WO2021154562A1

WO2021154562A1 - Exercise machine for training the human torso and abdominal muscles

Info

Publication number: WO2021154562A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/014173
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael KORDECKI
Original assignee: Kormel LLC
Priority date: 2020-01-28
Filing date: 2021-01-20
Publication date: 2021-08-05

Abstract

An exercise machine is designed to allow a user to perform a torso rotation exercise while in a semi-supine position to improve the strength of the user's abdominal muscles. The exercise machine comprises a support frame assembly, a bench assembly with a bench pad and a pair of lateral bench members extending upwardly from an internal portion of the bench assembly, and a resistance assembly including at least one elongated cable that is cooperatively aligned with a gap defined by the pair of lateral bench members. In a ready to use position, the user rests on the bench pad and against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members in the semi-supine position and grasps an engaging structure affixed to the elongated cable to perform a torso rotational movement to reach an extended exercise position. The bench assembly maintains the user's lumbar spine in a slightly flexed non-weight bearing position throughout the entire range of motion of the torso rotation movement.

Description

EXERCISE MACHINE FOR TRAINING THE HUMAN TORSO AND ABDOMINAL MUSCLES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/966,873, filed January 28, 2020, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Also, the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/946,640, filed December 11, 2019 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to an exercise machine configured to train the torso and abdominal muscles of a user. More particularly, the exercise machine is designed to allow the user to perform abdominal muscle exercises, while being in a semi-supine position.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The muscles of the lateral aspect of the torso are especially difficult to isolate and strengthen. The lateral and anterior torso muscles of a person are part of a group of muscles commonly referred to as "abs" or "core muscles." More specifically, the primary muscles of the lateral and anterior torso are: (i) the internal obliques, (ii) the external obliques, (iii) the transverse abdominus and, (iv) the rectus abdominus. The primary functions of these muscles of the lateral and anterior torso are supporting and protecting the person's internal organs such as the liver, intestines, kidneys, spleen, and reproductive organs of women. These lateral and anterior torso muscles also support and assist in the movement of the rib cage. A secondary function of the internal and external obliques and transverse abdominus is to assist in the movement of the torso, spine, and ribs and to a lesser degree, the task of respiration. As such, strong oblique muscles and transverse abdominal muscles play a critical role in core stabilization and provide numerous health benefits.

[0004] A strong core allows a person to successfully perform a variety of athletic maneuvers, as well as daily activities, both correctly and efficiently while at the same time protecting the spine. In women, healthy and developed obliques and transverse abdominal muscles help support the uterus and decrease stress on the lumbar spine during pregnancy. In individuals with well-developed core muscles, a person's overall movement patterns of the shoulders and arms improve dramatically. Furthermore, well-conditioned core muscles create stability through the person's torso, which allows the shoulder blades to "lever off" or "lever from" a solid foundation. It is also well-documented in industry literature that a solid torso allows for correct synchronization between the upper arm bone (humerus) and shoulder blade (scapula) at the shoulder (glenohumeral) joint. Mechanically correct, efficient movement patterns at the glenohumeral joint create better arm and shoulder strength, as well as promote proper posture. Thus, strong oblique and transverse abdominal muscles provide a person with numerous, well-recognized benefits.

[0005] For years, individuals have sought an effective exercise to train the abdominal muscles, both as a group and individually. Currently, there is no piece of equipment or machine that allows the user to safely and efficiently exercise the entire group of abdominal muscles, namely (i) the internal obliques, (ii) the external obliques, (ii) the transverse abdominus, and (iv) the rectus abdominus at the same time.

[0006] While numerous exercises and pieces of exercise equipment are promoted and marketed as strengthening the abdominal muscles, they suffer from numerous shortcomings and limitations. For example, torso rotation is one such exercise where a person sits in an upright position on an exercise machine and engages a frontal, typically overhead, resistance member with the arms and possibly the torso as well. The torso rotation exercise is then performed by stabilizing the pelvis in the seated position with the spine in slight flexion and then rotating the upper torso against the resistance force provided by the resistance member.

If and when performed correctly, the exercise machine places stress on the oblique and transverse abdominus muscles; however, the machine has little to no effect on the rectus abdominus muscles. This is a significant shortcoming. In addition, the user's seated position puts slack in the rectus abdominus group, which is not beneficial. Also, in the seated position, the person's spine is slightly flexed, which places even less tension and less stress on the rectus muscles. This is also not beneficial. When the user is seated and then rotates his/her torso against resistance, significantly less stress is placed on the rectus abdominus group. The more stress that is safely applied to a muscle during an exercise session, the more effective the exercise will be at strengthening that muscle or muscle group. Because the seated position and/or the seated position with the spine in slight flexion places less stress on the rectus abdominus group, the seated position is not considered a mechanically efficient position to work rectus abdominus muscles. This is another disadvantage of conventional ab- related exercise equipment and machines.

[0007] To overcome this problem, individuals have used the standing position to perform a torso rotation exercise to place stress on the rectus abdominal group while at the same time stressing the oblique and transverse groups. This is done by either using a pulley and weight stack with a selectable resistance or a deformable elastic resistance member (e.g., rubber band) attached to an immovable object such as the frame on a sturdy piece of exercise equipment. The person then stands at a distance from the weight stack or attachment point of the elastic resistance member. A handle or grip which is coupled to the resistance member is held at arms-length in front of the body. With the knees slightly flexed and the feet at least hip-width apart, the user attempts to pull the handle away from the attachment point by rotating his/her torso while at the same time keeping the arms and shoulders relatively still.

In doing so, the user predominately engages the oblique and transverse muscle groups to create rotational movement of the torso in the axial plane. Unfortunately, because of the relative freedom of motion at the hips and spine, the user can easily substitute movement at the hip joints and lateral flexion of the spine for the desired goal of pure torso rotation. Another disadvantage of the standing position for torso rotations is that the user's spine can easily be forced to a position of hyperextension. This position could potentially lock the facet joints and place significant stress on the vertebrae and discs of the lumbar spine, which can lead to serious injury.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a longstanding, unmet need for a piece of exercise equipment specifically designed to safely, properly, and effectively perform a torso rotation exercise in a semi-supine position to train and enhance strength of internal obliques, external obliques, transverse abdominus and abdominus muscles, collectively.

[0009] The description provided in the Background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely because it is mentioned in or associated with the Background section. The Background section may include information that describes one or more aspects of the subject of the technology.

SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure provides an exercise machine specifically designed to allow the user to improve the strength of the internal obliques, external obliques, transverse abdominus, and rectus abdominus, collectively, while in the semi-supine position. The exercise machine can be configured for use in a gym, exercise facility, training center, spa, or studio. In its different versions, the exercise machine can be configured in a way to allow a person to perform a resisted torso rotation exercise in the semi-supine position: (i) by performing a first rotation of the torso and then repositioning the body, 180 degrees from the original position, to perform a second rotation of the torso, (ii) by performing the first rotation in a first direction using a first user engagement structure and performing the second rotation is a second direction (opposite of the first direction) using a second user engagement structure, (iii) by performing the first rotation of the torso and rotating the bench assembly, 180 degrees from its original position, to perform the second rotation of the torso. Another version of the exercise machine also allows the user to perform resisted crunches, while another version of the machine allows an extent of the support assembly to move in order to increase the difficulty of the exercise and mimic a corresponding free weight exercise.

[0011] During use of the inventive exercise machine, the user lies in the semi-supine position on a bench assembly instead of either the floor or a standing position as commonly performed. Due to its unique design, the user can perform a torso rotation exercise in the semi-supine position against resistance, while keeping his/her abdominal region in the most mechanically efficient position to work the internal and external obliques, transverse and rectus abdominus muscles as a group. While performing this torso rotation exercise, the machine: (i) protects the user's sacrum and spine, (ii) allows for stabilization of the lateral hip and lateral thigh region, and (iii) places the user's spine in a position where it is in slightly flexed, but not weight-bearing. This slightly flexed, non- weight bearing position is particularly important because it allows the segments of the spine to rotate without locking the facet joints or placing excessive stress on the intervertebral discs, while at the same time placing significant stress on the desired muscle groups to maximize the effect of the rotational exercise. Overall, the exercise machine allows for the performance of the torso rotation exercise in the semi-supine position against a resisted member in a comfortable, safe, and mechanically effective manner without the use of external means such as handheld weights, or weight plates, weighted balls, resistance bands or exercise tubing.

[0012] The exercise machine generally is comprised of: (i) the support assembly, which includes a frame assembly and a bench assembly, and (ii) a resistance assembly. The frame assembly is comprised of a plurality of elongated members and is designed to support that bench assembly and the resistance assembly. The bench assembly may have different features or structures depending on the design and configuration of the machine. Regardless of the additional features or structures, the bench assembly includes a lateral support means that is designed to be placed in contact with a lateral extent of the user (e.g., user's lateral hip and thigh). Finally, the resistance assembly may include one or more bands, weight plates, weight stacks, springs, magnets, water, hydraulics, pneumatics, motors, dumbbell, kettlebell, or chains. [0013] Other features and advantages of the disclosures will be apparent from the following specifications taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] The figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an inventive exercise machine having a single torso rotation resistance path;

[0016] Fig. 2 is a right side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 3 is a front view of the exercise machine in Fig. 1;

[0018] Fig. 4 is a left side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 1, wherein the exercise machine and the user U are in a ready to use position;

[0019] Fig. 5 A is a left side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 1, wherein the exercise machine and the user U are in an extended exercise position;

[0020] Fig. 5B is a front side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 1, wherein the exercise machine and the user U are in the extended exercise position;

[0021] Fig. 5C is a front side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 1, wherein the exercise machine and the user U are in the extended exercise position and the user’ s spine is shown;

[0022] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an inventive exercise machine having two torso rotation resistance paths;

[0023] Fig. 7 is a left side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 6;

[0024] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an extent of a third embodiment of an inventive exercise machine, showing a movable bench assembly;

[0025] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the exercise machine in Fig. 8, wherein the bench assembly is in a released position and the bench assembly is in the process of being rotated from a first locked position to a second locked position;

[0026] Fig. 10 is bottom view of the bench assembly of the exercise machine in Fig.

8;

[0027] Fig 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an inventive exercise machine having one torso rotation resistance path and one torso crunch resistance path; [0028] Fig. 12 is a front view of the exercise machine in Fig. 11; [0029] Fig 13 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an inventive exercise machine, wherein an extent of the support frame moves while the user performs the exercise; [0030] Fig. 14 is a left side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 13, wherein the exercise machine are in a ready to use position and the user is in an initial exercise state; and [0031] Fig. 15 is a left side view of the exercise machine in Fig. 13, wherein the exercise machine are in a use position and the user is in an extended exercise state.

[0032] In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be utilized within the scope of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] While this disclosure includes several details and implementations in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail particular implementations with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed concepts to the implementations illustrated.

I. Introduction/Overview

[0034] This disclosure relates to an exercise machine or machine specifically designed to allow a person or user U to perform a torso rotation exercise while in the semi supine position, typically with resistance, to improve the strength of the user's abdominal muscles and posterior hip and gluteal muscles. The exercise machine is also designed to allow the user U to perform a seated abdominal crunch exercise to further train their abdominal muscles. The "semi-supine" position is specifically defined as the position between (i) “supine” at 0 degrees to horizontal (where the user is lying flat on his/her back) and (ii) “seated” on his/her buttocks at 90 degrees to horizontal (where the horizontal reference surface is provided by the bench support that the user is located on). In the "semi supine" position, the user’s torso is at a lesser angle alpha a to horizontal than 90 degrees but at a greater angle to horizontal than 0 degrees. For example, many users U who are the "semi-supine" position will have their torso oriented at an angle that is 25-75 degrees to horizontal, preferably 30-60 degrees to horizontal. Furthermore, in the semi-supine position, the angle of knee flexion will vary between users U based upon their overall strength, including the strength of their abdominal muscles. The "semi-supine" position is in an ideal position to perform a resisted torso rotation exercise on the inventive machine, as described in the following paragraphs, because the user’s lumbar spine ULS is maintained in a non weight bearing, slightly flexed position throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise. [0035] Figs. 1-15, show versions of the exercise machine 100, 1100, 2100, 3100,

4100 for use in different environments-namely, in a gym, fitness center or training facility, in a spa or studio. In its different versions, the exercise machine facilitates the performance of a resisted torso rotation exercise in a safe, controlled and efficient manner while the user U lies in a semi-supine position on a bench, seat or platform of the machine. In use, the user U lies in the semi-supine position perpendicular to the length of exercise machine instead of along the length of the machine. Due to the relative position of the user U on the machine and the stability created by the machine at the user’ s U lateral hip and lateral thigh, the exercise machine protects the user’s spine Us by maintaining the lumbar spine U_LS in a non-weight bearing, slightly flexed position throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise. This relative position also allows the motion of the exercise to be concentrated through the user’s U torso instead of through the hips as would occur if the user U was performing the torso rotation exercise in the standing position. Because the user U remains in the semi-supine position on the inventive machine while performing the torso rotation exercise, the inventive machine lacks a foot rest structure that is common to conventional exercise machines.

[0036] The lumbar spine ULS consists of five vertebrae labeled LI through L5, and it is situated between the thoracic spine UTS and the sacrum USA. Maintaining the lumbar spine ULS in a slightly flexed, non-weight bearing state while in the semi-supine position and concentrating motion at the torso eliminates any accessory movement, in the hips, as well as allowing the user U to effectively engage and strengthen the entire abdominal muscle group as a whole, while improving the overall effectiveness of the torso rotation exercise performed on the machine. Due to its unique configuration, the exercise machine also protects the user's U sacrum from pressure in the semi-supine position on a non-padded surface, such as the floor of a gym, training center, or fitness facility. The exercise machine shown 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100 also allows the user U to exercise the internal abdominal obliques, the external abdominal obliques, the transverse abdominals, and the rectus abdominus muscles as a group. [0037] Figs. 1-5C depicts a first embodiment of the machine 100 for performing a torso rotation movement configured for a heavy-use environment, such as in a gym, fitness center or training facility. The exercise machine 100 generally comprises: (i) a support assembly 200 with a frame assembly 300 and a bench assembly 400, and (ii) a resistance assembly 500. To utilize the machine 100, the user U: (i) selects a level of resistance on the resistance assembly 500, (ii) positions himself/herself on the bench assembly 400 in a semi supine position and against the lateral support means 410, (iii) grasps the user engagement member 700 with both hands, and (iv) rotates their torso away from the resistance assembly 500. The user U can then repositions themselves, 180 degrees from their original position, on the machine 100 in a semi-supine position and repeats the above steps. Typically, the user U performs multiple repetitions of the torso rotation movement toward both the right and left sides of the body as part of his/her training regimen.

[0038] Figs. 6-7 depict a second embodiment of the machine 1100 for performing a torso rotation movement configured for a heavy-use environment, such as in a gym, fitness center or training facility. The second embodiment of the machine 1100 not only includes features that are similar to the features disclosed in the first embodiment of the machine 100, but also includes a few additional structures that allow the user U to perform torso rotations in both directions without repositioning themselves on the bench assembly 1400.

[0039] Figs. 8-10 depict an extent of a third embodiment of the machine 2100 for performing a torso rotation movement that is configured for a heavy-use environment, such as in a gym, fitness center, or training facility. In particular, the extent of the machine 2100 that is shown in Figs. 8-10 is the bench assembly 2400, which includes means for rotating and locking 2490 the bench assembly 2400. This rotating and locking means 2490 allows the user U to rotate the bench assembly 2400, such that the user U does not have to get off the machine and reposition themselves 180 degrees from their original position each time the user U wants to switch the sides.

[0040] Figs. 11-12 depict a fourth embodiment of the machine 3100 for performing a torso rotation movement configured for a heavy-use environment, such as in a gym, fitness center or training facility. The fourth embodiment of the machine 3100 not only includes features that are similar to the features disclosed in the first embodiment of machine 100, but also includes a few additional structures that allow the user U perform a resisted torso crunch. [0041] Figs. 13-15 depict a fifth embodiment of the machine 4100 for performing a torso rotation movement that is configured for a heavy-use environment, such as in a gym, fitness center or training facility. The fifth embodiment of the machine 4100 not only includes features that are similar to the features disclosed in the first embodiment of the machine 100, but an extent of the bench assembly 400 moves while the user U is performing the exercise.

II. First Embodiment

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1-5C and as mentioned above, the support assembly 200 of the machine 100 includes a frame assembly 300 and a bench assembly 400. Because the user U remains in the semi-supine position on the machine 100 while performing the torso rotation exercise, the user’s U feet are suspended above the support surface (e.g., floor) upon which the machine 100 rests and as a result, the support assembly 200 lacks a foot rest structure that is common to conventional exercise machines. Figs. 4-5C show this interaction between the user U and the machine 100.

[0043] The frame assembly 300 includes: (i) first and second side members 310, 312,

(ii) a front cross member 314, (iii) rear cross member 318, (iv) a transition member 322, (v) a vertical support assembly 330. The first and second side members 310, 312 extend along a substantial length of the machine 100 and are coupled together by the front and rear cross members 314, 318 to form a substantially rectangular base 308. In this configuration, the first and second side members 310, 312 are substantially parallel with one another, the front and rear cross members 314, 318 are substantially parallel with one another, and the first and second side members 310, 312 are substantially perpendicular to the front and rear cross members 314, 318. Said base 308 has a length L and a width W, wherein the length is approximately two times the width. This dimension is desirable because it positions the use a sufficient distance away from the resistance assembly 500 in order to allow the user U to perform the full range of the exercise.

[0044] The transition member 322 is: (i) positioned near the front member 314, (ii) is coupled to the first and second side members 310, 312, and (iii) is designed to support the resistance assembly 500. Preferably, the transition member 322 is placed above an extent of the first and second side members 310, 312 and most preferably on top of the first and second side members 310, 312. This configuration reduces the length of the cable 338 of the resistance assembly 500 and helps distribute forces away from the resistance assembly 500 when the user U fails to gently return an extent of the resistance assembly 500 to the ready to use position PR, discussed below. While Figures 1-5C, show a substantially rectangular base 308, it should be understood that alternative configurations are contemplated by this disclosure. These alternative configurations, include: (i) rounding off the corners of the base 308, (ii) each member 310, 312, 314, 318, 322 may have a curvilinear configuration, (iii) any one of the front, rear, or transition member 314, 318, 322 may be omitted, (iv) additional cross members, which extend between the first and second side member 310, 312, may be added, (v) additional side members, which extend between the front and rear cross members 314, 318, may be added, (vi) the first and second side member 310, 312 may be omitted and replaced with a central longitudinal member that bisects the front and rear cross members 314, 318, or (vii) any combination of the above.

[0045] The vertical support assembly 330 is configured to support the bench assembly 400 above an extent of the base 308 and may extend upward from: (i) first side member 310, (ii) second side member 312, and/or (iii) rear cross member 318. Specifically, the vertical support 330 may include a plurality of vertical members, wherein a first vertical member 332 is coupled to the first side member 310, a second vertical member 334 is coupled to the first side member 310 and rear cross member 318, a third vertical member 336 is coupled to the second side member 312, and a forth vertical member 338 is coupled to the second side member 312 and rear cross member 318. It should be understood that more or less vertical members may be included within the vertical support assembly 330. For example, the vertical support assembly 330 may include: (i) two vertical supports, wherein each side member 310, 312 is coupled to a single vertical support, (ii) three vertical supports, wherein the second and fourth vertical members 334, 338 are replaced by a single rear vertical support, (iii) the vertical supports may be replaced by a continues wall that is coupled one or more extents of the base 308.

[0046] The frame assembly 300 also includes a plurality of mounting feet (not shown) that engage the supporting floor and are configured to increase the stability of the machine during usage. The mounting feet preferably have an elastomeric composition and/or compensate if the floor that machine 100 is placed upon is not level by being adjustable. The mounting feet may also include holes or openings formed there through, which was designed to allow the user U to bolt the machine 100 to the floor. In one embodiment, a pair of mounting feet are affixed to the front member 314 and a pair of feet are affixed to the rear member 318. Additionally, wheel or other structures that may aid in moving and positing the machine 100 may be coupled to the frame assembly 300.

[0047] The bench assembly 400 is coupled to the top of the vertical support assembly

330 and thus, it is positioned above and elevated over an extent of the base 308. This design helps ensure that the user's feet do not come into contact with the floor and make it easier for the user U to get into and out of the machine 100. The bench assembly 400 is comprised of: (i) bench support frame 404, (ii) a bench pad 406, (iii) a bench cover 408, and (iv) a lateral support means 410. The bench support frame 404 may be affixed (shown in Figs. 1-5C) or movably coupled (shown in Figs. 8-10 and 13-15) to the vertical support assembly 330. The bench support frame 404 provides the necessary support for the bench assembly 400 to support the user U. The pad 406 and cover 408 are coupled to the top of the support frame 404 and make the machine 100 more comfortable to utilize. It should be understood that a separate support frame 404 may be omitted and instead, the support frame 404 may be integrally formed with the vertical support assembly 330. The pad 406 may include multiple foam densities positioned within different layers and/or the cover 408 may have a single-ply or may include multiple-plys of the same or dissimilar materials. Further, the top surface 408a of the cover 408 may be: (i) substantially flat, (ii) concave or convex due to amount and type of padding that is used, (iii) inclined, wherein the highest point is positioned near the resistance assembly 500, (iv) declined, wherein the highest point is positioned the furthest away for the weekend, and/or (v) multiple components that have different configurations (e.g., two angled surfaces that form a "V" shape).

[0048] The lateral support means 410 is coupled to the support frame 404 and/or the vertical support assembly 330. The lateral support means 410 is positioned adjacent to an internal or inward portion 400a of the bench assembly 400 near the user engagement member 700, as opposed to an external our outward portion 400b of the bench assembly 400. In light of its upwardly extending configuration, the lateral support means 410 is a stabilizer member for the user's body - mainly, a lateral extent of the user U, and preferably the user's lateral hip and thigh region - while the user U performs the exercise. One type of a conventional exercise machine includes a knee support component located a distance forward of and above a bench wherein a cavity is defined between the bench and knee support component and the cavity extends horizontally along a width of the bench. The user then inserts an extent of his/her legs through this horizontally extending cavity, the user’s knees are located under the knee support pad and the user’s feet rest on a support surface (e.g., the floor or support surface S on which the conventional exercise machine is placed upon). During use of the conventional exercise machine - to perform seated lat pulldown movements or seated rowing movements - the knee support component ensures that the user’s legs remain within the cavity in a relatively stable position. Unlike these conventional exercise machines, the lateral support means 410 of the inventive machine 100 extends upward from the internal portion 400a of the bench assembly 400 and no cavity is defined either (i) between the lateral support means 410 and the bench assembly 400, or (ii) horizontally along the width W of the bench assembly, through which the user U could insert his/her legs. Accordingly, the legs of the user U are oriented substantially perpendicular to the resistance assembly 500.

[0049] The lateral support means 410 comprises at least one lateral bench member

414 and preferably a pair of lateral bench members 414, 416 that are spaced apart with a space or gap 418 positioned there between, which are shown in Figs. 1-5C. The lateral bench member 414, 416: (i) extends above the top surface 408a of the bench cover 408, (ii) is positioned on the internal side of the support frame 404 (/._<?., the side that is closest to the resistance assembly 500), (iii) is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the support frame 404, (iv) is directly coupled to support frame 404, and (v) is indirectly coupled to the vertical support assembly 330 through the support frame 404. The two lateral bench members 414, 416 are arranged or spaced a distance apart from one another to form a gap 418 there between, and they form a “L-shaped” configuration with the bench assembly 400, as shown in Fig. 2. However, unlike the conventional exercise machine discussed in the foregoing paragraph, the gap 418 should not be construed as the leg-reception cavity of the conventional machine because (i) the gap 418 is centered at the inner edge 400c of the bench pad 406, (ii) the gap 48 is bounded by the lateral bench members 414, 416 and thus does not extend inward from an outer edge 400d of the bench assembly 400 and horizontally along a substantial width W (e.g., more than 50% of the width) of the bench pad 406 of the bench assembly 400, and (iii) the gap 418 is neither dimensioned nor positioned to permit the user U to insert one of his/her legs while sitting on the bench assembly 400. Furthermore, as described below, the user U sits transversely to the gap 418, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, during usage of the machine 100 to perform the torso rotational movement. Due to the arrangement of the bench assembly 400, the exercise machine 100 entirely lacks the leg-reception cavity of the conventional machine discussed above. The two lateral bench members 414, 416 include lateral bench pads 420, 422 and lateral bench covers 424, 426. Said include pads 420, 422 and covers 424, 426 may have an upper extent that is sloped 428, 430, or has a curvilinear configuration. It should be understood that including the pads 406, 420, 422 and covers 408, 424, 426 are optional and as such they can be omitted without affecting the operation of the machine 100. In other words, the pads 406, 420, 422 and covers 408, 424, 426 are primarily provided for the user's comfort and do not materially affect the operation of the machine 100.

[0050] The gap or space 418 is defined between the two lateral bench members 414,

416 and extends upward from the bench pad 406, namely the bench cover 408, at the inner edge 400C of the internal bench portion 400a. Because the two lateral bench members 414, 416 extend upward from the inner edge 400C of the internal bench portion 400a, the leg- reception cavity of the conventional machined (discussed above) is not present in the exercise machine 100. Furthermore, the gap 418 is aligned with the resistance assembly 500 and is designed to receive an extent of the resistance assembly 500 during the use of the machine 100. Accordingly, the gap 418 has a width Gw (shown in Fig. 3) that is: (i) wide enough to allow an extent of the resistance assembly 500 to be positioned therein, (ii) preferably, wider than one of the lateral bench members 414, 416 to enable the extent of the resistance assembly 500 to freely move within the gap 418, and (iii) most preferably, wider than the width Hw (shown in Fig. 2) of the handle 702 coupled to the resistance assembly 500 to enable the user U to pull the handle 702 directly away from the resistance assembly 500. As shown in at least Figs. 1 and 3, the gap 418 has a rectangular configuration and the gap 418 is aligned with an extent of the routing assembly 570 and the engagement member 700.

Because the two lateral bench members 414, 416 reside adjacent to or abut an inner edge 400C of the internal portion 400a of the bench assembly 400 (as shown in Fig. 2), the gap 418 is located inwardly adjacent to the inner edge 400C. Alternatively, the lateral bench members 414, 416 are integrated with the internal portion 400a of the bench assembly 400 such that an inner surface 414a, 416a of the member 414, 416 is flush with the inner edge 400C of the internal portion 400a of the bench assembly 400. In this configuration, the gap 418 is located outwardly adjacent to the inner edge 400C and the gap 418 overlies a main portion of the bench assembly 400.

[0051] It should be understood that the lateral support means 410 can have a different shape or position without departing from the scope of this disclosure or the function of the lateral support means 410. For example, while the two lateral bench members 414, 416 extend upward from the internal portion 400a of the bench assembly 400, the lateral support means 410 may: (i) be a single structure that does not have a gap formed therein, such that the resistance assembly 500 will be extend over the uppermost edge 412 of the lateral support means 410 (ii) be a single structure that has an aperture or hole formed therein that is not large enough to create two different structures, but is only large enough to receive an extent of the resistance assembly 500 there through, (iii) have more than two structures (e.g., ten or less separate structures), (iv) be integrally formed with the support frame 404 and/or vertical support assembly 330 adjacent the bench assembly 400, (v) have a curvilinear configuration - for example, the top surface of the bench cover 408 and the lateral support means cover 410a may have "J" shape, (vi) formed at an angle that is not substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the support frame 404 (e.g., angled towards or away from the resistance assembly 500), or (vii) have any combination of the above or any other design that is apparent to one of skill in the art based on this disclosure.

[0052] The resistance assembly 500 is coupled to an extent of the support assembly

200 and it provides a resistance force that the user U must overcome to move the machine 100 from a ready to use position (shown in Fig. 4) to an extended use position (shown in Figs. 5A-5C). As shown in Figs. 1-5C, the resistance assembly 500 includes: (i) a resistance support assembly 504, (ii) a weight load assembly 530, (iii) an elongated cable 550, and (iv) a routing assembly 570. The resistance support assembly 504 is designed to provide stability and house a substantial extent of the weight load assembly 530 and routing assembly 570. To accomplish this, the resistance support assembly 504 is comprised of two vertical uprights 506, 508 and a lateral connecting member 510. The vertical uprights 506, 508 are: (i) coupled to an extent of the support assembly 200 and preferably to the first and second side members 310, 312 and/or the front cross member 314 and (ii) are positioned substantially perpendicular to the first and second side members 310, 312. It should be understood that the resistance support assembly 504 may have other configurations and/or include additional structures depending in part on the design of the weight load assembly 530. For example, the resistance support assembly 504: (i) may not include multiple separate components and instead, the components or a portion of the components may be integrally formed as a single structure, (ii) may include a shield that fully surrounds or partially surrounds the weight load assembly 530, (iii) may include a front horizontal bar, (iv) may have a curvilinear configuration, or (v) may be omitted in its entirety.

[0053] The weight load assembly 530 is designed to provide a selectable amount of resistance that the user U must overcome to perform the exercise. As shown in Figs. 1-5C, the weight load assembly 530 is comprised of: (i) a plurality of weight plates 532 that form a weight stack 534, (ii) a guide assembly 536, (iii) elongated member or rod (not shown) that is coupled to the cable 550 and is configured to extend through an extent of the weight plate(s) 532, and (iv) locking member or pin (not shown) that is designed to extend through an extent of the weight plate(s) 532 and into the elongated member or rod to allow the user U to select the number of weight plate(s) 532 that the user U desires to couple to the cable 550. The number of weight plates 532 included within the weight stack 534 may vary from one to one hundred, preferably between three and fifty, and most preferably between five and twenty- five. As discussed above, the number of weight plate(s) 532 coupled to the cable 550 is selectable by the user U. To facilitate this, the elongated member includes apertures that are cooperatively positioned with apertures formed through the weight plate(s) 532, wherein the user U can insert a locking member through the weight plates 532 and into the elongated member to select the amount of weighted resistance during the performance of the torso rotation exercises. For example, if the user U wants to couple five weight plate 532 to the cable 550, the user U will insert the locking member into an opening formed within an extent of the fifth weight plate 532 and into an extent of the elongated member. It should be understood that the locking member and elongated member may be replaced with other structures and/or means for selectively coupling the weight plate(s) 532 to the cable. For example, these structures may be replaced with a resistance dial and the structures necessary to couple a number of weight plate(s) 532 to the cable 550 based on the setting of the resistance dial.

[0054] In Figs. 1-5C, the elongated cable 550 is shown as a braded steel cable.

Alternatively, the cable 550 may be a flexible track, belt, rope, chain, cord, wire, or other type of flexible coupler consistent with the function and structure of the machine 100. Also in Figs. 1-5C, the guide assembly 536 includes two substantially vertical cylinders 538, 540 that flank the elongated member, are coupled to transition member 322 and lateral connecting member 510, slidingly engage the weight plate(s) 532, and help ensure the weight plate(s)

532 move in a substantially vertical orientation when the user U applies a force to on the cable 550. To achieve this functionality, each of the weight plates 532 includes two openings formed there though to receive the substantially vertical cylinders 538, 540. As described above in connection with the weight load assembly 530, the design and configuration of the guide assembly 536 may be changed or altered based on the structure of the resistance assembly 500. It should also be understood that this disclosure contemplates other embodiments or designs of the weight load assembly 530. For example, the resistance assembly 500 may include: (i) one or more elastic band(s) that may be permanently or removably attached to the machine 100, (ii) one or more projection(s) that are designed to receive one or more of weight plate(s) that are removably attached thereto by a user U, (iii) a hydraulic based resistance assembly, (iv) a pneumatic based resistance assembly, (v) one or more spring(s) that may be permanently or removably attached to the machine 100, (vi) magnetic based resistance assembly, (vii) a water based resistance assembly, (viii) friction based resistance assembly, wherein a resistance dial may provide pressure on the guide assembly 536, (ix) electric based resistance assembly (e.g., motor), (x) a receiver that is designed to receive at least one dumbbell, kettlebell, or other similar structure, (x) at least one cam that elongates the path of movement and thereby provides resistance, or (xi) any combination thereof (e.g., removable elastic band(s) and removable weight plates(s)) to provide adequate resistance during the torso rotation movement.

[0055] The routing assembly 570 is designed to rout the cable 550 from the weight load assembly 530 to a user engagement member 700. In doing so, a single torso rotation resistance path is provided for the cable 550. In Figs. 1-5C, the routing assembly 570 includes: (i) an upper routing member 572 and (ii) a lower routing member 580. The upper routing member 572 in this embodiment is an upper pulley 574 affixed to the lateral connecting member 510. This position allows the weight plate(s) 532 to travel from a resting position, along with the guide assembly 536, toward an upper in-use position. The lower routing member 580: (i) includes at least one pulley and preferably two pulleys 582a, 582b, and (ii) a routing member support structure 584 that is coupled to the support assembly 200, more particularly the frame assembly 300, and most significantly the based 308. The upper most extent 580a of the lower routing member 580 is vertically arranged or in a vertical position that is: (i) above the top surface 408a of the bench cover 408, (ii) above the uppermost edge 412 of the lateral support means 410 (see Fig. 2), (iii) below the uppermost edge 412 of the lateral support means 410 (see Fig. 4), (iv) above the top surface 408a of the bench cover 408 and above the uppermost edge 412 of the two lateral bench members 414, 416 (see Fig. 2), (v) above the top surface 408a of the bench cover 408 and below the uppermost edge 412 of the two lateral bench members 414, 416 (see Fig. 4), or (vi) above the top surface 408a of the bench cover 408 and below an uppermost edge 412 of the two lateral bench members 414, 416.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 1-5C, the pulleys 582a, 582b are arranged in a substantially vertical orientation between opposed side plates to guide the travel path of the cable 550.

The lower routing member 580, including the pulleys 582a, 582b are pivotably attached to the routing member support structure 584. The vertical orientation protects the cable 550 and helps ensure that the user U interaction with the machine is substantially smooth regardless of whether the user U pulls in a upward direction on the user engagement member 700 or in a downward direction on the user engagement member 700. The pivotably attached of the lower routing member 580 protects the cable 550 and helps allow the user's interaction with the machine 100 to become closer to a movement that the user U would perform with a free weight. The in turn requires the user U to utilize additional stabilization muscle and increases the effeteness of the exercise.

[0057] The routing assembly 570, shown in Figs. 1-5C, routs the cable 550 from: (i) an upper extent of the elongated member that is selectively coupled to the weight stack 534, (ii) upward towards the lateral connecting member 510 and around the upper pulley 574, (iii) downward towards the lower routing member 580, (iv) between the lower set of pulleys 582a, 582b, and finally to the user engagement member 700. It should be understood that other structures or methods for routing the cable from the weight load assembly 530 to the user engagement member 700 are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the pulleys 582a, 582b may not be pivotably attached to the routing member support structure 584, the lower routing member 580 may include only one pulley, may include additional structures (e.g., pulleys, etc.) that route the cable 550 through an extent of the frame assembly 300, or a combination thereof.

[0058] The exercise machine 100 facilitates the performance of a resisted torso rotation exercise by a user U in a safe, controlled and efficient manner. The exercise machine 100 is configured to protect the spine of the user U while he/she is in the semi-supine position by maintaining the lumbar spine ULS in a slightly flexed non-weight bearing position throughout the entire range of motion of the exercise, and also allows the torso rotation exercise to be concentrated at the user's thorax or torso. Due to its unique structure and arrangement of components, the machine 100 eliminates most of the accessory movement through the user's hips and arms and improves overall effectiveness of the resisted torso rotation exercise.

[0059] To use the machine 100, the user U first selects a resistance level using the resistance assembly 500. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1-5C, this is done by inserting the locking member: (i) through one of the holes that is formed within the weight plates 532 of the weight stack 534 and (ii) into an extent of the elongated member. By doing so, the user U has coupled the selected amount of weight to the cable 550, which will provide the resistance that the user U will have to overcome in order to perform the exercise.

[0060] Referring to Fig. 4, once the weight has been selected, the user U assumes a semi-supine position on the machine 100 whereby: (i) the user U is positioned on the support assembly 200, and more specifically on the bench assembly 400, (ii) user's lateral hip and thigh are in contact with the lateral support means 410, namely one of or both of the two lateral bench members 414, 416, (iii) the user’s spine Us is preferably oriented substantially parallel with at least one of the following structures: (a) length L (shown in Fig. 2) of the bench assembly 400, (b) inner surface of the weight load assembly 530, and (c) the front and rear cross member 314, 318 of the frame assembly 300, and (iv) the user’s spine Us is preferably oriented substantially perpendicular to at least one of the following structures: (a) the direction of movement M (shown in Figs. 5A-5C) of the cable 550, (b) width W (shown in Fig. 3) of the bench assembly 400, and (c) the first and second side members 310 of the frame assembly 300. In particular, the user U aligns the center of the torso (approximately the tip of the xyphoid process) with the user engagement member 700 or handle 702, which attaches to the cable 550 of the resistance assembly 500. Once properly positioned, the user U rotates his/her torso in the direction of the handle 702 and grabs the handle 702 with both hands, while keeping the arms and shoulders relatively still, to define a ready to use position PR (see Fig. 4). In the ready to use position, the user U is in the semi supine position and at the initial phase of the resisted torso rotation movement. In the ready to use position PR, the user engagement member 700 is located inward of the lateral support means 410. In other words, the user engagement member 700 is located between the lateral support means 410 and the resistance assembly 500. While the user U is in the semi-supine state in the ready to use positon PR, the user U is already placing significant stress through the rectus abdominus and transverse abdominus muscle groups as they act to maintain the lumbar spine ULS in a position of slight flexion against the force of gravity. Also in this positon PR, the user U is oriented substantially perpendicular to the torso rotation resistance path.

[0061] The user U then starts to perform the exercise by gripping the user engagement member 700, namely the handle 702, and then rotating his/her torso in away from at least one of the following: (i) the lateral support means 410 or the two lateral bench members 414, 416, (ii) lower routing member 580, (iii) upper routing member 572, (iv) weight load assembly 530, (v) resistance support assembly 504, and (vi) resistance assembly 500. When the user U rotates his/her torso, the user's lateral hip and thigh remains in contact with the lateral support means 410 or the two lateral bench members 414, 416. In doing so, significant stress is now placed on the internal oblique of the contralateral side and the external oblique of the ipsilateral side which work together to rotate the user’ s torso away from the above structures, including the lower routing member 580. Once the user U has fully rotated his/her torso away from at least one of the above structures, the user U reaches an extended exercise position PE which represents the outermost movement phase of the torso rotation exercise (shown in Figs. 5A-5C). In the extended exercise position PE, the user engagement member 700 is located outward of or beyond the lateral support means 410. In other words, the user engagement member 700 is located between the lateral support means 410 and the outward end of the bench assembly 400. In the extended exercise position PE, the cable 550 extends between the two lateral bench members 414, 416 and through the gap 418. Also in this position PE, the user U remains in the semi-supine position and oriented substantially perpendicular to the torso rotation resistance path. [0062] After reaching this position, the user U rotates his/her torso back towards at least one of the following: (i) the lateral support means 410 or the two lateral bench members 414, 416, (ii) lower routing member 580, (iii) upper routing member 572, (iv) weight load assembly 530, (v) resistance support assembly 504, and (vi) resistance assembly 500. Once the user U has rotated his/her torso back to the starting position, which is essentially the ready to use position positon PR, the user U has completed one repetition in a left-oriented position with the user's right hip region resting against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members 414, 416, as shown in Figs. 4-5C. The user U can then rotate 180 degrees on the bench assembly 400 to a right-oriented use position with the user's left hip region rests against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members 414, 416 in order to stress and train the other side of the user’s torso. By rotating his/her torso in both directions, the user U has efficiently and effectively strengthened the entire abdominal muscle group with the use of the inventive exercise machine 100. As the user U moves between the ready to use positon PR, the extended exercise position PE and returns to the ready to use positon PR, the lateral support means 410, including the upwardly extending lateral members 414, 416 act as a stabilizer for lateral extent of the user U, namely the user's lateral hip and thigh region while the user U performs the torso rotation exercise. During performance of the torso rotation exercise, the lateral support means 410, including the upwardly extending lateral members 414, 416, acts as a stabilization member to restrict unwanted lateral movement of the user U along the bench assembly 400 and towards the resistance assembly 500 and the weight load assembly 530.

[0063] To provide sufficient support and stability to the user U in the ready to use positon PR, the extended exercise position PE and during the performance of the torso movement and abdominal exercise described above, the bench assembly 400, namely the bench pad 406 which the user U rests upon, has a width W (see Fig. 3) of at least 18 inches and a length L (see Fig. 2) of at least 12 inches. In a preferred configuration of the bench assembly 400, the bench pad 406 has a width W of approximately 25 inches and a length L of approximately 18 inches. Given the arrangement of the components of the machine 100, the orientation of the user U on the bench assembly 400 and the torso rotation exercise to be performed, the width W appreciably exceeds the length L. The larger width W makes straddling the bench pad 406 difficult and uncomfortable by the user U, wherein straddling the bench pad 406 is not appropriate when performing the torso rotation movements and exercise described herein. Also, to provide sufficient support to the user U in the ready to use positon PR, the extended exercise position PE and during the performance of the torso movement and abdominal exercise described above, the bench assembly 400, namely the bench pad 406 which the user U rests upon, has a height HB (as shown in Fig. 2) of at least 16 inches above a support surface S upon which the exercise machine 10 is placed. To further provide proper support and stability to the user U in the extended exercise position P_E and during the performance of the torso movement and abdominal exercise described above, the lateral support means 410, namely the two lateral bench members 414, 416, have a height HLBM of at least 6 inches above the top surface 408a of the cover 408 of the bench pad 406. Preferably, the height HLBM is at least 8 inches.

III. Second Embodiment

[0064] Like the first embodiment of the machine 100, shown in Figs. 1-5C, the second embodiment of the machine 1100, shown in Figs. 6-7, is designed to efficiently and effectively strengthen the user's U entire abdominal muscle group with one exercise machine 1100. In particular, the second embodiment 1100 includes all of the primary components of the first embodiment of the machine 100. As such, the above disclosure in connection with machine 100 will not be repeated here, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers represent like structures. For example, the disclosure relating to resistance assembly 500 applies in equal force to resistance assembly 1500. Further, it should be understood that the operational modes of the machine 1100 are similar to, or identical to, those disclosed regarding machine 100.

[0065] The primary difference between the first embodiment of the machine 100 and the second embodiment of the machine 1100 is the fact that the second embodiment 1100 includes: (i) a second lateral support means 1460, (ii) a second user engagement structure 1720 or handle 1722, and (iii) a different routing assembly 1570 that couples the weight stack 1534 to both handles 1702, 1722. These additional structures provide two torso rotation resistance paths for the cable 1550. This is beneficial because it allows the user to remain in one location on the support platform 200, and more particularly on the bench assembly 300, while using a single resistance assembly 1500 to provide resistance against: (i) rotating their torso away to the left or from resistance assembly 500 while holding the handle 702 or (ii) rotating their torso to the right or towards the resistance assembly 500 while holding the handle 722. This effectively efficiently and effectively strengthen the entire abdominal muscle group with one exercise machine 1100 without requiring the user to reposition themselves on the machine 1100.

[0066] In the machine 1100 that is shown in Figs. 6-7, the second lateral support means 1460 is two lateral bench members 1464, 1466 that: (i) extend above the top surface 1408a of the cover 1408, (ii) are positioned on one side of the support frame 1404 (i.e., the side that is closest to the resistance assembly 1500), (iii) are substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the support frame 1404, (iv) are spaced a part from one another to form a space or gap 1468 there between, (v) are directly coupled to support frame 1404, and (vi) indirectly coupled to the vertical support assembly 330 through the support frame 1404. Like the pad 1406 and cover 1408, which are coupled to and positioned over the support frame 1404, the two lateral bench members 1464, 1466 include pads 1470, 1472 and covers 1474, 1476. Said include pads 1470, 1472 and covers 1474, 1476 may have an upper extent that is sloped 1478, 1480, or has a curvilinear configuration. The gap or space 1468, which is positioned between the two lateral bench members 1464, 1466, is designed to receive an extent of the resistance assembly 1500 during the use of the machine 1100. Accordingly, the space 1468 has a width that is: (i) wide enough to allow an extent of the resistance assembly 1500 to be positioned therein, (ii) preferably, wider than one of the lateral bench members 1464, 1466 to enable the extent of the resistance assembly 1500 to freely move within the space 1468, and (iii) most preferably, wider than the width of the handle 1722 coupled to the resistance assembly 1500 to enable the user to pull the handle directly away from the resistance assembly 1500. As shown in the Figures, the gap 1468 may have a rectangular configure or may have a different configuration, such as a "C" shaped configuration. It should be understood that the second lateral support means 1460 make have a different shape or position without departing from the scope of this disclosure or the function of the second lateral support means 1460. For example, the second lateral support means 1460 may have any combination of the above or any other design that is obvious to one of skill in the art based on this disclosure.

[0067] As discussed above, this second embodiment has a slightly different routing assembly 1570 that couples the weight stack 1534 to both handles 1720, 1722. In particular, the routing assembly 1570 includes: (i) a first lower routing member 1588, (ii) an upper routing member 1590, (iii) a weight stack routing member 1592, (iv) a frame routing member 1594, and (v) a second lower routing member 1596. The first lower routing member 1588 is similar to lower routing member 580 of the first embodiment; but instead of utilizing two pulleys 582a, 582b, first lower routing member 1588 only uses one pulley 1588a that is not pivotably attached to the routing member support structure 1584. The upper routing member 1590 includes two pulleys 1590a, 1590b, wherein one is positioned between the first lower routing member 1588 and the weight stack routing member 1592 and the other one is positioned between the weight stack routing member 1592 and an extent of the frame routing member 1594. The frame routing member 1594 includes two pulleys 1594a, 1594b that are positioned between the upper routing member 1590 and the second lower routing member 1596. Finally, the second lower routing member 1596 is the same as the first lower routing member 1588.

IV. Third Embodiment

[0068] Figs. 8-10 show an extent of a third exercise machine 2100, and in particular a bench assembly 2400. This alternative bench assembly 2400 contains all of the primary components that are contained within the bench assembly 1400 of machine 1100. As such, the above disclosure in connection with machines 100, 1100 will not be repeated here, but it should be understood that across embodiments, like numbers represent like structures. For example, the disclosure relating to bench support frame 1404 applies in equal force to bench support frame 2404. Further, it should be understood that the operational modes of the machine 2100 are similar to, or identical to, those disclosed regarding machine 100.

[0069] This bench assembly 2400 is designed to replace bench assembly 400, which is shown in the first embodiment 100 and the only difference between bench assembly 1400 and bench assembly 2400 is the fact that bench assembly 2400 includes a means for rotating and locking 2490 the bench assembly 2400. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 8-10, the structure that provides this functionality is the rotating tray 2492 and the locking member 2494. By positioning the rotating tray 2492 between a first extent of the bench support frame 404 that is coupled to the vertical support assembly 330 and a second extent of the bench support frame 404 that is coupled to the pads 2470, 2472 of the bench, the bench assembly 2400 can rotate 180 to allow the user to remain seated on the machine while rotating between twisting to his/her left and twisting to his/her right. This is beneficial because it allows the user to easily switch from working out one side to working out the other side. Because the user can rotate between these sides, the bench assembly 2400 includes a locking member locking member 2494 to retain the bench in one location while the user performs the exercise.

V. Fourth Embodiment

[0070] Figs. 11-12 show a fourth embodiment of the exercise machine 3100 for performing the torso rotational exercise while in the semi-supine position, as described above, and a seated abdominal crunch exercise to further train the user's abdominal muscles. This exercise machine 3100 contains all of the primary components that are contained within the exercise machine 100. As such, the above disclosure in connection with machines 100 will not be repeated here, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers represent like structures. For example, the disclosure relating to bench support frame 404 applies in equal force to bench support frame 3404. Further, it should be understood that the operational modes of the machine 3100 are similar to, or identical to, those disclosed regarding machine 100.

[0071] The inclusion of this additional functionality requires that the machine 3100 include a second user engagement structure 3730 or handle 3732, and a different routing assembly 3570 that couples the weight stack 3534 to both handles 3702, 3732. In particular, the different routing assembly 3570 includes: (i) a lower routing member 3597, (ii) an upper routing member 3598, and (iii) a weight stack routing member 3599. This is similar to the pulley design that is shown and described above in connection with the first embodiment because it is pivotally coupled to routing member support structure 3584. However, this design lacks a second pulley and instead places that cable 3550 between an extent of the routing member support structure 3584 and the pulley 3597a. The upper routing member 3598 and the weight stack routing member 3599 include a total of three pulleys, which are configured such that the weight load assembly 3530 can be coupled to both handles 3702, 1732. To perform the seated abdominal crunch exercise, the user sits on the bench assembly 3400 and faces away from the weight load assembly 3530. The user then grasps the handles 3732 in an overhead position and then performs the abdominal crunch movement while remaining seated on the bench assembly 3400.

VI. Fifth Embodiment

[0072] Figs. 13-15 show a fifth embodiment of the exercise machine 4100 for performing the torso rotational exercise while in the semi-supine position. This exercise machine 4100 contains all of the primary components that are contained within the exercise machine 100. As such, the above disclosure in connection with machines 100 will not be repeated here, but it should be understood that across embodiments like numbers represent like structures. For example, the disclosure relating to bench support frame 404 applies in equal force to bench support frame 4404. Further, it should be understood that the operational modes of the machine 4100 are similar to those disclosed regarding machine 100. [0073] The primary different between machine 100 and machine 4100 is the fact that an extent of the support assembly 4200, and more particular the bench assembly 4400, moves when the user performs the exercise. In particular, the bench support frame 4404 is slidably coupled to the vertical support assembly 4330 via a pair of rods 4403, 4405. With this design, the bench support frame 4404 moves towards the resistance assembly 4500 when the user moves from the ready to use position PR to the extended position PE. Likewise, the bench support frame 4404 moves rearward from the resistance assembly 4500 when the user U moves from the extended position PE to the ready to use position PR. The resistance assembly 4500 aids in returning or re-centering the bench support frame 4404 from the extended position PE to the ready to use position PR. Alternatively, the support assembly 4200 can include a biasing member 4406 (e.g., bands, springs, magnets, hydraulics, pneumatics, or motors) that biases the bench support frame 4404 towards the ready to use position PR. It should be understood that this biasing member may be omitted or replaced with an alternative structure.

[0074] The pair of rods 4403, 4405 may have different non-conductive configurations; thus, requiring or allowing for the bench assembly 4400 to have a different sliding direction or angle. For example, the pair of rods 4403, 4403 and the vertical support assembly 4330 may have a curvilinear configuration that slopes upward near the weight load assembly 4530. This configuration attempts to mere a real-life movement with free weights by requiring the user U support some of their weight towards the top of the pair of rods 4403, 4403. Alternatively, the sliding movement could be replaced with a camming action that is generated using multiple linkages that move when the user performs the exercise.

[0075] While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. Other implementations are also contemplated. While some implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure; and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and are not limiting. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term includes, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0076] Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase(s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase(s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases. Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An exercise machine designed to allow a user to perform a torso rotation exercise while in a semi-supine position to improve the strength of the user's abdominal muscles, the exercise machine comprising: a) a support frame assembly; b) a bench assembly having a bench pad and a pair of lateral bench members extending upwardly from an internal portion of the bench assembly, the lateral bench members defining a gap there between; and, c) a resistance assembly including at least one elongated cable that is cooperatively aligned with the gap defined by the pair of lateral bench members.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein in a ready to use position, the user rests on the bench pad and against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members in the semi-supine position and grasps an engaging structure affixed to the elongated cable to perform a torso rotational movement to reach an extended exercise position.

3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein in the ready to use position, the bench assembly maintains the user's lumbar spine in a slightly flexed non-weight bearing position throughout the entire range of motion of the torso rotation movement.

4. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the elongated cable.

5. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially perpendicular to a length of the bench assembly.

6. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially parallel to a width of the bench assembly.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the elongated cable extends through the gap during the performance of the torso rotation exercise.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the bench assembly includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows for selective pivotal movement of a portion of the bench assembly that permits the user to select either a left-oriented ready to use position or a right-oriented ready to use position of the bench assembly.

9. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein a first extent of the releasable locking mechanism is located below a seat of the bench assembly and a second extent of the releasable locking mechanism extends beyond the bench assembly.

10. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein when the bench assembly is in the left- oriented ready to use position, the user's right hip region rests against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members.

11. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein when the bench assembly is in the right-oriented use position, the user's left hip region rests against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members.

12. The exercise machine of claim 1, the resistance assembly including a weighted resistance operably coupled to the elongated cable.

13. The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the weighted resistance is a weight stack of selectable weights.

14. The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the weighted resistance is individual weight plates.

15. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein a length of the bench pad of the bench assembly is at least 12 inches.

16. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein a width of the bench pad of the bench assembly is at least 18 inches.

17. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the height of the bench pad of the bench assembly is at least 16 inches above a support surface upon which the exercise machine is placed.

18. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the lateral bench members extend at least 6 inches above the bench pad of the bench assembly to provide a support surface that engages a hip region of the user in the ready to use position.

19. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the resistance assembly also includes a routing assembly having a lower routing member for the at least one elongated cable, and wherein the lower routing member is vertically positioned below an uppermost edge of the two lateral bench members.

20. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the lateral bench members extend upwardly from an inner edge of the internal portion of the bench assembly and thereby preclude the formation of a cavity that receives an extent of the legs of the user of the machine.

21. An exercise machine designed to allow a user to perform a torso rotation exercise while in a semi-supine position to improve the strength of the user's abdominal muscles, the exercise machine comprising: a) a support frame assembly; b) a bench assembly having a pair of lateral bench members extending upwardly from an inner edge of the bench assembly, the lateral bench members defining a gap there between; and, c) a resistance assembly including an elongated cable and a routing assembly with a lower routing member for the elongated cable, wherein (i) the lower routing member is vertically positioned below an uppermost edge of the two lateral bench members, and (ii) the elongated cable is cooperatively aligned with the gap during performance of the torso rotation exercise.

22. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein in a ready to use position, the user rests on the bench assembly and against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members in the semi-supine position and grasps an engaging structure affixed to the elongated cable to perform a torso rotational movement to reach an extended exercise position.

23. The exercise machine of claim 22, wherein in the ready to use position, the bench assembly maintains the user's lumbar spine in a slightly flexed non-weight bearing position throughout the entire range of motion of the torso rotation movement.

24. The exercise machine of claim 22, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the elongated cable.

25. The exercise machine of claim 22, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially perpendicular to a length of the bench assembly.

26. The exercise machine of claim 22, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially parallel to a width of the bench assembly.

27. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the elongated cable extends through the gap during the performance of the torso rotation exercise.

28. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the bench assembly includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows for selective pivotal movement of a portion of the bench assembly that permits the user to select either a left-oriented ready to use position or a right-oriented ready to use position of the bench assembly.

29. The exercise machine of claim 28, wherein a first extent of the releasable locking mechanism is located below a seat of the bench assembly and a second extent of the releasable locking mechanism extends beyond the bench assembly.

30. The exercise machine of claim 28, wherein when the bench assembly is in the left-oriented ready to use position, the user's right hip region rests against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members.

31. The exercise machine of claim 28, wherein when the bench assembly is in the right-oriented use position, the user's left hip region rests against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members.

32. The exercise machine of claim 21, the resistance assembly including a weighted resistance operably coupled to the elongated cable.

33. The exercise machine of claim 32, wherein the weighted resistance is a weight stack of selectable weights.

34. The exercise machine of claim 32, wherein the weighted resistance is individual weight plates.

35. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad having a length that is at least 12 inches.

36. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad having a width that is at least 18 inches.

37. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad having a width that is dimensioned sufficiently large enough to prevent the user from straddling the bench pad and performing the torso rotation exercise.

38. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad with a height of at least 16 inches above a support surface upon which the exercise machine is placed.

39. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the lateral bench members extend at least 6 inches above a bench pad of the bench assembly to provide a support surface that engages a hip region of the user in the ready to use position.

40. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the upward extension of the lateral bench from the inner edge of the internal portion of the bench assembly precludes the formation of a cavity that receives an extent of the legs of the user of the machine.

41. An exercise machine designed to allow a user to perform a torso rotation exercise while in a semi-supine position, the exercise machine comprising: a) a support frame assembly; b) a bench assembly having a bench pad and at least one lateral bench member extending upwardly from an inner edge of the bench assembly, and wherein the bench pad has a width that is dimensioned sufficiently large enough to prevent the user from straddling the bench pad while performing the torso rotation exercise; and, c) a resistance assembly including an elongated cable extends over the lateral bench member during performance of the torso rotation exercise.

42. The exercise machine of claim 41, wherein the resistance assembly includes a routing assembly with a lower routing member for the elongated cable, wherein the lower routing member is vertically positioned below an uppermost edge of the lateral bench member.

43. The exercise machine of claim 41, wherein in a ready to use position, the user rests on the bench assembly and against the upwardly extending lateral member in the semi-supine position and grasps an engaging structure affixed to the elongated cable to perform a torso rotational movement to reach an extended exercise position.

44. The exercise machine of claim 43, wherein in the ready to use position, the bench assembly maintains the user's lumbar spine in a slightly flexed non-weight bearing position throughout the entire range of motion of the torso rotation movement.

45. The exercise machine of claim 43, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the elongated cable.

46. The exercise machine of claim 43, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially perpendicular to a length of the bench assembly.

47. The exercise machine of claim 43, wherein in the ready to use position, the user's spine is oriented substantially parallel to a width of the bench assembly.

48. The exercise machine of claim 41, wherein the bench assembly has a pair of lateral bench members that define a gap there between, and wherein the elongated cable extends through the gap during the performance of the torso rotation exercise.

49. The exercise machine of claim 41, the resistance assembly including a weighted resistance operably coupled to the elongated cable.

50. The exercise machine of claim 49, wherein the weighted resistance is a weight stack of selectable weights.

51. The exercise machine of claim 49, wherein the weighted resistance is individual weight plates.

52. The exercise machine of claim 41, wherein the bench pad has a length that is at least 12 inches.

53. The exercise machine of claim 41, wherein the bench pad has a width that is at least 18 inches.

54. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the bench pad has a height of at least 16 inches above a support surface upon which the exercise machine is placed.

55. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the lateral bench member extends at least 6 inches above the bench pad of the bench assembly to provide a support surface that engages a hip region of the user in the ready to use position.

56. The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the upward extension of the lateral bench from the inner edge of the internal portion of the bench assembly precludes the formation of a cavity that extends along the entire width of the bench pad.

57. An exercise machine designed to allow a user to perform a torso rotation exercise while in a semi-supine position, the exercise machine comprising: a) a support frame assembly; b) a bench assembly having at least one lateral bench member extending upwardly from an inner edge of the bench assembly; c) a resistance assembly; and, d) a user engagement member coupled to the resistance assembly and configured to be grasped by the user during performance of the torso rotation exercise; and, e) wherein the at least one lateral bench member precludes the formation of a cavity extending (i) horizontally across a substantial extent of the inner edge of the bench assembly, and (ii) between the inner edge of the bench assembly and the resistance assembly.

58. The exercise machine of claim 57, wherein in a ready to use position, the user rests on the bench assembly and against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members in the semi-supine position and grasps the engaging structure to perform a torso rotational movement to reach an extended exercise position.

59. The exercise machine of claim 58, wherein in the ready to use position, the bench assembly maintains the user's lumbar spine in a slightly flexed non-weight bearing position throughout the entire range of motion of the torso rotation movement.

60. The exercise machine of claim 57, wherein resistance assembly includes an elongated cable and the bench assembly has a pair of lateral bench members that define a gap there between, and wherein the elongated cable extends through the gap during the performance of the torso rotation exercise.

61. The exercise machine of claim 57, the resistance assembly including a weighted resistance operably coupled to the user engagement member.

62. The exercise machine of claim 61, wherein the weighted resistance is a weight stack of selectable weights.

63. The exercise machine of claim 61, wherein the weighted resistance is individual weight plates.

64. The exercise machine of claim 57, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad having a length that is at least 12 inches.

65. The exercise machine of claim 57, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad having a width that is at least 18 inches.

66. The exercise machine of claim 57, wherein the bench assembly has a pair of lateral bench members (i) extending upwardly from the he inner edge of the bench assembly, and (ii) defining a gap there between, and wherein the elongated cable extends through the gap during the performance of the torso rotation exercise.

67. An exercise machine designed to allow a user to perform a torso rotation exercise while in a semi-supine position, the exercise machine comprising: a) a support frame assembly; b) a bench assembly having at least one lateral bench member extending upwardly from an inner edge of the bench assembly; c) a resistance assembly; d) a user engagement member coupled to the resistance assembly and configured to be grasped by the user during performance of the torso rotation exercise; and, e) wherein during performance of the torso rotation exercise the at least one lateral bench member acts as a stabilization member to restrict unwanted movement of the user towards the resistance assembly.

68. The exercise machine of claim 67, wherein in a ready to use position, the user rests on the bench assembly and against at least one of the upwardly extending lateral members in the semi-supine position and grasps the engaging structure to perform a torso rotational movement to reach an extended exercise position.

69. The exercise machine of claim 68, wherein in the ready to use position, the bench assembly maintains the user's lumbar spine in a slightly flexed non-weight bearing position throughout the entire range of motion of the torso rotation movement.

70. The exercise machine of claim 67, wherein resistance assembly includes an elongated cable and the bench assembly has a pair of lateral bench members that define a gap there between, and wherein the elongated cable extends through the gap during the performance of the torso rotation exercise.

71. The exercise machine of claim 67, the resistance assembly including a weighted resistance operably coupled to the user engagement member.

72. The exercise machine of claim 71, wherein the weighted resistance is a weight stack of selectable weights.

73. The exercise machine of claim 71, wherein the weighted resistance is individual weight plates.

74. The exercise machine of claim 67, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad having a length that is at least 12 inches.

75. The exercise machine of claim 67, wherein the bench assembly includes a bench pad having a width that is at least 18 inches.

76. The exercise machine of claim 67, wherein the bench assembly has a pair of lateral bench members (i) extending upwardly from the he inner edge of the bench assembly, and (ii) defining a gap there between, and wherein the elongated cable extends through the gap during the performance of the torso rotation exercise.

77. The exercise machine of claim 67, wherein the resistance assembly includes an elongated cable and a routing assembly with a lower routing member for the elongated cable, wherein the lower routing member is vertically positioned below an uppermost edge of the lateral bench member.