Torso exercising apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus to facilitate torso exercises includes a base frame, and a leg support member coupled to the base frame to rotate about a first vertical axis, supporting a user's legs during the torso exercises. A rotation mechanism is configured to allow rotation of the leg support member along the first vertical axis relative to the base frame. The leg support member includes a pair of cavities configured to accommodate tibias during the torso exercises, to enable the user to apply torque and rotation through the femurs. Further, the design of the chest support member facilitates adjustability of the chest support member in forward- backward direction, and upward-downward direction to account for different body shape and size of the user. The apparatus facilitates the user to perform exercises in a quad-pad position, by moving the chest support member out of a region occupied by the user.

Description

TORSO EXERCISING APPARATUSField of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of fitness equipment. Specifically, it pertains to an apparatus that enables users to perform torso rotation exercises aimed at strengthening the core muscles and improving postural control.Background

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In the realm of fitness and physical conditioning, numerous exercise machines are designed to strengthen and condition various muscle groups. Among these, machines specifically targeting the core muscles such as the abdominals and oblique’s play a crucial role in enhancing overall health, boosting athletic performance, and reducing the risk of injury.

[0004] Traditional approaches to develop torsional strength and flexibility have involved exercises such as twisting motions performed on stability balls, manual resistance training, and various kinds of rotational devices. However, the traditional approaches have certain limitations. For instance, manual exercises require proper form and technique to avoid injury and may not provide consistent resistance. Further, the stability balls can be unstable and may not adequately isolate target muscles. The rotation devices include a torso rotation machine which helps in strengthening and toning oblique muscles of the user.

[0005] Further, traditional torso rotation machines feature a rotating chair that has a flat base with two side walls. Users perform torso rotation exercises by pushing outwards with their thighs against the side walls. This method can lead to inefficiencies in torque generation and less stability, potentially impacting the effectiveness of the exercise and the user’s safety. Moreover, the traditional torso machines do not have proper structural positioning of the handles, chest pad, and chairs, which may lead to unstable posture or spinal positioning of the user.

[0006] Existing torso rotation machines have been designed with various features, such as adjustable seats and resistance mechanisms. However, many of these devices have limitationsincluding limited adjustability, lack of ergonomic support, incorrect structural positioning of components causing unstable spinal positioning, and insufficient range of motion. Additionally, some existing torso rotation machines do not adequately engage the core muscles or fail to provide a comprehensive workout due to their design constraints. Furthermore, the user can experience discomfort or difficulty in maintaining proper posture while exercising, which can lead to ineffective workouts or increased risk of injury. Some of the machines facilitate the users to perform the exercises in upright position, and do not offer any variation or adjustments to accommodate different positions to help the users to learn the exercises correctly. As a result, it may be challenging for users to learn the exercise correctly and to target various muscle groups effectively.

[0007] Therefore, known machines for torso rotation exercises suffer from a major drawback, in that they do not provide the option to accommodate tibia that would facilitate the user to create more torque and rotation through his / her femurs and secure the ankle without wobbling around. Further, the known machines do not have a mechanism to relocate and adjust chest pads in up-down, and forward-backward directions that would facilitate enhancement and effectiveness of exercises by accommodating a wide range of motions and varying body types.

[0008] In view thereof, there is need for an innovative solution that addresses aforementioned drawbacks and limitations associated with the existing machines, by providing an improved apparatus that facilitates torso exercises such as torso rotation exercises to rotational mobility and improve core strength of the user.Summary

[0009] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the drawbacks of conventional exercising machines by providing an improved apparatus which facilitates torso exercises such as torso rotation exercises to improve core strength of the user.

[0010] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a torso exercising apparatus which facilitates enhanced torso rotation in both kneeling and quad-pad positions.

[0011] It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide a torso exercising apparatus which provides adjustable elbow supports to facilitate doing exercises in a quad-pad position.

[0012] It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus which provides proper tibia supports to perform torso rotation exercises that orient from the femur instead of the hips.

[0013] It is another objective of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that incorporates adjustments to meet specific requirements of different users.

[0014] It is yet another objective of the present disclosure to provide an apparatus that facilitates diverse exercise possibilities and engage multiple muscle groups by integrating adjustable rotation of the user’s upper body with flexible positioning.

[0015] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an improved apparatus that can be implemented for oblique muscle training by performing various exercises, in some embodiments without need of any additional components to be added.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the disclosed apparatus includes a base frame, a leg support member coupled to the base frame to rotate about a first vertical axis. The leg support member is configured to support legs of a user during torso exercises. Further, the apparatus includes a rotation mechanism operatively coupled to the leg support member, to rotate the leg support member about the first vertical axis relative to the base frame.

[0017] In addition, the leg support member includes a pair of cavities (collectively referred as “cavities” hereinafter) configured to accommodate tibias during the torso exercises, and enable the user to apply torque and rotation through femurs to orient rotation of the leg support member through the femurs.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, each of the pair of cavities may include a first end having a first width, and a second end having a second width that is less than the first width. The first end and the second end may form a tapered shape of the cavity. During the torso exercises, a knee of the user may be positioned in the first end, and an ankle of the user may be positioned in the second end such that mobility of the ankle may be limited to prevent the ankle from moving and wobbling within the cavity.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, each of the pair of cavities may have a shape selected from: semi-circular shape, U-shape, V-shape, and circular shape.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may be adapted to facilitate the torso exercises including any one of: torso rotation, side crunches in the quad-pad position, resistance torso twists, controlled speed rotations, and unilateral torso rotation.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may include a pair of elbow support members (collectively referred as “elbow support members” hereinafter) mounted on the base frame to rotate about a second vertical axis. The second vertical axis may be parallel to the first vertical axis. Each of the elbow support members may be configured to provide support to an elbow of the user during the torso exercises in a quad-pad position. In the quad-pad position, the user may place forearms directly under shoulders by taking support of the elbow support members, and may place the knees directly under hips with support of the leg support members to create a stable balance. Further, the forearms and lower legs of the user are substantially parallel to each other in the quad-pad position. The elbow support members may facilitate the user to perform a variety of exercises and work on different muscle groups on the body in combination with the torso rotations facilitated by the leg support member.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, each of the elbow support members may include an elbow pad configured to provide cushioning to the forearm of the user while resting the elbow thereon.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may further include a grip handle attached to each of the elbow support members. The grip handle may be configured to enable the user to grab the grip handle and provide stability and leverage in the quad-pad position.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may further include a weight stack operatively coupled to the leg support member. The weight stack may be configured at an extending portion of the base frame. The weight stack may be configured to provide adjustable resistance to rotation of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the weight stack may include a plurality of weights (collectively referred as “weights” hereinafter) adapted to be selected and adjusted to modulate resistance for rotation of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may further include a chest support member adjustably coupled to the weight stack through a swiveling mechanism. The chest support member may be configured to support a chest of the user during the torso exercises.

[0027] In one or more embodiment, the chest support member may include a pair of hand supports configured to be gripped by the user during the torso exercises.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the swiveling mechanism may be configured to enable movement of the chest support member away from a region occupied by the user in the quad-pad position.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may further include a first range controller configured with the leg support member which in conjunction with the rotation mechanism restricts range of motion of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the first range controller may include a pivotally moving member configured for pivotal movement along an axis coaxial to an angularly moving part of the leg support member, and a selector plate including a plurality of holes.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the pivotally moving member may include a lock having a retractable pin configured to lock the pivotally moving member in each of a plurality of angular positions by engaging with a selected hole among the plurality of holes of the selector plate.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the angularly moving part may include a stopper located in a same plane as the pivotally moving member such that, during rotation of the angularly moving part, the stopper may engage with the pivotally moving member to block further rotation of the angularly moving part beyond a selected position, thereby restricting the range of motion of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may further include a second range controller operatively coupled to the weight stack. The second range controller may be configured to restrict amount of upward movement of one or more of the plurality of weights, and adjust resistance for rotation of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the second range controller may include a blocking member configured above a weight selector of the weight stack for sliding movement in a blocking member track. The blocking member track may be located parallel to a weight stack track of the weight stack. The blocking member may include a retractable pin to lock the blocking member in a selected position above the plurality of weights such that when one or more of the plurality of weights are lifted upwards, an amount of upward movement of the one or more of the plurality of weights may be restricted by the blocking member.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the retractable pin, when released, may engage with a selected hole among a plurality of holes located on a frame of the weight stack to fix position ofthe blocking member. After pulling the retractable pin outwards, the blocking member may slide along the blocking member track and may engage with the selected hole among the plurality of holes to fix position of the blocking member at a selected location corresponding to the selected hole.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus may include an adjustment member configured to adjust lateral and longitudinal positioning of the chest support member. The adjustment member may include a horizontal adjustment member, and a vertical adjustment member coupled to the horizontal adjustment member. The horizontal adjustment member may include a plurality of second holes configured to facilitate lateral adjustments of the chest support member by inserting a second locking pin at a selected second hole among the plurality of second holes. Similarly, the vertical adjustment member may include a plurality of third holes configured to facilitate longitudinal adjustment of the chest support member by inserting a third locking pin at a selected third hole among the plurality of third holes.

[0037] As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, the design of the leg support member and the elbow support member may facilitate adjusting the height and weight adjustment features of both the leg support member and the elbow support member according to body shape and size of the users, in some cases without need of additional / special tools. Further, the design of the chest support member may facilitate adjustability of the chest support member in forward-backward direction, and upward-downward direction to account for different body shape and size of the users.

[0038] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0039] FIG. 1 A illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an apparatus to facilitate torso exercises, where a user is performing torsion exercises in a kneeling position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary representations of the torso exercising apparatus, where a chest support member of the apparatus is moved away from a region occupied by the user while doing exercises in a quad-pad position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0042] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] As used in the description herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0045] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result to function as indicated. For example, an object that is “substantially” cylindrical or “substantially” perpendicular would mean that the object / feature is either cylindrical / perpendicular or nearly cylindrical / perpendicular so as to result in the same or nearly the same function. The exact allowable degree of deviation provided by this term may depend on the specific context. The use of “substantially” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, structure which is “substantially free of’ a bottom would either completely lack a bottom or so nearly completely lack a bottom that the effect would be effectively the same as if it completely lacked a bottom.

[0046] Similarly, as used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to a numerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “a little above” or “a little below” the endpoint while still accomplishing the function associated with the range.

[0047] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a description herein is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0048] Conventional torso exercising machines feature a flat base with two side walls. Users perform torso rotation exercises by pushing outwards with their thighs. This method can lead to inefficiencies in torque generation and less stability, potentially impacting the effectiveness of the exercise and the user’s safety. Further some of the conventional torso exercising machines lack adjustability of a chest support member in forward-backward direction, and in upward- downward direction to account for different body shape and size of the users. Additionally, in the existing machines, the position of the chest support member relative to the chair necessitates the user to maintain an anterior pelvic shift position, which causes severe inefficiencies while performing the exercise. Existing torso rotation exercise machines also have limitations including limited adjustability, lack of ergonomic support, incorrect structural positioning of components causing unstable spinal positioning, and insufficient range of motion. Additionally, these machines fail to adequately engage the core muscles or fail to provide a comprehensive workout due to their design constraints. Consequently, the existing machines are inefficient for the users to learn the exercise correctly and to target various muscle groups effectively.

[0049] The proposed apparatus of the present disclosure offers an innovative solution to the challenges posed by conventional torso exercising machines by providing a unique design of a leg support member having a pair of cavities to accommodate tibias of the user, while performing exercises, specifically related to rotation of the user’s torso. When the user puts the tibias into the cavities, the cavities facilitate the users to create more torque and rotation through their femurs, instead of pushing outwards with their thighs and doing more rotation from hips of the users. Further, shape of the cavity is like tapered valleys, i.e. a wide first end, where a knee of the user can be positioned while performing exercises, and a narrow second end, where an ankle of the user can be positioned such that the ankle does not have enough space to move and wobble around, and remain secure in the cavity.

[0050] FIGs. 1 A and IB illustrate exemplary views of an apparatus facilitating torso exercises such as torso rotation exercises, where a user is performing torsion rotation exercises in a kneeling position. The apparatus can be adapted to facilitate the torso exercises such as but not limited to: torso rotation, side crunches in the quad-pad position, resistance torso twists, controlled speed rotations, unilateral torso rotation, and the like. The apparatus 100 includes a base frame 102, a leg support member 104 coupled to the base frame 102 to rotate about a first vertical axis. The base frame 102 can include a pair of lateral members 102-1 connected by a longitudinal member 102- 2 to form an I-shaped structure. In some embodiments, the base frame 102 can be of shape selected from but not limited to H-shaped frame, square frame, rectangular frame, and the like. Further, the base frame 102 can be constructed of a material having high strength, durability and lightweight properties. Thus, the material for constructing the base frame 102 can be selected from a group, without limitation, steel, aluminum, composite materials, metal alloys and the like.

[0051] In an embodiment, the leg support member 104 is configured to support legs of a user during the torso exercises. Further, the apparatus 100 includes a rotation mechanism 118 operatively coupled to the leg support member 104, and can be configured below the leg support member, to allow rotation of the leg support member 104 about the first vertical axis relative to the base frame 102. The leg support member 104 includes a pair of cavities 120-1, 120-2 (individually and collectively referred to as cavity 120- cavities 120, herein) configured to accommodate tibias while doing the torso exercises. The incorporation of the cavities 120 can enable the user to apply torque and rotation through femurs, thereby eliminating need of wall supports for rotating the rotation mechanism 118, as in case of performing rotation of the user’s torso using the traditional machine. The cavities 120 can have as first end 120a having a first width, and a second end 120b having a second width that is less than the first width, the first end and the second end forming a tapered shape of the cavity 120. The first end 120a is an end, where a knee of the user is positioned while performing the torso exercises, whereas the second end 120b is an end, where an ankle of the user is positioned such that the ankle does not have enough space to move and wobble around, and remain secure in the cavity. The cavities 120 can be of shape selected from but not limited to semi-circular shape, U-shape, V-shape, circular shape, and the like.

[0052] The apparatus 100 further includes a weight stack 106 operatively coupled to the leg support member 104, and configured at an extended portion of the base frame 102. The weightstack 106 can be configured to provide adjustable resistance to rotation of the leg support member about the first vertical axis, thereby allowing the user to effectively target and strengthen core muscles while performing exercises such as rotation of the user’s torso. The weight stack 106 can include a plurality of weights 122 (individually and collectively referred to as weight / weights 122, herein) that can be selected and adjusted to adjust resistance level for the user. The weight stack 106 can prevent the weights 122 from moving freely, which can help avoid accidents and injuries.

[0053] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a pair of elbow support members 108-1, 108-2 (individually and collectively referred to as elbow support member 108 / elbow support members 108, herein) mounted on the base frame 102 along a second vertical axis parallel to the first vertical axis. The elbow support members 108 can be configured to provide support to an elbow of the user while performing the torso exercises in a quad-pad position as clearly shown in FIG. 2. In the quad-pad position (also referred as quadruped position), the user can place forearms directly under shoulders by taking support of the elbow support members 108, and can place the knees directly under hips with support of the leg support members 104, to create a stable balance. Further, the forearms and lower legs of the user are substantially parallel in the quad-pad position. The elbow support members 108 can facilitate the user to perform a variety of exercises and work on different muscle groups on the body in combination with the torso rotations as clearly demonstrated in FIG. 2. Further, the elbow support member 108 can include a vertical member 126 configured to align with a vertical hollow portion 116 of the base frame 102 in order to connect the elbow support member 108 with the base frame 102. The vertical member 126 of the elbow support member 108 can include a series of first holes 126a, which can include equally spaced holes configured to adjust height of the elbow support member 108. A first locking pin 126b can be provided to engage with any of the series of first holes 126a to enable adjustability of the elbow support member 108 in accordance with body size, shape and posture of the users while performing the torso exercises. Further, the vertical hollow portion 116 can be of any shape selected from but not limited to circular hollow section, square hollow section, rectangular hollow section, elliptical hollow section, and the like. Similarly, shape of the vertical member 126 can be of shape identical to cross-sectional shape of the vertical hollow portion 116 to ensure proper fit and alignment.

[0054] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a first range controller 144 can be configured below the leg support member 104 which is in conjunction with the rotation mechanism 118 to restrict ranges of rotation of the leg support member 104 about the first verticalaxis in order to perform the torso rotation exercises by the user. The first range controller 144 can include a pivotally moving member 148 configured for pivotal movement along an axis coaxial to an angularly moving part of the leg support member 104, and a selector plate 150 having a plurality of holes 152. The pivotally moving member 148 can include a lock (not shown) having a retractable pin configured to lock the pivotally moving member 148 in different angular positions by engaging with a selected hole among the plurality of holes 152 of the selector plate 150. The angularly moving part can include a stopper (not shown) located in a same plane as the pivotally moving member 148 such that, during the rotation of the angularly moving part, the stopper can engage with the pivotally moving member 148 to block further rotation of the angularly moving part beyond a selected position, thereby restricting the range of motion of the leg support member about the first vertical axis. The selected position can be a user-defined angular limit that sets a maximum extent to which the angularly moving part rotate about the first vertical axis. For example, the selector plate 150 can include the holes 152 correspondence to 0°, ±15°, ±30°, ±45°, and ±60° relative to a central axis of the selector plate 150. By inserting the retractable pin into the hole corresponding to +45°, the pivotally moving member 148 can be locked at a 45-degree angle from the central axis of the selector plate 150. Once the user sets the pivotally moving member 148 to the +45° hole, the stopper is positioned accordingly, so that when the angularly moving part rotates and reaches the 45-degree angle, the stopper physically contacts the pivotally moving member 148, preventing further rotation. This effectively defines +45° as the selected position, restricting the range of motion and ensuring controlled movement within a safe and user-defined limit.

[0055] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a second range controller operatively coupled to the weight stack 106. The second range controller for the weight stack 106 can include a blocking member 154 configured above a weight selector 156 of the weight stack for sliding movement in a blocking member track 158. The blocking member track 158 can be located parallel to a weight stack track 160. The blocking member 154 can include a lock 162 to lock the blocking member 154 in a selected position above the weights such that when the weights is lifted up, an amount of its upward movement of the weights is restricted by the blocking member 154. The lock 162 for the second range controller for the weight stack 106 can include a retractable pin provided on the blocking member 154. The retracted pin, when released, can engage with a selected hole among a plurality of holes provided on a frame 164 of the weight stack 106 to fix theblocking member 154, such as a selected height from the weight selector 1 6 of the weights. In particular, after pulling the pin outwards, the blocking member 154 can be slid along the blocking member track 158 to different positions, such as at the desired distance from the weight selector 156 of the weights, and locked in the position by releasing the pin for locking with a corresponding hole on the frame 164, for achieving a desired range of motion.

[0056] The rotation mechanism 118 can be selected from but not limited to pivotal joint mechanism utilizing a hinge point to allow the leg support member 104 to rotate around the first vertical axis, cam mechanism, a lever arm mechanism, hydraulic or pneumatic actuation, and the like.

[0057] In an embodiment, each of the elbow support members 108 can include an elbow pad 124 configured to provide cushioning effect to the user while resting the elbow thereon. Further, a grip handle 142 can be attached to the elbow support member 108 longitudinally. The grip handle 142 can facilitate the user to provide enhanced stability and leverage in the quad-pad position. The grip handle 142 can be covered with a cushioning material to enhance comfort and reduce strain on the hands of the user. The cushioning material can facilitate anti-slipping gripping of the grip handle 142. The cushioning material can include foam, rubber, silicone, neoprene, and the like, without any limitations. In some embodiments, the gripping handle 142 can be configured to extend at an angle, rather than vertically, from the elbow support member 108. In some cases, the angle at which the gripping handle 142 extends from the elbow support member 108 may be adjustable, such as, for example, by providing a series of holes and a locking pin, as previously described in other contexts.

[0058] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a chest support member 110 adjustably coupled to the weight stack 106 through a swiveling mechanism 112, as shown in FIG. 2. The chest support member 110 can be configured to engage with a chest of the user and provide support to the chest while performing the torso rotation exercises. The chest support member 110 can include a chest pad configured to provide comfortable support to the chest of the user during exercises.

[0059] In an embodiment, the swiveling mechanism 112 can include a set of pivotal holes 130-1, 130-2 (individually referred herein as pivotal hole 130) provided at extended portions of the weight stack 106. The pivotal hole 130 can have a central axis parallel to the first vertical axis. The swiveling mechanism 112 can include a horizontal link 132 connected to the pivotal holes130-1 , 130-2. Further, the horizontal link 132 can be perpendicularly connected to a vertical link 134. Further, an adjustment member 114 can be configured to adjust lateral and longitudinal positioning of the chest support member 110. The adjustment member 114 can be coupled with the vertical link of the swiveling mechanism 112. Further, a pair of hand supports 140-1,140-2 (individually and collectively referred to as hand support 140 / hand supports 140, herein) can be configured at one end of the adjustment member 114, to provide support while doing rotations of the user’s torso. Other end of the adjustment member 114 can be attached to the chest support member 110. In some embodiments, the swiveling mechanism 112 can be selected from but not limited to swiveling bearing, rotary joint, universal joint, gimbal joint, cam mechanism, and the like. The swiveling mechanism 112 can facilitate movement of the chest support member 110 away from a region occupied by the user while doing exercises in the quad-pad position. In some embodiments, the swiveling mechanism 112 can facilitate movement of the chest pad and / or the hand supports 140 away from the region occupied by the user while performing exercises in the quad-pad position.

[0060] In an embodiment, the adjustment member 114 can include a horizontal adjustment member 136, and a vertical adjustment member 138 connected to the horizontal adjustment member 136. The hand supports 140 are configured over the horizontal adjustment member 136. Further, the horizontal adjustment member 136 can include a plurality of second holes 136a configured to facilitate lateral adjustments of the chest pad by inserting a second locking pin 136b among the plurality of second holes 136a. Similarly, the vertical adjustment member 138 can include a plurality of third holes 138a configured to facilitate longitudinal adjustment of the chest pad by inserting a third locking pin 138b among the plurality of second holes 138a.

[0061] As can be appreciated, a unique design of the leg support member 104 having the pair of cavities 120 to accommodate tibias of the user, while performing exercises, specifically related to rotations of the user’s torso. When the user puts the tibias into the cavities 120, the cavities 120 facilitate the users to create more torque and rotation through their femurs, instead of pushing outwards with their thighs. Further, shape of the cavity is like tapered valleys, i.e. a first end 120 having a first width, where a knee of the user can be positioned while performing exercises, and a second end 120b having a second width that is less than the first width, where an ankle of the user can be positioned such that the ankle does not have enough space to move and wobble around, and remain secure in the cavity.

[0062] Further, in an implementation, the proposed apparatus 100 can also be utilized for performing various exercises including torso rotations, side crunches in quad-pad position, resistance torso twists, controlled speed rotations, unilateral torso rotation and the like. Further, the swiveling mechanism 112 can facilitate movement of the chest support member 110 away from a region occupied by the user while doing exercises in the quad-pad position, thereby enhancing scope of performing wide variety of exercises with wide range of motions.

[0063] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0064] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An apparatus to facilitate torso exercises, comprising: a base frame; a leg support member mounted on the base frame to rotate about a first vertical axis, and support legs of a user; and a rotation mechanism operatively coupled the leg support member, and configured to rotate the leg support member about the first vertical axis relative to the base frame, wherein the leg support member comprises a pair of cavities configured to accommodate tibias during the torso exercises, and enable the user to apply torque and rotation through femurs to orient rotation of the leg support member through the femurs.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of cavities comprises a first end having a first width, and a second end having a second width that is less than the first width, the first end and the second end forming a tapered shape of the cavity, and wherein during the torso exercises, a knee of the user is positioned in the first end, and an ankle of the user is positioned in the arrow second end such that mobility of the ankle is limited to prevent the ankle from moving and wobbling within the cavity.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each of the pair of cavities has a shape selected from: semi-circular shape, U-shape, V-shape, and circular shape.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted to facilitate the torso exercises comprising any one of: torso rotation, side crunches in the quad-pad position, resistance torso twists, controlled speed rotations, and unilateral torso rotation.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a pair of elbow support members mounted on the base frame along a second vertical axis that is parallel to the first vertical axis, each of the pair of elbow support members being configured to provide support to an elbow of the user during the torso exercises in a quad-pad position, andwherein in the quad-pad position, the user places forearms directly under shoulders by taking support of the pair of elbow support members, and places the knees directly under hips with support of the pair of the leg support members to create a stable balance.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of the pair of elbow support members comprises an elbow pad configured to provide cushioning to the forearm of the user while resting the elbow thereon.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a grip handle attached to each of the pair of elbow support members, to enable the user to grab the grip handle and provide stability and leverage in the quad-pad position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a weight stack operatively coupled to the leg support member, and configured at an extending portion of the base frame, and wherein the weight stack is configured to provide adjustable resistance to rotation of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the weight stack comprises a plurality of weights adapted to be selected and adjusted to modulate resistance for rotation of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a chest support member adjustably coupled to the weight stack through a swiveling mechanism, and wherein the chest support member is configured to support a chest of the user during the torso exercises.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the chest support member comprises a pair of hand supports configured to be gripped by the user during the torso exercises.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the swiveling mechanism is configured to enable movement of the chest support member away from a region occupied by the user in the quad-pad position.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first range controller configured with the leg support member which in conjunction with the rotation mechanism restricts range of motion of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first range controller comprises a pivotally moving member configured for pivotal movement along an axis coaxial to an angularly moving part of the leg support member, and a selector plate comprising a plurality of holes.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the pivotally moving member comprises a lock having a retractable pin configured to lock the pivotally moving member in each of a plurality of angular positions by engaging with a selected hole among the plurality of holes of the selector plate.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the angularly moving part comprises a stopper located in a same plane as the pivotally moving member such that, during rotation of the angularly moving part, the stopper engages with the pivotally moving member to block further rotation of the angularly moving part beyond a selected position, thereby restricting the range of motion of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

17. The apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a second range controller operatively coupled to the weight stack, and configured to restrict amount of upward movement of one or more of the plurality of weights, and adjust resistance for rotation of the leg support member about the first vertical axis.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second range controller comprises a blocking member configured above a weight selector of the weight stack for sliding movement in a blocking member track, andwherein the blocking member track is located parallel to a weight stack track of the weight stack, and comprises a retractable pin to lock the blocking member in a selected position above the plurality of weights such that when one or more of the plurality of weights are lifted upwards, an amount of upward movement of the one or more of the plurality of weights is restricted by the blocking member.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the retractable pin, when released, engages with a selected hole among a plurality of holes located on a frame of the weight stack to fix position of the blocking member, and wherein, after pulling the retractable pin outwards, the blocking member slides along the blocking member track and engaged with the selected hole among the plurality of holes to fix position of the blocking member at a selected location corresponding to the selected hole.

20. The apparatus according to claim 10, comprises an adjustment member configured to adjust lateral and longitudinal positioning of the chest support member, wherein the adjustment member comprises a horizontal adjustment member, and a vertical adjustment member coupled to the horizontal adjustment member, wherein the horizontal adjustment member comprises a plurality of second holes configured to facilitate lateral adjustments of the chest support member by inserting a second locking pin at a selected second hole among the plurality of second holes, and wherein the vertical adjustment member comprises a plurality of third holes configured to facilitate longitudinal adjustment of the chest support member by inserting a third locking pin at a selected third hole among the plurality of third holes.

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