POSTERIOR CHAIN EXERCISE APPARATUSES AND METHODS OF USING SAME

Abstract

A posterior chain exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame; and a rotating weight assembly attached to the frame, comprising an adjustable back pad.

Claims

1. A posterior chain exercise apparatus, comprising: a frame; and, a rotating weight assembly attached to the frame, comprising an adjustable back pad.

2. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises two uprights.

3. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable back pad is attached to the apparatus by two adjustable back pad arms.

4. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating weight assembly further comprises at least one weight prong.

5. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating weight assembly further comprises at least one rotating disc to provide rotational movement about an axis to the weight assembly.

6. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustable platform.

7. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a front cross bar, an adjustable thigh pad bar, a central column, a thigh pad bracket, a heel pad, an adjustable heel pad bar, a collar and at least two platform rails.

8. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a forward limiter a backward limiter and a disc rotation limiter.

9. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a bottom portion of the heel pad bracket is placed in a track, such that the heel pad bar is adjustable by sliding in the track.

10. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a collar disposed on the platform.

11. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a base, where the frame is disposed between the base and the rotating weight assembly.

12. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one safety handle attached to at least one safety bracket configured to be slidable with respect to the rotating weight assembly.

13. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a back pad pin, at least one back pad arm hole, and an adjustable safety pin.

14. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weight assembly comprises at least one weight arm between a rotating disc and a weight prong.

15. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an adjuster knob for loosening/tightening the back pad to enable rotation about an axis.

16. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one plate storage attached to the frame.

17. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position of at least one of a back pad, a thigh pad, a platform and a heel pad is adjustable using a plurality of adjustment holes and a pin.

18. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of at least one of a back pad, a weight assembly and a rotation disc is adjustable using a plurality of adjustment holes and a pin.

19. The posterior chain exercise apparatus according to claim 1, configured with a dual-load variable to create multiple resistance profiles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0023] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and images. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example, are not necessarily to scale and are for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

[0024] In the drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 is a right side view of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 5 is a second right side view of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective image of safety handles of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 7 is a perspective image of adjustable load parameters of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective image of independent plate loaded arms of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 9 is a perspective image of an adjustable back pad of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 10 is a perspective image of an adjustable safety pin of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective image of an adjustable thigh pad of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective image of modular plate storage of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective image of an adjustable heel pad of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and,

[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective image of an adjustable platform of a posterior chain exercise apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to exercise and fitness and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatuses and methods for training the posterior chain.

[0040] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0041] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The exercise apparatus has a main body which generally comprises a base 102, a frame 104 with uprights 104i, 104ii and a rotating weight assembly 106 which includes an adjustable back pad 108, adjustable back pad arms 110i, 110ii, independently loadable weight prongs 112i, 112ii, and rotating discs 114i, 114ii with adjustment holes for the back pad arms and which rotate the weight assembly 106 around an axis 130. The exercise apparatus 100 also includes an adjustable platform 116, a front crossbar 118, a thigh pad bar 120 attached to a central column 128 using a thigh pad bracket 122, a heel pad bar 124 attached to the platform 116 using a heel pad bracket 126, and at least two platform rails 116i, 116ii which are used to help adjust the height of the platform 116. Optionally, the apparatus 100 is configured with a dual-load variable to create multiple resistance profiles.

[0042] In some embodiments of the invention, the thigh pad bracket 122 is adjustable up and down using a pin 132 and a plurality of holes 134 located on a rack component 136 which slides inside the central column 128.

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, a seat or bench (not shown) is provided to the apparatus 100 to allow a user to exercise while seated instead of standing on the platform 116. For example, the seat could be mounted to the central column 128.

[0044] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. From this view, the heel pad bar 124 is shown more clearly being mounted by the heel pad bracket 126 to the platform 116. In some embodiments of the invention, the heel pad bracket 126 is adjustable with respect to the platform, for example slidable forwards and backwards (along a track and using a pin to lock in position, such as shown in FIG. 13) and/or up and down (using holes and at least one pin). Additionally, the heel pad bar 124 is shown without any padding in this view, however, in some embodiments of the invention a heel pad 1302 is placed around the bar 124, for example as shown and described with respect to FIG. 13.

[0045] Also shown more clearly in this view are adjustment holes 202 in the rotating disc 114ii which allow angular adjustment of the back pad arm 110ii or for setting the range of rotational motion of the rotating disc 114ii with respect to the weight prong 112ii. Optionally, a pin is inserted into one of the adjustment holes 202. Optionally, this pin and any other pin described herein is spring-loaded. Optionally, the pin is attached to the apparatus 100 using a cord, cable, chain or the like so that when the pin is not inserted into a hole it hangs next to the apparatus. It also should be understood that, here and throughout this disclosure, what is described for one side of the apparatus 100 is or can be applicable to the other side.

[0046] Rotation of the weight assembly 106 around the rotation axis 130 is limited going forward by a forward limiter 210 which is optionally mounted on at least one upright 104i, 104ii when it comes into contact with a back pad arm 110i, 110ii as it rotates forward. In some embodiments, a backward limiter 208 is also used which restricts further backward motion of a back pad arm 110i, 110ii as a user is exerting the back pad 108 backwards. In some embodiments of the invention, more than one disc limiter 206i, 206ii (only limiter 206i shown, where 206ii would be located on the opposite side) is used to define forward and/or backward motion, for example as a rotation limiter that defines the spherical range of motion of a rotating disc 114i, 114ii.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the height of the platform 116 is adjustable. For example, by using the central column 128 in combination with a collar 214, which slides up and down the central column 128, and an attachment component, such as a pin and hole 212 configuration, such as described elsewhere herein. It should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, some or all of the structural components of the apparatus 100 are constructed of weightlifting industry standard rack components. For example, they are 3 or 4 square and are provided with holes for adjustable attachment of other components. In some embodiments of the invention, bands are attached to weight-loaded and/or moveable parts of the apparatus 100 to increase, decrease and/or otherwise vary resistance and/or resistance profiles.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a front view of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. While the thigh pad bar 120 is shown without a pad, it should be understood that in some embodiments of the invention, there would be a thigh pad 1102 around the bar for cushioning, such as shown in FIG. 11. In this view, it can also be seen that the weight prongs 112i, 112ii are independent and different amounts of weights can be mounted to them, should the user desire.

[0049] In some embodiments of the invention, safety handles 204i, 204ii are used to slide 302 safety brackets 304i, 304ii back and forth between a first configuration which supports arms 802i, 802ii of the weight assembly 106, such that the weight assembly 106 does not rotate forward, and a second configuration which moves the brackets 304i, 304ii out of the way such that they do not impede rotational movement of the arms 802i, 802ii and thus, do not impede rotation of the weight assembly 106.

[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 show right side views of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100 in varying degrees of rotation 402, 404, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Rotation of the weight assembly 106 about the rotation axis 130 (not shown in these FIGS.) effectuates movement of the back pad arms 110ii (and 110i, not visible from this view) to move forward 402 and backward 404. While not shown, the range of movement is adjustable and can be wide. For example, the range of motion 502 can be 120 degrees or more. It is through this rotational movement, along with optional resistance added by placing weights 406 on the weight prongs 112i, 112ii, that provides exercise to the user.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a perspective image of at least one safety handle 204i of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the user can grab at least one of the safety handles 204i, 204ii, which are optionally located at various points around the apparatus 100, for support.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective image of various adjustable load and/or motion parameter mechanisms of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. More specifically, the position of the back rest 108 can be adjusted up and down on the back pad arms 110i, 110ii (only one side shown in this FIG.) by sliding the back pad 108 up and down the arms and reversibly attaching the back pad to the arms using a hole 702 and pin 704 configuration, wherein one or more holes 702 are provided to the back pad arms 110i, 110ii for up and down position adjustability.

[0053] In some embodiments of the invention, the range of motion (and thereby the load profile of the apparatus) of the back pad 108 is adjustable by raising and lowering 706 the forward limiter 210 using an adjustable safety pin 708 and hole configuration, such as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments of the invention, the backward limiter 208 is also adjustable (e.g. where the backward limiter 208 can be reversibly attached into more than one counterpart hole).

[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective image showing a weight arm 802i of a posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, each weight arm 802i, 802ii (weight arm 802ii not shown) is independently loadable, by adding weight plates to their respective weight prongs 112i, 112ii (weight prong 112ii not shown). Just by way of explanation, when a user stands in the apparatus 100 and then moves the safety brackets 304i, 304ii to the second configuration (they are shown in the first configuration in FIG. 8), the weight of the weight assembly 106 (including any weights on the weight prongs) exerts itself on the user who is standing in the apparatus 100 through the back pad 108. The user can then exercise alternating between pushing the back pad 108 backwards and leaning forwards to then push backwards again, in repetitive motions. Once exercise is concluded, the user would stand nearly vertical, such that the weight arms 802i, 802ii are raised higher than the brackets 304i, 304ii, so that the brackets can be moved 302 back into the first configuration from the second configuration.

[0055] FIG. 9 is a perspective image of the adjustable back pad 108 of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It has been previously described how the back pad 108 position can be adjusted up and down, for example by using the pin 704 and a plurality of counterpart holes located on the back pad arm 110i. In some embodiments of the invention, the back pad 108 can also be rotated to different positions around an axis by loosening/tightening the back pad 108 using an adjuster knob 902.

[0056] FIG. 10 is a perspective image of the adjustable safety pin 708 of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a perspective image of the adjustable thigh pad 1102 of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 12 is a perspective image of modular plate storage 1202 of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, at least one plate storage 1202 is attached to the apparatus 100 where extra weight plates can be stored when not in use. Optionally, the at least one plate storage 1202 is of the same or similar configuration as the weight prongs 112i, 112iii. Optionally, the at least one plate storage 1202 is of smaller or larger diameter or is shaped differently, such as a hook or shelf.

[0059] FIG. 13 is a perspective image of the adjustable heel pad 1302 of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 13, the position of the heel pad 1302 is adjustable by sliding the heel pad forwards or backwards on the platform 116. In some embodiments of the invention, a bottom of the heel pad bracket 126 slides in a groove or track 1304 disposed within the platform 116 to effectuate the forward/backward motion. In some embodiments of the invention, a pin 1306 such as those described elsewhere herein is used as a counterpart to at least one counterpart hole 1308 in the platform 116 to adjustably secure the heel pad bracket 126 in position.

[0060] FIG. 14 is a perspective image of the adjustable platform 116 of the posterior chain exercise apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As described elsewhere herein, the level of the platform 116 can be adjusted up and down by using a pin 1402, a plurality of holes within the central column 128 and the collar 214 of the platform 116. In some embodiments of the invention, the collar 214 is provided with a roller (not shown) or a slide-friendly (i.e. low friction) surface or face to facilitate movement of the collar 214 against the central column 128.

[0061] The terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, having and their conjugates mean including but not limited to.

[0062] The term consisting of means including and limited to.

[0063] The term consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

[0064] The term plurality means two or more.

[0065] As used herein, the singular form a, an and the include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term a compound or at least one compound may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0066] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0067] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases ranging/ranges between a first indicate number and a second indicate number and ranging/ranges from a first indicate number to a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.

[0068] As used herein the term method refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.

[0069] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0070] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[0071] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.