Upper Body Exercise Machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to an upper body exercise machine. The exercise machine enables users to work out multiple upper body muscle groups simultaneously by a simple exercise movement. The machine includes a rotatable arm that is rotated using a handle secured to the arm. The arm is rotated using an axle (i.e. rotated around an axle) that is connected to a resistance wheel. By turning a resistance knob, resistance to the rotation of the arm can be adjusted, and a user can apply force based on the selected resistance. The arm can include a plurality of handle-mounting holes for receiving the handle to change the amount of leverage, or moment arm, applied for rotating the arm.

Claims

1. An exercise machine with a rotatable arm for strengthening the upper body of a user, the exercise machine comprising: a rotatable arm connected to a rotating wheel through an axle, wherein said rotating wheel mounted to a vertical pedestal; said vertical pedestal including a plurality of height adjusting holes for positioning said rotating wheel at a desired height relative to said user, wherein said plurality of height adjusting holes spaced along the length of said vertical pedestal; said rotating wheel includes a plurality of bearings for supporting rotation of said rotatable arm; a resistance knob configured to be turned to adjust resistance of said rotating wheel to the rotation of the rotatable arm; and said rotatable arm having a plurality of handle mounting holes to receive a handle, wherein said handle when secured to one of said plurality of handle mounting holes is held by said user for rotating said rotatable arm in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction to target a majority of the muscles of the upper body.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said bearings are thrust bearings.

3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said plurality of handle mounting holes includes at least a first handle mounting hole, a second handle mounting hole, and a third handle mounting hole.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein said first handle mounting hole includes a first moment arm relative to said axle, said second handle mounting hole includes a second moment arm relative to said axle, and said third handle mounting hole includes a third moment arm relative to said axle.

5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein said first moment arm is greater than said second moment arm.

6. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein said second moment arm is greater than said third moment arm.

7. The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein said height adjusting holes are in fixed positions along said length of said pedestal.

8. An exercise machine with a rotatable arm for strengthening the upper body of a user, the exercise machine comprising: a rotatable arm connected to a rotating wheel through an axle, wherein said rotating wheel mounted to a vertical pedestal; said vertical pedestal including a plurality of height adjusting holes for positioning said rotating wheel at a desired height relative to said user, wherein said plurality of height adjusting holes spaced along the length of said vertical pedestal; said rotating wheel includes a plurality of bearings for supporting rotation of said rotatable arm; said rotatable arm having a plurality of handle mounting holes to receive a handle, wherein said handle when secured to one of said plurality of handle mounting holes is held by said user for rotating said rotatable arm in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction to target a majority of the muscles of the upper body; and said plurality of handle mounting holes includes at least a first handle mounting hole and a second handle mounting hole, wherein said first handle mounting hole includes a first moment arm relative to said axle and said second handle mounting hole includes a second moment arm relative to said axle.

9. The exercise machine of claim 8 further comprising a resistance knob configured to be turned to adjust resistance of said rotating wheel to the rotation of the rotatable arm.

10. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein said bearings are thrust bearings.

11. The exercise machine of claim 8 further comprising a third handle mounting hole, wherein said third handle mounting hole includes a third moment arm relative to said axle.

12. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein said first moment arm is greater than said second moment arm.

13. The exercise machine of claim 11, wherein said second moment arm is greater than said third moment arm.

14. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein said height adjusting holes are in fixed positions along said length of said pedestal.

15. A method for strengthening an upper body of a user, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a rotatable arm to a rotating wheel through an axle, wherein said rotatable arm having a plurality of handle mounting holes to receive a handle; said plurality of handle mounting holes includes at least a first handle mounting hole and a second handle mounting hole, wherein said first handle mounting hole includes a first moment arm relative to said axle and said second handle mounting hole includes a second moment arm relative to said axle; vertically adjusting a height of said rotating wheel on a vertical pedestal, wherein said vertical pedestal including a plurality of height adjusting holes for positioning said rotating wheel at a desired height relative to said user; mounting said handle to one of said plurality of handle mounting holes; holding said handle by said user; and rotating said rotatable arm in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction to target a majority of the muscles of the upper body.

16. The method of claim of claim 15 further comprising a step of adjusting a resistance knob configured to be turned to adjust resistance of said rotating wheel to the rotation of the rotatable arm.

17. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein said rotating wheel includes a plurality of bearings for supporting rotation of said rotatable arm.

18. The exercise machine of claim 15 further comprising a third handle mounting hole, wherein said third handle mounting hole includes a third moment arm relative to said axle.

19. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein said first moment arm is greater than said second moment arm.

20. The exercise machine of claim 19, wherein said second moment arm is greater than said third moment arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of an improved exercising machine of the present invention for exercising upper body parts in a single exercising motion in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a linkage of the resistance wheel and a rotating arm through the axle in the improved exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a pedestal of the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a base platform showing slots for securing the pedestal of the exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view showing a handle and an insertion opening or hole disposed in the rotating arm of the exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view showing a plurality thrust bearings of the resistance wheel used in the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views showing a user using one potential embodiment the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps performed by a user for using one potential embodiment of the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an improved exercise machine of the present invention for exercising upper body parts in a simple exercising motion in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The exercising machine 100 is designed to provide a comprehensive workout system for the upper body, and enables users to rotate their arms to develop and tone firm and flexible muscles within the shoulders, neck, chest, arms and more. More specifically, the exercising machine 100 includes a base platform 102 which can be placed on a floor and includes a standing platform 104 on which a user stands while performing the exercise. The base platform 102 can include a 3 foot by 3 foot platform made of metal or steel. The standing platform 104 can include a soft rubber layer for providing comfort to a standing user while performing the exercise movements. Proximal to a rear edge 1020, opposite to the standing platform 104, the exercise machine 100 can include a pedestal 106 which is permanently-attached to the base 102. Alternatively, the pedestal 106 can be removably-attached to the base 102, as per the structure shown in FIG. 4. The pedestal 106 can be made up of sturdy and durable metal and can be generally about four feet, for example, in the present embodiment and can be further supported by one or more supporting arms 120 for increased stability. On the front surface 1060 of the pedestal 106, a resistance wheel 114 can be selectively-attached using a resistance wheel connector 116. The resistance wheel connector 116 can be adjusted and can be fixed at different slots along the length of the pedestal 106, thereby allowing a user to adjust the position of the resistance wheel 114 as per the preferences of the user. The resistance wheel 114 can be designed to rotate 360 degrees, and a rotating arm 108 connected to the resistance wheel 114 through an axle can be configured to rotate using the resistance wheel 114. The resistance wheel 114 includes a thrust bearing(s) that provide constant and selective resistance to a user performing exercises on the machine 100.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view showing a linkage of the resistance wheel/rotating wheel 114 and rotating arm 108 through the axle 202 in the improved exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The axle 202 can include a length of generally about 6 inches and can be connected to the rotating arm 108 and the resistance wheel 114. The axle 202 can be rotatably-mounted to the resistance wheel 114, and enables the rotating arm 108 to rotate in both clockwise and counter-clockwise direction when a rotating force is applied by a user for performing upper body exercise. When a torque (rotating force) is applied to the rotating arm 108 using the handle 112 secured to one of the handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 of the rotating arm 108, the wheel 114 through the axle 202 enables the rotating arm 108 to rotate with the desired resistance, thereby allowing the user to exercise multiple muscle groups of the upper body. More specifically, the axle 202 passes through an opening disposed in the rotating arm 108 and is connected to the resistance knob 118.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the pedestal 106 of the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The resistance wheel, and therefore the connected axle and the rotating arm, can be adjusted in vertical positioning (i.e. height) along the pedestal 106, thereby allowing users of different heights to use the upper body exercise machine effectively and conveniently. The rear surface 1062 of the pedestal 106 includes a plurality of height-adjusting holes 330, 332, 334, 336 to which the resistance wheel engages, thereby allowing a secure positioning of the rotating arm and the resistance wheel. The resistance wheel can slide up or down along the pedestal 106 and as per the preferences, and a user can secure the resistance wheel to one of the height-adjusting holes 330, 332, 334, 336 using a metal pin. The metal pin can be any conventional pin used in gyms and with exercising equipment to select a desired height.

[0038] 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.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the base platform 104, showing slots for securing the pedestal of the exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The base platform 102 can be made of a metal, and is durable enough to withstand physical impact. The pedestal 106 can be permanently or removably-attached to the base platform 102, and can be attached to the base platform 102 through mechanical fasteners inserted into slots 402 disposed on the top of the base platform 102. The slots 402 are configured to receive mechanical fasteners such as nuts/bolts or screws that secure the pedestal 106 in the vertical position on the base platform 102. A plurality of additional slots 404 can also be provided on the base platform 102, for receiving the supporting arms 120 that provide additional support to the pedestal 106. The base platform 102 can also include a standing platform 104 that can include a layer of soft and comfortable rubber for a user to stand on during exercise.

[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view showing the handle, prior to insertion into a hole disposed in the rotating arm of the exercise machine of the present invention, in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The handle 112 can be used by a user for rotating the rotating arm 108 in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The handle 112 includes a connector 502 for selective insertion into one of the plurality of handle mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 as per the preference of the user. The connector 502 fits into the handle-mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 and can, in another embodiment, be screwed within one of the handle-mounting holes for a secure attachment (not illustrated). Once the handle 112 is securely positioned, the user can rotate the rotating arm 108 around the axle 202 (as stated supra), which forms the rotating axis (i.e. moment arm) for the rotating arm 108.

[0041] 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.

[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view showing the thrust bearings of the resistance wheel used in the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The resistance wheel 114 used in the present invention, that enables the rotation of the rotating arm, includes a plurality of thrust bearings 602 around a periphery of the wheel 114. The thrust bearings 602 are used for rotating the rotating arm, using the axial load at low speed. A user performing an exercise generally rotates the arm 108 at a low speed. The thrust bearings 602 are spaced and sized to support and withstand the centrifugal or radial forces applied thereto. The thrust bearings 602 rotate between the two layers of the resistance wheel 114. The thrust bearings 602 positioned around the periphery support the rotation of the rotating arm 108 connected through an axle rotatably-connected to the wheel 114 in the central opening 604.

[0043] For customizing the resistance offered by the resistance wheel 114, the resistance knob (shown in FIG. 1) can be turned (i.e. screwed) in either clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. Thus, the pressure applied on the thrust bearings can be adjusted, and the resistance offered to the rotation can be modified. When a higher resistance is applied, it is harder for the user to rotate the rotating arm and requires a greater force to be applied for rotating the arm, thus offering a more difficult workout.

[0044] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate perspective views showing a user using the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. As shown in FIG. 7A, a user 700 standing on standing platform 104 on the base platform 102 holds the handle 112 after adjusting the height of the resistance wheel 114 on the pedestal 106. Initially, the rotating arm 108 is in a resting position and aligned with the pedestal 106. As stated supra, the handle 112 can be secured to any hole 130, 132, 134, 136 disposed in the arm 108 to maintain and select a desired difficulty level of the workout by selecting a length of moment arm respective therewith. As the user 700 starts working out, the user 700 can hold the handle 112 with a hand 702 and begin to rotate the arm 108 in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 7B. It should be understood that the user 700 can start rotating the arm 108 in a counter-clockwise direction as well. As the user 700 starts rotating the arm 108, the resistance forces offered by the resistance wheel 114 and selectable moment arm provide the opposing forces to the rotating movement of the arm 108. The user 700 can rotate the arm 360 degrees to bring the arm 108 back to the initial position, thereby completing one rotating cycle or exercise motion. The user 700, while performing only single rotating motion of the arm 108, strengthens and tones a majority of muscle groups of the upper body. The rotating arm 108 enables the rotation and toning of the joints of the shoulders and hands, in addition to the chest and core toning. The user 700 can perform rotation using both hands simultaneously or with a single hand. In operation, the user 700 can perform a plurality of sets with a plurality of repetitions of the rotating exercise for strengthening and toning upper body muscles.

[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram showing steps performed by a user for using the upper body exercise machine of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. In operation for using the exercise machine of the present invention, initially in step 802, a user is positioned on the standing platform of the base platform of the machine. Then in step 804, the resistance wheel is positioned correctly on the pedestal, as per the height of the user. Once the resistance wheel and the axle are positioned correctly, in step 806, the handle which the user is going to hold for performing the exercise, is inserted into one of the handle-mounting holes 130, 132, 134, 136 that are disposed in the rotating arm. Then, in step 808, as per the preference of the user, a resistance level offered by the resistance wheel is selected by turning a resistance knob. Finally, in step 810, the rotating arm of the machine is rotated in clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction by the user for performing overall strength and toning development of the upper body.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.