Core training bench

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/232,787 filed Aug. 11, 2009.

[0002] Not Applicable.

[0003] Not Applicable.

[0004] A. Field of the Invention

[0005] The field of the present invention relates generally to equipment utilized for exercise and health improvement. In particular, the present invention relates to exercise equipment that is generally configured as a bench. Even more particularly, this invention relates to exercise benches that assist the user with exercising and strengthening the core portion of his or her body.

[0006] B. Background

[0007] Many people exercise to improve their health and fitness levels and as a method to control their weight or to lose weight. One common area of the body that many people desire to improve is commonly referred to as the core area of the body. The core area of the body is generally considered the area at or near the abdomen and lower back. The muscles in the core area are where movement originates and help keep the body stable and balanced. For many people, the core area of their body, and the abdomen in particular, is the part of their body that is most in need of improvement. Unfortunately, this area of the body is generally considered as being the most difficult area to apply exercise routines in a manner that effectively and efficiently improves the person's fitness and physique. With regard to exercises, the typical method of exercising the core area of the body is to perform conventional sit-ups, crunches and back bends. For most people, these exercises are uncomfortable and are difficult to perform properly and, therefore, are not done on a regular basis.

[0008] To assist with improving fitness and/or losing weight, many people utilize specially configured exercise equipment that allows the user to more effectively and efficiently target the area of their body they wish to improve. One such exercise equipment is the exercise bench. In the field of exercise equipment, the use of exercise benches to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of various exercise and fitness routines is well known. Many exercise benches are configured to be part of a larger array of weight lifting or exercise equipment. Generally, the large array type of exercise equipment is very expensive, somewhat massively sized and may not be necessarily efficient for directing exercises to specific areas of the body. Other benches are utilized for weight lifting. Generally, these benches have a support frame that is manufactured out of steel or other strong metals with a padded upper surface, often in the form of a removable pad, on which the user lays. Most of these benches are substantially flat. There are abdominal benches that are specifically configured to exercise the core area of the body by increasing the effectiveness of sit-ups, crunches and back bends. Typically, these benches are shorter than standard weight benches.

[0009] The presently available exercise benches have various limitations and/or disadvantages that prevent users from effectively and efficiently exercising the core area of their body. What is needed, therefore, is an improved exercise bench that is specifically configured to exercise the core area of the user's body. The improved exercise bench should more effectively and efficiently direct the user's exercises to improving the fitness of the core area of his or her body. In addition, the improved exercise bench should assist the user with his or her overall fitness and with controlling or losing weight. The improved exercise bench should be easy to use and made out of materials that are sufficiently durable and long lasting when used for exercise. Preferably, the improved exercise bench will be adjustable to allow users of different sizes to effectively and efficiently utilize the bench to exercise the core area of their body.

[0010] The improved core training bench of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses an improved exercise bench which is specifically configured to allow the user to more effectively and efficiently exercise the core area of his or her body. The core training bench of the present invention has two or more bench sections, with at least one of the bench sections being able to tilt to allow the user to more effectively and efficiently direct certain exercises to the core area of his or her body. As such, the core training bench will improve the user's overall fitness and assist the user with his or her desired weight control or weight loss objectives. The core training bench of the present invention is easy to utilize and is adjustable so as to accommodate users of different sizes. The core training bench can be made out of materials that provide a durable, long lasting exercise bench.

[0011] In a primary embodiment of the present invention, the core training bench generally comprises a bench made up of an upper section generally toward a head end of the core training bench and a lower section generally toward a foot end thereof, a frame that supports the core training bench above a surface such as a floor or the like, at least one first leg member and at least one second leg member that interconnect the frame and the upper section, a lower leg member that interconnects the frame and the lower section and a first pivoting mechanism which pivotally interconnects the lower leg member and the lower section to allow the lower section to pivot or tilt in relation to the lower leg member and the upper section. In the preferred embodiment, the core training bench also comprises a second pivoting mechanism interconnecting the first leg member with the upper bench and/or the frame and interconnecting the second leg member with the upper bench and/or the frame so the upper section can pivot independent of the lower section and the first and second leg members. With both the upper section and lower section able to tilt independently of each other, the bench of the core training bench can be placed in any one of a plurality of different tilt positions so the user can more effectively and efficiently exercise the different muscle groups that make up his or her core. In the preferred embodiment, each of the first leg member, second leg member and lower leg member are telescopically configured so the user can adjust the height, independently, of the upper and lower sections. In a preferred embodiment, the second pivoting means comprises swivel hinges that interconnect the first leg member and the upper bench, the second leg member and the upper bench, the first leg member and the frame and the second leg member and the frame. The preferred core training bench also has an oblique stand removably attached to the frame generally at the foot end of the core training bench, a removable section in the upper section that is sized and configured to removably receive an AB ball therein, a plurality of tension cable hooks attached to the frame for use with rubber tension cables and a grip bar connected to the upper section generally at the head end of the core training bench.

[0012] Accordingly, the primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an improved exercise bench that has the advantages discussed above and which overcomes the various disadvantages and limitations associated with prior art exercise benches.

[0013] It is an important aspect of the present invention to provide an improved exercise bench that allows the user to more effectively and efficiently exercise the core area of his or her body.

[0014] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide an improved exercise bench that facilitates the user being able to exercise the core area of his or her body in a safe manner.

[0015] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide an improved exercise bench that comprises two or more bench sections with at least one of the bench sections being able to tilt to allow the user to more effectively and efficiently exercise the core area of his or her body.

[0016] It is also an important aspect of the present invention to provide a core training bench that has at least an upper section and a lower section that are both configured to tilt independent of each other so the user may place the bench in positions that are most effective and efficient to exercise his or her core area.

[0017] Another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a care training bench that is easy to use, adjustable to fit different sizes of users and made of materials that provide a durable, long-lasting exercise bench.

[0018] Yet another important aspect of the present invention is to provide a core training bench that assists the user with improving his or her overall fitness and physique and with weight loss or other desired body weight objectives.

[0019] The above and other aspects and advantages of the present invention are explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of the above presently described and understood by the claims.

[0030] With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed text and drawings are merely illustrative of one or more preferred embodiments and, as such, disclose one or more different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses are illustrated, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein. For instance, although the figures and description provided herein show certain shapes and configurations for the core training bench and its components, those skilled in the art will generally understand that this is merely for purposes of simplifying this disclosure and that the present invention is not so limited.

[0031] A core training bench that is configured pursuant to one or more of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in FIGS. 1 through 6. The core training bench 10 of the present invention has a first or head end 12 and a second or foot end 14, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, which respectively refers to the position of the user's head and feet when he or she is laying down on the bench 16. The bench 16 has an upper or first bench section 18 and a lower or second bench section 20 that can be adjusted, both in their tilt angle and height, independently of each other (with the terms “upper” and “lower” being associated with the user's body as he or she lies on bench 16). In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, lower section 20 can be inclined relative to the fixed horizontal upper section 18 (as best shown in FIG. 1) or the lower section 20 can be placed in a generally horizontal relationship with the upper section 18 (FIG. 2), depending on the user's exercises and exercise objectives. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7a through 7d, which is the preferred embodiment, both the upper 18 and lower 20 sections can be inclined to achieve the user's exercises and exercise objectives. As shown in FIGS. 7a through 7d, the upper 18 and lower 20 sections can be tilted independently of each other to obtain various relative inclined positions for the two sections 18/20. In addition, as described below, preferably both upper section 18 and lower section 20 of bench 16 are adjustable in height. At the foot end 14 of core training bench 10 is an oblique stand 22 which, in the preferred embodiment, is removably attached to portion of core training bench 10 having bench 16.

[0032] As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, core training bench 10 has a frame 24 that is supported above the ground (though usually only a slight amount) on a plurality of base members 26 that are attached to frame 24. To assist the user with moving the core training bench 10, one or more mobility wheels 28 can be rotatably connected to the frame 24 at or near the head end 12 of core training bench 10 and a handle 30 is provided at or near its foot end 14 (which is shown attached to the oblique stand 22). Interconnecting frame 24 and the upper section 18 of bench 16 are one or more upper section leg members, typically comprising a first leg member 32 towards the head end 12 of core training bench 10, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, and a second leg member 34 at the opposite end of the upper section 18 of bench 16, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. First 32 and second 34 leg members extend generally upward from frame 24 to support the upper section 18 of bench 16 above and in spaced apart relation to the frame 24, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. In the preferred embodiment, first 32 and second 34 leg members are configured to be adjustable in height so the user can adjust the height of the upper section 18 above frame 24. As well known in the art, a preferred mechanism to make the leg members 32/34 adjustable is to have them telescopically configured with a first leg section 36, typically having a plurality of apertures along its length, that is slidably received inside a second leg section 38, typically having a single aperture, and a connecting pin 40 that is received through the aperture of second leg section 38 and a set of apertures of first leg section 36 to fix the length of leg sections 36/38 relative to each other and set the height of upper section 18. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the insert/receiver relationship of the first 36 and second 38 leg sections can be reversed, as illustrated with regard to FIGS. 1 and 5, with the configuration of FIG. 5 generally being the preferred embodiment for strength, stability and safety purposes. If desired, core training bench 10 can be provided with a pin height adjusting mechanism 41, as shown in FIG. 3, that connects to pin 30 and is utilized by the user to selectively adjust the height of leg members 32/34 and, therefore, the height of upper section 18 of bench 16.

[0033] As stated above, in the embodiment of core training bench 10 of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, bench 16 has a separate lower section 20 that can be raised, lowered and tilted relative to the upper section 18, which is configured in this embodiment to remain generally horizontal. The lower section 20 has one or more separate lower or third leg members 42 that are connected to frame 24 to support the lower section 20 above and in spaced apart relation to frame 24. In a preferred configuration for the embodiment of FIG. 1, there is a single lower leg member 42 (as best shown in FIG. 4) and it is adjustable in height by being telescopically configured with a first leg section 44, having a plurality of apertures along its length, that is slidably received in a second leg section 46, having a single aperture, with a connecting pin 48 utilized to fix the height of lower section 20 by being received through the aperture of the second leg section 46 and one set of apertures in first leg section 44. A first pivoting mechanism 50 positioned at the upper end of the lower leg member 42 interconnects the lower leg member 42 and lower section 20 of bench 16. First pivoting mechanism 50 should be configured to allow the user to easily and quickly adjust the degree of tilt for lower section 20 and then fixedly secure the lower section 20 at the desired angle. Preferably, the first pivoting mechanism 50 also utilizes a removable connecting pin 52 to fix the angle of the lower section 20 relative to the upper section 18 of bench 16.

[0034] As stated above, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 5 through 7d, the upper section 18 of bench 16 is also configured to tilt or incline, in corresponding or contrasting relation to the incline angle of the lower section 20, as shown in FIGS. 7a through 7d. To achieve the desired tilting, the upper section 18 has a second pivoting mechanism 80 associated with upper section 18 and configured to incline upper section 18, as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7c, and decline upper section 18, as shown in FIGS. 7b and 7d. Second pivoting mechanism 80 should be configured to allow the user to quickly, easily and safely tilt the upper section 18 in the desired direction and then fixedly secure the upper section 18 in the desired inclination, which may be inclining, declining or horizontal. In one embodiment, the second pivoting mechanism 80 comprises a first upper swivel hinge 82 at the upper end of the first leg members 32 and a second upper swivel hinge 84 at the upper end of the second leg members 34, as best shown in FIG. 5. The first 82 and second 84 upper swivel hinges are configured to pivotally interconnect the upper end of leg members 32/34, respectively, to the upper section 18 of bench 16. Preferably, the second pivoting mechanism 80 also comprises a first lower swivel hinge 86 at the lower end of the first leg members 32 and a second lower swivel hinge 88 at the lower end of the second leg members 34, as best shown in FIG. 5. First 86 and second 88 lower swivel hinges are configured to pivotally interconnect the lower end of the leg members 32/34, respectively, to frame 24. To facilitate the user setting and fixing the desired angle of incline/decline for upper section 18, the preferred configuration also includes an incline/decline bracket 90 having a plurality of bracket apertures 91 that are each configured to receive a pull pin 92 cooperatively inserted though an aperture in first upper swivel hinge 82, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 7a through 7d, the upper section 18 and lower section 20 can, depending on the user's preferences, type of exercise and target muscles, be placed in a variety of different tilt positions. In FIG. 7a, the bench 16 is placed in first tilt position 94 where it inclines toward the head end 12 (the inclining position). In FIG. 7b, the bench 16 is placed in second tilt position 96, with both the upper section 18 and lower section 20 tilting downward from the junction (whether they actually abut or not) of the two sections 18/20. In FIG. 7c, the bench 16 is placed in third tilt position 98, with both the upper section 18 and lower section 20 tilting upward from the junction of the two sections 18/20. In FIG. 7d, the bench is placed in fourth tilt position 100 where it declines toward the head end 12 (the declining position). As stated above, the user of core training bench 10 of the present invention can selectively place the bench 16 in a horizontal position, such as shown in FIG. 5, any of the tilt positions 94, 96, 98 and 100 to achieve the user's exercises and exercise objectives. In a preferred embodiment, bench 16 will be able to be placed in an inclining position with an angle of approximately 45 degrees and be placed in a declining position with an angle of approximately 25 degrees. The pull pin 92 locks the incline/decline bracket 90 in the desired position. The swivel hinges 82, 84, 86 and 88 should be selected so as to allow the user to smoothly reposition the bench 16 to the desired angle. First leg members 32 and second leg members 34 will swivel to achieve the desired incline/decline setting.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 6, fixedly attached at or near the head end 12 of core training bench 10 is a grip bar 54 that can be utilized by the user when he or she is laying on bench 16 to perform a variety of different exercises directed to the core area of his or her body. The grip bar 54 should extend outwardly from the head end of the upper bench 18 and be slightly raised above the level of the bench 16, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. The grip bar 54 must be sufficiently secured to upper bench 18 so the user can pull his or her weight against the grip bar 54 while performing exercises.

[0037] As stated above, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention the oblique stand 22 is removably attached to the portion of the core training bench 10 having bench 16. In a preferred configuration, a portion of the frame of the oblique stand 22 is slidably received in a portion of the frame of the bench 16, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. A connecting pin 56 is utilized to allow the user to easily and quickly connect or disconnect the oblique stand 22 from the bench 16 of core training bench 10. In a preferred embodiment, oblique stand 22 comprises an upwardly disposed oblique frame 58 having a pair of upper leg pads 60 rotatably attached thereto and a pair of lower/ankle pads 62 rotatably attached thereto. The preferred oblique stand 22 also comprises a foot plate 64. The configuration and use of upper leg pads 60, lower/ankle pads 62 and foot plate 64 are generally well known in the art of exercise benches.

[0038] As well known in the art, frame 24, handle 30, leg members 32/34, lower leg member 42, first pivoting mechanism 50, second pivoting mechanism 80, grip bar 54 and oblique frame 58 can be manufactured out of steel or other strong metal. If desired, some of these components may be able to be manufactured out of various non-metal materials, particularly out of certain composite materials, to reduce the weight and, perhaps, the cost of core training bench 10. As also well known in the art, at least the upper surface of 66 of upper section 18 and the upper surface 68 of lower section 20 are covered with a vinyl (or other relatively soft material) covered padding for the comfort of the user as he or she lays on bench 16 when using core training bench 10. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the size and configuration of the upper section 18 and lower section 20 can be selected so as to be a generally rectangular shape (FIG. 2) or various other modified shapes (e.g., FIG. 6) as desired by the manufacturers of core training bench 10. Preferably, grip bar 54 and leg pads 60/62 are covered with a non-slip material to improve the user's grip on grip bar 54 and to reduce the rotating of leg pads 60/62. All of the materials, particularly the cover materials described above, should be selected so as to provide a relatively long life for core training bench 10 when utilized in the intended manner. In a preferred embodiment of core training bench 10, the upper section 28 of bench 16 has a removable section 70, shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, that can be removed from upper section 18 to provide a cavity or hole which is sized and configured to removably receive an AB ball, which is well known in the art, therein to allow the user to improve the effectiveness and/or efficiency of his or her AB-related exercises. The various connecting pins 40, 48, 52 and 56 and pull pin 92 that are utilized with core training bench 10 must be manufactured out of metal or other materials which are sufficiently strong to withstand the forces that will be applied to these connecting mechanisms so as to fixedly secure the various components together as desired by the user.

[0039] To further improve the versatility and usability of core training bench 10 of the present invention, a plurality of tension cable hooks 102 can be fixedly or removably attached to frame 24, such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The tension cable hooks 102 are placed in spaced apart relation along frame 24 and are configured for use with rubber tension cables (not shown) for use a weight training workout. The locations of the tension cable hooks 102 and the configuration thereof shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are for exemplary purposes only. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, a wide variety of locations along frame 24 can be suitable for attachment of tension cable hooks 102 and the hooks 102 can have a different shape than that shown in FIG. 9.

[0040] In use, a person using core training bench 10 will be able to perform a variety of core area specific exercises by utilizing the components of the present invention and by adjusting these components to suit their size and the exercise to be performed. Because of the adjustability of the components, the user will be able to better focus on the target areas of their core area that he or she needs to improve so as to be more fit, providing a much more effective and efficient workout. In addition, the adjustability of the components make the core training bench 10 more comfortable to use, which will likely increase the user's use of the present invention. As set forth above, the components are easy to adjust or connect using the various connecting pins 40, 48, 52, 56 and 92. If desired, the lower section 20 can be placed in an aligned position with upper section 18 to provide a bench 16 that is substantially planar and the user can utilize the core training bench 10 of the present invention as a standard or conventional exercise bench. In the preferred use, however, the core training bench 10 is specifically utilized to exercise the abdominal area, lower back and oblique muscles of the user so as to improve his or her core area fitness. In addition, in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5 the user can change the tilt relationship between the upper section 18 and the lower section 20 to achieve a generally planar/horizontal position and any one of the tilt positions 94, 96, 98 and 100 to help the user more effectively and efficiently achieve his or her desired fitness results.

[0041] While there are shown and described herein a specific form of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to any dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.