Patent Publication Number: US-6981934-B1

Title: Machine for doing squats and other exercises

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention pertains generally to exercise machines and, more particularly, to a machine which is suitable for doing squats and other exercises. 
   2. Related Art 
   Because of the stress which they place on the knees and back, deep knee bends or squats are difficult for many people to do, and a number of people are unable to do exercises of that type. 
   OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is in general an object of the invention to provide a new and improved exercise machine which can assist people in doing exercises such as deep knee bends or squats. 
   Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise machine of the above character which can also be used in exercising other parts of the body. 
   These and other objects are achieved in accordance with the invention by providing an exercise machine having a platform for receiving an exerciser, a post extending from the platform, a carriage which can be moved along the post by the exerciser, and a plurality of elastic elements which can be selectively connected to the carriage to assist or resist movement of the carriage along the post. The machine is highly portable and can be folded for storage. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  is front elevational view of one embodiment of an exercise machine incorporating the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  2 — 2  in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 3–4  are operational views of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the use of the machine in doing squats. 
       FIGS. 5–6  are operational views of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the use of the machine in doing lunges. 
       FIG. 7  is an operational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the use of the machine in doing biceps curls. 
       FIG. 8  is an operational view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , illustrating the use of the machine in doing triceps extensions. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   As illustrated in the drawings, the machine includes an upstanding post  11  mounted on a base  12 , with a carriage  13  mounted on the post for movement along it. 
   The base is formed in two sections  14 ,  16  which are joined together by a hinge  17  to form a platform for receiving a person using the machine. The two base sections are rectangular and planar, and in normal use, they rest on the floor in coplanar fashion. For transportation and storage, front section  14  can be swung up to a generally vertical position as illustrated in broken lines in  FIG. 2 . 
   Post  11  is mounted on rear base section  16  by means of a hinge  18  which allows the post to be inclined rearwardly at different angles relative to the platform. An adjustable brace  19  is connected between the base and the post for holding the post in the different positions. 
   Carriage  13  has rollers  21  which engage the post and permit the carriage to travel freely along it. The carriage also includes a backrest  22  for receiving the back of a person on the platform and a laterally extending bar or handles  23  which can be gripped by him. 
   Means is provided for selectively assisting or resisting movement of the carriage along the post in either direction. This means comprises a plurality of elastic elements  26  which are connected between the carriage and a pair of cross arms  27 ,  28  which are affixed to the post. Cross arm  27  is positioned above the carriage, and elastic elements connected to it assist movement of the carriage in an upward direction and resist movement in a downward direction. Cross arm  28  is positioned below the carriage, and elastic elements connected to it assist movement of the carriage in a downward direction and resist movement in an upward direction. 
   In one presently preferred embodiment, the elastic elements are of a type known as bungee cords. However, other types of elastic elements, including coil springs, can be used. The elastic elements are removably connected to the carriage and to the cross arms by hooks  29 . 
   The elastic elements can be used in any desired combination or number to provide assistance for and/or resistance to movement in either direction. The amount of assistance or resistance is increased by using heavier cords or more cords, and weights (not shown) can be mounted on the handles to provide additional resistance to movement in the upward direction. 
   Wheels  31  are mounted to the rear of the base for use in moving the machine about. When not in use, the front section of the platform is folded up, and the machine can be tipped back onto the wheels and rolled about. 
     FIGS. 3–4  illustrate the use of the machine in doing squats. For this exercise, the person stands on the platform and leans back toward the post, with his back resting against backrest  22  and his hands gripping handles  23 . The post is inclined at a comfortable angle which prevents stress on the back or knees, and elastic cords  26  connected between the carriage and upper cross arm  27  lift the carriage and assist the exerciser in straightening his legs as he comes up. These cords also provide resistance on the way down, which works the hamstrings and gluteus maximums. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 5–6 , lunges are done by placing one foot toward the front of the platform and one toward the rear, with the back resting against the backrest and the hands gripping the handles. The exerciser then drops down onto the rear knee and rises again, with elastic cords  26  connected to the upper cross arm assisting the upward movement and resisting the downward movement. 
   To do biceps curls, the exerciser stands on the platform facing the post, with his hands gripping the handles from below, as shown in  FIG. 7 . Cords  26  connected between the carriage and the lower cross arm resist upward movement of the exerciser&#39;s arms as they pivot about the elbows. 
   For triceps extensions, the exerciser kneels on the platform facing the post, with his hands gripping the handles from above, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Cords  26  connected between the upper cross arm and the carriage resist movement of the arms in the downward direction as they pivot about the elbows. 
   The invention has a number of important features and advantages. It enables people who otherwise could not do so to do multiple repetitions of deep knee bends or squats, and it can also be used in other exercises for the arms, legs, shoulders and back. It can provide assistance as well as resistance, and the amount of assistance or resistance is readily adjusted simply by changing the number and position of the elastic cords. The machine is relatively compact, and is easily stored in a closet or under a bed when not in use. 
   It is apparent from the foregoing that a new and improved exercise machine has been provided. While only one presently preferred embodiment has been described in detail, as will be apparent to those familiar with the art, certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.