US20020111255A1 - Apparatus and methods for pad assemblies for exercise machines - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for pad assemblies for exercise machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pad assembly for an exercise machine includes a layer of compressible padding having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface. A backing structure is attached to the layer of compressible padding and has a backing surface proximate the second surface. The backing surface is shaped to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the layer of compressible padding when a compression force is applied to the first surface during an exercise. The approximately uniform-thickness portion may be coextensive with the portion of the user's body.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for pad assemblies for exercise machines, and more specifically, to pad assemblies that provide improved pressure distribution characteristics during an exercise.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The convenience, efficiency, and safety of exercise machines are widely recognized. Many different types of exercise machines are in use today. Some models have a single exercise station, while other models include multiple exercise stations at which a user may perform one or more exercises for developing and toning different muscle groups.[0002]
• Many exercise machines include one or more pad assemblies that engage against portions of the user's body during an exercise. For example, FIG. 1 shows an[0003]exercise machine42 in accordance with the prior art. Thisexercise machine42 may be used for developing arm and leg muscles, and includes asupport frame44 with aseat46, and a pair ofswing arms48 rotatably coupled to thesupport frame44. Eachswing arm48 includes astirrup50 for receiving one of the user's feet, aleg pad52, and acylindrical arm pad54. The arm andleg pads54,52 are attached to asupport49 of theswing arm48. Anelastic band56 is attached between the twoswing arms48.
• For leg exercises, a user (not shown) may sit on the[0004]seat46 with the user's feet inserted into thestirrups50, and with an outer portion of each of the user's legs engaged with theleg pads52. As the user forces the outer portion of the user's leg against one of theleg pads52, theswing arm48 pivots outwardly and stretches theelastic band56. When the force is relaxed, theelastic band56 moves theswing arm48 inwardly to an initial, resting position. Alternately, for arm exercises, the user places a portion of the user's arm (e.g. the forearm or hand) against one of thecylindrical arm pads54 and applies an outwardly-directed force, causing theswing arm48 to pivot outwardly and stretching theelastic band56. Exercise machines of the type shown in FIG. 1 are more fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,439 issued to Lee.
• Many other models of exercise machines include pad assemblies that are firmly engaged against various portions of a user's body during an exercise. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,587 to Carlson et al. discloses an exercise device having a pair of leg pad assemblies that bear against the user's shins during a leg extension exercise. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,746 to Mask teaches exercise machines having a flat leg pad that bears against the back of the user's calf during a leg curl exercise. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,308 to Lee teaches an exercise machine having a pair of cylindrical arm pads that engage inside surfaces of a user's arms during a chest or “fly” exercise, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,457 issued to Caruso teaches leg exercise machines having pad assemblies that engage a user's shoulders and knees during a leg exercise. Many other examples of exercise machines having pad assemblies that engage portions of a user's body during an exercise are known.[0005]
• One disadvantage of prior art pad assemblies is that during an exercise, the compressive force applied by the user on the pad assembly does not remain uniformly distributed over the associated portion of the person's body. For example, FIG. 2 shows an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of a[0006]swing arm48 of FIG. 1 engaged with portions of a user's body. Specifically, the upper portion of FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a user'sforearm58 engaged with thearm pad54 during an arm exercise. As the user applies force against thearm pad54, the outer surface of thearm pad54 is compressed from aninitial position60 to acompressed position62. The pressure (i.e. force per unit area) on the user'sforearm58 during the arm exercise is greatest at a peak-pressure area (or point)64 that typically corresponds to the most highly compressed portion of thearm pad54. The pressure on the user'sforearm58 decreases from the peak-pressure area64 over those portions of the user'sforearm58 that are spaced apart from the peak-pressure area64 and that are in contact with less-compressed portions of thearm pad54.
• Similarly, the lower portion of FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a user's[0007]leg66 engaged against theleg pad52 during a leg exercise. During the exercise, the outer surface of theleg pad52 is compressed from anuncompressed position68 to acompressed position70. As with the user'sforearm58 in the previous example, the pressure on the user'sleg66 is greatest at a peak-pressure area (or point)72 usually corresponding to the most highly compressed portion of theleg pad52, and decreases from the peak-pressure area72 over those portions of the user'sleg66 that are in contact with less compressed portions of theleg pad52. Thus, even though theuncompressed position68 of the surface of theleg pad52 is a contoured surface adapted to approximately conform to the shape of the user'sleg66, theleg pad52 does not compress uniformly and the pressure distribution over the user'sleg66 is substantially non-uniform.
• Because the compression forces are not more evenly distributed over the relevant portions of the user's[0008]forearm58 andleg66 during the arm and leg exercises, the user may experience discomfort, or may otherwise experience reduced satisfaction with the exercise machine. Therefore, pad assemblies that more evenly distribute the compression forces over the relevant portions of the user's body during an exercise would have utility over the prior art devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for pad assemblies for exercise machines. In one aspect, a pad assembly for an exercise machine includes a layer of compressible padding having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface. A backing structure is attached to the layer of compressible padding and has a backing surface proximate the second surface. The backing surface is shaped to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the layer of compressible padding when a compression force is applied to the first surface during an exercise. The approximately uniform-thickness portion may be coextensive with the portion of the first surface that engages with the user's body.[0009]
• In another aspect, an exercise machine in accordance with the invention includes a support frame having a fixed portion and a moveable portion moveably coupled to the fixed portion, a load coupled to the moveable portion, and at least one pad assembly attached to the support frame. The pad assembly includes a layer of compressible padding having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body, and a backing member attached to a second surface of the layer of compressible padding opposite from the first surface. The backing member has a backing surface engaged with the second surface of the layer of compressible padding that is at least partially contoured such that a compression force applied against the first surface provides an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the layer of compressible padding.[0010]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise machine in accordance with the prior art.[0011]
• FIG. 2 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 engaged with portions of a user's body during an exercise.[0012]
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of arm and leg pad assemblies in accordance with two embodiments of the invention.[0013]
• FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevational view of a leg exercise machine having a pad assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.[0014]
• FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of a leg yoke of the leg exercise machine of FIG. 4.[0015]
• FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the leg yoke of FIG. 5.[0016]
• FIG. 7 is a lower isometric view of an embodiment of a pad assembly of the leg exercise machine of FIG. 4.[0017]
• FIG. 8 is an exploded, cross-sectional end view of the pad assembly of FIG. 7 taken along line[0018]8-8.
• FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of another embodiment of a pad assembly of the leg exercise machine of FIG. 4.[0019]
• FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the leg yoke of FIG. 5 engaged with a user's legs.[0020]
• FIG. 11 is a lower isometric view of a leg pad in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention.[0021]
• FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of the leg pad of FIG. 11 installed on an exercise machine.[0022]
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the leg pad of FIG. 11.[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is generally directed to apparatus and methods for improved pad assemblies for exercise machines. Many specific details of certain embodiments of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.[0024]3-13 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the present invention may have additional embodiments, or that the present invention may be practiced without several of the details described in the following description.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view of arm and[0025]leg pad assemblies100,150 in accordance with two embodiments of the invention. In this example, the arm andleg pad assemblies100,150 are shown installed on aswing arm48 of the arm andleg exercise machine42 described above and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in the upper portion of FIG. 3, thearm pad assembly100 includes abacking structure102 that is attached to thesupport49 of theswing arm48. A resilient,compressible layer104 is attached to thebacking structure102. Thebacking structure102 includes a non-planar (e.g. contoured)surface106 that supports thecompressible layer104 against compression forces applied to anouter surface108 of thecompressible layer104.
• In this embodiment, the[0026]backing structure102 is an axisymmetric structure having an approximately “hour-glass” shape. Thebacking structure102 may be formed of any suitable, sufficiently rigid material, including metal, wood, plastic, or the like. Similarly, thecompressible layer104 may be composed of any known padding material, preferably a material that provides suitable resiliency and compressibility for extended use in a high-use exercise environment. Thecompressible layer104 may be composed of, for example, foam or rubber padding, and may include an outer layer of neoprene, cordura, nylon, or other suitable protective covering material.
• In operation, a user engages an[0027]arm58 against theouter surface108 and applies a force against thearm pad assembly100, compressing theouter surface108 from anuncompressed position60 to acompressed position62. In this embodiment, in theuncompressed position60, thecompressible layer104 does not have a uniform thickness between theouter surface108 and thenon-planar surface106 of thebacking structure102. In thecompressed position62, thecompressible layer104 is compressed against thenon-planar surface106 of thebacking structure102 such that at least aportion110 of thecompressible layer104 has an approximately uniform thickness between the user's arm58 (i.e. the compressed position62) and thenon-planar surface106. In the approximately uniform-thickness portion110, the pressure distribution on the user'sarm58 is approximately uniform.
• In general, it should be noted that the approximately uniform-[0028]thickness portion110 need not be of an exactly uniform thickness, and that the actual thickness values of thecompressible layer104 within the approximately uniform-thickness portion110 may vary without perceptibly changing the pressure distribution on the portion of the user'sarm58 that contacts thepad assembly100. Thearm pad assembly100 advantageously improves the pressure distribution on the user'sarm58 during an exercise. Because thenon-planar surface106 of thebacking structure102 provides an approximately uniform-thickness portion110 of thecompressible layer104 when thelayer104 is in thecompressed position60, an improved distribution of the compression force applied by the user may be achieved. The pressure exerted on the user'sarm58 within the approximately uniform-thickness portion110 may be less than that which occurs at the peak-pressure area64 (FIG. 2) of the prior art device, and may be approximately uniform over this area of the user'sarm58. Because thearm pad assembly100 more evenly distributes the compression forces over the part of the user'sarm58 engaged against the approximately uniform-thickness portion110 compared with the priorart arm pad54, the user is less likely to experience discomfort during an exercise. Thus, the user's satisfaction with the exercise machine may be enhanced.
• The shape of the[0029]non-planar surface106 may vary widely depending on several variables, including the anticipated shape of the portion the user's body the pad assembly is intended to engage, the anticipated forces on the pad assembly, the shape of the outer surface of thecompressible layer104, and other characteristics of thecompressible layer104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, for example, thenon-planar surface106 is concavely-shaped to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion110 that engages only a portion of the surface of the user'sarm58 that contacts thecompressible layer104. In alternate embodiments, the shape of thenon-planar surface106 may be tailored to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion that is larger or smaller than theportion110 shown in FIG. 3, including a portion that is co-extensive with the entire surface of the user'sarm58 that contacts thecompressible layer104. Thenon-planar surface106 may have an increased or decreased concavity from that shown in FIG. 3, and may have a varying or non-uniform concavity.
• Referring again to FIG. 3, the[0030]leg pad assembly150 includes abacking structure152 that has a contoured (or non-planar)surface156, and acompressible member154 attached to the contouredsurface156. In this embodiment, thecontoured surface156 is shaped such that when thecompressible member154 is compressed during use, thecontoured surface156 provides an approximately uniform-thickness portion160 of thecompressible member154 that is co-extensive with the contact surface between the user'sleg66 and thecompressible member154. The pressure exerted on the user'sleg66 may be approximately uniformly distributed over the approximately uniform-thickness portion160, and may be less than that which occurs at the peak-pressure area72 of the prior art leg pad52 (FIG. 2). In addition, thecontoured surface156 may cooperate with the non-planar outer surface (i.e. the uncompressed position68) of thecompressible member154 to provide a more even pressure distribution over the relevant portion of the user's body during an exercise.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic side elevational view of a[0031]leg exercise machine200 including a pair of pad assemblies250 (only one visible) in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Theleg exercise machine200 includes abench202 and afixed support204 positioned near an end of thebench202. Aleg yoke210 is pivotably attached to the fixedsupport204 and includespad assemblies250. Acable205 has a first end attached to theleg yoke210 and a second end attached to a training load208 (e.g. a weight stack). Thecable205 is operatively reeved about one ormore pulleys206 so that as theleg yoke210 is pivoted on the fixedsupport204, a tension force in thecable205 may raise (or lower) thetraining load208. Except for the particular characteristics of theleg yoke210 and thepad assemblies250, which will be described below, the overall operation of theleg exercise machine200 is similar to the devices described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,672,143 issued to Ish, U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,295 issued to Ish, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,018 issued to Ish et al., which patents are incorporated herein by reference.
• FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of a[0032]leg yoke210 of theleg exercise machine200 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a top elevational view of theleg yoke210 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, theleg yoke210 includes apivot arm212 having anupper end214 that pivotably engages the fixedsupport204. Abase member216 is attached to alower end218 of thepivot arm212. Thebase member216 includes a pair of pad supports220 that project laterally from acentral portion222 of thebase member216 and which, in this embodiment, are contoured into a concave shape. Eachpad assembly250 is attached to one of the pad supports220.
• FIG. 7 is a lower isometric view of one of the[0033]pad assemblies250 of the leg exercise machine of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an exploded, cross-sectional end view of thepad assembly250 of FIG. 7. Thepad assembly250 includes a contouredbacking plate252 and a layer ofcompressible padding254. Aprotective cover layer256 extends over thecompressible layer254 and is attached to thebacking plate252, securing thecompressible layer254 to thebacking plate252 and protecting thecompressible layer254 from sweat or damage during use. Thecompressible layer254 may be composed of, for example, foam or rubber padding, and theprotective layer256 may be neoprene, cordura, nylon, or other suitable protective material. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, theprotective layer256 is attached to thebacking plate252 by stitching258. Achannel260 is attached to thebacking plate252 by, for example, one or more rivets262 (FIG. 8). Thechannel260 is sized to receive one of the pad supports220 of the leg yoke210 (FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 9, thechannel260 may be replaced with one ormore brackets264. Retaining members266 (e.g. screws, bolts, rivets, etc.) secure thepad support220 to thebacking plate252 of thepad assembly250.
• FIG. 10 is a top elevational view of the[0034]leg yoke210 of FIG. 5 engaged with a user'slegs270. In operation, the user may be seated on thebench202 with the user's legs270 (shown in cross-sectional view in FIG. 10) engaged with thepad assemblies250. As the user'sleg270 presses against theprotective layer256, such as during a leg curl or leg extension exercise, thecompressible layer254 is compressed against thebacking plate252, and theprotective layer256 moves from anuncompressed position272 to acompressed position274. Because thebacking plate252 is contoured, aportion276 of thecompressible layer254 is compressed to an approximately uniform-thickness between the user'sleg270 and the contouredbacking plate252.
• The[0035]leg pad assembly250 may advantageously improve the pressure distribution on the user'sleg270 during an exercise. Because the contouredbacking plate252 provides an approximately uniform-thickness portion276 of thecompressible layer254 when thecompressible layer254 is compressed to thecompressed position274, the pressure distribution on the user'sleg270 may be approximately uniform, and an improved distribution of the compression force applied by the user may be achieved. The maximum pressure exerted on the user'sleg270 by theleg pad assembly250 may be less than that which occurs in the prior art device, and may be more evenly distributed over the part of the user'sleg270 engaged against theleg pad assembly250. Thus, the user may be less likely to experience discomfort during an exercise, and the user's satisfaction with theleg exercise machine200 may be enhanced.
• FIG. 11 is a lower isometric view of a[0036]leg pad300 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, theleg pad300 includes acompressible member302 having afront surface304 that engages with a portion of a user's body (not shown). Thecompressible member302 also has aback surface306 with adepression308 formed therein. Threadedapertures310 are disposed within thedepression308 and are attached to a stiffening strip309 (FIG. 13) embedded within thecompressible member302. In one embodiment, thestiffening strip309 is a steel strip having a plurality of holes to improve the mechanical attachment of thecompressible member302 with thestiffening strip309.
• In the[0037]leg pad300 shown in FIG. 11, thecompressible member302 may be a unitary member formed of polyurethane or other suitably compressible material. Preferably, thecompressible member302 may be formed of a “self-skinning” polyurethane that is molded into the desired shape by, for example, injection molding. During the molding process, the self-skinning polyurethane forms a durable, aesthetically-pleasing outer surface.
• FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of the[0038]leg pad300 of FIG. 11 installed on aleg yoke210 of an exercise machine. In this embodiment, a portion of the contouredpad support220 is fittingly engaged into thedepression308 disposed in theback surface306 of thecompressible member302. Threaded members (e.g. bolts)312 are engaged through thepad support220 and into the threadedapertures310 of theleg pad300, securing theleg pad300 to theleg yoke210.
• In operation, the user's leg[0039]270 (not shown) is pressed against thefront surface304 of thecompressible member302. Thecompressible member302 is compressed between the user'sleg270 and thepad support220. Because thepad support220 is contoured into a desired shape, an approximately uniform-thickness portion of thecompressible member302 may be formed as described above with respect to the preceding embodiments. Thepad support220 may be formed into any desired shape or radius of curvature, preferably a shape or radius of curvature that provides a compressed shape of thecompressible member302 that approximately corresponds with an anticipated shape of a surface of the user'sleg270 that contacts thefront surface304 of thecompressible member302.
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the[0040]leg pad300 of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, theleg pad300 and the contouredpad support220 are adapted to engage against a user's shin. As best shown in FIG. 13, thefront surface304 has a contoured portion having a radius of curvature of about 2.25 inches, thepad support220 has another contoured portion having a radius of curvature of approximately 3.00 inches (signified by the bottom of the depression308). Of course, as described above, many alternate embodiments may be conceived having varying radii of curvature for the front surface and the pad support (or backing surface). Generally, for most applications for pad assemblies for exercise machines, it is anticipated that the radii of curvature of these surfaces may typically vary within the range from about 1.5 inches to about 7.0 inches for engagement with most commonly contacted portions of a user's body, although greater or lesser radii may be employed. Furthermore, in alternate embodiments, thepad support220 may be separate from theleg yoke210, and may be separately or integrally formed with thecompressible member302. Thepad support220 may then be attached to either the fixed or moveable portions of the frame of the exercise machine for use.
• Because the[0041]leg pad300 does not require abacking plate252, theleg pad300 may advantageously provide the desired pressure distribution characteristics in a simpler, more economical assembly than the other embodiments described above. The contouredpad support220 forms the relatively rigid backing structure which provides the approximately uniform-thickness portion of thecompressible member302 during use of the exercise machine.
• Although the above-described embodiments of pad assemblies have been described as being engaged with portions of the user's arms or legs, it should be understood that, in alternate embodiments, pad assemblies in accordance with the invention may be readily conceived that engage other portions of a user's body. For example, exercise machines having pad assemblies in accordance with the invention may be conceived wherein the pad assemblies bear against a user's shins during a leg extension exercise as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,587 to Carlson et al., or bear against the back of a user's calf during a leg curl exercise as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,509,746 to Mask, or bear against inside surfaces of a user's arms during a chest or “fly” exercises as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,308 to Lee, or bear against a user's shoulders or knees as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,457. Other examples of exercise machines having pad assemblies in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure may be conceived.[0042]
• The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the invention. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the invention. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the invention.[0043]
• Thus, although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein can be applied to other apparatus and methods for pad assemblies for exercise machines, and not just to the embodiments described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined from the following claims.[0044]

Claims (41)

1. A pad assembly for an exercise machine, comprising:

a compressible layer having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface; and

a backing member having a non-planar surface engaged with the second surface of the compressible layer.

2. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the backing member comprises a contoured support attached to the second surface.

3. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the non-planar surface comprises a contoured portion that provides a compressed shape of the compressible layer that approximately corresponds with an anticipated shape of the portion of the user's body.

4. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the non-planar surface comprises a contoured portion having a radius of curvature within the range from approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 7.0 inches.

5. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the first surface comprises a concave portion adapted to engage a portion of the user's body.

6. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the non-planar surface of the backing member is shaped to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the compressible layer when a compression force is applied to the first surface during an exercise.

7. The pad assembly ofclaim 6 wherein the approximately uniform-thickness portion is co-extensive with a portion of the first surface adapted to engage the portion of the user's body.

8. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the non-planar surface of the backing member is shaped to provide an approximately uniform-pressure portion when a compression force is applied to the first surface during an exercise.

9. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the backing member comprises a coupling assembly adapted to attach to an exercise machine.

10. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the backing member comprises a contoured backing plate.

11. The pad assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the backing member comprises an axisymmetric member.

12. A pad assembly for an exercise machine, comprising:

a compressible member having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface, the second surface being adapted to engage a contoured backing surface such that a compression force applied to the first surface provides an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the compressible member between the first surface and the contoured backing surface.

13. The pad assembly ofclaim 12 wherein the second surface comprises a depressed portion adapted to fittingly engage at least a portion of the contoured backing surface.

14. The pad assembly ofclaim 12 wherein the contoured backing surface comprises a contoured pad support projecting from a moveable portion of the exercise machine.

15. The pad assembly ofclaim 12 wherein the approximately uniform-thickness portion is co-extensive with a portion of the first surface adapted to contact the portion of the user's body.

16. The pad assembly ofclaim 12 wherein the contoured backing surface comprises a contoured portion having a radius of curvature within the range from approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 7.0 inches.

17. The pad assembly ofclaim 12 wherein the compressible member comprises a polyurethane member.

18. The pad assembly ofclaim 12 wherein, when the compressible force is applied, the compressible member provides a first surface approximately corresponds with an anticipated shape of the portion of the user's body.

19. A pad assembly for an exercise machine, comprising:

a layer of compressible padding having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface; and

a backing structure attached to the layer of compressible padding and having a backing surface proximate the second surface, the backing surface being shaped to provide an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the layer of compressible padding when a compression force is applied to the first surface.

20. The pad assembly ofclaim 19 wherein the backing surface is contoured such that the compression force is approximately uniformly distributed over the first surface.

21. The pad assembly ofclaim 19 wherein the approximately uniform-thickness portion is co-extensive with the first surface.

22. The pad assembly ofclaim 19 wherein the backing surface comprises a contoured portion having a radius of curvature within the range from approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 7.0 inches.

23. The pad assembly ofclaim 19 wherein the backing structure comprises a channel attached to the backing structure opposite from the layer of compressible padding and adapted to attach to a support portion of an exercise machine.

24. An exercise machine, comprising:

a support frame having a fixed portion and a moveable portion moveably coupled to the fixed portion;

a load operatively coupled to the moveable portion;

at least one pad assembly attached to the support frame, the pad assembly comprising:

a layer of compressible padding having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of a user's body; and

a backing member attached to the layer of compressible padding and having a backing surface engaged against the layer of compressible padding opposite from the first surface, the backing surface being at least partially contoured.

25. The exercise machine ofclaim 24 wherein the backing surface is contoured such that a compression force applied against the first surface provides an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the layer of compressible padding between the backing surface and the first surface.

26. The exercise machine ofclaim 25 wherein the backing surface is contoured such that the approximately uniform-thickness portion is co-extensive with a portion of the first surface adapted to contact the portion of the user's body.

27. The exercise machine ofclaim 24 wherein the backing surface comprises a contoured portion having a radius of curvature within the range from approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 7.0 inches.

28. The exercise machine ofclaim 24 wherein the backing surface is contoured such that, when a compression force is applied against the first surface, the first surface is adapted to provide an approximately uniform pressure distribution on the portion of the user's body.

29. The exercise machine ofclaim 24 wherein the moveable portion is pivotably coupled to the fixed portion, further comprising coupling means for moveably coupling the moveable portion to the load so that movement of the moveable portion is resisted by the load.

30. An exercise machine, comprising:

a support frame having a fixed portion and a moveable portion moveably coupled to the fixed portion;

a load coupled to the moveable portion by a coupling means for moveably coupling the moveable portion to the load so that movement of the moveable portion is resisted by the load;

a support surface attached to the support frame proximate the moveable portion, the support surface being adapted to at least partially support a user's body;

at least one pad assembly attached to the support frame proximate the support surface, the pad assembly comprising:

a compressible member having a first surface adapted to engage a portion of the user's body and a second surface opposite from the first surface, the second surface being adapted to engage a contoured backing surface such that a compression force applied to the first surface provides an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the compressible member between the first surface and the contoured backing surface.

31. The exercise machine ofclaim 30 wherein the contoured backing surface comprises a contoured pad support projecting from a moveable portion of the exercise machine.

32. The exercise machine ofclaim 30 wherein the approximately uniform-thickness portion is co-extensive with a portion of the first surface adapted to contact the portion of the user's body.

33. The exercise machine ofclaim 30 wherein the contoured backing surface comprises a contoured portion having a radius of curvature within the range from approximately 1.5 inches to approximately 7.0 inches.

34. The exercise machine ofclaim 30 wherein, when the compressible force is applied, the compressible member provides a first surface approximately corresponds with an anticipated shape of the portion of the user's body.

35. The exercise machine ofclaim 30 wherein the moveable portion comprises a leg yoke and the pad assembly comprises a leg pad assembly attached to the leg yoke.

36. A method of exercising, comprising:

providing a compressible layer having a first surface, and a backing structure having a non-planar backing surface engaged against the compressible layer opposite the first surface; and

pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to compress the compressible layer between the portion of the user's body and the non-planar backing surface and to form an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the compressible layer therebetween.

37. The method ofclaim 36 wherein pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to compress the compressible layer comprises pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to form an approximately uniform-thickness portion of the compressible layer that is co-extensive with the portion of the user's body.

38. The method ofclaim 36 wherein pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to compress the compressible layer comprises pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to form an approximately uniform-pressure distribution on the portion of the user's body.

39. The method ofclaim 36 wherein pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to compress the compressible layer comprises pressing a portion of a user's leg against the first surface.

40. The method ofclaim 36 wherein pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to compress the compressible layer comprises pressing a portion of a user's arm against the first surface.

41. The method ofclaim 36 wherein pressing a portion of a user's body against the first surface to compress the compressible layer comprises pressing a portion of a user's shoulder against the first surface.

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