Torso exercise apparatus

Abstract

A Torso Exercise Apparatus that stabilizes the pelvic area to enhance effectiveness of upper body and torso motions when exercising with a means of resistance. An anterior pelvic apparatus comprising anterior pelvic pads and a posterior pelvic apparatus comprising posterior pelvic pads can be adjusted to reduce a compression distance therebetween and compress a pelvic area. Additional torso pads can be utilized to stabilize the upper body. The anterior and posterior pelvic apparatuses can be operably engaged with a rail that allows for optimization of a range of motion relative to the means of resistance.

1 . A device, configured to stabilize a pelvis, comprising:
 an anterior pelvic assembly; and   a posterior pelvic assembly comprising an operable attachment to the anterior pelvic assembly for adjusting a compression distance therebetween;   such that, when the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly are adjusted, the compression distance therebetween stabilizes the pelvis.   
     
     
         2 . A device, configured to stabilize a pelvis, comprising:
 an anterior pelvic assembly that comprises,
 at least one anterior pelvic pad operably connected to a posterior pelvic assembly to a front post, wherein the front post is supported by a front bracket; 
   a posterior pelvic assembly that comprises,
 at least one posterior pelvic pad operably connected to a rear post, wherein the rear post is supported by a rear bracket; and 
   an adjustable linkage that operably connects the front post to the rear post, such that a compression distance between the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly is adjustable with the adjustable linkage.   
     
     
         3 . The device, according to  claim 2 , further comprising a height adjustment mechanism operably connected to the front post, for simultaneously adjusting the height of the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The device, according to  claim 2 , further comprising a horizontal adjustment mechanism operably connected to the adjustable linkage, for adjusting the compression distance. 
     
     
         5 . The device, according to  claim 4 , wherein the adjustable linkage comprises a linear actuator. 
     
     
         6 . The device, according to  claim 2 , further comprising a rail, wherein the front bracket and the rear bracket are movably mounted on the rail. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6 , further comprising a range adjustment lever operably connected to the rail and to the anterior pelvic assembly, wherein the range adjustment lever is configured to adjust a range of motion. 
     
     
         8 . The device, according to  claim 7 , wherein the rail and the range adjustment mechanism comprise a ratchet. 
     
     
         9 . The device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one anterior pelvic pad is supported on a support arm on the front post. 
     
     
         10 . The device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the posterior pelvic assembly further comprises a posterior torso pad that extends above the posterior pelvic pad. 
     
     
         11 . The device, according to  claim 10 , wherein the posterior torso pad comprises angled side supports. 
     
     
         12 . The device, according to  claim 11 , wherein the angle between the angled side supports is between about 100° and about 170°, between about 110° and about 160°, between about 120° and about 150°, between about 130° and about 140°, between about 130°, and about 145°. 
     
     
         13 . The device, according to  claim 2 , wherein the anterior pelvic assembly further comprises an anterior torso pad that extends above the at least one anterior pelvic pad. 
     
     
         14 . A device, configured to stabilize a pelvis, comprising:
 an anterior pelvic assembly that comprises,
 at least one anterior pelvic pad operably connected to a front post, wherein the front post is supported by a front bracket; and 
 a pelvic compression belt comprising at a first end fixedly attached to the at least one anterior pelvic pad and a second end that engages with a tightening mechanism. 
   
     
     
         15 . A method for stabilizing a pelvic area during resistance exercise, the method comprising:
 obtaining a device, according to  claim 2 ;   standing between the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly;   adjusting the compression distance between the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly to stabilize the pelvic area therebetween.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the adjustable linkage is operably connect to a horizontal adjustment mechanism and the method further comprises utilizing the horizontal adjustment mechanism to adjust the compression distance between the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the anterior pelvic assembly is operably connected to a height adjustment mechanism and the method further comprises utilizing the height adjustment mechanism to simultaneously adjust the heights of the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the anterior pelvic assembly and posterior pelvic assembly are movably mounted on a rail and the method further comprises moving the anterior pelvic assembly on the rail to simultaneously move the posterior pelvic assembly on the rail. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the anterior pelvic assembly is operably attached to a range adjustment mechanism and the method further comprises utilizing the range adjustment mechanism to simultaneously move the anterior pelvic assembly and the posterior pelvic assembly on the rail. 
     
     
         20 . A method for stabilizing a pelvic area during resistance exercise, the method comprising:
 obtaining a device, according to  claim 14 ;   placing the pelvic area against the at least one anterior pelvic pad;   wrapping the pelvic compression belt around the posterior pelvic area;   engaging the second end of the pelvic compression belt with the tightening mechanism; and   utilizing the tightening mechanism to tighten the pelvic compression belt to stabilize the pelvic area against the at least one anterior pelvic pad.   
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the device further comprises a height adjusting mechanism and the method further comprises adjusting the height of the at least one anterior pelvic pad with the height adjustment mechanism.