Multi-purpose dynamic exercise bench and system and methods thereof

A multi-purpose dynamic exercise bench, for performing a training program of hanging sit-ups in an exercise session, comprising: an “H”-shaped base configured to provide a stable support for the bench; an inclinable bench table having a first and second end, the bench table covered with a bench mat upon which a user lies on his back with his head oriented towards the second end and feet secured at the first end during an exercise session; a bearing support fixed upon the base, the bearing support having a table rotational bearing, the bench table positioned above and fixed to the rotational bearing near the bench table second end; an inclination piston connected to the bench table and to the base, the inclination piston operated to provide inclination of the bench table about the rotational bearing; and an interface control attached to the bench table serving to control functionality of the bench.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND BACKGROUND

The current invention relates to sports conditioning equipment and specifically to a multi-purpose dynamic exercise bench and system and methods thereof.

In the specification and claims which follow hereinbelow, the term “bench”, as used in “exercise bench”, is intended to mean a structure upon which a person initially lays in a supine position, similar to lying on a bed. An exercise bench is meant to be used by a person (hereinbelow “user”) for body building and/or other exercise activities, as described hereinbelow. The term “hanging sit ups”, as used in the specification and claims which follow hereinbelow, is intended to mean a sit up (as known in the art) performed substantially partly or completely against gravity, meaning in an upwards direction, on an inclined/vertical surface.

The term “mobile device”, as used in the specification and claims which follow hereinbelow, is intended to mean any of an array of devices including, but not limited to: sports watches; smart phones; tablet computers; and laptop computers.

The term “session” as used in “exercise session” or interchangeably “workout session” in the specification and claims which follow hereinbelow, is intended to mean a repetitive sequence of: setting an inclination position/angle; performing a plurality of exercise repetitions and/or sets of repetitions, as known in the art; and having an optional rest period, typically less than 60 seconds in duration, between sets and/or sequence repetitions.

The term “training program” as used in the specification and claims which follow hereinbelow, is intended to mean a series of workout sessions performed over time (usually over a period of at least a number of weeks) to accomplish one or more specific physical conditioning objectives.

There has been interest in sports throughout the world ever since the Greeks stressed professional sport as part of an ongoing ideological lifestyle. The twentieth century marked a dramatic increase in sports activities with the evolution of various types of sports, reintroduction of the ancient Olympics, and mass-media exposure of sports activities by radio and television coverage of sports events worldwide.

Consumer use of exercise and body-building equipment has been increasing for years. Today, with the integration of internet and mobile devices, many sports-minded individuals take advantage of mobile devices for monitoring a wide array of sports and body conditioning activities.

However, conventional weight-lifting benches and similar exercise equipment are traditionally used in a singular/manual workout mode, where the user remembers the number of repetitions and the number of sets to be performed on the equipment and the user must then keep track repetitions and other variables during his exercise session. Follow up from one or more previous exercise sessions is also frequently typically remembered and/or manually recorded. Additionally, in the case of a traditional exercise bench having a variable inclination, the inclination angle is typically limited to only a few positions/inclinations and the inclination angle is typically only manually controlled. Prior art benches and exercise equipment have not to date taken advantage of mobile devices to manage the equipment and/or workout sessions on the equipment. There are no prior art exercise benches specifically directed to hanging sit-ups having functionalities described hereinabove.

There is therefore a need for an advanced-functional, easy to use, dynamic multi-purpose exercise and body building bench, which can be integrated with mobile devices to create a system to control and monitor bench exercise sessions and managing and recording exercise sessions over time and from one bench to another.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the teachings of the current invention, there is provided a multi-purpose dynamic exercise bench for performing a training program of hanging sit-ups in an exercise session, the bench comprising: an “H”-shaped base structure configured to provide a stable support platform for the bench; an inclinable bench table having a first and second end, the bench table covered with a bench mat, upon which a user lies on his back with his head oriented towards the second end and feet secured at the first end during an exercise session; a bearing support mechanically fixed upon the base structure, the bearing support having a table rotational bearing, the bench table positioned above and mechanically fixed to the rotational bearing near the bench table second end; an inclination piston connected to the bench table and to the base structure, the inclination piston operated to provide inclination of the bench table about the rotational bearing, raising the first end of the table upward; and an interface control attached to the bench table serving to control functionality of the bench; wherein the exercise session is performed with at least one inclination of the bench table.

Preferably, an inclination angle α is zero when the bench table is positioned substantially parallel to the base structure and a equals 90 degrees when the bench table is rotated substantially perpendicular to the base structure. Most preferably, the interface control includes a microprocessor and a microcontroller, the microprocessor configured to control interface with the user and to command the microcontroller.

Typically, the α value is specified by the user in the interface control and the microcontroller serves to command the inclination piston to provide the table inclination α value. Most typically, a first number of hanging sit-up repetitions and a second number of sets of hanging sit-up repetitions is counted by at least one displacement sensor located on the bench table. Preferably, a first number of hanging sit-up repetitions and a second number of sets of hanging sit-up repetitions is counted by at least one ultrasonic sensor directed towards the table and positioned near the first end of the bench table.

According to the teachings of the current invention, there is further provided a multi-purpose exercise bench system connected with at least one mobile device and the internet to control, monitor and record a training program of hanging sit-ups in an exercise session, the system comprising; a dynamic exercise bench including: an inclinable bench table having a first and second end, the bench table covered with a bench mat, upon which a user lies on his back with his head oriented towards the second end and feet secured at the first end during an exercise session; a bearing support mechanically fixed upon the base structure, the bearing support having a table rotational bearing, the bench table positioned above and mechanically fixed to the rotational bearing near the bench table second end; an inclination piston connected to the bench table and to the base structure, the inclination piston operated to provide inclination of the bench table about the rotational bearing, raising the first end of the table upward; and an interface control attached to the bench table serving to control functionality the bench; wherein the training program includes a plurality of exercise sessions, each session having at least one inclination of the bench table.

Preferably, the interface control includes a microprocessor and a microcontroller, the microprocessor having communications means with the mobile device and with at least one server on an internet cloud. Most preferably, the at least one mobile device is at least one chosen from, the list including: a smartphone; a tablet; a personal computer; and a smart watch. Typically, the plurality of exercise sessions is identified for respective user programs, the user programs stored and retrievable in a server located in the interne cloud. Most typically, an exercise session program includes a collection of workout session parameters such as date and time of the session; user identification information, at least one bench inclination angle value specified for: a number of exercise repetitions, a number of sets of repetitions; a rest period time value between sets; elapsed time of the session and the like.

According to the teachings of the current invention, there is further provided a method of controlling and monitoring a training program of hanging sit-ups in an exercise session, the exercise session performed on a multi-purpose dynamic exercise bench system having a bench table with an inclination value “α” ranging from 0 to 90 degrees, the system connected to a mobile device and to an internet cloud, the method including the steps of: entering user details to the mobile device to log on to the bench system, the motile device chosen from the list including: a smartphone; a tablet; a personal computer; and a smart watch; specifying an exercise session, the session chosen from at least one in list including: stored user program; stored system program; and freestyle session; initiating workout session clock time; adjusting the bench table inclination to a specified cc; sensing and recording user repetitions, sets, and times without movement; readjusting the bench table inclination to another specified α and repeating step e iteratively until all specified α values are used; signaling and end of

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to sports conditioning equipment and specifically to a multi-purpose exercise and body building bench and system directed to performing hanging sit-ups.

Embodiments of the current invention provide a multi-purpose exercise and body building bench integrated into an overall system having at least one mobile device to allow dynamic management of the bench and/or workout sessions performed on the bench.

Reference is currently made toFIG. 1, which is a perspective view of a multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10includes: an “H”-shaped base structure15; a bearing support20; an inclination piston25; a bench mat30; an inclinable bench table32; two supporting stands34; a stationary leg support35; a translatable leg support36; a table rotational bearing38; a piston upper bracket40; a piston lower bracket42; an electrical cord44; and an interface control46.

“H”-shaped base structure15, having a longer central member and two shorter perpendicularly-oriented members as shown in the figure, provides a stable support for multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10. The base structure is typically positioned on a flat, stable and strong floor surface (not, shown in the figure). “H”-shaped base structure15, has approximate dimensions of 160 cm length by 80 cm width by 5 cm height. The approximate weight range of the multi-purpose exercise and body building bench ranges from 180 to 240 kg. The stability offered by the “H”-shaped base structure, coupled with the overall weight of the multi-purpose exercise and body building bench serve as a stable support platform for exercise and bench operation, as described hereinbelow.

Inclinable bench table32is part of the structure of the bench, as described hereinbelow, with the bench table and other structural parts of the bench being fabricated from strong metallic materials, such as, but not limited to: steel and iron. Bench table32measures approximately 140 cm long by 40 cm wide by 3 cm thick and has first and second ends. As is further described below, a user places his feet near the first end of the table and the user's head is directed to the second end of the table and the bench table is inclined to allow hanging sit-ups to be performed.

Bench mat30typically completely covers bench table32and the bench mat is fabricated from durable materials, such as, but not limited to: polymer and cloth. Bench mat30is similar to a firm exercise/yoga mat, as known in the art, providing firm and comfortable support for a user (not shown in the figure) lying on his back on bench10, with the user's knees bent and the user's legs placed between stationary leg support35and translatable leg support36, at the first end of the bench table. At least one displacement sensor (not shown in the figure) is located on bench table32under the bench mat, the displacement sensor functioning to sense user exercise movement and repetitions, as described further hereinbelow. Alternatively, the at least one displacement sensor is integrated into bench mat30.

Stationary leg support35is mechanically fixed to a first end of bench table32, as shown in the figure. Translatable leg support36is connected to the stationary leg support by means of a strong shaft (not visible in the current figure, but visible inFIGS. 2 and 3, hereinbelow) and the translatable leg support may be manually translated closer or further away from the stationary leg support and locked into position using mechanical means, as known in the art, according to the user's need. Additionally or optionally, translation and locking of the translatable leg support is affected by a motor (not shown in the figure).

Bearing support20is mechanically fixed upon base structure15, the bearing support providing stable, stationary support for table rotational bearing38. Table rotational bearing38is mechanically fixed to bench table32near the second end of the table. Two supporting stands34are additionally mechanically fixed upon the base structure, the supporting stands providing stable support for bench table32, which may rest upon vertically-rising supporting stands34, as shown in the figure. The two supporting stands are not mechanically connected to bench table32, as further described hereinbelow.

Piston upper and lower brackets40and42are mechanically fixed to bench table32and the “H”-shaped base15, respectively. Inclination piston25is diagonally-configured beneath lower bench member32, as shown in the figure, and the inclination piston is connected to the “H”-shaped base by means of piston lower bracket42. The inclination piston is connected to bench table32by means of piston upper bracket40. Respective connections of piston25to the piston upper and lower brackets, allow for limited rotational movement (only) of piston25about the respective brackets.

Interface control46is attached to a side of bench table32, the position of interface control located to allow a user, lying on his back on the bench, or a user standing next to the bench when it is in a configuration as shown in the current figure, to manipulate one or more functions of the interface control, as further described hereinbelow. A microcontroller47is configured within or in electrical and signal connection with the interface control.

Microcontroller47has additional electrical and signal connections with the at least one displacement sensor noted hereinabove and with any optional or additional components, such as but not limited to: inclination piston25and; the motor which effects translation and locking of the translatable leg support described hereinabove. The microcontroller is further electrically connected to electrical cord44, the electrical cord typically being connected to mains voltage or to any other appropriate power source.

Microprocessor48is configured within or in electrical and signal connection with the interface control, and in electrical and signal connection with the microcontroller. The microprocessor serves to control interface with the user and the microcontroller and to control overall data management and communications. The microprocessor has wireless communication capabilities, such as but not limited to: Cellular; Wi-Fi; and Bluetooth. Additional discussion of the interface control and functionalities of the multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10are discussed hereinbelow.

An exemplary microcontroller47is the Arduino Uno, manufactured by Arduino S.r.l., (https://store.arduino.cc/arduino-uno-rev3). An exemplary microprocessor28is the Raspberry pi 3, Raspberry Pi Foundation UK Registered Charity 1129409.

Inclination piston25is operated to provide an inclination angle of bench table32by the piston extending itself, as known in the art, thereby raising the bench table rotatably about table rotational bearing38. A bench table rotational angle “α” is defined between 0 and 90 degrees. When α=0 degrees, corresponding to the configuration shown in the current figure, the bench table is substantially parallel to “H”-shaped base15. When the inclination piston is fully extended, the bench table is fully rotated to a position substantially perpendicular to “H”-shaped base15, meaning α=90 degrees. Real time feedback to the microprocessor regarding inclination angle α is provided by electronics within the inclination piston (not shown in the figure) sensing extension of inclination piston25.

Additionally or optionally, real time feedback to the microprocessor regarding inclination angle α is sensed/measured by a rotational sensor39, which is integrated into bearing36, the rotational sensor also being connected with microprocessor48. The multi-purpose bench, when in a flat, non-inclined position (α=0 degrees) has dimensions of approximately 160 cm length and a height of approximately 50 cm.

Operation of the inclination piston, starting from α=0 is typically initiated with the user lying on his back on bench10, substantially parallel to the floor, as described hereinabove. Operation continues with the bench table being progressively raised, the user being oriented feet-upward, and with the bench table raised to a last position where the user is oriented head-downward, substantially perpendicular to the floor, namely the α=90 position. As is described further hereinbelow, a workout session can be made progressively more difficult as a is changed in the range of 0 to 90 degrees.

Reference is currently made toFIG. 1B, which isFIG. 1Bis a perspective, schematic representation of an alternate configuration multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10a, having an alternate optional interface control50, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Alternate configuration bench10aofFIG. 1Bis identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to bench10shown inFIG. 1, except as described hereinbelow, and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

Alternate optional interface control50connects electrically and electronically with interface control46. Alternate optional interface control50may be used in place of or in parallel to interface control46, as described hereinbelow. The alternate optional interface control includes: a structural member52; a display monitor54; an ultra-sonic sensor56and a power switch58. Structural member52serves to hold and position the display monitor, sensor and power switch to translatable leg support36, so that the display monitor is substantially facing the user when lying on the bench.

Ultrasonic sensor56serves to sense user exercise movement and repetitions as known in the art—in similar fashion as described hereinabove with regard to the displacement sensor. Ultrasonic sensor56may be operated independently or in parallel to the displacement sensor. One advantage afforded by the ultrasonic sensor is that it does not function with contact, as described regarding the displacement sensor hereinabove. This aspect could be advantageous at high α values (approaching 90 degrees), when the user is suspended nearly vertically on the table and is his weight is not bearing upon the table (i.e. bearing upon the previously-described displacement sensor).

Reference is currently made toFIGS. 2 and 3, which are perspective side views of multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10, showing inclination angles (α) of 30 degrees and 90 degrees, respectively, of the multi-purpose exercise and body building bench shown inFIG. 1, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Bench10ofFIGS. 2 and 3is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown inFIG. 1and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

The two inclination angles shown in referenced figures are representative of a substantially continuous range of angles from α=0 to 90 degrees, as described hereinabove. Details A and B, indicated respectively inFIGS. 2 and 3, are shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, which are corresponding perspective detailed views about bench rotational bearing38, with bench angles α=30 and 90 degrees, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Note inFIGS. 2, 3, 4A, and 4bthe increased extension of inclination piston25to achieve increased bench angles.

As noted hereinabove, multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10has a number of electronic/electrical components and also can function as part of a system having software control and communications capabilities.

Reference is currently made toFIG. 5, which is a block diagram of a multi-purpose exercise bench system100in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Multi-purpose exercise bench system100includes multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10and at least one mobile device110. Bench10ofFIG. 5is identical in notation, configuration, and functionality to that shown inFIGS. 1-3and elements indicated by the same reference numerals and/or letters are generally identical in configuration, operation, and functionality as described hereinabove.

Bench10and at least one mobile device110communicate with each other and with an internet cloud120, as shown in the figure. The term “internet cloud”, as used in the specification and claims hereinbelow, is intended to mean the “internet”, as known in the art. As such, connections to the internet cloud are intended to mean wired and/or wireless connections to the internet including, but not limited to: cable, DSL, and mobile data. One or more dedicated servers125are located in internet cloud120, the servers functioning to receive, store, and download information, as described hereinbelow. One or more dedicated servers125are referred to collectively hereinbelow simply as “server” or “the server”, as known in the art.

Multi-purpose exercise bench system100includes software to plan, control and track exercise sessions over time, enabling a dynamic/interactive training program for the user. At least one mobile device110serves as user interface (in addition to or in place of interface control46, as described inFIG. 1) to operate and program functionalities of multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10. Additionally, one or more dedicated applications running on the mobile device allow the user to specify workout sessions and session details and to invoke transferring specific workout session information (herein called a “workout program”) to and from the server to multi-purpose exercise and body building bench10. Typically, the user specifies/defines a workout program and defines parameters of the program either by: (1) manually inputting parameters (referred to hereinbelow as “freestyle workout”) or by; (2) downloading a user-defined or a system-defined workout program, both as described further hereinbelow. Once multi-purpose exercise bench system100is activated and communication is established between at least one mobile device110and bench10, the user must initially log onto a software interface, typically residing in at least mobile device110.

Reference is currently made toFIG. 6, which is a logic flow diagram, showing the steps of logging onto the software interface of the multi-purpose exercise bench system, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Step200“Initialization” includes system activation and communications as noted hereinabove and is followed by step202“New or existing user”, where the user is queried to identify his status. In step204“Enter existing user details”, an existing user enters his user credentials (typically user name and password, as known in the art) to proceed to step206and gain access to “Open screen for workout options”. The user is now ready to proceed with workout options, described hereinbelow.

Following identification as a new user in step202, the new user enters his user credentials in step208“Enter new user details”. In step210“User name exists”, the user name/password combination entered in step208is checked in the user data base (typically maintained on the server). If the user name does not exist—meaning this is a new user name/password combination—control is transferred to step206“Open screen for workout options”. The user is now ready to proceed with workout options, described hereinbelow.

If a new user enters an existing user name/password combination, he is prompted in step212“Enter new user details” to enter another user name/password combination and control is transferred back to step210to recheck the new user name/password combination. Assuming (eventually) the new user logs on satisfactorily, control proceeds as described hereinabove.

Reference is currently made toFIGS. 7 and 8, which are, respectively: a logic flow diagram, showing the steps of choosing a workout session program or specifying a freestyle workout on the multi-purpose exercise bench system; and in accordance with embodiments of the current invention; and a condensed logic flow diagram, showing the steps of a downloaded workout program or a freestyle working on the multi-purpose exercise and body building bench system, in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Successful logging onto the software interface, as described inFIG. 6hereinabove, is encapsulated in step240“Initialization” inFIG. 7. Control is then transferred to step242“Choose user-saved program?”. A user-saved program is a collection of workout session parameters for a specific user, as defined hereinabove, namely, a repetitive sequence of:setting a bench inclination position/angle;performing a plurality of exercise repetitions and/or sets of repetitions;having one or more optional rest periods (typically less than 60 seconds in duration between sets and/or sequence repetitions); andrepeating the sequence above, starting with another inclination angle.

Upon choosing a user-saved program, in step244“Program data available?”, the system performs a check to verify the data is available. (Possible reasons, inter alia, for no data availability could be: data is corrupt or somehow erased; and data is not downloaded from the server to the bench.) If no data is available, control is transferred to step246“User data not found”, the user receives an appropriate message, and control is typically returned to step242(not indicated in the figure) for the user to re-enter another program.

If program data is available, in step248“Over 2 weeks” the system checks if more than two weeks have elapsed since the last time the program was accessed and run—meaning the user exercised according to the program. If over 2 weeks have passed, control is transferred to step250“Repeat previous?”, meaning the user is queried to repeat a previous level program, which has data for running a less aggressive workout session level than the program level specified for today's workout. Usually, a training program includes workout sessions having increasing difficulty over time. However, if for any reason, the user does not proceed with workouts in a prescribed time (usually once every few days) and an extended period passes with no workout session, it is advisable to “reset” or modify the training schedule.

If in step250the user answers “yes”, in step252“Download previous level”, a previous (and usually lower) level program is downloaded. Control is then transferred to step254“Register user details on server”, meaning time, date, and any other necessary user data is registered and the workout then begins in step280“Begin Workout”.

If in step248above, 2 weeks or less have elapsed since the last workout, in step256“Download next level from server”, the next level (usually more difficult) program is downloaded, control is then transferred to step254“Register user details on server”, as hereinabove, and the workout begins in step280“Begin Workout”. Note that the 2-week period defined above is for illustration purposes only. It is possible to change the time-elapsed period to less than or more than 2 weeks, depending on the training program and on user prerogative.

If, in step242above a user-saved program is not chosen, in step260“Choose system program?” the user is prompted to choose between a series of predefined (“system”) workout programs or a freestyle workout program, as described hereinbelow. If the user chooses a system program, control is transferred to step262“Choose training program 1, 2, 3 . . . ” and the user may choose from an array of pre-saved system workout programs. Following this step (not indicated in the figure) time, date, and any other necessary user data is registered and the workout then begins in step280“Begin Workout”.

If in step260a system program is not chosen, the user proceeds to step270“Freestyle workout” and then proceeds to step290, “Begin Freestyle Workout”. A freestyle workout is typically a one-time (or possibly a first-time) workout session where all parameters are entered manually—meaning they have not been previously programmed.

Starting with step280—namely a workout session based on a downloaded workout program—control is transferred to step282“Download workout program to microcomputer”. The chosen workout program is downloaded to the bench microcomputer and a time stamp of the current workout beginning time is performed. In step284“Adjust bench angle to α1”, the bench table is inclined to the initial inclination angle of the workout program. Following this, in step286“Count no. of repetitions after which angle is changed to αn—next set(s)” the user begins the workout, performing repetitions, which are sensed (and counted) by the at least one displacement sensor described inFIG. 1hereinabove. Part of step286are any subsequent bench table inclination angle change(s) and associated repetitions and/or sets, indicated by the looped return arrow in the figure. When all repetitions and/or sets of the workout program are completed, control is transferred to step288“Workout Complete: Transfer details to server”. The workout is complete; the inclination value of the bench is returned to α=0 to allow the user to dismount; and all details of the program, including overall time, timing of all repetitions and sets versus all respective α values used are transferred to the server on the cloud.

Starting with step290—namely a Freestyle workout—control is transferred to step292“Workout time begins”. In step294“Sensors provide: (1) bench angle α1(2) movement data (repetitions) and (3) time without movement”—as part of any workout session, the parameters noted hereinabove are sensed and recorded. In the case of a freestyle workout, however, since there is no previously programmed/recorded workout information, all workout parameters are based on values input by the user through the interface control described hereinabove inFIG. 1. In step296“Repeat after bench angle (α) change, as necessary”, the freestyle workout continues and subsequent bench table inclination angle change(s) and associated repetitions and/or sets, indicated by the looped return arrow in the figure, take place and are recorded—as in the description of a workout program hereinabove. In step298“Interface command signals end of session”, the user gives a command on the interface control ending the freestyle workout session. At this point, control is transferred to step288, as described hereinabove.

It is noted that mobile device110identified hereinabove need not necessarily be a dedicated device to interact with multi-purpose exercise bench system100, but that software loaded onto more than one mobile device, used in parallel with proper user credentials, as known in the art, likewise allows control and interactivity with system100.