ES1322594U - Lumbar-pelvic exercise machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Lumbo-pelvic exercise machine, comprising a lower structure (1) and a bench (2) connected to said lower structure (1) at one of its ends, said bench (2) being arranged at an angle with respect to the lower structure (1), characterized in that the lower structure (1) allows the legs of a user (4) to pass through the lower part of the bench (2). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Lumbar-Pelvic Exercise Machine

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The present invention falls within the technical sector of physical exercise and/or rehabilitation equipment, and more specifically, it refers to a machine designed for performing exercises aimed at the lumbopelvic muscles, applicable both in the field of sports training and in physiotherapy, functional rehabilitation and prevention or treatment of injuries in the lumbosacral region, pelvis and lower limbs, as well as the lower abdominal area, core area or strengthening of the lower lumbar girdle.

This invention relates to devices that allow controlled and assisted movements of inclination, flexion-extension or stabilization of the lumbar and pelvic region, with a structural configuration that facilitates resistance adjustment, postural variability and ergonomic adaptation to different users.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are several state-of-the-art exercise machines designed to strengthen the lumbar region, pelvis, and lower body. These machines are used in both sports settings and in physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics.

For example, there are devices that allow lumbar extension in a sitting or lying position, such as those commonly used in gyms, which include a fixed backrest and a roller against which the user exerts force. However, these devices typically have a static configuration and resistance based solely on fixed mechanical loads, which limits their ability to adapt to the user's progress or to specific functional recovery protocols.

Likewise, there are machines that incorporate mobile elements for hip and pelvic exercises, although they are generally designed for isolated movements, without functional integration between the lower body and the lumbopelvic region.

They also do not usually have a system that allows for controlled pivoting motion using adjustable resistance or an adjustable inclined structure, which is important for modulating the load based on the user's training level or condition.

On the other hand, patent documents related to similar devices tend to lack mechanisms that allow rotation in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise). They also lack variable resistance options using springs, pulleys, or actuatable weights, nor do they facilitate rapid incline adjustments using hydraulic or pneumatic elements.

Furthermore, many existing devices lack configurable ergonomic features, such as padded surfaces, adjustable headrests, or user grips, which can affect comfort, postural alignment, and exercise effectiveness.

We can find, for example, document GB2602334, which describes a machine with mobile knee platforms, designed to allow the user to perform crawling-like movements when moving on the floor, including arm supports.

Document US5971902 describes a machine with a U-shaped base structure and an adjustable incline bench, with support elements for the pelvis or legs, and a rotating backrest. The machine is designed to perform progressive lumbar resistance training, similar to a Roman chair for weight training, which is useful in cases of chronic lower back pain.

Document US7357765 describes a lumbar extension machine that includes a seat with a vertically rotating backrest that is fixed to a variable resistance module or statically to a load cell module. Its purpose is to provide a system for working the lower body and optimizing lumbar exercise, while preventing movement and work on the hips and thighs.

Consequently, there is a market need for a versatile, adjustable, and ergonomic lumbar-pelvic exercise machine that allows for dynamic, controlled, and adaptable exercises for sports, preventive, or therapeutic purposes, with a compact and functionally advanced structure.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, the term "supine" is used to refer to the position in which a person lies face up, with their back resting on a surface and their face directed toward the ceiling. This position is commonly used in medical settings for physical examinations, surgical procedures, or rehabilitation exercises, as it allows comfortable access to the torso and forelimbs.

In the following description, the term "prone" is used to refer to the position in which a person lies face down, with the abdomen in contact with the support surface and the head turned to one side or looking downward. This position is commonly used in physical therapy, particularly for lower back exercises, as it promotes spinal extension and muscle engagement in the posterior trunk.

In the following description, reference is made to the term "decoaptation" understood as the loss of contact or separation between two articular surfaces that are normally in contact across a joint. In the specific field of lumbopelvic physiotherapy, decoaptation refers to the controlled and momentary separation of the articular surfaces of the lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint, with the aim of relieving pressure, reducing pain and improving joint mobility.

In the following description, reference is made to the term "femoral region" understood as the portion extending from the coxofemoral joint (hip) to the knee joint; and to the term "crural region" understood as the portion extending from the knee joint to the ankle joint.

The lumbo-pelvic exercise machine object of the present invention is therefore configured as a notable novelty within its field of application, since, according to its implementation and in a taxative manner, the objectives indicated below are achieved, the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish them being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

The present invention relates to a lumbopelvic exercise machine, with an adjustable and ergonomic design, which allows the execution of dynamic and controlled exercises, adaptable to various sporting, preventive or therapeutic objectives.

To achieve this, the machine object of the present invention comprises an inclined bench connected to an articulated arm through a rotary joint, such as a rotation axis, which allows relative rotation between the articulated arm and the inclined bench. The bench will have the necessary dimensions to adapt to the user's torso and head; that is, it will serve as support for the part of the body between the hip and the head; while the articulated arm will serve as support for the lower extremities.

Additionally, the invention comprises means that oppose the rotation between the articulated arm and the inclined bench, such as a torsion spring or a system of cables and pulleys attached to one or more weights, such that the potential user, when attempting to move the articulated arm, will be forced to overcome an opposing force, which implies the activation of certain muscle groups.

At the highest end of the bench, there is a rotation axis from which an articulated arm extends, preferably of variable dimensions to suit the user. The articulated arm comprises two segments joined at the knee joints, so that the segment attached to the bench serves as support for the femoral region; and the free segment serves as support for the crural region and can also accommodate the foot.

The incline bench promotes lumbopelvic traction and decoaptation, as gravity pulls the upper torso downward toward the floor. This decompresses the various lumbopelvic structures, such as the vertebral joints, sacroiliac joints, and so on, and relaxes spasms in the lumbosacral muscles through stretching.

The resting posture of the area where you rest on the bench relaxes, protecting this affected area by providing stability and relaxing the muscles, ensuring a pain-free and correct position.

The weight that is supported during the day while standing, or while sitting for hours, greatly affects these joints, due to their proximity to the center of gravity.

Furthermore, in most cases the spine is not properly balanced, either due to incorrect posture of the vertebrae, a leg discrepancy, a flattened plantar arch, a genetic malformation, or, most commonly, a scoliotic posture due to a muscular imbalance that upsets the balance of the skeletal structure, thus altering the line of gravity.

Postural changes due to muscle imbalance result in misalignment from the position it should be biomechanically. It's common to find muscle spasms and compression of other structures, such as pinched nerve roots, herniated discs, and spinal canal compression.

Decompression of this lumbopelvic area produces a feeling of well-being similar to that felt after performing flexibility stretching work.

Furthermore, the exercises performed with this machine provide controlled strengthening of the muscles responsible for stabilizing the lumbar region and lower abdomen, even in unstable joints or those at risk of injury, regardless of whether or not there is a pre-existing pathology. Regardless of the presence of an injury, once the inflammatory phase has passed, using this device helps prevent relapses, reduces the risk of further injuries, and improves strength, functionality, and body balance, thanks to the exercises being performed in optimal positions on a specially designed bench.

The bench positions are adjusted according to its incline relative to the floor. The greater the incline, the greater the traction on the lumbosacral and pelvic areas. Thus, the bench forces you to align and stabilize your lower body, preventing incorrect adaptations.

In both the supine and prone positions, a padded element can be incorporated between the knees, located in the area where the flexion direction changes depending on the exercise position. This padding allows for adjustable separation between the knees, according to the user's needs, which helps stabilize the hip in its anatomical position. This prevents alterations in the hip joint and the periarticular muscles, especially the psoas muscle, which frequently presents dysfunctions associated with spasms.

As previously mentioned, the user lies on the machine, with the area between the hip and head resting on the bench, and the lower limbs supported by the articulated arm. The user can be in a supine or prone position.

In the supine position, the person lies on the bench, lowering themselves onto their buttocks with their hips on the highest part of the bench and their head on the bottom. From this position, the hands are held onto part of the bench, bringing their knees bent toward their chest. Pulling the articulated arm attached to the bench through its axis of rotation at the top of the knees, the movement must overcome the force of the means that oppose the relative movement of the articulated arm to the bench, such as a cable leading to a pulley that activates the movement of weights.

The anchor point for pulling the legs toward the trunk during the strength exercise can be exerted from either the knees or the feet, attached to the distal part of the articulated arm. The direction of the force must always be a curved line of force that rotates along the same axis of rotation as the hip, thus exerting the same force throughout the entire range of motion.

The muscles that work in the supine position are those of the anterolateral region, diaphragm, oblique abdominals, transverse abdominis, psoas, adductors, knee stabilizers, and even the anterointernal pelvic floor area.

By performing the exercise in a supine position, we bring our knees toward our chest while simultaneously performing an isometric contraction of the adductor muscles. We can simultaneously contract the levator ani muscle, the coccygeus muscle, and the pelvic diaphragm, which is primarily involved in urinary continence. In this exercise, this muscle will extend the contraction toward the pubic area.

In the prone position, the user lies on the bench, with their chest resting on the lower part of the bench and their hips aligned with the highest part, coinciding with the axis of rotation. This position allows the bent knees to be below the bench, which varies the angle of flexion relative to the axis on which the strength training is performed. With the hands held on the bench, the exercise consists of a hip extension starting from the push-up position, raising the extended legs backward.

In this prone exercise, we would shift the articulated arm position away from the knees to promote knee flexion in the anatomical position. Knee flexion should not exceed 90 degrees, as this would render the exercise ineffective.

The anchor point for pulling the legs toward the trunk during the strength exercise can be exerted from either the knees or the feet, attached to the distal part of the articulated arm. The direction of the force must always be a curved line of force that rotates along the same axis of rotation as the hip, thus exerting the same force throughout the entire range of motion.

The muscles that work in the prone position are those of the lower back region, such as the dorsal muscles, lumbar muscles, glutes, external rotators, hip and lower trunk extensors, intertransverse muscles, multifidus muscles, hip abductors and posterior pelvic floor muscles, and hamstrings.

In the prone position exercise, in addition to actively exercising the posterior muscles of the hip, thigh, and lower back, the contraction will extend toward the posterior part of the coccyx, primarily participating in the rectal contraction.

The degree of flexion or extension of the articulated arm can also be adjusted at the knees, below the hip rotation axis, allowing the exercise to be varied, whether supine or prone. This way, the knees will remain in adjustable flexion, and we can change the knee flexion when changing from the prone to supine position or vice versa.

We adjust the range of motion of the exercise from the axis of hip flexion, setting limits that will limit the range of motion in terms of maximum and minimum flexion. This will allow us to perform the hip flexion-extension function required for each of the movements for which the machine was designed, both in the supine and prone positions. The angle of motion will vary depending on the desired goal.

The lumbo-pelvic exercise machine and the set of elements described represent an innovation with previously unknown structural and constitutive characteristics, reasons which, combined with its practical usefulness, provide sufficient grounds for obtaining the exclusive privilege requested.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

Figure 1.- General view of the invention

Figure 2.- General view of the invention with articulated arm

Figure 3.- Lateral view with user in supine position

Figure 4.- Side view with user in prone position

Figure 5.- Side view with the user in the supine position with the headrest adjustable. Figure 6.- Side view with the user in the supine position with the footrest adjustable.

Figure 7.- Side views with structure examples

List of references and figures:

1. Lower structure

2. Bank

3. Articulated arm

3.1. Articulated arm segment

3.2. Articulated arm segment

4. User

5. Pneumatic cylinder

6. Headboard

7. Pedalina

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which specific preferred embodiments in which the invention may be carried out are shown by way of illustration.

In particular, the present invention describes a lumbopelvic exercise machine, comprising a lower structure (1) and a bench (2) connected to said lower structure (1) by one of its ends, said bench (2) being arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the lower structure (1), where the lower structure (1) allows the legs of a user (4) to pass through the lower part of the bench (2).

This allows for numerous exercises that other state-of-the-art benches do not allow, as it makes it impossible to pass the legs under the bench due to the structures required to maintain the bench's stability.

Some examples of lower structure (1) would be triangular or X-shaped structures, as can be seen schematically in Figure 7. These structures may comprise means for regulating the inclination of the bench (2) with respect to the horizontal.

Additionally, by having the space under the bench (2) free for the user's legs (4), and the realization of any movement of the user's legs (4) under the bench (2), the machine allows the use of any accessory to perform different exercises according to the particular needs of the user (4).

For example, the machine allows the use of pedals (7), handles and attachments for rubber bands or rollers.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper end of the bench (2) incorporates an articulated arm (3) intended to accommodate the lower body of a user (4), said articulated arm (3) being pivotally connected to the bench (2) by means of a joint comprising means configured to oppose the rotational movement of the articulated arm (3) with respect to the bench (2).

Preferably, the means that oppose the rotation movement of the articulated arm (3) comprise at least one of the following options, and may comprise both:

- at least one torsion spring, and/or

- at least one pulley and cable assembly, configured to actuate a weight in response to rotational movement of the articulated arm (3).

Likewise, the above means can also be replaced or combined with other elements that offer resistance to movement, such as: weights, rubber bands, pulleys, pedals (7), hand supports and anchor points for rubber bands and pulleys.

In a preferred embodiment, the angle of inclination of the bench (2) with respect to the lower structure (1) is adjustable. Preferably, the angle of inclination is adjusted by means of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (5). Alternatively, other means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the bench (2) may be removable mechanical fixing means, such as an adjustable screw or a pin inserted into a hole.

In a preferred embodiment, the articulated arm (3) is made up of two segments (3.1, 3.2) arranged in an L-shaped configuration. Preferably, the angle between the segments (3.1, 3.2) is between 45° and 135°, specifically a right angle close to 90°. Alternatively, the articulated arm can also be curved, or be made up of a single segment with a support on the knees. In the latter case, to increase the effectiveness of the exercises, it would be necessary for the user (4) to put his feet together, separating his knees by means of a slight external rotation of the hip to avoid pinching.

Preferably, the angle formed by the segments (3.1, 3.2) is adjustable, so that we can adjust the degrees of flexion or extension of the articulated arm (3) at the height of the knees, varying the action of the exercise, supine or prone.

In a preferred embodiment, the lower structure (1) is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped, in order to comprise an opening for the user's legs to pass through the lower part of the bench (2), in addition to preventing the user's weight from tipping over the machine during use due to the torque applied to the support due to the forces applied to the free end of the bench (2). In this situation, other configurations could also be suitable, such as a rectangular base with a triangular slope.

In any case, the lower structure (1) can comprise any shape, not only a U shape, but also an O shape or any prism shape, as long as it meets the condition of the main embodiment, according to which it must allow passage for the user's legs (4) under the bench (2).

In a preferred embodiment, the articulated arm (3) is capable of rotating clockwise and/or counterclockwise with respect to the bench (2). Particularly, in a preferred embodiment the relative rotation movement between the articulated arm (3) and the bench (2) is limited by stops or similar elements, to delimit the maximum and minimum degrees of flexion, depending on the objective to be achieved.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine is foldable.

In a preferred embodiment, the bench (2) comprises manual grips arranged to hold the user (4) during the exercise.

In a preferred embodiment, the bench (2) and/or the articulated arm (3) comprise at least one padded surface that improves the comfort and ergonomics of the machine.

In a preferred embodiment, the bench (2) comprises a headboard (6) which, preferably, will be adjustable in height.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises at least one angular position and/or force sensor, configured to measure and record the movement of the articulated arm (3) and/or the inclination of the bench (2).

In a preferred embodiment, the articulated arm (3) is adjustable in length and/or position to adapt to different user sizes or anatomies (4). For example, the articulated arm (3) may be telescopic.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a quick locking system to fix or release the articulated arm (3) in a desired position without the need for tools such as, for example, a pin with a handle and a spring, which is inserted or removed from a hole to fix or release the articulated arm (3).

In a preferred embodiment, it comprises supports and/or means for joining the feet to the articulated arm (3), so that it allows the user (4) to stretch the articulated arm (3).

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises pads in the position where the user's knees (4) are located.

In a preferred embodiment, the area where the user's head rests (4) on the bench (2) comprises a hole so that the user's face (4) can be positioned. This embodiment is particularly relevant in the prone position.

In a preferred embodiment, the side of the user's head (4) on the bench (2) comprises a joint configured to vary the position and height of the user's head (4) support. This embodiment is particularly relevant in the supine position, since it avoids possible problems of dizziness or similar that the user (4) may experience when having the head in a low position.

Different applications of the invention allow us to achieve different embodiments of the machine, all of them comprising the lower structure (1), the inclined bench (2) and the articulated arm (3), connected to the bench (2) through a rotary joint comprising means that oppose the relative movement between the bench (2) and the articulated arm (3), where the articulated arm (3) comprises at least two segments (3.1, 3.2).

In a first application example, an exercise machine is described that can be placed in outdoor public spaces, such as parks or beaches. This machine has a structure that could be fixed, made of weather-resistant material. It would not require varying the inclination of the slope relative to the ground, nor would it be necessary to vary the angle between the segments of the articulated arm, which would be formed solely by an element curved at an elbow, forming an angle close to 90°.

In this version of the machine, the position of the segments (3.1, 3.2) of the articulated arm (3) could not be modified, so only one type of exercise could be performed: supine or prone. Therefore, in order to cover the entire range of exercises that can be performed with the machine, two machines of this type would be necessary.

If the device is adapted for prone exercises, it must have a rotating axis at the hip that allows the pure hip extension action to be articulated along said axis, including a torsion spring or similar. The articulated axis must allow the legs to be pulled backward to perform the exercise. In this case, the elbow of the articulated arm would face downward.

If the device is adapted for supine exercises, the range of flexion would work above the bench from a line parallel to the floor to the vertical, and could exceed this limit above the bench. In this case, the elbow of the articulated arm would point upward.

Both machines, at the end of their articulated arms, would have supports together where the feet would be placed, pulling against the force of the rotating articulated arm. It could also be pulled from the knees toward the chest, either with a support that exerts resistance above the knees, extending beyond the kneecap, or any other.

Preferably, in this version of the machine, the means opposing the relative movement between the articulated arm (3) and the bench (2) would be a torsion spring opposing the rotation movement.

Another example of application would be one in which both the inclination of the bench (2) and the angle formed by the segments (3.1, 3.2) of the articulated arm (3) can be regulated. This example of application would be ideal for use in gyms, clinics or similar centres, where complete adaptability to the exercises to be performed is required.

As can be deduced from the previous paragraph, in this case, with a single machine we could perform exercises both supine and prone, since the position of the segments (3.1,3.2) would be adjustable.

Preferably, in this version of the machine, the means that oppose the relative movement between the articulated arm (3) and the bench (2) would be a set of pulleys and cables that pull weights to force the user to make an effort to perform the indicated movements.

Finally, and as a simpler version of the invention, we would find an inclined bench (2), whose inclination may or may not be adjustable with respect to the horizontal, which offers us a versatile machine to which several utensils can be attached for carrying out a large number of exercises, such as, for example: a pulley with weights that we can bring closer to the bench (2), attach a pedal (7), or incorporate handles and rubber bands.

Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to explain it further so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages derived from it, stating that, within its essence, it may be put into practice in other embodiments that differ in detail from the one indicated by way of example, and to which the protection sought will also apply, provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, modified or changed.

Claims (26)

1. Lumbo-pelvic exercise machine, comprising a lower structure (1) and a bench (2) connected to said lower structure (1) by one of its ends, said bench (2) being arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the lower structure (1), characterized in that the lower structure (1) allows the legs of a user (4) to pass through the lower part of the bench (2). 2. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the upper end of the bench (2) incorporates an articulated arm (3) intended to accommodate the lower body of a user (4), said articulated arm (3) being pivotally connected to the bench (2) by means of a joint comprising means configured to oppose the rotational movement of the articulated arm (3) with respect to the bench (2). 3. Machine according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the means opposing the rotational movement of the articulated arm (3) comprise at least one torsion spring. 4. Machine according to any of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the means opposing the rotational movement of the articulated arm (3) comprise at least one pulley and cable assembly, configured to actuate a weight in response to the rotational movement of the articulated arm (3). 5. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle of inclination of the bench (2) with respect to the lower structure (1) is adjustable. 6. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the adjustment of the angle of inclination is carried out by means of a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (5). 7. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the adjustment of the angle of inclination is carried out by mechanical means. 8. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the articulated arm (3) is made up of two segments (3.1, 3.2) arranged in an L-shaped configuration. 9. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle between the segments (3.1, 3.2) is between 45° and 135°, preferably 90°. 10. Machine according to any of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the angle formed by the segments (3.1, 3.2) is adjustable. 11. Machine according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the articulated arm (3) is constituted by a single curved or straight segment. 12. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower structure (1) is U-shaped. 13. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated arm (3) is capable of rotating clockwise and/or counterclockwise with respect to the bench (2). 14. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises stops that limit the path of the relative rotation movement between the articulated arm (3) and the bench (2). 15. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is foldable. 16. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises manual grips arranged to hold the user (4) during exercise. 17. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one padded surface on the bench (2) and/or the articulated arm (3). 18. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a headboard (6) arranged in the upper part of the bench (2). 19. Machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the headboard (6) is adjustable in height and/or position. 20. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one angular position and/or force sensor, configured to measure and record the movement of the articulated arm (3) and/or the inclination of the bench (2). 21. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the articulated arm (3) is adjustable in length and/or position to adapt to different sizes or anatomies of the user (4). 22. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a quick locking system to fix or release the articulated arm (3) in a desired position without the need for tools. 23. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for connecting the feet to the articulated arm (3). 24. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises pads in the position in which the user's knees (4) are located. 25. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side of the user's head (4) resting on the bench (2) comprises a joint configured to vary the position and height of the user's head (4). 26. Machine according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the area where the user's head rests (4) on the bench (2) comprises a hole.