Patent ID: 12214249

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exercise system and machine for performing resistance-based exercises in prone, reclined, sitting, standing positions, and the like is described, particularly useful in performing muscle strengthening exercises including, but not limited to, Pilates-type exercises. The exercise system and machine may generally comprise various independent components, namely, a movable or rollable carriage that glides on a mat or directly on a floor, and a standalone, stationary platform. In additional embodiments, a stowage dock may be provided for storage of the aforementioned components as well as associated accessories.

In some exercise scenarios, the carriage and the stationary platform may be connected by one or more tension members which may be housed at least partially in the carriage. The tension members may be selectively attached to the platform to provide resistance to the movement of the carriage with respect to the platform. In other scenarios, no resistance may be needed and, as such, no tension members are required. The exercise machine is portable and easy to stow, providing increased utilization of space. Further, the exercise machine is meant to be a space saving evolution of the traditional Pilates reformer which has a large and cumbersome frame and rail system.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG.1shows a top perspective view of a non-limiting example of an exercise system100(or “exercise machine” or “reformer”). The exercise system100may include a carriage200, a stationary platform300(or “platform300”), a guide mat400, a stowage dock500, and any combination thereof.FIG.2shows an enlarged view of a portion of the exercise system100, namely, the carriage200, the platform300, and the guide mat400, whereasFIG.3shows an enlarged perspective view of the stowage dock500. Referring toFIGS.1-3collectively, as compared to conventional reformers, the exercise system100does not include rails, reformer frames, and the like, and is thus portable and lightweight. In other words, the exercise system100is rail-less, frameless, and transportable. As the exercise system100does not include a rail or a frame, as is common in traditional reformers, it is easily movable from one room to another.

FIGS.4and5show front and rear perspective views of the carriage200and/or the stationary platform300docked within or otherwise assembled with the stowage dock500, thereby forming a single body useful for movement from one location to another. It is understood that, in some implementations, the stowage dock500may further store the guide mat400, cords, bands, cables, cable arms, handle attachments, and other components.

Generally, the stowage dock500includes a handle503and wheels506a,506bto facilitate rolling or other movement of the stowage dock500and any components stored therein. In some embodiments, the handle503includes a recessed portion509on a rear face512of the stowage dock500having an ergonomic projection515therein that facilitates gripping. A top surface203, as shown inFIGS.1and2among others, of the carriage200, when positioned vertically relative to a ground surface (in a not in use orientation) and nested within a recessed area518of the docking state, may be flush with and coplanar with a front surface521of the stowage dock500.

FIG.6shows the stowage dock500hidden for explanatory purposes to show the arrangement of the carriage200and the platform300when stowed in the stowage dock500. Notably, the carriage200and the platform300are in a side-by-side vertically-stacked arrangement positioned parallel to one another, where the recessed area518of the stowage dock500is contoured to receive at least one of the carriage200and the platform300. As such, the carriage200and the platform300may be nested within the recessed area518of the stowage dock500.

Referring back toFIGS.1-5collectively, the carriage200may include handle areas206and the stowage dock500may include handle areas533that are similarly sized, but oppositely arranged. As such, when positioned sideways and nested within a recessed area518of the stowage dock500, the carriage200and the stowage dock500together define mated side handles536a,536b(collectively “mated side handles536”) on opposing sides of the assembled body. The mated side handles536may be symmetrical, as shown inFIGS.4and5. However, the handle areas206may facilitate movement of the carriage200independent of the stowage dock500and, likewise, the handle areas533of the stowage dock may facilitate movement of the stowage dock500independent of other components.

Referring again to the stowage dock500, an exploded view of the stowage dock500is shown inFIG.7. The stowage dock500may be formed of a top shell539, a top shell insert540, an intermediary shell542, a wheel frame545, a skin cover548, and a base shell552in the arrangement shown inFIG.7or like manner. The wheels506of the stowage dock500may be rotatably mounted to the wheel frame545, which provides rigidity to at least the bottom portion of the stowage dock500. The skin cover548may provide a ribbed texture, similar to that on top surfaces of the carriage200and platform300, which may facilitate gripping and movement of the stowage dock500and any components stored therein.

Referring now to the carriage200, front and rear perspective views of the carriage200are shown inFIGS.8and9, respectively. The top surface203of the carriage200, like an exterior surface of the stowage dock500, may include a ribbed texture formed up of a multitude of ribs209to provide an exerciser with adequate friction. In addition to the top surface203, the carriage200may include one or more wheels212a. . .212d(collectively “wheels212”) and, as such, the carriage200may be referred to as a movable or a rollable carriage in some embodiments. The wheels212may include a traditional type of wheel212, as shown inFIG.9, or may be substituted with a continuous-track wheel system, gliders, single wheel implementations, or the like, as may be appreciated. To this end, movement of the carriage200is not limited to the type of the wheels212shown in the figures. The wheels212may be mounted or otherwise positioned on distal ends of the carriage200in some embodiments, and/or may be nested or partially nested within the body of the carriage200. For instance, a majority of the wheels212are shown as being substantially nested within a housing of the carriage200inFIG.9while a portion (e.g., 25%-33%) of the wheel212is exposed below a bottom surface of a housing230of the carriage200. A suitable portion of the wheel212may be exposed to engage with tracks of the guide mat400, as will be described, without the guide mat400contacting a bottom surface of the carriage200. The wheels212may be preselected such that the carriage200has as little friction as possible, providing a near frictionless device.

Further, in some embodiments, the wheels212may be selected such that wheels212are configured to engage with and roll on a synthetic surface, such as the guide mat400or tracks thereof, although other surfaces, such as generic floors (e.g., hardwood floors, tile floors, carpet, etc.) may be utilized by placement of the platform300and the carriage200directly on the floor (e.g., without use of the guide mat400). Further, the design of the carriage200(e.g., axle placement, rotation of the wheels212, and so forth) are selected to avoid physical conflicts when performing exercises such that a body part, tension member600, or other device does not contact any of the wheel212. In some embodiments, the wheels212may be include hubs and caps. WhileFIG.9illustrates the carriage200as having four wheels212, it is understood that other numbers of wheels212may be employed.

Referring toFIG.10, an exploded view of the carriage200is shown. As may be seen inFIG.10, one or more tension members600a. . .600c(collectively “tension members600”) may be stowed in the carriage200in some implementations. An individual may partially remove or otherwise access a tension member600from a cord aperture239, stowage compartment, or other access area to utilize the carriage200and the platform300, as will be described, and may restow the tension member600in the cord aperture239after use.

When stowed in the carriage200, the tension members600may each be positioned in a respective member housing236positioned parallel to one another, for example, in an interior of the carriage200. Each member housing236may include a generally tubular hollow member, as shown inFIG.10, having an open proximal end and a closed tapered distal end. Each tension member600may be of a specified design to deliver a predetermined force and, in some implementations, each tension member600has the same elasticity or stiffness and, in other implementations, each tension member600has a varying elasticity or stiffness.

Each of the tension members600may include a tension member connector603disposed on one or more ends thereof that is configured to engage with a corresponding connection device (e.g., a receptacle, hook, or the like) on either the carriage200or the platform300(or, in some embodiments, a receptacle on the guide mat400) and form a connection therewith. In some implementations, the tension member connector603may include threads for forming a threaded connection (e.g., in a screw-like manner), projections and recesses for forming an interference connection (e.g., as shown inFIGS.10and37), and the like, and the tension member600may include tension member connectors603on one or both sides thereof in various implementations.

Jumping ahead toFIG.37, an enlarged view of the tension member600is shown according to various embodiments. The tension member600includes an elongated spring body601. The elongated spring body601may be at least partially wrapped in a sheath material602in some embodiments. The tension member600may be formed to deliver a predetermined force, as may be appreciated. The tension member connector603may include a base605and an extending member607projecting vertically from the base605. The base605may have a diameter greater than that of the spring body601of the tension member600, for example. Likewise, the extending member607may have a diameter less than that of the base605. The extending member607may include an annular recess608that couples the extending member607to a cord tip610.

To connect the tension member600to the platform300, or to the carriage200for example, the extending member607may be inserted into a suitable aperture (e.g., cord aperture239) having a projection therein that engages the annular recess608, thereby maintaining a connection between various components of the exercise system100. It is understood, however, that the tension member connector603may be replaced with other desirable connectors to form a hook-and-loop fastener connection, a threaded connection, a magnetic connection, an interference connection, and so forth between the platform300and the carriage200.

While various embodiments described herein describe a tension member600with a spring body, the disclosure is not so limited. In various embodiments, the tension member600may include an elastic band (e.g., a fitness band), a bungee cord, and so forth. In some embodiments, the tension members600may be made of any material that has elasticity or tension, and that is configured to repeatedly stretch and recover shape quickly when the stretching force or pressure is removed.

Referring back toFIGS.8-9, the carriage200may further include a front face215having one or more tension member connectors603positioned thereon and projecting therefrom, where portions of the tension member600other than the tension member connectors603may be disposed within an interior of the carriage200. For instance, only the tension member connectors603may project from the front face215, whereas the rest of the tension member600may be stored in the interior of the carriage200. In alternative embodiments, however, the one or more tension members600may be stowed underneath the carriage200as opposed to being stowed inside the carriage200. As shown inFIGS.8and9, the tension member connectors603may include projections that are configured to couple the tension member connector603to another component, for instance, to create a coupling and tension between the platform300(that remains stationary) and the carriage200. In some embodiments, the tension member connector603are configured to form a threaded connection with one another to avoid the tension member connector603being dislodged, but, in alternative embodiments, interference connections, hook-and-loop connection, magnetic connections, and the like may be employed.

The carriage200may include handle areas206on one or more sides thereof. In addition to handle area206disposed on sides of the carriage200, the carriage200may include a bottom surface handle221. The bottom surface handle221may further facilitate movement of the carriage200, as may be appreciated. As such, the bottom surface handle221may include a recessed portion disposed in the bottom surface of the carriage200that is ergonomically contoured to a hand grip.

FIG.10shows an exploded view of the carriage200although not all features are necessarily shown for explanatory purposes. The carriage200may include an upper shell224and a lower shell227that together form a housing230of the carriage200. The top surface203of the carriage200may be, more specifically, the top surface of the upper shell224, for example. The wheels212may be mounted to wheel brackets233a,233b(collectively “wheel brackets233”), where the wheel brackets233may be disposed within the housing230, for instance, between the upper shell224and the lower shell227. The wheel brackets233may include a frame that couples wheels212disposed on opposite sides of the carriage200via a coupling member225. Each wheel bracket233may couple two wheels212, for example. While various embodiments described herein relate to the carriage200having wheels212, in other embodiments, the carriage200may include another movement device that enables the carriage200to translate or otherwise move. For instance, the wheel bracket233and wheels212may be replaced with glides (e.g., nylon glides), tank treads, a single wheel mechanism, and so forth.

One or more tension members600may be stowed in the housing230of the carriage200, for instance, between the upper shell224and the lower shell227. While various embodiments show the tension members600stowed in the housing230, in other embodiments, the tension members600may be stored below the housing230or laterally with respect to the housing230(e.g., on a side of the housing230). When stowed in the carriage200, for instance, the tension members600may each be positioned in a respective member housing236positioned in at least a partially elongated and parallel arrangement in an interior of the carriage200, facilitating an easy removal of the tension member600from the interior of the carriage200or other storage location.

In some embodiments, a first end or portion of the tension member600may be fixedly attached to the carriage200(or, in other words, non-removable), whereas a second end or portion of the tension member600is movable through cord apertures239of the carriage200. As such, the second end of the tension member600may be pulled through the cord apertures239to couple the tension member600to the platform300or other desired component, for example. This may facilitate rolling, sliding, or like movement of the carriage200along the wheels212(e.g., back and forth) with respect to the platform300, which may be stationary.

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS.8,9, and10, the tension member connector603may have a size greater than the cord apertures239of the carriage200, such that an interference is formed between the tension member connector603and the carriage200, and the tension member connector603projecting from the front face215of the carriage, permitting the tension member connector603to be easily grabbed and manipulated. The tension member600, when coupled between the platform300and the carriage200, may direct the carriage200to translate from a first end of the guide mat400to a second end of the guide mat400, where an exerciser may exert force to translate the carriage200from the second end of the guide mat400to the first end of the guide mat400, or vice versa. It is understood that the amount of force required to translate the carriage200may depend on the characteristics of the tension members600in use.

Turning now toFIGS.11and12, a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the platform300are shown, respectively, according to various embodiments. Also,FIG.13shows an exploded view of the platform300for additional reference. Generally, the platform300may be independent of and separate from the carriage200. As such, the platform300may be a freestanding component and, in some embodiments, may be weighted and/or anchored to the floor (e.g., via suction cups, high-friction bottom surface, and the like) or the guide mat400to avoid movement during exercise. In some embodiments, the platform300has a width generally the same as or substantially similar to a width of the carriage200. In various embodiments, in order to facilitate transportability and portability of the exercise system100, the platform300may have a weight equal to or between five and thirty pounds, although other suitable weights may be employed.

The platform300may include a platform housing303having a top surface306. The platform300may further include platform sides309a,309b(collectively “platform sides309”) and a platform front312adapted to face the carriage200. The platform front312may include one or more connection mechanisms for securing a tension member600between the platform300and the carriage200. For example, platform apertures315, as but one example of a connection mechanism, may be provided that are configured to receive a tension member600, such as one extending from the carriage200, to form a coupling or a mechanical connection between the carriage200and the platform300. For instance, the platform300may include a female-type aperture configured to receive a male-type tension member connector603, although it is understood that other connection mechanisms may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the tension member connector603and the platform apertures315may form a snap connection although other types of connections may be employed. In lieu of a platform aperture315, in some embodiments, the platform300may include a hook, a magnet, hook-and-loop fastener, or other connection device suitable for retaining the tension member600and a connection between the platform300and the carriage200associated therewith.

In various embodiments, to detach a tension member600from the platform300, the platform300may include one or more release switches318. The release switches318may be in a one-to-one correspondence with a number of tension members600and platform apertures315, and may include a mechanical device that physically contacts the tension member600(or the tension member connector603) to dislodge the snap connection, permitting the tension member600to be retracted into the carriage200or otherwise removed. The release switches318may be slidable within a switch recess, as shown in the enlarged view ofFIG.19. While various figures included herein show the carriage200, the stowage dock500, and the platform300configured for use with three tension members600, it is understood that one, two, three, four, five, etc. tension members600may be employed in other implementations.

In the non-limiting example ofFIGS.11-13, each of the release switches318are positioned proximate to a platform aperture315on a top surface306, whereas the platform apertures315are on a platform front312. Further, the platform300may include a handlebar321that is pivotable with respect to a handlebar pivot point324. As such, the handlebar321may facilitate transport of the platform300which, in some implementations, may have considerable weight. Additionally, when the handlebar321is pivoted to an upright position, as shown inFIG.41, it may be used for various exercise movements, such as push-ups and so forth. Like the carriage200, the platform300may include a ribbed surface texture such that individuals placing hands, feet, or other body parts on the platform300have a notable amount of friction. It is understood, however, that alternative surface textures may be employed.

Referring to the exploded view of the platform300shown inFIG.13, in various embodiments, the platform300may include a first cable device327aand/or a second cable device327b, which may enable pulley-style exercises to be performed using the platform300. The first cable device327amay be accessible on the first platform side309a, whereas the second cable device327bmay be accessible from the second platform side309b.

Referring toFIGS.13and14collectively, the first cable device327aand/or the second cable device327bmay include cable extension arms336a,336b(collectively “cable extension arms336”), spinning cable spools339a,339b(collectively “cable spools339”), one or more retractable cables342a,342b, cable spool springs, spool bases, and so forth, as may be appreciated. The cable extension arms336may be configured to be disposed within a respective platform side309such that an end of the cable extension arm336is flush with the respective platform side309. As such, the first cable extension arm336amay be accessible on the first platform side309a, and the second cable extension arm336bmay be accessible from the second platform side309b. However, the cable extension arm336may be popped or otherwise pulled out of the platform300, for instance, to expose a hook345a,345(collectively “hooks345”) or other fastener having an end of a retractable cable342attached therewith. The cable extension arms336thus may include side surface apertures337a,337bthat enable an individual to place one or two fingers to pull the cable extension arms336from being nested within the platform300to an external state shown inFIGS.39and40.FIGS.39and40illustrate handles346a,346b(collectively handles346″) that may be coupled to the hooks345in order to do exercises and movements via the handles346and retractable cables342.

The retractable cables342may be formed of steel, stainless steel, plastic, rope or other textile, or a combination thereof, and may be stored in a respective cable spool339. Through the spinning cable spools339, cable spool springs, and other components, the retractable cables342may expand from and retract into the spinning cable spools339, as may be appreciated. In some embodiments, a level of resistance of retraction of the retractable cables342from the spinning cable spools339may be adjusted via a resistance selection switch348, which may provide a predetermined number of resistance levels. In some embodiments, the resistance selection switch348is disposed on the top surface306of the platform300, but the resistance selection switch348may be placed elsewhere in alternative implementations. In the embodiments shown herein, the retractable cables342may provide three adjustable levels of resistance (the resistance selection switch348may be adjusted to one of three locations), although other numbers of levels of resistance may be employed in various implementations. To this end, the resistance selection switch348may be mechanically coupled to a resistance selector349that adjusts resistance of the spinning cable spools339(e.g., increasing or decreasing resistance).

The resistance selection switch348may be slidable within a switch recess, as shown in the enlarged view ofFIG.19. The resistance selection switch348may be coupled to a member extended downward into an interior of the platform300, that adjusts a projecting member, thereby tightening or loosening tension in a spring (adjusting resistance of the spinning cable spools339).

Referring again to the exploded view of the platform300shown inFIG.13, the platform300may further include a platform shell352, a platform bottom355, an internal platform frame358, a spool mounting plate361, and so forth. The spinning cable spools339and associated components may be mounted on the spool mounting plate361which may be sandwiched between the platform bottom355and the internal platform frame358, and housed within the platform shell352, as shown in the exploded view ofFIG.13.

Referring collectively toFIGS.12and13, the internal platform frame358may include platform tabs362a,362b(collectively “tabs362”). When assembled, the platform tabs362may project from a bottom surface of the platform300towards a direction opposite that of the platform front312. The platform tabs362may include L-shaped tabs in some embodiments and may engage with corresponding tabs of the guide mat400, for instance, to form an interference connection with the guide mat400. As such, when forces as applied to various components of the exercise system100(e.g., during an exercise or other use), the platform300, and/or the guide mat400will remain stationary, providing a consistent direction of motion for the carriage200, as will be described.

Moving along,FIGS.15-18show enlarged perspective views of the carriage200positioned relative to the platform300. InFIGS.15,16, and17, a tension member600is not shown as connecting the carriage200and the platform300.FIG.18, however, shows the tension member600coupling the carriage200and the platform300. As the tension member600is formed of a stretching or elastic material, the carriage200will move relative to the platform300(which is stationary). If an exerciser desires to create additional resistance, more tension members600can be added or tension members600having lower elasticity may be used, as shown inFIG.38, for example.

The one or more tension members600may have a first end coupled to the carriage200(e.g., internal to the carriage200or at an end of the carriage200facing the platform300) and a second end configured to be coupled to the platform300such that, when a connection is formed via the tension members600, the carriage200is movable on a horizontal plane parallel to a ground surface while the platform300remains in a fixed position, thereby providing resistance to an exerciser. Again, in some embodiments, one to three tension members600may be employed to allow the exerciser to selectively vary a level of resistance required to perform various physical movements and move the carriage200relative to the platform300. In some embodiments, the one or more tension members600include elastic or stretchable materials, a spring, or any combination thereof.

While a snap connection may be made between the tension member connector603and a platform aperture315, the tension members600may be attached to the platform300via various attachment mechanisms positioned on the platform300, which may include hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or other suitable types of connections. While the tension members600are shown as being a part of the carriage200, in alternative embodiments, the tension members600may be part of or stored in the platform300(e.g., in a similar, but smaller, arrangement shown with respect to the carriage200), or may be separate from both the carriage200and the platform300.

In various embodiments, the platform300may further include a coupling member365, as shown inFIG.20. The coupling member365may be positioned on a rear face368of the platform300in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the coupling member365includes a rod having a recessed portion for receiving a bungee cord or other attachment for exercise. To this end, the bungee cord may be fixedly or detachably attached to a front end of the platform300, although other attachment points may be employed. The bungee cord (not shown) may be formed of an elastic and stretchable material (e.g., an elastic resistance cord), and may include a handle (not shown) in some embodiments.

Referring again to the stowage dock500, the stowage dock500may be operable to store the carriage200, the platform300, the accessories associated therewith, and/or other components therein, while facilitating transport. In various embodiments, the stowage dock500may store the carriage200and the platform300therein in a vertical orientation. As shown inFIG.3, the stowage dock500may include an L-shaped body, where the platform300may be positioned between the carriage200and the L-shaped body of the stowage dock500. Tabs, locking connectors, magnets, other connection mechanisms, or a combination thereof, may assist with retaining the carriage200and the platform300in the stowage dock500.

In some embodiments, the stowage dock500may include a mount (not shown) and a display device555, where the mount is configured to retain at least the display device555. The display device555may include, for example, one or more devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD) displays, gas plasma-based flat panel displays, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, electrophoretic ink (E-ink) displays, LCD projectors, touchscreen display devices, or other types of display devices, etc. In some embodiments, the mount includes a plurality of rails (not shown) that engage with corresponding connection mechanisms (e.g., screws, bolts, rails, etc.) of the display device555that permits the display device555to adjust vertically relative to the ground surface. In other embodiments, a mount with a gas lift and/or a rotating head may be employed. The display device555may contain or may be coupled to at least one computing device558and/or an imaging device560(e.g., a camera) in some embodiments. The display device555may include a speaker or other audio emitting device, or the speaker or other audio emitting device may be positioned in another suitable location of the stowage dock500.

In some embodiments, the exercise system100may include one or more sensors263,363, and563configured to generate measurements responsive to movements of the carriage200relative to the platform300. For instance, sensors263,363, and563may be positioned in the exercise system100components and metrics and measurements may be generated based on resistance levels of the tension members600, speed of movement of the carriage200, weight, body heat, or other biometric parameters of the user, and so forth, to estimate calories exerted, and so forth. The sensors263,363, and563may include, for example, accelerometers, gyroscopes, heart rate sensors, body temperature sensors, and the like. As such, the exercise system100may include at least one computing device558in communication with the display device555and/or the at least one sensor263,363, and563. The at least one computing device558may be configured to display information associated with the measurements on the display device555, as well as present virtual classes and so forth, potentially streamed over a network, such as the Internet. In some embodiments, the exercise system100includes at least one camera or other suitable imaging device560(e.g., on the platform300or the stowage dock500).

A client device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a wearable computing device, a laptop computing device, and the like may include at least one hardware processor and memory. The client device may be configured to execute a companion application thereon to access or generate measurements associated with an exerciser utilizing the exercise system100. The at least one computing device558and/or client device may further include memory and program instructions executable by at least one hardware processor of the at least one computing device558or client device that, when executed, directs the at least one computing device558or client device to stream at least one fitness class associated with the exercise system100or components thereof over a network via the display device555.

As noted above, reformers are generally not portable apparatus and sometimes are required to be fixed to a wall, ground, or other surface. Providing an at-home reformer that permits individuals to perform reformer-type movements is desirable, however, it is difficult to simulate frictionless carriage movements without a having a heavy and bulky multi-rail system. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the exercise system100(or system) may include a guide mat400.

Turning now to the drawings,FIG.21is a front perspective view of a guide mat400for use with a portable exercise apparatus,FIG.22is a front view of the guide mat400,FIG.23is a front view of the guide mat400in a slightly folded state, andFIG.24is a front view of the guide mat400in a fully folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The guide mat400includes a top mat surface403and a bottom mat surface406. The bottom mat surface406may be adapted to engage with a ground surface. For example, a body409of the guide mat400or the bottom mat surface406thereof may be formed of a material having a suitable friction coefficient to prevent the guide mat400from sliding during exercise movements. In addition to or alternatively, the bottom surface406of the guide mat400may include bottom-side projections formed of a material that creates friction with a ground surface.

FIG.25is a top view of the guide mat400,FIG.26is a top cross-section view of the guide mat400,FIG.27is a top view of the guide mat400in a slightly folded state,FIG.28is a top cross-section view of the guide mat400in a slightly folded state,FIG.29is a top view of the guide mat400in a fully folded state, andFIG.30is a top cross-section view of the guide mat400in a fully folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.31is an exploded view of an embodiment of the guide mat400showing additional components thereof.

Also, referring back toFIGS.17and18, perspective views of the guide mat400are shown in use with the exercise system100. As can be seen inFIGS.17and18, one or more of tension members600are shown as being adapted to impose a predetermined force such that the carriage is movable on a horizontal plane parallel to a ground surface while the platform remains stationary in a fixed position. In other words, the carriage200can move in a first direction D1and a second direction D2, substantially along a length of the guide mat400, for example, or on a ground surface as permitted by elasticity of the one or more tension members600.

Referring toFIGS.21-31collectively, the body409of the guide mat400may be elongated and rectangular-shaped, thereby extending along a longitudinal axis D3parallel to the ground surface. It is understood that shapes or variations from the embodiment ofFIGS.21-31may be employed. In any event, in some embodiments, the guide mat400may include a first elongated aperture412positioned on a first side of the top mat surface403and a second elongated aperture415positioned on a second opposing side of the top mat surface403. In some embodiments, the first elongated aperture412and/or the second elongated aperture415are rectangular shaped. Further, in some embodiments, the first elongated aperture412and/or the second elongated aperture415may be encapsulated or, in other words, surrounded on all sides by the body409of the guide mat400. While elongated apertures are described, in some implementations, recesses disposed in the top mat surface403may be used in place of the apertures412,415.

The guide mat400is configured to maintain alignment of the carriage200, for example, during translation of the carriage200relative to the guide mat400. In other words, the guide mat400may guide the carriage200and ensure a predetermined path of travel is followed when exercises are performed using the carriage200, for instance, as the carriage200travels between a first proximal end of the guide mat400to a second distal end of the guide mat400(e.g., from D1towards D2, and from D2towards D1). In some embodiments, to ensure alignment, a first track418may be positioned in the first elongated aperture412. The first track418may be sized and positioned to retain a first subset of wheels212of the carriage200. Likewise, a second track421may be positioned in the second elongated recess aperture. The second track421may be sized and positioned to retain a second subset of the wheels212(e.g., right-most wheels212) of the carriage200. The tracks418,421ensure a directly linear and/or horizontal translation of the carriage200.

While tracks418,421are described, it is understood that in other implementations, bumper (raised) edges, alternative shaped tracks, and the like may be employed to ensure alignment of the carriage200relative to either the guide mat400and/or the ground surface through engagement with the wheels212or other movement device of the carriage200. For instance, in some implementations, the tracks418,421may not be recessed or nested in the guide mat400as shown inFIGS.21-28, but instead may project upwards from a top surface of the guide mat400. In some embodiments, a linear guide or set of linear guides (not shown) may project up from the guide mat400or may telescope out from the platform300. In these scenarios, the carriage200would movably couple to the linear guide(s) to move between a proximal end of the linear guide (e.g., an end closest the platform300) to a distal end of the linear guide (e.g., an end farthest from the platform300). Other alignments devices may be employed, as can be appreciated.

In various embodiments, the body409of the guide mat400may include a folding notch439extending substantially along the body409such that the body409of the guide mat400is foldable along the folding notch439. A sequential transition of the folding of the body409of the guide mat400along the folding notch439is shown inFIGS.23-28, whereFIGS.23and24, for example, show the guide mat400in a fully expanded state (or an in-use state),FIGS.25and26show the guide mat400in a partially folded state, andFIGS.24-25show the guide mat400in a fully folded state, as may be appreciated. The guide mat400may thus ensure that the carriage200does not stray from a predetermined area while maintaining movement in the predetermined area (e.g., within a perimeter or four corners of the guide mat400). The folding notch439may define a first portion442of the guide mat400and a second portion445of the guide mat400that are coupled to one another about the folding notch439to symmetrically fold (e.g., a hot-dog fold). While a hot-dog fold is described, it is understood that other types of folding of the guide mat400may be employed.

In some embodiments, the body409is formed of at least one of: synthetic rubber; natural rubber; polyvinyl chloride (PVC); thermoplastic elastomer (TPE); polyurethane (PU); ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA); and jute. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first track418and the second track421are both formed of a metal, such as at least one of: steel; stainless steel; copper; brass; and aluminum. In some embodiments, the first track418and the second track421may be lubricated, to facilitate movement of wheels212positioned within the first track418and the second track421. While various embodiments describe two tracks (e.g., the first track418and the second track421), in alternative embodiments, a single track or more than two tracks may be employed. Thus, a single recess or more than two recesses may be employed.

The carriage200is not limited to the type of the wheels212shown in the figures. The wheels212may be mounted or otherwise positioned on distal ends of the carriage200in some embodiments, and may be nested or partially nested within the body of the carriage200. The wheels212may be selected such that the carriage200has as little friction as possible when the wheels212are positioned or nested in the first track418and/or the second track421, providing a near frictionless device. In some implementations, the wheels212may be substituted with glides (e.g., nylon glides), tank treads, and like devices.

In some embodiments, the body409of the guide mat400may be formed up of a plurality of connecting pieces using, for example, dovetails connections. However, in alternative embodiments, the body409may be a single piece of material and the portions of the body409may be integral with one another, where the first track418and the second track421are separate components (e.g., metal components) that may be inserted into the first elongated aperture412and the second elongated aperture415, thereby forming an interference and/or friction fit with the first elongated aperture412and the second elongated aperture415, respectively. While various embodiments describe the first track418and/or the second track421being metal, in other implementations, the first track418and/or the second track421may be formed of wood, plastic, or other suitable material that may retain the wheels212or other movement device of the carriage200, thereby maintaining alignment of the carriage200.

Turning now toFIGS.29and30, bottom views of opposing ends of a track418,421are shown according to various embodiments. Specifically,FIG.29shows a proximal end431of a track418,421andFIG.30shows a distal end of the track418,421. The proximal end431may include an end closest to the platform300intended during operation, whereas the distal end434may include an end further from the platform300. The tracks418,421include track recesses437configured to receive and retain the wheels212or other movement device of the carriage200. The track recesses437may be U-shaped or V-shaped and, as such, may be formed by bending a piece of metal or other material.

As shown inFIG.29, a bottom of the track418,421may include a mat tab441extending substantially along a width of the track418,421. The mat tabs441may be exposed, for instance, on a bottom surface of the guide mat400. The mat tab441may project inward towards the opposing end (the distal end434) of the track418,421, thereby defining an area444under the mat tab441in which a platform tab362may be positioned. The mat tab441may engage with and couple to the platform tab362that may be positioned on a bottom surface of the platform300. The coupling between the mat tab441and the platform tab362may include an interference connection, for example.

The connections are better shown in the cross-sectional views ofFIGS.32-34, whereFIGS.32and34show a complete connection between the mat tab441and the platform tab362, whereasFIG.13shows a removal or other separation of the mat tab441from the platform tab362. Specifically, the first platform tab362ais configured to hook and form an interference connection with the first mat tab441aof the guide mat400, and the second platform tab362bis configured to hook and form an interference connection with second first mat tab441bof the guide mat400.

Referring back to the non-limiting example of the guide mat400shown inFIG.31, the guide mat400may further include a mat top layer440, a track base443, and a mat base447. To this end, the mat top layer440, the track base443, the mat base447, the first track418, and the second track421may together form the body409of the guide mat400in some implementations. The track base443may retain the first track418and the second track421in a fixed position, which is further facilitated due to the size and positioning of the first track418and the second track421relative to the first elongated aperture412and the second elongated aperture415. For instance, the first track418and the second track421may form an interference or friction connection with the first elongated aperture412and the second elongated aperture415.

FIG.35shows a side cross-sectional view of the exercise system100or, more specifically, a Y-Z cross-section of the platform300and the carriage200. Similarly,FIG.36shows a top-bottom cross-sectional view of the exercise system100or, more specifically, a Z-X cross-section of the platform300and the carriage200. As shown inFIGS.35and36, three tension members600are mounted within an interior of the carriage200that are detachably attachable to the platform300. The retractable cable342is shown wrapped around the spinning cable spool339.

The features, structures, or characteristics described above may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner, and the features discussed in the various embodiments are interchangeable, if possible. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided in order to fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical solution of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, materials, and the like may be employed. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

Although the relative terms such as “on,” “below,” “upper,” and “lower” are used in the specification to describe the relative relationship of one component to another component, these terms are used in this specification for convenience only, for example, as a direction in an example shown in the drawings. It should be understood that if the device is turned upside down, the “upper” component described above will become a “lower” component. When a structure is “on” another structure, the structure may be integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is “directly” disposed on another the other structure, or that the structure is “indirectly” disposed on the other structure through other structures, unless specifically described.

The terms such as “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. The terms “comprise,” “include,” “have,” “contain,” and their variants are used to be open ended, and are meant to include additional elements, components, etc., in addition to the listed elements, components, etc. unless otherwise specified in the appended claims. The term “at least one” may also be referred to as “one or more.”

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth are used only as labels, rather than a limitation for a number of the objects. It is understood that if multiple components are shown, the components may be referred to as a “first” component, a “second” component, and so forth, to the extent applicable.

The above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.