Patent Application
20230018932
The present invention relates generally to the field of exercise equipment. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved exercise machine for strengthening and toning the upper body of a user. The exercise machine includes a rotatable arm that is configured to rotate in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions by a user. The machine provides selectable resistance to the rotating motion of the arm, thus forcing the user to apply force, and thereby increase strength and toning of muscle areas of the shoulders, chest, arms and core. The machine offers an exercise mechanism including a rotating motion that targets the upper body of the user. Also, the resistance level countering against the motion can be adjusted by the user to meet requirements of different users. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
Exercising and maintaining fitness has become a part of the lifestyle of many individuals. Individuals perform weight training, muscle toning, general conditioning and the like for increasing strength, improving physical appearance, minimizing fat, strengthening weaknesses and preventing injuries. For performing exercises, individuals can go to a gym or exercise at home. A plurality of exercise machines can be used for exercising both the upper body and the lower body.
By way of background, exercise equipment includes apparatuses that are used by a user for performing particular types of physical exercise. Generally, exercise equipment provides either fixed or adjustable amounts of resistance. With increasing utility and ability to provide a plurality of exercises, multi-functional physical exercise apparatuses have been designed to incorporate a variety of different subassemblies into a single machine, which enables the user to perform a variety of different exercises. Typical multi-functional physical exercise machines provide a limited number of available exercise routines for specific muscle groups. Specifically, these routines generally limit the user to exercising one particular set of muscles at a time. For targeting different muscle groups, individuals need to use different exercise machines and perform different exercise routines. As an example, for toning arms, a person may perform specific exercises for biceps and triceps; for shoulders, a person may perform a military press or lateral side raises.
Conventional exercise machines are made specifically for a particular reason or objective, such as for strength training, weight loss, increasing mobility or the like. Individuals desire exercise equipment that provides more comprehensive, robust and effective workouts by targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously with adjustable resistance and multiple objectives.
Individuals who desire to work out and perform exercises at home have particular difficulty in arranging a plurality of exercise machines at home. The plurality of machines require a lot of space that is generally not available. Additionally, it is very expensive to purchase and maintain the plurality of machines. Therefore, a single exercise machine that can provide muscle toning while increasing strength of multiple muscles simultaneously is greatly desired by individuals.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that can be easily installed at both a gym and at home. There is also a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that simultaneously targets multiple muscle groups. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that provides a comprehensive and effective workout. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that provides adjustable leverage and resistance controls. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that is inexpensive and can be used by users of all ages. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that enables individuals to perform a single exercising motion that promotes natural movements and develops all upper body muscles.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one potential embodiment thereof, comprises an upper body exercise machine. The upper body exercise machine can be configured to help users develop and tone upper body muscles like shoulders, neck, chest, arms and more, using a single exercise motion of rotating a rotatable arm. The exercise machine includes a base platform that comprises a standing platform on which a user can stand while performing exercises, a vertical pedestal is integrated or detachably-attached to the base platform and a resistance wheel can be adjustably positioned on the pedestal. The resistance wheel includes thrust bearings and a rotating arm can be connected to the resistance wheel through an axle, wherein the user standing on the standing platform rotates the rotating arm using one or both hands by holding a handle secured to one of the handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 disposed within the rotating arm for performing upper body exercises. The rotating arm rotates using the axle, and the resistance wheel applies a selectable and/or desired resistance on the rotation of the arm. By turning a resistance knob, users can apply a selectable and progressive pressure to the thrust bearings, thereby creating more resistance and making the arm harder to rotate.
In this manner, the improved exercise machine of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides a relatively easy and convenient apparatus to allow individuals to exercise multiple upper body muscles simultaneously, while using a single exercise machine. The machine helps in toning and increasing strength of shoulders, neck, chest, arms, and more in an inexpensive and efficient manner. A user can customize the resistance level and rotate the arm thereafter by actuating the handle for all around muscle development of the upper body.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one potential embodiment thereof, comprises an upper body exercise machine. The upper body exercise machine is configured to help users develop and tone upper body muscles like shoulders, neck, chest, arms and more. The exercise machine further comprises: a base platform having a standing platform for a user to stand on while performing exercises; a vertical pedestal integrated to the base platform; a resistance wheel adjustably positioned on the pedestal; the resistance wheel having thrust bearings; and a rotating arm connected to the resistance wheel through an axle, wherein the user standing on the standing platform rotates the rotating arm using one or both hands by holding a handle secured to one of the handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 disposed within the rotating arm for performing upper body exercises. The rotating arm rotates using the axle and the resistance wheel supplies a desired resistance on the rotation of the arm.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an exercise machine with a rotating arm for strengthening and rotating the upper body of a user is disclosed. The machine comprises: a rotating arm connected to a rotating wheel through an axle; the rotating wheel can be mounted to a vertical pedestal and can be positioned at fixed points along the length of the pedestal; the rotating wheel includes a thrust bearing(s) for providing rotation of the rotating arm; a resistance knob configured to be turned to adjust resistance offered by the rotating wheel to the rotation of the rotating arm; the rotating arm having a plurality of handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 configured to receive a handle; wherein the handle, when secured to one of the plurality of handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136, is held by a user for rotating the rotating arm in clockwise or counter-clockwise directions to target a majority of the muscles of upper body.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for strengthening and toning upper body muscles by rotating a rotatable arm of an exercising machine is described. The method comprises: initially providing exercise equipment or an exercise machine having a rotatable arm, a resistance wheel, a pedestal, a resistance knob, an axle and a base platform; positioning a user on a standing platform of the base platform of the machine; aligning the resistance wheel on the pedestal as per the height of the user; inserting a handle into one of the handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 disposed in the rotatable arm; turning the resistance knob to select a resistance level offered by the resistance wheel to the rotation of the rotatable arm; holding the handle by the user; rotating the rotatable arm in clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions for performing exercise routines for strengthening and toning all muscle groups of the upper body of the user.
In yet another embodiment, the axle connects the rotatable arm and the resistance wheel and enables rotation of the arm using the rotating/resistance wheel.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the resistance offered by the resistance wheel is adjusted by turning the resistance knob. Turning the resistance knob enables pressure to be applied on the thrust bearings of the resistance wheel. The pressure can be selectively adjusted, whereby the resistance supplied to the rotation is thereby controlled.
In yet another embodiment, the exercise machine of the present invention is easy and economical to use and manufacture, and enables a single exercise motion to target and stimulate a majority of the muscles of the upper body.
Advantageously, the exercise machine of the present invention features adjustable leverage and resistance controls to maintain a desired upper body exercise resistance as the user rotates the rotatable arm. The user can use a one-handed or a two-handed handle to rotate the arm, thus utilizing a single exercise and motion that naturally develop a majority of the upper body muscles. The machine is portable and lightweight and can be used in both commercial gyms and home.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that can be easily installed at both a gym and at home. There is also a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that simultaneously targets multiple muscle groups. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that provides comprehensive and effective workouts. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that provides adjustable leverage and resistance controls. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that is inexpensive and can be used by users of all ages. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for improved exercise equipment that enables individuals to perform a single exercising motion that promotes natural movements, and develops a majority of the upper body muscles.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, a method for strengthening and toning upper body muscles by rotating a rotatable arm of an exercising machine is described. The method comprises: initially providing exercise equipment or an exercise machine having a rotatable arm, a resistance wheel, a pedestal, a resistance knob, an axle and a base platform; positioning a user on a standing platform of the base platform of the machine; aligning the resistance wheel on the pedestal as per the height of the user; inserting a handle into one of the handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 disposed in the rotatable arm; turning the resistance knob to select a resistance level offered by the resistance wheel to the rotation of the rotatable arm; holding the handle by the user; rotating the rotatable arm in clockwise and/or counter-clockwise directions for performing exercise routines for strengthening and toning all muscle groups of the upper body of the user.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The rotating arm 108 can be configured to be rotated by a user by grabbing a handle 112 that is inserted into one of the plurality of handle-mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136, disposed and positioned at generally equi-distances along the length of the rotating arm 108. The handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 are configured to receive the handle 112 securely, such that the user can rotate the rotating arm 108 to exercise multiple muscle groups like shoulders, neck, chest, arms, el. al. of the upper body. The rotating arm 108 can be made from materials including a metal or stainless steel. The arm 108 can be rotated along an axle that connects the rotating arm 108 and the resistance wheel 114. Advantageously, the resistance of the resistance wheel/rotating wheel 114 can be adjusted by using a resistance knob 118 that, for example, can be rotated in a clockwise direction for increasing the resistance, and increasing the force necessary for a user to rotate the rotating arm 108. Similarly, the resistance knob 118 can be rotated in counter-clockwise direction for decreasing the resistance, and decreasing the force necessary for a user to rotate the rotating arm 108.
The rotating motion of the rotating arm 108 works the user's core, chest, triceps and shoulders. If the resistance on the rotating motion is too low or too high, the user can adjust the resistance knob 118. With each rotating motion, the user works against a constant resistance provided by thrust bearings of the resistance wheel/rotating wheel, which increases the efficiency of the workout by providing resistance with each motion.
As stated earlier, the handle 112 can be adjusted in any of the handle-mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 positioned along the length of the rotating arm 108. In one potential embodiment, the length of the rotating arm 108 is generally from about 18 inches to about 36 inches. The plurality of handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 enables users of different levels of strength to perform exercises on the machine 100 and also enables users to adjust the difficulty level for rotating the arm 108. A higher force needs to be applied by a user exercising on the machine when the handle 112 is secured to a hole nearer to the resistance wheel 114, as the distance between the axis of rotation (i.e. axle 202) and the point of application of force is reduced (i.e. moment arm decreased). It is to be appreciated that the rotating arm 108 has a plurality of selectable moment arms, that includes a length between the axle 202 (i.e. axis of rotation of wheel 114) and each of the selectable handle-mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136, respectively. Thus, each handle mounting hole 130. 132, 134, 136 includes a different moment arm relative to the axle 202. The longer the moment arm is, the more load will be applied to the joint axis or axle through leverage. It is to be appreciated that torque at an axis is force times moment arm.
The exercise machine 100 of the present invention develops upper body muscles while maintaining biomechanical posture and joint movement. A single exercise motion of rotating the rotating arm 108 using one-handed operation targets multiple muscle areas, while maximizing efficiency and safety.
It should be appreciated that when the resistance wheel is adjusted vertically, the axle and the connected rotating arm is also adjusted vertically to accommodate different user heights.
It should be noted that both one-handed or two-handed handles can be used with the rotating arm 108, wherein the rotation provides complete strength training and toning of the upper body muscles of the user performing the exercises.
For customizing the resistance offered by the resistance wheel 114, the resistance knob (shown in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “improved exercise machine”, “improved exercising machine”, “exercise machine”, “machine”, and “upper body exercise machine” are interchangeable and refer to the upper body exercise machine 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the upper body exercise machine 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the upper body exercise machine 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the upper body exercise machine 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the upper body exercise machine 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the upper body exercise machine 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/223,095, which was filed on Jul. 19, 2021 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63223095 | Jul 2021 | US |
