Pivoting Exercise Bench with Resistance for Neutral-Spine Glute Bridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resisted gluteal bridge exercises fail to properly support the lumbar spine, leading to hyperextension and potential injury, and do not allow for safe performance with one leg or alternating legs due to uncontrolled weight shifts on the pelvis.
Innovation Solution
An exercise apparatus designed to maintain the lumbar spine in a neutral position and concentrate motion at the hip joints, using a bench assembly with a frame and resistance assembly to facilitate safe and effective gluteal bridge movements, including configurations for gym, spa, and home use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional resisted gluteal bridge exercises are performed without proper lumbar support, then the exercise can be performed with simpler equipment, but the lumbar spine undergoes hyperextension causing injury risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized bench as an intermediary device between the user and the ground. This bench includes a lumbar support surface that acts as a mediator to maintain proper spinal alignment during the exercise, preventing hyperextension while still allowing the exercise to be performed with controlled resistance equipment rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the exercise parameters by changing the support surface characteristics. The bench provides a specific lumbar support angle and surface configuration that maintains the lumbar spine in a neutral position, transforming the exercise from an uncontrolled movement on a flat surface to a controlled movement with optimized spinal support parameters.
2Strength
If resistance is added to gluteal bridge exercises using conventional methods, then muscular strength can be increased, but weight shifts become uncontrolled causing pelvic instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing targeted support at specific body regions. The bench is designed with differentiated support surfaces: a lumbar support region that stabilizes the lower back, a pelvic region that maintains proper alignment, and a foot support region. This localized support system allows resistance to be applied while maintaining pelvic stability through region-specific stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the bench structure to provide counterbalancing support that opposes the destabilizing effects of added resistance. The lumbar support and pelvic support surfaces act as counterweights to the forward pelvic tilt and spinal hyperextension that occur when resistance is applied, maintaining neutral alignment even under loaded conditions.
3Speed
If the lumbar spine is not maintained in a neutral position, then the exercise range of motion can be increased, but facet joint pressure increases causing lower back pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the lumbar spine in a neutral alignment using the lumbar support surface before the exercise movement begins. The bench is configured with a lumbar support angle that proactively maintains proper spinal curvature throughout the entire range of motion, preventing facet joint compression before it can occur during the exercise execution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an exercise apparatus designed to allow a user to perform a gluteal bridge, typically with resistance, to improve the strength of the user's posterior hip and gluteal muscles. The exercise apparatus is configurable for use in different environments—in a gym, fitness center or training facility, a spa or studio, or a home gym. The exercise apparatus includes a frame assembly, a bench assembly, and a resistance assembly. The bench assembly is pivotally connected to the frame assembly to provide an elevated pivot point about which the bench assembly pivots when the user performs the gluteal bridge movement. The resistance assembly is operably connected to the bench assembly and provides a resistance force that the user overcomes in order to pivotally move the bench through the gluteal bridge movement. The resistance assembly can include a cable, pulley and weight stack, or an elastically deformable band.