Dual rotation rotary torso exercise bench

Abstract

An exercise machine ( 100 ) for exercising the rotary torso muscles of the human body, whereupon a user's body is supported in a generally supine position. The machine is comprised of a frame structure ( 101 ) with a rotable upper torso support ( 105 ) (including a head and back rest ( 121 )), a rotatable lower torso support ( 103 ) (including a seat ( 119 )) and feet stabilizing rollers ( 110 ), aligned longitudinally. The device further comprises a knee cushion ( 104 ) for rotating the lower torso support ( 103 ) and a peg ( 106 ) upon a weight support arm ( 127 ) for holding free weights that impart resistance against the rotation of the upper and lower torso supports ( 105, 103 ). Supplemental resistance to the rotation movement may be provided by a belt mechanism ( 180 of FIG. 4 ) including a belt ( 181 ) wrapped around a cam ( 151 ) connected to the axle ( 157 ) of the upper torso support ( 105 ) and up through the weight support arm upon which free weights are placed.

1 . A rotary torso exercise machine, comprising:
 a freestanding frame having an upwardly extended first end spaced from an upwardly extended second end and connected thereto by a center bar;   an upper torso support rotatably attached to the first end of said frame between said first end and said second end for supporting a user's upper torso in a supine position;   a lower torso support rotatably attached to the second end of said frame between said first end and said second end for supporting a user's lower torso in alignment with the upper torso in said supine position;   feet stabilizing struts attached to said lower torso support outside of said frame, and rotatable with said lower torso support for stabilizing the user's feet in said supine position; and   a knee stabilizer attached to said lower torso support and rotatable therewith for allowing said user to straddle the knees thereabout while in said supine position to rotate said lower torso support.   
     
     
         2 . The rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , further comprising free weights for imparting resistance. 
     
     
         3 . The rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 2 , wherein said free weights may be selectively attached to said upper torso support. 
     
     
         4 . The rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , further comprising a belt for imparting resistance. 
     
     
         5 . The rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said belt may be selectively attached to said upper torso support. 
     
     
         6 . The rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said upper torso support further comprises a limiter for limiting rotation of said upper torso support to a direction opposite said lower support. 
     
     
         7 . The rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said lower torso support further comprises a limiter for limiting rotation of said lower torso support to a direction opposite said upper torso support 
     
     
         8 . A rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said upper torso support comprises:
 an axle mounted at said first end of said frame a center support arm supporting a plurality of cushions forming a head and back rest, wherein said center support arm is attached to said axle;   a chest bar attached to said center arm for locking said user within said upper torso support when said machine is in use; and a weight support arm attached on opposing side of said axle, wherein a peg is attached to said weight support arm for attaching free weights.   
     
     
         9 . A rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said lower torso support comprises:
 a lower torso support bar integrally connected to said foot hold at said second end of said frame; and   a seat cushion attached atop said lower torso support bar.   
     
     
         10 . A rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said lower torso support is integrally connected to said foot hold with an axle. 
     
     
         11 . A rotary torso exercise machine according to  claim 1 , further comprising a chest bar locking mechanism including a cable attached to said chest bar, wherein said cable includes a pin mechanism at an end, a plate including apertures mounted on said axle, and a peg having an aperture attached to said frame in front of said plate, whereby when said chest bar is pulled up, said pin mechanism will selectively engage said aperture in said peg and in said plate and when said chest bar is pulled down, said pin mechanism will selectively disengage said aperture in said peg and in said plate. 
     
     
         12 . A rotary torso exercise machine, comprising:
 a freestanding frame;   an upper torso support rotatably attached to a first end of said frame for supporting a user's upper torso in a supine position;   a lower torso support rotatably attached to a second end of said frame for supporting a user's lower torso in alignment with the upper torso in said supine position;   feet stabilizing struts attached to a second end of said frame for stabilizing the user's feet in said supine position; and   a weight support arm coupled to said upper torso support, said weight support arm including a peg for holding free weights to impart resistance against rotation of said upper torso support.   
     
     
         13 . The rotary torso exercise machine, according to  claim 12 , wherein said frame is comprised of hollow tubing. 
     
     
         14 . The rotary torso exercise machine, according to  claim 12 , wherein said upper and lower torso supports further comprise cushioning for comfort. 
     
     
         15 . The rotary torso exercise machine, according to  claim 12 , further comprising an belt coupled between said upper torso support and said weight support arm for imparting resistance against rotation of said upper torso support. 
     
     
         16 . The rotary torso exercise machine, according to  claim 15 , wherein said belt comprises a continuous belt mounted at one side on a cam attached to said upper torso and coupled on another side to said weight support arm for imparting resistance against rotation of said upper torso support during both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.