Apparatus for facilitating pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises

Abstract

An apparatus configured to facilitate effective pectoral and rear deltoid fly exercises. The apparatus comprises a base platform, adjustable seat, and a frame with a backrest. The apparatus includes lever mechanisms with pivoting levers and handles connected to a weight stack via a cable-and-pulley mechanism. Users can perform exercises by gripping and rotating the handles, with the weight stack providing resistance. The levers are adjustable for range of motion and vertical movement, allowing exercises to target the shoulders, upper back, and neck effectively. The apparatus also includes a range controller to customize and lock the range of motion for the shoulder elevation, or the pec fly / reverse deltoid fly exercise, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of the apparatus.

Description

APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING PECTORAL FLY AND REAR DELTOID FLYEXERCISESTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of exercise equipment. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for facilitating pectoral fly exercises as well as rear deltoid fly exercises.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] A chest or pectoral (“pec”) fly exercise primarily targets the pectoral muscles of the user while also engaging the biceps and deltoids to a lesser extent. During a pec fly exercise, the user lies on a bench facing upward, holding a weight or weight-assisted handle in each hand with arms extended out to the sides and elbows slightly bent. In the equilibrium position, the hands are positioned slightly below the user’s shoulders. The user then hinges and rotates the weight-assisted handles forward and backward about a fulcrum positioned above each shoulder. This exercise can also be performed with the bench declined or inclined, which alters the muscle focus in the chest by changing the angle of the bench.

[0004] A deltoid (“del ’) fly exercise is similar to the pectoral fly exercise, with the main difference being the user’s position. In a delt fly exercise, the user lies on a bench facing downward while holding a weight or weight-assisted handle in each hand, with arms extended out to the sides. In the equilibrium position, the hands are slightly below the user’s shoulders. The user then hinges and rotates the weight-assisted handles forward and backward around a fulcrum positioned above each shoulder.SUMMARY

[0005] Several exercise machines have been developed to mimic various upper body exercises, such as the pec fly, deltoid fly, rear deltoid fly, and similar movements. These machines typically feature pivoting levers connected to a resistance mechanism. However, they often fail to engage the user’s muscles effectively, as they cannot provide the necessary mechanism to load vertical elevation of the shoulder to activate these muscles properly.

[0006] Specifically, existing pec fly machines are equipped with two independent exercise levers pivotally mounted on a frame positioned above the user’s head. These levers are usually L-shaped, with a pivot shaft at one end and a handle at the other. The user typically sits on a seat mounted on the frame, with their upper arms and forearms gripping the handles. The user then rotates the handles forward and backward around pivot points situated above their shoulders. Because each exercise lever has a single pivot point, the arm movement is limited to a semi-circular pattern within a single vertical plane. Additionally, the arms cannot be adjusted vertically to accommodate the motion of the arm moving vertically upwards, which limits the machine’s ability to effectively engage the shoulder muscles during pec fly or delt fly exercises.

[0007] Therefore, known pec fly and delt fly exercise machines suffer from a major drawback, in that they lack sufficient engagement of the shoulder muscle groups and fail to provide an option to effectively engage the shoulder muscles of the users while doing a pec fly exercise.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to address the limitations of conventional pec fly and delt fly exercise machines by developing improved weight training machines that assist users to perform pec fly and delt fly exercises at the same time while adequately toning and strengthening the shoulders of the users.

[0009] A general objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that enables users to perform both the pec fly and delt fly exercises simultaneously on the same machine, which allows users to activate the shoulder muscles more efficiently.

[0010] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus designed to safely and effectively tone and strengthen muscle groups of both the upper body as well as the shoulders of the users.

[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus configured to facilitate users in performing both pec fly and delt fly exercises, while engaging the muscle groups of the shoulders, upper back, and neck.

[0012] The present disclosure pertains to an apparatus designed to facilitate efficient performance of pec fly and delt fly exercises simultaneously. The apparatus features a base platform with a seat that can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically for optimal positioning. A frame at the rear of the base platform supports a backrest for user comfort during exercises. The apparatus includes lever mechanisms with levers connected to a weight stack via a cable-and-pulley system. Handles are operatively connected to the levers, allowing the user to grip the handles and rotate the levers about their pivot ends, while enabling verticalmovement of the handles to effectively activate the user’s delt, shoulder, upper back and neck muscles. Additionally, the apparatus includes a range controller to customize the range of motion of the pec fly and the delt fly exercises. The range controller may be configured with the lever mechanisms to adjust or restrict the range of motion of shoulder elevation, or the pec fly or reverse deltoid fly exercises. The range controller is adapted to prevent excessive movement of the joints of the user, which could potentially cause discomfort or injury to the user. In addition, the range controller allows the users to customize their exercise intensity by adjusting the range of motion of the exercise.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each lever mechanism may be configured to enable the user to perform both pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises. Each lever mechanism may include a lever with a pivot end rotatably coupled to the frame and a free end extending forward towards the front of the seat. The handles may be attached to the free ends of the levers, allowing the user to grip the handles and rotate the levers about their pivot ends to perform either exercise.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the levers may be designed to remain in an equilibrium position with the handles positioned in front of the user while seated. To initiate the pectoral fly exercise, the user can grip the handles and begins rotating the levers about their pivot ends. The lever mechanism may include a configuration to limit the rotation of the levers, preventing unhealthy arm movements. As the user moves the handles from the equilibrium position to an extended position, where the handles are approximately parallel to the user’s chest, the upper body muscles are conditioned by the resistance provided by the selected weight from the weight stack.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the range controller may be operatively connected to the weight stack, or one or more adjust points of where each motion among the shoulder elevation, the pec fly motion of the reverse deltoid fly motion can be oriented from, to enable effective adjustment and locking of the range of motion for the exercise. This range controller may be adapted to prevent excessive movement of the user’s joints that could lead to discomfort or injury. By providing precise control over the range of motion, the range controller enhances safety, targets specific muscle groups, and accommodates users with varying flexibility levels or injury concerns.

[0016] The range controller may be used to initiate motion in one direction, for that motion to then stop at the user's desired range. After the initial range of motion stops, the user can then leverage from that stopping point to initiate a second range motion in another direction.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the handles may be configured so that the handles are movable along a channel or track along a vertical direction, while being positioned in any of the equilibrium and extended position. This configuration facilitates vertical movement of the handles, enabling elevation or depression of the shoulders during the pectoral fly exercise. As a result, this configuration effectively engages the muscles of the shoulders, upper back, and neck, providing enhanced and more effective strengthening of these muscle groups.

[0018] 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

[0019] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an apparatus for facilitating pectoral fly exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation of the apparatus enabling a user to perform rear deltoid fly exercises, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a proposed range controller configured in a weight stack of the apparatus described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary front view of the range controller of FIG. 3 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary front view of the range controller of FIG. 3A showing movement of the weight stack restricted by the range controller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a range controller provided in a track of a carriage of the apparatus described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for restricting range of movement of the carriage, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary front view of a rotary range controller for a pivotally rotating member of the apparatus described in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for restricting rangeof movement of the rotating member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGs. 5B and 5C illustrate exemplary perspective views of the rotary range controller of FIG. 5 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] 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 spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined herein.

[0029] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used 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.

[0030] Conventional pectoral fly exercise machines typically use pivoting levers connected to a resistance mechanism. However, these machines often struggle to effectively engage the delt, shoulder, upper back and neck muscles because they lack the capability to provide the necessary vertical movement to activate these muscles fully. This problem is more pronounced in machines that aim to combine various upper body exercises, since the machines are not built to have the user perform each of the desired motions at the same time. In particular, existing pec fly machines usually feature two independent, L-shaped levers with pivot shafts at one end and handles at the other, mounted on a frame above the user’s head. The user, seated with their arms gripping the handles, rotates them forward (bringing hands together) and backward (starting with hands together and opening up the arms) around fixed pivot points. This design restricts arm movement to a semi-circular path within a single vertical plane and lacks vertical adjustability, limiting the machine’s effectiveness in engaging the delt, shoulder, upper back and neck muscles during exercises.

[0031] Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus that enhances the range of motion for performing both pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises while effectively activation of the delt, shoulder, upper back and neck muscles of users for comprehensive muscle development.

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of an apparatus 100 designed for facilitating pectoral fly exercises. The apparatus 100 allows a user to perform both pectoral flyand rear deltoid fly exercises while efficiently engaging the delt, shoulder, upper back and neck muscles and integrating multiple muscle groups, including the shoulders, upper back, and neck. The apparatus 100 includes a base platform arranged parallel to a ground surface, and a seat 102 mounted on the base platform to support the user’s buttocks during seated exercises. The seat 102 can be parallel to the horizontal axis or adjusted to an incline to modify the seating position. In an exemplary embodiment, the seat 102 may be slidably adjustable in the vertical direction relative to the base platform, providing easy and convenient vertical adjustment.

[0033] The apparatus 100 also includes a frame 106 mounted on the rear side of the base platform, behind the seat 102. A backrest 104 may be positioned at the rear of the seat 102 to support the user’s back while seated and performing either the pectoral fly or rear deltoid fly exercise.

[0034] The apparatus 100 includes at least one pair of lever mechanisms designed to enable the user to perform pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises. The lever mechanism includes levers 108 with a pivot end rotatably coupled to the frame 106 and a free end extending forward towards the front of the seat 102. The apparatus 100 also includes a pair of handles 110, each attached to the free end of the corresponding lever 108. This arrangement allows the user to grip the handles 110 and rotate the levers 108 about their pivot ends to perform either the pectoral fly or rear deltoid fly exercises.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the levers 108 of the lever mechanism are operatively connected to a weight stack via a cable-and-pulley assembly. The user can select a specific weight from the weight stack, then sit on the seat 102 with their back supported by the backrest 104. The levers 108 are designed to remain in an equilibrium position with the handles 110 present in front of the user while seated. To begin the pectoral fly exercise, the user can grip the handles 110, and start rotating the levers 108 about their pivot ends. The lever mechanism may include a configuration to limit the rotation of the levers 108 to prevent unhealthy arm movements. As the user moves the handles 110 from the equilibrium position to an extended position, where the handles 110 are substantially parallel to the user’s chest, the muscle groups in the upper body are conditioned by the resistance provided by the selected weight from the weight stack.

[0036] The apparatus 100 may include a range controller configured with the levers 108 to adjust and restrict the range of motion of the pec fly and the delt fly exercises, allowing users to easily customize the range of motion for the exercises. The range controller may be configured with the lever mechanisms to adjust or restrict the range of motion of shoulder elevation, or the motion of the pec fly or reverse deltoid fly exercises. The range controller isadapted to prevent excessive movement of the joints of the user, which could potentially cause discomfort or injury to the user.

[0037] The range controller may be operatively connected to the weight stack, or one or more adjust points of where each motion among the shoulder elevation, the pec fly motion of the reverse deltoid fly motion can be oriented from, to enable effective adjustment and locking of the range of motion for the exercise. The range controller is designed so that the levers 108 are allowed to rotate about the corresponding pivot ends only up to pre-defined range of motion, and when the user applies a pushing force on the handles 110 that exceeds the resistance of the selected weight from the weight stack. In an exemplary embodiment, the range controller may include a set of blocking tracks with a blocking member positioned over them. The blocking member includes a linear track mounted on a support frame to guide the handles 110 in a single direction. The blocking member may include several slots designed to define the range of motion, with specific positions that limit movement of the handles 110. A locking bar may be slidably attached to the linear track and can be moved along it to secure the adjusted position by engaging with one of the slots. During exercise, the range controller limits movement of the handles 110 when the user reaches the end of motion for the pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises, thereby preventing excessive movement and unwanted motion.

[0038] The handles 110 may be configured so that the handles 110 are movable along a channel or track along a vertical direction, while being positioned in any of the equilibrium and extended position. This configuration enables vertical movement of the handles 110, allowing for elevation or depression of the shoulders in the vertical direction, during the pectoral fly exercise. Thus, this setup effectively engages the muscle groups of the shoulders, upper back, and neck, providing improved and more effective strengthening of these muscle groups.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary representation of the apparatus 100 for facilitating a rear deltoid fly exercise is shown. The lever mechanism and handles 110 of the apparatus 100 can be easily adjusted for this exercise. To perform the rear deltoid fly exercise, the handles 110 are positioned behind the seat 102, aligning them with the equilibrium position when the user is seated facing rearward towards the frame 106 with their chest resting on the backrest 104. The user then grips the handles 110 and rotates them to the extended positions, allowing the weight-assisted levers 108 to rotate about their pivot ends. The handles 110 may be configured so that the handles 110 are movable along a channel or track along a vertical direction, while being positioned in any of the equilibrium and extended position. This setup enables vertical movement of the handles 110, allowing for elevation or depression of the shoulders in the vertical direction, during the rear deltoid fly exercise. Consequently, thisconfiguration effectively engages the muscles of the shoulders, upper back, and neck, providing enhanced and more effective strengthening of these muscle groups.

[0040] Referring now to FIGs. 3A to 3C, where exemplary views of a first aspect of the range controller are disclosed, the range controller 300 for a weight stack 302 includes a blocking member 312 configured above a weight selector 306 of the weight stack 302 for sliding movement in a blocking member track 304. The weight stack 302 may be movable along at least one weight stack track 310, and may include a plurality of weights stacked one over another and a weight selector configured to enable a user to select at least one weight among the plurality of weights to perform weight training. The blocking member track 304 can be located parallel to the weight stack track 310. The blocking member 312 can include a lock 314 to fix the blocking member 312 in one of a plurality of pre-determined positions relative to the weight stack 302 to selectively restrict movement of the weight stack 302 in an upward direction. The lock 314 is configured to lock the blocking member 312 in a selected position among the plurality of pre-determined positions above the weight stack 302 such that when the weight stack 302 is lifted up, as shown in FIG. 3C, an amount of its upward movement of the weight stack 302 is restricted by the blocking member 312.

[0041] As shown in FIGs. 3B and 3C, the lock 314 for the range controller 300 for the weight stack 302 can include a retractable pin 314-1 positioned on the blocking member 312. The retractable pin 314-1 may move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the retractable pin 314-1 can engage with a selected hole among a plurality of holes located on any of a frame 316 of the weight stack 302 which is used in the apparatus described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 herein that includes the weight stack 302, to fix the blocking member 312 in one of the plurality of pre-determined positions. In the unlocked position, the retractable pin 314-1 can disengage from the plurality of holes located on any of a frame 316 of the weight stack 302 or in the exercise machine that includes the weight stack 302 as described herein with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. When the retractable pin 314-1 is present in the unlocked position, the blocking member 322 is free to slide between the plurality of pre-determined positions. The retractable pin 314-1, when released, can engage with a selected hole among the plurality of holes provided on the frame 316 of the machine to fix the blocking member 312, such as a selected height from the weight selector 106 of the weights 302. In particular, after pulling the retractable pin 314-1 outwards to its unlocked position, the blocking member 312 can be slid along the blocking member track 304 to different positions, such as at the desired distance from the weight selector 306 of the weigh stack 302, and locked in the position by releasing the retractable pin 314-1 to its locked position for locking with acorresponding hole on the frame 316, for achieving a desired range of motion, as evident from the exemplary illustrations of FIGs. 3B and 3C.

[0042] As known, the weight stacks such as one shown in FIGs. 3A to 3C, are used in machines for weight training, such as, the apparatus described herein in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, and typically coupled to a moving part of the apparatus that moves, either linearly or angularly, during weight training by a user. Thus, by providing the range controller 300 with a weight stack of the apparatus, the apparatus can achieve the functionality of restricting range of motion of a joint of the user during weight training.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of a range controller 400 provided in a track 402 of a carriage 404 of the apparatus described herein in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for restricting range of movement of the carriage, in accordance with the second aspect of the present disclosure. The range controller 400 for the linearly moving carriage 404 of the machine for weight training can include a locking lever 410 slidably and rotatably coupled to a track of the carriage 404, such as track 402 comprising two rods 402-1 and 402-2. The locking lever 410 includes a stopper portion 410A, which is coupled to one of the rods 402-1 and 402- 2 of the track 402 for sliding and rotation over the corresponding rod 402-1 and 402-2. As can be seen, the stopper portion 410A can block movement of the carriage 404 along the track 402. The locking lever 410 can be slid along the track 402 and rotated to lock in one of a plurality of lockable positions by engaging the locking lever 410 in a slot 408 among a plurality of slots 408 provided in a frame 406 of the apparatus.

[0044] Referring now to FIGs. 5A to 5C, a third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a rotary range controller 500 for an angularly moving part, such as the part 506, of the apparatus described herein in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, for restricting range of movement of the angularly moving part 506. As shown therein, the range controller 500 for an angularly moving part 506 of the apparatus described herein in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can include a pivotally moving member 508 configured for pivotal movement along an axis 504 that is coaxial to the axis of rotation of the angularly moving part 506 of the apparatus, and a first selector plate 512 having a plurality of holes. The pivotally moving member 508 includes a lock 510 having a retractable pin 510A configured to lock the pivotally moving member 508 in different angular positions by engaging with a selected hole among the plurality holes of the selector plate 512, as shown in FIG. 5B. The angularly moving part 506 may include a stopper 506A (shown in FIG. 5B and 5C), which is located in the same plane as the pivotally moving member 508 such that, during the rotation of the angularly moving part 506, the stopper 506A engages with the pivotally moving member508 to block further rotation of the angularly moving part 506 beyond the selected position among the different angular positions.

[0045] Also shown in FIGs. 5A to 5C are a leg pad 502 coupled to the angularly moving part 506, a second selector plate 514 coupled to the angularly moving part 506 in rotational engagement, and a pulley 518 for loading the leg pad 502. A second lock 516 engages with one or more holes on the second selector plate 514 to change a starting position of the angularly moving part 506 and the leg pad 502. Thus, the two selector plates 512, 514 and the two locks 510, 516 allow setting of a range of angular movement of legs starting from a starting angle to the end angle.

[0046] Thus, the apparatus 100 enables users to perform both pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises with enhanced effectiveness. The apparatus 100 is designed to safely and effectively tone and strengthen multiple muscle groups in the upper body, including the shoulders and neck.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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

CLAIMS1. An exercise apparatus for facilitating pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises, comprising: a seat, wherein the seat is mounted on a base platform; a frame, wherein the frame is mounted on a rear side of the base platform; at least one lever mechanism, comprising: a pair of opposing levers, wherein each lever has:(i) a pivot end rotatably coupled to the frame; and(ii) a free end extending forward towards a front end of the seat.

2. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a pair of handles, wherein each handle is attached to the free end of the corresponding lever.

3. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the levers are configured to be rotated about their pivot end to perform the pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises.

4. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 1, further comprising a weight stack.

5. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 4, further comprising a cable-and-pulley assembly, wherein the lever mechanism is operatively connected to the weight stack via the cable-and-pulley assembly.

6. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the handles are configured to be movable along a channel or track along a vertical direction, while being positioned in either an equilibrium position or an extended position.

7. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 2, further comprising a range controller configured with the levers, wherein the range controller facilitates adjustment and restriction of the range of motion of the pectoral fly and rear deltoid fly exercises.

8. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the range controller is designed so that the levers are configured to rotate about their corresponding pivot ends only up to a predefined range of motion.

9. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the range controller includes a set of blocking tracks and a blocking member positioned over the blocking tracks.

10. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the blocking member includes a linear track mounted on a support frame to guide the handles in a single direction.

11. The exercise apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the blocking member includes one or more slots configured to define a range of motion.

12. A method for performing pectoral fly exercises, comprising: providing the exercise apparatus according to claim 11;moving the handles along a vertical direction to facilitate elevation or depression of a user’s shoulders in the vertical direction, thereby engaging muscle groups of the shoulders, upper back and neck.

13. A method for performing rear deltoid fly exercises, comprising: providing the exercise apparatus according to claim 11; positioning the handles behind the seat to align them with an equilibrium position when a user is seated facing rearward towards the frame; gripping the handles and rotating them to an extended position to facilitate rotation of the lever mechanism operatively connected a weight stack about their pivot ends; and moving the handles along a vertical direction to facilitate elevation or depression of a user’s shoulders in the vertical direction, thereby engaging muscle groups of the shoulders, upper back and neck.

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