Exercise and/or rehabilitation machine

An exercise and/or rehabilitation machine includes a support having a rounded upper surface for supporting a person's anterior pelvic area. A first extension arm is pivotally connected to the support at a fixed pivot point and has a bar at a free end thereof as a first force resistance arrangement and a cushion at the free end thereof for engagement by a person's lower body. A second extension arm is pivotally connected to the support at a fixed pivot point and has a bar at a free end thereof as a second force resistance arrangement and a cushion at the free end thereof for engagement by a person's upper body while the first extension is engaged by the person's lower body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine, and more particularly, is directed to an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine that bilaterally strengthens the upper, middle and lower posterior (truncal) extension muscles.

In normal childhood development, all infants pass though a motor development sequence that strengthens and reinforces the extension or posterior/dorsal muscles or posterior truncal extension muscles of the body. This serves multiple purposes.

First, it is neuromuscularly and neurophysiologically normal to counter the more primitive reflexive flexion posture that originates from birth. The flexion posture is represented by the anterior/ventral curled-up/fetal position at birth which lasts for the first few months of life. The onset of the extension/posterior/dorsal muscles, the pivot prone position, assists the infant in breaking out of the dominant primitive flexion posture. This allows the infant to strengthen the extensor musculature while simultaneously introducing rotation (rolling) in its normal development.

Second, the time spent in the extension movement pattern in normal development is so minor in relation to the total life span of the individual. The duration of the extension/pivot prone position in the infant is approximately four months. This four months is the only time in the individual's life when the posterior extension muscles are intrinsically developed.

Third, the extension pattern is strongest when the infant is most centrically aligned. This occurs when the infant is short in length and narrow in girth. As the infant/child grows in length and girth there is a reduction in the effectiveness of the nervous and muscular systems to maintain their central control. The support from the extension musculature is significantly reduced. This results in a less competent level of extensor strength in all functional activities of daily living, especially the upright/standing posture.

Thus the redirection of the primitive flexion pattern to extension, the small period of time spent in the extension pattern relative to the total life span, and the reduced efficacy of the extension pattern on the body as it matures in size and weight are all contributing factors in structural weakening of the individual. This lack of sufficient intrinsic extensor strengthening in infant development has a large negative effect on the strength of the lower back throughout an individual's life. Problems with lower back pain in adult life can be traced to the lack of complete preparation of the normal development process.

This is the result of adults suffering from lower back pain (LBP), which has become an epidemic, costing healthcare in the United States multiple millions of dollars as well as lost time in the workforce.

One way to augment or facilitate the temporally limited body extension development as an infant/child is to make a proper training device available.

For exercising a person's lower back muscles, it has been known to hold a person's legs while the person is positioned face down, and with the person's pelvic area supported on a supporting surface. The person bends or flexes his torso down to a position substantially perpendicular to his legs, and then raises his torso up to a position substantially parallel with his legs, and this exercise, known as a hyperextension exercise, is repeated as per accepted exercise training methods. Machines for performing this exercise are sold under the designation Glute/Ham machines. Examples of machines that can be used to perform this exercise are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,804 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,391,443. This exercise can also be performed with a resistance force held at the person's upper back, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,894. The entire disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.

More recently, a reverse hyperextension machine was developed by Louis J. Simmons, the subject matter of which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,356,359 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,607 and the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, which is the reverse of the aforementioned hyperextension machines. In this machine, the upper body is stabilized over the machine, and the lower body performs the work. Specifically, the legs are raised and lowered against a resistance force between a position perpendicular to the torso and a position parallel with the torso. These patents discuss the disadvantages of the hyperextension exercise, and seek to specifically avoid hyperextension of the lower back muscles, and thereby purposely direct or teach away from the hyperextension exercise.

The above hyperextension machines mostly involve the upper torso extensor musculature with minimum contribution from the lower torso extension musculature, while the reverse-hyperextension machines focus upon the lower torso extensor musculature with minimal contribution from the upper torso extensor musculature. However, no machines are known which utilize both upper torso extensor musculature and lower torso extension musculature simultaneously, that is, a total body extension machine.

A further problem with both the hyperextension and reverse hyperextension machines is that they require a person to lift a relatively large amount of weight to achieve beneficial results, which can also be harmful to the individual.

Another product that is sold under the trademark AB LOUNGE pivots at the center and extends past 180 degrees, with the person's upper body/torso and lower body/legs moving simultaneously. However, in this machine, the fulcrum where the hips of the person are positioned, moves during the exercise. The purpose of this machine is therefore to strengthen the anterior flexor muscles, that is, the abdominal muscles, rather than the posterior truncal extension.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine that overcomes the problems with the aforementioned prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine that strengthens the posterior truncal extension muscles simultaneously.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine which, because movement is more complex and involves the total body, requires less resistance to achieve the same results as the hyperextension and reverse hyperextension machines, and which is particularly beneficial in the case of children.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine which reinforces the neuromuscular system more so than either the hyperextension machine or reverse hyperextension machine.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine that is compact, economical and easy to use.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine includes a support for supporting a person's anterior pelvic area, a first extension pivotally connected to the support and extending in a first direction for engagement by a person's lower body, and a second extension pivotally connected to the support and extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction for engagement with a person's upper body while the first extension is engaged by the person's lower body.

The first extension includes a first force resistance arrangement, and the second extension includes a second force resistance arrangement. Preferably, the first force resistance arrangement and second force resistance arrangement each includes a bar at a free end of the first extension arm and second extension arm, respectively, for slidably mounting weight plates thereon.

Alternatively, at least one of the first and second force resistance arrangements includes at least one elastic cable connected between the respective extension and a fixed point.

The support has either a rounded upper surface for supporting the person's anterior pelvic area, or a flat upper surface for supporting the person's anterior pelvic area. The support also preferably has a general triangular framework.

The first extension includes a first extension arm pivotally connected to the support, and a first engagement member connected to the first extension arm for engagement by the person's lower body, and the second extension includes a second extension arm pivotally connected to the support, and a second engagement member connected to the second extension arm for engagement by the person's upper body. Preferably, each of the first and second extension arms are formed by telescoping arms to permit adjustment of a length of each respective first and second extension arm, and a securing element for securing the telescoping arms relative to each other in order to adjust the lengths of the first and second extension arms.

The first and second engagement members include cushion members at free ends of the first and second engagement members for engagement by the lower and upper body of the person, respectively. At least one of the cushion members extends generally perpendicular from the free ends of the first and second extension arms, respectively, for engagement by the lower and upper body of the person, respectively. The cushion members are mounted around axes thereof. Specifically, the first and second engagement members include a bar extending transversely through the free end of each of the first and second engagement members, and the cushion members are rotatably mounted about the respective bar. Each bar extends through opposite sides of the respective cushion member to permit weight plates to be mounted thereon as a force resistance arrangement.

Alternatively, one of the first and second extension arms includes two spaced apart and generally vertically aligned cushion members for receiving a person's legs therebetween. In addition, this same extension arm includes a footplate for receiving a person's feet therein during operation.

The second extension also includes two handles at a free end thereof for grasping by a person.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, and initially toFIG. 1, an exercise and/or rehabilitation machine10according to the present invention, includes a support12for supporting a person at the person's anterior pelvic area. Preferably, support12has a triangular shape with end supports12a, each of an inverted V-shape. Each end support12athereby includes two downwardly and outwardly diverging legs12band12cconnected at their upper ends by an inverted U-shaped connecting leg12d. Support12further includes two lower cross supports12ewhich connect the lower ends of legs12btogether and the lower ends of legs12ctogether. Support12further includes two lower cross supports12fwhich connect the lower ends of legs12band12ctogether. Finally, support12includes an upper cross support12gof a generally triangular cross-sectional shape which is connected to and fits within inverted U-shaped connecting legs12d. The upper end of upper cross support12gis generally rounded, although it may also be a flat surface. A split cushion to allow placement of the male groin or pad13, is fixed on the upper surface of upper cross support12gbetween end supports12aand is preferably slightly rounded for comfortably supporting the person's anterior pelvic area thereon, as shown inFIG. 2.

A pivot shaft14extends from one side of upper cross support12fand is rotatably mounted therein. An elongated arm18is connected to pivot shaft14and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of pivot shaft14toward leg12bof support12for rotation in the direction of double headed arrow16. Elongated arm18can be formed by two telescoping arms18aand18bwhich can be set relative to each other by a pin, set screw or the like19to adjust the length of elongated arm18. A stop20(FIG. 2) extending outwardly from leg12blimits the downward travel of elongated arm18and sets a lower limit thereof. A roller support bar22extends from the free end of elongated arm18in a direction transverse thereto, to a position in facing relation to cushion13. A cylindrical roller cushion24is rotatably mounted on roller support bar22. As an option, although not required by the present invention, roller support bar22extends through the opposite side of elongated arm18at the free end thereof in a direction away from support12, and can also extend to the opposite side of cylindrical roller cushion24, whereby conventional weightlifting plates100can be slidably mounted on roller support bar22, and a well known securing collar (not shown) can be added to hold the weights on roller support bar22.

A second pivot shaft28is mounted in rotatable surrounding relation on pivot shaft14between arm18and upper cross support12g. An elongated arm32is connected to pivot shaft28and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of pivot shaft28toward the other leg12cof support12for rotation in the direction of double headed arrow30. Elongated arm32can be formed by two telescoping arms32aand32bwhich can be set relative to each other by a pin, set screw or the like33to adjust the length of elongated arm32. A stop34(FIG. 2) extending outwardly from leg12climits the downward travel of elongated arm32and sets a lower limit thereof. A roller support bar36extends from one side at the free end of elongated arm32in a direction in front of support12and includes a cylindrical roller cushion38rotatably mounted thereon. As an option, although not required by the present invention, roller support bar36extends through the opposite side of elongated arm32at the free end thereof in a direction away from support12, and can also extend to the opposite side of cylindrical roller cushion38, whereby conventional weightlifting plates100can be slidably mounted on roller support bar36, and a well known securing collar (not shown) can be added to hold the weights on roller support bar36.

Further, two spaced apart L-shaped arms40extend from roller support bar36on opposite sides of cylindrical roller cushion38, each having a grip42at the free end thereof.

With this arrangement, as shown inFIG. 2, a person places his anterior pelvic area on the upper surface of cushion13. Then, the lengths of elongated arms18and32are adjusted for the individual such that cylindrical roller cushion24is positioned on top of the person's ankle, and the person's chest rests on cylindrical roller cushion38. The person then grabs onto grips42, which are not shown inFIG. 2. Appropriate weights can then added, if desired, to the ends of bars22and36. The person then lifts his legs and torso up at the same time against the resistance force to exercise and strengthen the posterior truncal extension muscles.

With this arrangement, both the upper torso extensor musculature and the lower torso extension musculature are exercised and strengthened, without requiring the person to lift a relatively large amount of weight to achieve beneficial results.

As a result, contrary to both the hyperextension and reverse hyperextension machines which require a person to lift a relatively large amount of weight to achieve beneficial results, exercise and/or rehabilitation machine110requires less resistance to achieve the same results as the known hyperextension and reverse hyperextension machines, which is particularly beneficial in the case of children. Further, exercise and/or rehabilitation machine10reinforces the neuromuscular system more so than either the known hyperextension machine or reverse hyperextension machine.

It will be appreciated that, although the present invention has been discussed with relation to weight plates which are added to provide the resistance force, the present invention is not limited thereby, and any other suitable resistance device can be used. For example, coil springs can be removably connected between support12and elongated arms18and32, dial up torsion springs can be associated with pivot shafts14and28for adjusting the resistance force, adjustable shock absorbers can be connected between support12and elongated arms18and32, etc.

FIG. 5shows such a modified exercise and/or rehabilitation machine according to the present invention. Specifically, rather than weight plates being used to provide the resistance force, elastic cables50, preferably made of rubber, can be detachably connected between attaching devices52, such as hooks, eyelets or the like at the ends of telescoping arms18band32band attaching devices54, such as hooks, eyelets or the like at the ground surface or an extension of lower cross supports12f. It will be appreciated that the number of elastic cables50is not limited to two for each telescoping arm18band32b, and one elastic cable50or more than two elastic cables50can be used. With this arrangement, different elastic cables50can be selectively attached with different resistances as desired.

It will be appreciated that, if desired, rather than placing the person's chest on cylindrical roller cushion38, arm32can be extended so that cylindrical roller cushion38is positioned on the back of the person's neck.

Further, as shown inFIG. 5, rather than using roller support bar22and cylindrical roller cushion24, telescoping arm18bincludes a connection bar122secured thereto, with an upper cylindrical roller cushion124arotatably supported at an upper end thereof and a lower cylindrical roller cushion124brotatably supported at a lower end thereof, with both cushions124aand124bbeing in spaced apart, vertical alignment with each other. The placement of the cushions124aand124bis preferably just below the crease or joint of the knee, so that the person's legs thereat can fit between cushions124aand124b. In this regard, it would also be preferably to provide a footplate18cto support the person's fee so that the feet could be anchored and would not dangle in space.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown a modification to exercise and/or rehabilitation machine10.

Specifically, a third pivot shaft44extends from the opposite side of upper cross support12gand is rotatably mounted therein. An elongated arm48is connected to pivot shaft44and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of pivot shaft44toward leg12bof the other end support12afor rotation in the direction of double headed arrow16. Elongated arm48is thereby in parallel, spaced apart relation to elongated arm18. Elongated arm48can be formed by two telescoping arms48aand48bwhich can be set relative to each other by a pin, set screw or the like49to adjust the length of elongated arm48. A stop (not shown) extending outwardly from leg12bof the other end support12a, limits the downward travel of elongated arm48and sets a lower limit thereof. The end of roller support bar22extending from the opposite end of cylindrical roller cushion24extends through the free end of elongated arm48in a direction transverse thereto. As an option, although not required by the present invention, roller support bar22extends through the opposite side of elongated arm48at the free end thereof in a direction away from support12, whereby conventional weightlifting plates100can be slidably mounted on roller support bar22, and a well known securing collar (not shown) can be added to hold the weights on roller support bar22.

A second pivot shaft28is mounted in rotatable surrounding relation on pivot shaft14between arm18and upper cross support12g. An elongated arm32is connected to pivot shaft28and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of pivot shaft28toward the other leg12cof support12for rotation in the direction of double headed arrow30. Elongated arm32can be formed by two telescoping arms32aand32bwhich can be set relative to each other by a pin, set screw or the like33to adjust the length of elongated arm32. A stop34(FIG. 2) extending outwardly from leg12climits the downward travel of elongated arm32and sets a lower limit thereof. A roller support bar36extends from one side at the free end of elongated arm32in a direction in front of support12and includes a cylindrical roller cushion38rotatably mounted thereon. As an option, although not required by the present invention, roller support bar36extends through the opposite side of elongated arm32at the free end thereof in a direction away from support12, and can also extend to the opposite side of cylindrical roller cushion38, whereby conventional weightlifting plates100can be slidably mounted on roller support bar36, and a well known securing collar (not shown) can be added to hold the weights on roller support bar36.

The advantage of this arrangement is that the cylindrical roller cushions24and38are not supported in a cantilevered manner, and are thereby more stably supported.

Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 4, the arrangement ofFIG. 1can be modified by cutting out a center section12g1of upper cross support12gand a corresponding center section13aof cushion13, and pivotally mounting elongated arms18and32about pivot shafts14and28(the former of which is not shown inFIG. 4), to upper cross support12gin center section12g1thereof. In such case, two cylindrical roller cushions24aand24bare mounted on roller support bar22at opposite sides of elongated arm18at the free end thereof. Roller support bar22also preferably extends to the opposite sides of cylindrical roller cushions24aand24b, whereby conventional weightlifting plates (not shown) can be slidably mounted on roller support bar22, and well known securing collars (not shown) can be added to hold the weights on roller support bar22.

Further, rather than a cylindrical roller cushion38mounted to roller support bar36, a flat cushion44is mounted on the upper surface of elongated arm32at the free end thereof for supporting the chest of the person.

Having described specific preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims.