Collapsible Exercise Apparatus with Lumbar Support for Resisted Gluteal Bridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise apparatuses for performing resisted gluteal bridges often fail to properly support the lumbar spine, leading to hyperextension and pressure on the facet joints, which can cause lower back pain and limit the ability to perform exercises with one leg or alternating legs.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible exercise apparatus designed to allow users to perform gluteal bridges with resistance while maintaining the lumbar spine in a neutral position, concentrating motion at the hip joints, and providing support to prevent pressure on the pelvic bones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional exercise apparatuses are used for resisted gluteal bridges, then resistance can be applied to increase the load on gluteal muscles, but the lumbar spine is not properly supported leading tohyperextension and pressure on facet joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lumbar support pad as an intermediary element between the user's back and the exercise apparatus. This pad is positioned to contact the lumbar spine and maintain it in a neutral position during the gluteal bridge exercise, preventing hyperextension while allowing resistance to be applied through the exercise mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local support specifically to the lumbar region through the lumbar support pad, while other parts of the apparatus continue to provide resistance. This localized approach ensures that the harmful hyperextension is prevented at the critical lumbar area without compromising the overall resistance function of the exercise apparatus.
2Force
If conventional apparatuses are used, then resistance bands or weights can be applied, but the user cannot safely perform exercises with one leg or alternating legs due to uncontrolled weight shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The lumbar support pad acts as a stabilizing intermediary that prevents excessive movement and weight shifting during single-leg or alternating leg exercises. By maintaining the lumbar spine in a neutral position, it provides a stable foundation that allows controlled resistance exercise without the user falling or becoming injured.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar support pad is positioned beforehand to cushion and support the lumbar spine before the exercise begins. This pre-positioned support prevents instability and uncontrolled weight shifting during the exercise, enabling safer single-leg or alternating leg variations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the exercise apparatus is designed for gluteal bridge exercises, then it can provide proper lumbar support, but it occupies space and is difficult to store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the exercise apparatus into separable components, including a removable lumbar support pad and a collapsible frame structure. This segmentation allows the apparatus to be disassembled and stored in a compact manner when not in use, while still providing proper lumbar support during exercise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a collapsible frame structure that can dynamically change its configuration between an extended exercise position and a collapsed storage position. This dynamic design allows the apparatus to provide full lumbar support during use and then be compacted to a space-efficient form for storage.
4Volume of moving object
If the apparatus is made collapsible for storage, then it can be stored in a low-profile position, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible mechanism is achieved through segmentation of the frame structure into movable sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This modular approach simplifies the collapsing process and reduces the complexity compared to a monolithic collapsible design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic collapsible frame design that allows the structure to transition between extended and collapsed states through simple user action. This dynamic mechanism provides easy storage without requiring complex locking or fastening systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enables safe and effective performance of resisted gluteal bridges, reducing the risk of lower back pain and allowing for exercises with one leg or alternating legs, while also facilitating storage in a low-profile position.
Implementation Method 1
resistance, e.g. in the form of an elastically deformable band
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible exercise apparatus is configured to allow a user to perform a gluteal bridge movement or flat bench exercises. In its ready to use position, the exercise apparatus allows a person to properly perform a gluteal bridge movement on a repeated basis. Resistance can be applied to the gluteal bridge movement where the resistance increases the amount of work to be performed by the person during the exercise. The exercise apparatus includes a frame assembly with a support member that extends from a lower frame member. A bench assembly is pivotally connected to the support member to provide an elevated pivot point about which the bench assembly pivots when a user performs the gluteal bridge movement. A stabilization assembly includes a front locking member operably connected to the frame assembly, a front retaining mechanism operably connected to the bench assembly, a rear locking mechanism operably connected to the frame assembly, and an upper retaining mechanism operably connected to the bench assembly. The front locking member, the front retaining mechanism, the rear locking mechanism, and the upper retaining mechanism are configured to place the bench in a flat bench position whereupon the user can perform various flat bench exercises. The exercise apparatus can also be placed in a low-profile, collapsed positon where the apparatus can be stored when not in use.