Knee-chest rowing bench

[0001] This invention was disclosed in Disclosure Document No. 514,906 filed Jul. 15, 2002.

[0002] The present invention is directed to the field of exercise devices. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a bench which supports the user's weight via a kneeling bench and a headrest leaving a zone from the mid-sternum to the knees open to permit a rowing arm motion.

[0003] The exercise equipment industry has mushroomed in the last 10 years. In the same time period, health clubs have grown in numbers and membership. The equipment used in health clubs is typically complex and expensive. Home gymnasiums, while providing numerous exercise options, are often complicated and difficult to use. Our lives, already complicated by work and family, cry out for simplicity to provide relief in the area of exercise.

[0004] The knee-chest rowing bench of the present invention provides a simplicity that is elegant, providing a face-downward support that comfortably supports the user's weight while permitting a significant range of motion for both arms simultaneously or, each arm individually. The user can use the bench with free weights such as barbells and dumbbells or with weight stacks employing cables and pulleys. The bench of the present invention is designed to provide the benefits of the barbell bent over rowing without the risks. Bent over rows are very effective exercise for the upper back but a dangerously strenuous exercise for the lower back.

[0005] Other attempts at providing a supported-type of bent-over row unit have typically relied on a long-axis support (i.e., a padded board) which runs continuously from episternal notch down to the umbilicus (navel) or lower. However, this type of support creates two problems: first, it interferes with breathing due to compressing the rib cage and abdomen against the board. Second, the support board acts as an obstacle or barrier since, in this exercise, the barbell is meant to be pulled into a zone ranging from just inferior to the nipple line (imaginary horizontal line connecting both nipples) down to the umbilicus. In this instance, the support board acts to decrease the effective range of motion (ROM).

[0006] One arm dumbbell rows are sometimes performed as a substitute for barbell bent-over rows. However, this exercise is considered secondary, at best, in terms of effectiveness. Furthermore, the stabilizing arm, which is kept straight, tends to bear an increased amount of stress to the shoulder and rotator cuff musculature.

[0007] The knee-chest rowing bench of the present invention includes plural support surfaces including a kneeling platform at a first level for supporting a majority of the user's body weight in a kneeling position at a height in the range from one foot to two feet from a floor; a headrest for at a second level above said first level for supporting the user's head in a face down orientation; the plural support surfaces supporting the user's full weight leaving unencumbered a zone at least between the user's mid-sternum and navel to facilitate arm motion and breathing at a height sufficient to permit the user's arms to swing in a fully extended position without contacting the floor.

[0008] The exercise bench preferably has means to adjust both the horizontal and vertical distances between the headrest and the kneeling bench, in order to comfortably accommodate individual body sizes and shapes. The headrest preferably has an opening in its upper supporting surface to comfortably accommodate the user's face. The angularity of the headrest is preferably adjustable between a range of 25° and 35°, again, in order to accommodate personal preference and afford maximum comfort. A pair of, preferably, vertically oriented handles are positioned either side of the headrest to provide the user balance while doing rowing exercises with the opposite hand.

[0009] The knee-chest rowing bench of the present invention is geared to the serious weight trainee, be it a school athlete, body builder, fitness enthusiast or dedicated home trainee.

[0010] Various other features, advantages and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after a reading of the following specification.

[0014] A first embodiment of the knee-chest rowing bench of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 generally at 20. Exercise bench 20 of the present invention has two main components: kneeling bench 22 and head rest 30. Kneeling bench 20 supports the majority of the user's body weight in kneeling position on support pad 24 via legs 26 a distance α from the nearest floor, in this case, support pallet 25. The distance α is preferably in the range of between one foot and two feet from the floor with α most preferably being 18″. This distance, coupled with the upward body slant afforded by the position of head rest 30, will enable the user to freely swing her/his arm beneath her/him without contacting the floor 25. While knee-chest rowing bench 20 is shown anchored to a support pallet, in a health club environment, elements 22 and 30 could obviously be mounted directly to the floor. Legs 26 are shown mounted on tracks 28 to permit toward and away movement relative to the head rest 30. This enables bench 20 to comfortably accommodate different sized body frames.

[0015] Head rest 30 has a face opening 32 to permit the user to support her/his head on the pillow 34 without smashing her/his nose. This provides head/neck support in neutral position without any rotation or extension of the cervical spine. In addition, opening 32 will permit some visibility of the hand motion during the exercise. It is contemplated that if bench 20 is employed for home use, the user will most typically use hand weights to swing to-and-fro in a sweeping motion beneath her/his suspended frame. Both arms can be swung simultaneously, while using a barbell or pair of dumbbells. By grasping handle 36 on the offside for balance while alternately working the arm/shoulder muscles of first the left side and then the right, dumbbell rows could also be performed one arm at a time. While the handles 36 have been shown as extending laterally, for ease of depiction, they will more preferably, have a vertically extending, graspable portion to enhance stability of the user. A pair of racks 42 (one shown) are positioned on the front of the support stand 38 to accommodate a barbell (not shown). It will be understood that the racks 42 could be free standing supporting the barbell in a similar position. The user may grasp the barbell with both hands and pull it upwardly to contact her/his chest in a rowing motion. Since the knee-chest rowing bench of the present invention leaves the user's torso unencumbered, this rowing exercise, as well as a number of others, is facilitated.

[0016] Two additional adjustments are provided; first, the height of support stand 38 can be adjusted vertically, again, to accommodate various builds of users. The adjustment is shown as a pin in aligned holes of telescoping tubes, although it will be appreciated that other adjustment means could be used. Second, the tilt angle of the head rest 30 can be adjusted, preferably within a range of 25° and 35° from horizontal, by loosening then tightening knurled knobs 40 to lock head rest 30 at the desired angular position, although it will be appreciated that other adjustment means could be used.

[0017] By adjusting the distance between the kneeling bench 22 and head rest 30, the height of head rest 30 and the angle of pillow 34, the exercise bench 20 of the present invention can be configured to comfortably accommodate any user. The handles 36 afford a means of balance for the offhand side while the user uses free weights or weight stacks to exercise the opposite arm/shoulder muscle group. The knee-chest rowing bench 20 of the present invention provides a simple, effective bench permitting upper body exercises, particularly barbell bent-over rows, 2-arm dumbbell rows, and 1-arm dumbbell rows. These exercises can be performed by a user who is comfortably positioned without a) compromising lower back or shoulder safety (as free standing versions do) and b) compromising breathing and range of motion (as supported versions do).

[0018] Various changes, alternatives and modifications will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art following a reading of the foregoing specification. It is intended that any such changes, alternatives and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims be considered part of the present invention.