Multi-adjustable exercise bench

Details Multi-adjustable exercise bench Multi-adjustable exercise bench

1999-02-22

2001-09-11

Donnelly, Jerome W. (Department: 3764)

Exercise devices

Support for entire body of user

C482S130000, C482S104000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06287243

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to exercise benches, and more particularly to a multi-adjustable exercise bench wherein adjustment of the back rest angle relative to a bench supporting surface also automatically adjusts the bottom rest to an appropriate corresponding angle. The adjustable exercise bench of the present invention includes a frame assembly, a back rest pivotally connected to the frame assembly, and a bottom rest pivotally connected at a first pivot to the back rest and at a second pivot to the frame assembly.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Exercise benches are commonly used in athletic facilities and homes to enable the performance of a variety of exercises, often involving weight training. Depending on the desired use, an individual may need a fixed horizontal bench or a bench capable of providing various back rest angles relative to the surface on which the bench is supported. Manufacturers have provided fixed horizontal benches, benches with an adjustable back rest, and benches with an adjustable back rest and separately adjustable bottom rest. Benches of these types have significant drawbacks. For example, a bench which remains horizontal relative to the bench supporting surface, such as a floor, limits the variety of exercises the user may perform. A bench having only an adjustable back rest does not provide a sound foundation for the user because the user tends to slide forward on the horizontal bottom rest while performing exercises. A bench with a separately adjustable back rest and bottom rest theoretically can provide appropriate back rest and corresponding bottom rest angles. However, this latter type of bench is inconvenient due to the multiple adjustment mechanisms needed to try to optimize the angle of the bottom rest relative to the back rest. Moreover, this type of bench requires the user to have knowledge of the appropriate settings to achieve proper angular adjustments. In addition, this type of prior art bench tends to have a common pivot axis on the frame for both the back rest and bottom rest. A common pivot for both the back rest and bottom rest is disadvantageous because the bottom rest should ideally be moved lower toward the bench supporting surface when the back rest is in more upright positions. The common pivot typically requires the leading edge of the bottom rest to be moved upward to tilt the bottom rest. This tends to force apart the legs of the user and tends to increase lower back hyperextension.
More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,510 disclosed an exercise bench having a relatively complicated structure wherein adjustment of the angle of the back rest simultaneously provides limited adjustment of the angle of the bottom rest relative to the bench supporting surface. This patent discloses multiple back rest positions, yet the bottom rest only attains a horizontal position (relative to the floor) and two other angled positions. Thus, the appropriate bottom rest position is not attained for each respective back rest angle. Moreover, when the bottom rest is tilted toward the back rest, a significant portion of the bottom rest rises, moving further away from the bench supporting surface. Hence the user experiences the same disadvantages of the earlier prior art, such as forcing apart of the legs and tendency to increase lower back hyperextension.
In light of the shortcomings of prior art exercise benches, it is desirable to have a relatively simple adjustable exercise bench which can be placed in a horizontal position and which also can provide multiple back rest angles and multiple bottom rest angles. It is further desirable that such an exercise bench have a single adjustment mechanism which adjusts the back rest angle and simultaneously automatically adjusts the bottom rest to an appropriate corresponding angle. It is also advantageous to have the bottom rest move downward toward the bench supporting surface as the back rest is moved to more upright positions. It is still further advantageous to have the bottom rest have a greater angle relative to the bench supporting surface when the back rest is in intermediate positions between horizontal and the most upright position. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, while providing the above mentioned desirable features of a multi-adjustable exercise bench.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description and drawings that follow, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention disclosed and claimed herein.
The present invention is generally embodied in an improved multi-adjustable exercise bench. The multi-adjustable exercise bench comprises a frame assembly, a back rest pivotally connected to the frame assembly, and a bottom rest pivotally connected at a first pivot to the back rest at a location spaced apart from the pivotal connection of the back rest to the frame assembly and pivotally connected at a second pivot to the frame assembly. Adjustment of the frame assembly to move the back rest from a first angle to a second angle relative to a bench supporting surface automatically moves the bottom rest from a first angle to a second angle relative to the back rest.
In a further aspect of the invention, the frame assembly has a base frame, a first strut and a second strut. The first strut has a first end connected to the back rest and a second end connected to the base frame. The second strut has a first end connected to the bottom rest and a second end connected to the base frame.
In another aspect of the invention, the bottom rest has a first end and a second end. The bottom rest is pivotally connected to the back rest proximate the first end of the bottom rest. Also, the first end of the bottom rest moves closer to the bench supporting surface as the angle of the back rest to the bench supporting surface is increased.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the multi-adjustable exercise bench comprises a frame, a back rest pivotally connected to the frame, and a bottom rest pivotally connected to the back rest. The bench has a first strut having first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the back rest. The bench also has a second strut having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the bottom rest.
In still another aspect of the invention, the multi-adjustable exercise bench comprises a frame, a back rest pivotally connected to the frame, and a bottom rest pivotally connected to the back rest at a location spaced apart from the pivotal connection of the back rest to the frame. The bench has a first strut having a first end connected to the frame and a second end connected to the back rest. The first strut is adapted to support the back rest in a plurality of different positions which are defined by the angle of the back rest relative to the bench supporting surface. The bench also has a second strut having a first end pivotally connected to the frame and a second end pivotally connected to the bottom rest. Movement of the back rest between the positions automatically adjusts the angle of the back rest and the angle of the bottom rest relative to the bench supporting surface.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4653751 (1987-03-01), Green
patent: 5069447 (1991-12-01), Snyderman
patent: 5429570 (1995-07-01), Beyer
patent: 5462510 (1995-10-01), Ish, III
patent: 5882283 (1999-03-01), Stevens
patent: 5921897 (1999-07-01), Stevens
Photograph—CYBEX 5440 Adjustable Incline Bench.
Photograph—CYBEX 5435 Adjustable Flat-To-80° Bench.
Photograph—CadEx B200 Multi-purpose bench.
Photograph—Paramount PFW 6200 Flat/Incline Bench.
Photograph—Body Masters B117 Multi-Purpose Incline/Flat Bench.

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