Exercise backrest allowing for increased range of motion

Abstract

A backrest intended for a workout bench, having cutouts configured to allow a portion of a user's upper body to retract past a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest. This provides an enhanced range of motion and enhanced safety to the user as the user's upper body is allowed to properly pull back to a greater degree. A novel composition of materials featuring multiple layers arranged in a novel way within the backrest provides comfort, longevity, and structure to the backrest. A method of manufacturing the bench, including the addition of each layer in a structural order is further described.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A backrest, comprising:
 a plurality of cutouts, wherein each of the plurality of cutouts are configured to allow a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest;   a plurality of layers configured to combine together so to form the backrest; and   a plurality of materials included in the plurality of layers.   
     
     
         2 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of cutouts have a first area. 
     
     
         3 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of cutouts are symmetrically located about a backrest centerline. 
     
     
         4 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of cutouts comprise a ninety-degree edge. 
     
     
         5 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of cutouts comprise a rounded edge. 
     
     
         6 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein a first cutout has a first shape, wherein a second cutout has a second shape, and wherein the first shape is a mirroring of the second shape. 
     
     
         7 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cutouts is configured to allow at least a portion of the user's shoulder to protrude beyond the top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest. 
     
     
         8 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of layers comprises:
 a backing layer;   a firm layer;   a medium layer; and   a soft layer.   
     
     
         9 . The backrest of  claim 8 , wherein the backing layer includes plywood, wherein the firm layer includes a first latex, wherein the medium layer includes a second latex, and wherein the soft layer includes a foam. 
     
     
         10 . The backrest of  claim 8 , wherein the backing layer abuts the firm layer, wherein the firm layer abuts the medium layer, and wherein the medium layer abuts the soft layer. 
     
     
         11 . The backrest of  claim 9 , wherein the foam included in the soft layer is a memory foam. 
     
     
         12 . The backrest of  claim 1 , wherein a first end of the backrest is tapered, wherein a second end of the backrest is tapered, and wherein the first end of the backrest is located opposite the second end of the backrest. 
     
     
         13 . An exercise apparatus, comprising:
 a backrest comprising a plurality of cutouts;   a seat; and   a support base, wherein a relative angle and a relative position of the seat to the backrest is adjustable, and wherein the backrest and the seat are directly, or indirectly, supported by the support base.   
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a stabilizing guard configured to brace against a user's legs; and   an adjustable member.   
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the adjustment member is an elongated, arcuate rod attached to a posterior face of the backrest. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the adjustment member comprises a plurality of holes along its length to couple with an incline mechanism located on the support base to adjust the incline angle on the adjustable backrest. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the incline angle of the adjustable backrest relative to the seat ranges from ninety degrees to one hundred and eighty degrees. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the stabilizing guard further comprises:
 a plurality of mirrored upper pads;   a plurality of mirrored lower pads; and   a stabilizing attachment member, wherein the stabilizing attachment member is configured to connect the plurality of mirrored upper pads and the plurality of mirrored lower pads, and wherein the plurality of mirrored upper pads and the plurality of mirrored lower pads are located opposite each other on opposing ends of the stabilizing attachment member.   
     
     
         19 . An exercise system, comprising:
 a backrest;   a seat;   a support base;   a first means for allowing a portion of a user's body to protrude beyond a top surface plane of the backrest when the user's back is resting on the backrest; and   a second means for adjusting a relative angle and a relative position of the seat to the backrest.   
     
     
         20 . The exercise system of  claim 19 , wherein the first means is a plurality of cutouts in the backrest, and wherein the second means is an adjustment member.