IE86766B1 - An apparatus for guided resistance movements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for controlled or guided resistance movements for increased hypertrophy, through the maximisation of the concentric, eccentric and isometric movements for training specific combinations and isolations of the Rhomboid, lower Trapezius and Latisimus Dorsi muscles, in order to improve muscle condition, improve posture, and aid in the treatment of posture related conditions. The apparatus provides a unique range and orientation of resistance to body movements. thereby providing an apparatus via which the individual can achieve greater hypertrophy of the Rhomboid, Trapezius and Latisimus Dorsi muscles. This in turn leads to improved posture and may contribute to the reduction of poor-posture related conditions such as neck pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, incorrect spinal curvature, poor alignment and others. <Figure 2>

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements for increased hypertrophy, through the maximisation of the concentric, eccentric and isometric movements for training specific combinations and isolations of the Rhomboid, lower Trapezius and Latisimus Dorsi muscles, in order to improve muscle condition, muscle endurance, muscle strength, improve posture, and aid in the treatment of posture related conditions.

The apparatus is therefore directed towards providing an improved mechanism and method via use of the apparatus, for training and improving the condition, strength and Local Muscular Endurance, of the Rhomboid muscles, lower Trapezius muscles and Latisimus Dorsi muscles with the aim of correcting or improving posture, reducing posture and spinal curvature-related conditions and improving bodily alignment.

The apparatus provides a mechanism for controlling the movement of muscles and joints by providing thorough resistance and isolating the said muscles of the back, necessarily to reach greater levels of hypertrophy of, and improvement to conditions related to poor Local Muscular Endurance of the Rhomboids, Trapezius and Latisimus Dorsi muscles at the location between the shoulder blades in the mid to upper back.

The invention relates to purposes of physical exercise and development via the execution of a variation of exercises, and to purposes of a medical or physical rehabilitation nature such as posture and alignment improvement and indirect supplementation to treatments for incorrect posture and incorrect alignment or related conditions.

Background to the invention Poor posture has become a major contributor to several undesirable physical ailments in modern times as a result of seated professions, use of modern technology and lack of physical activity in general, along with many other less common contributors.

Poor posture can lead to incorrect spinal alignment, neck and shoulder pain, lower and general back pain, and can also indirectly exacerbate conditions such as sciatica, poor hip flexibility and other such symptoms or results of incorrect spinal alignment. These are growing areas of concern for general populations and can be expensive, timeconsuming and difficult to treat effectively.

Currently, a combination of different exercises and equipment are used to train this specific group of muscles. However these are limited in scope and do not allow the Rhomboid, Trapezius and Latisimus Dorsi muscles to reach maximum concentricity.

Some current methods for training the Rhomboids consist of traditional rows, reverse bench, inclined pull-ups, bent-over rows and various other similar exercises. None of these provide resistance throughout the entire spectrum of movement, and neither do any of the aforementioned provide the unique arc orientation of resistance as does the present invention.

Resistance bands are often used in adduction and abduction to target these muscles, however the range is again limited and the direction of necessary movement and resistance is very limited and often totally inadequate in comparison to that of the herein-stated invention. There is no single device, accessory or utility known to the author immediately nor through research, which allows for such precise isolation of the Rhomboid muscles and for training this specific combination of back and postureassisting muscles.

The training of these specific muscles can greatly assist in the correction and improvement of posture, reduction of pain in all areas of the back, shoulders and neck, and may indirectly help to improve many other conditions related to poor posture, seated occupations, and back pain, such as hip pain, sciatica, nervous and shoulder pain.

The closest existing alternative known to the inventor is the Cable Cross-over machine. This machine is commonly found only in large gyms as the machine itself is extremely large and heavy, approximately 4 to 5 metres in length, 1 metre in depth and 2.5 to 3 metres in height. At each end of this machine there is a weight-plate stack which is connected via cables to handles which are pulled by the user in various directions. The resistance provided by this machine is that of a “dead weight” and is confined to opposing the user’s exerted force by returning the handies to the fixed anchor/pulley point of the respective cables.

There is therefore a need for a more compact and versatile apparatus with which to effectively train and strengthen the Rhomboid, Lower Trapezius and Latisimus Dorsi muscles.

Brief description of the drawings In order that the invention be more fully understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations wherein: Fig 1: Shows a back view of the body in a first phase of movement. The positioning of 5 the apparatus in this instance can be seen as the flexible resistance rod (1) straight, with the gripping handles (2) pointing toward the end of the flexible rod (1).

Fig 2: Shows a back view of the body in a second phase of movement. The positioning of the apparatus in this instance can be seen as the gripping handles (2) pointing io toward the central point of the flexible resistance rod (1) which is bent due to the force being exerted. It shows the gripping handle angle for gripping purchase (4) when in use and the movement required for the performance of the Rhomboid (6) isolating exercise.

Also shown is the unique orientation of the resistance (5) provided by the apparatus and the positioning of the Rhomboid (6), Lower Trapezius (8) and Latisimus Dorsi (7) muscles.

Fig 3: Shows a cross sectional view of the “running-track”-like section of the flexible resistance rod (1). Also shown is the end view of the rod collar (3), gripping handle (2), hard-wearing strip (9), handle insertion (10), threaded bar (11), pressure plate (12) and rubber coating (13).

Detailed description The invention comprises a single flexible “running-track-section” resistance rod (1) accompanied by two gripping handles (2). The resistance rod is composed of any suitable resistance-providing material and coated with any suitable finishing material, which in this embodiment is a rubber coating (13), Attached to the rubber coating (13) is a receiver strip (9) positioned to allow connection between a pressure plate (12) and the rod (1). Above this receiver strip (9) is the pressure plate (12) on which a threaded bar (11) is set. The threaded bar (11) leading upwards from the pressure plate (12) through a handle insertion collar (10) to the adjustable gripping handles (2). A collar (3) may be run from the handle insertion collar (10), around the width of flexible rod to the opposite end of the handle insertion collar (10) for added protection and comfort.

This combination of the receiver strip (9), handle-insertion collar (10), a threaded bar (11) and pressure plate (12) shall be referred to as the clamping mechanism.

The gripping handles (2) are intended for use when positioned on the rod (1) via the clamping mechanism and at an adjustable distance back from the edge of the flexible resistance rod (1) at either end.

The angle of each gripping handle (2) may be adjustable, allowing gripping position to flow with the individuals naturally most comfortable angle for gripping. The gripping handles (2) can be thread-fixed as bolts, clamp-fixed for ease of adjustment and precision placement or otherwise anchored in position and can be removable for adjustment and storage.

The gripping handles (2) may have a hard, thin foam grip and can be constructed from tubular steel or other suitable materials. The gripping handles (2) may angle toward the centre of the rod (1) or toward the end of the rod, or toward any orientation in the median to allow the performance of a wide variety of supplementary exercises.

The gripping handles (2) may be fixed into the collar (3) whereby the gripping handle (2) is allowed to be turned clockwise and anti-clockwise freely but without any movement perpendicular to its insertion.

The rod (1) may be surfaced with a hard-wearing receiver strip (9), to accommodate the clamping mechanism for the gripping handles (2) and provide a hard-wearing grounding plate, thereby increasing the life-span of the apparatus. The resistance rod (1) may be composed of any of several suitable materials. io Within the cylinder of the gripping handle (2) sits the threaded bar (11) which attaches permanently to the pressure plate (12) to make contact with the hard-wearing receiver strip (9) on the flexible rod (1) upon clockwise rotation of the gripping handle (2). (Fig 3). As the gripping handle (2) is turned clockwise or anti-clockwise, this may cause the threaded bar (11) to push the pressure plate (12) against, or pull the pressure plate (12) away from, the resistance rod (1) respectively, thereby causing or releasing a compression between the underside of the pressure plate (12) and the hardwearing receiver strip (9) on the surface of the resistance rod (1).

In turn, the rear inner part of the rod collar (3) can be pulled tight to the rear face of the rod (1), and the gripping handle (2) and rod collar (3) are thus clamped in position. The gripping handle (2) can be turned anti-clockwise thereby releasing the clamping pressure and allowing the gripping handle to be placed at any point along the length of the resistance rod (1), and at any desirable angle relative to its insertion or the rod (1). The rod (1) being an individual unit around which the rod collar (3) slides snugly from end to end, and the rod collar (3) being a component of the handle’s clamping mechanism.

In one embodiment a bi-metal strip is included as the flexible resistance rod (1).

The bi-metal strip of the flexible rod (1) can be heated or cooled to provide the user with 5 a variable level of resistance throughout their workout by simply placing the rod or entire apparatus atop a radiator.

In one embodiment the collar (3) may consist of rubber-coated steel which surrounds exactly the section of the flexible resistance rod (1). io In one embodiment, the rod (1) and gripping handles (2) may be colour coded to allow ease of identification when assembling various resistance-level rods and handle/collar components of the apparatus.

In one embodiment, the gripping handles (2) may have levels of adjustment via graduated intervals along the length of the resistance rod.

In one embodiment, the rod (1) may be tapered either in the middle to reduce resistance or at the ends to widen the arc of resistance.

In one embodiment, the rod (1) may be of a variant of weight, thickness and length.

In one embodiment, the design of the gripping handles (2) may be of any relevant or necessary design as to allow for versatility of use, i.e. they can be moulded for finger insertion into the gripping handle, ridged for greater finger placement, or flanged on the end to stop the users hand slipping off. The gripping handle surface can also be manufactured from a non-slip material.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may be attached to an anchor for single arm use.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may be suspended to allow; it be used in a public/gym environment without being removed from a location; it be positioned for correct use by a novice; controlled orientation of it when in use; it be placed above a machine providing seating.

In one embodiment, the gripping handles (2) are removed from the rod (1).

In one embodiment, the section of the rod (1) may be re-designed with the rod being cylindrical, or having a varied shape in plan view i.e. an elongated hour glass etc.

In use, more than one resistance rod (1) may be used at the same time.

In use, less than two or more than two gripping handles (2) may be used at the same time.

In one embodiment, the resistance rod (1) may be used in conjunction with another gym device, such as a hyper-extension machine, a cable cross-over machine, or anchored to a machine which provides seating.

In one embodiment, the resistance rod (1) and the gripping handles (2) may be provided separately for coupling in various arrangements.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may be used as a muscle-building resistance tool.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may be used as a rehabilitation tool.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may have a medical application.

In one embodiment, the resistance rod (1) may be initially curved to provide resistance in the abduction phase. io The invention is specifically designed to target and isolate the said muscles whilst demanding retraction of the shoulders in all phases, depression of the shoulder blades during the concentric phase and elevation of the shoulder blades during the eccentric phase of movement. The apparatus is intended for use during workouts, physical rehabilitation, postural and alignment correction programs, and various other body rehabilitations.

With the present invention, resistance grows during the concentric phase and reduces during the eccentric phase providing optimal force and orientation of resistance. The resistance is applied in an arc-shaped orientation as it exerts force in a combined vertically-in-the-frontal-plane, and anti-adduction resistance in the frontal plane during all phases of the Rhomboid isolation.

Resistance is exerted in an arc-style fashion in all uses regardless of plane. (Fig 2).

The dimensions, angles, range and limitation guides of the apparatus provide for a totally unique training and rehabilitation course and experience. To clarify the preceding sentence, the arc of movement allowed by the apparatus corresponds directly and complimentarily to the body’s natural individual arc of movement, allowing the muscles to be trained throughout the entire spectrum available to the individual regardless of body type, stature or ability and the apparatus provides optimal resistance and resistance orientation throughout the entire spectrum of movement.

The apparatus can be used to target and train other muscles and muscle groups when used in various ways by individuals with various abilities. For example, the device can be held to the anterior above head height, depressed and lowered so as to train the Pectorals, Latisimus Dorsi and Rotator Cuff simultaneously.

As a result, the individual can train their muscles according to individual level and physical stature. The invention trains the entire bridge between the shoulder blades of the back through its specific range of movement, and potential use in the Frontal, Transverse and Sagittal planes allow for many varying uses and achievable benefits. The range of movement within these 3 planes of the human body allows the individual, via use of the apparatus, to treat and rehabilitate Rotator Cuff injuries and also to perform numerous resistance exercises.

The apparatus offers the necessary resistance to work the muscle at all levels and at all times throughout the exercise via scaling of the rods “running track”-like section, (with heavier or lighter sections throughout its length) and adjustment of the gripping position.

The operation of the device allows for a specific range of movement and a unique orientation of resistance as is discussed below: In use for resistance training: In the relaxed position, in preparation for the Rhomboid 6 isolation, the arms are outstretched and fully extended horizontally, close to being level and parallel with the floor (Figi).

As the gripping handles (2) are pulled toward each-other during the execution of the exercise, the elbows bend and move downward toward the floor and hip in an arc of which the radius is the distance between the shoulder joint and the elbow joint (Fig 2). The ends of the resistance rod (1) are pulled together and the resistance grows io proportionally as they approach.

Upon completion of the concentric movement, the elbow joint forms a “V” shape and the arms form a “W” shape when viewed in the posterior or anterior. The resistance rod (1) forms a bow at this point (Fig 2). Upon completion of the eccentric phase of the movement, the arms return to the out-stretched and horizontal position with gripping handles and thumbs facing upward. The resistance rod (1) returns to a straight line configuration (Fig 1).

The flexible rod (1) provides a unique orientation of variable resistance throughout the movement. Reducing the distance between the gripping handles (2) proportionately increases the resistance provided.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiment of the present teaching, is a possible example of implementation, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Claims (9)

Claims :

1. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength and hypertrophy via maximisation of concentricity in the Rhomboid, Lower-Trapezius and Latissimus Dorsi muscles located between the shoulder blades, and in the mid to upper back respectively, comprising; at least one flexible resistance-providing rod (1); two detachable gripping handles (2) positionable opposably along the length of the rod; a clamping mechanism for adjusting the position of and locking the handles on the rod containing; a threaded bar (11), contained within the cylinder of the gripping handles, used to connect the handles (2) to the resistance rod (1); wherein the threaded bar (11) is placed through a handle insertion collar (10) to meet with a pressure plate (12), sitting in contact with a receiver strip (9), this receiver strip applying clamping pressure on the resistance rod (1) ; and a collar (3), surrounding the rod (1), receiver strip (9) and pressure plate (12), to allow the gripping angles of the handles (2) to be adjusted relative to the resistance rod (1).

2. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as claimed in claim 1 wherein: more than one resistance rod (1) may be used in the apparatus for increased resistance.

3. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: the gripping handles (2) may have levels of adjustment via graduated intervals along the length of the resistance rod.

4. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: the resistance rod (1) may be tapered either in the middle to reduce resistance or at the ends to widen the arc of resistance.

5. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: in use the apparatus may be anchored to a fixed point at any point along the length of the rod for further resistance.

6. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: a bi-metal rod can be used as the resistance rod (1), wherein the bi-metal rod can be heated or cooled to provide varying levels of resistance.

7. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: the rod (1) and gripping handles (2) may be colour coded to allow ease of identification when assembling various resistance-level rods and handle/collar components of the apparatus.

8. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as claimed in any preceding claim wherein: the gripping handles (2) and means for their attachment to the resistance rod (1) are constructed as one piece.

9. A training apparatus for controlled and guided resistance movements to improve muscular strength as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.