Arm curl exercise apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for performing an arm curl exercise comprising: a frame (12), a seat (16), an elbow pad (19) an input arm assembly (24) interconnected to a resistance mechanism (42) and a manually graspable mechanism (30h), the seat (16) being arranged relative to the input arm assembly (24) to position the user in a user start position (USP) that enables the user to manually engage the manually graspable mechanism (30h) with a posterior surface (PSE) of the user's elbow user's elbow (13e) engaged with the engaging surface (ES) of the elbow pad (19), the input arm assembly comprising a first arm (30r) and a second arm (30f) pivotable around a first linear axis (AA).

Claims

1. Apparatus for performing an arm curl exercise by a user having a trunk having a longitudinal axis, opposing anterior and posterior sides and an arm with elbow extending from the trunk, the apparatus comprising: a frame, a seat, an elbow pad, an input arm assembly connected to a resistance mechanism and a manually graspable mechanism, the input arm assembly pivotably mounted on the frame for back and forth travel, the input arm assembly adapted to reside in a start motionless position relative to a selected arrangement of the seat and elbow pad, the seat and elbow pad being arranged relative to the input arm assembly to position the user in a user start exercise position that enables the user to manually engage the manually graspable mechanism when the user is seated, the input arm assembly comprising a first arm being rotatably pivotable around a first linear axis starting from the start exercise position through a generally forward to rearward or downward to upward path of travel under resistance exerted by the resistance mechanism on application of upwardly or rearwardly directed force by the user on the manually graspable mechanism, the input arm assembly comprising a second arm interconnected to the resistance mechanism at a point of interconnection on a distal end of said second arm and rotatably pivotable around a second linear axis along a generally forward to rearward or downward to upward path of travel under resistance exerted by the resistance mechanism on application of upwardly or rearwardly directed force by the user on the manually graspable mechanism.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seat, elbow pad and arm assembly are arranged on the apparatus such that the first linear axis of pivoting of the arms is disposed rearwardly of the user's trunk when the user is seated on the seating surface and a posterior surface of the user's elbow is engaged with a an engaging surface of the elbow pad.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second arm is pivotable around a third linear axis along a generally lateral or side to side path of travel.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second arm is pivotable around the third linear axis under resistance exerted by the resistance mechanism on application of generally laterally directed force by the user on the manually graspable mechanism starting from the start exercise position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the manually graspable mechanism comprises a handle link pivotably mounted to the second arm for separate rotation around a handle axis.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the manually graspable mechanism includes a grip pivotably mounted to the handle link for separate rotation around a grip axis.

7. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the input arm assembly is interconnected to the resistance mechanism at a point of interconnection of the input arm assembly that is spaced a first selected orthogonal distance apart from the first linear axis selected to create a first selected torque resistance from the resistance mechanism against forward to rearward movement of the input arm assembly and is spaced a second selected orthogonal distance from the third linear axis selected to create a second selected torque resistance from the resistance mechanism against lateral or side to side movement of the second arm.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first selected orthogonal distance is greater than the second selected orthogonal distance.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the input arm assembly is adapted such that in the start motionless position the manually graspable mechanism is disposed in a start exercise position vertically below and forwardly of a point of engagement of the user's elbow with an engaging surface of the elbow pad when the user is seated on the seating surface in an orientation where the anterior surface of the user's trunk is facing generally forwardly.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first linear axis and second linear axis are disposed generally parallel relative to each other.

11. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first linear axis and the third linear axis are disposed generally orthogonal to each other.

12. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second linear axis and the third linear axis are disposed generally orthogonal to each other.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seat is selectively adjustable in vertical position relative to the manually graspable mechanism.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first arm is interconnected to a bracket that pivots around the second linear axis on a first axle, the first axle being attached to a second axle that is attached to the second arm and pivots about the third linear axis on a second bracket.

15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the first axle is fixedly interconnected to the second axle.

16. A method of performing an arm curl exercise comprising: a user being seated on the seat of the exercise apparatus of claim 1 in a disposition where the user is seated on the seating surface, the anterior and posterior sides of the user's trunk are oriented generally in the forward to rearward direction, and the posterior surface of the user's elbow is engaged with the engaging surface of the elbow pad, the user manually engaging the manually graspable mechanism, and the user applying a rearwardly or upwardly directed force on the manually graspable mechanism against resistance from the resistance mechanism.

17. A method of performing an arm curl exercise comprising: a user being seated on the seat of the exercise apparatus of claim 3 in a disposition where the user is seated on the seating surface, the anterior and posterior sides of the user's trunk are oriented generally in the forward to rearward direction, and the posterior surface of the user's elbow is engaged with the engaging surface of the elbow pad, the user manually engaging the manually graspable mechanism, and the user applying a laterally or side to side directed force on the manually graspable mechanism against resistance from the resistance mechanism.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the seat, elbow pad and arm assembly are arranged on the apparatus such that the first linear axis of pivoting of the arms is disposed rearwardly of the user's trunk when the user is seated on the seating surface and the posterior surface of the user's elbow is engaged with the engaging surface.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the second arm is pivotable around third linear axis under resistance exerted by the resistance mechanism on application of generally laterally directed force by the user on the manually graspable mechanism starting from the start exercise position.

20. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the input arm assembly is adapted such that in the start motionless position the manually graspable mechanism is disposed in the start exercise position vertically below and forwardly of a point of engagement of the user's elbow with an engaging surface of the elbow pad when the user is seated on a seating surface in an orientation where the anterior surface of the user's trunk is facing generally forwardly.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above and further advantages of the invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front left side perspective view of an arm curl exercise apparatus according to the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a rear left side perspective view of the FIG. 1 apparatus.

(4) FIG. 3 is a front view of the FIG. 1 apparatus.

(5) FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the FIG. 1 apparatus.

(6) FIG. 5A is a schematic left side view of the FIG. 1 apparatus showing a user in a start exercise position.

(7) FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 5A showing the user performing an arm curl exercise.

(8) FIG. 6A is a schematic front view of the FIG. 1 apparatus showing a user in a start exercise position.

(9) FIG. 6B is a schematic front view of the FIG. 1 apparatus showing a user performing an arm curl exercise.

(10) FIG. 7 is a left front fragmentary perspective view of an arm assembly of the FIG. 1 apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(11) In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 an arm curl apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a support frame 12 on which a user support structure 14 is mounted. The user support structure 14 includes a seat surface 16 and a back rest 18. The seat 16 is mounted on the frame 12 facing away from a pair of laterally disposed input arm assemblies 24 comprised of a pair of arm portions, a first arm portion 30r rotatably mounted to the frame for rotation around an axis AA disposed at an acute angle X relative to horizontal and a second arm portion 30f rotatably mounted to a distal end of the first arm portion for rotation around both a second axis AAA that is generally parallel to the axis AA and around a third axis Z that is generally perpendicular to axis AA.

(12) The apparatus includes handles or manually graspable mechanisms 30h that are comprised of a link support 30l that is rotatably mounted for rotation around a fourth axis Y that is generally parallel to axis AA and a hand grip 30hg rotatable around a fifth axis YY that is generally perpendicular to axis Y to enable the user to readily rotate the handles 30h without resistance when pulling RUF, LF on the handles 30h to move the arms 30r, 30f.

(13) The arms 30r, 30f are mounted to the frame 12 and are arranged and adapted so as to be interconnected via cable 47, 48 and pulley mechanisms to a weight resistance (in this embodiment a weight stack 42) that exerts an opposing resistance R1, R1a against pivoting of arms 30r and 30f around axes AA, AAA and Z. The weight stack 42 is selectively connectable to one end of a cable 48 by inserting a pin 42p in one of a plurality of holes in a lifting post 50 that passes vertically through the plates 42w as is well known in the art. For example, the weight stack 42 is formed by a stack of rectangular, brick-shaped plates 42w. Each plate 42w further has at least one horizontal channel or hole, wherein a pin 42p may be disposed to slidably engage any of a series of horizontal channels which are vertically oriented on the lifting post 50 in a spaced apart manner to match the vertical spacing of the stacked weight plates 42w. The pin 42p thereby engages a portion of the stack of weight plates 42w, such that when vertical force is applied to the lifting post 50, the selected stack of weight plates 42w is moved upwards to create a resistance R1, R1a to pivoting of arms 30f, 30r around axes AA, AAA and Z. Typically, the weight stack 42 apparatus is oriented such that the further down the pin is entered into the lifting post 50, the greater the number of plates 42w are engaged, thereby increasing the resistance R1 of the machine 10.

(14) In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms for providing resistance, such as friction fittings, springs, elastic bands, pneumatic or electromagnetic resistance, or an air resistance fan could be employed (either alone or in combination) and still practice the invention. Additionally, free weights could be operably engaged to the transmission assembly to resist the movement.

(15) The seat 16 is mounted on the frame 12 in a position relative to the ground such that a user can sit on the seat with the user's feet 9 touching the ground. The back rest 18 is mounted to the frame 12 relative to the seat 16 such that the user can engage the user's back PS against the back rest 18 when seated on the seat 16.

(16) A pair of elbow pads 19 are mounted to the frame in a position or disposition that is space laterally away from a midline MID relative to the seat 16 and backrest 18 in an arrangement. The arrangement of the seat 16 and elbow pads 19 are adapted such that a user 5 seated on the seat 16 can engage the posterior surface PSE of the user's elbows against the engaging surface ES of the elbow pads 19 when seated without having to make any adjustments in vertical or horizontal positioning of the seat 16 and pads 19 regardless of the size or configuration of the user 5.

(17) The input arm assembly 24 is comprised of a pair of pivotable arms 30r, 30f having a pair of handles 30h comprised of grips 30hg and handle links 30l mounted to a distal end 30d of the pivotable arms 30f. The arms 30r, 30f are mounted and adapted to dispose the grips 30hg and handles 30h in a start exercise or rest position SEP forwardly of FW and vertically below DW the point of engagement of the posterior surface PSE of the user's elbows with the engaging surface ES of the elbow pads 19 as well as the seat 16 surface S.

(18) The anterior or front arm portion 30f of the assembly 24 is connected to the manually selectively adjustable weight resistance mechanism 42 via or through the posterior or rear arm portion 30r. As shown, the rear arm 30r is mounted to the frame 12e at a position that is disposed rearwardly RW of the front to rear position of the seat 16 and elbow pads 19. Rear arm 30r is pivotable around axis AA which as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 is disposed at an angle X relative to horizontal H, FIG. 3 such that the path of travel of arm 30r on movement upwardly and rearwardly beginning from the start motionless position SMP is laterally inwardly LATI, FIGS. 6A, 6B toward the midline of the seat 16 and backrest 18 pivots. Similarly, front arm 30f is pivotable around both axis AA as well as an additional axis AAA that is generally parallel to axis AA. As shown front arm 30f is pivotably mounted on the forward distal end of arm 30r. Forward arm 30f is additionally pivotable around a separate axis Z formed by a dual axis hinge 30fb, 30fa, 30rb, 30ra mechanism such that front arm 30f is separately pivotable in the lateral SS direction enabling the user 5 to additionally pivot arm 30f laterally inwardly LATI around axis Z on applying lateral force LF when pulling the handles 30h rearwardly and upwardly RUF beginning from the start exercise SEP position of the handles 30h. Thus the arm assembly is comprised of an articulating arm assembly of arms 30r and 30f for pivoting around multiple axes AA, AAA and Z.

(19) As shown, the input arm assembly 24 is interconnected to the resistance mechanism 42 at a point of interconnection 30de on the distal end of arm 30f that is spaced a first selected orthogonal distance FOD apart from the first linear axis AA selected to create a first selected torque resistance from the resistance mechanism against forward FW to rearward RW movement of the input arm assembly and is spaced a second selected orthogonal distance SOD from the third linear axis Z selected to create a second selected torque resistance from the resistance mechanism against lateral force LF and side to side SS movement of the second arm 30f. Thus in the arrangement shown, the handles 30h are maintained under resistance by interconnection of cable 47 at position 30de from moving away from the start exercise position SEP.

(20) As shown the grips 30hg and handle links or brackets 30l are mounted on the distal ends 30de of the front articulating arm 30f. Grips are rotatable around axis YY and handle links 30l are separately rotatable around axis Y on the distal end of arm 30f so that the user 5 can freely rotate the user's wrist around both axes Y and YY on application force RUF in moving the handles 30h from the start position SEP rearwardly and upwardly as shown between FIGS. 6A and 6B.

(21) As shown the distal end 30de of arm 30f is preferably connected to a proximal end of a cable 47 which is interconnected to the pole or manifold 50 of the resistance mechanism 42. The cable 47 interconnection to point 30de is independent of the hand grips 30hg and handle link 30l which are both pivotable around axes Y and YY without restriction from the resistance force R1, R1a that exerted by resistance 42 through the cable 47 interconnection.

(22) The seat 16, the back rest 18 and the elbow pads 19 are configured to be of such a size and disposition relative to each other and relative to the arrangement of the arms 30r, 30f such that the seat 16 and elbow pads 19 are fixedly mounted to the frame 12 and preferably do not require adjustment by a user regardless of size, shape or configuration of the user.

(23) The first arm portion 30a of the arms is pivotably mounted to the frame for rotation around axis AA at an acute angle X relative to horizontal of between about 20 degrees and about 75 degrees.