preferred, and an angle of approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal being presently preferred.

Disposed adjacent to the seat frame 26 may be a seat backer 28 (FIG. 42) which is designed for attachment to the seat frame. The attachment between the seat backer 28 and the seat frame 26 may be accomplished by mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets or adhesive material. Disposed adjacent to the seat backer 28 may be a seat pad 30 which may be made from foam, neoprene or other damping or cushioning material and may be made from a single piece or multiple pieces of material. The seat backer 28 and the seat pad 30 may be releasably attached to the seat frame 26, or maybe fixedly attached thereto.

The seat pad 30 may have a bottom portion 30a for sitting on, an inclined portion 30b against which a user may rest his or her back or stomach during certain exercises, and an upper portion 30c on which the user's arms may rest while performing elevated curls, arm pulls or other arm exercises.

The seat frame 26 may be made from hollow tubing and the upper attachment portion 26c may be made to receive the second, rearward portion 10 in a nesting relationship with an upper attachment portion 40c of an incline frame 40 of the second, rearward portion 10 and held in place by a fastener, such as a pin 86, a spring button lock, a bolt, etc. Thus, the exterior circumference or the outside diameter of one will be slightly smaller than the interior circumference or inside diameter of the other. The tubing forming the two sections may be cylindrical, or may have an alternate cross-section, such as square or oval.

The incline frame 40 of the second, rearward portion 10 may include a base frame member 40a for resting on the ground (or on end caps 34 disposed on the base frame member). Additional supports may also be attached to the base frame member between its ends. The incline frame 40 of the second, rearward portion 10 may also include a generally vertical incline frame portion 40b, which may be made or one or more upwardly extending tubes, etc., extending upwardly from the base frame member 40a. The term generally vertical incline is used because the incline portion is preferably disposed at an angle of between 60 and 90 degrees with a more preferable range being between 65 and 80 degrees. In some embodiments, the preferred incline of the incline frame 40b is disposed at approximately 70 degrees from the horizontal leaning toward the first, forward portion 8.

The generally vertical incline frame portion 40b may be formed by one or more posts or tubes extending upwardly at the same angle from the base frame member 40a. The tubes may then be bent or welded to be generally horizontal to form the upper attachment portion 40c which can nest with the upper attachment portion 26C of the set frame of the first, forward portion 8.

A bracing frame 44 may be placed between the posts or tubes forming the generally vertical incline portion 40a. The bracing frame 44 may serve two purposes. First, the bracing frame 44 may provide additional rigidity to the generally vertical incline portion 40b thereby providing rigidity to the exercise bench 4. Additionally, the bracing frame 44 may include one or more attachment hooks 48 which can be used to attach resistance bands (not shown). While not shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of attachment hooks 48 may be disposed on the posts or tubes forming the generally vertical incline portion 40 and the bracing frame 44 so that a number of attachment hooks are disposed on the second, rear portion 10.

In light of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the exercise bench 4 may be used in conjunction with resistance bands to provide a large variety of different workouts while using a small number of bands. The resistance band may be attached to one of the attachment hooks 48 and then pulled directly by a user while exercising. The placement of the attachment hooks 48 allows a user to customize the orientation of the resistance bands to their height, physical conditioning, and the portion of a muscle group which the user wishes to work on. Thus, for example, a short person could attach a pair or resistance bands to attachment hooks 48b and 48c respectively and perform bench presses with the resistance bands extending at an angle of about 20 degrees above the horizontal. A taller person using the same bands and attachment hooks 48a, 48b may be performing the same exercise with the resistance bands at about 30-35 degrees above horizontal. By moving the resistance bands to the next higher set of attachment hooks 48c (only one of which is visible), the taller user could adjust the angle of the resistance bands to about 20 degrees above the horizontal. By selecting which group of attachment hooks 48 are used, the user can adjust the angle at which band is providing resistance, thereby changing the manner in which the resistance band is affecting the muscle(s) being worked.

The multiple attachment hooks 48 also allow a user to use a resistance band for variety of purposes. For example, if a user wants to pull a resistance band at an angle with the existence band extends from attachment hook 48a, but the band is longer than that needed by the user, the band may be made to first engaged another attachment hook and then be passed through attachment hook 48a so that the band is of the desired length.

Changing the length of the band can be done both to simply shorten the band and/or to change the point at which the band starts applying tension to user during the exercise. Thus, for example, on person may initially start by attaching a 2 foot band to attachment hook 48a and performing a bench press. After weeks of work, the user may desire additional resistance. This can be accomplished by attaching the band onto attachment hook 48b and then through attachment hook 48a, thereby effectively shortening the bank and causing the band to provide tension earlier during the movement of the arms. (It will be appreciated that when during an arm press, one band may be attached to attachment hook 48b and pass through attachment hook 48a, while another band it attached to attachment hook 48a and passes through attachment hook 48b so that two bands are provided—one for each arm) in an orientation which will apply similar tension to each arm.) As the user continues to grow stronger, the point of attachment for the band may move further away from the attachment hook through which the band passes last, thereby allowing the same band to be used by a bigger and a user with considerable time spent in strength training. By selecting which attachment hook 48 or group of attachment hooks, the user can select the angle at which the band is providing tension and amount of tension being provided for a wide array of exercises. Additionally, because multiple bands can be attached to the exercise bench at the same time, the user can perform multiple exercises without having to leave the exercise bench 4 or change free weights, etc.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the generally vertical incline portion 40 has at least two hooks, though 4 or more attachment hooks is preferred and a currently preferred number attachment hooks being between 6 and 12 attachment hooks.

Extending from the generally vertical incline portion 40 may be one or more lower attachment arms 52. The lower attachment arms 52 may include openings 54 to receive attachment members, such as the spring button locks 14, a pin or other type of fastener. The lower attachment arms 52 may be sized to receive support rails 56 of the third, central portion 12 in a nesting relationship. In light of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the support rails 56 may nest in the lower attachment arms, or vice versa. A spring button lock, a pin 86 or some other fastener may hold the two pieces together.

An opposing end of the support rails 56 of the third, central portion 12 may form a nesting engagement with the support arm 20 of the first, forward portion 8. The support arm 20 may include an opening 60 to receive a pin 86, a spring button lock, or some other fastener to retain the end of the support rail 56 in the support arm 20, or the support arm 20 in the support rail 56.

The support rail(s) 56 may also include one or more attachment hooks 48. In one embodiment the two attachment hooks 48′ which are closest to the second, rear portion, have an engagement portion 48p which is disposed at approximately 60 degrees from horizontal, extending rearwardly so that band extending perpendicularly from the engagement portion of the attachment hook would extend at an angle of about 30 degrees above horizontal.

The next most forward attachment hook 48″ has an engagement portion 48p which is dispose at approximately 40 degrees above horizontal, so that a resistance band extending perpendicularly therefrom would be disposed at approximately 50 degrees above horizontal. The forward most attachment hook 48″ has an engagement portion 48p which is disposed at an angle of about 20 degrees above horizontal, extending rearwardly, so that a resistance band extending perpendicularly therefrom would extend upwardly toward the front portion at an angle of about 70 degrees above horizontal.

Also shown on the exercise bench 4 are a number of brackets or rings 80 which may be used to hold attachment bars 84 which extend outwardly from the exercise bench 4. These can be used to perform butterfly exercises with one end of the resistance band being attached to the attachment bar 84 laterally outward from the frame portions of the bench. By adjusting the distance outwardly, the portions of the muscle groups and the resistance provided by the band may be adjusted accordingly. The attachment bars can also be used for other exercises such as cross-pulls.

In at least one embodiment it is desirable that the attachment bars 84 be removable from the brackets or rings 80 so that the exercise bench may be stored in minimal space. For example, after a person living in an apartment has finished exercising, he or she may wish to tuck the exercise bench 4 out of the way, and the attachment bars 84 removed, the exercise bench 4 can be placed in at area of about 18 inches wide and 4-5 feet long. As such it may be positioned behind a couch or even in a closet.

FIGS. 43 and 44 show the exercise bench of FIGS. 41 and 42 with a plurality of exercise bands 90, 92, 94,98 disposed thereon. Most of the numbering provided in FIGS. 41 and 42 have been omitted for clarity, but the various structures shown may be designated accordingly.

The first resistance band 90 has one end disposed about the lower attachment bar 84a and the other end disposed about the anchor arm 22. The second resistance band 92 has one end attached to attachment hook 48x and the other end disposed on the support arm 22. The third resistance band 94 has one end rapped around the upper attachment bar 84b and the other end wrapped around the support arm 22. The fourth resistance band 98 has one end disposed on attachment hook 48y and an opposing end disposed on the support arm 22. The bands, generally indicated at 100, on the opposing side of the exercise bench may be disposed in similar arrangement.

One problem with using conventional exercise benches with free weights is that the user will often perform one set of exercises, and then have to put the free weights back and get additional free weights for the next exercise. This slows down the workout and creates congestion if several exercise benches are adjacent to each other. The present exercise bench 4, however, allows a user to attach all of the resistance bands needed for several exercises prior to beginning the work out. For example, a person may start with the bands set up as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. The person may then kneel on the lower portion 30c of the seat 30 and use the first resistance band 90 and a corresponding band on the other side, to do lat pulls. The user may then sit on the seat and do leg presses by looping the end of the band 92 around his or her feet (or attach a foot brace onto the band 92) and extend his or her legs to perform leg presses. The user may then use the third band 94 to do elevated arm presses. The user may then use the fourth resistance band 98 to perform an additional exercise. All of this can be done without the user ever having to leave the exercise bench and, depending on the various exercises being performed, without ever having to get up off the seat. If the user decides that he or she needs more resistance, the resistance band may be reattached at a different point or passed round one or more of the attachment hooks to increase resistance without the user even having to get a different resistance band.

FIG. 45 shows a rear view of the exercise bench 4 having four of the attachment bars 84 mounted on the exercise bench. The exercise bench 4 may also have one or more attachment bar brackets 104 which can be used to store the attachment bars 84 when not in use.

FIG. 46 shows a side view of the exercise bench 4 having a plurality of band holders 110. The band holders 110 may be positioned along the seat frame 26, the generally vertical incline portion 40, and/or the siderails 56 and/or the support arm 20. The band holders 110 may be formed by a pair of arms 112 which extend from the tubing of the exercise bench 4. The pairs of arms 112 may be disposed at different distances, so that resistance bands 100 of various lengths may be held. As shown in FIG. 47, the arms 112 may include a retainer flange 114 or one or more projections 116 so that the resistance bands do not inadvertently slide off of the arms. A user may remove a resistance band by simply applying a small amount of force to one end sufficient for the resistance band to extend beyond the projection 116 or retainer flange 14. The band holders 110 help to keep the bands organized and prevent them from being lost or tripped over by being left on the ground.

FIG. 48 shows a side view of a person using the exercise bench to perform an exercise. While the exercise bench 4 is advantageous because it allows a user to perform a wide variety of exercises, it is also advantageous in that it allows a user to perform multiple exercises at the same time. Thus, FIG. 48 shows a user kneeling on the lower seat portion 30a and the user's elbows resting on the upper seat portion 30c A first resistance band 100a is attached to attachment hook 48y and a second band 100b is attached to one of the projections on the leg 18. At the same time, the user can hold the first resistance band 100a in his or her hands and have the second resistance band 100b disposed over his or her ankles and simultaneously perform an elevated arm curl with the resistance band 100a and a leg curl with resistance band 100b.

FIG. 49 shows a side view of a person using the exercise bench to perform an exercise. A first resistance band 100c is attached at one end to attachment hook 48a and may be held by the user's hand at the other end to perform an arm press. At the same time, a second resistance band 100d may be disposed on the lower bar 84 at one end and may be wrapped around the user's foot at the other so that the user is performing a leg press. Not only does this allow the user to exercise both their arms and legs at the same time, by leaning into the arm press/leg press, the user can also work their abdominal muscles at the same time. Thus, one set of exercise works the arms, the legs and the core simultaneously. It will be appreciated that the exercise bench 4 enables a user to work a wide range of muscles at a variety of angles to facilitate toning and/or muscle growth as desired by the users. A spotter is not needed, because the user can simply let go of the resistance bands if the resistance is too great, and no weights are dropped on the floor. Thus, the exercise bench facilitates exercise in a variety of environments where free weights may be too loud.

FIG. 50 shows a side view of the exercise bench 4, while having the first, front portion 8, the second, rear portion 10 and the central portion 12 being releasably attached is advantageous for storage and transport of the exercise bench, it is also advantageous to avoid any long pieces which increase the bulk of the exercise bench while shipping. To this end, the exercise bench 4 may be made more modular by having the seat frame 26 be made of two or more pieces which can be disassembled. Thus, the seat frame 26 may have a first frame section 26d which nests with and attaches to a second frame section 26e. This may be done by a spring button lock 14, a pin, or other fastener. The seat frame 26 may also have a third seat frame section 26f which receives an opposing end of the second seat section 26e. A spring button lock 14 or other fastener can be used to attach the second seat frame section to the third seat frame section. Forming the seat frame 26 from two or more pieces substantially reduces the shipping volume of the exercise bench. FIG. 51 shows the second seat frame sections 26e for each side of the exercise bench.

Likewise, the generally vertical incline frame 40 may be made from several pieces. A first vertical incline frame section 40d may nest with a second vertical incline frame section 40e. The second vertical incline frame section 40 may nest with a third vertical incline frame section 40f. Spring button locks 14 or other fasteners may be used to hold the respective sections together. FIG. 52 shows the second vertical incline frame section 40f which may also include the bracing frame 44.

While shown in different drawings for clarity, it will be appreciated that an exercise bench 4 made in accordance with the present disclosure could contain each of the features shown in the various drawings. Thus, for example, a single exercise bench 4 may have all of the aspects shown and discussed regarding in FIGS. 41-52.

FIG. 53 shows a resistance band 100 having a foot sleeve 130 attached thereto by a strap or cable 134. The foot sleeve 130 may be made of nylon or other durable material and may have openings at a top and bottom so that user may insert his or her feet for doing leg presses or other exercises. The foot sleeve 130 may be broader than a resistance band so that the force being applied to the feet is spread out over a greater area than would be provided by simply inserting one's feet into band.

FIG. 54 shows a rear perspective view of a user performing a bench press using the exercise bench 4. One advantage of the attachment bars 84 is that they provide lateral width to a workout. An end of a band may be disposed directly on the attachment bar 84, or may be attached to one of the attachment hooks, such as attachment hook 84a and then looped over the bars and then directed to the location desired for the exercise. As shown, the user has a bench press bar 140. A resistance band 100 may be attached to each end of the bench press bar 140. The positioning of the band around the attachment bar keeps the band 100 laterally wide enough that it does not interfere with the user's arms during the bench press. If the user decides to change the angle at which he or she is doing the bench press, this can be done either by simply changing the movement of the arm, or the orientation of the tension provided by the resistance band 100 may be changed by wrapping the resistance band around a different attachment bar 84 to change the angle at which the resistance band extends toward the user.

The attachment bars can also facilitate the use of the resistance bands for different exercises. For example, the bench press bar 140 could also be used to do elevated curls by the user simply kneeling of the seat portion 30a and doing curls. The resistance and angle at which tension is provided could also be adjusted by also passing the resistance bands 100 under the lower attachment bar.

In light of the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that the exercise bench can be used with a wide variety of exercises which require pushing, pulling twisting, crunching, etc. Unlike free weights, the bands will not damage floors and the like if dropped, and the ability to change the attachment location of the resistance bands and the angle at which they extend to the user allows significant control not only in which muscle groups are worked, but which portions of those muscle groups by changing the angles and tension between the resistance bands and the user. It will also be appreciated that multiple resistance bands could be used to increase tension during an exercise if needed.

Thus, there is disclosed an exercise bench. In light of the present disclosure, It will be appreciated that modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	29892737	May 2023	US
Child	18618953		US
Parent	29904397	Oct 2023	US
Child	18618953		US

EXERCISE BENCH

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RELATED APPLICATIONS

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