Exercise device

Abstract

The present invention provides an exercise machine for developing the chest muscles while maintaining correct biomechanical posture and joint movement for the user, thereby maximizing efficiency and safety. The present invention includes a track in which two handles independently slide. The handles are interconnected to either an end bridge or a middle bridge by one or more tensioning elements that are configured to provide gradual and progressively increased resistance as a distance between the interconnected components increases.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 915,567, filed on Jun. 11, 2013, and titled EXERCISE DEVICE, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 659,230, filed Jun. 13, 2012 and titled MULTIPLE CHEST / PUSHUP MACHINE PROVIDING FULL CONTRACTION ARC WITH PROGRESSIVE ONE-WAY RESISTANCE, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 789,507, filed Mar. 15, 2013, and titled MULTIPLE CHEST / PUSHUP MACHINE PROVIDING FULL CONTRACTION ARC WITH PROGRESSIVE ONE-WAY RESISTANCE, each of which is incorporated herein in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine that combines the motions of a pushup with a dumbbell fly with the user in a prone or pushup position. The exercise machine comprises various features to ensure proper biomechanical motion of the user thereby preventing injury and m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention relates to exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine that combines the motions of a pushup with a dumbbell fly with the user in a prone or pushup position. The exercise machine comprises various features to ensure proper biomechanical motion of the user thereby preventing injury and maximizing efficiency in muscular development.

[0014]Some implementations of the present invention further comprise one or more tension elements that increase the resistance of the medial and / or proximal sliding motions of the left and right handles within their respective sides. In some instances, the tension element comprises an elastomeric band having a first end that is attached to the platform and a second end that is attached to the handle's end bridge. In these instances, the resistance of the medial motion is increased as tension is applied to the tension element by sliding the platform medially. In other instances, the tension element comprises an elastomeric band having a first end that is attached to the platform and a second end that is attached to the middle bridge. In these instances, the resistance of the lateral motion is increased as tension is applied to the tension element by sliding the platform laterally. Further, in some instances a first tension element is coupled to the platform and the respective end bridge, and a second tension element is further coupled to the platform and the middle bridge, thereby increasing the resistance of the medial and proximal sliding motions of the platform.

[0015]In some instances, the end bridges are laterally and medially adjustable relative to the middle bridge, thereby setting and limiting a maximum distance between the platform and handles. In some implementations of the present invention, the left and right end bridges are adjusted medially on the track to achieve a user-specific, maximum distance between the handles. This maximum distance between the handles provides anatomically and biomechanically correct motion of the user's shoulder joint throughout the user's motion on the exercise machine, thereby maximizing the efficiency and safety of the exercise for the user.

[0016]Some implementations of the present invention further comprise an exercise machine having a first platform that slides medially and laterally independent of the medial and lateral sliding motions of a second platform. As such, the user's independent movement of each platform isolates the effectiveness of the exercise to the user's left and right muscle groups, respectively. This feature further prevents the user from relying predominantly on their dominant side to complete the exercise.

[0017]In some instances, the present invention further includes a method for maximizing the efficiency and safety of muscle development while using the exercise machine disclosed herein. For example, in some instances a method is provided having a first step for adjusting the left and right end bridges to set a maximum distance between the handles, wherein the maximum distance between the handles is equal to a distance between the creases of the user's elbows when the user is in the prone position and the elbows are bent to approximately 90°. The method further includes a step for grasping the handles and sliding the platforms laterally to provide the maximum distance between the handles. The user then bends their elbows to lower their chest towards the exercise machine until their elbows are bent to approximately 90° (i.e., the power position). The user then extends their arms, thereby raising their chest to a starting position. The user then adducts and rotates their humeri medially while maintaining the starting position. With the user's humeri adducted and rotated medially, the user then slides the left and right handles medially or inward towards the middle bridge. The user then returns the handles to the maximum distance position while abducting and rotating the user's humeri laterally, thereby returning the user to the starting position.

Problems solved by technology

Despite the general benefits of exercise machines, currently available devices have a number of shortcomings that result in less effective muscular development and potential joint and muscular injury to the user.

For example, some exercise machines fail to consider and provide correct anatomical joint motion for the user.

Some machines further fail to consider the structural anatomy of the targeted muscle group to optimally contract and extend the muscles for maximum efficiency and development.

As a specific example, currently available exercise machines for developing the chest muscles fail to consider and address the correct anatomical joint motion of the shoulder and torso.

This failure in design results in muscle sheering as the user is required to apply or resist a force for which the targeted muscle group or the corresponding joints are not properly aligned.

Muscle sheering may cause tissue scaring, tearing of the muscle tissue, and / or injury to the joint, tendons, and ligaments.

The resultant pain and inflammation associated with these types of injuries may result in decreased physical ability of the user, as well as arthritis.

These types of injuries may also cause or exacerbate poor posture of the user.

In response to the pain, the user is forced to compromise their form and body position thereby reducing the effectiveness of the exercise, and potentially leading to additional and / or long-term injuries.

Thus, while exercise machines for developing the skeletal muscles are available, challenges still exist.

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