CN117915988A - Gluteus muscle pushing body-building device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a gluteus pushing exerciser comprising: a four bar linkage connected to the stationary frame; a rotatable back support connected to the four bar linkage; a seat connected to the four-bar linkage; and a foot support connected to the stationary frame. The lower portion of the back support extends below the user's hips to support the user's hips during gluteus pushing exercises. This lower portion supports at least 10% of the weight of the user. In operation, the seat rotates downward away from the user's buttocks during a gluteus pushing exercise and then rotates upward again to contact the user's bottom between each repetition of the gluteus pushing exercise. The four bar linkage is pivotally connected to the stationary frame at a position near ground level. The foot support is positioned below 25cm from the ground and extends forward beyond the front of the stationary frame.

Description

Gluteus muscle pushing body-building device

Related application

The present application is a partial continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/468,208 entitled "gluteus pushing exercise machine (Glute Press Exercise Machine)" filed on 7, 9, 2021, which is a partial continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/573,400 entitled "gluteus pushing exercise machine (Glute Press Exercise Machine)" filed on 17, 9, 2019, which claims priority from U.S. patent No. 11,135,475, now published on 5, 10, 2021: U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/732,748 filed on 2018, 9, 18 entitled "buttock-lifting exercise machine (hip-Thrust Exercise Machine)"; U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/806,506 filed on 15, 2, 2019 entitled "buttocks-lifting exercise machine (hip-Thrust Exercise Machine)"; and U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/842,175 filed on 5/2 2019 entitled "gluteus pushing exercise machine (Glute Press Exercise Machine)"; the entire disclosure of that application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a gluteus pushing exerciser in which a user reclines and pushes his lower torso forward to lift a weight.

Background

Existing gluteus pushing weight lifts typically provide support for a reclining user and use a swivel arm attached to the frame of the device that is located in the abdomen of the user. As the user pushes up on their buttocks/abdomen, they thereby move the rotating arm, which in turn pulls the cable to lift the weight stack.

Other gluteus pushing exercises have been developed that do not rely on specialized equipment. For example, a user may simply rest or lean his upper back or shoulder on a standard lift table and then place the weight bar on his buttocks/abdomen. Next, the user lifts the weight bar by straightening the legs/backs. Unfortunately, this approach has the disadvantage of very poor support of the back of the user during exercise.

Instead, there is a need for a simple, efficient and comfortable machine for performing gluteus pushing. Ideally, such machines do not rely on user movement to rotate the exercise arm during exercise.

It is also desirable to provide a gluteus pushing exerciser that supports the user's lower back and buttocks throughout the entire movement of the entire gluteus pushing exercise.

Disclosure of Invention

In a preferred aspect, the system of the present invention provides a gluteus pushing exercise machine comprising: a stationary frame; a four-bar linkage (or multi-bar linkage) connected to the stationary frame; a rotatable back support connected to the four bar linkage; a seat connected to at least one of the rods of the four-bar linkage; a foot support connected to the stationary frame; and an abdominal limiter connected to the back support.

The rotatable back support has an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion extends downward below the user's hips to support the user's hips throughout the gluteus pushing exercise. Preferably, the lower portion of the rotatable back support supports at least 10% of the total weight of the user, such that the total weight of the user is not supported solely by the user's upper back and feet.

It is also preferred that the seat rotates downward away from the user's buttocks during the gluteus pushing exercise and then rotates upward again to contact the user's bottom between each repetition of the gluteus pushing exercise.

Preferably, the four-bar (or multi-bar) link is pivotally connected to the stationary frame at a position near ground level, and the bars of the four-bar link each rotate between different non-vertical angles during gluteus pushing exercises.

In a preferred aspect, the foot support is positioned below 25cm from the ground and extends forward beyond the front of the stationary frame.

Preferably, the cables connecting the rotatable back support to the weight plate assembly pass through frame members that span along the ground from a halfway location along the stationary frame to the weight plate assembly. An optional horizontal stabilizing arm connects the weight plate assembly to the rear portion of the stationary frame.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention provides a buttocks-lifting exercise machine comprising: a frame; a back support pivotally connected to an upper portion of the frame; a seat and foot support pivotally connected to a lower portion of the frame; and an abdomen limiter connected to the back support, wherein when the user pushes forward his buttocks, the user pushes up the abdomen limiter, tilts the back support backward and tilts the seat and the foot support forward.

In a further alternative preferred embodiment, the system of the present invention provides a buttocks-lifting exercise machine comprising: a frame; a back support pivotally connected to an upper portion of the frame; a foot support pivotally connected to a lower portion of the frame; an elongated member connecting the back support to the foot support; and an abdomen limiter connected to the back support, wherein when the user pushes forward his buttocks upward, the user pushes up the abdomen limiter, tilting the back support backward.

In a further alternative embodiment, the system of the present invention provides a gluteus pushing exercise machine wherein a movable support connected to a stationary frame supports a rotatable back support that rotates about an axis that moves forward as the user tilts back support rearward during exercise. In this embodiment, the support member may connect the abdominal restraint to the stationary frame, and the stationary frame, the movable support, the abdominal restraint, and the support member together form a four-bar linkage. In addition, the movable support is preferably positioned below the rotatable back support.

In a further alternative embodiment, the system of the present invention provides a gluteus pushing exercise machine comprising: a stationary frame; a movable support connected to the stationary frame; a rotatable back support connected to the movable support, wherein the stationary frame, movable support and rotatable back support move together as a four bar linkage; and an abdominal limiter connected to the rotatable back support. In this embodiment, the movable support may have a forward bar and a rearward bar, wherein the bottom end of the rearward bar is connected to the vertically extending strut of the stationary frame and the bottom end of the forward bar is connected to the upwardly curved portion of the stationary frame such that the bottom end of the forward bar is below the bottom end of the rearward bar. Also in this embodiment, the top end of each of the forward and rearward rods may be proximate to the user's shoulder near the top of the rotatable back support and connected in a converging manner behind the user's shoulder.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a right side elevation view of a first embodiment of a gluteus pushing exerciser.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation view of the gluteus pushing exerciser of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a left side elevation view of the gluteus pushing exerciser of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation view of the gluteus pushing exerciser of fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the gluteus pushing exerciser of fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a right rear perspective view of the gluteus pushing exerciser of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a front left perspective view of the gluteus pushing exerciser of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a right side elevation view of the gluteus pushing machine of fig. 1, showing a user sitting in a seat before starting a gluteus pushing exercise.

Fig. 9 is a right side elevation view of the gluteus pushing machine of fig. 1, showing a user performing a gluteus pushing exercise.

Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to fig. 8, showing various axes of rotation of the machine.

Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to fig. 9, showing various axes of rotation of the machine.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the system of the present invention prior to a user performing a buttock lifting exercise.

Fig. 13 is a side elevation view corresponding to fig. 12 when the user performs a buttocks-lifting exercise.

Fig. 14 is a side elevational view of the machine of fig. 12 and 13 with the user removed.

Fig. 15 is a front perspective view of the machine of fig. 12 and 13 showing an optional adjuster (using a 4-bar mechanism) for moving the abdominal restraint.

Fig. 16A and 16B are left and right perspective views similar to fig. 15, but showing only a 4-bar adjuster mechanism.

Fig. 17 is a front perspective view of an optional embodiment of the system of the present invention showing another mechanism for moving the abdominal restraint.

Fig. 18 is a side elevation close-up view of an optional embodiment of the system of the present invention, showing yet another mechanism for moving the abdominal restraint.

Fig. 19 is a side elevation view of a user sitting on a third embodiment of the system of the present invention prior to performing a hip-up exercise.

Fig. 20 is a side elevation view corresponding to fig. 19 when the user performs a buttocks-lifting exercise.

Fig. 21 is a rear perspective view of the machine shown in fig. 19 and 20.

Fig. 22 is a side elevation view of a fourth embodiment of the system of the present invention prior to a user performing a buttock lifting exercise.

Fig. 23 is a side elevation view corresponding to fig. 22 when the user performs a buttocks-lifting exercise.

Fig. 24A and 24B are two different embodiments of the system of the present invention showing two different optional mechanisms that allow the user's lower leg to move rearward as the torso swings rearward.

Fig. 25A is a front top perspective view of an additional embodiment of the system of the present invention.

Fig. 25B corresponds to fig. 25A, but with the user performing a gluteus pushing exercise thereon.

Fig. 25C is a side elevation view of the embodiment of fig. 25A in a resting position between exercises.

FIG. 25D is a side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG. 25A in a fully extended position during a gluteus pushing exercise.

Fig. 26A is a side perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a movable support under a rotatable back support at the beginning of an exercise.

Fig. 26B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 26A at the end of an exercise.

Fig. 27A is a side perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a movable support under a rotatable back support at the beginning of an exercise.

Fig. 27B is a side perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 27A at the end of an exercise.

Fig. 28A is a front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the system of the present invention.

Fig. 28B is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 28A.

FIG. 28C is a right side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 28A with the user positioned thereon, after which the user performs a gluteus pushing exercise.

Fig. 28D is a view corresponding to fig. 28C when the user performs a gluteus pushing exercise.

FIG. 28E is a right side elevation view corresponding to FIG. 28C, but with the user removed to show additional details of the system.

Fig. 28F is a left side elevation view corresponding to fig. 28C, but with the user removed to show additional details of the system.

Fig. 28G is an exploded rear perspective view corresponding to fig. 28B.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 11 show a first embodiment of a gluteus pushing exerciser 10, which includes: a stationary frame 12; four-bar linkage 20; a rotatable back support 14; a seat 17; a foot support 18 and an abdominal restraint 20. The rotatable back support 14 optionally has an upper portion 14A and a lower portion 14B. The lower portion 14B extends below the user's buttocks to support the user's buttocks during a gluteus pushing exercise (as seen in fig. 8). As can be seen in fig. 8 and 9, the lower portion 14B of the rotatable back support 14 preferably extends under the user's buttocks before, during and after each repetition of the gluteus pushing exercise.

In a preferred aspect, the lower portion 14B of the rotatable back support 14 supports a portion of the weight of the user. Most preferably, the lower portion 14B supports at least 10% of the user's total weight, such that the user's total weight is not supported solely by the user's upper back and feet. As best seen in fig. 1, the lower portion 14B of the back support 14 may optionally be angled relative to the upper portion. In a preferred aspect, this angle is 5 to 10 degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, this angle is 7 degrees. The angling of the lower portion 14B under the user's buttocks optionally assists in providing support under the user's buttocks, thereby supporting the user's buttocks. As can also be seen in fig. 1, the upper portion 14A and the lower portion 14B of the back support 14 are preferably formed as a continuous one-piece device.

As can be seen by comparing fig. 8 and 9, seat 17 rotates downward away from the user's buttocks during a gluteus pushing exercise and then rotates upward again to contact the user's bottom between each exercise repetition. Thus, seat 17 preferably contacts the bottom of the user between each repetition of the gluteal pushing exercise such that the user sits on seat 17 between each repetition of the gluteal pushing exercise.

The four bar linkage 20 preferably includes four bars pivotally connected to the stationary frame at a location near ground level. Specifically, the four-bar linkage 20 includes two forward bars 22 and two rearward bars 24. The forward bar 22 is connected to the frame 12 at a pivot point 23 (near ground on the right) and the rearward bar 24 is connected to the frame 12 at a pivot point 24 (also near ground on the right). Since the back support 14 is mounted to the four bar linkage 20 (at pivot points 23 and 25), the back support 14 rotates about a horizontal axis H that does not pass through the stationary frame 12 (see fig. 10 and 11).

Seat 17 is preferably connected to forward rod 22. As best seen in fig. 8 to 11, the rods 22 and 24 each rotate between different non-vertical angles during the gluteus pushing exercise. Thus, rods 22 and 24 do not point straight up and down in the vertical direction at any time during exercise. In practice, each of the four bars 22 and 24 rotates between an angle of at least 40 degrees to the ground and an angle of no more than 80 degrees to the ground during a gluteus pushing exercise. Specifically, the forward lever 22 rotates at an angle of between about 50 and 80 degrees from (horizontal) ground, and the rearward lever 24 rotates at an angle of between about 45 and 75 degrees from (horizontal) ground.

It can also be seen that the foot support 18 is also positioned close to the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the foot support 18 is positioned at a height less than 25cm from the ground. It can also be seen that the foot support 18 extends forward beyond the front of the stationary frame 12.

The abdominal restraint 20 preferably includes a padded arm 22 positionable against the abdomen of the user. The padded arms 22 are preferably movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the back support. Thus, the padded arms 22 move in a direction toward and away from the user's abdomen (i.e., from the "away" position to the "parked at abdomen" position illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9). Thus, the abdominal limiter 20 and the padded arms 22 prevent the user from sliding upward on the back support 14 during the gluteus pushing exercise. Thus, the abdominal restraint 20 preferably maintains the user's bottom on the seat 17 at the beginning of the gluteal pushing exercise (FIG. 8) until the seat 17 is lowered away from the user's bottom as the user performs the gluteal pushing (FIG. 9).

In a preferred aspect, the system of the present invention further comprises: a weight plate assembly 40; and a cable connecting the rotatable back support 14 to the weight plate assembly 40. As the user rotates the rotatable back support 14, the cable is pulled, thereby lifting one or more weights in the weight stack assembly 40.

In a preferred aspect, the cables pass through the frame member 50, which frame member 50 spans along the ground between the stationary frame 12 and the weight plate assembly 40. As seen in fig. 5, the frame member 50 preferably extends along the ground from a location midway along the stationary frame 12 (i.e., at the front or rear of the frame 12). Thus, the gluteus pushing exercise of the present invention can be used to lift up several weighted stacks in the stack 13. In a preferred aspect, a cable mount is provided on the bottom back of the back support 14 for cable attachment thereto.

In addition, the stabilizing arm 60 preferably connects the weight plate assembly 10 to the rear portion of the stationary frame 12. As can be seen, the distal end 61 of the stabilizing arm 60 may simply rest on top of the support 19 at the rear portion of the stationary frame 12. It can also be seen that the stabilizing arm 60 preferably extends horizontally between the weight plate assembly 40 and the stationary frame 12.

In a preferred aspect, the abdominal restraint 20 is movable in a direction generally perpendicular to the back support 14. Thus, the abdominal restraint 20 preferably includes a padded arm 22 that moves toward and away from the user's abdomen. In an optional aspect of the system of the present invention, the abdominal restraint 20 may be connected to the back support 14 by a four bar link 70. Other systems for moving the padded arms 22 toward and away from the user's abdomen are also contemplated, all remaining within the scope of the invention.

In operation, as shown in fig. 8, a user sits down on seat 17 and then moves padded arm 22 into a position against his abdomen. Next, as shown in fig. 9, as the user's buttocks move forward, the user straightens the legs while the back support 14 tilts rearward, lifting the padded arms 22. The rearward rotation of the rotatable back support 14 preferably pulls the cable to lift one or more weights within the weight stack assembly 40. But alternatively, the rearward rotation of the rotatable back support 14 may also rotate the arm or activate a mechanical linkage, which will also raise the weight, all while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a view corresponding to fig. 8, which shows a rotational movement of the system about a horizontal rotation axis H (such that the back support 14 rotates about the axis H). Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to fig. 9, which also shows the horizontal rotation axis H of the machine. As can be seen, the horizontal rotation axis H does not pass through the back support 14.

Fig. 12 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of the system of the present invention prior to a user performing a buttock lifting exercise. Specifically, fig. 12 shows a buttocks-lifting exercise machine 100, which includes: a frame 112; a back support 114 pivotally connected to an upper portion of the frame 112; a seat and foot support 116 pivotally connected to a lower portion of the frame 112; and an abdominal restraint 120 connected to the back support 114.

The abdominal restraint 120 includes a padded arm 122 positionable against the abdomen of the user. In particular, the padded arms 122 move in a direction toward and away from the user's abdomen (i.e., from the "away" position to the illustrated "resting on abdomen" position) in a direction generally perpendicular to the back support. After the user sits down on the seat 117 (fig. 12), the user then moves the padded arm 122 into a position against his abdomen.

Next, as shown in fig. 13, a buttock-lifting exercise is performed in which, when the user lifts the buttocks forward, the user straightens the legs while lifting the padded arms 122, tilting the back support 114 rearward, and tilting the foot pad 118 forward. A cable mount 148 is positioned on the bottom back of the back support 114 for cable attachment to the weight plate. Thus, the weight stack can be lifted using this hip-up exercise.

The back support 114 is connected to the seat and foot support 116 by an elongated member 130, wherein a first end 131 of the elongated member 130 is connected to the back support and a second end 132 of the elongated member 130 is connected to the seat and foot support 116. As can be seen, the seat and foot support 116 (including the seat 117 and footpad 118) pivot together as a single unit.

In an optional preferred embodiment, the abdominal restraint 120 includes a movable member 121. The user can adjust the position of the padded arm 122 by moving the member 121 to a preferred position using the position adjuster 140.

In the exemplary embodiment of the position adjuster 140 seen in fig. 15-16B, the position adjuster 140 includes a member 121 that is connected to the back support 114 by a pair of parallel members 150 and 152. A latch (not shown) may be inserted through any of the apertures in the selector aperture panel 155 to lock the position of the arms 150 and 152. The travel limit pins 157 are free to move within the limits of the side grooves of the selector aperture panel 155. ( Specifically, as seen in fig. 15, when padded arm 122 is positioned against the user's abdomen, latch 157 is in the lowermost position. Conversely, as seen in fig. 16A and 16B, when padded arm 122 is positioned furthest from the user's abdomen, latch 157 is in the uppermost position. )

Figure 17 shows another embodiment of a position adjuster 140 (wherein a movable member 121 is nested on a stationary member 123). Specifically, the adjuster 140 may be used to lock and unlock the latch 141 in the telescoping member 121 (the telescoping member 121 is received on the stationary member 123). The adjuster 140 may include a rocker arm 142, as shown. The user simply pulls the rocker arm 142 rearward to unlock the latch 141 (permitting the retractable member 121 to move relative to the stationary member 123). When the preferred position of the padded arm 122 is reached, the rocker arm 142 may then be pushed forward to lock the latch 141 through the holes in the members 121 and 123, thereby locking the padded arm 122 across the abdomen of the user.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the position adjuster, as seen in fig. 18, the adjuster 140 includes a latch 145 at the distal end of the telescoping member 121. The latch 145 moves the member 148, which in turn locks/unlocks the bolt 141, as shown.

In yet another embodiment of the buttocks-lifting exercise device 200 as seen in fig. 19-21, the user adopts a more inclined position (fig. 19) prior to commencing the buttocks-lifting exercise. As can be seen, the back support 214 also supports the user's buttocks (and does not require a seat 117 as seen in fig. 12). During exercise, the user first moves the padded arms 222 into a position against their abdomen. Next, as shown in fig. 20, a buttock-lifting exercise is performed, and as the user lifts the buttocks forward, the user straightens the legs while lifting the padded arms 222, tilting the back support 214 rearward, and tilting the foot pad 218 forward (i.e., pushing down on the foot pad 218). In this particular embodiment, the support 216 is not connected to the seat (e.g., 117 in FIG. 12). Alternatively, the support 216 is connected to a pivot member 219, which pivot member 219 is connected to the back support 214, as shown. Fig. 21 shows a rear perspective view of the device 200.

Fig. 22 to 24B show a further embodiment of the apparatus 300. In the arrangement of fig. 22 and 23, the seat 317 remains stationary and does not move with the support 316. In addition, the hinge point directly below the foot is replaced with a short chain. Moreover, the foot pad 318 is free to move slightly back and forth such that the user's lower leg moves rearward as the user's torso swings rearward during exercise. Finally, as seen in fig. 24A and 24B, at least two different systems for moving the foot mount 318 back and forth may be provided. In particular, as seen in fig. 24A, such a system may include a linear bearing with a pivoting pedestal 320. Alternatively, as seen in fig. 24B, such a system may include rollers and mating tracks 340. Alternative systems may alternatively be used, all remaining within the scope of the system of the present invention. Additionally, footpads 318 may optionally be slid relative to supports 316. In embodiments in which the footpad 318 does not slide relative to the support 316, the footpad and system chain act as a counter weight that automatically returns the machine to the starting point at the end of each exercise cycle. This is advantageous when choosing a light weight, as it eliminates the need for a small weight in the back pad assembly.

Fig. 25A to 25D show a further embodiment of an apparatus 400. As can be seen, the machine 400 includes a stationary frame 412; a movable support 420 connected to the stationary frame 412; a rotatable back support 414 connected to the movable support 420; and an abdomen limiter 432 connected to both the stationary frame 412 and the movable support 420.

Fig. 25C shows the exercise machine 400 in a resting position between exercises, and fig. 25D shows the exercise machine 400 in a fully extended position during a gluteus pushing exercise. Fig. 25B also shows the device in a fully extended position during a gluteus pushing exercise. In operation, as the user pushes forward on his buttocks (by pushing up on the padded arms 422 while tilting the back support 414 backward, pushing on the abdomen limiter 432.

The seat 417 is connected to the movable support 420, and when the user pushes forward his buttocks, the seat 417 is tilted forward. In particular, the seat 417 rotates downward away from the user's buttocks during a gluteus pushing exercise and rotates upward again to contact the user's bottom between exercise repetitions.

As can be seen, the bottom end of the movable support 20 may be rotatably connected to the stationary frame 412 and the top end of the movable support 20 may be rotatably connected to the rotatable back support 414. In addition, a support member 432 may be provided to connect the abdominal restraint 432 to the stationary frame 412. In operation, the stationary frame 412, the movable support 420, the abdominal restraint 432, and the support member 434 together form a four bar linkage. Thus, as seen by comparing fig. 25C-25D, during exercise, the rotatable back support 414 rotates about an axis 450, which axis 450 moves relative to the stationary frame 412. As seen in fig. 25D, during a gluteus pushing exercise, the axis 450 moves forward as the rotatable back support tilts rearward. Conversely, after the gluteus pushing exercise is completed, the rotatable back support is tilted forward and the axis 450 is moved backward. The axis 450 moves forward, backward and slightly up and down, but preferably does not pass through the stationary frame 412.

Similar to other embodiments described above, the exercise machine 400 includes a foot support 418 connected to the stationary frame 412. Moreover, the rotatable back support 414 preferably has upper and lower portions, with the lower portion extending below the user's buttocks to support the user's buttocks during a gluteus pushing exercise. The lower portion of the rotatable back support 414 preferably supports at least 10% of the user's weight and is angled under the user's buttocks to support the user's buttocks. The total weight of the user is not supported solely by the user's upper back and feet. Additionally, one or more free weights 460 may be attached to the abdominal limiter 432, as seen in 25B. Alternatively, a weight stack and a cable may also be included in this embodiment, with the cable connecting the rotatable back support to the weight stack assembly such that rotation of the rotatable back support 414 lifts one or more weights in the weight stack assembly.

Fig. 26A-27B show side perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a movable support under a rotatable back support, as follows. First, in fig. 26A and 26B, the movable support 520 is positioned under the rotatable back support 514. The movable support 520 includes rods 522, 524, and 526. Rods 522 and 524 are connected at their upper ends to support 523 and at their lower ends to stationary frame 512. In this embodiment, weights may be loaded onto the front (i.e., lower) end of the rotatable back support 514, as shown. This has the optional advantage of placing the weight plate on the rotatable back support itself (rather than on a separate arm as seen in other embodiments). At the beginning of an exercise, the bar 522 is angled with respect to the bar 524, as shown. At the end of the exercise, the rods 522 and 524 rotate to reach a near vertical orientation.

Next, fig. 27A and 27B show the movable support 540 positioned under the rotatable back support 514. (the various elements of the system have been removed for clarity of illustration). The movable support includes rods 542 and 544. The bar 542 is connected to a linear carriage 546 that moves back and forth in a horizontal direction as the user exercises. Both embodiments of fig. 26A to 27B have the advantage that the exercise is not perceived to be too light at the end of the exercise.

Next, fig. 28A to 28G show an alternative embodiment of the gluteus pushing exerciser of the present invention, as follows. The gluteus pushing exerciser 600 includes: a stationary frame 620; a movable support 640 connected to the stationary frame 620; a rotatable back support 660 connected to the movable support 640; and an abdominal limiter 670 connected to the rotatable back support 660.

In accordance with the system of the present invention, the stationary frame 620, the movable support 640 and the rotatable back support 660 move together as a four bar linkage, the benefits of which will be explained further. As can be seen, the movable support 640 preferably includes at least one rearward rod 642 rotatably connected to the stationary frame 620, and at least one or two forward rods 644 also rotatably connected to the stationary frame 620. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, there is a single assembly of one rearward rod 642 and a pair of forward rods 644. (note: figure 28G best illustrates this preferred embodiment with a pair of rods 644). It should be understood that reference herein to "rod 644" refers to a single assembly (as illustrated), or one or more rods that rotate about points 645 and 646 as part of a preferred four-bar linkage. It should be understood that the system of the present invention is not limited to this particular embodiment and, thus, having at least one of each of the forward and rearward rods, all remain within the scope of the system of the present invention.

The unique positioning and length of the rod 642 and assembly 644 in the system of the invention provides unique advantages. Specifically, by positioning each of the lever 642 and the assembly 644 at the illustrated location, the user is enhanced with a gluteus pushing exercise in which the machine provides a smooth and stable resistance throughout the exercise arc. Another important advantage of the present invention in placing the support pole 642 and the assembly 644 is that the user is positioned such that the user's knees remain flexed throughout the gluteus pushing exercise.

Additional preferred details of the preferred placement of the support rod 642 and the assembly 644 of the movable support 640 to achieve the advantages described above may include the following. First, the bottom end 645 of the forward rod/assembly 644 is connected to the stationary frame at a location that is lower than the location where the bottom end 647 of the rearward rod 642 is connected to the stationary frame. Second, when the rotatable back support is in the rest position, the bottom end 647 of the back bar 642 is connected to the stationary frame at a higher elevation than the bottom end 662 of the rotatable back support 660, as best seen in fig. 28C and 28E. Third, it can also be seen that the bottom end 645 of the forward rod/assembly 644 is connected to the stationary frame at a higher elevation than the bottom end 662 of the rotatable back support when the rotatable back support is in the resting position (fig. 28C and 28E). Finally, it can also be seen that the respective tips 646 and 649 of each of the forward and rearward rods are connected to the rotatable back support 660 in a converging manner near the top portion of the rotatable back support. Thus, the top ends 646 and 649 of each of the forward and rearward rods are positioned together proximate the user's shoulder.

In further aspects, the gluteus pushing exerciser further comprises a stationary foot support 680 mounted on the stationary frame 620. As can be seen, the respective bottom ends 645 and 647 of the forward and rearward rods 644 and 642 are positioned above a stationary foot support 680. In addition, the stationary seat 690 may be mounted to the stationary frame 620 with the bottom end 645 of the forward rod 644 positioned at the same height as the stationary seat 690.

In a further preferred aspect of this embodiment of the system of the present invention, the stationary frame 620 includes a lowered portion 621 adjacent the ground, a vertically extending post 622, and an upwardly angled portion 623 connecting the lowered portion 621 to the vertically extending post 622.

Similar to the above-described embodiment, when the user pushes up his buttocks forward to perform exercise, the user pushes up the abdomen limiter 670. While tilting back support 660 rearward. Also, similar to the embodiments described above, the rotatable back support 660 rotates about an axis that moves relative to the stationary frame during exercise, and when the rotatable back support 660 is tilted rearward, the axis moves forward. The rotatable back support 660 has upper and lower portions, with the lower portion extending below the user's buttocks to support the user's buttocks during gluteus pushing exercises and angled below the user's buttocks to support the user's buttocks. Finally, as best seen in Figs. 28A, 28B and 28F, the gluteal push of the present invention preferably includes a free weight support bar 695 attached to an abdominal restraint 670. While the illustrated embodiment has a user lifting a plated weight (placed onto a mount 696 on a weight support bar 695), it should be understood that the system of the present invention also encompasses cable and weight plate designs in which a user rotating the back support 660 instead pulls the cable to lift the weight on the weight plate.

Claims (16)

1. A gluteus pushing exercise machine, comprising:

a stationary frame;

A movable support connected to the stationary frame;

A rotatable back support connected to the movable support, wherein the stationary frame, movable support and rotatable back support move together as a four bar linkage; and

An abdominal restraint connected to the rotatable back support.

2. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the movable support comprises:

at least one rearward rod rotatably connected to the stationary frame, and

At least one forward rod rotatably connected to the stationary frame.

3. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 2, wherein the bottom end of the forward rod is connected to the stationary frame at a position lower than the position where the bottom end of the backward rod is connected to the stationary frame.

4. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 2, wherein the bottom end of the backward bar is connected to the stationary frame at a height higher than the bottom end of the rotatable back support when the rotatable back support is in a rest position.

5. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 3, wherein the bottom end of the forward rod is connected to the stationary frame at a height higher than the bottom end of the rotatable back support when the rotatable back support is in a rest position.

6. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 2, wherein the top end of each of the forward and rearward rods is connected to the rotatable back support in close proximity to the top portion of the rotatable back support.

7. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 2, further comprising:

a stationary foot support mounted on the stationary frame,

Wherein a bottom end of each of the forward and rearward rods is positioned above the stationary foot support.

8. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 2, further comprising:

A stationary seat mounted on the stationary frame,

Wherein the bottom end of the forward rod is positioned at the same height as the stationary seat.

9. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein said stationary frame comprises:

a lowered portion adjacent to the ground,

A vertically extending strut, and

An upwardly angled portion connecting the lowered portion to the vertically extending post.

10. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 9, wherein the movable support comprises:

at least one rearward rod rotatably connected to the vertically extending strut of the stationary frame, and

At least one forward rod rotatably connected to the upwardly angled portion of the stationary frame.

11. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein when the user pushes his buttocks forward, the user pushes up the abdomen limiter while tilting the back support backward.

12. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable back support rotates about an axis that moves relative to the stationary frame during exercise.

13. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 12, wherein said axis moves forward when said rotatable back support is tilted backward.

14. The gluteus pushing exerciser according to claim 1, further comprising a freely weighted support bar connected to the abdomen limiter.

15. The gluteus pushing exerciser of claim 1, wherein the rotatable back support has an upper portion and a lower portion, and wherein the lower portion extends below the user's buttocks to support the user's buttocks during a gluteus pushing exercise.

16. The gluteus pushing exercise of claim 15, wherein the lower portion of the rotatable back support is angled under the user's buttocks to support the user's buttocks.