Inclined Press

Abstract

The disclosed invention contemplates a lifting apparatus that utilizes traditional free weights which travel on an I-shaped inclined track. The overall frame of the unit is comprised of a base frame, vertical support frame, and a pair of I-shaped inclined tracks, which are sized to accommodate an athlete wishing to engage in standing upper body exercises. In particular, the I-shaped inclined track provides a path on which a weight slide housing travels via a unique roller mechanism. The invention also incorporates a pair safety stop mechanisms and pins, which allow the athlete to control the height from which the lift will begin, as well as preventing the weight bar and weight slide housing from falling below a certain predetermined point.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES[0001]None.GOVERNMENTAL RIGHTS[0002]None.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Disclosed is an inclined angle exercise machine that incorporates a unique roller system to maintain consistent weight distribution throughout the entire weight lifting movement cycle, with such movement cycle intended to simulate real-world athletic situations such as activity encountered on a football field.[0004]Today most exercise machines are designed to target highly specific muscle groups by incorporating a very specific exercise movement cycle along a controlled movement pathway. For example, if the athlete wants to work her arm, back, or leg muscles there are machines designed to target those specific muscle groups. During the exercise movement cycle, the athlete begins in a starting position, moves through and beyond a middle position, and concludes with an ending position, often times using numerous repetitions of the same movement cycle. These movement cycles are also known as lift ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a lifting apparatus that uses traditional free weights and an I-shaped inclined track. The design features a safety stop mechanism that allows the athlete to control the range of lift and prevents the weight bar and weight slide housing from moving beyond or below a predetermined point. This change in design helps the athlete engage in multiple inclined upper body and lower body exercises with a particular eye to both form and safety that more effectively prepares an athlete for realistic on-field conditions. The I-shaped inclined track provides a path on which the weight slides and is conducive to better weight distribution reducing friction and facilitating an evenly distributed weight along the entire exercise movement cycle. The disclosed invention is a more efficient and effective lifting apparatus for training and preparing athletes for realistic on-field conditions.

Problems solved by technology

If the athlete encounters more weight or friction at various points throughout the exercise movement cycle, then lift efficiency is decreased and the athlete becomes more prone to injury during the lift cycle.

One problem with V-shaped guide channels incorporating roller-type mechanisms is that as a result of the direct pressure between the crest of the V-shaped channel and the corresponding depression of the roller, friction binds the unit at the point between the channel and roller.

Friction or binding increases as more weight and force is applied, leading to uneven distribution of weight across the lift cycle.

One problem with these types of machines is the potential to bind the weight-bearing unit as it slides up and down the V-shaped rails.

Binding occurs not only due to friction but also as a result of a athlete unevenly applying more pressure to one side of the unit, which is typical.

This binding and uneven pressure is a disadvantage and causes uneven distribution of weight across the lift cycle.

However, most weight training is done in a vertical or horizontal plane that does not mirror or prepare an athlete for the actual incline trajectory surrounding the sport of football.

Images