Patent Grant
12350541
The present invention relates generally to weight training exercise equipment, and more particularly to a system for facilitating the use of a weight press machine and methods for use.
It is often necessary or desirable for a person to exercise a particular muscle or group of muscles. People exercise healthy muscles to increase strength and maintain an active lifestyle, to maintain health, to improve their appearance, or following damage to a muscle from an injury or a surgery to prevent atrophy and to strengthen the muscle for normal use.
There are two basic types of exercise movements, isolation, and compound. Isolation movements are designed to isolate a specific muscle or muscle group and to reduce body part movement to involve rotation of a single joint. Leg extensions and biceps curls are examples of isolation movements. Compound movement exercises involve more than one body part and require multiple joint action. Because of this, they exercise a greater number of muscles/muscle groups. There is also a difference in the travel path for the two types of movement. Isolation movements tend to be rotational with concentric travel paths, while compound movements tend to be curvilinear, with elliptical travel paths.
Compound movements are a natural and fundamental form of exercise and show up in everything from professional athletics to everyday activities. Jumping, rowing, swimming, and throwing all involve multi-joint movements. Squats, bench presses, chin-ups, bar dips, shoulder presses, and the like, are all compound movement exercises. While fundamental in everyday life, they can be difficult for many people to perform as exercises, requiring balance and coordination as well as strength to follow the proper movement path. Improper form by the exerciser can make the exercise more difficult, increase stress on the joints, and even lead to possible injury.
Various routines have been developed to exercise different muscle groups by forcing the muscles to contract and extend under a load, such as by moving a free weight against the force of gravity or by moving a handle whose movement is resisted by an exercise machine. The muscles of the chest, for example, may be exercised by an exercise known as the chest press. Muscles of the shoulder may be exercised by an exercise known as the shoulder press.
Various exercise machines have been developed for performing compound movement exercises involving different muscles and muscle groups. Some of these have a stationary user support, which may be linked to an exercise arm or user engagement means. One problem in most or all prior art designs is the unnatural and exaggerated arcing movement found in pivoting arm exercise machines, which do not accurately simulate the natural body movement found in free weight and/or free bar exercises.
In order to help exercisers perform weight training exercises, plate-mounted weight machines have been developed. These machines include declined press, wide chest press and low row plate-mounted machines. These machines provide stabilizing support by placing the user in a seated position with back support, preventing the user from having to lift the weights free-hand, swing weights, walk with weights, or arch the back when lifting the weights. Machines including an exercise arm pivotally mounted to the user seat or bench replaced the movement of free weights, and provided an advancement in safety. Such machines typically have an exercise arm movably mounted on a stationary frame with a seat and back pad or user support rigidly mounted on a stationary frame, operably connected to resistance weights, which may include a plate-loaded weight stack, elastic bands or hydraulic or pneumatic mechanism.
Of particular interest are plate-loaded machines which include a main frame, a user support rigidly mounted to the main frame, and a plate-loaded exercise arm pivotally mounted on the main frame. These press machines have exercise arms that may be actuated in response to movement by the user of an operably connected handle.
Machines have been developed that simulate the exercise movements of a chest press and/or a shoulder press, which machines include handles adapted to be grasped by a user supported on a declined seat and then pressed forwardly and upwardly in an arcuate path along a vertical plane for a chest press, or longitudinally upward in parallel arcs, in planes perpendicular to the back of the user for a shoulder press. Resistance to handle movement is provided by weight plates operably connected to the handles. The user's hands must follow a preset range of motion during the exercise, regardless of the user's anatomy. These machines do not permit the exerciser to select his own path of motion for the press exercise. Rather, the motion is dictated by the machines.
Current exercise machines for performing compound or multi-joint exercises do not accurately maintain proper positioning of the user throughout the exercise motion, which may result in awkward hand or wrist positions, and often involve exaggerated and unnatural arcing movements, or linear, non-arcing arm movements, rather than the smaller elliptical movement associated with free weight or natural exercise movements. There is no provision for proper positioning of the user relative to the position of the user engaging portion of the exercise arm throughout the entire exercise motion. Often, an awkward starting or finishing position is required, causing strain and potential injury.
Individuals interested in strength training often use exercise equipment such as plate-loaded or weight-stack machines, multi-station machines, circuit-training machines, or flat, upright, inclined, or declined benches. The purpose of strength training using machines is the exercise of individual muscle groups. Proper form and focus are important in isolating the appropriate muscle groups and preventing injury. However, when using a plate-loaded fitness machine such as a hammer machine, equipment with handles while in a seated position, a user must reach back beyond the normal range of motion to access the handles. This reaching beyond the normal range of motion may cause discomfort and even repetitive stress injuries.
Current solutions for this problem are not adequate and do not resolve the problem. Some users try to insert a wedge in an effort to move the handles closer to reach. Some users have tried using small plates as a wedge. Once a first user starts a first rep of lifting the weight, the plates will immediately fall down. The result is that only the first rep may be completed comfortably, and the risk of discomfort and injury will resume.
Ideally, it would be extremely useful to be able to attach an apparatus to a weight machine to modify the range of motion. No such device exists.
Accordingly, there is a need for a solution to at least one of the aforementioned problems. For instance, there is an established need for a system which includes apparatuses a user may customize and install on an exercise machine to modify the range of motion of the exercise machine. There is a further need for such a system which is user-friendly, and includes apparatuses which are easily installed and removed. There is also a need for such a system to be compact and portable for the user to bring to a gym for use.
The present invention is directed to a system for facilitating the use of a weight press machine and methods for use.
In a first implementation of the invention, a press partner system for facilitating the use of a weight press machine. The press partner system comprises components which may be removably attached to plate-loaded weight machines to alter the range of motion thereof. The press partner system comprises at least one press partner clamp apparatus and at least one press partner sleeve device or apparatus, which are configured for installation on a plate-loaded weight machine having a machine arm, to modify a range of motion of the plate machine arm. The press partner system comprises at least one press partner clamp apparatus with optional extensions, and at least one press partner sleeve apparatus with extensions.
The system and its components may be made of any suitable materials, and fabricated by any suitable fabrication process.
The press partner clamp apparatus and the press partner sleeve apparatus are able to be attached to a weight machine to modify the range of motion. The system may be used on any plate-loaded weight machine, such as, for example without limitation, a decline press machine, a wide chest press machine, or a low row machine.
A user may customize and install the apparatuses on an exercise machine to modify the range of motion of the exercise machine. The system is user-friendly, and includes apparatuses which are easily installed and removed. The system is compact and portable for the user to bring to a gym for use.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a press partner clamp apparatus configured to be easily and removably installed on an arm side contact rod of the plate-loaded weight machine. The press partner clamp apparatus comprises press partner clamp apparatus elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the press partner clamp apparatus elements.
In one aspect, the press partner clamp apparatus is a durable apparatus which may be attached to an arm of a plate-loaded exercise equipment in a secured, yet removable, fashion. The established range-of-motion is maintained throughout the exercise as the device does not detach and/or fall to the ground after the first rep, mitigating the potential for a hyperextension injury to the user and damage to the machine. The device also maintains its structural integrity after repetitive use.
In one aspect, if a user is using both arms of the plate-loaded exercise machine, one press partner clamp apparatus will be required for each arm.
In another aspect, the press partner clamp apparatus comprises:
In a further aspect, the C-shaped clamp lower portion and the clamp upper block portion may be of unitary construction.
In another aspect, the at least one clamp block extension has a block extension longitudinal length, the at least one clamp block extension being configured to be releasably coupled to the clamp upper block portion of the press partner clamp apparatus to provide an extended upper block portion. The at least one clamp block extension has a block extension outer portion having a longitudinal direction and a block extension interior portion having a longitudinal direction. The clamp block extension comprises a block extension coupling means for releasably interconnecting the clamp block extension to the clamp upper block portion at the clamp body top to provide a composite press partner clamp body and clamp block extension having a composite extended longitudinal length to increase the length of the press partner clamp apparatus. A plurality of clamp block extensions may be provided, each having a varied length, and capable of use to increase the overall length of the device. Each block extension may be removably attached to the clamp upper block portion by any suitable connector means, such as, for example without limitation, a force-fit, a magnetic attachment, or another integrated snapping attachment.
The press partner clamp apparatus clamp body may be a single solid structure manufactured out of plastic, rubber, or foam. The clamp body may be manufactured using 3D printing, injection modeling, or some other manufacturing process.
The C-shaped lower portion may be configured to be removably attached to the weight machine, to the arm side contact rod of the plate-loading weight machine. The contact rod may have a diameter of about 1″. The lower clamp portion is configured to snap onto contact rod. The upper block may have a rectangular cross section, and may have a length of about 4″. The upper block is configured to hold the weight machine handles in place, so a user does not have to reach beyond the user's range of motion. For example, when using a Life Fitness Hammer Strength product in a gym, the handles are positioned too far back to reach. The clamp apparatus beneficially extends the reach of the handles to a comfortable and reachable position. The clamp apparatus is securely but removably affixed to the weight machine, and will not fall when the user is doing reps, so that the user's comfortable reach is maintained.
In one aspect, the clamp body may have any suitable dimensions. The dimensions may be provided to permit the clamp apparatus to be attached to any suitable weight machine with different side contact rods.
In another aspect, the C-shaped lower clamp portion may comprise a 101.6 mm long cylinder with 50.8 mm OD and 22.25 mm ID. A 45° V-shaped cutout may be provided along an axis of the cylinder. The upper block may comprise a rectangular extrusion, 25.4 mm thick, running along the axis and protruding from the cylinder on the opposite side of the 45° V-shaped cutout, extending 101.6 mm. In one aspect, the dimensions permit the clamp apparatus to fit onto a 1-inch contact rod typically found on Life Fitness Hammer Strength products. As noted herein, the dimensions of the clamp apparatus may be customized to permit the clamp apparatus to be attached to other brand devices with different side contact rods.
In one aspect, the press partner clamp apparatus may be used by a user, by first attaching the lower clamp portion to the exercise equipment by attaching the C-shaped lower portion to the arm contact rod of the exercise equipment prior to the addition of any weighted plates. If both arms of the exercise equipment will be utilized, a second press partner clamp apparatus will be provided for attachment to the second arm contact rod. The press partner clamp apparatus may either be slid axially onto a contact rod, or forcibly snapped onto the contact rod by pressing the v-shaped cutout along the cylindrical portion of the clamp against the contact rod. If desired, one or more clamp block extensions may be secured to the clamp upper block. The press partner clamp apparatus may then be rotated around the contact rod until an optimal contact with a bumper of the exercise equipment is achieved. Weighted plates may then be added to the exercise equipment per the user's preference. The compression provided by the snap-fit of the C-shaped clamp portion of the press partner clamp apparatus prevents the clamp apparatus from rotating around the bar during use.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a press partner sleeve device or apparatus configured for installation on an exterior surface of a bumper of a plate-loaded weight machine. The sleeve apparatus is configured to interface with a pre-existing bumper that has been installed to a press weight machine. The press partner sleeve apparatus comprises press partner sleeve apparatus elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the press partner sleeve apparatus elements.
In another aspect, a unitary press partner sleeve device comprises:
In another aspect, a press partner sleeve apparatus configured to be releasably coupled to a bumper of a plate-loaded weight machine, comprises a press partner lower skirt configured to fit over the bumper, a press partner main sleeve, at least on press partner sleeve extension and a press partner sleeve cap.
In another aspect, a press partner sleeve apparatus comprises:
In one aspect, the sleeve apparatus may be installed on the bumper of the machine by any suitable attachment means. The attachment means may comprise one or more of the following and combinations thereof:
In one aspect, the sleeve device and apparatus are configured to interface with a pre-existing bumper that has been installed to a press weight machine. The sleeve device and the sleeve apparatus may be installed on a machine by a method including one or more of the following steps and combinations thereof. The sleeve skirt may be attached directly to the bumper provided on the machine. The bumper has a pair of holes by which it is bolted to the machine. The sleeve skirt may comprise a pair of pegs shaped to mate with the pair of holes of the bumper. The pair of pegs act as a guide to align the sleeve skirt to the bumper. Further, each of the components of the sleeve apparatus may be provided with a pair of pegs to enable attachment directly to the bumper. A strap may be used to attach and/or secure the sleeve apparatus to the bumper.
In another aspect, The sleeve apparatus the main sleeve may be added to the sleeve skirt to provide an additional base and to add 2 inches of height to the original resting position of the handles of the press machine. The sleeve skirt may be provided with an upper pair of holes, and the main sleeve may include pegs extending downward by which the main sleeve may be attached to the sleeve skirt.
In another aspect, a sleeve extension may be connected to the main sleeve. The main sleeve may be provided with an upper pair of holes, and the sleeve extension may include pegs extending downward by which the sleeve extension may be attached to the main sleeve.
In a further aspect, the components of the press partner sleeve apparatus are capable of being connected by the peg and hole construction, so that a variety of configurations may be provided to customize the extended height provided to the bumper on which the sleeve apparatus is installed.
In one aspect, the components of the press partner sleeve apparatus may comprise a magnetic connection means.
In one aspect, the components of the press partner sleeve apparatus may be held together by a retention strap to help keep them together when they are in the gym bag. This strap may be the same strap that may be used to further secure the apparatus to the bumper when in use.
In one aspect, the press partner sleeve apparatus is configured to add height to the resting position of the press machine, so it is not as close to the user's chest when the user is seated at the machine.
In one aspect, the system of the present invention provides an unprecedented fitness equipment accessory for plate-loaded equipment. The system solves the problem of the user when seated at the machine, having to reach backward out of the user's range of motion of motion. Unlike previous solutions, the present invention permits the user to add a system apparatus to the machine to define and select a path of motion for the press exercise. Thus, this present invention would help to prevent injury as well as improve overall personal fitness by modifying the range of motion of the device on which it is installed.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.
The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed to a system for facilitating the use of a weight press machine, and methods for its use.
Referring initially to
As shown at
As seen at
As shown at
As shown at
The press partner clamp apparatus 220 comprises a press partner clamp body 222 having a clamp body top 224, a clamp body bottom 226, and clamp body sides 228. The press partner clamp apparatus clamp body 222 further comprises a C-shaped clamp lower portion 230, a clamp upper block portion 240, and at least one clamp block extension 244.
The C-shaped clamp lower portion 230 is configured for removable attachment to the arm side contact rod 108 of the plate-loaded weight machine 104.
The clamp upper block portion 240 extends upwardly from the C-shaped clamp lower portion 230, the clamp upper block portion 240 having a longitudinal direction and an upper block longitudinal length.
The C-shaped clamp lower portion 230 and the clamp upper portion 240 may be of unitary construction.
The at least one clamp block extension 244 has a block extension longitudinal length, the at least one clamp block extension 244 being configured to be releasably coupled to the clamp upper block portion 240 of the press partner clamp apparatus 220 to provide an extended upper block portion. The at least one clamp block extension has a block extension outer portion having a longitudinal direction and a block extension interior portion having a longitudinal direction. The clamp block extension 244 comprises a block extension coupling means for releasably interconnecting the clamp block extension 244 to the clamp upper block portion 240 at the clamp body top 224 to provide a composite press partner clamp body 222 and clamp block extension 244 having a composite extended longitudinal length to increase the length of the press partner clamp apparatus 220.
The press partner clamp body 222 may be a single, unitary solid structure that may be manufactured out of plastic, rubber, or foam. It may be manufactured using 3D printing, injection modeling, or some other manufacturing process. If using both arms 106 of the plate-loaded exercise machine, a pair of press partner clamp apparatuses 220 will be required; one for each arm 206.
The C-shaped lower portion 230 may comprise a 101.6 mm long cylinder 230A having a 50.8 mm OD and a 22.25 mm ID. A 45° V-shaped cutout 238 is located along the axis of the cylinder 230A. The clamp upper block portion 240 may comprise a rectangular extrusion 240A, having a length of 101.6 mm and a thickness of 25.4 mm, extending along the axis and protruding from the cylinder 240A on a side opposite the 45° V-shaped cutout 238. The dimensions allow for the apparatus 220 to fit onto a contact rod 108 which has a diameter of about 1 inch. This size contact rod is typically found on Life Fitness Hammer Strength products. However, the dimensions of the components of the press partner clamp apparatus may be altered to allow attachment to other brand devices with different side contact rods.
To use the press partner clamp apparatus 220, a user may first attach the clamp apparatus 220 to the exercise equipment by attaching the C-shaped lower portion 230 to the arm contact rod 108 of the exercise machine 104 prior to the addition of any weighted plates. If both arms 106 of the exercise equipment will be utilized, a second press partner clamp apparatus 220 will be required for attachment to the second arm contact rod 108. The press partner clamp apparatus 220 may either be slid axially onto the rods 108 or forcibly snapped onto the rods 108 by pressing the V-shaped cutout 238 along the C-shaped lower portion 230 cylindrical portion 230A of the clamp apparatus 220 against the contact rods 108. One or more block extensions 244 may be secured to the upper block portion 240. The clamp apparatus 220 may then be rotated around the contact rods 108 until an optimal contact with the bumper 110 of the exercise machine 104 is achieved. Weighted plates may then be added to the exercise machine 104 equipment per the preference of the user. The compression provided by the snap-fit of the clamp apparatus 220 prevents it from rotating around the contact rod 108 during use.
Referring next to
The press partner sleeve device 354 further comprises a sleeve device upper portion 356, a press partner lower skirt portion 358, and has a sleeve device exterior surface 360.
The press partner lower skirt portion 358 has a skirt exterior 362 and a skirt interior 364. The skirt interior 364 is configured to be releasably coupled to the exterior surface of the bumper 110 of the plate-loaded weight machine 104, such that the skirt lower portion 358 fits over at least a portion of the bumper 110.
The bumper 110 of the exercise machine 104 has a pair of bolt channels 112. The skirt interior 364 includes downwardly extending pegs 392 shaped to mate with the bolt channels 112 of the bumper 110.
Referring next to
As illustrated in
The press partner sleeve apparatus 454 further comprises a press partner lower skirt 458, a press partner main sleeve 474, at least one press partner sleeve extension 478 and a press partner sleeve cap 486.
The press partner lower skirt 458 has a skirt outer portion 462, a skirt interior portion 464, a skirt upper portion 466, a skirt lower portion 468, and a skirt top surface 470. The skirt interior portion 464 is configured to be releasably coupled to the exterior surface of the bumper 110 of the plate-loaded weight machine 104, such that the skirt lower portion 468 fits over at least a portion of the bumper 110 and the skirt upper portion 466 extends beyond the bumper 110.
The press partner main sleeve 474 has a main sleeve longitudinal length, a main sleeve top 476, and a main sleeve bottom 476. The press partner main sleeve 474 is configured to be releasably coupled to the press partner lower skirt portion 468.
The at least one press partner sleeve extension 478 has a sleeve extension longitudinal length, a sleeve extension top 480, and a sleeve extension bottom 482. The at least one press partner sleeve extension 478 is configured to be releasably coupled to the press partner main sleeve 474 to provide an extended press partner sleeve having an extended press partner sleeve longitudinal length.
The press partner sleeve cap 486 comprising a cap exterior 488 and a cap interior 490. The cap 486 is configured to be releasably coupled to the main sleeve top 476, and is further configured to be releasably coupled to the sleeve extension top 480 of the at least one press partner sleeve extension 478, so that the cap 486 may be placed on the press partner main sleeve 474 or the at least one press partner sleeve extension 478.
The bumper 110 of the exercise machine 104 has a pair of bolt channels 112. Each component of the press partner sleeve apparatus 454 may be provided with downwardly extending pegs 492 shaped to mate with the bolt channels 112 of the bumper 110. The lower skirt 458 may include a pair of pegs 492A, the main sleeve 474 may include a pair of pegs 492B, and the sleeve extension may include a pair of pegs 492C.
Further, the lower skirt 458, the main sleeve 474, and the sleeve extension 478 may each be provided with a pair of peg-receiving channels 494. The lower skirt 458 may include a pair of peg-receiving channels 494A, the main sleeve 474 includes a pair of peg-receiving channels 494B, and the sleeve extension includes a pair of peg-receiving channels 494C. The channels 494 are configured to receive the pegs 492, so the components of the press partner sleeve apparatus may be assembled in a multitude of configurations to enable the user to further customize the sleeve apparatus 454. The user may thereby determine and customize the range of motion of the exercise machine 104.
As seen at
In summary, the present invention provides a press partner system for facilitating the use of a weight press machine, and methods for its use. The press partner system comprises a press partner clamp apparatus and at least one press partner sleeve device or apparatus, configured for installation on a plate-loaded weight machine having a machine arm, to modify a range of motion of the plate machine arm.
The press partner clamp apparatus is configured for removable installation on an arm side contact rod of the plate-loaded weight machine. The press partner clamp apparatus comprises press partner clamp apparatus elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the press partner clamp apparatus elements.
The press partner clamp apparatus further comprises:
The at least one clamp block extension has a block extension longitudinal length, the at least one clamp block extension being configured to be releasably coupled to the clamp upper block portion of the press partner clamp apparatus to provide an extended upper block portion. The at least one clamp block extension has a block extension outer portion having a longitudinal direction and a block extension interior portion having a longitudinal direction. The clamp block extension comprises a block extension coupling means for releasably interconnecting the clamp block extension to the clamp upper block portion at the clamp body top to provide a composite press partner clamp body and clamp block extension having a composite extended longitudinal length to increase the length of the press partner clamp apparatus.
The press partner sleeve apparatus is configured for installation on an exterior surface of a bumper of a plate-loaded weight machine. The press partner sleeve apparatus comprises press partner sleeve apparatus elements with coupling means for releasably interconnecting the press partner sleeve apparatus elements.
The system may include a unitary press partner sleeve device comprising a press partner device upper portion, and a press partner device lower skirt portion which has a skirt interior configured to be releasably secured to the coupled to the exterior surface of the bumper of the plate-loaded weight machine, such that the lower skirt portion fits over at least a portion of the bumper, and the skirt upper portion extends beyond the bumper.
The system may include a press partner sleeve apparatus comprising:
A user of the plate-loaded weight machine may install the press partner clamp apparatus or the press partner sleeve apparatus to customize the range of motion of the plate-loaded weight machine.
Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/389,063, filed on Jul. 14, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63389063 | Jul 2022 | US |
