SELECTORIZED BACK EXTENSION MACHINE

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of International Application No. PCT/IB2024/053240, filed Apr. 3, 2024, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/457,281, filed on Apr. 5, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates in general to exercise equipment, and in particular to a selectorized back extension machine.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Back extension exercises performed on back extension machines can have several advantages for the user. First, exercising on back extension machines can strengthen the lower back of the user because the machine engages an important mass of muscles just above the user's waist, strengthening and building them up. These exercises also strengthen the lower back and lower back strength is considered foundational to the musculature of the entire body. Another benefit of the back extension exercise is that it may help to prevent lower back pain. Additionally, other important core muscles may benefit a back extension machine is used.

However, back extension machines typically require some skill to use and some many gym-goers can be intimidated when approaching this strength training machine. Furthermore, as a user progresses, additional weight besides the user's own body weight may be required to fully take advantage of these exercises. Some users add weights by holding on to dumbbells or other weighted equipment during exercise. However, holding on to such weights may be hard for some users and weights are often dropped on the floor during back extension exercises-which could be harmful to both property and cause injury.

What is needed, therefore, is a device which allows a user to selectively add weight for the exercise in a safe and secure manner.

SUMMARY

In response to these and other problems, in one embodiment, there is a back extension machine which allows a user to select various resistances by selecting the amount of weight from a coupled weight stack.

In another embodiment, the exercise system may comprise a user support means, including: a means for supporting the waist of a user at a predetermined angle and height; a means for supporting the legs of the user; a selectable resistance means for providing a selectable amount of resistance; at least one moveable handle coupled to the selectable resistance means via an actuating means; and a connecting means mechanically coupling the user support means to the selectable resistance means.

The above embodiment my further comprise a means for adjusting the position of the means for supporting the waist of a user.

In the above embodiment, the user support means may include a first leg, a second leg, a base member spanning between the first leg and the second leg, an intermediate leg, a beam spanning between the intermediate leg and the second leg; and an inclined member spanning from the beam over the top of the first leg and extending beyond the first leg.

In the above embodiment, the means for supporting the legs of the user may be a foot rest coupled to a lateral beam coupled to the second leg.

In the above embodiment, the means for supporting the waist of a user may be at least one user pad coupled to the inclined member.

In the above embodiment, the selectable resistance means further comprises a weight stack and a weight stack frame.

In the above embodiment, the connecting means may include a connecting base member spanning between the base member and the weight stack frame and a stabilizing member spanning from the second leg to the stack frame at a predetermined height.

In the above embodiment, the actuating means may comprise at least one cable and a series of pulleys for creating a cable path between the handle and the selectable resistance means.

The above embodiments may further comprise a first vertically orientated pulley, a second vertically orientated pulley; a horizontal pulley, a fourth vertically orientated pulley coupled to the weight stack frame, a first top pulley, a second top pulley, and a weight stack pulley.

In the above embodiment, the means for adjusting the position of a user may include the inclined member and a slider for moving relative to the inclined frame member.

In the above embodiment, the slider may include two downward facing rack plates having a longitudinal slot defined therein wherein at least one surface of the slot defines a plurality of slots for accepting a pin.

In the above embodiment, the means for adjusting the position of a user may include a first pin coupled to the inclined frame member, a second pin coupled to the first leg, and a third pin coupled to the slider.

These and other features, and advantages, will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is important to note the drawings are not intended to represent the only aspect of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A. is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a back extension system including one or more aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1B. is a perspective view illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 1A with certain elements removed for clarity.

FIG. 1C is a different perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a user support bench which may be used in various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a support frame which may be used in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a different perspective view of the support frame illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the support frame illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B with the addition of a user pad height adjustment mechanism.

FIG. 4B is a detailed perspective view of the user pad height adjustment mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of the user pad height adjustment mechanism illustrated in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance and/or actuator system which may be used in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present inventions, reference will now be made to the embodiments, or examples, illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the inventions as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

When directions, such as upper, lower, top, bottom, clockwise, counter-clockwise, are discussed in this disclosure, such directions are meant to only supply reference directions for the illustrated figures and for orientation of components in respect to each other or to illustrate the figures. The directions should not be read to imply actual directions used in any resulting invention or actual use. Under no circumstances, should such directions be read to limit or impart any meaning into the claims.

Turning now to FIG. 1A, there is a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise system 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the exercise system 100 comprises a weight stack assembly 110, a coupling assembly 200, a user support assembly 300, and an actuating or resistance system 400. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the weight stack assembly 110 includes various panels and coverings which collectively form a weight stack enclosure 112.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the exercise system 100 from a first or rear angle where the weight stack enclosure 112 is removed for clarity. In contrast, FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the exercise system 100 from a second or front angle and the weight stack enclosure 112 is also removed for clarity.

The weight stack assembly 110 includes a primary support frame 114, which in certain embodiments, may be formed from two vertical columns 116a and 116b which support a horizontal top beam 118. In certain embodiments, the horizontal top beam 118 laterally stabilizes two vertical guide rods 120a and 120b in addition to structurally supporting two top pulleys 414 and 416. A plurality of individual weight plates 122 are stacked on top of each other and are positioned at the lower portion of the frame 114 when the system 100 is not in use. In certain embodiments, each weight plate 122 defines a center vertical aperture (not shown), two side vertical apertures (not shown) and a horizontal center bore which intersects the center vertical aperture. The center vertical aperture is sized to accommodate a vertical selector rod (not shown), the top end of the vertical selector rod is attached to pulley 418 as will be explained later in reference to FIG. 5. The two side apertures (not shown) are sized to allow the weight plate to slide vertically along the guide rods 120a and 120b, respectively.

In certain embodiments, a weight selector system allows the user to select different amounts of weight. In the illustrative figures, the weight selector system may be a selector pin 124 which is sized to fit within the horizontal center bore of each weight plate 122. In other embodiments, the selector system may be a dial or another type of selector known in the art. In certain embodiments, each weight plate 122 has a designated weight value. The total weight selected depends on which plates are engaged by the selector mechanism. For example, if the user inserts the selector pin 124 at a certain height along the weight stack, two 10-pound weight plates might be selected for a particular resistive load. On the other hand, if the user inserts the selector pin at a different height, the pin might engage four 10-pound plates—which results in a greater resistive load.

In certain embodiments, the coupling mechanism 200 may include a first horizontal stabilizing arm 204 and a second stabilizing arm 206. In the illustrative embodiment, the first horizontal stabilizing arm 204 couples weight stack frame 114 to a user support frame 302 of the user support assembly 300. Similarly, the second stabilizing arm 206 couples the weight stack frame 114 to the user support frame 302. In the illustrative embodiment, the first stabilizing arm 204 is bent to provide better access for the user and is positioned at a predetermined vertical position which is designed to allow the user to step over the arm 204, but still provide a certain amount of lateral support to the user support frame 302 and the weight stack frame 114. In contrast, in the illustrative embodiment, the second stabilizing arm 206 couples the bottom of the weight support frame 114 to the bottom of the user support frame 302.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a user support assembly 300. In certain embodiments, the user support assembly 300 includes the user support frame 302, and a user pad height adjustment mechanism 304, user support pads 306a and 306b (or in some embodiments, a single pad), user stabilizing handles 308a and 308b, a foot rest 310 and two foam roller ankle supports 312a and 312b.

As will be explained later, in certain embodiments, there may be a handle bar bracket 370 for supporting a handle bar 402.

FIG. 3A is a perspective illustration from a top front view of the user support frame 302. In contrast, FIG. 3B is a perspective illustration from a bottom back view illustrating some of the supporting structure that may be used in various embodiments. In both FIGS. 3A and 3B, other elements of the user support assembly 300 has been removed for discussion purposes and clarity.

In the illustrative embodiment, the user support frame 302 includes a front support leg 314 and a rear support leg 316. The lower ends of the support legs 314 and 316 are designed to couple with end caps (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) which are designed to rest on the floor. A lower horizontal beam 318 spans between the support leg 314 and the support leg 316. Arising from the horizontal support beam 318 is an intermediate support leg 320.

In certain embodiments, a top horizontal beam 322 spans between the top of the intermediate support leg 320 and one face of the support leg 316. In the illustrative embodiment, an inclined support beam 324 spans from the top of the top horizontal beam 322, over the top of the support leg 314 to cantilever a predetermined distanced to form a support the user pad height adjustment system 304 (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). In certain embodiments, there may be a second angled support member 326 coupled to the top of the support leg 316 which supports a cross bar 328 to hold the foam rollers 312a and 312b (FIG. 2).

FIG. 3B illustrates the structural support of foot plates 330, 332a and 332b. In certain embodiments, there is a cross or lateral support member 336 which supports the foot plate 330. Structural fins 338 extend out from the cross-support member 336 in a lateral direction to also support the foot plate 330. The cross-support member 336 is itself supported by the top horizontal beam 322 and the support leg 316.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of fins 334 extend horizontally from the horizontal beam 322 and the intermediate support leg 320 in a lateral direction to structurally support the plates 332a and 332b.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the user support frame 302 with the addition of a supporting structure for the user pad height adjustment mechanism 304. In certain embodiments, there may also be a handle bar holding bracket 370 for holding a handle bar (not shown in FIG. 4A) coupled to the support leg 314. In certain embodiments, there may also be a first pulley support 372 coupled to the lower end of the support leg 314 and a second pulley support 374 defined within the support leg 314 positioned above the handle bar holding bracket 370. In certain embodiments, a third pulley support 376 may be coupled to the intermediate support leg 320. Typically, the pulley supports 372, 374, and 376 are two plates having a general semi-circular shape with aligned center apertures defined therein. The aligned center apertures allow for the insertion of a pin or shaft allowing the various pulleys to rotate about the pins. In certain embodiments, the supporting elements illustrated in FIG. 4A may be formed out of metal, such as steel or aluminum. As indicated by the drawings, in some embodiments, the support legs and beams may be formed from steel tubing and or steel plates.

FIG. 4B is a detailed perspective view of the user pad height adjustment mechanism 304 and FIG. 4C is an exploded perspective view of the user pad height adjustment mechanism 304.

As best illustrated in FIG. 4C, the user support pads 306a and 306b are structurally supported by a support plate 340. In turn, the support plate 340 is supported by a slider 342 which also supports and positions a stabilizing handle bar assembly 344.

A first rotatable pin 348 runs laterally through the lower portion of the slider 342. In certain embodiments, the rotatable pin 348 is coupled to bearings 350a and 350b positioned at the exterior ends of the rotatable pin 348 and in proximity to exterior side surfaces of the slider 342. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, a second rotatable pin 352 runs laterally through the top portion of inclined member 324. The second rotatable pin 352 is coupled to bearings 354a and 354b positioned at the exterior ends of the rotatable pin 352 and are also positioned in proximity to exterior faces of the inclined member 324. A third rotatable pin 356 runs laterally through the support leg 314 and is positioned at a predetermined length down the support leg. The third rotatable pin 356 is coupled to bearings 358a and 358b positioned at the exterior ends of the rotatable pin 352 and in proximity to exterior surfaces of the support leg 314.

In the illustrative embodiment, two locking rack angles 346a and 346b are coupled to an underneath surface of the slider 342. In certain embodiments, the locking rack angle 346a has a downward facing leg 347a. An elongated slot 349a is defined within the downward facing leg 347a and has a smooth lower surface and a notched upper surface wherein each notch 351a is sized to accommodate the bearings 350a coupled to the first rotatable pin 348 (as is best seen in FIG. 4B). Similarly, the locking rack angle 346b has a downward facing leg 347b. An elongated slot 349b is defined within the downward facing leg 347b and has a smooth lower surface and a notched upper surface (not shown) wherein each notch 351b is sized to accommodate the bearings 354b coupled to the first rotatable pin 352.

As best illustrated in FIG. 4B, a first end of retaining members 360a is rotatably coupled to the bearing 358a positioned along the support leg 314 and a second end of the retaining member 360a is rotatably coupled to the bearing 350a positioned at the lower end of the slider 342. Similarly, a first end of retaining members 360b is rotatably coupled to the bearing 358b (not shown) positioned along the support leg 314 and a second end of the retaining member 360b (not shown) is rotatably coupled to the bearing 350b positioned at the lower end of the slider 342.

When a user wishes to raise the user pads 306a and 306b, the user lifts the user pads (which also lifts the slider 342) slightly in a vertical direction and then slides the user pads (and the slider) in an angled direction along the top surface of inclined member 324. Once the user pads 306a and 306b are in the desired location, the user may lower the slider 342 and the bearings 350a and 350b will engage the corresponding notches 351a and 351b of the angles 346a and 346b to secure the user pads 306a and 306b into the new position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance system 400 which may be used in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C. Other components of the system, such as the supporting structure, have been removed for clarity and discussion purposes. A handle bar 402 is coupled to a cable 404. The cable 404 circles around a first pulley 406 positioned within the first pulley support 372 (see FIG. 3A) and then extends up through the handle bar bracket 370 to a second pulley 408 positioned within the pulley support 374 of the support leg 314 (See FIG. 4A). The second pulley 408 changes the cable's path from a vertical path to a horizontal path which extends through the support leg 314 (See FIGS. 4A and 2). The cable path continues in a longitudinal direction until the cable encounters a third pulley 410 which changes the cable path from a longitudinal direction to a transverse or lateral direction. A fourth pulley 412 positioned on the weight stack frame 114 changes the path from a horizontal path to a vertical path. In certain embodiments, the cable extends through the weight stack frame 114 to a fifth pulley 414 positioned at the top of the weight stack frame. At the fifth pulley, the cable direction again changes from vertical to horizontal until it encounters a sixth pulley 416 positioned at the top of the stack frame 114 longitudinally between the guide rods 120a and 120b. At the sixth pulley 416, the cable again turns downward towards a seventh pulley 418 which is attached to the vertical selector rod (not shown). At the sixth pulley, the cable changes direction and proceeds in an upward manner towards a cable anchor 420 which is secured to the top portion 118 of the weight stack frame 114.

When a user exercises with the system 100, the user lays across the user support pads 306a and 306b and positions their feet on the food pad 310. The foam rollers 312a and 312b prevent additional upward movement of the feet by supporting the ankles. The user can then grab the handle bar 402 and while holding onto the handle bar, raise their upper torso to extend their back. As explained above, the user can select the amount of resistance offered by the handle bar by selectively inserting the pin an the desired height within the weight In other words, when a user grasps the handle bar 402 and extends from a first lower position to a second higher position, the handle bar will provide a certain amount of resistance thereby increasing the effectiveness of the user's work out. The amount of resistance is selectable based on the amount of weight the user selects with the weight stack 122.

The abstract of the disclosure is provided for the sole reason of complying with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure of any patent issued from this disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many combinations, modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. For instance, in certain embodiments, each of the above described components and features may be individually or sequentially combined with other components or features and still be within the scope of the present invention. Undescribed embodiments which have interchanged components are still within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims.