Recumbent exercise apparatus with leg curl

• US 6,645,129 B2
• Filed: 03/20/2001
• Issued: 11/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paul William Eschenbach
• Original Assignee: Paul William Eschenbach
• Inventors: Eschenbach, Paul William
• Primary Examiner(s): Lucchesi, Nicholas D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TAM M
• Application Number:
  US09/811,742
• Publication Number:
  US 20020037793A1
• Time in Patent Office: 966 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482/57, 482/58, 482/59, 482/60, 482/63, 482/64, 482/121, 482/122, 482/126, 482/124, 482/140, 482/53, 482/100, 482/135
• US Class Current: 482/140
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2023/0441 cantilevered about two horizontal axes, e.g. parallelogram systems
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/152 Bowden-type cables
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0247 with legs in a kneeled 90/90 position
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0211 moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0233 Muscles of the back, e.g. by an extension of the body against a resistance, reverse crunch
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0429 with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by being cantilevered about a horizontal axis

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of pull/push exercise with an exercise machine that exercises the abdominal, back and leg muscles with the operator recumbent in the face upwards position. Foot contacts follow an arcuate curve path positioned above the recumbent operator. Resistance is provided for each foot contact where the abdominal muscles of the operator pull the lower leg contact towards the operator. Handles are provided to support the arms of the operator. A situp assist device can be used in conjunction with leg pull to exercise the upper abdominals. A leg curl feature is added to the apparatus to allow leg curls. Weight stack resistance is also available.

Claims

1. An exercise machine for allowing a recumbent operator to move each foot of the operator through an arcuate curve comprising:

a framework, said framework configured to be supported by a supporting surface;

a pair of support links for each said foot, said support links pivotally connected to said framework;

a guide link for each foot, said guide link pivotally connected to said corresponding support links wherein a portion of said guide link follows said arcuate curve;

a pair of lower leg contacts for each foot, said lower leg contacts attached to said portion of said corresponding guide link;

said lower leg contacts configured to move relative to said framework when said feet of said recumbent operator applies force towards said operator upon said guide link whereby said lower leg contacts follow said arcuate curve with the hip of said recumbent operator positioned below said arcuate curve.

2. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said guide links move independently of each other.

3. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a heel contact for each foot, said heel contact attached to a guide link extension whereby said operator in a face down position applies force to said heel contact moving said heel contact towards said operator for leg curl exercise.

4. The exercise machine according to claim 1 wherein said lower leg contacts comprise rollers attached to said guide link.

5. The exercise machine according to claim 4 wherein one of said rollers contacts the instep of the foot to apply force upon said guide link.

6. The exercise machine according to claim 4 wherein one of said rollers contacts the heel of the foot to apply force upon said guide link.

7. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a means for resistance, said means for resistance operably associated with said guide links and said framework.

8. The exercise machine according to claim 7 wherein said means for resistance comprises an adjustable damping means for variable resistance.

9. The exercise machine according to claim 7 wherein said means for resistance comprises an elastic member adjustably associated with said guide link and said framework for variable resistance.

10. The exercise machine according to claim 7 wherein said means for resistance comprises a weight stack, said weight stack operably associated with said guide link for the selection of different gravity loading.

11. The exercise machine according to claim 10 further comprising a cable and pulley system, said cable and pulley system operably associated with said weight stack and said guide link to provide gravity resistance against foot movement.

12. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a means to assist the operator with exercise of the upper abdominals, said means including a tubular structure configured to support the head of the operator during exercise.

13. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a bench to support the back of said operator, said bench having a means to adjust said bench to vary the angle of said bench relative to the supporting surface.

14. The exercise machine according to claim 13 further comprising a means to assist the operator with exercise of the upper abdominals, said means including a tubular structure operably associated with said bench and configured to support the head of the operator during exercise.

15. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of handles, each said handle attached to said framework to provide upper body support during exercise.

16. The exercise machine according to claim 1 further comprising an adjustable means to limit the range of movement of said guide links, said adjustable means operably associated with said framework and said support links.

17. An exercise machine for use with an operator generally in a prone position with the face of said operator downward, comprising;

a framework configured to be supported by a surface;

a pair of support links for each foot of said operator, said support links pivotally connected to said framework;

a guide link for each foot, said guide link pivotally connected to said corresponding support links wherein a portion of said guide link follows said arcuate curve;

a pair of heel contacts, each said heel contact attached to said corresponding guide link;

a means for resistance, said means for resistance operably associated with said guide link and said framework;

said heel contact configured to move relative to said &

framework when a lower leg of said operator is moving said guide link towards said operator wherein the movement of said heel contact provides said operator with leg curl exercise.

18. The exercise machine according to claim 17 wherein said heel contact comprises a roller attached to said guide link.

19. The exercise machine according to claim 17 further comprising a means for lower leg contact whereby said means for lower leg contact allows exercise of the abdominal muscles.

20. The exercise machine according to claim 17 wherein said means for resistance comprises an adjustable weight stack operably associated with said guide link.

21. The exercise machine according to claim 17 wherein said means for resistance comprises an elastic member adjustably associated with said guide link and said framework for variable resistance.

22. The exercise machine according to claim 17 further comprising an adjustable means to limit the range of movement of said guide links, said adjustable means operably associated with said framework and said support links.

23. An exercise machine for use with an operator generally in a prone position with face upwards, comprising;

a base configured to be supported;

a pair of support links for each foot of said operator, each said pair of support links operably associated with said base;

a pair of foot contacts, each said foot contact operably associated with said pair of support links for a back and forth movement above the hip of said operator;

a means to assist the operator in the exercise of the upper abdominals, said means operably associated with said base,

said foot contact configured to move relative to said base when said foot of said operator is moving towards said operator whereby the lower and upper abdominal muscles can be exercised.

24. The exercise machine according to claim 23 further comprising a pair of pivot links, each said pivot link operably associated with said pair of support links and said foot contact.

25. The exercise machine according to claim 23 wherein said foot contact comprises a means for the instep of the foot to apply force upon said pair of support links.

26. The exercise machine according to claim 23 further comprising a means for resistance, said means for resistance operably associated with said foot contact and said base.

27. The exercise machine according to claim 23 wherein said means to assist the operator with exercise of the upper abdominals comprises a tubular structure, said tubular structure configured to support the head of the operator during exercise.