This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Weightlifting machines for simulating barbell exercise movements typically include barbells attached to slide mechanisms that run on vertical guides on opposite sides of a stationary frame. This allows a lifter to perform exercises with vertical up and down movements, such as squats, bench press exercises, and the like, but does not permit any horizontal movements. Other weight lifting machines include cables that allow for moving weights attached to the cables to perform exercises such as push downs, curls, pull downs, rows, etc.
This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed toward multifunctional exercise machines. In one example embodiment, a machine generally includes a resistance (e.g., at least one stack of weights, etc.). In another example embodiment, the machine may also (or alternatively) include at least one carriage associated with the resistance. In another example embodiment, the machine may also (or alternatively) include at least one cable arm assembly. In some aspects, the at least one cable arm assembly is rotatable in a generally horizontal plane, where the at least one cable arm assembly includes a first arm segment and a second arm segment, and where the second arm segment is rotatable relative to the first arm segment in a generally vertical plane. In another example embodiment, the machine may also (or alternatively) include a monolift assembly moveable in a generally vertical direction, where the monolift assembly includes first and second arms, and where the first and second arms are both adjustable in a direction generally parallel to longitudinal axes of the first and second arms. In another example embodiment, the machine may also (or alternatively) include a docking system for releasably coupling a bench to the machine. In another example embodiment, the machine may also (or alternatively) include an adjustable platform.
In another example embodiment, the machine may also (or alternatively) include at least one exercise attachment configured to couple to the machine, where the at least one exercise attachment includes first and second inserts configured to be received into corresponding openings of the machine to thereby couple the at least one exercise attachment to the machine, and where the first insert includes a post and a cap, and the cap is configured to move transverse to a longitudinal axis of the post so that when the post is received through an opening of the machine the cap can slide relative to the post to thereby retain the post in the opening.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, resistance included in example embodiments of machines includes stacks of weights. Here, carriages of the machines may be co-located with the stacks of weights. Or, carriages of the machines may be located separate from the stacks of weights and coupled thereto (so that movement of the carriages then also moves the stacks of weights). In other aspects of the present disclosure, resistance included in example embodiments of machines may include stacks of weights, resistance bands, free weights, combinations thereof, etc.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed toward arm assemblies for use with the multifunctional exercise machines. In one example embodiment, an arm assembly generally includes first and second arm segments, a first adjustment system coupled to the first and second arm segments and operable to allow selective rotation of the second arm segment relative to the first arm segment, and a second adjustment system coupled to the first arm segment and operable to allow selective rotation of the first and second arm segments together.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed toward spotting assemblies for use with the multifunctional exercise machines for use in catching barbells, etc. at desired locations in the multifunctional exercise machine. In one example embodiment, a spotting assembly generally includes at least one adjustable strap system having at least one strap, multiple couplings, and a hook portion configured to be releasably engaged with at least one of the multiple couplings to thereby position the at least one strap at a desired location for catching the barbell in the multifunctional exercise machine.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed toward exercise benches for supporting users when performing exercises, for example, in connection with the multifunctional exercise machines, etc. In one example embodiment an exercise bench generally includes a frame, a seat portion rotatable relative to the frame, a back portion rotatable relative to the frame, a carrier unit supporting the seat portion and the back portion on the frame and moveable relative to the frame for moving the seat portion and the back portion in a longitudinal direction relative to the frame, and a support moveably coupled to the frame and disposed generally below the back portion and/or the seat portion. The support is moveable relative to the frame in the longitudinal direction of the frame to thereby extend longitudinally from the frame, for example, to thereby provide additional stability to the exercise bench when the seat portion and the back portion move in the longitudinal direction relative to the frame.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed toward monolift assemblies for use with the multifunctional exercise machines. In one example embodiment, a monolift assembly generally includes a frame, at least one guide post supporting the frame, at least one receptacle coupled to the frame and configured to couple an arm to the frame for use in supporting a barbell in a multifunctional exercise machine, a first adjustment system coupled to the frame and operable to rotate the at least one receptacle relative to the at least one guide post to thereby position the at least one receptacle in one of multiple different rotational positions relative to the at least one guide post, and at least one second adjustment system operable to couple the frame to the at least one guide post at one of multiple different positions along the at least one guide post and to allow movement of the frame in a generally longitudinal direction along the at least one guide post between the multiple different positions.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure are also generally directed toward carriage assemblies for use with the multifunctional exercise machines. In one example embodiment, a carriage assembly generally includes a carriage, at least one guide rod for supporting sliding movement of the carriage, and a selector post for supporting the carriage at different desired locations along the at least one guide rod and configured to couple to a resistance of a multifunctional exercise machine so that movement of the selector post correspondingly moves at least part of the resistance of the multifunctional exercise machine. The carriage includes an adjustment system moveable between a first position in which the adjustment system couples the carriage to the selector post at one of the different desired locations along the selector post so that movement of the carriage corresponding moves the selector post and at least part of the resistance of the multifunctional exercise machine, and a second position in which the adjustment system uncouples the carriage from the selector post so that the carriage is moveable relative to the selector post and independent of the resistance of the multifunctional exercise machine. In some aspects of the example carriage assembly, the carriage may further include (additionally or alternatively) at least one mount for coupling one or more of free weights, resistance bands, and chains to the carriage. In some aspects of the example carriage assembly, the carriage may further include (additionally or alternatively) an attachment portion for use in coupling at least one exercise attachment to the carriage, the attachment portion having multiple channels extending therethrough for use in coupling the at least one exercise attachment to the carriage. In some aspects of the example carriage assembly, the carriage may further include (additionally or alternatively) a unit configured to slidably couple the carriage to the at least one guide rod and support the sliding movement of the carriage along the at least one guide rod. In some aspects, the unit may comprise ball bearings for supporting the sliding movement of the carriage along the at least one guide rod. In some aspects of the example carriage assembly, the adjustment system of the carriage may include a pin and a retainer, where the pin is configured to releasably position within an opening of the of the selector post in the first position of the adjustment system to thereby couple the carriage to the selector post at a desired location along the selector post and where the retainer is configured to hold the pin out of the opening of the selector post in the second position of the adjustment system to thereby uncouple the carriage from the selector post. In some aspects of the example carriage assembly, the at least one guide rod includes two guide rods.
Example embodiments of the present disclosure also generally relate to exercise attachments for use with the multifunctional exercise machines. In one example embodiment, an exercise attachment generally includes first and second inserts configured to be received into corresponding openings of a component of a multifunctional exercise machine (e.g., a carriage, an arm, etc.) to thereby couple the exercise attachment to the carriage. The first insert includes a post and a cap, where the cap is configured to move in a direction generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the post so that when the post is received through its corresponding opening the cap can slide relative to the post to thereby retain the post in the opening.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in
The illustrated machine 100 includes two carriage assemblies (each indicated at reference number 118), each having a height adjustable carriage 120 associated with (and coupled to) one of the weight stacks 104. The carriage 120 of each of the carriage assemblies 118 (and their associated weight stacks 104) can be operated independently of each other (e.g., allowing dumbbell type exercise to be performed in the machine 100, etc.), or they can be operated in sync together (e.g., allowing barbell type exercises to be performed in the machine 100, etc.).
With reference to
As shown in
The weight stack 104 is located adjacent the carriage 120 with which it is associated. A second selector post 128 is provided for use with the weight stack 104. The second selector post 128 extends through the weight plates (e.g., through central openings of the weight plates, etc.) of the weight stack 104. The pin 106 (
A cable system is associated with the machine 100 for use in coupling (e.g., tethering, etc.) the carriages 120 (via their selector posts 126) and their associated weight stacks 104. For example, with continued reference to
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the machine 100 may also include mounts 132a, 132b (
In addition, in the illustrated carriage 120, a retainer 127 is provided with the pin 120a to lock, hold, etc. the pin 120a in a position out of the openings of the selector post 126 when desired to allow the carriage 120 to move independently of the selector post 126 (and, thus, also independently of the weight stack 104). For example, when the pin 120a is removed from the openings of the selector post 126, it can be rotated to move the retainer 127 out of a channel 129 (
The carriage assemblies 118 of the present disclosure allow for iso-lateral movements (using the two carriage assemblies 118) to be performed (as compared to traditional smith machines that utilize a single bar). The carriages 120 of the carriage assemblies 118 of the present disclosure are also height adjustable without needing to unload weight plates from the weight stacks 104. The carriages 120 also provide the ability to add weights externally via the external mounts 132a, 132b (e.g., free-weight plate(s), dumbbell trays, chains, bands, etc.). Desired attachments can also be coupled to the carriages 120 to allow for performing various different exercises. As an example, pad members 204 (
In some aspects, the machine 100 may also include bar portions that slide vertically within the machine 100 for use in performing desired exercise movements. Resistance to such movement can be provided via cables coupling the bar portions to the carriages 120. And, hooks are provided on each of the bar portions to selectively attach the bar portions to the frame 102 of the machine 100 as desired (e.g., at desired heights, etc.). In some aspects, the bar portions can be used independent of each other so that unilateral exercise movements can be performed. In other aspects, the bar portions can be coupled together (e.g., via spring based couplings, etc.) so that bilateral movements can be performed.
With further reference to
In the illustrated machine 100, the cable system associated with the carriage 120 (cables of the system are not shown) can also be used to selectively couple the carriage 120 to various other features of the exercise machine 100. For example, the cable system may include a cable coupled to one or more of the pulleys 130 (and to one or more pulleys 130 disposed on the frame 102 of the machine 100, for example, as part of the arm assemblies 110, 112, 114, etc.) for use in performing different functional cable exercise utilizing the weight stack 104. Here, a desired exercise attachment (e.g., a strait bar for triceps extension exercises, etc.) may be coupled to one end of the cable (e.g., to a free end of the cable, etc.) so that movement of the exercise attachment by a lifter in turn moves the carriage 120 (and the desired weight plates coupled thereto). In other example embodiments, exercise machines may include cable systems that also include cables coupled to one or more pulleys for use with counter balances or counterweights (e.g., incorporated into middle portions of the cable systems, etc.). Here the counterbalances act to counter the weight of carriages of the machines (e.g., effectively zeroing the weight of the carriages, etc.) to make changing locations of the carriages along selector posts easier (thereby making height adjustments and transitions of the carriages easier). In still other example embodiments, exercise machines may include counter balances or counterweights directly coupled to carriages (e.g., via cables, etc.) to offset the weight of the carriages for easy adjustment of the carriages.
With that said, in the illustrated exercise machine 100, resistance is achieved using the weight stacks 104. In other example embodiments, however, exercise machines may include features other than weight stacks for use in achieving resistance. For example, in some example embodiments, resistance may be achieved directly at carriages by using resistance bands, by using separate weight plates attached directly to the carriages, by coupling first carriages to second carriages (e.g., via cables, etc.) with the second carriages then provide the desired resistance (for both the first and second carriages), by using human load/resistance, by using carriage loads, by using combinations thereof, etc.
With reference again to
The machine 100 also includes a platform 140 on which a lifter can stand or against which a lifter can push to perform various exercises. In the example embodiment, the platform 140 couples to adjustable arms 144, but could couple to other portions of the frame 102 within the scope of the present disclosure. The platform 140 is moveable such that it can be positioned as needed to perform the desired exercises. For example, the platform 140 is moveable vertically along the frame 102 (via the arms 144) so that it can be positioned at a desired height (e.g., to accommodate desired exercises, etc.), and the platform 140 is rotatable between a vertical position and a horizontal position (as shown in
A multifunctional adjustable support pad 141 is also provided in the machine 100 for supporting users in performing various exercises. An, adjustment system similar to that described hereinafter for multifunctional adjustable footplate attachment 220 (
The machine 100 also includes arm assemblies 112. The arm assemblies 112 include arms 112a and pulleys 130 disposed toward end portions of the arms 112a. Desired exercise attachments can be coupled to cables (not shown) extending from the pulleys 130 to perform various exercise movements. In one aspect, the cables generally extend from the carriages 120 (and the weight stacks 104) to the arm assemblies 112. As such, movement of the exercise attachments in turn moves the carriage 120 (and the desired resistance bands, chains, free weights, and/or weight stacks 104 associated therewith). Alternatively, the cables could be coupled directly to the weight stacks 104 (bypassing the carriages 120). Or, the cables could be coupled to free weights (other than those of the weight stacks 104) for providing resistance, or the cables could include resiliently stretchable cables (where ends of the cables are coupled in fixed positions instead of to the carriages 120) for providing resistance. Thus, it should be appreciated that cable resistance in connection with the arm assemblies 112 can be achieved in various different ways including, but not limited to, weights, stretchy bands/cords (either separate from or attached to the carriage 120), human load/resistance, carriage loads, combinations thereof, etc. In addition, the arm assemblies 112 are rotatable around the frame 102 of the machine 100 to allow a lifter to perform the different cable exercises, for example, around a perimeter of the machine 100, within the machine 100, etc.
The machine further includes articulating arm assemblies 114. The articulating arm assemblies 114 are coupled to an upper portion of the frame 102 of the machine 100 (
The arm assemblies 114 are pivotally coupled (via a pin 146 (
With additional reference to
A cable (not visible) is provided with the arm assembly 114 for use in providing resistance to a lifter using the arm assembly 114 to perform an exercise. The cable extends through the first and second arm segments 114a, 114b of the arm assembly 114. A first end portion of the cable extends out of the free end of the second arm segment 114b (at the pulley 130) where desired exercise attachments can be coupled to the cable for use in performing cable exercises. In the illustrated embodiment, a second end portion of the cable is then coupled to the pulley 130 of the carriage 120 (and pulley 130 of the associated weight stack 104) so that movement of the exercise attachment in turn moves the carriage 120 (and the associated weight stack 104, resistance bands, chains, free weights, etc.). Alternatively (or additionally), the second end portion of the cable could be coupled to free weights other than those of the weight stack 104, such that movement of the exercise attachment in turn moves the free weights. Alternatively (or additionally), the cable may include a resiliently stretchable cable where the second end portion is coupled in a fixed position (e.g., to the frame 102 of the machine 100, to the floor, etc.), such that movement of the exercise attachment resiliently stretches the cable. Thus, it should be appreciated that cable resistance in connection with the arm assembly can be achieved in various different ways including, but not limited to, weights, stretchy bands/cords (either separate from or attached to the carriage 120), human load/resistance, carriage loads, combinations thereof, etc.
It should now be appreciated that the first and second arm segments 114a, 114b of the arm assembly 114, combined, can supply multiple different cable feeding positions to a lifter (particularly compared to prior art machines which typically allow for only vertical adjustment of exercise attachments). In addition, the location of the arm assembly 114 (on the upper portion of the frame 102) and the rotatability of the arm assembly 114 can allow exercises to take place on the front or back of the frame 102. Further, the adjustable pin systems 148, 152 of the arm assembly (which allow for horizontal and vertical adjustment) are positioned in constant locations, and do not move when locations of exercise attachments are moved (as often occurs in prior art machines). Moreover, the adjustable pin systems 148, 152 are positioned lower to the ground in the illustrated machine 100 (as compared to prior art machines) to provide generally easy access to all lifters including, for example, shorter lifters, lifters in wheelchairs, etc.
The monolift assembly 154 includes first and second arms (each indicated at reference number 156) coupled to a frame member 158 (via receptacles 159) and oriented generally parallel to each other. Hooks 160 are provided at end portions of the arms 156 for supporting a barbell in the machine 100. The arms 156 are adjustable in multiple different directions to accommodate different lifters, to allow for performing different exercise movements, etc. For example, the arms 156 of the monolift assembly 154 (coupled to frame member 158) can move vertically upward and downward along guide posts 162 to thereby adjust a vertical height of the monolift assembly 154 in the machine 100 (and a vertical position of the arms 156). Adjustable pin systems 164 (e.g., pull pins 164a, etc.) (broadly, adjustment systems) are provided to secure the arms 156 in a desired vertical position along the guide posts 162 (e.g., with the pull pins 164a fitting into desired openings along the guide posts 162, etc.). In addition, the arms 156 of the monolift assembly 154 can move relative to the frame member 158 (e.g., perpendicular to the frame member 158 through the receptacles 159, etc.), for example, to adjust a positioning of the hooks within the machine 100, etc. Again, adjustable pin systems 166 (e.g., pull pins 166a, etc.) (broadly, and adjustment system) are provided to secure the arms 156 (in conjunction with the receptacles 159) in the desired positions (e.g., with the pull pins 166a fitting into desired openings along the arms 156, etc.). Further, the arms 156 (and the receptacles 159) of the monolift assembly 154 can slide toward and away from each other along the frame member 158, as desired, to adjust a lateral spacing between the arms 156 (again, via adjustable pin systems 167 (e.g., pull pins 167a and corresponding openings in the frame member 158, etc.) (broadly, adjustment systems)). While two guide posts 162 are provided in the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that more or fewer guide posts could be used within the scope of the present disclosure.
Also in this embodiment, an adjustable pin system 168 (broadly, an adjustment system) is used to position the arms 156 of the monolift assembly 154 at desired rotational angles (or any attachment (e.g., support 170 (
In use of the monolift assembly 154, the arms 156 are configured to rotate, pivot, etc., between a generally vertical position and a generally horizontal position. For example, the arms 156 are initially positioned in the generally vertical position so that a barbell can be supported on the hooks 160. At the start of the exercise (e.g., at the start of a set, etc.), the lifter raises (vertically) the barbell off the hooks 160 of the arms 156, and the arms 156 are then rotated (via a handle 176 (e.g., a detachable handle, etc.)) to the generally horizontal position, away from the lifer and out of the path of the barbell so that the lifter can perform the exercise (moving the barbell vertically) without interference from the arms 156. At the end of the exercise (e.g., at the end of the set, etc.), the arms 156 are rotated back to the generally vertical position (via the handle 176) so that the lifter can position the barbell back on the hooks 160 of the arms 156 (without walking/moving forward/backward). The adjustable pin system 168 is provided to secure the arms 156 in the generally vertical position and the generally horizontal position when needed. Thus, it can be seen that the monolift assembly 154 provides a safe spotting system for the lifter, as a second person can quickly reposition the arms 156, as needed, back to the generally vertical position for catching the barbell if the lifter begins to fail.
The monolift assembly 154 of the illustrated machine 100 also allows chest press movements to be performed with less stress on shoulder joints. For example, people with shoulder problems often are not able to perform barbell presses as part of doing chest movements because, traditionally, support hooks used for such chest press movements are located in fixed positions, usually upward and behind the lifter. This requires moving the arms and hands above and behind the head to unrack/rack the barbell from the support hooks and, thus, into a position that provides undesired torque on the shoulders (and that may risk injury to the shoulders). In the illustrated machine 100, making use of the monolift assembly 154, the weight (and barbell) are in a safer position, generally centered over the chest of the lifter and lining up with a natural leverage pushing position of the lifter. As such, in the illustrated machine 100, the lifter does not need to put unnecessary torque on his or her shoulders or compromise safety.
With that said, it can be seen that the monolift assembly 154 of the illustrated machine 100 can be used in connection with multiple different exercises, for example, squat movements, chest press movements, etc. In contrast, monolift units of traditional exercise equipment typically allow for performing only one exercise—leg squats (e.g., allowing a lifter to stand straight up with the weight to perform a leg squat instead of lifting weight and walking forward/backward to and from support hooks, such as found on a standard power rack, etc.). What's more, the traditional monolift units are usually only vertically adjustable for very small distances, and are not horizontally adjustable as provided in the illustrated embodiment. Further, the monolift assembly 154 is illustrated with the two arms 156 coupled to the frame member 158 via the receptacles 159. And, it should be appreciated that the arms 156 can be removed from the monolift assembly 154 and interchanged with various different attachments via the receptacles 159 (e.g., support 170 via insertion of support arm 170b in one of the receptacles 159, etc.). It should also be appreciated that other example embodiments of monolift assemblies of the present disclosure may include more than or less than two receptacles within the scope of the present disclosure (such that more than or less than two arms, supports, other attachments, etc. can be coupled to frame members of the monolift assemblies).
The illustrated exercise bench 108 is also adjustable. For example, a back portion 108c of the exercise bench 108 can be rotated (via support) to desired angles for use in performing different exercises. Similarly, a seat portion 108d of the exercise bench 108 can also be rotated (via support) to desired angles for use in performing different exercises.
In addition, the seat portion 108d and back portion 108c of the exercise bench 108 can be slid longitudinally along the frame 108f of the exercise bench 108 (via carrier unit 184 (e.g., a bearing system with bearings that support movement of the seat portion 108d and back portion 108c along guide rails 108i of the frame 108f of the exercise bench 108, a roller system with rollers that support movement of the seat portion 108d and back portion 108c along the guide rails 108i of the frame 108f of the exercise bench 108, etc.)) to allow for positioning the seat and back portions 108d, 108c as desired to perform different exercises, or to allow for performing exercise movements where the user slides back and forth on the exercise bench 108 (slides the seat and back portions 108d, 108c back and forth, as discussed above), etc. A lock (e.g., a pin provided generally below the seat portion 108d configured to secure within an opening in the frame 108f of the exercise bench 108, etc.) is provided to secure the seat and back portions 108d, 108c in place on the frame 108f when sliding movement is not desired.
Further, a lower support 108e of the exercise bench 108, positioned generally below the back portion 108c of the exercise bench 108 in the illustrated embodiment, can be moved relative to the frame 108f of the exercise bench 108 (e.g., can be telescoped, can be moved along wheels, can be extended generally longitudinally, etc.) in a generally longitudinal direction of the bench 108 (see arrow A in
As can be seen, some aspects of the illustrated exercise bench 108 allow a user to slide into a correct position under whatever the user is lifting and remain centered (via the laterally adjustable docking system, including the adjustable engagement members 180). What's more, the user can easily adjust positioning of the bench 108, for example, without moving the weights, bench 108, etc. by simply adjusting a longitudinal position of the bench 108 by sliding the seat and pack portions 108d, 108c as needed and a lateral position by adjusting the docking system (e.g., the engagement members 180, etc.). As can be seen, such adjustment can be done without having to move the entire bench 108. The exercise bench 108 is also portable, such that it can be used to perform exercises in the machine 100 or out of the machine 100, or to perform exercises completely independent of the machine 100. Further, the telescoping support 108e allows the bench 108 to be supported and effectively longer in length (when the support 108e is extended) when desired (e.g., when sliding the seat and back portions 108d, 108c, etc.), but shorter in length (when the support 108e is retracted) when needed (e.g., when moving the bench 108 around, etc.). What's more, when retracted, the support 108e is positioned such that the seat and back portions 108d, 108c engage the support 108e when sliding, such that a user is required to extend the support 108e when desired to achieve full sliding movement of the seat and back portions 108d, 108c (such that the set and back portions 108d, 108c cannot extend to an unsafe position).
With reference now to
The spotting assembly 194, making use of the arms 144 and posts 198, allows for spotting barbell movements generally outside of the frame 102 of the machine 100. It also allows for performing overhead lifts without hitting the top of the frame 102, quick transitions to other barbell exercises generally outside the rack (e.g., without needing to remove all weights and thread the barbell in/out of the frame 102, as typically required in full rack units, etc.). The machine 100 (which, in some aspects, may be viewed, for example, as a half rack, etc.) also saves space and allows other sides and/or features to be used while one user makes use of the spotting assembly 194. Further, the spotting assembly allows for very small adjustments in spotting height of the assembly 194 (e.g., down to 0.5 inches, etc.), which, for example, can be made while lying on your back or sitting on the bench 108 within a few seconds (as opposed to more time consuming operations of moving entire arms in large increments, as typically done in full rack units). In some aspects, one or more of the strap systems 196 of the spotting assembly 194 can also be used by draping it/them over the monolift assembly 154, for example, to provide an adjustable “safety net” for dropped barbells there as well. In addition, it should be appreciated that the adjustable arms 144 can also be used in a traditional safety spotter manner in the machine 100 (e.g., providing arm protection below the location of the lifted barbell, etc.). Further, making use of the spotting assembly 194 draping from above as well as the arms 144 attached below can provide an additional margin of safety.
As can be seen, a lifter can use the illustrated machine 100 to lift various weights according to his or her ability, either by manipulating various exercise attachments coupled to the machine 100 by pushing/pulling with their hands or by pushing thereon with their feet. In addition, not only can the number of weight plates be regulated to match the lifter's ability but also the height of the carriage 120 (and thus the height of the attachments) can be varied to match the lifter's height and/or to match the exercise being performed. Further, the selector post 126 of the carriage 120 allows for quick and efficient adjustment of the carriage, without the need of auxiliary connecting elements.
With reference now to
As shown in
As also shown in
As shown in
In other example embodiments, handle attachments may include mounting fixtures configured to couple the attachments to carriages of exercise machines (e.g., via the connection system previously described, etc.). The attachments may also include grips and support arms coupling the grips to the mounting fixtures. The grips are moveable relative to the support arms to allow for adjusting horizontal positions of the grips (e.g., during performance of an exercise movement, before performance of an exercise movement, etc.). In use, lifters can move the grips and thereby move the carriages 120 (and their associated resistances) in performing desired exercise movements. In some aspects, single attachments may be used with them coupled to one of the carriages so that unilateral movements can be performed (e.g., movements using a single hand grasping the grip, etc.). In other aspects, two of the attachments may be used with one such attachment coupled to each of the carriages so that bilateral movements can be performed (e.g., movements using both legs, both calves, etc. at the same time).
Further, additional attachments such as swing apparatus (e.g., plyo-swings, etc.) and pivotable arms (e.g., jammer arms, etc.) may be used with the machine 100 of this embodiment (or any other machine 100 of the present disclosure). As an example, a swing apparatus can be configured to be positioned in the monolift assembly 154. The arms 156 of the monolift assembly 154 are initially rotated (via the handle 176) to a desired position (and adjusted to a desired height), and the swing apparatus is then coupled thereto (e.g., via supports, tethers, etc. coupled to the hooks 160 of the arms 156, etc.). A lifter can then sit in a chair portion of the of the swing apparatus and swing forward and backward within the machine 100 to perform various plyometric arm, leg, etc. exercise movements. In some aspects, the lifter can swing freely within the machine 100 (e.g., by pushing against a portion of the machine 100, etc.). In other aspects, the swing apparatus is coupled to the weight stacks 104 of the machine 100, resistance bands, free weights (e.g., extending from the chair portion, etc.), other forms of resistance, etc. to provide resistance to the swinging movement. In one example use of the swing apparatus, the platform 140 of the machine 100 can be positioned to allow the lifter to push against the platform 140 (with the lifter's legs) to create the swinging movement to perform leg exercise movements (e.g., leg presses, jumps, etc.). As another example, pivotable arms can be configured to be positioned in the monolift assembly 154. The pivotable arms are configured to couple to the frame member 158 of the monolift assembly 154 in place of the monolift arms 156. The pivotable arms (and handles thereof) can then be rotated (and adjusted to a desired height) for use in performing exercise movements using the arms (e.g., chest presses, shoulder presses, rows, etc.). In some aspects, the pivotable arms may also include a joint that further allows for horizontal movement, adjustment, etc. of the arms. As can be appreciated, the pivotable arms can thus provide quick and easy arm/handle height adjustment and pivot height adjustment for lifters.
In other example embodiments, exercise machines may include carriages and/or weight stacks that make use of different styles of pins to select weights, etc. In still other example embodiments, exercise machines may include weight stacks located separately from carriages (e.g., on separate guides from the carriages, etc.), but still coupled (e.g., tethered, etc.) to the carriages (e.g., via cables and pulleys, etc.) where cables may be coupled between the weight stacks and the carriages (or, alternatively, between selector rods associated with the weight stacks and the carriages, etc.), or cables may be anchored to plates that can then be coupled to the carriages (or, alternatively, to the selector rods associated with the carriages, etc.), etc.
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.
This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/701,445, filed Sep. 14, 2012, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/784,192, filed Mar. 14, 2013. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference The present disclosure relates generally to exercise machines, and more particularly to multifunctional exercise machines of the type which simulate free weight barbell and dumbbell exercise movements as well as functional training cable exercises.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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20140080685 A1 | Mar 2014 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61701445 | Sep 2012 | US | |
61784192 | Mar 2013 | US |