Patent Application
20180272179
Example embodiments in general relate to an exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces for providing secondary exercise support platforms positioned at various planes relative to the horizontal plane of the primary exercising platforms, the secondary platforms further serving as handles used during the performance of exercises.
Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Pilates machines, also referred to as Pilates apparatuses comprise a substantially rectangular structure with a pair of horizontally oriented rails extending substantially the length of structure parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structure. An exercise platform with a top surface aligned with the horizontal plane is slidably affixed to the rails. One or more extension springs are removably attached between a first end of the longitudinal structure and the slidable platform, thereby creating a resistance bias towards the first end of the structure against which an exerciser positioned upon the platform must overcome in order to move the slidable platform towards the second end. This is a well-known form of resistance exercising. The slidable platform is also referred to as a carriage.
One adaptation of conventional Pilates machines has been the addition of a cross bar positioned substantially at the first end of the structure, aligned crosswise to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. This cross bar is typically used as a fixed position handle against which an exerciser may push or pull against as an aid to performing an exercise. The cross bar on conventional Pilates machines is used as a handle is typically a round elongated bar used as a hand-grab or foot press. One example of a cross bar is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,095 to Lagree.
One major problem of the crossbar on Pilates machines is that the crossbar is not designed to support the weight of an exerciser since it is used for push and pull type exercises. Another problem with the crossbar is that the cross sectional dimension is substantially small, for instance, a one-inch diameter bar, and does not provide for a large surface area against which an exerciser can comfortably push against with bare feet. The small bar will cause pain, and inherently inhibits an exerciser from maximizing the exercise resistance for the workout because of the foot pain caused by the increased resistance force.
Another problem is that the cross bar is intended to be used when an exerciser is substantially positioned upon the slidable carriage with their shoulders substantially parallel to the cross bar. In other words, an exerciser may be kneeling on the carriage while facing the cross bar, thereby allowing the exerciser to grab the bar with both hands, may be positioned on their back with both feet pressing against the cross bar, or may be positioned on their back on the carriage with their feet distal to the cross bar, and their hands reaching over their head to grab the bar.
The problem just described may be immediately appreciated by those skilled in the art when an exercise calls for an exerciser to be positioned on slidable carriage lying on their side, with one foot pressing against the cross bar. As can be understood, in this position, the length of the foot is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of a narrow cross bar. In such instances, the foot, having an extremely small surface against which to push, may slip off of the cross bar causing injury, or at the least, causing the exerciser to stop exercising. In most all cases, the alignment of the length of the foot against the longitudinal axis of the narrow cross bar will cause the exerciser foot pain throughout the foot-pressing exercise.
Yet another problem with the cross bar as just described is that the height of the cross bar is typically positioned at a fixed dimension above the primary horizontal plane of the slidable platform. Since the height of people who exercise vary significantly for instance, the shorter exercisers perhaps being under five feet in height, and the taller exercisers being up to seven feet in height, the substantially fixed position of the cross bar fails to provide ergonomically correct positioning of all exercisers.
An example embodiment of the present invention is directed to an exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces. The exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces includes a plurality of resting platforms fixed at various dimensions vertically positioned above the horizontal plane of the slidable carriage of a Pilates apparatus. The plurality of platforms thereby provide for surfaces providing for grasping by the hands, supporting the exercisers' arms, resistant to pushing force applied by exercisers' feet or supportive of the entire weight of an exerciser upon the apparatus, and which further provides for ergonomically correct hand-gripping positions used by all different sized exercisers when performing various exercises upon the apparatus.
The width of the handle platforms are preferably of a dimension that provides for comfortable gripping by the exerciser's hands, while at the same time provides for comfortably cushioning exercisers who apply substantial downward or lateral force against the platform by distributing such forces to an adequately large platform surface area upon which a hand, arm, foot or entire body weight is placed.
More specifically, the present invention teaches an exercise apparatus with a plurality of exercise support platforms that also serve as grasping handles, the handles providing for an exerciser to grip the handles when the palms of their hands are facing vertically upward, downward, or facing toward or away from the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus.
It should be noted that for illustrative purposes, the description herein may refer to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus as a “Y axis”, the axis lateral to the longitudinal axis as the “X axis”, and the vertical axis with a zero elevation dimension being the horizontal plane of the slidable carriage platform as a “Z axis”.
One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a handle system of an exercise apparatus with at least one secondary support platform to support the hands, arms or feet of an exerciser, the secondary support platform creating an exercise surface on a second horizontal plane positioned at a fixed Z dimension above the primary horizontal plane of the slidable exercise platform.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a handle system of an improved exercise apparatus, the handles preferably comprising a substantial horizontal surface area that serve as a secondary support platforms positioned at fixed Z dimensions above the primary slidable carriage platform.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a handle system of an improved exercise apparatus, the handle system being constructed of a conformable material that provides distributed force cushioning when used as a support platform, and provides for adequate conformability when squeezed by the hand when used as a gripping handle.
Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a handle of an improved exercise apparatus, the substantially horizontal top surface of the platform usable as a handle for easy gripping by a hand with the palm facing vertically downward, and a substantially vertically aligned portion of the platform of sufficient surface area as to provide for supporting substantially the entire foot of an exerciser pressing horizontally upon the handle with their foot.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a handle system of an improved exercise apparatus, the handles providing a plurality of gripping surfaces including substantially horizontal gripping surfaces with the central axis of the handles being substantially aligned with the X axis of the apparatus, substantially horizontal gripping surfaces with the central axis of the handles being substantially aligned with the Y axis of the apparatus, substantially vertical gripping surfaces with the central axis of the handles being substantially aligned with the Z axis at various dimensions above the horizontal plane of the primary slidable carriage platform, and substantially vertical gripping surfaces with the central axis of the handles being positioned at acute angles relative to the Z axis.
Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a substantially vertical platform used as a foot press, the platform preferably comprising a height and width dimension providing for support of substantially the entire bottom of an exerciser's foot whether the foot is vertically or horizontally positioned upon the platform.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a platform handle system comprising vertically projecting stanchions affixed to the support structure of an exercise apparatus, and a plurality of substantially vertical and horizontal gripping handles and supporting surfaces at different positions so as to accommodate all sizes of exercisers performing new exercises that cannot be performed on traditional Pilates apparatuses absent an equivalent platform handle system.
These and other embodiments will become known to one skilled in the art, especially after understanding the significant commercial advantages of an improved exercise apparatus that provides for the execution of exercises that cannot be performed on traditional Pilates apparatuses, and that accommodate all sizes of exercisers who will grip the particular handles most ergonomically preferred, or support their bodies upon one or more support platforms while performing an expanded repertoire of exercises that cannot be performed on traditional Pilates apparatuses. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces in detail, it is to be understood that the exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
Various aspects of specific embodiments are disclosed in the following description and related drawings. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure relevant details. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description, a discussion of several terms used herein follows. All distances and lengths using specific measurements are approximations only and are not limited to the specific measurement indicated and should be interpreted to include any measurement reasonably adjacent or near the stated measurement.
“Platform” as used herein may also mean supporting surface upon which an exerciser can place all or part of their body during the performance of an exercise. The platform may have a supporting surface that is aligned substantially with the horizontal surface of the primary exercise platform plane, perpendicular to the primary exercise platform plane, or positioned angularly relative to the primary horizontal surface of the primary exercise platform plane. These descriptions are interchangeable. “Platform” as used herein may also mean supporting surface upon which an exerciser can place all or part of their body during the performance of an exercise. “Handle” as used herein may also mean a hand-graspable platform of such length to width ratio so as to be easily grasped by an exerciser's hand, thereby providing for a gripping. References to a “Y axis” as used herein shall mean the axis of the longitudinal center of the exercise apparatus. References to “X axis” as used herein shall mean the horizontal axis perpendicular to the Y axis. References to “Z axis” as used herein shall mean the vertical axis with a zero point located upon the Y axis, and a positive dimension being a distance measured above the Y axis.
An example exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces generally comprises a frame 200, a carriage 103 movably attached to the rail 100, and a first support structure 300a and a second support structure 300b attached to the frame 200 near the first end. The support structures 300a, 300b each include one or more platforms 108a, 108b having an upper surface that is positioned above the first plane P1 of the carriage.
As shown in an embodiment of the invention in FIG.1, the exercise machine generally comprises a substantially longitudinal rail structure 100 supported by a plurality of feet 104, a first stationary platform 102 substantially at a first end, a second stationary platform 101 positioned substantially at a distal second end, and a slidable carriage 103 slidably attached to the rail structure 100, and slidable substantially the length of the apparatus between the first and second stationary platforms. The rail structure 100 may be comprised of a single monorail structure as illustrated in the drawings or two parallel rails.
Not shown, but contained within the interior of the rail structure 100, one or more biasing members (e.g. springs, elastic cords) are removably attachable between a first end of the apparatus and the slidable carriage, thereby exerting a biasing force on the carriage. An exerciser performs resistance exercises on the apparatus by moving the carriage in a direction opposed to the biasing members. U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,095 to Lagree illustrates an exemplary exercise apparatus suitable for use as the base structure for the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
In the drawing, a supporting base with feet 104 is shown supporting an exercise apparatus. A first stationary platform 102 is shown positioned between a pair of stanchions 113a, 113b that support a plurality of supporting platforms and handles.
A plurality of secondary support platforms and gripping handles are shown, specifically a left and right platform and handle system 105a, 105b positioned substantially at the second end of the apparatus. A plurality of secondary support platforms and gripping handles are shown, specifically a left and right platform and handle system 105a, 105b positioned substantially at the second end of the apparatus the platform and handle systems supported by stanchions 112a, 112b affixed to the support structure.
Further, a left and right platform and handle system 300a, 300b substantially positioned at the first end of the apparatus, each handle system 300a, 300b comprising an upper horizontal platform and handle 106a, 106b, an upper gripping handle 107a, 107b angled downwardly at an acute angle to the Z axis, a lower horizontal platform and handle 108a, 108b aligned with the Y axis, a lower handle 109a, 109b extending laterally therefrom substantially aligned with the X axis, a leg press platform 110a, 110b, and a lower gripping handle 111a, 111b aligned at an acute angle to the Z axis.
More specifically, the platform handle assemblies comprise an upper horizontal platform and handle 106a, 106b projecting substantially medially towards the longitudinal center line and substantially aligned with the X axis, a lower handle 109a, 109b extending laterally therefrom substantially aligned with the X axis, and a leg press platform 110a, 110b projecting laterally therefrom substantially aligned with the X axis.
A left and right platform and handle system substantially positioned at the first end of the apparatus, each handle system comprising an upper horizontal platform and handle 106a, 106b, an upper gripping handle 107a, 107b angled downwardly at an acute angle to the Z axis, a lower horizontal platform and handle 108 aligned with the Y axis, a lower handle 109a, 109b extending laterally therefrom substantially aligned with the X axis, a leg press platform 110a, 110b, and a lower gripping handle 111a, 111b aligned at an acute angle to the Z axis.
Further, a left and right platform and handle system is substantially positioned at the first end of the apparatus, each handle system supported by a stanchion 113a, 113b comprising an upper horizontal platform and handle 106a, 106b, an upper gripping handle 107a, 107b with its central axis substantially aligned at an acute angle relative to the Z axis, a lower horizontal platform and handle 108a, 108b aligned with the Y axis, a lower handle 109a, 109b extending horizontally and laterally therefrom substantially aligned at an acute angle relative to the X axis, a leg press platform 110a, 110b, and a lower gripping handle 111a, 111b aligned at an acute angle to the Z axis.
A first plane of the exercise apparatus indicated by the dotted horizontal line labeled P1 is shown comprising the top exercise surfaces of the slidable platform 103, a first stationary platform 102, and a second stationary platform 101. In most all instances, exercisers will engage with at least one of the platforms on the first exercise plane just described. For ease of mounting the machine, the first plane P1 is positioned between 16.5 and 20 inches vertically above the plane of the floor P0, but preferably 18 inches above the plane P0 (e.g. the floor surface).
As can be readily seen, at least one additional secondary horizontal exercise plane is shown, specifically a second plane indicated by the dotted horizontal line labeled P2 extending across a pair of left and right platform and handle systems 105a, 105b positioned proximate to a second end platform 101, and a pair of lower platform handles 108a, 108b, 109a, 109b positioned proximate to a first end platform 102. The central axes of the platform handles 105a, 105b, 108a, 108b, 109a, 109b just described are substantially aligned with the Y axis of the apparatus, and may be used by an exerciser to support the downward force exerted upon any of these platforms by the exerciser, for example the exerciser's hands, arms, legs or feet. Further, an exerciser may use the platform handles for stability during exercise by grasping the conformable handles by placing their hands palm-down, their thumbs on the medial side of the platform handles and fingers on the lateral side of the platform handles, and squeezing the conformable platforms to use a gripping handles.
Through experimentation and practice, it was discovered that the vertical distance between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 should range between 15 and 17 inches, but preferably the second plane P2 is positioned approximately 16 inches vertically above the first plane P1.
Yet a another second secondary horizontal exercise plane is shown, specifically an exercise plane indicated by the dotted horizontal line labeled P3 extending across a pair of left and right upper platform handles 106a, 106b the plane traversing substantially the width of the apparatus normal to the longitudinal axis. As previously described, the platforms may be used to support the downward pressure of the exerciser's hands, arms, legs, feet or other engaging part of the body, or maybe used as conformable gripping handles whereby the handles may be grasped by the hands in at least two different positions, one position when the alignment of the finger knuckles are aligned substantially with the X axis of the apparatus, or when the finger knuckles are aligned substantially with the Y axis of the apparatus.
Through experimentation and practice, it was discovered that the vertical distance between the first plane P1 and the third plane P3 should range between 21 and 25 inches, but preferably the third plane P3 is positioned approximately 23 inches vertically above the first plane P1. Those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that multiple exercise platforms that form multiple exercise planes represent a new and novel improvement of traditional Pilates apparatuses, and they will further appreciate that traditional Pilates apparatuses do not provide for stationary exercise platform handles aligned more closely to the vertical Z axis of an apparatus. Therefore, another new feature never before provided on horizontal resistance training apparatuses are a plurality of non-horizontal platform handles.
More specifically, fourth plane indicated by the dotted line labeled P4 is formed by platforms and handles 109a, 109b, 100, 111a, 111b affixed to a handle structure supported by stanchions 113a, 113b lateral to the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus, the central axes of the platform handles extending substantially vertically at an acute angle relative to the Z axis. It should be noted that the forward-leaning angle is aligned to closely approximate the most ergonomically beneficial position of the hands and wrists of an exercised positioned upon the slidable carriage 103 while grasping either of the pair of platform handles 111a, 111b.
A fifth plane P5 is formed by a pair of opposed platforms and handles 107a, 107b affixed to apparatus distal to the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus, the central axes of the platform handles extending substantially vertically at an acute angle relative to the Z axis, as will be more fully described in the following specification.
An alternate position of the left and right handle assemblies is shown using a dotted line 400, the line illustrating that the distance between the handle assemblies may be decreased or increased by the exerciser to more closely align with the width of the exerciser's shoulders, thereby minimizing the potential for joint and soft tissue injury by exercisers otherwise using handles spread too wide, or positioned to narrowly.
In the drawing, a platform handle 105a, 105b is shown affixed to the top substantially horizontal portion of the stanchion, and a vertical gripping handle 114a, 114b is shown with each end affixed to upper and lower mounting positions on the stanchion. As can readily be seen, the vertical gripping handle 114a, 114b is representative of traditional round grab bars used for gripping handles on exercise equipment, on the other hand, the width dimension D1 of the top platform handle 105a, 105b is substantially larger than the diameter of the traditional gripping handle.
The larger width dimension of a conformable exercise platform provides previously unavailable support for the lower arms or hands of an exerciser, the width thereby distributing the downward force exerted by an exerciser over a substantially larger area than would otherwise be provided by a traditional round grab bar.
It should be noted that the width D1 is of such a dimension as to also allow the platform to be used as a handle. More specifically, the secure gripping circumference of the conformable platform approximates the length of an average exerciser's hand, from the heel of the palm to the tips of the fingers, uniquely providing for the platforms to be used equally well as gripping handles.
Although not shown, all other conformable platform handles as previously described herein similarly provide for circumferential measurements that approximate the length of an average exerciser's hand, allowing the interchangeable use of platforms as secure gripping handles.
It should be noted that as previously described, the upper horizontal platform and handle 106a, 106b and a leg press platform 110a, 110b are aligned substantially aligned with the X axis of the apparatus, the alignment previously described being equal to zero Theta degrees from the X axis. As shown in this figure, the opposed facing ends of the upper horizontal platform and handle 106a, 106b may be aligned with the X axis, or angled in a direction opposed to the slidable carriage 103, while the leg press platforms 110a, 110b may be aligned with the X axis, or angled in a direction towards the slidable carriage 103.
Therefore, the angle of Theta is preferably between zero degrees and 12 degrees acute angle relative to the X axis. Further, as can be readily seen, the dimensions D2, D3 of the leg press platforms 110a, 110b differ substantially from the width dimension D1 of the plurality of secondary platforms as previously described. As will be later described, the increased dimensions of the leg press platform 109a, 109b provide for substantially increased surface area to support the exerciser's feet whether the central axis of the feet are substantially aligned with either the Z axis or X axis of the apparatus, a new, novel and distinctive improvement never before available on traditional Pilates apparatuses.
As previously described
In another variation and alternative embodiment of the present invention,
Then once more, the gripping portion of the lower horizontal platform and handle 108a, 108b is reduced by tapering T the longitudinal edges of the lower horizontal platform and handle 108a, 108b inwardly towards the central axis of the handle, thereby providing for a smaller circumferential dimension in the section that will be used as a handle. Finally, as the lower narrowed portion of the horizontal platform and handle 108a, 108b approaches the point of transition to the leg press platform 109a, 109b, the width once again tapers away from the central axis of the handle, creating a wider platform.
How, in use, those skilled in the art will immediately recognize that an exerciser placing a forearm on the lower horizontal platform and handle 108a, 108b will rest the elbow on the wider transition point between the lower horizontal platform and handle 108a, 108b and the leg press platform 109a, 109b, and further grasp the upper gripping handle 107a, 107b at the comfortable, inwardly tapered portion.
It should be noted that the just described inward or outward tapering of the platform handles, and the location of the tapers is not meant to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that only tapering inwardly from an otherwise fixed-width platform, or only tapering outwardly from a fixed width platform, or changing the positions of the wider or narrower portions of the platform handles may be preferred in order to accomplish various and different exercises, yet the relatively wide and narrow portions nevertheless continuing to define the primary weight supporting points and gripping points respectively.
The results typically encountered, and which are solved by the present invention, are that the foot can occasionally slip off of the round bar, the ankle sustains injury due to the lack of foot and ankle stability, and the increased pain causes the exerciser to use less pressure, and therefore realize fewer fitness benefits when compared to using higher pressure against higher resistance forces when the food is not experiencing pain.
The exerciser is mounted on the slidable carriage 103 in a kneeling position facing a first end of the apparatus, and is shown moving the carriage toward and away from the first end to which one or more biasing members (e.g. springs, elastic bands, etc.) are attached which provide a biasing force to the carriage.
The relatively high position of the hands on the platform handle assembly intensifies the muscle stimulation, and therefore the exercise training of the higher muscles of the shoulders and back.
The exerciser is mounted on the slidable carriage 103 in a kneeling position facing a first end of the apparatus, and is shown moving the carriage toward and away from the first end to which a biasing member is attached. The relatively high palms-inward position of the hands on the platform handle assembly intensifies the muscle stimulation, and therefore the exercise training of the upper shoulders, back and upper chest.
It should be noted that the lengthy description of the many exercises just illustrated are not exhaustive, and the illustrated exerciser interfaces with the many platforms and handles are not meant to me limiting. Those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that a great number of different exercises that cannot be practiced on traditional exercise machines can, for the first time, be performed on the improved apparatus of the present invention.
The exercise, often referred to as the “flying push up” is performed by placing the hands on the handles 106a, 106b at a first end of the apparatus, and placing the feet on the slidable carriage 103 when the carriage is positioned substantially proximal to the first end of the structure. The slidable carriage 103 is resistance biased toward the first end by means of springs or elastic cords. To begin the exercise, the exerciser uses arms, core muscles and legs to push the carriage towards the second end in the direction shown, the force of the push being the sufficient to overcome the sum of the resistance bias and the contributed portion of the exerciser's body weight that is being pushed up the incline. Now then, the hands in this instance are pressing against the conformable platform, being positioned upon the contact surfaces 106a, 106b being used as platforms. It can be readily appreciated that the hands are not grasping these support surfaces as handles which, in various other exercises would be used as a means for the exerciser to pull against, rather than push.
U.S. Patent Publication No. US-2015-0057127-A1 to Lagree illustrates an exemplary exercise apparatus suitable for use as the tilting base structure about a pitch axis for the present invention and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The pitch axis may be the middle portion, the first end or the second end of the frame. The frame of the present invention may also be pivoted to either the left side or the right side about the longitudinal axis (the roll axis).
The contact surfaces 105a, 105b are supported by stanchions 112a, 112b, the left and right stanchions and contact surfaces being mirrors of one another. Now then, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in order for an exerciser to perform the exercise from the position shown, one contact surface of the present invention will be pushed against as support, while the other identical but mirrored contact surface will be used as a grasping handle, pulled against by the exerciser.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces for the exerciser to make physical contact with during the performance of an exercise with their various body parts (e.g. hands, elbows, wrists, arms, feet, shins, knees, legs and otherwise). A frame 200 of the exercise machine includes a first end 202, a second end 204 and a longitudinal axis. The frame 200 includes at least one rail 100. A carriage 103 is movably connected to the rail 100, wherein the carriage 103 is movable between the first end and the second end of the rail 100. The carriage 103 also has an upper surface aligned with a first plane P1. The exemplary embodiment of the exercise machine further preferably includes a first support structure 300a and a second support structure 300b attached to the frame 200 near the first end 202 or second end 204 of the exercise machine. The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b are preferably positioned on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis. The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b each further preferably include a first platform 108a, 108b having an upper surface that is aligned with a first plane P2 that is positioned above the first plane of the carriage.
The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b each preferably include a first handle 111a, 111b. The first handle 111a, 111b is preferably positioned below the upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b. The first handle 111a, 111b is substantially vertically orientated. The first handle 111a, 111b may have a cylindrical shape or an inner face that is substantially flat. The inner face of the first handle 111a, 111b is preferably angled with respect to the upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b.
The upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b is preferably elongated, straight and/or narrow in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b is preferably stationary but may be movable. The upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b is substantially straight. The upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b preferably includes a first portion (the portion the lead lines for 108a and 108b point to) that is substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine 120. The upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b further preferably includes a second portion 109a, 109b that is aligned substantially transversely with the first portion. The second portion 109a, 109b of the upper surface of the first platform extends outwardly away from the longitudinal axis forming an L-shaped surface with the first portion. The first portion and the second portion 109a, 109b of the upper surface of the first platform are preferably on the same plane.
The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b each preferably include a leg press platform 110a, 110b extending downwardly from the first platform 108a, 108b, wherein the leg press platform 110a, 110b has a substantially flat surface that is aligned on a plane that is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the frame 200. The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b each further preferably include a first handle 111a, 111b extending downwardly from the leg press platform 110a, 110b. The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b each include an upper handle 107a, 107b that extends upwardly from the upper surface of the first platform 108a, 108b. The upper handle 107a, 107b extends away from a center location of the frame 200 at an upward angle.
The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b further preferably each include a second platform 106a, 106b extending from the upper handle 107a, 107b, wherein the second platform 106a, 106b has an upper surface. The second platform 106a, 106b extends inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis of the frame 200. The second platform 106a, 106b extends along an axis that is substantially transverse with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the frame 200. The second platform 106a, 106b extends along an axis that is substantially transverse with respect to the first platform 108a, 108b. The upper surface of the second platform 106a, 106b is aligned with a third plane P3, wherein the third plane P3 is above the second plane P2 and the first plane P1. The first plane P1, the second plane P2 and the third plane P3 are substantially parallel with respect to one another. A first distance between the first plane P1 and the second plane P2 is substantially greater than a second distance between the second plane P2 and the third plane P3.
The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b preferably substantially mirror one another. The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b are distally spaced apart from one another and are preferably not connected directly to one another though they may be connected together. The first support structure 300a and the second support structure 300b may also be distally spaced apart from one another and are individually movable toward or apart from one another along an axis traverse to the longitudinal axis of the base structure.
The frame 200 may be movably connected to a base to allow for adjustment of the state of the exercise machine (e.g. to elevate, tilt and the like) or non-movably attached to the base. For example, the first end and/or the second end of the frame 200 may be adapted to be elevated and/or lowered by an actuator about a pitch axis. The frame 200 may also be adapted to be rotated about the longitudinal axis (or a roll axis) alone or in combination with the ability to elevate and/or lower.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments, inclinable apparatus, and instruction and apparatus control methods discussed herein.
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 exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces, 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 exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces 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.
The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/299,333 filed on Oct. 20, 2016 which issues as U.S. Pat. No. 9,981,156 on May 29, 2018 (Docket No. LAGR-075), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/244,275 filed Oct. 21, 2015 (Docket No. LAGR-060). Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any applications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Not applicable to this application.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62244275 | Oct 2015 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 15299333 | Oct 2016 | US |
| Child | 15989669 | US |
