Strength training workout bench

[0001] This invention relates to a persons strength training and balance while supported by a body length flexible cushion. The cushion instability allows movement and muscle activation while supporting the spine and neck. Footrest protrusions provide support and stability while working out.

[0002] Physical training and work out is a part of daily life for thousands of people over the world. A need for a work out medium which will support a body length when lying down and still allow movement of the body muscles is evident. Weck and Cotter 6422983 shows us the very popular spherical shaped Bosu ball design which provides a flexible single point support platform for stability training. The potential of misuse is great since only a local support of the body is achieved.

[0003] The proposed rectangular strength training work out bench overcomes this potential problem by supporting the body over its length allowing very active training in both the floor position for beginners and the elevated bench position for advanced work out.

[0004] In accordance with the present invention an object of the invention is to provide a workout platform that supports the entire weight of a person while allowing the movement of the body muscles with the head neck and spine held in suspension as movement is achieved. The legs of the preferred bench embodiment are removable allowing a safe floor platform for the beginner to workout on while the elevated configuration provides increased freedom of movement for the user while being stabilized using the foot rest protrusions provided on the far end of the rectangular cushioned platform.

[0010] Reference to FIG. 1 shows a work out bench having a rectangular steel frame 1 surrounding a flexible air filled plastic cushion 2 supported by a base board 3 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 resting on cross brace 4, 5 & 6 attached to the rectangular steel frame 1.

[0011] Reference to FIG. 5 The air filled flexible cushion 2 resting on the base board 3 is clamped in place by molded plastic retainers 7, 8, 9 and 10 which are bolted to the steel frame 1 with self threading screws 18 into the plastic retainers 7, 8, 9 & 10. The base board 3 and retainers 7, 8, 9 & 10 capture the surrounding edge of the air filled flexible cushion 2 as shown in FIG. 5.

[0012] The plastic retainer 10 see FIG. 1 on the foot end of the workout bench is wide with a step in width from the adjacent retainers 7 and 8 providing a resting place for your feet when working out on the work out bench.

[0013] The elevated bench assembly shown in FIG. 1 rests on legs 12, 13 and cross brace 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. The legs are attached by removable means to cross brace 4, 5 & 6 shown in FIG. 3. Removal of the legs 12, 13 and cross brace 14 allows the work out bench to be placed directly on the floor resting on rubber bumpers 15 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to be used as a beginners bench configuration as seen in FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows the flexible air filled cushion 2 resting on the base 3 surrounded by the rectangular steel frame 1. The edge of the flexible air filled cushion 2 is molded integral to the cushion and provides a semi rigid periphery to the flexible air filled cushion such that when clamped between the base 3 and the retainers 7,8,9 and 10 surrounded by the rectangular steel frame the flexible air filled cushion expands upwards when air pressure is applied through port 16 filling the molded rectangular shape of the cushion as required to support the full weight of a person exercising on the work out bench. Fill port 16 shown in FIGS. 3, 4 & 5 is centrally located in the lower surface of the air filled plastic cushion such as to be accessible from the bottom of the work out bench through a access hole 17 located in the base 3. Proper air filling of the cushion 2 provides support for various weight individuals. Air filling can be adjusted by removing the filler plug 11 shown in FIG. 5 and adding or releasing air pressure to the cushion 2 and then replacing the filter plug 11 when the cushion 2 is properly inflated. Because of the large surface area of the flexible plastic cushion relative to an individuals size, pressure to support the individual laying down on the cushion requires only a low level of air pressure dependant on the weight of the individual using the workout bench.