Patent ID: 12201865

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views,FIGS.1through25illustrate a exercise machine support system10, which comprises a cantilevered exercise machine20which is adapted to have a variable angle of incline or decline with respect to a horizontal ground surface. The exercise machine20will generally include a base20and a support40which extends between the base20and the exercise machine20. The upper end42of the support40is connected to the exercise machine20by a first pivot46such that the exercise machine20pivots about the support40. An adjustment device50may be utilized to pivot the exercise machine20and thus adjust its angle of incline. Various types of adjustment devices50are disclosed, including an actuator, ratchet-and-pawl, gears70,72, and cam74.

The present invention is a new and novel exercise machine20that reduces the overall perimeter dimension, minimizes the width dimension cantilevering a second end22of the exercise machine20that is typically supported by a lower support structure, and moves the carriage bias members29typically located between the rails24to outside of the rails24.

More specifically, the present invention teaches one or more rails24, with the one or more rails24supported at only a first end21of the exercise machine20and the second end22being free-standing and supported by the first end21in a cantilevered configuration. By eliminating the perimeter structure that would otherwise be required around the perimeter of the rails24, the present invention further provides for improved mounting and dismounting of the exercise machine20by an exerciser11without requiring the exerciser11to step over any perimeter structure.

Further, reduction of the perimeter dimensions provides for the possibility of installing a larger number of exercise machines20within the fixed floor space of any given exercise space, and at the same time, reduces the risk of exerciser injury.

Still further, the present invention provides for the inclination or declination of the exercise machine20relative to the horizontal plane, thereby allowing instructors or exercisers11to create new modifications, or introduce modifications never before available into existing exercises, benefitting from the addition or subtraction of a portion of the exerciser's11body weight to or from the variable spring resistance.

Further, those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate the significant commercial advantages of the present invention, including the ability to install more exercise machines20within a fixed space to accommodate a larger paying class of exercisers11, and the ability of an instructor to conduct a class in a reduced amount of time without lessening the total energy output of exercisers11participating in the class.

Further still, those skilled in the art will understand that by relocating the carriage bias members29from between the parallel sliding rails24to the outside of the rails24, exercisers11may more easily mount and dismount the exercise machine20with a corresponding reduction in likelihood of injuries.

One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an exercise machine20comprising an assembly of one or more rails24preferably extending the longitudinal length of the exercise machine20, a carriage25and at least one carriage bias member29between the carriage25and a first end21of the exercise machine20, and the exercise machine20being cantilevered from a support40.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an exercise machine20comprising an assembly of one or more rails24preferably extending the longitudinal length of the exercise machine20, a carriage25and at least one carriage bias member29connecting the carriage25and a first end21of the exercise machine20, and the exercise machine20extending from a support40at the first end21, with an interstitial support48and cantilevered second end22.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an exercise machine20comprising a cantilevered assembly of a carriage25that rolls along one or more rails24extending the substantial length of the exercise machine20, the carriage25being attached to a first end21of the exercise machine20by one or more carriage bias members29, a support40supporting the cantilevered exercise machine20substantially from its first end21, and an adjustment device50to incline or decline the inclination angle of the cantilevered exercise machine20relative to a horizontal plane.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an exercise machine20comprising a cantilevered assembly of a carriage25that rolls along one or more rails24extending the substantial length of the exercise machine20, the carriage25being attached to a first end21of the exercise machine20by one or more carriage bias members29, the rails24being located proximal to the longitudinal centerline of the exercise machine20, and the carriage bias member29being located distal to the centerline, and to the exterior edge of the rails24.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an exercise machine20with the elimination of a substantial portion of a perimeter support structure, thereby reducing the overall length and width of the exercise machine20.

Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an exercise machine20comprising a cantilevered assembly, the angle of which can be raised or lowered relative to the support40by manually actuation, or by electro-mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or mechanical actuation, of an adjustment device50.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that in order to stabilize a load applied to the cantilevered exercise machine20, a fulcrum and a counterbalancing load must be provided. The compression force at the fulcrum, and the tensile force of the counterbalancing load are a product of well-known cantilevered beam engineering. It is not the intention to specify specific loads of distances of the loads relative to the fulcrum, but rather to introduce functional improvements through the integration of a never before used cantilevered exercise machine support system10taught herein.

These and other embodiments will become known to one skilled in the art, especially after recognizing the commercial and safety advantages of an exercise machine20with carriage bias members29lateral to the rails24, the additional exercises that can be performed on an exercise machine20with an inclinable and declinable carriage25and rails24, the ability to install a larger number of exercise machines20of a smaller dimension within a fixed space, and the reduced likelihood of injury to the exerciser11by minimizing the need to step over a perimeter support structure. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments.

B. Exercise Machine

The figures illustrate an exemplary exercise machine20for use with the present invention. It should be appreciated that a variety of types of exercise machines20may be utilized with the present invention, and thus the scope of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the exemplary exercise machine20embodiments shown herein. In one embodiment, the exercise machine20may be comprised of the “Exercise Machine” described and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,585, issued to Sebastien Lagree on Feb. 4, 2014, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference.

As best shown inFIGS.1and14, an exemplary exercise machine20for use with the present invention comprises a first end21and a second end22. The exercise machine20will generally be comprised of a cantilevered configuration as shown in the figures, with the second end22of the exercise machine20being unsupported.

At least one rail24extends between the first end21and the second end22of the exercise machine20. A carriage25is generally movably secured along the at least one rail24so as to slide between the first and second ends21,22of the exercise machine20. Carriage brackets26generally extend downwardly from the carriage25to engage with the rail24, such as using wheels (not shown). Any number of configurations may be utilized for movably connecting the carriage25to the at least one rail24.

One or more carriage bias members29may be connected between the carriage25and the first end21of the exercise machine20as shown inFIG.1such that the bias members29exert resistance on the carriage25as it is moved away from the end21,22of the exercise machine20to which the bias members29are secured. The bias members29may comprise various structure, devices, or the like which provide resistance in one direction of movement, such as resistance springs.

In some embodiments, the exercise machine20may include one or more platforms28at either end21,22of the exercise machine20. For example,FIG.1of the drawings shows a platform28positioned at the first end21of the exercise machine20. While the figures do not illustrate a platform28on the second end22of the exercise machine20, it should be appreciated that a platform28may be positioned at the second end22in addition to or in alternative to a platform28being positioned at the first end21. One or more handles38may also extend from the first end21, the second end22, or both ends21,22of the exercise machine20in some embodiments.

In the diagram, the first end21of the exercise machine20is pivotally affixed at a first pivot46of a stationary support40thereby providing for the cantilevered first end21of the exercise machine20to rotate about the first pivot46, with the support40acting as a fulcrum of a lever. The exercise machine20is also pivotally affixed to an adjustment device50. The adjustment device50can be adjusted to raise or lower the second end22of the cantilevered exercise machine20.

In the figures, cords14with a cord handle15are shown threaded about a pulley16, and further affixed to the carriage25of the exercise machine20. The cords14may be incorporated into an exercise machine20as an accessory, and may be attached or removed from the exercise machine20as desired by the exerciser11or instructor. An exerciser11positioned upon the carriage25may perform an exercise by grasping the handles15of the cords14with their hands, and pulling the cords14. The required pulling force upon the cords14must be sufficient enough to overcome the resistance force of the carriage bias members29between the carriage25and the first end21of the exercise machine20.

It should be noted that the cords14are considered to be one of many accessories that may be attached or affixed to the present invention, but are not a requirement of the present invention. The cords14are illustrated merely by way of example of how various accessories may be affixed to a cantilevered exercise machine20without detracting from the novel function of the present invention.

It should be appreciated that additional supports48may also be utilized if necessary, such as with exceptionally heavy-duty exercise machines20.FIGS.1and2illustrate that an additional interstitial support48may be positioned between the first end21and the second end22of the exercise machine20. In some embodiments, the interstitial support48may not contact the ground surface when the present invention is in a horizontal configuration. In such embodiments, the interstitial support48will act as a “stop” to prevent the exercise machine20from being declined past a certain angle of declination.

C. Base

As shown inFIGS.1-13, the present invention generally includes a base30which is positioned underneath the exercise machine20. As shown in the figures, the base30need not extend for the entire length of the exercise machine20, though in some embodiments the base20may be of an equal or greater length than the exercise machine20. Preferably, the base30will be positioned underneath the first end21of the exercise machine20, with the support40and adjustment device50of the present invention being connected between the base30and the exercise machine20and the base30being of substantially less length than the exercise machine20for improved stability.

The base30includes a first end32and a second end34as shown inFIG.1. The base30will generally be secured directly to the ground surface, such as by fasteners39as shown in the figures. The base30will preferably be removably secured to the ground surface, with fasteners39producing sufficient force to resist the moment produced when a specified load applied downward at the second end22of the exercise machine20produces an upward force at the first end21of the exercise machine20. The fasteners39act as an effective counterbalance to resist the maximum allowable load applied at the maximum length of the cantilevered lever arm.

In some embodiments, the base30may comprise the ground surface itself, with the support40and adjustment device50extending between the ground surface and the exercise machine20. However, a discrete base30, secured to the ground surface via one or more fasteners39, is preferred for structural integrity of the present invention overall.

D. Outer Cover

FIGS.11-14illustrate an outer cover35which may be optionally included with the present invention. The outer cover35restricts access to the support40and adjustment device50, thus reducing the risk of injury by inadvertently contacting any of the moving parts connected between the base30and the exercise machine20.

As best shown inFIG.13, the outer cover35generally comprises a first side36connected to cover the first side43of the support40and the adjustment device50and a second side37connected to cover the second side44of the support40and the adjustment device50. The outer cover35may extend upwardly from the base30or may be installed around the base30. One or more handles38may be integrated with the outer cover35as shown inFIG.12, with the handles38being used in connection with the exercise machine20.

E. Support

As shown throughout the figures, a support40is connected between the base30and the exercise machine20. The support40acts as the fulcrum for the exercise machine20in its cantilevered configuration. The support40comprises an upper end41and a lower end42. The upper end41of the support40is connected to the exercise machine20by a first pivot46. The lower end42of the support40is connected to the base30.

The support40may comprise various configurations and should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. In an embodiment shown inFIGS.1-22, the support40comprises a rigid, elongated member such as a road, beam, pipe, or the like which connects between the base30and the exercise machine20.

In an alternate embodiment shown inFIGS.23-25, the support40comprises a first side43and a second side44, with the first side43comprising a first panel and the second side44comprising a second panel through which the first pivot46is extended to pivotally connect to the exercise machine20. As discussed herein, the first and second sides43,44of the support40in this embodiment may include cut-out portions to accommodate a cam74which connects between the support40and the exercise machine20.

The first pivot46pivotally connects the upper end41of the support40with the exercise machine20. In the figures, the first pivot46is shown as being comprised of a pin at the upper end41of the support40which extends through the exercise machine20to create the first pivot point. Various other types of first pivots46may be utilized so long as the pivot point is created between the exercise machine20and the upper end41of the support40. The exercise machine20pivots about the first pivot46at the first pivot point when the incline of the exercise machine20is being raised or lowered via use of the adjustment member50.

The positioning of the support40may vary in different embodiments of the present invention. The support40may be positioned anywhere along the base30so long as the support40connects between the base30and the exercise machine20. InFIGS.1-5, the support40is shown as extending vertically between a position near the first end32of the base30and a positioned near the first end21of the exercise machine20. InFIGS.6-12, the support40extends between a point closer to the second end32of the base30and the second end22of the exercise machine20. InFIGS.15-19, the support40extends from a point closer to the central location on the base30. The support40may be positioned on either side of the adjustment device50as shown in the figures.

F. Adjustment Device

As shown throughout the figures, the present invention may utilize a variety of different types of adjustment devices50to adjust the inclination of the exercise machine20by pivoting the exercise machine20about the first pivot46. The following description of various embodiments should not be construed as limiting on the scope of the present invention. Any number of adjustment devices50may be utilized, including some configurations not described explicitly below.

i. Actuator.

FIGS.1-13illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the adjustment device50comprises an actuator extending between the base30and the exercise machine20. Various types of actuators may be utilized with the present invention, including the piston-type shown in the figures. The type of actuator is not meant to be limiting, and may be one or more pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or screw jacks, so long as the actuator is capable of being manually or mechanically actuated to securely support the top exercise surface of the second end22of the exercise machine20in a horizontal plane, or when actuated, raise or lower the second end22of the exercise machine20, thereby inclining or declining the top exercise surface relative to the horizontal plane.

The adjustment device50of this embodiment includes an upper end52which is connected to the exercise machine20and a lower end54which is connected to the base30. The upper end52may include a bracket53which connects around the exercise machine20as shown inFIGS.3and13, with the bracket53including a second pivot56which extends through the exercise machine20to create a second pivot point.

In the figures, the second pivot56is shown as being comprised of a pin at the upper end52of the adjustment device50which extends through the exercise machine20to create the second pivot point. Various other types of second pivots56may be utilized so long as the second pivot point is created between the exercise machine20and the upper end52of the adjustment device50. As the exercise machine20is raised or lowered by the adjustment device50, the exercise machine20will slightly pivot about the second pivot56.

The positioning of the adjustment device50may vary in different embodiments as shown in the figures. As shown throughout the figures, the adjustment device50may be positioned at any location between the first end32and the second end34of the base30. The adjustment device50may be positioned on either side of the support40as additionally shown in the figures.FIGS.1-5illustrate the adjustment device50being positioned near the second end34of the base30, between the support40and the second end22of the exercise machine20.FIGS.6-12illustrate the adjustment device50being positioned near the first end32of the base30, between the first end21of the exercise machine20and the support40.

The orientation of the adjustment device50may also vary in different embodiments of the present invention.FIGS.1-5illustrate that the adjustment device50is vertically-oriented between the base30and the exercise machine20. Pivoting of the second pivot56retains the adjustment device50in this vertical orientation while raising or lowering the exercise machine20.

FIGS.6-12illustrate that the adjustment device50may alternatively be diagonally-oriented. Although the figures illustrate the adjustment device50being diagonally-oriented in only one direction, it should be appreciated that the adjustment device50could in other embodiments be diagonally-oriented in an opposite direction than that shown in the exemplary figures.

In use, the actuator-based embodiment of the present invention may be approached much like any other exercise machine20, with the exerciser11positioning herself on the exercise machine20to perform various exercises. Exercises may be performed on the exercise machine20at various levels of incline, including horizontally. When it is desired to adjust the incline of the exercise machine20, the adjustment device50may be activated, with the actuator either extending to raise the incline or retracting to lower the incline of the exercise machine20. The adjustment device50may be activated manually or automatically by any method or device known in the art for controlling an actuator, such as by remote control (not shown).

ii. Pawl.

FIGS.15-19illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the adjustment device50comprises an elongated member having a plurality of adjustment notches66which are used in combination with a locking device60to adjust the level of incline of the exercise machine20to produce a configuration similar to a ratchet-and-pawl. The adjustment device50includes a plurality of adjustment notches66extending along its height. A separate locking device60, such as a pawl, manually engages with the adjustment notches66to affix the angle of incline of the exercise machine20.

FIGS.15-16best show the adjustment device50with adjustment notches66. As shown in the figures, the adjustment device50may comprise an elongated member with a plurality of adjustment notches66formed therein. The adjustment notches66are oriented vertically and are adapted to lockably and removably engage with the locking device60of the present invention. The structure, shape, and orientation of the adjustment device50and adjustment notches66may vary in different embodiments, and should not be construed as limited in scope by the exemplary figures.

As shown inFIG.15, the locking device60extends between the exercise machine20and the adjustment device50to selectively lock the exercise machine50at various angles of incline. The upper end62of the locking device60is generally secured to the exercise machine20. The lower end64of the locking device60is free such that the adjustment device50may be rotated about its upper end62to aid in positioning. The lower end64of the locking device60is adapted to selectively engage and lock with the adjustment notches66of the adjustment device50.

To ease the process of adjusting the angle of incline of the exercise machine20, a counterbalancing bias member68may be provided to offset the downwardly-biased weight of the second end22of the exercise machine20. In the figures, a bias member68comprised of a spring with sufficient strength is shown to substantially offset the weight of the exercise machine20. The bias member68may be positioned at various locations, but will preferably extend between at or near the first end32of the base30and at or near the first end21of the exercise machine20.

It should be noted that although an extension spring is shown, the method of counterbalancing the weight of the lever is not limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other counterbalancing methods may include a torsion spring acting about the fulcrum, a compression spring positioned on the lever side of the fulcrum, pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, or a counterbalancing weight applied to the structure at the opposed end of the upper assembly relative to the fulcrum. It should be noted that the cantilevered exercise machine20is manufactured in such a manner to as to provide stability and longevity of use, and therefore may incorporate structural steel or other heavy materials so that the cantilevered end22of the exercise machine20is biased downward in a static position.

In use, the angle of the exercise machine20may be adjusted before, during, or after performing a set of exercises. To incline or decline the exercise machine20, the exerciser11applies upward pressure on the second end22of the exercise machine20. The bias member68aids in applying the upward pressure by reducing the force required by the exerciser11to lift the exercise machine20. The exerciser11may easily lift the second end22, especially since a substantial portion of the weight of the exercise machine20is counterbalanced by one or more bias members68.

When lifted, the locking device60may be adjusted to enter any of the adjustment notches66. Once secured within an adjustment notch66, the locking device60will retain the exercise machine20at a given level of incline. When desired, the steps may be repeated to move the locking device60into alternate adjustment notches66for alternate levels of incline.

Not shown, but as would be obvious to one skilled in the art, a pawl release handle located substantially at the cantilevered end22of the exercise machine20would easily allow the exerciser11to actuate the handle that disengages the locking device60from the notch66on the adjustment device50, thereby allowing the exerciser11to lower the cantilevered end22of the exercise machine20to a lowered angle that may be horizontal to the ground surface, or inclined or declined from the horizontal.

iii. Gears.

FIGS.20-22illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the adjustment device50comprises one or more gears70,72. In this embodiment, the gears70,72are utilized in connection with each other to raise or lower the incline angle of the exercise machine20.

As shown in the figures, this embodiment of the present invention utilizes an elongated support40extending between a point near the second end34of the base30and the exercise machine20. The upper end41of the support40includes the first pivot46about which the exercise machine20pivots when being adjusted.

The base30in this embodiment may include a gear support71, comprising a base structure on which a first gear70is rotatably mounted. A second gear72is connected underneath the exercise machine20and engages with the first gear70as shown inFIG.20. Rotation of the first gear70imparts the rotational motion to the engaged second gear72, which causes the incline level of the exercise machine20to be raised or lowered.

Various types of gears70,72may be utilized. In the figures, the first gear70comprises a ring gear comprising a full circular configuration. The second gear72comprises a pinion gear which engages with the first gear70. In order to adjust the angle of the exercise machine20, a rotational force is applied to either of the gears70,72, thereby rotating the other gear70,72and exercise machine20about the first pivot46. It should be noted that the disclosure is not meant to be limiting, and the positioning of the gears70,72may be adjusted or even reversed in some embodiments.

iv. Cam.

FIGS.23-25illustrate an embodiment of the present invention in which the adjustment device50comprises a cam74. This embodiment of the present invention utilizes the modified support40discussed previously in this disclosure, with the adjustment device50extending between the support40and the exercise machine20(rather than between the base30and exercise machine20as with other embodiments).

As shown inFIG.23, the adjustment device50in this embodiment comprises a cam74which is connected between the support40and the exercise machine20, with the cam74resting against the lower surface of the exercise machine20. The cam74is connected to the support40by the second pivot56. The cam74contacts the underside of the exercise machine20, thereby providing the counterbalancing force to support the second end22of the exercise machine20. The figures are not meant to be limiting, and the cam74may be rotated by an automated method, such as a motor or linkage, or may be manually operated by an exerciser11by turning a crank. A brake (not shown) secures the camshaft, and correspondingly the cam lobe in the desired position until a different inclination or declination angle is desired.

It is preferable to perform some exercises on a substantially horizontal exercise machine20. However, the present invention introduces the incline or decline of the exercise machine20relative to a first pivot46so that substantially more exercises, and innumerable variations of traditional exercises can be performed on an inclined or declined plane. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that inclining the second end22of the exercise machine20will effectively increase the spring resistance force against which the exerciser11must apply more force to overcome, and that declining the second end22of the exercise machine20will effectively decrease the spring resistance force against which the exerciser11must apply more force to overcome. Inclining or declining the exercise machine20is often preferred to increase or decrease exercise intensity as desired by the exerciser11or instructor.

In the figures, the flank of the cam74is shown engaging the underside of the exercise machine20. If the cam74is rotated about the second pivot56such that the nose of the cam74is oriented away from the ground surface, the incline angle of the exercise machine20will increase. On the other hand, if the cam74is rotated about the second pivot56such that the nose of the cam74is oriented toward the floor, the incline angle of the exercise machine20will decrease.

It should be noted that the heel of the base30extends substantially distal from the support40in this embodiment, below the exercise machine20to counteract the rotational force exerted on the support40by a load placed at the second end22of the exercise machine20.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.