Patent Application
20250025742
Exercise apparatuses of many different styles and configurations have been designed that provide isolated support for upper body/torso exercises or support along the full body. These exercise apparatuses often are not configured to provide isolated support to the lower body. Exercises targeted towards strengthening the upper body can be more effective by supporting the lower body. Exercise apparatuses capable of providing at least some support for the lower body often require adjustment or modification to the configuration necessary to provide the desired support. Such adjustments can be imprecise, uncomfortable, and difficult to achieve with more complex apparatuses.
There is also a large portion of the population suffers from lower back pain. Strength training of the lower back and torse and rehabilitative exercises are often prescribed to increase lower back strength and mobility, which can reduce pain. In some case, exercises or controlled movements are performed, often under professional supervision, to diagnose injuries and/or to determine the physical capabilities of the upper body, torso, arms, hands, neck, and head. Such exercises and movements can be most effective when isolated to the upper body, which is facilitated by proper support of the lower body Performing upper body exercises on exercise apparatuses that may not adequately support the lower body can be uncomfortable, potentially cause injury, be ineffective, or provide results that are less than ideal. There is a need for an exercise apparatus that can provide sufficient lower body and pelvic area support for proper performance of a variety of upper body and lower back exercises. It would also be beneficial if the device or apparatus could be incrementally adjusted or fitted to an individual while occupying or using the device.
The subject invention provides apparatuses and methods that address the problem of having adequate lower body support while performing upper body exercises. In one embodiment, the subject invention provides an apparatus that compresses and stabilizes the pelvic area and allows isolated movement of one or more muscles of the torso, arms, and neck. Such motions can include extension, flexion, and rotation in any one or more of the sagittal, coronal, or transverse planes. Such pelvic support can advantageously provide more “neuro-efficient” movements and can reinforce the biomechanical motion of the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical areas of the spine.
A torso exercise apparatus of the subject invention can have an Anterior Pelvic Assembly and a Posterior Pelvic Assembly. Advantageously, the Anterior and Posterior Pelvic Assemblies can be vertically and horizontally adjustable relative to each other and to a means of resistance. The Anterior Pelvic Assembly can have one or more anterior pelvic pads and, optionally, one or more anterior torso pads that can be supported on one or more support arms fixedly attached to a front post that is further adjustably supported in a front bracket. The Posterior Pelvic Assembly can also have one or more posterior pelvic pads and, optionally, one or more posterior torso pads that can be supported on one or more uprights fixedly attached to a rear post that can be further adjustably supported in a rear bracket.
A linear actuator can operably connect the front post with the rear post. A horizontal adjustment mechanism can be used to control the linear actuator to adjust or optimize the distance between the Anterior Pelvic Assembly and the Posterior Pelvic Assembly. The front post can also be operably connected to a height adjust mechanism that can simultaneously raise or lower the front and rear posts to optimize their positions against the anterior and posterior pelvic areas.
In addition to adjusting the positions of the Anterior and Posterior Pelvic Assemblies, relative to the pelvic area, the Assemblies can also be adjusted relative to a means of resistance. In one embodiment, the front bracket of the Anterior Pelvic Assembly is operably engaged with a rail. The rear bracket of the Posterior Pelvic Assembly can be passively engaged with the rail, such that the rear bracket follows the Anterior Pelvic Assembly on the rail. When engaging with the means of resistance, the distance or range of motion between maximum flexion and maximum extension during a motion can be adjusted with a range adjustment lever. The range adjustment lever can be operably connected to the front bracket and can be locked and unlocked to allow movement of the Anterior Pelvic Assembly fore (towards the means of resistance) or aft (away from the means of resistance) on the rail to adjust the range of motion. The Posterior Pelvic Assembly can sit or ride on the rail and, by attachment by the linear actuator therebetween, can move simultaneously with the Anterior Pelvic Assembly.
The rail can be positioned relative to the means of resistance. In one embodiment, the rail is arranged on a floor or platform and the Anterior Pelvic Assembly is moved on the rail towards or away from the means of resistance to adjust the range of motion. In a further embodiment, the rail is attached to the means of resistance. In one embodiment, the rail is attached to a frame that couples the rail to the means of resistance.
Alternatively, the Anterior Pelvic Assembly can include a compression belt that can be wrapped around the pelvic and buttock areas. The compression belt can have a first end 212 that is fixedly attached to the at least one anterior pelvic pad 26 and a second end 214 that can be cooperatively engaged with a tightening mechanism 220. Utilizing the tightening mechanism, the pelvic compression belt can be tightened to a user-determined compression to support the pelvic area against the at least one anterior pelvic pad. In one embodiment, the tightening mechanism is a strap tensioner that can be utilized to tighten and release the compression belt.
To utilize the Torso Exercise Apparatus, the torso and pelvic area can be positioned between the Anterior Pelvic Assembly and the Posterior Pelvic Assembly. The height adjustment mechanism can be used to optimally adjust the height of the anterior pelvic pads of the Anterior Pelvic Assembly. The range adjustment lever can be used to adjust the range of motion relative to the means of resistance. The horizontal adjustment mechanism can be utilized to bring the Posterior Pelvic Assembly towards the Anterior Pelvic Assembly to optimally position the posterior pelvic pads. When properly adjusted, the Torso Exercise Apparatus can support and stabilize the pelvic area, thereby inhibiting engagement of the lower body when exercising the muscles of the torso, arms, and neck.
In an alternative method of use, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly can be used with a compression belt on the Anterior Pelvic Assembly. After adjusting the range of motion with the range adjustment lever, the compression belt can be tightened to a user-determined compression that can support the pelvic area against the anterior pelvic pads. The Posterior Pelvic Assembly can be adjusted to provide additional compression or support. Alternatively the compression belt can be used without the additional compression of the Posterior Pelvic Assembly.
Additional attachments can be utilized with the Torso Exercise Apparatus to support and/or stabilize the back and neck. Such additional attachments can include, for example, one or more torso pads, for supporting the anterior and posterior torso and neck, as well as foot supports.
In order that a more precise understanding of the above recited invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. The drawings presented herein may not be drawn to scale and any reference to dimensions in the drawings or the following description is specific to the embodiments disclosed. Any variations of these dimensions that will allow the subject invention to function for its intended purpose are considered to be within the scope of the subject invention.
The subject invention relates generally to devices for performing torso exercises that incorporate the arms and neck while inhibiting motion of the pelvis or pelvic area. More specifically, the subject invention provides a direct pelvic compression apparatus that can be utilized with a means of resistance designed for performing exercises, and/or testing physical and mental capabilities of an upper body/torso, arms, neck, and head. Unlike prior art apparatuses that can allow the pelvis unrestricted movement, the embodiments of the subject invention restrict movement of the pelvis in a bio-mechanically sound and direct manner. Advantageously, the torso exercise apparatus can be user adjusted in multiple directions to optimize comfort and stability of the pelvic area. A further advantage is the ability to incrementally adjust height and distance between the components of the torso exercise apparatus to optimize the range of motion during an exercise. In other words, a torso exercise apparatus can be optimally adjusted during use, which can be more convenient than trying to optimize height and width between the Assemblies and the range of motion before use.
The subject invention is particularly useful when performing exercises utilizing weight stack machines. Weight stack machines typically utilize a series of pulleys, wheels, and levers to move a selected or customized stack of weights. While the subject application describes, and many of the terms herein relate to, a use for exercises with weight stack machines, the subject invention is not limited to such use. As the ordinary artisan can readily envision a torso exercise apparatus of the subject invention can be used with other means of resistance and can have other non-exercise related uses. It need not be limited solely to the performing exercises with a weight stack machine.
In the description that follows, a number of terms used are utilized related to the subject invention and the method of use thereof. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, the following definitions are provided:
As used herein, and unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms “operable communication”, “operable connection”, “operably connected”, “cooperatively engaged” and grammatical variations thereof mean that the particular elements are connected in such a way that they cooperate to achieve their intended function or functions. The “connection” or “engagement” may be direct, or indirect, physical or remote.
There are terms used herein indicating relative direction or orientation, including but not limited to “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “outer”, “inner”, “front”, “back”, and the like, are intended to facilitate description of the present invention by indicating relative orientation or direction in usual use, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way to such orientations or directions.
Further, reference is made throughout the application to “fore” and “aft” or the “fore direction” and the “aft direction.” As used herein, the fore or fore direction is that nearest or approaching a means of resistance. For example, the Anterior Pelvic Assembly is fore of the Posterior Pelvic Assembly. Conversely, the Anterior Pelvic Assembly is aft of the means of resistance and the Posterior Pelvic Assembly is aft of the Anterior Pelvic Assembly.
The transitional term “comprising”, which is synonymous with “including”, or “containing”, is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. By contrast, the transitional phrase “consisting of” excludes any element, step, component, or ingredient not specified in the claim. The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Use of the term “comprising” contemplates other embodiments that “consist” or “consist essentially of” the recited component(s).
Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “example embodiment”, “further embodiment”, “alternative embodiment”, etc., is for literary convenience. The implication is that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with such an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of such phrases in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, any elements or limitations of any invention or embodiment thereof disclosed herein can be combined with any and/or all other elements or limitations (individually or in any combination) or any other invention or embodiment thereof disclosed herein, and all such combinations are contemplated with the scope of the invention without limitation thereto.
The terms “occupy”, “occupied”, and “occupying” are used herein for literary convenience to refer to a Torso Exercise Apparatus in use, wherein a person is positioned between the Anterior Pelvic Assembly and the Posterior Pelvic Assembly.
When the term “about” is used herein, in conjunction with a numerical value, it is understood that the value can be in a range of 95% of the value to 105% of the value, i.e., the value can be +/−5% of the stated value. For example, “about 0.5” means from “0.475” to 0.525″.
Finally, the present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended to be illustrative only because numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular for “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that may be well known. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements may be desirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention.
Reference will be made to the attached figures on which the same reference numerals are used throughout to indicate the same or similar components. With reference to the attached figures, which show certain embodiments of the subject invention, it can be seen in
The Anterior Pelvic Assembly 200 comprises a front bracket 22 that supports a front post 24. The front post can further support thereon at least one anterior pelvic pad 26 that can be compressed against an anterior pelvic area. The front post can have any of a variety of linear shapes conducive to compression of the pelvic area with the one or more anterior pelvic pads. In one embodiment, the front post is linear and extends substantially vertical, as shown, by way of example in
The front post can further support at least one anterior support arm 27 that can support thereon one or more anterior pelvic pads 12. The anterior support arm can have a shape or configuration that supports the anterior pelvic pads in a position conducive to being compressed against the anterior pelvic area.
The height of the front post 24 can be adjusted relative to the front bracket 22 utilizing a height adjustment mechanism 30, which is shown, for example, in
The Posterior Pelvic Assembly 300 can comprise a rear bracket 16 that supports a rear post 17. The rear post can further support thereon at least one posterior pelvic pad 12 that can be compressed against a posterior pelvic area. The rear post 17 can also support thereon a posterior torso pad 18. In one embodiment, the rear post has one or more uprights 14 that extend therefrom. The uprights can support thereon at least one of a posterior pelvic pad 12 and a posterior torso pad 18 there above. In one embodiment, a posterior pelvic pad 12 is supported on an upright that extends toward the posterior pelvic area. In a further embodiment, a posterior torso pad 18 is supported on another or second upright that extends above the posterior pelvic pad and toward the upper torso and neck area, which is illustrated, for example, in
The posterior torso pad 18 can support and stabilize the torso, which can be beneficial when applying a front/anterior compression force against the torso. 152 between the angled side supports is between about 100° and about 170°, between about 110° and about 160°, between about 120° and about 150°, between about 130° and about 140°, or between about 130° and about 145°.
To facilitate additional adjustment of the posterior torso pad 18, the upright 14 on which the posterior torso pad is supported can be adjustable, independent of the rear post. The independent adjustability of the posterior torso pad can be achieved by any of a variety of devices and methods known to those with skill in the art. In one embodiment, shown in
The Posterior Pelvic Assembly 300 can be operably connected to the Anterior Pelvic Assembly 200. This operable connection allows the height of the rear post 17 to be adjusted relative to the rear bracket 16 simultaneously with the adjustment of the height of the front post 24, by utilizing the height adjustment mechanism 30, as discussed above. To achieve the simultaneous adjustment of the Assemblies, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly can be operably connected to the Anterior Pelvic assembly with a rigid adjustable linkage 350.
In one embodiment, the front bracket 22 has a front channel 23 and the rear bracket 16 has a rear channel 15. The channels can also face each other between the Assemblies, an example, of which, is shown in
To stabilize the pelvic area, the one or more anterior pelvic pads 26 and the one or more posterior pelvic pads 12 can be brought closer together to reduce a compression distance 320 therebetween to stabilize the pelvic area. As discussed above, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly 300 can be operably attached to the Anterior Pelvic Assembly 200 with a rigid but adjustable linkage 350 to adjust the height of the Assemblies. The adjustable linkage can also be utilized to move the Posterior Pelvic Assembly fore 2 or aft 3 to adjust the compression distance 320.
In one embodiment, the adjustable linkage 350 is a linear actuator. The linear actuator can be utilized to pull or push the Posterior Pelvic Assembly fore or aft to reduce or increase, respectively, the compression distance 320 from the Anterior Pelvic Assembly. Any of a variety of linear actuators could be utilized as an adjustable linkage with the embodiments of the subject invention. A person skilled in the art would be able to determine an appropriate linear actuator for use with embodiments of the subject invention.
In one embodiment, the adjustable linkage is a manual linear actuator. In a further embodiment, the linear actuator can be controlled with a horizontal adjustment mechanism 58, as shown, for example, in
As shown in
Determining the appropriate distance or range of motion 330 from a means of resistance 38 can depend on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the physical characteristics of a person using the Torso Exercise Apparatus 500, the means of resistance being utilized, the motion to be performed, and other factors known to those with skill in the art. Therefore, it can be beneficial if the position of each component of the Torso Exercise Apparatus 500 is adjustable relative to the means of resistance to optimize the range of motion.
To implement adjustability of the Torso Exercise Apparatus relative to the means of resistance 38, the Anterior and the Posterior Pelvic Assemblies can be operably connected to, or mounted on, a rail 10. A rail can be used to guide and support the Assemblies, moveably mounted thereon, and secure their positions relative to each other. The positions of the Assemblies can also be adjusted relative to a means of resistance 38. Rails are known in the art and are utilized to move or adjust positions of a variety of devices. Preferably, a rail utilized with the Torso Exercise Apparatus is suitable for making incremental adjustments. In more preferred embodiment, a rail utilized with the Torso Exercise Apparatus can allow for adjustments in increments of at least about 0.5″, 0.75″, 1.0″, 1.25″, 1.5″, 1.75″, 2.0″, 2.25″, 2.5″, 2.75″, 3.0″ or in increments between any two of the listed values.
In one embodiment, the Anterior Pelvic Assembly 200 and Posterior Pelvic Assembly 300 are arranged on a rail 10 comprising a plurality of teeth 11. In a further embodiment, the Anterior Pelvic Assembly has an operable connection to the rail, such that the Anterior Pelvic Assembly engages with the plurality of teeth. In one embodiment, the range adjustment lever is operably connected to the front bracket 22 and engages with the teeth on the rail to adjust the Anterior Pelvic Assembly fore or aft on the rail. The operable connection can allow the Anterior Pelvic Assembly to be moved incrementally on the rail to a position of optimal range of motion 330 and to be held or secured in that position with the teeth. In a more specific embodiment, the rail and the range adjustment lever comprise a ratchet, wherein the range adjustment lever 32 has a ratchet mechanism 31 that can operably engage with the teeth on the rail and can be utilized to move the Anterior Pelvic Assembly in at least one of a fore 2 and aft 3 direction on the rail. By way of a non-limiting example, shown in
In a further embodiment, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly is arranged on the rail 10 and can move freely fore and aft. In other words, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly does not engage with the plurality of teeth. As described above, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly can be operably connected to the Anterior Pelvic Assembly. Thus, when the Anterior Pelvic Assembly is moved or adjusted on the rail, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly is simultaneously moved or adjusted on the rail. Furthermore, when the horizontal adjustment mechanism 58 is employed to adjust the compression distance 320, the Posterior Pelvic Assembly can freely slide, roll, glide, or otherwise move unimpeded on the rail in a fore or aft direction as needed.
The rail 10 can be stabilized on the floor or other surface. This can have several advantages, including, maintaining the distance of the rail from the means of resistance and providing consistency in making adjustments to the Torso Exercise Apparatus components. In one embodiment the aft 2 end of the rail is attached to a frame 40. The frame can stabilize the rail on a floor or other surface at the desired distance from the means of resistance, which is shown, for example, in
An advantage of the Torso Exercise Apparatus 500, which has been mentioned, is the ability to occupy the apparatus while making the desirable adjustments to the height of the Assemblies, compression distance 320, and range of motion. To encourage the proper stance when occupying the Apparatus, one or more foot support pads 28 can be employed with the Anterior Pelvic Apparatus 200. In one embodiment, the one or more foot support pads are fixedly attached to the front bracket 22, an example, of which, is shown in
Another advantage of the Torso Exercise Apparatus is the design flexibility that allows for additional pads to be incorporated therewith.
To use a Torso Exercise Apparatus 500, according to the subject invention, requires positioning the torso between the Anterior Pelvic Assembly 200 and the Posterior Pelvic Assembly 300. In one embodiment, the anterior pelvic area can be positioned against the one or more anterior pelvic pads 26. Utilizing the height adjustment mechanism 30, the height of the anterior pelvic pads can be adjusted, which will simultaneously adjust the height of the posterior pelvic pads 12 against the anterior pelvic area. The range adjustment lever 32 can be used to simultaneously move the Anterior Pelvic Assembly 200 and the Posterior Pelvic Assembly 300 to a position that provides a desired range of motion 330 with the means of resistance 38. The horizontal adjustment mechanism 58 can be employed to reduce the compression distance 320 between the Assemblies and compress the pelvic area between the anterior pelvic pads 26 and the posterior pelvic pads 12. The steps of performing the desired motion can then be performed by first grasping a handle 44 that is operably connected to a cable 42 that is wound around at least one of a lower pulley 34 and an upper pulley 36 and further engages with a means of resistance, such as, for example, a weight stack, as shown in
Alternatively, after adjusting the height of the one or more anterior pelvic pads 26, the horizontal adjustment mechanism 58 can be used to reduce the compression distance 320 and compress the pelvic area. The range adjustment lever 32 can next be used to adjust the range of motion 330. Alternatively, any one or more of the height adjustment mechanism, the horizontal adjustment mechanism, and the range adjustment lever can be employed to make adjustments prior to occupying the Torso Exercise Apparatus.
Embodiments that utilize a compression belt alone or in combination with the one or more posterior pelvic pads can employ substantially the same methods described above. After adjusting the range of motion 330 with the range of motion lever, the compression belt can be tightened to stabilize the pelvic area. If a Posterior Pelvic Assembly is utilized to support one or more torso support pads, the compression distance 320 can be adjusted with the horizontal adjustment mechanism 58 before or after the pelvic compression belt is tightened.
The Torso Exercise Apparatus of the subject invention can reinforce the support demands of a pelvic area, which can aid in the safety and freedom of possible movements related to critical bio mechanics of the human spine. Even remaining stationary without proper support for extended periods of time can be painful on the torso and lower back, in addition to the associated mental fatigue. The subject invention provides an apparatus that properly reinforces the bio-mechanics involved when performing certain types of motions by providing direct pelvic compression for needed support.
All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and other publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, including all figures and tables, to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification. Additionally, the entire contents of the references cited within the references cited herein are also entirely incorporated by reference.
The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application.
