Patent Application
20250121248
An embodiment of the disclosure relates to exercise equipment. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a digital weight cable machine with a passive tracking trolley.
Weightlifting equipment encompasses a variety of tools designed to enhance strength training and muscle-building exercises. Equipment typically varies greatly in form and function.
Weightlifting offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. For example, regular weightlifting increases muscle mass, strength, enhance athletic performance, and has been shown to prolong mental acuity. Additionally, weight-bearing exercises have been shown to stimulate bone growth, helping to prevent osteoporosis and improve overall bone health. Building muscle also increases the resting metabolic rate, which helps the body burn more calories at rest, aiding in weight management. Improved strength may translate to better performance in daily activities, enhancing overall quality of life. While primarily a strength-focused activity, weightlifting also contributes to cardiovascular health by improving circulation and heart function.
Weightlifting equipment ranges from simple free weights to complex machines, which are generally designed to facilitate effective strength training. The benefits of weightlifting extend beyond muscle building, contributing to overall health, longevity, and well-being. Options for cable-based exercise equipment are limited and have shortcomings.
Aspects described in the present disclosure combine the functionality of a standard barbell power rack and related exercises with the technological advancement of digital weight-controlled exercises. A passive track system is disclosed that allows the user to perform cable loaded exercises in a manner that mimics gravity where the load vector being applied by the cable maintains a vertical (e.g., straight down) direction, and the cable position does not stray toward a fixed or centralized cable exit.
In one aspect, an exercise machine, includes a frame, one or more actuators, coupled to one or more cables to exert a load on the one or more cables, one or more tracks attached to the frame, and a trolley mounted on each of the one or more tracks, where the trolley slides unrestricted along a length of the one or more tracks, and where the trolley is configured to be coupled to the one or more cables.
In an embodiment, each of the one or more tracks attach to the frame at a first joint that rotates the respective track relative to the frame, where each of the one or more tracks is rotatable to a first track position that is oriented horizontal to the ground and to a second track position that is oriented vertical to the ground. In an embodiment, a total length of each of the one or more tracks includes at least 38″, or at least 42″, or at least 60″. In an embodiment, each trolley includes a first loop arranged at a surface of the trolley facing away from the ground when the one or more tracks are in the first track position, the first loop being configured to pass a respective one of the one or more cables and serve as an exit point for that cable.
In an embodiment, each trolley includes a second loop arranged at a second surface opposite of the first surface on the trolley, where in the second track position, the second surface faces a horizontal direction relative to the ground. In an embodiment, the one or more tracks may comprise two tracks (e.g., exactly two) that are parallel to each other, where the respective trolley of the two tracks slide parallel to each other along the length of the two tracks. The exercise machine may also include a computing device, where the computing device includes one or processors configured to perform the following operations: displaying a user interface, receiving a user input, and controlling the one or more actuators to exert the load on the one or more cables, based on the user input. In an embodiment, each of the two tracks are fixed to opposite sides of the frame.
The exercise machine may also include a platform fixed to the frame, where the platform serves as a floor surface located between the two tracks. In an embodiment, the platform is connected to the frame at a second joint that rotates the platform to be oriented horizontally and serve as the floor surface between the two tracks in a first platform position, and to be oriented vertically in a second platform position. In an embodiment, the platform includes a width between the two tracks of at least 20″, or at least 28″, or between 24″ and 42″. In an embodiment, the platform includes a platform length of at least 38″ or at least 42″ or at least 60″. In an embodiment, the platform includes a stiff planar surface having a thickness of at least 0.75″ or at least 1″ or at least 1.5″.
In an embodiment, the one or more tracks attach to the platform which locks the one or more tracks fixed in the first track position. The one or more tracks may attach to a bracket that is fixed to an end of the platform that is away from the second joint. In an embodiment, the second joint includes a first support arm on one side of the platform that is coupled between the platform and the frame, and a second support arm on an opposite side of the platform that is coupled between the platform and the frame.
The exercise machine may include a rack, coupled to or integrated with the frame, the rack includes one or more vertical members and a shelf that is attached to the rack, the shelf being configured to hold a barbell on the one or more vertical members. The rack may include a plurality of holding positions for the shelf arranged vertically along different heights of the one or more vertical members. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
In one aspect, a method for manufacturing an exercise machine, includes: providing a frame, attaching one or more actuators to the frame, coupled to one or more cables to exert a load on the one or more cables, attaching one or more tracks to the frame, and mounting a trolley on each of the one or more tracks, where the trolley slides unrestricted along a length of the one or more tracks, and where the trolley is configured to be coupled to the one or more cables. In an embodiment each of the one or more tracks attach to the frame at a first joint that rotates the respective track relative to the frame, where each of the one or more tracks is rotatable to a first track position that is oriented horizontal to the ground and to a second track position that is oriented vertical to the ground. Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
The above summary does not include an exhaustive list of all embodiments of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the disclosure includes all systems and methods that can be practiced from all suitable combinations of the various embodiments summarized above, as well as those disclosed in the Detailed Description below and particularly pointed out in the Claims section. Such combinations may have particular advantages not specifically recited in the above summary.
Several embodiments of the disclosure here are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and they mean at least one. Also, in the interest of conciseness and reducing the total number of figures, a given figure may be used to illustrate the features of more than one embodiment of the disclosure, and not all elements in the figure may be required for a given embodiment.
Weightlifting equipment ranges from simple free weights to complex machines, which are generally designed to facilitate effective strength training. The benefits of weightlifting extend beyond muscle building, contributing to overall health, longevity, and well-being.
For example, free weights such as dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates, are versatile and allow for a range of exercises targeting different muscle groups. Weight machines are typically more specific to one or to targeted movements, and include machines like leg presses, chest presses, lat pulldown machines, etc., which guide movements for specific exercises. Such machines may help maintain proper form and offer additional safety features over free weights by controlling or limiting movement of such weights. Benches and racks are typically used in combination with free weights. Depending on the exercise, a bench or rack may hold a barbell in a desired position so that a person may lift the free weight from the held position to perform exercises like bench presses and squats. When done with the desired exercise, the user may place the free weight (e.g., a barbell with plates) back onto the bench or rack. The bench and rack essentially holds weights at a desired position so that a user may more easily grab the exercise equipment (free weights), perform the exercise with the weights, and then place the exercise equipment back onto the bench or rack.
Cable-based weightlifting machines are a versatile and form a popular category of strength training equipment found in both commercial gyms and home workout spaces. These machines may utilize a system of pulleys and cables connected to a weight stack or resistance mechanism, allowing for a wide range of exercises that target various muscle groups. Options for cable-based exercise equipment are limited and have shortcomings.
Several embodiments of the disclosure with reference to the appended drawings are now explained. Whenever the shapes, relative positions and other embodiments of the parts described are not explicitly defined, the scope of the invention is not limited only to the parts shown, which are meant merely for the purpose of illustration. Also, while numerous details are set forth, it is understood that some embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.
The advancement of digital weight technology offers countless benefits over traditional free weight/barbell/dumbbell equipment. With digital weight, users can change the applied weight, incorporate dynamic loading, utilize built in safety features, etc. Additionally, a simple digital weight system can replace a variety of expensive and bulky fitness equipment. A single actuator or set of actuators (e.g., one or more motors) may satisfy the functionality of an entire dumbbell rack, weight plates, in a single system.
However, current offerings of this technology are limited in how this digital weight can be applied. These systems are glorified cable machines, and though helpful, they are typically limited in the exercises that they can perform, and fail to properly allow users to perform movements akin to free weight exercises.
For example, existing solutions may have a static cable exit that is locked into position during use (e.g., under load). In such a case, the load vector may be pulling the user forward. If the user were to take a few steps back, this load vector would drastically worsen and want to pull the user forward. If, on the other hand, the user was performing this exercise (e.g., a lunge exercise) with a standard barbell or dumbbell that the solution seeks to replicate, these free weights would pull straight down (with respect to gravity). For this exercise and many others, such a cable solution is not viable, nor is it a suitable replacement for free weight exercises.
Further, existing solutions that may include a squat rack with digital weight system and static cable exits may not fold or stow away, and be limited in terms of functionality. Further, existing solutions having digital weight platform that is a static platform may have limited cable exits (e.g., only two cable exits).
Aspects described in the present disclosure address various shortcomings of existing solutions using a passive tracking trolley integrated with a digital weight cable machine, where the tracking trolley slides horizontally to track movement of a user (e.g., along a platform of the cable weight machine). Position of the cable reacts to the user position and force by sliding to a different position thereby automatically adjusting to accommodate the user's movement and changing position. In this manner, the load vector or direction of force of the cable remains vertical (or substantially vertical) relative to the position of the user.
A passive trolley may include a rail and trolley that is fixed to the rail. The rail may run along the floor bed and a trolley is fixed to and slides along the axis of the rail. The trolley may include one or more loops or fasteners that hold a cable in place, which serve as a cable exit. The system may include multiple passive trolleys for example, two passive trolleys (and respective rails) in parallel with each other. The trolley may move passively (e.g., along the rail) during use, rather than being fixed and locked into place at a given position, to track horizontal movement of the user and maintain the vertical force vector. To reduce sliding friction, the trolley may include a wheel, a ball, or other rotating mechanism that interfaces with the rail so that it may slide freely along the rail. Additionally, the trolley may also be locked in one or more positions with a fastener (e.g., a clasp, lock, pin, etc.) to facilitate exercises where a diagonal force vector is desirable.
The rail of the passive trolley system be anchored to the floor bed of the system through a fastener. The fastener may be released, and the rail may be rotated vertically and fixed to a second fastener to align the rail vertically. This allows for the trolley to slide vertically in this position, and also allows the system to fold in a compact manner.
Similarly, the floor bed may also hinge at the base of the weight machine to rotate and lock vertically.
The system may include one or more actuators (e.g., a motor or other actuator) and a user interface. The user interface may include controls that a user uses to adjust load of a given cable (e.g., 20 lbs., 40 lbs., etc.). Based on user input, a corresponding control is communicated from the user interface to the one or more actuators to command the actuator to exert a force on the cable.
An exercise machine 100 may include a frame 106, one or more actuators 124 that are coupled to one or more cables 118 to exert a load on the one or more cables 118, and one or more tracks 102 attached to the frame 106. On each of the one or more track 102, a respective trolley 104 is mounted. The trolley 104 glides unrestricted along a length of the one or more tracks. The trolley 104 is configured to be coupled to the one or more cables (e.g., having one or more eyelets, loops, or other structures that can serve as an exit point of the cable 118.
In an embodiment, each of the one or more tracks 102 attach to the frame 106 at a first joint 112 that rotates the respective track relative to the frame 106. Each of the one or more tracks 102 is rotatable to a first track position 118 (e.g., a down position) that is oriented horizontal to the ground (when the machine is operated) and to a second track position 110 (e.g., an upright position) that is oriented vertical to the ground. For example, track 102 may be held fixed and locked into a first track position 108 that is horizontal to the ground surface. Track 102 may rotate relative to frame 106, and lock into second track position 110. Second track position 110 may comprise a vertical position. In an embodiments, the track 102 may be held locked into one or more additional positions between the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the angle between the first position and the second position is a right angle. Track 102 may comprise a first end at which is connected to the frame at joint 112, and a second end that is opposite the first end.
In an embodiment, a total length of each of the one or more tracks comprises at least 38″, or at least 42″, or at least 60″. In an embodiment, exercise machine 100 may comprise exactly two tracks 102. In an embodiment, two tracks held are parallel to each other, wherein the respective trolley of the two tracks slide parallel to each other along the length of the two tracks. The plane of rotation of each track may also be parallel to each other. In an embodiment, each of the two tracks are fixed at opposite sides of the frame. Each track 102 may be physically coupled to frame 106 through joint 112 that supports rotation and locking of the track 102 relative to frame 106. Joint 112 may comprise a combination of hinge hardware (e.g., a case hinge, butterfly hinge, butt hinge, flex hinge, knuckle-and-pin, etc.) that holds track 102 fixed to the frame 106 while providing rotational movement of the track 102 at various angles centered at the joint 112.
Track 102 has fixed upon it, trolley 104 that glides freely along the length of the track 102 (e.g., from one of the track to the other end of the track). In an embodiment, the trolley 104 may slide at least ½ of the total length of track 102, or optionally, at least ¾ of the total length of track 102. Trolley 104 has one or more cable attachment points 114 at which a cable 118 may be fixed to (e.g., looped through). Depending on the user's position relative to the trolley 104, and the movement and/or direction of the pull, the trolley 104 may glide freely along the track 102 to provide a more natural counter force in alignment with the cable.
For example, user 120 may operate exercise machine 100 while the track 102 is in the first track position 108. While user 120 is performing a curl, trolley 104 may glide slightly back and forth along track 102, in response to the arcing path of user's hands. This gliding adjusts position of trolley 104 so that the cable 118 biases to a vertical position relative to the track 102. Traditional cable-based exercise equipment may hold the cable at fixed location during this user movement, so the force vector is less accommodating to the body and less resembles gravitational forces. As such, because the trolley 104 moves freely along track 102, muscles of user 120 may be trained differently and may provide a more natural experience.
In another example, in the second track position 110 (e.g., an upright position), track 102 may be vertical. User 120 may perform a standing press with cable 118. In such a case, trolley 104 may glide vertically up and down along track 102 which may also provide different force vectors relative to traditional fixed cable exercise equipment. In an embodiment, trolley 104 may interface with track 102 with one or more wheels that are fixed to the trolley 104 that may be locked into grooves or around a rail of track 102, which provides the free gliding movement of trolley 104 along the length of track 102. Trolley 104 may glide unencumbered along the track 102. In an example, the rail or groove of the track 102 may comprise a smooth length or an uninterrupted length (e.g., free of encumbrances) so that trolley 104 glides freely. Trolley 104 and track 102 may interface through a variety or combination of gliding hardware, such as but not limited to a wheel, a ball, rails, grooves, ball bearings, tongue-and-groove, etc.
Although traditional cable machines may feature adjustable pulleys that can be set at different heights and angles, these cable machines fix the adjustable pulleys in place under load (e.g., when in use) thereby not letting the trolleys glide freely. This allows users to perform exercises from different positions and angles for comprehensive muscle engagement. Each cable 118 may comprise one or more attachments 116 such as handles, bars, and ropes, which can be swapped out to perform different exercises and target specific muscles.
In such a manner, the trolley 104 may move passively (e.g., without additional external force) along the track 102 during use, rather than being fixed and locked into place at a given position. This allows the trolley 104 to track horizontal movement of the user 120 and maintain a vertical force vector.
In an embodiment, the trolley 104 and/or track 102 may comprise a lock that locks the trolley in one or more positions. The lock may include a fastener (e.g., a clasp, lock, pin, etc.) to facilitate exercises where a diagonal force vector is desirable. This lock may have a first position (e.g., engage) where the trolley 104 becomes fixed along the length of track 102, and a second position (e.g., disengage) that maintains free movement of the trolley 104 along the length of track 102. The second position may be held in place so that the lock does not inadvertently interrupt gliding of the trolley 104 along the length of track 102.
In an embodiment exercise machine 100 may comprise two tracks 102 at opposite sides of frame 106 that are oriented in parallel to each other, so that the respective trolleys 104 may slide in parallel with each other.
In an embodiment, exercise machine 100 may comprise a computing device 122 which may comprise or be coupled to an electronic display, as shown and described with other figures. In an embodiment, a user may provide user input to the computing device 122 to specify a load, or force of the cable 118. Computing device 122 may, in response, generate one or more control commands to one or more actuators 124 that may be coupled to cable 118. The one or more actuators 124 may be housed in a housing (not shown) and, based on the control command (e.g., an analog or digital electric signal), adjust a load (e.g., a force) on the cable 118. In an embodiment, computing device 122 may present a graphical user interface to user 120. The GUI may include one or more controls (e.g., button, slider, etc.) that allows a user to specify the cable load. In an example, the display may be attached to the frame 106. Additionally, or alternatively, the display may be a remote device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, smart television, etc.) that the computing device 122 communicates with (e.g., over a computer network).
Exercise machine 100 may comprise additional components, such as those described with respect to the other figures. Generally, mechanical components may be fixed or coupled together with fastening hardware such as screws, bolts, pins, links, etc. A mechanical device may be said to be configured in a manner based on its size, shape, geometry, and other mechanical features. Similarly, a computing device may be configured to perform an operation based on a computer processor that executes machine-executable instructions, or based on programmable logic such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or similar technology.
Exercise machine 200 comprises a frame 214, one or more actuators 220, coupled to one or more cables (not shown) to exert a load on the one or more cables, one or more tracks track 204 attached to the frame 214, and a trolley 206 mounted on each of the one or more tracks track 204. The trolley 206 slides unrestricted along a length of the one or more tracks track 204, where the trolley 206 is configured to be coupled to the one or more cables. The one or more track 204 may comprise two tracks attached to opposite sides of frame 214, as shown. In an embodiment, frame 214 comprises a base portion 222. In an example, frame 214 may comprise a metal or metal alloy such as steel, iron, aluminum, or other suitably strong and durable material.
Exercise machine 200 may include a platform 210 that is fixed to the frame 214. The platform 210 serves as a floor surface located between the two track 204. The platform may be connected to the frame at one or more second joints 224 that rotate the platform to orient it horizontally so that the platform may serve as the floor surface between the two tracks in a first platform position. The one or more second joints 224 may also rotate the platform to be oriented vertically in a second platform position. One or more second joints second joint 224 may comprise a hinging joint or other suitable joint hardware. When the platform 210 and the one or more tracks 204 are all oriented in the upright position, the exercise machine may have a reduced footprint, will take up less space when not in use, and may be easier to store.
In an embodiment, the platform 210 comprises a width between the two tracks of at least 20″, or at least 28″, or between 24″ and 42″. In an embodiment the platform 210 comprises a platform length of at least 38″ or at least 42″ or at least 60″. This length may run along the same direction as the length of each track 204. In an embodiment, the platform 210 comprises a stiff planar surface having a thickness of at least 0.75″ or at least 1″ or at least 1.5″. In an embodiment, the platform 210 comprises a square or rectangular shape.
In an embodiment, when in the first track position (e.g., the down position), the one or more tracks 204 attach to the platform 210 which locks the one or more tracks fixed in the first track position. For example, the one or more tracks 204 attach to a respective bracket 208 that is fixed to an end of the platform that is away from the second joint 224 where the platform hinges on the frame. In addition to a hinge, second joint 224 may comprise additional supporting members, as described with respect to
Referring back to
Exercise machine 200 may comprise a rack 228. The rack may be coupled to or mechanically integrated (e.g., formed from a single continuous material) with the frame. The rack 228 may comprise one or more vertical members 230, 232, and a shelf 216 on each vertical member that is attached to the rack. The shelf 216 is configured to hold a barbell 234 on the one or more vertical members 230, 232. In an example, each vertical member comprises an arm with a bent up-side down u-shape (as shown), where the legs of the U shape connect to base 222. The rack 228 may comprise a plurality of holding positions (e.g., holes that the shelf 216 may slot into) for the shelf to become arranged vertically along different heights of the one or more vertical members 230, 232. In an example, a horizontal bar 236 may be fixed between the vertical members 230, 232. The horizontal bar 236 may provide additional mechanical stiffness and strength to the frame, while also serving as a mounting point for display 226.
In an example, platform 210 may support an exercise bench 218. In an embodiment, exercise bench 218 may be fixable and removable to platform 210 through one or more brackets or fasteners.
In an embodiment, an exercise machine comprises a plurality of housings 410, each housing a respective actuator. Each housing my comprise one or more walls that encapsulate or cover an actuator. The walls may comprise a suitable material (e.g., polymer, wood, carbon fiber, metal, composite, or combination thereof). Each housing may comprise one or more openings, respectively, such as slots 412. Cables 414, 416 may pass through the respective slots and through loops fixed to each trolley.
In an embodiment, each trolley (e.g., 402) may comprises a first loop 406 arranged at a surface 418 of the trolley facing away from the ground when the one or more tracks are in the first track position (as shown). The first loop 406 is configured to pass a respective one of the one or more cables (e.g., cable 416). In an embodiment, each trolley comprises a second loop 408 that is arranged at a second surface 420 that is opposite of the first surface 418 on the trolley. When the track 404 is in the second track position (e.g., the upright position), the second surface 420 faces a horizontal direction relative to the ground. This allows a user to perform horizontal-force-based exercises when the user is standing, such as a standing press or cross press.
At block 502, process 500 provides a frame. As described, the frame may comprise a base portion, and one or more vertical members. The base and the vertical members may be joined via plates, fasteners, welding, or other hardware and/or processes.
At block 504, process 500 attaches one or more actuators to the frame, coupled to one or more cables to exert a load on the one or more cables. In an embodiment, at block 504, a first housing is attached to the frame, to house a first of the one or more actuators, and a second housing is attached to the frame to house a second of the one or more actuators.
At block 506, process 500 attaches one or more tracks to the frame. The one or more tracks may be attached to the frame through a rotatable joint and lockable joint, as described, so that the tracks can lock in the down position and in the upright position.
At block 508, process 500 mounts a trolley on each of the one or more tracks, wherein the trolley slides unrestricted along a length of the one or more tracks, and wherein the trolley is configured to be coupled to the one or more cables. As described, each trolley may comprise one or more eyelets through which a cable may run through. In this manner, as the trolley moves, the axis of the cable also moves, thereby changing the direction and/or position of the force vector provided by the cable tension.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/513,298 filed on Jul. 12, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63513298 | Jul 2023 | US |
