Patent ID: 12208307

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention exercise device is an advancement in glute exercise, as well as torso, and leg muscle exercise. Further, the present invention exercise device maybe utilized with the stomach/face facing the floor (on your stomach), or facing the ceiling (on your back). Due to its many unique features, the present invention exercise equipment offers optional headrest, handles that may be fixed or adjustable, and a lower support member(s) for both legs. The lower support member(s) may be a single member for both legs or two separate lower support members, one for each leg. These lower support members, when dual components, can be fixed parallel, fixed with an angle between each other, or adjustable angle between each other. Additionally, not only are the two separate lower support members preferred and are structured to spread with adjustable angles between each other, but also preferred are adjustable lower support members that may be independently rotated upwardly or downwardly so as to permit angle changes between each other into different planes (dimensions). Further, the knee joint (articulated lower support bars) allows for each independent support bar to pivot mid-bar up or down to provide adjustments that may be needed in going from stomach down to stomach up mode and vice versa. This also provides for complex configurations to target or isolate specific muscles, or groups of muscle independently. It is an ergonomic, fully adjustable machine that's capable of full range motion in at least two axis planes, and preferably in three axis planes, as well as introduces the pulling motion to the glute. The “Opus” has a multiple of different settings and adjustments to target the glutes in a complete way that no other machine can. The Opus can be adjusted to fit any sized person and be used alternatively to target the abs. The preferred individual (at-home, office, gym, rehab clinic or physical therapy clinic) model is computerized to keep track of and to control statistics, to control resistance, and has the capability to connect wirelessly to other Opus devices for competition and comparing stats. Built to look slick and aerodynamic, the Opus can still be folded into fit in the corner of a room or into a closet. It can be used by any sized person and can also be used to target the abs. It is designed both for strength training purposes, toning, cardio enhancement and/or rehabilitation purposes.

This invention is a flat to inclined, laydown, fully adjustable, in-place exercise bike “bench cycle” designed to be utilized in two main use positions and is used by pedaling or “cycling” in-place.

The invention is coined the “OPUS” and will enhance and strengthen many muscles, but especially the butt (glutes) and stomach (abs) very specifically, and separately, in two very different use positions. The primary use position is face down and targets the glutes, as well as other muscles, but particularly emphasizes glute strength and enhancement. The secondary use position is face up and targets the abs, as well as other muscles. Being a dual purpose, dual position exercise device, the present invention Opus also provides all of the exercise advantages of in-place cycling. Given the many adjustment possibilities, the user will not only be able to make adjustments to fit the size of the user, but will also be able to increase or decrease muscle extension, direction, range of motion, and adjust resistance. Fully computerized, the Opus will keep track and control of all movements and statistics and is capable of connecting to other Opus wirelessly for competition and pairing. In an alternative analog version, resistance, positioning, locking and adjusting would be performed manually.

The Opus is made up of six main parts: the base, main support stem, main joint/body support, upper support bar, lower support bar, and the cranks/pedals.

The Base—The base is a lightweight sturdy support platform that may come in many forms. It could have any top view profile or footprint and must provide sufficient support for a pedestal or other upwardly extending stem. It may take one of three general functional formats-one being portable and thus requiring a broad or elongated member to prevent accidental tipping of the device; one being permanent, and thus could be smaller in footprint but includes attachment means (such as orifices for screwing to a floor or other substrate, or flanges for embedding in structural materials, or flanges that may be kept in place by overbraces). Preferred are the portable (movable) embodiments. In one preferred embodiment, the base sits raised off the ground by four legs and is the foundation of the portable Opus. The main vertical support stem raises up from the base to the main joint. The base is preferably futuristic, aerodynamic, and modern in aesthetics.

The Main Support Stem—The main support stem is one or more uprights that support the functional components of the present invention devices. Multiple uprights, dual uprights, or a single support pedestal may be used, although dual and single are preferred to afford maximum space and movement for the adjustable components. In one preferred example, the stem is a single vertical support which runs vertically from the base upwards to the main joint/torso support. The bottom of the stem is fixed to the base. The other end, the upper end, ends in a cylinder which is the foundation of the main joint. The main support stem is not adjustable itself. It is streamline aerodynamic and modern in aesthetics.

The Main Joint/Body Support Frame—The main joint sits directly on top of the main support bar and, in some preferred embodiments, is made up of multiple adjustment mechanisms that constitute the primary body support frame (it is the component set that keeps the user above the stem, via the upper and lower support bars). These multiple adjustment mechanisms are positioned so that the upper support bar (torso support bar) and the lower support bar(s) (legs and feet support(s)) are at least independently rotatable and lockable, and in some preferred embodiments, also afford spreading of dual lower support bars. In one example, the main joint is made up of three rotatable sandwiched rings about a central, stem-supported axle or cylinder. The rings slide onto the cylinder at the top of the stem and are able to pivot on the cylinder. The middle ring is attached to the upper support bar and allows the support to pivot parallel to the ground and downwardly below horizontal and upwardly above horizontal (e.g., 90 degrees to the main stem to perpendicular to the ground (in alignment with the main stem)). The middle ring also allows the upper support bar to fold over itself for storage. The two outer rings are attached to the lower support bars, left and right separately. The rings allow the supports to pivot together or separately in the full range of motion from the ground up to, for example, 135 degrees from the main stem. These rings both have hinges on them that allow the left and right sections of the lower support bars to also spread to the desired width. All actions can be made in increments and can be locked into any desired position. In some preferred embodiments, the lower support bar(s) may be swiveled relative to the upper support bar to have a user twisted left or right, at the hips, during pedaling.

The Upper Support Bar (Torso Support)—The upper support bar in its connected, rotatable, lockable position, readily and safely supports the main body, i.e., the torso of the user, or in another embodiment, specifically the hips of the user, and hence supports most of the weight of the user. The upper support bar can pivot freely from the main support bar, for example, 90 degrees to the ground through perpendicular, then fold over itself for storage. The angle of the upper support in conjunction with the angles of the two lower supports allows the Opus to target different areas of the muscles. There are preferably two different sets of “handles” attached to the upper support dedicated specifically for each of the main use positions, or, alternatively there are built in grips on the upper support bar, such as ergonomically correct hand grip cut outs (which are included herein as meant by “handles”). As another alternative, there may be one set of handles that is adjustable for comfortable use in both the stomach-down and the stomach-up exercise positions, such as ones that swing over for a higher and lower position, or ones that can slide at right or other angles up and down the upper support bar. In the preferred embodiments with two sets of, or two position, handles, the upper hand grip position is used for the primary face down glute position, and the lower grip position is used for the secondary face up abs position. In some embodiments, there are also elbow pads.

The upper support bar also holds the support pads, and in some embodiments, elbow pads, that hold the body torso comfortably in either main use position. The pad's connection to the upper support bar, preferably, may sit in the channel of a track that runs down the middle of the bar which allows the pads to be adjusted to any height or length, and therefore, accommodates different size (height and span or width) users and their ergonomics, depending on their size and on the specific exercise being performed. In some preferred embodiments, the handles are positioned and adapted to hold elbow supports (padded), and thus the torso weight maybe distributed between the hip pads and the elbow pads in the stomach-down mode.

The lower section of the support pads may also expand laterally to relieve the stomach of any resistance while using the primary use position, and/or fit the ergonomics of the different size users' buttocks when the present invention device is used in the stomach-up, abs enhancing position. There may be a hinge or other headrest connection mechanism at or near the top of the upper support bar to hold a collapsible or removable headrest sitting on its own support bar. When the headrest support bar is extended or engaged (open), its track also lines up with the track of the upper support bar for full sliding range of adjustment. In some preferred embodiments, the headrest bar can be released at the hinge, folded back, and latched to the back of the upper support bar when not in use, or for the primary use position.

Note that the head rest is sometimes only used for the secondary use position (stomach-up), for concentration on the abs. The headrest and its support bar should be retracted, lowered, removed or otherwise adjusted for the main use position, glutes (face down). In other embodiments, the headrest may have a face portal, such as a massage table headrest, and this is used for both stomach-up and stomach-down positions.

The Lower Support bar—The lower support bar may be a single bar (central, for both legs, or may be dual bars (for separate positions of each leg) or may be a hybrid lower support that is two bars that may move independently of one another or alternatively be clamped or otherwise be connected together to act as a single bar. Preferably, the lower support bar is made up of two, articulated main legs, left and right. Both legs are attached to the main joint in their corresponding sides (left and right) and can both move on two planes, X and Y, and can pivot and spread. If they are also telescopic, they can each move independently in three planes. The rings allow the supports to pivot on the Y axis together or separately the full range of motion from the ground, up to 135 degrees from the main stem. The support legs can also move on the X axis from the hinges on the main joint allowing them to spread to the desired width, targeting the outer buttocks, outer abs if face up, or inner thigh if doing leg strength training. Halfway down each leg is a joint (articulation) that allows the lower section of the lower supports, both left, and right to make further angle adjustments. Either or both of these sections are preferably telescopic or otherwise adjustable to accommodate individual's personal segmental dimensions (distance from torso to knee, from knee to foot

The Lower Support bar (upper)—The upper section of the lower support bar can expand or contract in size to accommodate any user size.

The Lower Support bar (lower) The lower support bar can pivot at the joint between the upper and lower support bars to fine tune the desired workout angle, and can also in some embodiments expand or contract in size (length), e.g., by telescoping. The cranks are attached to Opus at the bottom of the lower support bar(s).

The Cranks/Pedals—The term “crank or cranks” as used herein refer to the crankarm(s) (sometimes referred to as cranks) with their attachments for connection to the lower support bar, as well as to the pedals. There are two cranks, one left and one right, and they are opposite each other like a bicycle, meaning that they are on opposite sides of the lower support bar. However, unlike a bicycle set of cranks, these may be set or fixed at 180 degrees off from each other, for traditional cycling rotation, or may be exactly 0 degree off so that the turn in parallel (ankles are always “looking at each other”). In some preferred embodiments, the Opus cranks telescope to adjust the desired radius motion, i.e., change the distance from the axis of crank rotation to the pedal axle. For example, measuring from where the cranks are connected to the lower support bar down to the axle of connection of the pedal to the crank, what applicant coins as “cranking radius”, this distance could be adjusted from 12″ to 22″. While this feature is essentially for body size and comfort adjustment, it can also be used to afford a user different cranking radii for different purposes, i.e., for targeting different muscles and extending and/or contracting range of motion. Longer cranking radii allow for more extended workouts on the muscles. Shorter cranking radii do not stretch the muscles as much, but may increase the rotations per minute. The cranks work independently of each other (unlike a bicycle) so that when the lower support legs are spread to various widths by lower support bar adjustments, the cranks still work. Also, development of range of motion increases are readily achieved with these unique present invention features. The cranks hold The Opus pedals, which are available in two models. One has adjustable clips to allow any size foot or shoe to slip in, yet be snug enough for cycling use, the other holds a standard bicycle shoe clip that clips in to any standard bicycle shoes. The pedals can be interchangeable, and, thus, easily removed to accommodate any standard pedals for personal customization.

Resistance may be “computer controlled” on the pedals so that a user may build up strength over time. In one version, this adjustment feature may be totally controlled by the user, wherein the user sets the resistance and changes it as desired. In another version, programs are included that set graduated resistances over usage or time (such as is measured in miles pedaled or hours used). In a third, preferred version, the user is offered both preprogrammed regimens and self-controlled resistance adjustments. The details of controlled resistance on exercise bikes are well known, and the same arrangements may be used with the present invention devices. In addition, variable resistance may be controlled on a cycle-by cycle basis, i.e., the resistance on the uphill movement of dual pedals might be lower than the resistance on a downhill portion of a stroke or cycle, or vice versa. Such changes in resistance (by tension or compression) may be smoothly transitioned or done in step functions. The cranks also have the ability to produce “radial resistance increments” that can be controlled either manually or via the computer. Radial resistance increments can be looked at like resistance applied to the movement of clock hands, standard resistance like a standard stationary bike would be resistance equally all the way around the clock. Radial resistance increments would be resistance from 12 pm-6 pm, and then none, or little resistance from 6 pm back to 12 am, or any desired increment(s) throughout the rotation. This is also useful for rehabilitation. The phrase, “radial resistance increments” is used here to explain this feature.

The cranks could also be set to have snap back resistance (or reverse resistance) when the pedals are in unison and being used in the face up position like a leg press (unlike or opposite that of a bike). The user would push on the crank arms like a leg press, instead of the movement continuing like a bicycle would, at the end of the movement, legs extended at the top of the press, the cranks would rewind to the start position again, ready for another rep. The phase, “snap back resistance” or “reverse resistance” is used here to explain this feature.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

For orientation in the discussion of the Figures below, it is assumed that the user is facing down, the head at the upper end of the device (at left in the Figures) and the feet at the lower end of the device, and left and right is based on user left and right hands with the user facing down. (As described, however, the present invention devices are used with two different user positions—namely: (1) stomach down/back up; and, (2) back down/stomach up). Component portions, such as angles, lengths, widths, spreads, etc. are incrementally infinitely adjustable and are only limited by the physical limitations of a user's body.

FIG.1Ais a block diagram illustrating the essential features and other features of the present invention exercise device to provide a user with advanced bench-cycling exercises as well as glute toning and abs toning, for use in both the stomach-down and stomach-up positions, andFIG.2Ais another block diagram, illustrating the essential features, other features, and preferred embodiments of the present invention exercise device. To the extent thatFIGS.1A and2Ahave identical component blocks, they are identically numbered, and, as they are discussed with reference toFIG.1A, need not be repeated in the discussion ofFIG.2A.

FIGS.1A and2Aare now discussed simultaneously, except where indicated. In these Figures, the present invention exercise device to provide a user with advanced bench-cycling exercises as well as glute toning and abs toning, for use in both the stomach-down and stomach-up positions is illustrated from the bottom up. There is a base, which is indicated as portable or attachable, bottom support1. By “portable” is meant that the device base moveable yet is large enough to prevent tipping in normal usage without being attached, strapped or otherwise connected or held in place; by “attachable” is meant that it is designed and structures to be attached, by any means, to a substrate, such as screwing, bolting, strapping, welding, etc. to a floor, pad or other substrate. The bottom support may extend all the way up to a pivot mechanism, shown as joint/body support9, so it might be a table with 3 or 4 or more legs. However, in the present invention preferred embodiments, there is a base (bottom support1) and a main support stem7as shown inFIG.2. There is a torso support frame5, also designated herein as an upper support bar. It includes optional hip pads and chest pad15, an optional but preferred separate headrest17and, as generically shown inFIG.1, handles (fixed or adjustable)13. As shown inFIG.2, the handles may be extendable arms with hand grips37. This upper support bar (frame5) may also have adjustable front, sides and back11. These adjustable sections are expressly for the pads mentioned above. That is, while the pads are adjustable, it is understood that the underlying infrastructure itself must be adjustable so that the supporting frame of the pads will adjust.)

InFIG.1, this embodiment has a single lower support for both legs19, but inFIG.2, our preferred embodiments, the lower support bar is a dual set of two33. Correspondingly, inFIG.1there is one crank for each leg27, both attached on opposing sides to the same, single lower support; and inFIG.2there is one crank on each of the lower support bars. This difference will be further illustrated below in conjunction with the drawings that follow. In bothFIGS.1and2, the lower supports have adjustable angles and lengths and are preferably articulated, i.e., are segmented with rotational connections, much like the human leg with a knee joint.

In bothFIGS.1A and2A, the lower support is most preferably adjustable in three planes. In theFIG.1Aembodiments, the single lower support may preferably be rotated up and down (joint rotation), back and forth for side rotation, and telescopic for extension-contraction, hence three-dimensional rotation. Likewise, forFIG.2Apreferred embodiments, except that, here, each of the two lower supports are three dimensionally rotatable and, hence, can be spread apart from one another. Also shown in both Figures are articulated lower support members, enabling use of a “knee joint”, as well as adjustable length pedals, which are achieved with telescopic crank shafts29.

FIG.3shows a top view,FIG.4shows an oblique front view, andFIG.5shows a side view of a preferred present invention exercise device100A. Identical components and parts have identical reference numbers. These three Figures are discussed together. There is shown a bottom support101(which may be attachable or portable, but here is a stand-alone portable embodiment), and a main support stem103. The support stem has a pivot mechanism129, which illustrated in more detail below. Connected to the pivot mechanism129(also referred to herein as a main joint) is torso support frame105. This has an optional but preferred set of hip pads—a first hip pad107and a second hip pad109, shown in an open position, but adjustable on sliding support frames, so as to be movable toward and away from center to accommodate larger and small users. There is also a chest/back pad111that moves toward and away from center on a track to also to be movable toward and away from center to accommodate larger and small users. There are also right upper handle131, left upper handle133and right lower handle135, left lower handle137connected to the torso support frame105(aka the upper support bar). Note that the handles131and133may be created of a single tubular member and also could have two locking positions, so that it could be swung down for stomach-up positions.

In this preferred embodiment of theseFIGS.3,4and5, there are dual lower supports. Thus, there is shown a first lower support bar113and a second lower support bar115. Each of these are articulated and telescopic. Telescopic/locking upper segment117of first lower support bar113and telescopic/locking lower segment119of first lower support bar113are shown with a rotational joint125therebetween. Likewise, telescopic/locking upper segment121of second lower support bar115and telescopic/locking lower segment123of second lower support bar115are shown with a rotational joint127connection therebetween. At the lower ends of these dual lower support bars113and115, are telescopic right crank139, telescopic left crank141, right peddle143left peddle145.

Shown inFIG.5, is optional but preferred monitor screen cord149monitor device/screen151. These are used for various purposes—music, communications, television, movies, etc. but essentially may serve one, two or preferably three purposes that relate directly to the present invention exercise device-control, monitoring and data storage. The controller function may relate to positional adjustments (doing or tracking), resistance adjustments, and controlling other functions as well. Monitoring may include display of various variables, such as resistance level, distance, time, distance/time, etc. data storage may enable a user to check on progress over multiple usages and over longer periods. And the screen may also be part of an intranet system, an internet system or both, with local and/or LD interaction. (Although this monitor device is shown as wired to the exercise device, it could be wireless and use any known mechanism for connectivity.

Also, hidden inFIGS.3and4, and shown inFIG.5is headrest106. Headrest106is shown in its retracted position, generally in this position when user is belly down. When the present invention device100A is used in a belly-up position, the headrest106is deployed, that is, it is unlocked, slid away from pivot mechanism129and up, into an open position to hold the head of a user on his back.

FIG.6shows a top view of the same preferred present invention exercise device as shown inFIG.3above, but with the pad111moved into its closed (contracted) position.

FIG.7illustrates an oblique, blown-up side view of one preferred embodiment of the present invention exercise device main joint200with partially shown upper support bar211and dual lower support bars213and25attached.FIG.8shows the same components as shown inFIG.7, but assembled and mounted, and, therefore are discussed together. As can be seen from both Figures, main joint201is a pivot mechanism that includes three rings203,205and207and a central axle209upon which all three rings may independently rotate upon. By this arrangement, upper support bar211may be rotated up or down to accommodate a user's personal positional preferences, and each “leg”, i.e., each lower support bar (inFIG.7), may be independently rotated upwardly or downwardly. Note that inFIG.8these dual lower support bars are yoked with sleeve223to make a single lower support, so in theFIG.8yoked arrangement, they function as a single lower support bar. Also shown inFIG.7andFIG.8is vertical rotational axle221(hidden inFIG.7and exposed inFIG.8), that allows each of the two lower support bars213and215to swing toward or away from each other, thus permitting the spreading arrangement to maximize extended muscle work outs.

FIGS.9,10and11illustrate end views of exemplary pedal positions relative to one another. All three Figures have identical components identically numbered. Each of these Figures shows a partial front view, with the following components or partial (cut) components: Lower portion300of a present invention exercise device; dual lower support bars301and303; crank305on lower support bar301and crank309on lower support bar303; pedal307on crank305and pedal311on crank309.FIG.9illustrates that the pedals may be maintained in parallel. Using a clock to describe the full circle of a rep, inFIG.9arrangement, when pedal307is at 12 o'clock, so is pedal311. When pedal307is at 9 o'clock, so is pedal311. They move in parallel.FIG.10illustrates an arrangement where the pedal307and the pedals311are 180 degrees apart, i.e., in the same pedal relationship as pedals on a bicycle. InFIG.11, pedal307and311are set apart by a random angle or a predetermined angle, such as 120 degrees. It should be noted that for any configuration heretofore described, on pedal may be locked in a single position and the other may be left to rotate. Such arrangements would be advantageous when working and focusing on a single area of one leg such as an injured leg of an athlete in rapid rehab, or for exercise of a handicapped person who has one leg that does not bend or is an amputee.

Resistance may be “computer controlled” on the pedals so that a user may build up strength over time. In one version, this adjustment feature may be totally controlled by the user, wherein the user sets the resistance and changes it as desired. In another version, programs are included that set graduated resistances over usage or time (such as is measured in miles pedaled or hours used). In a third, preferred version, the user is offered both preprogrammed regimens and self-controlled resistance adjustments. The details of controlled resistance on exercise bikes are well known, and the same arrangements may be used with the present invention devices. In addition, variable resistance may be controlled on a cycle-by cycle basis, i.e., the resistance on the uphill movement of dual pedals might be lower than the resistance on a downhill portion of a stroke or cycle, or vice versa. Such changes in resistance (by tension or compression) may be smoothly transitioned or done in step functions. The cranks also have the ability to produce “radial resistance increments” that can be controlled either manually or via the computer. Radial resistance increments can be looked at like resistance applied to the movement of clock hands, standard resistance like a standard stationary bike would be resistance equally all the way around the clock. Radial resistance increments would be resistance from 12 pm-6 pm, and then none, or little resistance from 6 pm back to 12 am, or any desired increment(s) throughout the rotation. This is also useful for rehabilitation. The phrase, “radial resistance increments” is used here to explain this feature.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be used herein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, while resistance adjustment may be done “on the pad”, i.e., computer controlled, alternatively, manual adjustments could be used, such as a rotatable handle and spring-rotating down tightens the spring to increase resistance and rotating up loosens the spring to reduce resistance.