Apparatus for supported row exercise

An exercise device configured to provide for a lifter performing a bent-over row exercise. The exercise device provides lower back support and stability to the lifter. Embodiments of the device may be attachable to an exercise rack or be configured as a standalone device. An embodiment of the exercise device may comprise an adjustable support pad configured to support the chest of a lifter. The adjustable support pad rotates about an axis to optimize comfort and alleviate lower back strain during bent-over row exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to an exercise device that, through its unique design, is adapted to provide support during free weight exercises, such as row exercises.

Free weight lifting is a resistance-based, strength training method of choice for many athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts. Compared to many machine exercises, free weight lifting promotes greater range of motion during lifting, which tends to increase muscle activation. One popular free weight exercise is the row exercise, which strengthens a number of back muscles, including the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and rhomboids. A row exercise is a pulling motion that generally consists of moving one or both arms from a straightened, outright position to a bent, retracted position against resistance, such as while holding one or more free weights. To perform a bent-over row exercise, an individual stands with both feet on the floor, bends forward at the hips to achieve a bent-over position, and performs the row movement with a barbell, dumbbells, weights, or other forms of resistance.

Notably, the bent-over row position places stress on the lifter's lower back, which could cause pain and ultimately lead to injury. In fact, back injuries and lower back pain from free weight exercises like bent-over row exercises are not uncommon. Individuals performing free weight exercises, particularly novices, are more susceptible to injuries because they lack the proper form to execute the lift safely.

Traditionally, to avoid back injury, lifters are sometimes assisted by a spotter (i.e., another person helping to move the weight). The spotter can position themselves near the lifter's hands or the bar in order to assist the lifter in performing a weighted row exercise. The spotter may also assist the lifter in returning the weight or weights to their starting position, thereby reducing the risk of injury. However, solo lifters do not have the benefit of spotters. Also, it is often difficult for the spotter to know when and when not to assist the lifter, so it requires a certain degree of coordination that further complicates the lift.

Certain devices purport to support an individual during free weight row exercises. A flat bench, for example, can be used to assist lifters in performing what is known as a dumbbell row. In performing this exercise, a lifter uses the flat bench to support one hand and one knee, while performing the row with the other hand. However, this exercise only allows the lifter to perform the row with one arm at a time, doubling the amount of time necessary to complete the exercise. Further, the use of a bench can cause stability issues as the lifter may compensate for the heavy weight by twisting the torso when performing the row, resulting in injury to the back or shoulders. Twisting also leads to a less effective muscle activation in the targeted back muscles, which prevents optimal muscle development. Moreover, absent chest support, the lifter may round their back, increasing the risk of back injury.

Another device that purports to support a lifter during free weight row exercises is a seal row bench, which is an elevated bench that allows a lifter to lie prone on to access free weights placed underneath the bench. However, a seal row does not allow for proper row exercise motion, as the bench impedes full retraction of the weight towards the body. Moreover, lifting heavy loads while in a prone position puts the lifter at risk of chest and abdominal pain and injury. Further, when performing a seal row, a lifter's face is either pressed into the seal row, turned to the side, or raised above the top of the bench, all of which increase the risk of discomfort or injury. Thus, existing devices have proven insufficient at eliminating injury and ensuring proper form.

Traditional exercise racks (sometimes referred to a as power or squat racks or cages) allow for the connection of a variety of support or add-ons, attachments, and exercise devices. Examples of such devices include barbell supports, dip bars, pull-up bars, and calf squat blocks. These devices connect to the exercise rack through known means via pegs, pins, or bolts that insert into standard attachment holes in the rack itself. Notably, there is currently no such device, add-on, or attachment to support a lifter performing a bent-over row. Thus, there is a need for a device that supports and stabilizes lifters performing the bent-over row exercise (and other exercises) to ensure proper setup and alignment, and reduce the risk of back pain and injury.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise an exercise device adapted to support a lifter performing a bent-over row exercise. The exercise device may include a connecting member having a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first arm connects the connecting member to an exercise rack, the second arm connects the first arm to a supporting unit, and the supporting unit includes an adjustable support pad that is rotatable about a horizontal axis to support a lifter's chest while performing the bent-over row exercise.

The disclosed embodiments may also include a third arm connecting the second arm to the adjustable support pad, wherein the third arm may be rotatable about a horizontal axis so as to adjust the height of the adjustable support pad. For example, in one embodiment, the position of the adjustable support pad may be adjustable to accommodate various sized lifters and various exercises (including, for example, the Pendlaw row, which may require the lifter to assume a lower chest position so that the loaded barbell rests on the floor before each repetition of the exercise is performed). The disclosed embodiments may include a locking member for securing the adjustable support pad in place to prevent against rotation or movement during use.

In another embodiment, the first arm and the second arm may be connected at a pivot point so that the exercise device is collapsible, which allows the exercise device to occupy less space and be stored more easily.

In certain embodiments, the exercise device is part of an exercise system that includes an exercise rack. The exercise device may support a lifter performing various resistance-based, bent-over row exercises, including resistance provided by dumbbells, a barbell, resistance bands, or the like.

In another embodiment, the exercise device is a standalone system that is not attached to an exercise rack. The standalone system may include a base, a first arm, a second arm, and a supporting unit. The base may be configured to rest on the floor. The first and arm and the second arm may extend vertically away from the base to elevate the supporting unit from the base. As in other embodiments, the supporting unit may include an adjustable support pad that is rotatable about an axis parallel to the floor. The base may also include a barbell support configured for receiving a barbell when not in use.

In certain embodiments, the exercise device used is constructed of metal, a composite material, or the like that is rated to support a lifter's body weight under load.

One object of the present disclosure is to provide support, in particular back support, for an individual performing free weight exercises—namely, the bent-over row exercise, for example. By providing an adjustable support for lifter, the lifter may, during use, position his or her chest on the exercise device, thereby supporting their lower back and relieving strain that may otherwise persist when performing bent-over rows. Another object of the disclosed embodiments is to provide safer lifting conditions. The disclosed embodiments are adapted to provide safer exercise conditions by ensuring that lifters are less susceptible to improper form, which often leads to injury.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are believed to be useful in numerous exercises. In addition to row exercises, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used for chest support and increased stability in rear deltoid raises, tricep kickbacks, or any other exercises requiring the lifter to assume a bent-over position that would be aided by the stability provided by the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The below disclosure describes systems and devices for supporting a lifter when performing an exercise. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation and illustration, numerous details are set forth so as to provide an explanation of the present disclosure. It will be evident to a person of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative only and not limiting or restrictive.

FIG.1illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exercise device100for supported bent-over row exercises attached to an exercise rack10. It will be understood by a person of skill in the art that the exercise rack10may also be referred to as an exercise frame, a power rack or cage, a squat rack or stand, a rig, a wall mount, or some equivalent exercise structure. A person of skill in the art will appreciate that the name or composition of the exercise structure is significant only to the extent that it includes a plurality attachment holes11. The attachment holes11are configured to receive pinned add-ons or attachments that connect additional equipment to the exercise rack10. Such add-ons or attachment are well known and may include, for example, J-hooks for supporting a barbell14, safety bars12, and pull-up bars13.

In some embodiments, the exercise device100is configured to support a lifter performing a bent-over row exercise, wherein the exercise device100is itself supported by an exercise rack10. The exercise device100may include a connecting member having a first arm110and a second arm112. The first arm110may be configured to connect the connecting member to the exercise rack10via pins111that cooperate with the plurality attachment holes11. The second arm112may be configure to connect the first arm110to a supporting unit150. In some embodiments, the first arm110and the second arm112are configured to pivot in relation each other where they intersect, thereby giving the exercise device100a collapsible feature.

When collapsed, the overall footprint of the exercise device100decreases which eases transport and storage of the exercise device100. In other embodiments, the first arm110and the second arm112are immovable with respect to one another and are instead integrally formed in one piece. Such construction reduces production costs and strengthens the connection between the first arm110and the second arm112. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the first arm110and the second arm112are shown intersecting to form a right angle. That configuration, however, is only illustrative and the first arm110and second arm112may have any configuration in keeping with the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the connecting device101may also comprise the supporting unit150, which may include an adjustable support pad102that is rotatable about a horizontal axis to support a lifter's chest while performing the bent-over row exercise. In some embodiments, the supporting unit150is connected to the second arm112. The adjustable support pad102has an upper surface103upon which a lifter's chest rests during use. The rotation of the adjustable support pad102about a horizontal axis allows the lifter to assume various bent-over positions. That is, when performing a bent-over row, a lifter may optionally assume various lifting positions to target different muscles. For example, a more upright torso position when rowing tends to activate trapezius muscles, whereas a more bent-over, horizontal torso rowing position tends to more actively engage latissimus dorsi muscles. For instance, the lifter may elect to assume a more upright position wherein the lifter's torso and chest would extend in a direction approximately 45 degrees to the horizontal. Alternatively, the lifter may assume a more bent-over, horizontal torso position, such that the torso and chest would extend in a direction approximately parallel to the horizontal. In either case (whether assuming a more vertical or horizontal torso position), the lifter would rotate the adjustable support pad102to align with a given chest position to provide adequate support.

In illustrativeFIG.1, the adjustable support pad102is depicted as bifurcated, comprising at least two distinct pads105,106. This optional configuration reduces the amount of material used for the exercise device100. It also allows for independent lateral adjustment of each distinct pad105,106. Such adjustability allows lifters with various chest widths and shapes to find the optimal pad position to ensure sufficient support, stability, and comfort. Furthermore, the support pad102and upper surface103can assume any configuration in keeping with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the support pad102and upper surface103, however, can be a single unitary piece. In some embodiments, the support pad may be rectangular, U-shaped, or any other suitable shape. Further, the upper surface103of the adjustable support pad102contacts the lifter's chest during use and thus may be comprised of a composite foam, plastic, rubber material, or the like to provide comfort and support for a lifter. In some embodiments, the adjustable support pad102is a standalone device.

The disclosed embodiments of the exercise device100may also include a third arm114connecting the second arm112to the adjustable support pad102. The third arm114may extend vertically away from the second arm112, further separating the adjustable support pad102from the floor. In some embodiments, the third arm114is connected to the second arm112via an adjustable arm pivot. The adjustable arm pivot may allow the third arm114to rotate about a horizontal axis in order to adjust the position of the adjustable support pad102. Adjusting the position of the support pad102increases the utility of the exercise device100by allowing lifters of various heights and sizes to operate the device.

Adjustability also allows lifters to comfortably assume more horizontal torso positions when rowing. Such horizontal torso positions may be desirable when performing certain types of rows, such as, for example, the Pendlay row. Pendlay rows are a bent-over row variation performed with a barbell. To complete one repetition of a Pendlay row, a lifter assumes the bent-over row position (i.e., slight knee bend, pronounced hip bend, and arms extended with barbell in hand) and pulls a loaded barbell from the floor up to the mid-torso before returning the barbell back to rest on the floor. These rows differ from ordinary bent-over rows because each repetition begins with the loaded barbell resting on the floor, which reduces strain on the lower back and allows heavier, more explosive lifting. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the third arm114and the second arm112may optionally be nonadjustable.

In illustrativeFIG.2, another perspective of an embodiment of the exercise device100attached to the exercise rack10is shown. As illustrated inFIG.2, the third arm114comprises a handle116and a handle clip118. The handle116is pivotally attached the third arm114. The handle116is configured for a lifter to grab for support and stabilization when performing a one-arm row, using a dumbbell for example. While performing a one-arm row, the lifter may grab the handle116with the hand of the non-lifting arm for support while rowing with the other lifting arm. It will be understood that a lifter may also perform a one-arm row with a resistance band, for example. The handle clip118is sized and shaped to receive the handle116. When performing a bent-over barbell row, the lifter may optionally store the handle116within the handle clip118. In some embodiments, the handle clip118may comprise a flexible C-shaped recess that is configured to receive a cylindrical handle116. However, the handle clip118and the handle116may assume different configurations, so long as they allow handle116to be stored within the handle clip118.

FIG.3illustrates another perspective view of an embodiment of the exercise device100unattached to the exercise rack10. As can be seen inFIG.3, an end of first arm110may include pins111for connection with the attachment holes11of the exercise rack10. The end of the first arm110may optionally include other connecting devices such as clevis pin or the like.

In illustrativeFIGS.4and5, an embodiment of the exercise device100and the adjustable support pad102is shown. As explained, in some embodiments, the adjustable support pad102may comprise two distinct pads105,106that are configured to slide laterally to adjust their respective positions. To perform this lateral adjustment, distinct pads105,106are secured to respective slides125,126that are configured to move laterally and rotate about an axis extending in the lateral direction. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism is provided to fix the position of slides125,126, wherein slides125,126have slide holes127for receiving spring latch pins128which are biased in an extended, locked position. To move one or both of the slides125,126laterally, the spring latch pin128is depressed into its respective slide hole127freeing one or both of the slides125,126to move laterally and be repositioned such that the spring latch pin128extends outwardly and locks into a different slide hole127.

In some embodiments, the adjustable support pad102is further rotationally locked into a desired position so as to prevent rotation of the adjustable support pad102by a locking member130. The locking member130may be pivotally attached to the supporting unit150and has on its distal end a locking detent132for receipt into a recess134. When the locking detent132is disposed in the recess134, the adjustable support pad102is locked into position and prevented from rotating. An end of the locking member130opposite the locking detent132may include a grip136for moving locking detent132out of the recess134by pivoting the locking member130. In some embodiments, the locking member130is biased in the locked position so as to provide a secure connection between the locking detent132and the recess134. IllustrativeFIG.6depicts the locking member130in the locked position. In use, to unlock the locking member130and rotatably adjust the position of the adjustable support pad102, a lifter would depress the grip136, causing the locking detent132to be removed from the recess134, as depicted in illustrativeFIG.5.

IllustrativeFIG.7depicts another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the exercise device200is a standalone system that is not attached to an exercise rack10. The standalone exercise device200may include a base210, a first arm212, a second arm214, and a supporting unit250. The supporting unit250may have the same features and components of the supporting unit150described in other embodiments. The base210may be configured to rest on the floor and is shown inFIG.7having cross-shaped configuration comprised of a first base arm216and a second base arm218to provide stability while utilizing minimal materials. However, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the base210can have any suitable configuration in keeping with the scope of the present disclosure.

In one embodiment, the first base arm216comprises a barbell support220comprised of a first support222and a second support224positioned at a distance from the first support222. The first support222and the second support224are configured to receive a barbell (not shown) and keep it elevated from the floor when not in use. Such a configuration eases the process of loading and unloading weight to and from the barbell.

In an embodiment, the second base arm218intersects the first base arm216. Further, the second base arm218is connected to the first arm212and the second arm214, and both the first arm212and the second arm214extend vertically away from the second base arm218. The first arm212extends vertically at an acute angle from the floor and second base arm218, whereas the second arm214extends vertically at an angle normal to the floor and second base arm. An end of the second arm214contacts the first arm212, thereby supporting the first arm212and the supporting unit250. The standalone exercise device200may provides the benefit of not requiring an exercise rack10for operation. The standalone exercise device200may also have a higher weight capacity because it is more robust than an embodiment that attached to an exercise rack10and is supported by the floor as opposed to pins111.

Although the disclosed embodiments have been described with reference for use in a bent-over row exercise, the device may also be used in other exercise applications, including any exercise performed in a bent-over position that places strain on the lifter's back and requires stabilization, such as tricep kickbacks or rear deltoid raises, for example.

This disclosure is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Although the inventive material in this disclosure has been described in detail along with some of its technical advantages, it will be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to the detailed embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims. It is further understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and neither restrictive or limiting. Many other embodiment will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is noted that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described or depicted herein. Rather, embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced with modification and alteration not herein mentioned, but otherwise within the spirit and scope of the claims herein provided.