Patent Publication Number: US-9884221-B2

Title: Exercise bench with enhancements that allow the obese, elderly, and physically challenged to participate in exercises performed on a conventional exercise bench

Description:
FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The field of the present invention and its embodiments relate to a conventional exercise bench used for physically demanding exercises that has been enhanced to accommodate elderly, obese, and otherwise physically challenged individuals. In particular, the enhancements include side cushion supports that provide stability while exercising, and mechanical means that assist the user to recline to a horizontal position and return to a sitting position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     As the population ages, and the obesity problem continues to grow, there is an increasing need for exercise equipment that allows over weight and aging individuals to participate in exercise programs that will assist them to maintain muscle mass and/or lose weight. Exercise benches are an important component of any exercise program, but particularly for older and obese patients for whom lying on the floor or doing routines involving hand weights in the standing position is very difficult. There are many kinds of exercise benches described in the prior art. There are benches with adjustable positions from sitting to reclining. Oswald, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,939 describes a bench convertible from a chair-like configuration to a bench-like configuration. Van Straaten, U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,426, McBride, U.S. Pat. No. 6,030,324, Parker, U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,409 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,097, Kecala, U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,967, and others claim a bench in which both the seat portion and back portion can be adjusted to different angles. Dawson, U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,661 and others propose a configuration where the angle of the entire bench can be adjusted from a vertical to a horizontal position. Others claim special features to assist users, for example: Danylieko, U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,886 claims a bench with lateral indentations for improved spine support, Voris, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,370,595 claims a bench wherein the angle of the bench is independent of the horizontal position, and Keiser, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,912 claims a bench wherein the recline angle can be changed without changing the user&#39;s horizontal position. Others such as Weber, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,884 and Gardikis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,027 Include power assist for changing the position of all or a portion of the bench. Still others, for instance Jenkinson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,547, Wilson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,495, Roethke, U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,934, Cantor, U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,839, claim multi-functional benches used in conjunction with other equipment. However, none of these inventions are designed for use by obese, elderly, or physically challenged individuals who require extra assistance in changing positions, and stability when exercising. 
     Zuckerman, U.S. Pat. No. 8,550,967, describes a multiple use apparatus designed to duplicate exercise motions for swimming, biking, rowing, strength training and others. Similarly, Hartman, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,249,714 describes an apparatus specifically for an exercise for lower extremities in conjunction with electrical stimulation. Specialty equipment of these types do not represent prior art to the present invention which is designed to be used as a standard exercise bench, and not to replicate any particular sport or exercise. 
     There are also several pieces of home and hospital based furniture that provide stability and assist people in changing position, such as arm chairs that help people stand and mechanisms that allow people to sit up in bed, for example: Rawls-Meehan, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,128,474, 9,149,126, Schermel, U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,828, Helmbrock, et al U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,640,285 and 6,839,926, and others describe a hospital bed with multiple actuators that re-position both the upper and lower body. Poulos, et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,069,514, 7,779,494, and others describe a hospital bed with expandable mattress sections and restraint bladders for bariatric patients. The device of the current invention is novel over these and similar devices in that the individual using the exercise bench is providing at least some portion of the force required to re-position the bench. In addition, typical beds are not suitable for exercise, and therefore do not provide additional support or stability for elderly or obese people as they exercise. 
     Lemire, et al, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,126,571 and 8,701,229, and Alverson, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,820,293 describe a hospital bed with patient support in the form of side rails and other barriers designed to prevent a patient from falling when the bed is moved around in a hospital. Benzo, at al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,886,379 describes a hospital bed incorporating a hammock structure that can cradle a patient for support and to improve blood circulation. Vrzalik, U.S. Pat. No. 7,426,760 describes a hospital bed with adjustable side rails for bariatric patients. The design and features incorporated in these and other prior art are not suitable for the type of exercise contemplated in the current invention, and therefore do not provide learning applicable to an adjustable exercise bench. 
     There are also adjustable examination or test beds that accommodate test equipment and provide support for the patient during testing. For example, Trees, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,125,785, 8,858,409, and 7,597,656, and Heimbrock, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,873 describe an adjustable hospital or examination bed with adjustable back and leg positions, including a power or manually assisted gas spring. Support and stability for the patient are provided with a chest strap that maintains the patient&#39;s position during movement. Stasney, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,024,711 describes a sonography exam bed with multiple trap doors and prop up sections. The device of the current invention is not anticipated by any of art in that it is designed for individuals who may have somewhat limited stability, but are not otherwise confined or in need of support in the manner of a hospital or exam bed. 
     Meier, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,899,680 describes an office chair incorporating a gas cylinder designed to adjust the height of the chair seat to provide comfortable seating for individuals of different heights. Similarly, Razon describes a walker incorporating a gas cylinder to assist handicapped individuals in sitting and standing, and Matveev, U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,366 describes a gas cylinder that assists in changing the chair seat angle. Although Meier, Razon, and Matveev teach the use of a gas cylinder in conjunction with force applied by the user, the device of the current invention incorporates a novel application of gas cylinder technology not anticipated by its use with an office chair or a walker. 
     Wel, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,233, Roslund, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,570, Kropa, U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,303, and others teach chairs with adjustable back, seat, foot and arm rests designed for user comfort, and easy access. Brightbill, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,586 describes automotive seats with side supports to “cradle” the passenger. These technologies are widely known and applied in fields from dental offices to tattoo parlors. The device of the current invention is novel over this prior art in that it provides adjustable support to an exercise bench which otherwise has no such support, unlike adjustable chairs which do not require additional support, but also do not allow an individual using them to perform physical activities like those contemplated for users of an exercise bench. 
     Hunziker, U.S. Pat. No. 8,844,961, Gierse, U.S. Pat. No. 8,801,638, Masaki, U.S. Pat. No. 8,590,920, Parson, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 8,336,140, and others describe wheel chairs with novel means of assisting patients in standing or reclining. Adjustable wheel chairs and like devices that assist a patient in standing do not anticipate the device of the current invention, in that they are inherently stable and intended for handicapped individuals, not individuals who are otherwise mobile, but need support in using a standard exercise bench. 
     None of the prior art described above envision stabilizing an individual during both the reclining and sitting motion, and while the person is performing exercises in either position. Hence, there is still a need for an exercise bench with such refinements adapted for use by elderly, obese, and physically challenged individuals. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The objective of the current invention is to incorporate into an exercise bench means for the elderly, obese, and physically challenged individuals to use the bench for normal exercise activities by incorporating side support arms, as well as mechanical means to assist in reclining and returning to a sitting position. 
     In one embodiment, the side support arms are adjustable from a narrow position wherein the side support cushions are touching the upper cushions, to a position wherein the side support cushions are 12 inches away from the top cushions. In another embodiment, the position of the side support arms are adjustable in a longitudinal direction parallel to the main axis of the exercise bench in order to accommodate individuals of varying height. In yet another embodiment, the side support arms are comprised of a formed cushion adjustably attached to a side support bracket which is adjustably attached to the top cushion plate. 
     In another embodiment, the mechanical assistance for reclining and returning to a sitting position incorporates a gas cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, said exercise bench further comprises connection brackets related to the gas cylinder, and a mechanism that locks the reclining portion of the bench in the prone position during exercise and releases said reclining portion when the user desires to sit up. 
     In yet another embodiment, an exercise bench is described wherein mechanical means are incorporated that assist a person to recline a portion of the bench from an upright position to a reclined position parallel to the other bench portion and return it to an upright position, such that obese, elderly and handicapped people without sufficient abdominal strength can use said exercise bench unassisted, and without over exerting themselves. In a related embodiment, said mechanical means comprise a gas cylinder and associated brackets for attachment to the reclining portion of the bench and to the base plate. In another preferred embodiment of the current invention, the gas cylinder is adjustable between a setting that provides 20 pounds of force and other settings that provide up to 200 pounds of force when the top cushion plate is horizontal and parallel to the bottom cushion plate. More preferably said gas cylinder is adjustable between 30 and 150 pounds, and still more preferably between 30 and 100 pounds. 
     In yet another embodiment, the bench is comprised of a base plate with support legs, and top and bottom cushion plates attached to the base plate; said top cushion plate is adjustable from a prone position parallel to the bottom cushion plate to an upright position wherein said top cushion plate is perpendicular, or at an included angle of 90 degrees to said bottom cushion plate; more preferably at an included angle of 100 degrees to said bottom cushion plate, and most preferably at an included angle of 110 degrees to said bottom cushion plate. 
     In another embodiment of the current invention, the legs of the exercise bench are angled outward from the base plate an amount sufficient to prevent tilting of said exercise bench when an Individual weighing up to 300 pounds is using said bench, and the side cushions are extended laterally to their maximum position. In another preferred embodiment of the current invention, the length of the support legs is adjustable such that the height of the top surface of the bottom cushion from the floor is between 12″ and 30″, more preferably between 15″ and 24″. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of the exercise bench of the current invention including all of the ancillary assemblies. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear elevation of the bench. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the side support assembly,  2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view of the side support assembly,  2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side, cross sectional view of the side support pin assembly,  30 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the recline lock assembly,  3 . 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the recline lock assembly,  3 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Definitions 
     As used herein, the term exercise means an activity requiring physical effort involving movement with or without the addition of heavy objects. 
     As used herein, the term exercise bench means a flat or inclined surface on four legs, and in one or more sections on which an individual can exercise. 
     As used herein, the term gas cylinder means a cylinder with an internal piston and actuator rod connected to the piston. The cylinder contains a compressible fluid that is compressed when pressure is applied to the actuator rod and piston. When the pressure is released, the compressible fluid applies a counter force to the piston and actuator rod, and thereby to any structure attached to them. 
     As used herein, the term cushion means a soft object or part used to make something such as a seat or bed more comfortable. 
     As used herein, the term pounds of force means the force applied by the gas cylinder when it is fully compressed. Since weight is a measure of the force applied by gravity to an object, the force applied by the gas cylinder will balance an object with an equivalent weight. For example, 50 pounds of force applied by the gas cylinder will counterbalance 50 pounds or an individual&#39;s weight, thereby reducing by 50 pounds the weight that must be overcome by an exercise bench user&#39;s abdominal muscles when reclining or sitting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side elevation view of the entire adjustable exercise bench,  1 , is shown, including its component assemblies: the side support assembly,  2 , the recline lock assembly,  3 , and the rise/recline assist assembly,  4 . It also identifies some of the individual components, such as the top and bottom cushion plates,  5  and  6 , the base plate,  7 , the legs,  8 , the feet,  9 , the bottom cushion,  10 , the top cushion,  11 , the recline stop,  12 , and the leg height adjust pin,  13 . It illustrates the main features of the current invention, namely the side support arms that provide stability for the individual during exercise and the mechanical means incorporated to assist the user in reclining to a prone position and returning to an upright, sitting position. 
       FIG. 2  is an elevation view from the rear of the adjustable bench assembly,  1 , including, the side support cushions,  26 , the longitudinal side support adjustment holes,  27 , the vertical side support adjustment holes,  28 , and the side support pin assembly,  30 . The lateral side support holes allow the position of the side support cushions to be adjusted from a position where they are touching the top cushions,  11 , to a position where they are separated from the top cushions by 12 inches in order to accommodate obese individuals. The vertical side support adjustment holes allow the side support cushions to be adjusted in a direction parallel to the main axis of the bench, to accommodate individuals of varying heights. Also identified are the components of the rise/recline assist assembly including, the two yokes,  21  and  23 , the two pins,  24  and  25 , that attach the rise/recline assist assembly to the top cushion plate, the base plate,  7 , and the gas cylinder,  22 , which provides the individual with assistance in lying down or sitting up on the exercise bench. The assistance force provided by the gas cylinder when the user is in the prone position can be varied from 20 to 200 pounds; more preferably 30 to 150 pounds; most preferably 30 to 100 pounds. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view that provides detail of the side support assembly,  2 , and includes the side support adjustment plate,  29 , the side support pin assembly,  30 , the side support brackets.  31  and  32 , and the side support cushions,  26 . This assembly is designed to adjust the side support cushions laterally to accommodate individuals of varying body types. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  detail the side support pin assembly,  30 , and its components: the side support pin,  41 , the compression spring,  42 , and the spring housing,  43 . It also illustrates the position of the side support pin assembly on the side support adjustment plate,  29 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate the recline lock assembly,  3 , and its components: the yoke.  51 , the torsion spring,  52 , the recline lock handle,  53 , and the pivot pin,  54 . As the individual reclines to the prone position, the recline lock handle engages the base plate,  7 , to resist the force applied by the gas cylinder,  4 , and maintain the top cushion plate,  5 , in the horizontal position. The handle is actuated to release the top cushion plate,  5 , thereby allowing the rise/recline assist assembly to assist the individual to sit up on the bench.