Exercise devices – Gymnastic – Horizontal bar
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-03
2001-04-17
Mulcahy, John (Department: 3739)
Exercise devices
Gymnastic
Horizontal bar
C482S041000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06217483
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to an adjustable apparatus facilitating methods to perform a wide variety of exercises, exercise intensities and optional workout style options generally in the manner of the common exercises known as pull ups, push ups, triceps dips, knee raises and knee bends.
2. Discussion of the Related Art
As disclosed in United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/013,959, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 15, 1996, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and in PCT Application No. PCT/US97/04618, entitled “Exercise Apparatus and Method of Use”, which claims priority from the above-identified U.S. Provisional application and was filed on Mar. 14, 1997, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, the popularity of exercising and the use of exercise apparatus is increasing. Regular and proper exercise with such apparatus can provide increased muscle tone, strength, conditioning, improved posture and overall conditioning. However, most exercise products do not provide the user with a safe, effective, versatile and affordable means of exercising, and this usually results in short term use of the exercise apparatus and a failure to stick to or maintain a regular exercise program. When an exercise device is insubstantial in its design and awkward to use that is how the exerciser generally feels when using it. In addition, because of the limited exercises possible on many of those apparati, the exerciser is forced to utilize a number of different apparati or impracticably large and expensive multi-station gyms in order to facilitate a full body workout.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This exercise apparatus utilizes the body's own weight for balanced and effective strength and stretch in the manner described herein. The methods of exercise facilitated by this apparatus provide exceptional toning, shaping of the body and the development of a well balanced and naturally developed physique. Use of the apparatus promotes proper biomechanics. This approach to exercise is achieved, principally, by incorporating the body's innate ability to regulate the correct amount of resistance throughout a full range of motion during exercise. This innate ability is known as the body's proprioceptive or kinesthetic sense. This sense informs the user of the degree to which muscles are contracted, the amount of tension created in tendons, the change of position of a joint and the orientation of the head relative to the ground and in response to movements. It also allows the user to estimate weight and to determine the muscular work necessary to perform a task.
Although it is widely known that exercises like push ups, pull ups and triceps dips are very efficient exercises for overall strengthening and shaping, most people do not have sufficient strength to gain full benefit from these types of exercises. They are only able to achieve a few, if any, repetitions of these difficult exercises without straining. This high intensity low repetition type of exercise has a tendency to build a bulky type of musculature and predispose the exerciser to overuse and injury.
In general, to tone muscles and increase muscular endurance, a lower intensity and higher repetition approach to the exercises is required. However, not everyone can do 12-15 or more push ups, pull-ups or triceps dips in a set, even at a maximum level of exertion. And most would not then be capable of performing the multiple sets necessary in the progression of a well designed strength training program.
With multiple quick, and easy adjustments of the exercise apparatus as disclosed herein, the exerciser is able to regulate the difficulty of each exercise naturally. The simple and efficient exercise programs possible with this apparatus provide variety and the ability to progress, which is important for long term benefits and enjoyment. With its fast, efficient and multiple adjustments, this apparatus adjusts to the exerciser's individual shape, size, physique and desired exertion level thus facilitating effective and enjoyable exercise for all users, from beginner to the advanced.
Good posture is one of the key elements to good health and a positive self image. Posture is one of the first things that others notice about a person and can be a sign of poor health and poor self esteem. Poor posture can result in forward tilt of the head, rounding of the shoulders, compression of the internal organs, unnatural curves of the back, and protrusion of the abdominal area. In addition, the spine is exposed to undo stresses which can contribute to chronic back pain, headaches and fatigue. By improving and maintaining correct posture it is possible to add inches to one's functional height.
For most people there is very little that they do on a regular basis that promotes good posture. People often sit at desks, watch computer screens for hours on end and do little, on a regular basis, in the way of exercise. As the body ages the signs and symptoms of the detrimental effects of these habits and the struggle against the force of gravity become more and more manifest in the area of posture and body alignment. The apparatus described herein and the exercises and exercise programs made possible by its design can provide the exerciser with the option of a full body workout and help to facilitate biomechanically correct workouts. Thereby facilitating the strengthening, lengthening, and realigning the overstretched and weak slouched of the mid-back, and the tight, weak and unbalanced musculature of the chest, arms, shoulders, legs and buttocks. This results in the development of proper posture, flexibility and a natural physique.
In addition, because the adjustments of the machine are quick and do not require the burden of adjusting multiple pins, cams, bands or weight stacks, the exerciser can smoothly transition from exercise to exercise without interruption, thereby providing the opportunity not only for an exercise routine that strengthens, aligns and tones the body but one that provides the option of continuous cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise as well. This aerobic exercise option would generally require the exerciser to reduce the amount of load delivered during the exercises so as not to overexert into the anaerobic phase of exercise. This is inevitable while exercising with high loads, speeds and intensities.
Other devices do not provide for convenient means of adjusting the load and or intensity during exercises. The present machine achieves this by the unique load adjustments, body shape and size adjustments and exercise alignment options made possible by the tensile aided, counterweight aided and or the lever locking pin or pin-less vertical adjustment of the apparatus working in concert with the pin or pin-less horizontal exercise handle width adjustments. This along with the unique integration of the proprioceptive senses to facilitate load and intensity provide the exerciser with instantaneous adjustments without interruption of the exercise or exercise session. It is not uncommon for exercisers to alternate the type, variety and intensity of their workout from one exercise day to another. This apparatus allows the exerciser that option.
This application of this method of exercise can be understood by the following descriptions: In the first case, while performing an exercise with the invention, a pull-up for example, the feet can remain on the ground with the chinning bar handles vertically positioned at such a height so that the complete pull up motion of the arms, full range of motion, can be achieved with the feet remaining on the ground to assist in the pull-up. In an exercise regime where the goal is to perform 15 pull up repetitions, by the 15th repetition of a set the exerciser can deliver the exact amount of arm resistance needed through leg assistance, without changing heavy weight plates. Additionally, in an exercise regime where the
Darby & Darby
Mulcahy John
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