Machine for Exercising the Muscles of the Lower Back and Associated Methods

Abstract

A machine is for exercising the muscles of the lower back. The machine includes a base frame and a resistance arm including a resistance pad engaged by the user, the resistance arm coupled to the base frame at a first rotation point and having a center of rotation about the first rotation point. The machine further includes a seat frame member carrying a seat, the seat frame member coupled to the base frame at one or more seat rotation points and having a center of rotation about each of the seat rotation points. The resistance arm and seat frame member are rotated in opposite directions during a repetition cycle about the respective first rotation point and at least one seat rotation point.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 684,975 filed May 26, 2005, of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of exercise machines, and, more particularly, to exercise machines for the lower back and related methods.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Various exercise machines have been disclosed which exercise the back muscles using a resistance arm in combination with a resistance pad in contact with the back, along with various elements ensuring pelvic isolation. Pelvic isolation is typically achieved by placement of the feet on a foot board, contact of the pelvis to the back of a seat, and downward pressure on the shins and thighs by a knee restraint device. These machines specifically attempt to exercise the lumbar muscles of the lower back, consisting essentially of the lower five vertebrae of the spine.[0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The radial distance between the resistance pad and the LRC over the repetition cycle may accommodate users of varying size, and the range of the radial distance between the resistance pad and the LRC over the repetition cycle may be minimized.

[0016]A method aspect may include assembling a machine for exercising the muscles of the lower back. The method may include forming a base frame, and rotatably coupling a resistance arm including a resistance pad to be engaged by the user to the base frame at a first rotation point, the resistance arm having a center of rotation about the first rotation point. The method may further include rotatably coupling a seat frame member carrying a seat to the base frame at least one seat rotation point, the seat frame member having a center of rotation about each of the at least one seat rotation point. The resistance arm and seat frame member may be rotated in opposite directions during a repetition cycle about the respective first rotation point and at least one seat rotation point. The seat may include a base and a back for defining a lumbar rotation center (LRC) fixed relative to the seat, the LRC positioned above the base and forward from the back. The resistance pad center of rotation may substantially coincide with the LRC. The radial distance between the resistance pad and the LRC may accommodate users of varying size, and the range of the radial distance between the resistance pad and the LRC over the repetition cycle is minimized.

[0018]The first rotation point, at least one seat rotation point and at least one link rotation point may be selectively positioned such that the radial distance between the resistance pad and the LRC accommodates users of varying size, and the range of the radial distance between the resistance pad and the LRC over the repetition cycle is minimized.

Problems solved by technology

A movement arm pivoting at this center of rotation would impede a user from using the machine.

Although the '246 patent discloses a structure for rotating the resistance pad about the center of rotation, the structure involves complicated, large scale construction.

Further, the resistance arm of the '246 patent cannot be disengaged for easy adjustment of its initial position prior to the user entering the machine.

This may introduce a risk for users with limited range of motion.

Images