Patent Application
20180078808
This invention relates to an alternative exercise technique in the Fitness Field. This apparatus is utilized as an extension tool that can be used with modern gym equipment. This apparatus is specifically designed to exercise you back muscles by way of connecting various gym attachment bars, while simultaneously engaging your core muscles and quadriceps with in the same motion you would normally perform and same time frame you would normally spend on a modern gym back machine. This apparatus includes a steel chain, a sleeve, one quick connecting coupling link and two spring snap links. The one quick connecting coupling link and two spring snaps are connected to the chain at appropriate chain links and used as connection points for metal or nonmetal single hand grip gym attachment bars or ropes and metal or nonmetal double hand grip gym attachment bars and ropes for use in an exercise movement. The purpose of the sleeve is so the device does not shift when using a barbell during an exercise movement. The chain is used to hold the aforementioned elements in place as it is used for the intended exercise movement.
For many years, there have been disadvantages with the modern gym back machines the gyms offer. Specifically, the angles attainable of modern gym back machines were limited and the core muscles were not being utilized enough. The core muscles are some of the most difficult muscle groups to tone. Exercising the core can be discouraging because positive results take time to achieve. The fitness industry needed something new to help keep back exercise routines from becoming boring. This apparatus will help keep your workout exciting while working your back muscles and burning more calories in the process.
As far as prior art is concerned, there are similar machines and at least one device that resemble the purpose of my invention. The machines currently known are the hyper extension machine and the bent over t-bar machine. The hyper extension machine is designed to work the lower back muscles. My invention is designed to incorporate the lower back muscles and the core muscles and quadriceps within the same movement and time frame that is spent on a hyper extension machine. The other machine is the bent over t-bar row machine which focuses strictly on the upper back muscles. My invention is designed to engage the upper back muscles as well as the core muscles and quadrips within the same movement that would be performed while using the bent over t-bar row machine. Some of the devices that resembles my invention are the “Single arem Landmine Handle”, the “T-Barbell Row” handles—for a standard 1¼′ diameter barbell, the “Landmine Double D Triangle”, the “Wide Grip Handle Grappler Attachment” for the Landmine, the “wide grip T row bar back blaster rowing landmine handle”, the “Multi grip T row back blaster lat rowing landmine handle” for the Olympic bar and standard bar, the “Lat Blaster Bar”, the “Wide Handle for Landmine”, the “T Bar Row Handle” for a 1¾ diameter, the “Xtreme Monkey—T Bar Row Multi-grip Handle Bar” and the “Olympic Single T-Barbell Row” handle. The advantage of my invention is that it is solely capable of accomplishing all of these devices implied movement by itself. The drawback is these devices have a restricted usage and a limited angle in which you can use them. My invention is not only compatable with an Olympic bar and a standard bar, but can also be utilized with any gym attachment bar which can be affixed to my device in seconds. My invention also allows you to personalize your exercise routine by creating your own angles of your handgrip.
With simply just the turn of your wrist, this invention enables you to target different parts of the back muscle by creating new and previously unattainable angles for your back exercise program. While using this device to target the back muscles, the core muscles and quadriceps become instantly engaged, resulting in more calories being burned. This is also accomplished with in the same time frame compared when using a modern gym back machine, so no movement or time is wasted when using this device. Also, different areas of the back muscles can be targeted, simply detaching and reattaching a variety of available and mass produced gym attachment bars to the quick connect coupling link and spring snaps which are included with this invention.
Most physical activities require and depend on stable core muscles and quadriceps. The core muscles of the human anatomy are responsible for allowing your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in unity. Applying this invention to your back exercise program will lead to better balance and stability, whether you play sports and/or in your everyday life style.
Modern gym back machines are designed to only target the back muscles, which of course is what the machine was intended for. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I knew it could be better. Also, modern day gym back machines have more points of body contact, therefore the exercise movement is easier to perform because there are less muscles engaging during each exercise movement. So, when using modern gym back machines, the core muscles and quadriceps do not have the opportunity to engage to their fullest potential essentially because they are being assisted, rested or not contracting. Unfortunately, this results in less calories being burned.
When incorporating my invention with your back workout program, there are lesser points of body contact. Due to this fact, the extraordinary result is you will burn more calories. This is because your body forces your core muscles and quadriceps to engage compared to when using a modern gym back machine.
Most people in the fitness field strive for a ‘wide’ or a ‘V-Shape’ back. This invention will help you achieve that status in a shorter time frame because it allows you to build the back muscles while engaging the core muscles and quadriceps all with in the same motion. As previously mentioned, modern gym back machines are limited to only the angles in which the machine allows. With the use of the spring snaps, my invention will allow you to voluntary incorporate your back muscles at different desired angles as your primary target muscle group and simultaneously involuntary incorporate your core muscles and quadriceps as your secondary target muscle group, which again will ultimately lead to burning more calories.
So, the ‘beginning to end’ motion performed is identical comparing a modern gym back machine to my invention. The incentive with my invention is that your body is forced to engage your core muscles and quadriceps throughout the exercise movement, which allows more calories being burned with in the same motion you would normally perform on a modern gym back machine and within the same time frame.
My invention is a portable and light weight exercise apparatus that includes a steel chain, a sleeve, one quick connection coupling link, and two spring snaps. The one quick connect coupling link and two spring snaps are the connection tools used as connection points with any metal or nonmetal, single hand grip or double hand grip gym attachment bars or rope. The purpose of the sleeve is so the device doesn't shift while during an exercise movement. The purpose of the chain is to hold the aforementioned elements in place.
The advantage of my invention is that it will allow you to create you own angles and personalize your back workout routine. Another advantage when comparing a modern back machine to this device is that with my invention, there are lesser points of body contact, resulting in a more physical demand requirement from the core muscles and quadriceps to instantly and constantly engage throughout the exercise movement, therefore causing more calories being burned.
The disadvantage of modern gym back machines is they are designed to have more points of body contact, therefore they are easier to use because more muscles are assisted or not engaging, resulting in less calories being burned.
My invention allows you to engage your back muscles as a primary muscle target while simultaneously engaging your core muscles and quadriceps as a secondary target, and complete all of this with in the same motion you would normally perform on a modern gym back machine and also with in the same time frame.
The ultimate benefit of this invention is that you will strengthen your back muscles, you will strengthen your core muscles, you will strengthen your quadriceps, you will strengthen the muscles responsible for your posture, and while doing so, you will burn more calories in the process with in the same exercise movement and same time frame as you would compared to using a modern day gym back machine.
The drawings that illustrate my invention are simply made up of five components, in which three of the five components serve an identical purpose. One component is a welded steel chain (illustrated in
The drawings illustrate the suggested connection points of the one steel quick connection coupling link (illustrated in
The drawings also illustrate by diagram how the invention is produced step by step. Also included in the drawings is a complete and labeled diagram (illustrated in
Step 1—Using a solid steel chain with a length of 1½′ (can be longer than 1½ feet or can be shorter than 1½″ feet) and a safe working load limit (Safe Working Load Limit, also referred to as WLL, is the maximum working load designed by the manufacturer—This load represents a force that is much less than the required to make the lifting equipment fail or yield, also know as the Minimum Breaking Load (MLB)). *Refer to
Step 2—Using a sleeve (can be synthetic or can be non-synthetic) at approximately 6″ in length (can be longer than 6 inches or can be shorter than 6 inches)×approximately 1½″ in width (could be wider than 1½ inches or could be narrower than 1½ inches), and slide the chain from step 1 through the sleeve, over and about center of the chain (sleeve can be placed slightly to the left of the center of the chain or placed slightly to the right of the center of the chain). The ultimate purpose of this sleeve is to create a gripping or non-slipping action as this device is used for its intention or in motion. *Refer to
Use one solid steel—¼″ quick connect coupling link (from here on referred to as a “quick link” and can be greater than ¼ inches or can be lesser than ¼ inches) with a WLL and connect it to two of the chain links (suggested quick link connection point is illustrated in Figure #3—Part C, page 3 of 5 and
This application includes unrelated and non-provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 12/616,263, filed on Nov. 11, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. *Refer to
This application also relates to my non-provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 26/944,326, filed at 09:00:04 EST on Sep. 16, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Use two solid steel—¼″ spring snap links (can be greater than ¼ inches or can be lesser than ¼ inches) with a WLL and connect them to two of the links at the chains end. During this process, the sleeve in step 2 can remain in place. These two links will be our “spring snap” links, and used as gym attachment bar connection points. *Refer to
Making the quick link and spring snap connections can be done one of two ways. One option is that you may take the chain with the installed sleeve and place the chain in a “U” shape pattern on any flat and solid surface, and then proceed to make the quick link and spring snap connections (described later in step 3 (A) and step 3 (B)). The second option is that the chain can be removed from the flat or solid surface for easier maneuverability and accessibility to make the quick link and spring snap attachment connections. Either option takes approximately the same amount of time once you've become use to the apparatus, so ultimately its up to your personal preference.
Step 3 (A)—In this step, we are going to connect the one quick link to an even numbered link from each end of the chain. For reference, see
Step 3 (B)—In this step, we are going to connect the two spring snap links to the two remaining chain ends. This will be referred to as our “spring snaps” (illustrated in
When all appropriate quick link connections are made, the final product will have a continuous chain portion connected by way of the quick link in step 3 (A) (illustrated in
With the aforementioned elements of the apparatus completely assembled and all the appropriate connections made, the continuous chain link portion is ready to be placed over either the end of an Olympic barbell, the end of a standard barbell, or disassembled and reassembled through and around a weight plate with an outer surface diameter hand grip for the chain to be placed through, or disassembled and reassembled around a dumbbell hand grip. When this apparatus is used properly, the top portion of the installed sleeves' positioning will rub or touch the bottom portion of either the exercise barbell (Olympic or standard), a weight plate hand grip, or a hand grip of the dumbbell.
When using the spring snap links as a gym attachment bar connection point, the center quick link should be closed (hand tight should be sufficient, but again use a wrench to ensure the link is secure). This is to ensure the apparatus is safe and does not disassemble while used in motion.
We are now ready to make the gym attachment bar connections so we can begin using the apparatus. The one quick link and two spring snaps we have just installed will be our gym attachment bar connection points that will be used with the apparatus. One of the connection points is our quick link we installed in Step 3 (A) and the remaining two connection points are our spring snaps we installed in step 3 (B).
All gym attachment bars have a remanufactured drilled hole, steel or metal loops. These holes will be used to make the proper connections to this apparatus.
To get the most benefit using the apparatuses quick link, utilize any gym attachment bar with a double hand held grip. To get the most benefit using apparatuses the spring snaps, utilize any gym attachment bar with single hand grips; Also, the single hand grip attachment bars connected to the spring snaps should be used in unison during your exercise routine. Although you can still use the single grip gym attachment bars with the quick link and the double grip attachment bars with the spring snaps, you will find that the original suggestions will fit easier in your exercise routine.
Some gym attachment bars have a permanent non-removable spring snap already affixed. In this case, to use the quick link or the spring snaps as a gym attachment bar connection point, ensure the quick link is in the closed position, then simply depress the spring snap (permanently connected to the gym attachment bar) while connecting it to the desired apparatuses connection points (the quick link or spring snaps), then allow the spring snap to return to its original position. *Remember to ensure the center quick link is in the closed position so that the apparatus is safe to use and does not disassemble.
Most gym attachment bar connections can be made with either this device placed on or off your choice of resistance. Disassembling and reassembling the apparatus becomes easier time once you become use to the apparatus. Now your apparatus is ready to be used and gym attachment bar connections can now be made.
When using an Olympic or standard barbell, first place your desired choice of weight resistance on the barbells' end in which you are using this apparatus on. Remember to use Olympic weights with Olympic barbells and standard weights with standard barbells.
Next, place a weight plate on the opposing end of the barbell you are using as this will act as an anchor while using this apparatus in motion and will also keep your exercise repetition movement more stable and fluid. The amount of weight resistance you choose will determine the amount of weight you will need on the opposing end as your anchor. For example, the more weight resistance you choose for your exercise will require more weight on the opposing end; The less weight resistance you choose for your exercise will require a lesser weight on the opposing end. There are products on the market which can be used in place of a weight (used on the opposing end of this apparatus) which would eliminate the use of a weight to act as your anchor.
Recall, gym attachment bars with a double hand grip are best used with the quick link and gym attachment bars with a single hand grip are best used with the spring snaps, they can still be interchanged if you desire. After the appropriate gym attachment bar connections are made to the quick link (and hexagon bolt is securely closed) or the spring snaps of the apparatus, simply place the looped portion (at least 8″ from the end of the barbell) of the apparatus's chain around the end of the barbell. Or disassemble the apparatus and apply it to a weight plate hand grip or dumbbell for reassembly.
Although increased weight equals increased intensity, using a lot of weight initially is not necessary with this apparatus. This is primarily due to the fact that your core muscles and your quadriceps will instantly and involuntary engage throughout your exercise repetition while using the apparatus, which calls for more of a physical demand. So, I suggest to use a lighter weight to start so that you become use to the additional muscle groups in your core and quadriceps becoming engaged.
When incorporating the quick link of this device for your exercise resistance movement, ensure that any gym attachment bars connected to the spring snaps are removed prior to using the apparatus. Also, when incorporating the spring snaps of the device for your exercise resistance movement, ensure that any gym bar attachments connected to the quick link is removed from the apparatus and the quick link is secure in the closed position. This is to ensure that gym attachments bars being utilized in your exercise movement do not interfere with gym attachment bars not being utilized in your exercise movement.
When using the apparatus in action with a weight plate or a dumbbell, you should not have an issue with the device shifting as it may do while using a barbell. You will notice the more you become use this apparatus, the more your core muscles and quadriceps become stronger and the result will be a more stable exercise movement, therefore creates less shifting of the apparatus along the barbell.
Recall, while gym attachment bars with a double grip are best used with the quick link and gym attachment bars with a single grip are best used with the spring snaps, they can interchanged if you desire. After the appropriate gym attachment bar connections are made to the quick link or the spring snaps of the apparatus and the hexagon bolt is securely closed, the device is ready for use.
First, choose what weight resistance you will use in your exercise routine. If you choose to use the Olympic or standard barbells and after you place your choice of weight resistance on the exercise end of the bar which you are using, ensure to place a weight on the opposing end to act as your anchor. If a barbell is unavailable, or if your choice of resistance is a weight plate with an exterior hand grip or a dumbbell is available, this device can still be used.
When using a weight plate with an exterior hand grip as your choice of resistance, first remove any connected gym attachment bars to the quick link or the two spring snaps. Then disassemble the device at the quick link (sleeve can remain in place). Next, place the device through and around the hand grip portion of the weight plate. Finally, reassemble the device by reconnecting and securing the quick link. Now the device is ready for use and the gym attachment bar connections can be made.
When using a dumbbell as your choice of resistance, first remove any of the connected gym attachment bars to the quick link or the spring snaps. Next, disassemble the quick link (spring snaps can remain in place as they should not interfere with the disassembly or reassembly). Then wrap the apparatus around the hand grip of the dumbbell (sleeve can remain in place). Finally, reassemble the apparatus by reconnecting and securing the center quick link. Now the device is ready for use and the gym attachment bar connections can be made.
Second, decide how you would like to make the gym attachment bar connections and whether you wish to use the quick link or the spring snaps as your gym attachment bar connection points.
Third, decide what gym attachment bar(s) you wish to use and make the appropriate connections.
Fourth, place your feet just greater than shoulder width apart and towards the end in which the apparatus is being used.
Fifth, place your feet beside your desired choice of weight resistance and to avoid injury, keep your hands and feet out of the range of motion.
When completing an exercise movement with this apparatus, keep your knees slightly bent, keep your back straight and stick out your gluteus Maximus; This will help refrain oneself from injury and also keeps the pressure off your lower back.
Finally, ensure the apparatuses chain is not kinked or twisted then pull the apparatus bar towards you, squeeze the back muscle in which you are engaging and return the apparatus to its original position. Now you have completed one repetition. Even when completing just one repetition, you will notice your core muscles and quadriceps instantly engage. When you are finished completing your set, simply reverse the steps taken to install the gym attachment and replace it with another available attachment of your choice. Or repeat if desired.
When using the apparatus in action with a barbell, the apparatus may slightly shift along the barbell, even with extra traction the installed sleeve creates. If this occurs, simply return the apparatus back to its original position, adjust the placement of the apparatus on the barbell, and continue with your exercise routine. You will notice the more you use this apparatus, the more your core muscles and quadriceps become stronger. The result will be a more stable exercise movement, therefore creates less shifting of the apparatus.
Although increased weight equals increased intensity, using a lot of weight initially is not necessary with this apparatus. This is primarily due to the fact that more core muscles and your quadriceps will instantly involuntary become engaged throughout your repetition while using the apparatus which calls for more of a physical demand. I suggest when using this apparatus, to use a lighter weight to start so that you become use to the additional muscle groups in your core and quadriceps becoming engaged.
When using the quick link or the spring snaps with either an Olympic or standard barbell in your exercise movement, the direction of the weight plate on the side in which you are using the apparatus on should essentially be a path that runs vertically along the front of your legs.
When using the quick link or spring snaps with the weight plate or dumbbell as your resistance, the direction of the weight plate or dumbbell should essentially be a vertical path that runs towards the front and in between your legs.
When using the quick link as a gym attachment bar connection point, ensure that the quick link is closed after installation of the gym attachment bar (hand tight should be sufficient, but use a wrench to ensure link is more secure if you desire). Also, when using the spring snaps as gym attachment bar connection point, the quick link should be in the closed position (hand tight should be sufficient, but again use a wrench to ensure the link is more secure if desired). This is to guarantee the apparatus is safe to use and does not disassemble while used in motion.
With this apparatus, other than your hands, you only have two points of body contact. (both of your feet) which forces more of your core muscles and quadriceps to become engaged with and during each exercise repetition movement. Whereas any modern average gym machine that work the back muscles, typically have more points of body contact between you and the machine, and therefore is easier to use; This is primarily because more muscles are being assisted and/or not engaged, compared to when using the apparatus.
While using this apparatuses quick link with different gym attachment bars, you engage different part of your back muscles while instantly and involuntary engaging your core muscles and quadriceps. While doing so, your body will burn more calories with because you are engaging more of your body muscles with in each exercise movement.
When using this apparatuses spring snaps with the single hand grip attachment bars, you are free to adjust the angle of the attached gym hand held bars from a 0° angle to potentially 270° angle, depending on the flexibility of your joints. If desired, you don't need to turn the angle of the single hand held bars at all. Either way, adjusting the angle of apparatus will allow you to exercise more muscles that were originally hard to target. While doing so, your body burns more calories because you are engaging more of your body muscles in each exercise movement.
What's unique about this apparatus is that it creates an upright and free-standing hyper-extension motion or an upright free-standing T-bar row machine motion, but with lesser points of body contact.
With this devices chain inclusion and lesser points of body contact than modern gym back machines, an individual's exercise movement becomes modified and allows the exercise movement to be completely independent. Incidentally, this cannot be accomplished without a chain present or with a modern gym back machine that have more points of body contact, because there is less requirement from ones core muscles and quadriceps to engage.
When this apparatus is completely assembled, it can be used as an extension to any Olympic barbell, any standard barbell, a weight plate, or a dumbbell and utilized with any gym attachment bars with appropriate connection points including metal gym attachment bars, nonmetal gym attachments, single grip gym attachment bars and double grip gym attachment bars. Combining this invention with a variety of gym attachment bars, one can complete an extremely unique exercise repetition like no other, which is exactly what this apparatus was designed and intended for.
When combining this apparatus with different gym attachment bars, an individual will target the back muscles which include the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, erector spinae, rhomboid, and the teres major. This device targets the Major core muscles of the human anatomy which include the pelvic floor muscles, transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae (sacrospinalis) especially the longissimus thoracis, and the diaphragm. This device targets the Minor core muscles of the human anatomy including the latissimus dorsi (also considered a back muscle), gluteus Maximus and trapezius. This device will ultimately engage more muscles in your exercise movement. As a result, you will burn more calories with the same exercise movement you would normally perform on a modern gym back machine, but in the same time frame.
When this apparatus is used in your exercise routine correctly and when you voluntary engage your back muscles while involuntary engage your core muscles and quadriceps, there is a extra physical demand from your core muscles and quadriceps to instantly engage to keep the exercise movement as stable as possible. With this apparatus, as long as there is movement in your exercise routine, you body has no choice but to engage more muscles resulting in burning more calories in the process. Therefore, you will look better, you will feel better, you will strengthen the muscles responsible for posture, you will also strengthen the crucial core muscles and quadriceps that are responsible in your everyday life style, and you will burn more calories while performing the same motion and within the same time frame you would spend on modern gym back machines.
This application relates to my non-provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 26/944,326, filed on Sep. 16, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This application also includes an unrelated non-provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 12/616,263, filed on Nov. 11, 2009, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. *Refer to FIG. 3—Part C, page 3 of 5; and FIG. 4—Part D, page 4 of 5.
