US20130109544A1

US20130109544A1 - Triceps exercise machine and method of training therefor

Info

Publication number: US20130109544A1
Application number: US13/317,830
Authority: US
Inventors: Gil Reyes
Original assignee: GRAA Innovations LLC
Current assignee: GRAA Innovations LLC
Priority date: 2011-10-27
Filing date: 2011-10-27
Publication date: 2013-05-02

Abstract

A triceps exercise machine and method therefor is disclosed herein. Generally, the triceps exercise machine provides a resistance having a force which is directed upward and away from the user. The machine may also support the user's upper arms, or a portion thereof. In this manner, training on the machine is highly focused on the triceps. The machine may comprise a frame, a seat connected to a back support, and a resistance device. The resistance device provides the resistance which resists movement of the user's arm during a triceps extension and may be configured such that the force of the provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to exercise equipment and in particular to a triceps exercise machine and method of training.
2. Related Art
Traditionally, triceps extensions are performed by bending one's arm at the elbow to grasp a resistance device, such as a weight, and then straightening the arm while maintaining the upper arm or elbow in a substantially stationary position. Various techniques for performing triceps extensions are known and commonly used such as the standing dumbbell triceps extension and the skull crusher.
Traditional triceps exercise machines and devices include a frame that has a base and vertical uprights that rise from the base, a seat that is mounted to the frame and a pair of movement arms that are pivotally mounted to and extend inwardly from the vertical uprights. Such devices typically involve the use of support pads for the user's elbows to extend inwardly from the vertical uprights. The user sits on the seat in a fixed, upright position, rests his/her elbows on the supports, grasps the movement arms with his/her arms bent and extends his/her arms such that the movement arms pivot relative to the frame. This movement is resisted by weights that provide a resistance towards the user's torso.
While the support pads, movement arms and fixed seating of the traditional triceps machine may assist with proper triceps extension technique, it also limits the user's ability to exercise the triceps in a full range of motions and positions. Further, the resistance provided with such machine is typically constant throughout the extension movement. This constant resistance creates undesirable stress to the user's elbows upon initiation of the triceps extension movement and increases the risk of injury. Thus there is a need for a triceps extension machine that allows a user to exercise the triceps in wider range of motions as compared to traditional triceps machines while advantageously prevents some of the injuries caused by the constant resistance provided with such machines. Accordingly, what is provided herein is a novel triceps exercise machine and method of training.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A triceps exercise machine for training the triceps is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the machine comprises a frame, a seat secured to the front of the frame, a back support attached to the seat or frame and a resistance assembly. The resistance assembly comprises a resistance device that is configured to provide resistance; a cable having a first end and a second end and configured to transfer the resistance provided by the resistance device to the user; and one or more pulleys configured to accept at least a portion of the cable to guide the first end of the cable toward the user. The resistance device may be secured at the back of the frame, and the pulleys may be secured at the top of the frame or at a raised point. The second end of the cable will generally be attached to the resistance device. A handle, which the user may grasp, may be attached to the first end of the cable.
Elements of the triceps exercise machine may be configured in various ways. For example, in some embodiments, the height of the seat and/or the height of the pulley(s) attached to the frame may be adjustable to accommodate the size of the user using the triceps exercise machine.
In some embodiments of the triceps exercise machine, the seat and back support are pivotally attached to the front of the frame by a seat connecting structure, wherein the seat connecting structure allows the back support and seat to pivot to a plurality of desired incline positions. In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine further comprises a locking element having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the locking element is attached to the back support and the second end of the locking element is connected to the frame, and wherein the locking element is arranged to lock the back support and seat in said plurality of incline positions.
In some embodiments of the triceps exercise machine, the back support is pivotally attached to the seat or frame by a seat connecting structure and the seat is fixedly attached to the front of the frame, wherein the seat connecting structure allows the back support to pivot between a plurality of desired incline positions while the seat remains in a fixed position. In some embodiments, the isolated triceps machine further comprises a locking element having a first end and a second end, where in the first end of the locking element is attached to the back support and the second end of the locking element is connected to the frame, and wherein the locking element is arranged to lock the back support in said plurality of incline positions.
The resistance device may be any resistance device known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the resistance device comprises a weight stack. In another embodiment, the resistance device comprises a variable resistance device. In another embodiment, the resistance device comprises the combination of a weight stack and a variable resistance device.
In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine comprises a left and right arm rest attached to the side of the back support or to the frame. The arm rests may be configured to support at least a portion of the upper arms of a user sitting on the seat so that the user's upper arms are positioned substantially perpendicular to the user's torso when performing a triceps extension on the triceps exercise machine.
In another embodiment, the triceps exercise machine comprises a frame, a seat attached to the front of the frame, a back support attached to the seat or front of the frame and positioned so that a user sitting on the seat with user's back resting against the back support faces away from the frame, and a resistance assembly configured to provide resistance to the user whereby the force of the provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user during a triceps extension. The resistance assembly may comprise a resistance device secured at the back of the frame. The resistance assembly may be configured such that the force of the resistance provided by the resistance assembly is directed upward and away from the user's triceps. It is also contemplated that the resistance assembly may be configured such that the force of the resistance provided by the resistance assembly is directed away from the user.
In one embodiment, the resistance assembly comprises a resistance device configured to provide resistance, a handle, a cable having a first end and a second end and configured to transfer the resistance provided by the resistance device to the user, and one or more pulleys configured to guide the first end of the cable toward the user. The cable may be attached to the handle at the first end and attached to the resistance device at the second end. In this manner, the resistance assembly may be user engageable by the user grasping the handle. The handle may be snapped into place at the end of the cable or, the distance between the handle can be reduced by the use of a lengthener, such as a chain, to connect the handle to the cable.
A method of triceps training is also provided. In one embodiment, the method of triceps training comprises engaging a triceps exercise machine described herein. According to the method, the user may then engage the resistance assembly by grasping a handle of the resistance assembly with the user's palms facing away from the user, and pulling the handle downward, while keep the user's elbows fixed, from an initial position, wherein the user's upper arms are generally perpendicular to the user's torso and the user's forearms are bent with respect to the user's upper arms, to an end position of a triceps extension, wherein the user's arms are straightened and perpendicular to the user's body, to move the resistance provided by the resistance assembly. The user may then return to the initial position of the triceps extension while engaged to the resistance assembly.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the triceps exercise machine.

FIGS. 2A and 2B and are perspective side views of exemplary embodiments of the triceps exercise machine.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of a resistance assembly of the triceps exercise machine

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of another exemplary embodiment of a resistance assembly of the triceps exercise machine.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective side views illustrating operation of an embodiment of the triceps exercise machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
The triceps exercise machine as disclosed herein allows a resistance to be moved and triceps training to be achieved generally by a downward pulling motion. As will be discussed further below, the triceps exercise machine generally provides resistance from a raised point from above the user whereby the user pulls downwards and away from the user to extend the user's triceps. Further, in some embodiments provided herein, the triceps exercise machine comprises a seat with a pivotally attached back support that allows a user engaged in the triceps exercise machine to be positioned in various incline positions while performing a triceps extension. These features allow a user using the triceps exercise machine to focus training on the triceps in a wide range of motion not achievable with traditional triceps exercise machines.
The triceps exercise machine will now be described according to the figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the machine. As shown, the machine has a front 1, a back 2, a top 3, and a bottom 4, which will generally be defined by the machine's frame 5. In addition, the machine comprises a seat 6, secured to the front of the frame and a back support 7, attached to the seat or back support, as well as a resistance assembly. The resistance assembly may comprise a resistance device 8 attached to a user-engageable handle 9 by a cable 10. The handle may be snapped into place at the end of the cable or, the distance between the handle can be reduced by the use of a lengthener, such as a chain, to connect the handle to the cable. In these embodiments, the resistance device 8 is movable by the user pushing the handle downward 9. It is noted that any device capable of providing resistance to a user as described herein may be used as a resistance assembly.
The frame 5 may be a rigid structure configured to provide support for one or more elements of the machine. For example, various elements of the machine, which will be described further below, may be attached or otherwise secured to the frame. It is contemplated that elements may be attached in any suitable way including by one or more mechanical or other fasteners, adhesives, welds, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, one or more of the elements may be integrally formed as part of the frame in one or more embodiments.
It will be understood that the frame 5 may be any structure capable of supporting the elements of the triceps exercise machine as discussed herein. For example, the frame may comprise a plurality of elongated members such as shown in FIG. 1. These members may be tubes or bars of various shapes. The members may have a square, rectangular, round, or “C” shaped, “I” shaped, or other shaped cross section. The members may be straight along their length or include one or more bends or curves.
The structures which make up the frame need not be elongated members as shown. In some embodiments the frame may comprise one or more planar or other shaped portions such as one or more plates or flat surfaces. As stated, any structure or combination of structures capable of supporting the elements of the triceps exercise machine as disclosed herein may be used as a frame.
The frame 5 will typically be constructed of one or more rigid materials. Metal such as steel may be used in one or more embodiments. Other materials may be used as well. For example, plastic, wood, composites, carbon fiber, alloys may be used to construct the frame in some embodiments.
In one or more embodiments, the triceps exercise machine comprises a seat 6 attached to the front of the frame. The seat supports the user's body during triceps training. In some embodiments, the seat may be adjustable to accommodate various users. As stated, a user generally engages the machine by sitting in the seat and resting the user's back against the back support. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the seat may be raised or lowered to allow a user to engage the machine with a safe and proper body posture. In certain embodiments of the triceps exercise machine, a back support is attached to the seat or frame. In specific embodiments, the back support is attached to the seat in a manner that positions a user, sitting in the seat with the user's back resting against the back support, to be facing away from the frame, in an incline position. In certain embodiments, the back support and seat are pivotally attached to the front of the frame by a connecting structure. As shown in FIG. 2A, in certain embodiments, the seat connecting structure 13 allows for the back support 14 and seat 15 to pivot to a plurality of desired incline positions. As shown in FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the back support 16 is pivotally attached to the seat 18 or frame 5 by a seat connecting structure 17, wherein the seat connecting structure allows the back support to pivot between a plurality of desired incline positions, while the seat remains fixed to the frame.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine further comprises a locking element 19 having a first end and a second end, where in the first end of the locking element is attached to the back support and the second end of the locking element is connected to the frame, and wherein the locking element is arranged to lock the back support and, optionally, seat in a plurality of desired incline positions. Any locking element known to those skilled in the art may be used. In some embodiments the locking element comprises two telescoping members and a spring loaded plunger that locks the telescoping members at fixed positions.
The seat connecting structure 13, 17 and locking element 19 allow for a user to recline against the back support at various angles while using the triceps exercise machine, thereby allowing the user to effectively exercise the user's triceps in a wide range of motions and achieve increased muscle definition of the triceps.
In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine further comprises a left and right arm rest attached to the frame and/or back support, wherein the left and right arm rests are positioned such that the user may engage the left and right arm rest with at least a portion of the user's left and right arms, respectively. In one or more embodiments, the seat, arm rests, or both may be moved upward, downward, forward, backward, or a combination thereof so that a user may engage the left and right arm rests with at least a portion of the user's upper left and right arms, respectively. In this manner, the user is ideally positioned to train the user's triceps muscles. Typically, but not always, the left and right arm rests will be positioned near the upper portion of a user's torso such that the user's left and right upper arms may be supported substantially perpendicular to his or her torso. The support provided by the left and right arm rest provides the benefit of focusing training on the triceps. To illustrate, in one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the user's upper arms may be supported by the arm rests. In this manner, motion is restricted to the user's forearms which are powered, in part, by the triceps. Thus, when a resistance is moved by the user's forearms such resistance is focused on the triceps.
It can be seen from the above description that a user may engage the triceps exercise machine by sitting on the seat 6 and reclining against the back support 7 and grabbing a handle 9 of a resistance assembly from above the user with the user's palms facing away from the user, the user's upper arms perpendicular to the user's torso and the user's forearms bent to form an angle of 90 degrees or less with the user's upper arms. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, once in this position, the user may begin training the user's triceps by engaging the resistance assembly. Generally, the resistance assembly comprises the elements of the triceps exercise machine which are used to provide resistance to a user to train the user's triceps. With reference to FIG. 1, a resistance assembly may comprise a resistance device 8, a handle 9, a cable 10, and one or more pulleys 11, with the resistance device positioned at the back of the frame. In one or more embodiments, the cable may be supported by one or more pulleys 11 at the top of the frame while the resistance device may be supported by the frame at the bottom of the machine. In certain embodiments, the pulleys and the handle are located above a user sitting in the seat with the user's back resting against the back support. One end of the cable may be attached to a handle, while the other end of the cable may be attached to the resistance device. In some embodiments, the handle is attached to the cable by a chain 37. A portion of the cable between its ends may be supported by one or more pulleys. During a triceps extension, the user may grasp and pull the handle downward and away the user to move the resistance device. The pulleys translate the force to move the resistance upward.
It is noted that a handle support 12 may be attached to the frame in some embodiments to hold the handle 9 when the machine is not in use. In these embodiments, the handle may be removed from the handle support prior to triceps training. The handle may then be returned to the handle support for storage after training is complete.
Generally, one or more pulleys 11 guide the movement of at least a portion of the cable 10 as it is pulled. As shown, each pulley comprises a wheel configured to accept the cable which turns about an axel; however, pulleys of other configurations may be used. The cable allows the force of the resistance provided by the resistance device to be transferred to a user when the user grasps and pulls the handle. In one or more embodiments, the pulley(s) may be positioned (e.g., attached to the frame) such that they are behind and above the user. As shown in FIG. 1, the pulleys are attached at the top and back of the triceps exercise machine. In this manner, the pulleys rotate and guide the cable upward from the resistance device and then down and towards the user. This is advantageous in that the force vectors of the resistance provided by the resistance device are upward and away from the user thus allowing the user to push downward to lift the resistance as the user performs a triceps extension.
Any pulley system known to those skilled in the art may be used to guide the cable upward from the resistance device and down towards the user in the embodiments of the triceps exercise machine provided herein. In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine consists of one pulley. In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine consists of two pulleys. In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine consists of three pulleys. In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine consists of four pulleys. In some embodiments, the triceps exercise machine consists of five or more pulleys.
The raised position of the pulley(s) 11 is also beneficial in that it allows the triceps exercise machine to accommodate users of varying heights. When positioned high on the frame, the pulley(s) will likely be located above most if not all users training on the machine. Thus, short users, tall users, and those in between may enjoy enhanced tricep training on the machine because the resistance transferred to a user by the cable 10 is guided to the user from behind and above the user, regardless of the user's height. In some embodiments, the pulley(s) are capable of being positioned at varying heights on the frame.
The raised position of the pulley(s) 11 also allows the triceps exercise machine to accommodate users having varying arm lengths. When positioned high on the frame, the pulleys allow the resistance to be provided to a user from above and behind the user's arms during a triceps extension, regardless of the length of the user's arms.
In some embodiments the triceps exercise machine comprises adjustable left and right arm rests attached to the side of the back support or to the frame. In one embodiment, the seat, the arm rests, or both may be raised, lowered, or both so that a seated user's arms are supported such that they are substantially perpendicular to the user's torso.
The arm rests may be adjusted in other ways as well. The angle at which the arm rests are positioned may be rotated such that the user's upper arms are supported at various angles as desired. Generally, the user's upper arms will be supported such that they are perpendicular to the user's torso. However, the arm rests may be adjusted or tilted to support the upper arms and different angles if desired. For example, the arm rests may be tilted forward or backward to support the uppers arms at different angles. It is noted that the arm rests may be tilted left or right in some embodiments such as to increase or decrease the height of one arm relative to the user's other arm.
Various types and configurations of resistance assemblies having one or more resistance devices may be provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a weight stack may be used as a resistance device 20. In this embodiment, the resistance device may comprise one or more individual weights 21, a lifting rod 22, and one or more guides 23. The lifting rod 22 allows one or more individual weights 21 to be attached thereto. For example, the lifting rod 22 may include a series of holes 24 along its length and the weights may include one or more openings 25 that may be aligned with the holes of the lifting rod. In this manner, a securing pin 26 may be inserted through an opening of a weight and into a hole on the lifting rod to secure the weight to the lifting rod. The securing pin 26 may be repositioned along the length of the lifting rod to secure more or less weight to the lifting rod thus adjusting the resistance provided. As shown in FIG. 3A, a single securing pin 26 may secure a plurality of weights 21. In certain embodiments, multiple securing pins are used. The weights that are not secured to the lifting rod may remain stationary during triceps extension exercises and thus do not affect the resistance provided to the user.
The lifting rod 22 may be connected to the end of the cable 27 opposite the end of the cable where the handle 28 is attached. In this manner, pulling the handle pulls the cable and lifting rod and the weights attached thereto. One or more guides 23 may be used to guide the movement of the weights as they are moved. The guides may comprise rigid bars or the like which run through the one or more weights of the resistance device. In this manner, the weights may move along the guides. Guides 23 are beneficial in that they prevent the weights from swinging as they move during a triceps extension. However, it is noted that some embodiments may not include guides such as where movement of the weights is already suitably restricted by other structures or by the configuration of the resistance device, for example, planer or other shaped members which at least partially surround the weights. In one embodiment, these members could be placed adjacent one or more sides of the weights. In this manner, swinging or other undesired movement would be prevented by the members adjacent or partially surrounding the weights. In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more weights may be attached to a track to prevent undesired movement.
FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a resistance device 20. In this embodiment, resistance is provided by one or more springs 29 rather than weights. Springs 29 provide the benefit of variable resistance which allows resistance to increase or decrease as the springs are stretched. During a triceps extension, a user's arms are generally capable of exerting more power as they move away from the user's body. Thus, a variable resistance is beneficial because the variable resistance may correspondingly increase as the user's forearms extend away from the body. In addition, a variable resistance may provide a decreased resistance when the user's forearms are bent in the first position in a triceps extension. A decreased resistance when the user's forearms are bent in the first position in a triceps extension can advantageously reduce and/or prevent undesirable stress and injury to the user's elbows. The variable resistance may then increase as the forearms are extended away from the body during a triceps extension.
In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the resistance device 20 comprises two springs 29, a lifting mount 30, and a frame mount 31. It is noted that some embodiments may utilize a single spring or more than two springs. In addition, though described generally with regard to springs, it is contemplated that other variable resistance generators such as elastic cords and the like may be used in addition to or instead of a spring to provide variable resistance.
The lifting mount 30 and frame mount 31 provide structures to which the ends of the springs 29 may be secured. The springs may be permanently attached to these mounts by one or more welds. Alternatively, the springs may be removably attached to these mounts. For example, the mounts may comprise one or more eyelets or loops which engage hooks on the springs, or vice versa. Removable attachment allows the amount of resistance provided by the resistance device to be changed. For example, additional springs 29 may be added or one or more springs may be replaced with stronger or weaker springs as desired. It is contemplated that any fastener, structure, adhesive, or the like that is capable of securing the springs may be used as a lifting mount 30 or frame mount 31.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the lifting mount 30 includes a plate-like or planar structure. This provides an area to which the cable 31 may be attached. In addition, this provides an area to accommodate two or more springs. Without this area, the springs may not be spaced sufficiently apart and thus become entangled. Furthermore, the planar structure may provide guide holes which allow one or more guides 22 to pass there through to guide the movement of the lifting mount and the springs as they are moved during exercise. Without the guides 23 and guide holes, the springs may swing about when moved during training. It is contemplated that other structures may be used to guide the movement of the lifting mount and springs in one or more embodiments. For example, the lifting mount 30 may be attached to a track or be located within an open or closed vertical channel. Guides 23 and guide holes may not be required in all embodiments, as the springs may be suitable stable without them.
The frame mount 31 may also include a planer structure if desired, such as, for example, to provide sufficient area to allow two or more springs 29 to be used. Typically, the frame mount will be attached to the frame 32 at the bottom of the machine. It is noted that a planar structure may not be provided in all embodiments because one or more frame mounts may be directly attached to the frame at varying spaced intervals. Other resistance devices may be used with the triceps exercise machine as well, including but not limited to, rotating or friction based resistance devices. As will be discussed above, the cable 27 and pulley(s) 33 orient the resistance provided by a resistance device so that the user experiences the force of the resistance from behind of and above the user. Thus, any resistance device to which the cable may be attached may be used with the machine. Also, it is noted that one or more additional pulleys may be used to guide the cable such that it properly attaches to a resistance device. In general, proper attachment means attaching the cable to a resistance device such that the resistance provided by the resistance device may be efficiently transferred along the cable to the user. To illustrate, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, three pulleys 12 are used to guide the cable such that a portion of the cable attaches to the top of the lifting rod 22 or lifting mount 30 respectively.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a resistance device 20. In this embodiment, variable resistance is provided by one or more elastic elements (which in this embodiment are springs 29), in addition to the weight stack. It is contemplated that other elastic elements such as elastic cords or bands and the like may be used in addition to or instead of a spring to provide variable resistance. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the top ends of springs 29 are secured to lifting mount 30, and the bottom ends of springs 29 are secured to frame mount 31. Lifting mount 30 and frame mount 31 provide structures to which the ends of the springs 29 may be secured. Springs are attached to frame mount on one end at and approximately the center of bolt 33 on lifting mount 30 on the other end. Alternate embodiments of the disclosed invention may utilize a single spring or multiple springs. Springs alternatively may be permanently attached to these mounts by one or more welds, or, springs may be removably attached to these mounts. For example, the mounts may comprise one or more eyelets or loops which engage hooks on the springs, or vice versa. Removable attachment allows the amount of resistance provided by the resistance device 20 to be changed. For example, additional springs may be added, or one or more springs (or other elastic elements) may be replaced with stronger or weaker springs (or other elastic elements), as desired. It is contemplated that any fastener, structure, adhesive, or the like that is capable of securing the springs may be used as a lifting mount 30 or frame mount 31.
Still referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, springs 29 are aligned along both narrow non-face sides of the weight stack in a central position. In operation, this arrangement minimizes the friction between the portion of the weight stack that is engaged and the guide. In addition, as the weight stack is lifted, the symmetrical location of springs on the sides and approximately adjacent to the longitudinal midline of the weight stack as shown allows the weight stack to maintain relative stability and balance during movement. Further, this configuration is advantageous because, as the portion of the weight stack that is engaged is lifted, springs begin to stretch or open and add intensity as and until the weight stack reaches its ultimate height. The lower intensity at the start and end of the repetition helps protect the user from injury while in the user's most vulnerable position because the muscle is at its strongest when the weight stack and spring are at its maximum height, and the muscle is at its weakest when the weight stack and spring are at the starting and ending position. The combination of the weight stack and springs allows the user to start with a manageable amount of weight to start the repetition and to increase the intensity as the forearms are extended away from the body. The result is a smooth and intense repetition for the lifter that optimizes the workout and, among other things, decreases the risk of injury.
Operation of the triceps exercise machine will now be described with regard to FIGS. 5A-5C. These figures illustrate a user performing a triceps extension on the machine. A cross-sectional view of the machine is provided to better illustrate its operation. As will be described further below and as shown in these figures, the resistance provided to a user is behind and above the user. Though described with regard to one embodiment of the machine, it will be understood that other embodiments of the machine, such as those disclosed herein, may operate in like manner. In addition, though described regarding both of a user's arms, triceps training may take place on a single arm or on both arms simultaneously on the machine.
In FIG. 5A, a user 34 has engaged the machine by sitting on the seat 35 and placing the user's back against the back rest 36. The user has also engaged the resistance assembly by grasping a handle 38 of the assembly, wherein the user's hands are facing away from the user, and wherein the handle is connected to a cable 39 by a chain 43, the cable being positioned above and behind the user 34. As shown, the user's upper arms are positioned such that they are generally perpendicular to the user's torso and the user's forearms form an acute angle with the user's upper arms. This will generally be known as the initial, starting or first position of a triceps extension on the triceps exercise machine.
It can be seen that the cable 39 is attached to the resistance device 37 at one end while attached to the handle 38 at the other end. The force of the resistance provided by the resistance device is thus transferred along the cable. The cable is guided by one or more pulleys 43 at the top of the machine such that the cable runs upward from the resistance device and down and towards the user. Thus, as shown, the force of the resistance is upward and away from the user.
The user has adjusted the resistance device 37 comprising weights to provide the desired amount of resistance. In FIG. 5A, the user has inserted a securing pin 41 on the fifth weight of the weight stack to select the desired amount of resistance. In other embodiments, such as an embodiment having a variable resistance, the user may add, remove, or replace, one or more springs or the like to achieve the desired amount of resistance. It is noted that the amount of resistance provided by the triceps exercise machine may be adjusted at any time.
In this embodiment, the user 34 experiences little or no resistance in the initial position. As can be seen, the resistance provided by the resistance device has not been moved. Of course, in some embodiments, the machine may be configured such that the user must move a resistance to get into the initial position. For example, in these embodiments, the user must grasp and pull the resistance via the handle 38 at least slightly to get into the initial position.
In FIG. 5B, the user 34 has pulled the handle 38 away from the user's body. This has pulled the attached cable 39 and resistance device 42 of the resistance assembly. Thus, the user has moved the resistance provided by the resistance device 42 by pulling the handle. As can be seen, the pulling motion is accomplished by applying the strength of the user's forearms to extend the user's forearms while keeping the user's upper arms in a fixed position. This is illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 5B. In this manner, the user raises the upper five weights 42 of the resistance device 37 which have been secured to the cable 39 by a securing pin 41 inserted into the resistance device. It can also be seen from FIG. 5B that as the handle 38 is pulled, the cable is guided by the pulleys such that the force of the resistance remains upward and away from the user.
In FIG. 5C, the user 34 continues to extend the handle 38 away from the user's body to an end or second position. At the end position, the user's forearms are extended so that the forearms are now in line with the user's upper arms and both the user's forearms and forearms are generally perpendicular with the user's torso. The end position generally defines the end of the pulling portion of a single triceps extension. Once the handle has been pulled by the user's arms to the end position, the user may reduce his or her pulling force to allow the handle and the user's arms to return to the initial position.
The force of the resistance will return the handle 38 to its initial position as illustrated in FIG. 5A. Thus, the user may continue to train the user's triceps when returning to the initial position by slowing the return of the handle to its initial position. To illustrate, the user may exert a force through the user's triceps to slow the return of the handle. As the handle returns the attached cable and weight or other resistance also return to their initial positions so that another triceps extension may be performed. The force of the resistance during the return to the initial position remains upward and away from the user in this embodiment.
It is contemplated that the operation of the triceps exercise machine described with regard to FIGS. 5A-5C will typically occur in a continuous motion from the initial (first) position to the end (second) position. The user may pause or hold the end position for a time and then return, in a continuous motion, from the end position back to the initial position. The user may perform one or more triceps extension repetitions as desired or according to one or more training routines or guidelines.
As stated, the force of the resistance provided by the resistance device is guided by the triceps exercise machine's pulley(s) such that the force is pointed upward and away from the user. Thus, during a triceps extension, the user's triceps must overcome this force by applying an opposite force.
As is known, each triceps has three muscles and achieving enhanced intensity between these three muscles is difficult to obtain and highly desirable in the art. The unique aspects, such as the unique resistance and adjustable seat just described, allows the triceps exercise machine to provide triceps training and make the machine ideally suited to help a user to achieve enhanced intensity of the triceps. It is specifically contemplated that the machine may be used to develop enhanced intensity between the three muscles of each tricep because of the unique resistance and arm support provided by the machine as discussed herein.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure and annexed drawings that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A triceps exercise machine comprising:

a frame having a front and a back;

a seat attached at the front of the frame;

a back support attached to the seat or front of the frame;

a resistance device configured to provide resistance, the resistance device located at the back of the frame;

a cable having a first end and a second end and configured to transfer the resistance provided by the resistance device to the user, the cable attached to the resistance device at a second end; and

one or more pulleys attached to the frame, wherein the one or more pulleys are configured to accept at least a portion of the cable, and wherein at least one of the pulleys is located higher than the top of the back support to guide the first end of the cable downward towards the user position in the seat.

2. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the height of the seat is adjustable.

3. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said seat and back support are positioned generally perpendicular to each other, wherein the seat and back support are pivotally attached to the front of the frame by a seat connecting structure, wherein the seat connecting structure allows the back support and seat to pivot at a plurality of desired incline positions, wherein the triceps exercise machine further comprises a locking element having a first end and a second end, where in the first end of the locking element is attached to the back support and the second end of the locking element is connected to the frame, and wherein the locking element is arranged to lock the back support and seat in said plurality of incline positions.

4. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said back support is pivotally attached to the seat by a seat connecting structure, wherein the seat is fixedly attached to the front of the frame, wherein the seat connecting structure allows the back support to pivot between a plurality of desired incline positions, wherein the triceps exercise machine further comprises a locking element having a first end and a second end, where in the first end of the locking element is attached to the back support and the second end of the locking element is connected to the frame, and wherein the locking element is arranged to lock the back support in said plurality of incline positions.

5. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the triceps extension machine comprises three pulleys.

6. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the resistance device comprises a weight stack.

7. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the resistance device comprises a variable resistance generator.

8. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising a handle at the first end of the cable.

9. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising a handle at the first end of the cable attached by a chain.

10. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising a handle at the first end of the cable attached by a snap.

11. The triceps exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the resistance device comprises:

a weight stack setting upon a base;

a lifting mount connected to the top of the weight stack;

a first elastic element and a second elastic element, the first elastic element having a top end and a bottom end, and the second elastic element having a top end and a bottom end;

wherein the first elastic element is interposed vertically along the left side of the weight stack between the lifting mount and the base, and the top end of the first elastic element is connected proximate the center, left side of the lifting mount, and the bottom end of the first elastic element is connected proximate the center, left side of the base;

and wherein the second elastic element is interposed vertically along the right side of the weight stack between the lifting mount and the base, and the top end of the second elastic element is connected proximate the center, right side of the lifting mount, and the bottom end of the second elastic element is connected proximate the center, right side of the base.

12. A triceps exercise machine comprising:

a user engageable resistance assembly configured to provide resistance to the user whereby a force vector of the provided resistance is directed upward and away from the user during a triceps extension;

and a frame configured to stabilize at least a portion of the resistance assembly.

13. The triceps exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the resistance assembly is configured such that the force vector of the resistance provided by the resistance assembly is directed upward and away from the user's triceps.

14. The triceps exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the resistance assembly is configured such that the force of the resistance provided by the resistance assembly is directed upward and away from the user's triceps.

15. The triceps exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the resistance assembly comprises:

a weight stack configured to provide resistance;

a handle;

a cable having a first end and a second end and configured to transfer the resistance provided by the resistance device to the user, the cable attached to the handle at the first end and attached to the resistance device at the second end;

one or more pulleys configured to guide the first end of the cable downward toward the user;

wherein the weight stack is user engageable by the user grasping the handle.

16. The triceps exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the resistance assembly comprises three pulleys.

17. The triceps exercise machine of claim 12 further comprising a handle at the first end of the cable attached by a chain.

18. The triceps exercise machine of claim 12 further comprising a handle at the first end of the cable attached by a snap.

19. The triceps exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the resistance assembly comprises:

a weight stack setting upon a base;

a lifting mount connected to the top of the weight stack;

20. A method for triceps training using a triceps exercise machine, the triceps exercise machine comprising:

a frame having a front and a back;

a seat secured at the front of the frame;

a back support attached to the seat;

a resistance assembly configured to provide resistance, the resistance device located at the back of the frame;

a cable having a first end and a second end and configured to transfer the resistance provided by the resistance device to the user, the cable attached to the resistance device at a second end;

a handle attached to the first end of the cable; and

one or more pulleys attached to the frame, wherein the one or more pulleys are configured to accept at least a portion of the cable, and wherein at least one of the pulleys is located higher than the top of the back support to guide the first end of the cable downward toward the user sitting in the seat;

wherein the resistance assembly provides a resistance to the user via the cable, the resistance assembly comprising:

a weight stack setting upon a base;

a lifting mount connected to the top of the weight stack;

and wherein the second elastic element is interposed vertically along the right side of the weight stack between the lifting mount and the base, and the top end of the second elastic element is connected proximate the center, right side of the lifting mount, and the bottom end of the second elastic element is connected proximate the center, right side of the base;

the method comprising:

the user sitting in the seat with the user's back supported against the back support, the user's upper arms are generally perpendicular to user's torso, user's hands are grasping the handle with user's palms facing away from the user, and wherein the user's forearms are in a first position, wherein the user's forearms and upper arms form a generally acute angle;

the user moving the user's forearms to a second position while the user's hands are grasping the handle and user's upper arms remain in a fixed position, generally perpendicular with user's torso, wherein the user's forearms and upper arms are generally perpendicular to user's torso in the second position, wherein moving the user's forearms pulls the handle downward and away from the user to overcome the resistance, the resistance having a force vector directed upward and away from the user; and

the user returning the user's forearms to the first position while the user's hands are grasping the handle and the user's upper arms remain in a fixed position, perpendicular to user's torso.