Adjustable user support platform for an inclinable exercise device and method of use

A method of using an adjustable user support platform with an inclinable exercise device includes providing an adjustable user support platform movably attached to an adjustable incline of the inclinable exercise device for movement of the adjustable user support platform along the adjustable incline, the adjustable user support platform including a support platform frame with a support platform and a support frame, the support platform frame operably coupled to the support frame for adjustably inclining the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; inclining the support platform frame with the support platform relative to the support frame to a desired tilt angle; and securing the support platform frame with the support platform at the desired pivot angle relative to the support frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise device. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable user support platform for inclinable exercise device wherein the exerciser exerts muscle force against an adjustable portion of the exerciser's own body weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inclinable exercise devices such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,951 in which an exerciser exerts muscle force against an adjustable portion of the exerciser's own body weight have been developed. The inventors of the present invention have recognized that it would desirable to develop a user support platform for such an exercise device that allows the exerciser to maintain neutral spine position and proper posture during exercise, achieving a safer and more functional result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention involves an adjustable user support platform for an inclinable exercise device. The inclinable exercise device includes a vertical support member, and first and second sets of rails each having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first set of rails are pivotally connected to, and adjustably supported by, the vertical support member. The first ends of the second set of rails are connected to the second end of the first set of rails. A strut includes a first end pivotally connected to the vertical support member and a second end pivotally connected to the rails. The adjustable user support platform includes a support surface that can be pivoted and fixed in a variety of different angles. The pivotal user support platform allows the exerciser to maintain neutral spine position and proper posture during exercise, achieving a safer and more functional result.

Another aspect of the invention involves a method of using an adjustable user support platform with an inclinable exercise device. The inclinable exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline. The method includes the steps of providing, based on user input, an adjustable user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline for movement of the adjustable user support platform along the adjustable incline, the adjustable user support platform including a support platform frame with a support platform, and a support frame, the support platform frame operably coupled to the support frame for adjustably inclining the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; inclining, based on user input, the support platform frame with the support platform relative to the support frame to a desired tilt angle; securing, based on user input, the support platform frame with the support platform at the desired pivot angle relative to the support frame.

One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above include one or more of the following: receiving a user's torso against the support platform at the desired pivot angle relative to the support frame; and moving, based on user input, one's torso supported by the support platform and the adjustable user support platform along the adjustable incline; the support platform frame and the support frame define respective planes and further including movably adjusting, based on user input, the support platform frame relative to the support frame so that the plane defined by the support platform frame is substantially coplanar with the frame defined by the support frame; the adjustable user support platform includes a tilt angle adjustment mechanism, the support platform frame adjustably supported by the tilt angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame, and the method further includes adjusting, based on user input, the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; the support platform frame includes an upper end and a lower end, the upper end located closer to the vertical support member than the lower end, the lower end of the support platform frame adjustably supported by the tilt angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame, and the method further includes adjusting, based on user input, the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; at least one of the support platform frame and the support frame including support stops therein and the tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes a retractable support mechanism that is positionable at the support stops for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame, and the method further includes positioning, based on user input, the retractable support mechanism at one of the support stops to set the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; the tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes a screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism that is rotatably adjustable for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame, and the method further includes rotatably adjusting, based on user input, the screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism to set the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; the screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism provides infinite tilt angle adjustment, and the method includes rotatably adjusting, based on user input, the screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism to set the tilt angle at a tilt angle of an infinite possible tilt angles; and/or the support platform frame includes an upper end and a lower end, the upper end located closer to the vertical support member than the lower end, the support frame includes an upper end and a lower end, the upper end located closer to the vertical support member than the lower end, and the upper end of the support platform frame is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the support frame.

A further aspect of the invention involves an adjustable user support platform for an inclinable exercise device, the inclinable exercise device including a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; including a support frame including an upper end and a lower end, the upper end located closer to the vertical support member than the lower end; a support platform frame including an upper end and a lower end, the upper end located closer to the vertical support member than the lower end, the support platform frame including a support platform, the support platform frame operably coupled to the support frame for adjustably inclining the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame, the support platform configured to receive a user's torso for supporting a user of the inclinable exercise device; and a tilt angle adjustment mechanism adjustably supporting the support platform frame relative to support frame for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame.

One or more implementations of the aspect of the invention described immediately above include one or more of the following: the support platform frame and the support frame define respective planes, and support platform frame is movable relative to the support frame to position the support platform frame so that the plane defined by the support platform frame is substantially coplanar with the frame defined by the support frame; at least one of the support platform frame and the support frame includes support stops therein and the tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes a retractable support mechanism that is positionable at the support stops for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; the tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes a screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism that is rotatably adjustable for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame; and/or the upper end of the support platform frame is pivotally coupled to the upper end of the support frame.

A still further aspect of the invention includes an inclinable exercise device including a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; and an adjustable user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline for movement of the adjustable user support platform along the adjustable incline. The adjustable user support platform having a support frame including an upper end and a lower end, the upper end located closer to the vertical support member than the lower end; a support platform frame including an upper end and a lower end, the upper end located closer to the vertical support member than the lower end, the support platform frame including a support platform, the support platform frame operably coupled to the support frame for adjustably inclining the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame, the support platform configured to receive a user's torso for supporting a user of the inclinable exercise device; and a tilt angle adjustment mechanism adjustably supporting the support platform frame relative to support frame for adjusting the tilt angle of the support platform frame with support platform relative to the support frame.

It is understood that both the foregoing general description and following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation to the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of an inclinable exercise device100includes an adjustable, pivotal, tiltable user support platform105. Before describing the pivotal user support platform105, the inclinable exercise device100will be generally described.

The inclinable exercise device100includes a vertical support member or tower110having a base120and a tower housing130. The base120includes a pair of opposite foot-shaped base members140joined by an intermediate base section150.

The tower housing130extends from the intermediate base section150of the base120. The tower housing130includes a motorized lift mechanism to lift and lower (and adjust the angle of) the collapsible exercise device100. In alternative embodiments, the collapsible exercise device100includes a non-motorized lift assist mechanism or no lift assist mechanism for assisting the user in adjusting the angle/inclination of the collapsible exercise device100.

A pair of upper rails250are connected to lower rails240. A strut (or struts_260is/are pivotally connected to the base120and is also pivotally connected to the rails250,240at rail pivot points230. The rails250,240support the slidable/movable pivotal user support platform105.

A folding squat platform360is shown in an unfolded state. The folding squat platform360includes opposite parallel rails370joined by perpendicularly extending cross rail380. A pivot portion390carries a spring-loaded pull pin410for locking the folding squat platform360within a pin hole near a distal end of the lower rails240.

Folding, combination pulley-support and pull-up bars830are respectively pivotally connected to mounting mechanisms385at proximal ends220of the upper rails250. The mounting mechanisms385move up and down with the motorized lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the rails240,250. Each bar830has a trapezoidal configuration. For normal use, the bars830may be moved to the position shown inFIGS. 1-6. For performing chin ups and related exercises, the bars830may be moved to a position where the bars830are generally parallel with the rails240,250.

Pulleys940are slidably attached to the bars830. An exerciser may move each pulley940to a desired position on the bar830.

A connector extends through the pulleys940and connects to the pivotal user support platform105. The connector may be of any suitable well-known type, but is preferably a cable. The cable includes handles (connected via links) at each end and extends through the pulleys940positioned on the combination pulley-support and pull-up bars830and loops through a third pulley attached to the pivotal user support platform105. The third pulley is positioned along the lateral centerline of the pivotal user support platform105. This position allows for unilateral (i.e. one arm), bilateral (i.e., two arm) and static equilibrium (i.e. holding the pivotal user support platform105suspended by keeping a constant force on each handle) use. The cable should preferably be of sufficient length to extend through the pulleys940and allow the exerciser to grasp one or both of the handles while the exerciser is on the pivotal user support platform105and the pivotal user support platform105is at rest.

In an alternate embodiment, the connector may be two separate cables extending through the pulleys940with each cable fixedly attached to the pivotal user support platform105.

With reference toFIG. 9, the pivotal user support platform105will now be described in more detail. The pivotal user support platform105includes a support frame350and a glide board/support platform frame351pivotally connected to the support frame350at adjacent ends via a pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism includes pivot pins352disposed through holes in the adjacent ends of the support frame350and the glide board frame351.

The support frame350includes elongated parallel longitudinal rails353, and a pair of transverse rails354(one of which includes hook member361) connecting the longitudinal rails353. Near opposite ends of the longitudinal rails353, rollers355are provided for rolling movement of the pivotal user support platform105on the rails240,250. Along an inner side of the transverse rails353, a notched groove356with multiple support notches357are disposed.

With reference toFIG. 10, the glideboard frame351includes elongated parallel longitudinal rails358, and upper brackets362and a lateral bracket363attached to the elongated parallel longitudinal rails358. A tilt angle adjustment mechanism in the form of a retractable support mechanism344is pivotally attached to the elongated parallel longitudinal rails358and the lateral bracket363.

With reference toFIG. 913, the retractable support mechanism344includes parallel support rails364connected at an end by a support bar365. The support rails364are pivotally connected to the elongated parallel longitudinal rails358and the lateral bracket363via pivot pins359.

A main support pad/support platform366is attached to and supported by the glideboard/support platform frame351. A bumper (not shown) may be positioned on the lower rails240to prevent the pivotal user support platform105from rolling all the way down the lower rails240.

In use, the exerciser positions himself or herself on the pivotal user support platform105and grasps one or both of the handles. The exerciser then draws one or both of the handles toward the exerciser and by doing so transports the pivotal user support platform105up along the lower rails240and upper rails250.

Using the motorized lift mechanism, the height of the proximal ends220of the upper rails250(via the mounting mechanisms385) are raised and lowered, varying the angle of inclination of the rails250,240. The adjustment of this angle of inclination alters the percentage of the exerciser's weight which the exerciser's muscles are moving. This allows for adjustment of the intensity of the exerciser's workout.

An exerciser may also vary the resistance while working upper body muscles by positioning him or herself on the pivotal user support platform105with the exerciser's feet on the squat stand350or floor. The legs and lower body then provide assistance in moving the pivotal user support platform105, lessening the load on the upper body muscles. The exerciser may also use the squat stand360to perform the squat exercise for the lower body muscles.

The exerciser may adjust/move the tilt angle of the pivotal/tiltable user support platform105by pivoting/tilting the glideboard frame351and the main support pad366(about pivot pins352) relative to the support frame350. The angle of the glideboard frame351and the main support pad366relative to the support frame350is locked into place at the desired tilt angle using the retractable support mechanism344(the support bar365is set in the appropriate notches357). Setting the support bar365in the different notches357allows for 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 degrees of tilt relative to the support frame350. With the glideboard frame351and the main support pad366pivoted upwards relative to the support frame350, the retractable support mechanism344at the bottom/lower end of pivotal user support platform105is pivoted/moved between a “normal” retracted orientation (where a plane defined by the glideboard frame351and a plane defined by the support frame350are substantially parallel and substantially coplanar and the support bar365is fully disposed inwardly, toward center of glideboard frame351(in the notched groove356) to a “supported” position (FIGS. 11,12) where the glideboard frame351and the main support pad366are supported at an angled orientation relative to the support frame350(the support bar365is set in the appropriate notches357).

To return the pivotal user support platform105to the “normal” retracted orientation, the glideboard frame351and the main support pad366are pivoted upwards relative to the support frame350(so that the support bar365is no longer engaged/locked in the notches357), and the retractable support mechanism344at the bottom/lower end of pivotal user support platform105is pivoted/moved from the “supported” position, where the support bar365is engaged/locked in the notches357, to the “retracted” position (where the support bar365is fully disposed inwardly, toward center of glideboard frame351, in the notched groove356). The glideboard frame351and the main support pad366are then pivoted/lowered to a “normal” orientation, where the glideboard frame351and the support frame350are substantially parallel and substantially coplanar.

In an alternative embodiment, the notches357are disposed in the glideboard frame351and the retractable support mechanism344is pivotally coupled to the end of the support frame350, enabling the pivotal user support platform105to work in a similar, but opposite, manner compared to that described above.

The pivotal user support platform105allows the exerciser to maintain neutral spine position and proper posture, which is important during rotating exercises. The pivotal user support platform105makes it easier for the exerciser to maintain correct posture during certain exercises, achieving a safer and more functional result.

For neurological patients, the pivotal user support platform105allows them to sit on a horizontal carriage while relearning motor skills, training the proprioceptors and gaining increased proprioceptive response, needed for stability and agility. For patients rehabilitating from a stroke, the pivotal user support platform105also makes is easier for them to get on and off the exercise device.

With reference toFIGS. 14-16, an alternative embodiment of a pivotal user support platform505that provides infinite tilt adjustment (i.e., infinite tilt angles) between 0 degrees and 18 degrees will be described. The infinite adjustment pivotal user support platform505includes a tilt angle adjustment mechanism in the form of a screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism510. The screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism510includes a screw block520with a threaded interior bore that threadably receives an externally threaded screw shaft525. A proximal portion of the screw shaft525is rotatably disposed in a hole of transverse rail359a,and the screw shaft525is in the same plane as a plane defined by support frame350a(and parallel with longitudinal rails353aof the support frame350a). A proximal end of the screw shaft525includes a hand crank530. In an alternative embodiment, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism510includes a remote-controlled motorized screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism instead of a manually controlled screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism. Support bar365aextends laterally through another bore in the screw block520and is connected to a bottom of retractable support mechanism344a. Opposite ends of the support bar365aare slidably and guidably disposed in smooth guide groove356a. In an alternative embodiment, the screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism510and the groove356aare substantially disposed in the glide board frame351ainstead of the support frame350a, enabling the pivotal user support platform505to work in a similar, but opposite, manner compared to that described above.

In use, an exerciser adjusts the tilt angle of the glide board frame351aand the main support pad366arelative to the support frame350aby operating the screw-type tilt angle adjustment mechanism510. Clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation of the externally threaded screw shaft525via the hand crank530causes the screw block520to move forward or rearward relative to the longitudinal direction of the support frame350a. This causes the bottom of the retractable support mechanism344ato also move forward or rearward with the ends of the support bar365abeing guidably disposed in the guide groove356a. As the bottom of the retractable support mechanism344amoves longitudinally relative to the support frame350a, the top of the retractable support mechanism344a(along with the coupled end portions of the glide board frame351aand the main support pad366a) moves towards or away the support frame350a, changing the tilt angle of the glide board frame351aand the main support pad366arelative to the support frame350a. The tilt angle of the glide board frame351aand the main support pad366arelative to the support frame350acan be set in an infinite number of tilt angles between a maximum tilt angle (e.g., 18 degrees,FIG. 14) and a minimum tilt angle (e.g., 0 degrees,FIG. 15), where the glide board frame351aand the support frame350aare substantially parallel and substantially coplanar.

The infinite adjustment pivotal user support platform505provides the exerciser with greater control of tilt angle adjustment than the pivotal user support platform105.

Although the pivotal user support platforms105,505have been described as being tiltable between angles of 0 degrees and as much as 18 degrees, in alternative embodiments, the pivotal user support platforms105,505are tiltable between one or more alternative parameters (i.e., greater and/or less than those indicated).

Further, in alternative embodiments, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes a different configuration that those described/shown herein.

The above figures may depict exemplary configurations for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated architectures or configurations, but can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Additionally, although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in some combination, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the present invention, especially in the following claims, should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.