Abstract:
An exercise apparatus primarily used as a training device for bench press type exercises. The apparatus comprises a series of arm straps having an elastic component disposed therebetween. The arm straps include a pair of upper arm straps and a pair of forearm straps, which are attached together with an elastic material creating an assisting force between the 2 elbows and arms. The apparatus is designed to be used in front of the upper body chest area to provide stabilization of the arms, as well providing assistance in pulling the elbows together, straightening the arms, and lifting the weighted barbell away from the chest.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention includes an apparatus to provide training, stability, and control to increase the body&#39;s ability to lift more weight during bench press type exercises than the body can lift without the apparatus. Results are achieved quicker by allowing the body to acquire proper muscle memory and focus on the proper muscles. Without the apparatus the body naturally tries to accommodate for the weaker muscles by shifting positions which increase the risk of injury. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    Bench press weight lifting has long been a measure of how strong an individual is. How much weight an individual can bench press, is commonly asked around gyms, athletic locker rooms, as well as amongst friends in a casual atmosphere. The pursuit to increase this number has caused people to take supplements, along with any other perceived method that may accomplish this goal. 
         [0003]    Many types of devices have been developed to assist in building upper body muscle. U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,998 is directed to a physical exercise device comprising a pair of handgrip assemblies joined by elastic cording enwrapped over most of its length by padding, and a method of use thereof to enhance resistance during the performance of pushups, the method entailing the device&#39;s emplacement laterally across the posterior portion of the thorax and then otherwise performing the pushups in a conventional manner. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,874 discloses an exercise device comprising an elastic loop having free ends spliced together, generally tubular handles disposed in diametrically opposed relation to one another on the loop and an elastic retainer sleeve surrounding intermediate portions of the loop between the handles. The device is conformable for use in performing a wide variety of exercises and for performing a selected number of repetitions of each exercises and for performing a selected number of repetitions of each exercise by grasping the handles and stretching against the resistance load of the loop and the retainer means. The handles can be grasped either by the hands or by a combination of hands and feet to perform various exercises or may be grasped between the feet or ankle portions to perform other exercises. In modified forms of the invention, one of the handles is made rigid so as to simulate a racquet or golf club handle to be used in practicing forehand and backhand strokes or to simulate the golf swing. The exercises may be performed effectively in either the standing, sitting or fully prone position. Other modified forms of invention include an anchor strap to facilitate practicing of the golf swing and a splice for joining together free ends of the loop into a unitary member. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,540,173 describes a portable elastic exercising device which may be worn by the user to tone or firm up the wrist, arm and shoulder muscles while exercising not only in the conventional positions of standing, sitting, or lying, but more specifically, since the device is completely independent of the need to be anchored to a fixed object, it thereby permits the user to exercise while walking, running, or jogging, and has a single length of elastic cord that is twice passed through a flexible sheath to encompass the user&#39;s waist and whose two ends are also enclosed in flexible sheaths to form handles. Handle loops are maintained by covered steel wire ties or other fasteners. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,529,820 is directed to an exercising device for bust development through forced use of the muscles of the back, shoulders and chest, consisting of an elastic cord having a sleeve loosely mounted thereon, and having an elbow harness at each end to receive the elbows of the user. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,328 describes a chest muscle and posture developer including an elongated, partially elasticized strip of fabric having t least one arm band attached to each end thereof. The elastic strip stretches lengthwise across a user&#39;s back and exerts a force which draws the arms and shoulders rearwardly. The user counteracts this force through use of the chest muscles, thereby resulting in chest muscle development. The device is easily concealed in clothing and may be attached to a shirt or similar garment. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,705 discloses an athletic device for training the muscles of the upper body, in particular the arm muscles, in the course of running and walking, comprising a vest to be worn by a user, an elastically expandable strap removably disposed fastened in place across a back part of the vest and having at its ends two cuff means for connection to the arms of the user. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,305 is directed to an apparatus for augmenting exercise of body muscle(s) comprising one or more articles of close-fitting wearing apparel employing one or more removable elongate resistance members, loosely enclosed in passageways along a portion of the length of the apparel, which resistance members releasably anchored at one end to a fixed-in-place member such as a belt or a shoulder harness and attached at the distal end to the extremity of an arm or leg, the apparatus being devised so as to increase the energy required by a user to flex his arms or legs over the energy level necessary without the resistance of the elongate resistance members. 
         [0010]    Thus, it would be desirable to provide a product that will assist and train a weightlifter to lift more weight during their bench-press exercise. The present invention provides ergonomic benefits along with support and stability to the arms during the entire exercise. Muscle memory, also known as motor learning, is achieved through repetitive specific motor tasks. Proper form and positioning with repetitive use of the present device provides the benefit of good muscle memory, which maximizes results while reducing the risk of injury. This apparatus allows the user to create this muscle memory with the proper form while using increased weight, which increases the rate of the muscle training process and reduces the risk of injury. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]    In one embodiment, the exercise training apparatus includes an elastic component having a brace on opposed ends thereof. Each brace includes a pair of straps attached thereto, wherein one strap is an upper arm strap, and the other strap is a forearm strap. These straps are preferably in the form of loops, and the straps may be of fixed length, or may include means for adjusting the size of the loop in order to obtain a snug fit on the arms of a wearer. In use, a weightlifter affixes the upper arm straps and the forearm straps to his arms, so that the elastic component is positioned in front of his chest. The apparatus is fitted on each of the weightlifter&#39;s arms above and below the elbow joint. The weightlifter slightly stretches the elastic material as the hands are placed on the barbell before beginning the exercise. As the weightlifter lowers and raises the barbell to and from the chest, the apparatus is providing a lifting force by pulling the arms closer together. 
         [0012]    Contrary to most types of exercise training devices, which are used to provide additional resistance to build muscle, the present apparatus is designed to provide assistance during the bench press exercise, because the elastic component tends to pull the arms together during the bench press (or push up) exercises, which assists in lifting the weight. This assistance, rather than resistance, is used to build muscle and enhance muscle memory by training a person&#39;s muscles to lift heavier amounts of weight than the body is used to. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0013]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise training apparatus, showing an elastic component having a pair of braces attached thereto, wherein each brace is connected to a pair of arm straps, one upper strap for attachment to a weightlifter&#39;s bicep, and a lower strap for attachment to a weightlifter&#39;s forearm; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise training apparatus wherein the brace on this apparatus is assembled in between the overlapping portions of elastic component; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise training apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of an exercise training apparatus showing yet another option for constructing the apparatus with a different brace and several elastic tube components; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an exploded view showing one configuration of attachment between the elastic component, the brace and the straps, similarly to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating another configuration wherein the brace is disposed in between overlapped portions of elastic material; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the configuration shown in  FIG. 6 , illustrating two pieces of elastic material and two pieces of brace; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the elastic component is looped through the brace member and joined to itself on an opposed side of the brace, so that each brace is completely encircled by the elastic component, as shown; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an elevated perspective view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention shown in use by a weightlifter, wherein the apparatus is worn with a strap placed just below the elbow on the forearm and a strap placed just above the elbow on the upper arm of the weightlifter, with the weighted barbell in the raised position (farthest away from the chest); 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention shown in use by a weightlifter, wherein the apparatus is worn with a strap placed just below the elbow on the forearm and a strap placed closer to the shoulder on the upper arm of the user with the weighted barbell in the up position (farthest away from the chest), thereby reducing the level of assistance provided by the apparatus by moving the fulcrum point of the apparatus closer to the shoulders and not directly between the elbows as shown in  FIG. 10 , which provides a step down or weaning benefit; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, showing the use of the apparatus with the weighted barbell close to the chest during a bench press exercise. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  an exercise training apparatus  10  comprises, in a basic form, five major components: two sets of straps  14 ,  16  and  18 , two braces  20 , and an elastic component  12 . Now referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the upper arm strap  14  is preferably adjustable to allow easy fitting to the upper arm and for adjustment to be worn anywhere on the upper arm between the elbow joint and the shoulder joint. Once positioned and secured on the arm, the strap  14  is pulled snug to the arm to hold the position during the exercise. The forearm strap  16  may be of fixed length as shown, or may of variable length. In one embodiment, a coupling strap  18  may be attached to the brace  20 , and the upper arm strap  14  and the forearm strap  16  may be attached to the coupling strap  18 . The straps may be affixed to the elastic component in conjunction with different styles of braces and different methods of attachment. Examples of such configurations are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , and other suitable configurations are contemplated. The elastic component  12  is preferably a flat loop of elastic material, which may be made from such material as rubbers, latex, or other synthetic elastic materials. Additionally, the elastic component  12  may comprise a spring or similar mechanism, or even a series of springs. Any suitable elastic or stretchable material or structure may be used, so long as it is strong enough to provide the assistance required in lifting the weight. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates in greater detail a preferred method of the strap assembly. In this embodiment, brace  20  may be attached to the elastic component  12  as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7  and coupling strap  18  is passed through the center of the elastic component  12 . The coupling strap  18  is used to connect the arm straps  14  and  16  to the brace  20 , so that the coupling strap  18  is connected to the brace, and the upper arm straps  14  and forearm straps  16  are connected to the coupling strap  18 . 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the forearm strap  16  is attached to itself at or adjacent each end thereof in an anterior position (as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 ) sandwiched inside the two ends of the coupling strap  18 . The ends of the upper arm strap  14  are then attached to the outer sides of the coupling strap  18  in a posterior position, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The upper arm strap  14  includes the strap  14  itself, and a strap adjuster  22  so that the upper arm strap  14  may be adjusted to fit different sizes of upper arms. The elastic component  12  may include a seam  24  or other means of attachment so that the elastic component  12  is attached to itself adjacent the braces  20 , forming a loop around the brace  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         [0029]    Now referring to  FIG. 10 , a weightlifter is shown wearing the apparatus  10  with forearm straps  16  positioned on the forearms located close to the elbow joint while upper arm straps  14  are positioned on the upper arm close to the elbow joint focusing the resistance between the elbow joints. As the weight is lowered toward the chest as illustrated in  FIG. 12  the elastic material stretches and assists the weightlifter in raising the weighted barbell away from the body by creating force pulling the elbows closer together, thereby straightening the arms and pushing the barbell further from the chest. The natural bending motion of the elbows is not hindered by any material. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic component  12  should be positioned on the apparatus  10  so that it lays flat across a weightlifter&#39;s chest when the weightlifter is holding the barbell in a lowered position, as shown. 
         [0030]    Alternatively, In  FIG. 11 , the weightlifter is shown wearing the apparatus  10  with forearm straps  16  on the forearms located close to the elbow joint while upper arm straps  14  are located farther up on the upper arm closer to the shoulder joint moving the resistance force between the upper arms. This arrangement of the straps reduces the amount of assistance provided by the apparatus  10  allowing the weightlifter, who may not be ready to lift the weight completely without the assistance provided by the apparatus  10 , to continue training with the apparatus as strength and confidence is increased. 
         [0031]    It should be understood that the various components may be modified in different ways while the apparatus remains within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, the brace  20  may be a single rigid strip of material, as shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , or may be in the form of a rectangular shape, where the elastic component passes through a hole formed in a middle portion of the brace, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The elastic component  12  may be formed from a single loop of elastic material, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  8 - 9 , or may take other forms, such as a series of elastic cords, as shown in  FIG. 4 . Although the upper arm straps  14  are shown herein as adjustable and the forearm straps  16  are of fixed length, it is contemplated that any combination of adjustable straps and/or fixed straps may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0032]    In use, as shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , the upper arm straps  14  are attached to a weightlifter&#39;s upper arms, and optionally, the upper arm straps  14  may be adjusted to snugly fit the weightlifter&#39;s upper arms. The forearm straps  16  are attached to a weightlifter&#39;s forearms, and optionally, the forearm straps  16  may be adjusted to snugly fit the weightlifter&#39;s forearms. The apparatus  10  is worn so that the elastic component  12  is positioned flat across and adjacent a weightlifter&#39;s chest. When used for bench press exercises, the weightlifter, wearing the apparatus  10  as described above, lifts the weight bearing barbell off of the rack and lowers the barbell toward his or her chest. As the weightlifter presses the barbell back up toward the raised position, the elastic component  12  exerts a contracting force, which helps to force the arms back inwardly, and thus offers assistance in lifting the barbell. This arrangement allows a weightlifter to lift more weight than he or she normally could lift without use of the apparatus. Additionally, the position of the straps may be adjusted in order to move the fulcrum point either closer to the shoulders or closer to the elbows, which has the effect of providing more or less assistance in lifting the weight, as necessary. It is further contemplated that the braces  20  may include means for removing the elastic component  12 , and replacing the elastic component  12  with another elastic component  12  of a different size, type, or elasticity factor. 
         [0033]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.