Abstract:
A translational exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion, has a base frame, supporting an optional upper horizontal frame with seat and backrests supporting the user, and supporting an intermediate wheeled horizontal frame, supporting an upper wheeled frame. A vertical frame with horizontal handlebar with hand/foot grips is provided, which frame is optionally attached to the upper horizontal frame, or to the upper wheeled horizontal frame. With hand or foot use of the hand/foot grips, the user can propel self and wheeled frames in any horizontal motion. Exercise is caused by acceleration of the user and wheeled frame masses in a horizontal plane, and by braking assemblies between frames.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present invention is a companion invention to the invention I submitted under application Ser. No. 10/073,578, titled “A translational type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion” and application Ser. No. 09/872,619, titled “A riding type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion”. No other similar invention was found. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to an exercise machine, and more particularly to a translational type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion.  
           [0003]    In recent years the value of staying physically fit has become universally recognized, and sought after by men and women of all ages, with a high emphasis on the cardiovascular system. To this end, a wide variety of exercise equipment has been provided for use in fitness centers and in homes. Fitness centers, which have ample space and financial resources, tend to provide a variety of specialty equipment which concentrate on the exercise of very specific muscle groups. However, family units have limited space and financial resources. Consequently, families need an exercise machine which is space effective and economical, and which: can exercise the entire body with a minimal number of operations; is primarily aerobic in nature, but able to provide significant resistance for anaerobic exercise; is easy to operate and adjust, and can be operated by any member of the family, including the disabled; and has no user body impact or other detrimental affects.  
           [0004]    Many machines which have been invented are either aerobic or anaerobic. Those machines which are primarily aerobic, such as cycles: are simple in nature, but tend to involve only the lower body, have a one directional action (not push/pull), and exercise a limited number of muscles.  
           [0005]    Machines which are primarily aerobic, but involve the upper and lower body, such as rowing and riding machines, have a prescribed motion path, either one direction horizontally, or a combined vertical motion, and tend to have multiple simultaneous activities and multiple user body load paths (legs and arms). The multiple simultaneous activities tend to be difficult to perform. The multiple user body load paths cause the user to decide which path to emphasize, reducing the effectiveness of the other path.  
           [0006]    Both of the above types of aerobic machines operate in a linear horizontal direction, or combine a vertical motion, but do not allow transverse motion. Consequently the use of associated muscle groups is greatly reduced.  
           [0007]    Finally, machines which are primarily anaerobic, are either multi-functional, or concentrate on one muscle group. Because of space limitations, only the multi-functional machines are of use in most family units. While these machines exercise the entire body, but only one muscle group at a time, they tend to be complex, spacious, not user friendly to all family members, and not aerobic.  
           [0008]    Additionally, many of the above machines are complex in operation, using multiple moving parts, such as cables, pulleys, weights, stretch bands, and levers.  
           [0009]    Specifically, applicant has developed a translational type machine with horizontal free planar motion which can exercise the user&#39;s entire lower or upper body, with one machine operation for each, using a single user body load path; is primarily aerobic in nature, using variable directional momentum as force resistance, and is able to provide supplemental user adjusted braking resistance for both push and pull, aerobic and anaerobic exercise; is easy to operate and adjust, and can be used by any member of the family, including the disabled; and has no user body impact or other detrimental affects. Finally, this machine is simple in construction, resulting in cost effectiveness.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    In accordance with the present invention, applicant provides a translational type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion. The apparatus comprises of: a horizontal base frame; an intermediate wheeled horizontal frame, which rides upon the base frame, with adjustable brakes to resist longitudinal motion; an upper wheeled horizontal frame, which rides upon the intermediate wheeled horizontal frame, with adjustable brakes to resist lateral motion; a vertical frame, which can be attached to the upper wheeled horizontal frame, or to the horizontal base frame, comprised of two vertical channel members, a horizontal handlebar member which is vertically adjustable, having sliding attachment to the vertical channel members, and having positionally adjustable hand/foot grips clamped to the horizontal handlebar; an upper horizontal rigid frame, which can be attached to the horizontal base frame, passing over the wheeled horizontal frames; and a seat and backrest assembly which support the user, which can be attached to the upper horizontal rigid frame, or to the upper wheeled horizontal frame.  
           [0011]    It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a translational type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion, which makes use of the momentum of the user and the machine frames, to provide a uniform push and pull resistence throughout the exercise cycle.  
           [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a translational type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion, which adds a two-directional frame braking system, to cause additional uniform push and pull resistance throughout the exercise cycle.  
           [0013]    It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a translational type exercise machine with horizontal free planar motion, which makes use of hand/foot grips, which can be adjusted to any convenient height or spacing to provide a user selected variation in the orientation of the user body load path during said exercise cycle.  
           [0014]    Some of the objects of the invention have been stated, other objects will become evident as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings described below.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective of the translational type exercise machine embodying Configuration No.  1  of the present invention;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a plan view of Configuration No.  1  of the exercise machine;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 3 is a plan view of Configuration No.  1  of the horizontal base frame;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4 is a plan view of Configuration No.  1  of the intermediate wheeled horizontal frame;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 is a plan view of Configuration No.  1  of the upper wheeled horizontal frame;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 is a plan view of Configuration No.  1  of the vertical handlebar frame;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7 is a plan view of Configuration No.  1  of the upper horizontal rigid frame which supports the user (seat pad and backrests not shown);  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8 is a side elevation of Configuration No.  1  of the exercise machine showing the front-to-back translational motion of the first of the two primary operating modes, upper body exercise;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 9 is a side elevation of Configuration No.  1  of the exercise machine showing the front-to-back translational motion of the second of the two primary operating modes, lower body exercise;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 10 s a perspective of the translational type exercise machine embodying Configuration No.  2  of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 11 is a plan view of Configuration No.  2  of the exercise machine;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 12 is a plan view of Configuration No.  2  of the horizontal base frame;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 13 is a plan view of Configuration No.  2  of the intermediate wheeled horizontal frame;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 14 is a plan view of Configuration No.  2  of the upper wheeled horizontal frame (seat pad and backrests not shown);  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 15 is a plan view of Configuration No.  2  of the vertical handlebar frame;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 16 is a side elevation of Configuration No.  2  of the exercise machine showing the front-to-back translational motion of the first of the two primary operating modes, upper body exercise;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 17 is a side elevation of Configuration No.  2  of the exercise machine showing the front-to-back translational motion of the second of the two primary operating modes, lower body exercise;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective of the support wheels for the wheeled frames;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective of the guide wheels for the intermediate and upper wheeled frames;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective of the braking mechanism for the intermediate and upper wheeled frames;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective of the horizontal handlebar vertical adjustment clamping mechanism;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective of the hand/foot grip on the horizontal handlebar. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]    Referring to FIGS. 1 through 17, the preferred embodiment of a translational type exercise machine according to the present invention is shown to comprise a base frame  10 , an intermediate wheeled frame  20 , an upper wheeled frame  30 , a vertical handlebar frame  40  with hand/foot grips, a upper horizontal rigid support frame  50 , and a seat and backrest assembly  60 .  
         [0038]    Base Frame  10  includes two rails  12  which support, guide, and assist braking for intermediate wheeled frame  20 ; two horizontal members  13  which support horizontal frame  50  or vertical handlebar frame  40 ; and support posts  14 . Said rails  12  are rigidly connected at each end to transverse members  13  and vertical posts  14 . Said members  13  are rigidly connected at each end to members  12  and vertical posts  14 .  
         [0039]    Intermediate Wheeled Frame  20  includes two horizontal rails  22  which support, guide, and assist braking from upper wheeled frame  30 . Said rails  22  are rigidly connected at each end to horizontal members  23 . Intermediate frame  20  includes four vertical wheel assemblies  24  (FIG. 18) attached to members  23  for riding along above and below frame  10 , rail  12 . Intermediate frame  20  also includes four horizontal wheel assemblies  25  (FIG. 19), which ride along frame  10 , rail  12  in order for frame  20  to maintain its directional orientation with respect to frame  10 . Intermediate frame  20  further includes two braking clamps  26  (FIG. 20), attached to member  23 , which clamp to frame  10 , rail  12 , for the purpose of resisting motion  1  of frame  20 .  
         [0040]    Upper Wheeled Frame  30  includes two horizontal members  31 , which are rigidly connected at their ends to two horizontal members  32 , which are rigidly connected at their ends to two horizontal members  33 . Upper frame  30  also includes four vertical wheel assemblies  34  (FIG. 18) attached to members  32  for riding along above and below frame  20 , rail  22 . Upper frame  30  also includes four horizontal wheel assemblies  35  (FIG. 19), attached below member  31 , which ride along frame  20 , rail  22 , in order for frame  30  to maintain its directional orientation with respect to frame  20 . Frame  30  further includes two braking clamps  36  (FIG. 20), attached to members  32 , which clamp to frame  20 , rail  22 , for the purpose of resisting motion  2  of frame  30 .  
         [0041]    Vertical Handlebar Frame  40  includes two vertical channel posts  42 ; a horizontal pipe handlebar member  41  for optional gripping, which includes two hand/foot grips  45  (FIG. 22) which are pivotally and longitudinally clamped to member  41 ; and two diagonal brackets  43 . Said member  41  is slidingly attached at each end to vertical channel members  42 , with clamping devices  44  (FIG. 21). Said diagonal members  43  are rigidly connected at their upper end to member  42 , for the purpose of supporting and stiffening member  41 . Said members  42  and  43  are attached at their lower end to frame  30 , member  33 , or to frame  10 , member  13 .  
         [0042]    Upper Horizontal Rigid Support Frame  50  includes two horizontal members  51  and four horizontal members  52  which rigidly connect at their ends, and all of which are rigidly supported by four vertical corner posts  53 . Posts  53  are attached at their lower end to frame  10 , members  13 .  
         [0043]    Seat and Backrest Assembly  60  is comprised of two fixed seat pads  61 , one removable seat pad  62 , and two framed backrests  63 . Removable seat pad  62  is for the purpose of access for adjusting brake clamps  26  and  36  (FIG. 20). Seat and backrest assembly  60  is attached on top of upper horizontal rigid support frame  50  or upper wheeled horizontal frame  30 .  
         [0044]    Said Vertical Wheel Assembly  24  and  34 , shown in FIG. 18, is comprised of one vertical plate  61 , rigidly attached to frame  20  or  30 , which holds two bolted wheels  62 , which roll above and below along frame  10 , members  12  or frame  20 , members  22 , for the purpose of supporting frames  20  or  30  under a downward or upward loading conditions.  
         [0045]    Said Horizontal Wheel Assembly  25  and  35 , shown in FIG. 19, is comprised of one bolted wheel  63 , attached to frame  20 , member  22 , or to frame  30 , member  31  (FIG. 19), which roll along frame  10 , member  12  or frame  20 , member  22 , for the purpose of causing frames  20  and  30  to maintain their directional orientation, with respect to frames  10  and  20  respectively.  
         [0046]    Said Braking Clamp  26  and  36 , shown in FIG. 20, is comprised of a toed-down channel  69 , rigidly attached to frame  20 , member  23 , or to frame  30 , member  32 ; and two bolts  64  which pivotally connect two plates  65  to channel  69 . Plates  65  are pulled together by knob bolting device  66 , which applies pressure by way of spring  67 , for the purpose of providing a more flexible adjustment. Plate member  65  applies pressure to frame  10 , member  12  or to frame  20 , member  22  by way of frictional elements  68 . The preferred material for element  68  is hard rubber.  
         [0047]    Said Horizontal Handlebar Vertical Adjustment Clamping Mechanism  44 , shown in FIG. 21, is comprised of one plate  70  along the face of member  42  and two knob bolts  71 , with threaded plates inside member  42 . Tightening of knob bolts  71  causes threaded plates to clamp to channel member  42 , stopping vertical sliding motion of handlebar  41  with respect to member  42 .  
         [0048]    Said Hand/Foot Grip  45 , shown in FIG. 22, is comprised of a steel box  72  with circular cutouts to match member  41 ; a hand grip  73  which is rotated to cause clamping action against handlebar member  41 , thus restraining pivotal and longitudinal motion of the hand/foot grips  45  with respect to member  41 ; and an adjustable, flexible strap  74 , attached to steel box  72 , for the purpose of inserting the users foot for push/pull action.  
       EXERCISE  
       [0049]    The present invention includes two configurations for exercise. Configuration No.  1  allows the user to remain stationery upon the upper horizontal rigid support frame, moving the horizontal wheeled frames below by way of the vertical handlebar frame, attached to the upper horizontal wheeled frame. Configuration No.  2  allows the user to ride upon the upper horizontal wheeled frame, propelling self and the horizontal wheeled frames by way of the stationery vertical handlebar frame, attached to the base frame.  
         [0050]    When horizontal motion of the wheeled frames, and user for Configuration No.  2 , is caused by use of the hand grips, the body load path is through the hands, arms, shoulders, and upper body, causing exercise of all muscle groups in these areas. A secondary effect is in the muscles of the lower body due to stabilization. The degree of strain is through use of the braking systems, as determined by the user.  
         [0051]    When horizontal motion of the wheeled frames, and user for Configuration No.  2 , is caused by use of the foot grips, the body load path is through the feet, legs and hips, causing exercise of all muscle groups in these areas. A secondary effect is in the muscles of the upper body due to stabilization. The degree of strain is through use of the braking systems, as determined by the user.  
       ALTERNATIVES AND ENHANCEMENTS  
       [0052]    It will be understood that various details of the invention may be changed without departing from the scope of the invention; for example, variations in material, member and element types, motion resisting devices, and functional conveniences are possible. It is also noted that, while the present invention is described as a machine with two-directional planar motion, the machine can be reduced to a one-directional linear motion by eliminating one wheeled frame. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation, the invention being defined by the claims. The present invention represents what is considered to be the basic best configuration for the intended purpose.