Patent Application
20190269965
There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
This application discloses claims and embodiments generally related to exercise equipment and machines, and more particularly, to a strength and fitness exercise machine configured to isolate the lower body, thereby allowing the user to obtain optimized levels of strength, caloric expenditure, and cardiovascular and aerobic fitness during an exercise interval.
The prior art discloses numerous exercise machines for either strengthening the body, particularly the legs, or for enhancing one's cardiovascular health or aerobic fitness.
However, the prior art fails to teach, suggest, or disclose an exercise machine adapted and configured to target muscles of the lower torso, and which anatomically orients the user in a position biomechanically optimized for achieving comprehensive health and fitness while substantially reducing the risk of injury to the knee joints and lumbar spine.
The present invention is adapted and configured to anatomically orient the user in a position biomechanically optimized for substantially reducing the risk of injury to the knee joints and lumbar spine, and for achieving comprehensive health and fitness. Significantly, the biomechanically optimized position uniquely coincides with user positioned in a natural and athletic position during performance of exercise by the user when operating the machine of the present invention.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved exercise machine for targeting muscles of the lower torso which anatomically orients the user in a position biomechanically optimized for achieving comprehensive health and fitness while substantially reducing the risk of injury to the knee joints and lumbar spine. The development of the strength and fitness exercise machine of the present application fulfills this need.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No. 7,727,128 B2, issued in the name of Giannelli et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,444 B2, issued in the name of Webber;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,458, issued in the name of Giust;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,241 B1, issued in the name of Ellis;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,891 B2, issued in the name of Morris et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 7,220,221 B2, issued in the name of Mosimann et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,479 B1, issued in the name of Hildebrandt et al.;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,378, issued in the name of Abrahamian et al.; and
U.S. Patent application no. 2005/0032611 A1, published in the name of Webber et al.
This application presents claims and embodiments that fulfill a need or needs not yet satisfied by the products, inventions and methods previously or presently available. In particular, the claims and embodiments disclosed herein describe a strength and fitness exercise machine, the machine comprises a main frame comprising a front support section, a central support section, and a rear support section; a carriage support base; a torso carriage assembly mechanically coupled superjacent the carriage support base; an adjustable, inclined upper torso support slidably coupled to the torso carriage assembly; a track assembly; an adjustable shoulder support slidably coupled to the track assembly; a foot support carriage; a foot support assembly; an adjustable resistance operably connected with the shoulder support and the upper torso support via a linking assembly, the exercise machine of the present invention providing unanticipated and nonobvious combination of features distinguished from the devices, apparatuses, inventions and methods preexisting in the art. The applicant is unaware of any device, apparatus, method, disclosure or reference that discloses the features of the claims and embodiments disclosed herein, and as more fully described below.
A strength and fitness exercise machine designed to target the muscles of the lower torso is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the exercise machine comprises a main frame having a front support section, a central support section, and a rear support section, the front support section and the rear support section are integrally joined by the central support section.
The front support section includes a torso carriage assembly mechanically coupled superjacent a carriage support base. An adjustable, inclined upper torso support is slidably coupled to the torso carriage assembly. The upper torso support slidably translates along the torso carriage assembly. The upper torso support includes a cushioned pad, a pad platform, and a pad support substructure.
An adjustable shoulder support is also provided. The shoulder support is slidably coupled to a track assembly.
The central support section comprises a foot support carriage and a foot support assembly. The foot support assembly comprises a foot platform which slidably translates along the foot support carriage.
The rear support section comprises an adjustable resistance, e.g., loadable weight plates or electric resistance, operably connected with the shoulder support and the upper torso support via a linking assembly. In accordance to one embodiment, the linking assembly is a cable and pulley system.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments of an antimicrobial article, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.
The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
“Comprehensive health and fitness” as used hereinafter is defined as the simultaneous acquisition of optimized levels of strength, caloric expenditure, and cardiovascular and aerobic fitness collectively.
“Upper torso” as used hereinafter is defined as, and intended to refer to, the area between the user's abdomen and shoulders along the anterior or front side of user's body.
“Lower torso” as used hereinafter is defined as, and intended to refer to area of user's body below user's abdomen, namely the hips, thighs, knees, calves, and feet.
“Hip flexion” as used hereinafter is defined as the anatomical orientation of a person's knee joints relative to the hip joints.
“Prone” as used hereinafter is defined as, and intended to refer to, the position in which a person is laying on his/her stomach or abdomen.
“Umbilicus” as used hereinafter is defined as the navel or belly button.
“Ventral surface” as used hereinafter is defined as, and intended to refer to, the front side of a person.
“Biomechanically optimal range of motion” as used hereinafter is defined as the anatomical range of motion completed by user for one repetition of exercise, whereby in the exercise start position, user has a hip flexion measure of 90°, from which user's legs are extended to a substantially linear position at which user has a hip flexion measure of 0°, and from which user bends legs returning to the start position at which user has a hip flexion measure of 90°.
Referring now to
When combined with an exercise protocol prescribed or developed by a licensed medical, rehabilitation or fitness specialist to meet the specific needs of each patient or user individually, the machine 10 is further adapted and configured to allow the user thereof to maximize user's ability to simultaneously obtain optimized levels of strength, caloric expenditure, and cardiovascular and aerobic fitness during an exercise session efficiently and in a manner being substantially less prone to injury.
In further reference to the above-mentioned prescribed exercise protocol, it is envisioned that the prescribed protocol would be developed by a licensed medical, rehabilitation or fitness specialist for the user/patient. Thus, in light of the specific and unique needs and interests of the user/patient, the goal of the exercise prescription requires the successful integration of exercise principles and the machine 10 of the present invention.
The machine 10 is designed and configured such that when using the machine to exercise, the machine 10 uniquely enables the user to be anatomically oriented in the most biomechanically optimized position for achieving comprehensive health and fitness. The use of the machine 10 further allows the user to benefit from enhanced strength and cardiovascular health in a manner which substantially reduces the risk of injury to the knee joints and lumbar spine. The machine 10 is adapted and configured to substantially limit biomechanical joint stress on the user's knees and lumbar spine while user engages the biomechanically optimal range of motion of user's hip and knee joints during performance of exercise using the machine 10.
The machine 10 includes an adjustable inclined upper torso support and an adjustable shoulder support to accommodate a user's specific body size and shape.
The machine 10 is further adapted and configured to target the muscles of the lower torso, namely, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, pelvic stabilizer, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles.
Referring now more particularly to
The front support section 20 further comprises a first lower tubular crossmember 25 and a second lower tubular crossmember 26, the first lower crossmember 25 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first horizontal member 22 and second horizontal member 24 at forward ends 22a and 24a, respectively, thereof. The second lower crossmember 26 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first horizontal member 22 and second horizontal member 24, distal to the first lower crossmember 25. The first horizontal member 22, second horizontal member 24, first lower tubular crossmember 25, and second lower tubular crossmember 26 are coplanar and lie in a horizontal plane HPA parallel to the floor F or other flat surface upon which the machine 10 is supported.
The front support section 20 further comprises a plurality of tubular vertical members 30 comprising a first vertical member 32, a second vertical member 34, a third vertical member 36, and a fourth vertical member 38. The first vertical member 32 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to an upper sidewall of the first horizontal member 22 at the forward end 22a thereof. The second vertical member 34 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to an upper sidewall of the second horizontal member 24 at the forward end 24a thereof. The first and second vertical members 32 and 34 are oriented perpendicular to the first lower crossmember 25. The first and second vertical members 32 and 34 extend vertically along a first transverse plane TPA. The first and second vertical members 32 and 34 are of equal height. Both the first and second vertical members 32 and 34 each comprises a beveled continuous upper edge 32a and 34a, respectively.
The third vertical member 36 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to the upper sidewall of the first horizontal member 22. Third vertical member 36 lies distal to the first vertical member 32, and rearward to second lower crossmember 26. The fourth vertical member 38 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to the upper sidewall of the second horizontal member 24. Fourth vertical member 38 lies distal to the second vertical member 34, and rearward to second crossmember 26. The third and fourth vertical members 36 and 38 extend vertically along a second transverse plane TPB, the second transverse plane TPB is parallel to and spaced distal to the first transverse plane TPA. The third and fourth vertical members 36 and 38 are of equal height. The height measure of the first and second vertical members 32 and 34 is greater than the height measure of the third and fourth vertical members 36 and 38. Both the third and fourth vertical members 36 and 38 each comprises a beveled continuous upper edge 36a and 38a, respectively.
The front support section 20 further comprises a first tubular brace member 40, a second tubular brace member 42, a first upper tubular crossmember 44 and a second upper tubular crossmember 46. The first tubular brace member 40 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, orthogonally between the first vertical member 32 and the third vertical member 36. The second tubular brace member 42 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, orthogonally between the second vertical member 34 and the fourth vertical member 38.
The first upper crossmember 44 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first vertical member 32 and second vertical member 34, distally above the first lower crossmember 25. The second upper crossmember 46 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first brace member 40 and the second brace member 42, about an elongated centerline of the first brace member 40 and second brace member 42. A vertically-extending stop member 176 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to a rearward sidewall of the second upper crossmember 46. The first brace member 40, the second brace member 42, the first upper crossmember 44, and the second upper crossmember 46 are coplanar and lie in a horizontal plane HPB parallel to and spaced above the first horizontal member 22, second horizontal member 24, first lower tubular crossmember 25, and second lower tubular crossmember 26.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In reference to the flanges 77 and 78 of second torso support member 76, the first pair of flanges 77 flanks the lateral sidewalls of the second torso support member 76 proximate a forward end thereof. The first pair of flanges 77 projects outwardly in an integral fashion from the lateral sidewalls of member 76. The first pair of flanges 77 has upper surfaces which are coplanar with the upper sidewall of the second torso support member 76. The second pair of flanges 78 flanks the lateral sidewalls of the second torso support member 76 proximate a rearward end thereof. The second pair of flanges 78 projects outwardly in an integral fashion from the lateral sidewalls of member 76. The second pair of flanges 78 has upper surfaces which are coplanar with the upper sidewall of the second torso support member 76.
In reference to
As depicted in
Referring now to
Referring now more particularly to
The track support plate 152 is flanked by a first rail 160 and a second rail 162 along which the shoulder support 120 slidably translates. The first rail 160 is mounted to a side edge of track support plate 152, and the second rail 162 is mounted to the opposing side edge of plate 152. The first and second guide rails 160 and 162 to be described later in greater detail.
Referring now to
An upwardly projecting hand grips support bracket 140 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, longitudinally to an upper surface 131 of the pads support plate 130. Grip members 142 are securably mounted, such as by arc welding, transverse to hand grips support bracket 140. The grip members 142 comprise an elongated transverse section 143 having opposed ends from which respective hand grips 144 integrally extend orthogonally therefrom and oriented substantially perpendicular to the track support plate 152.
Referring now more particularly to
To accommodate users of varied upper and lower torso lengths, the cushioned shoulder pads 122 and hand grips 144 are longitudinally-adjustable, thereby enabling a plurality of selectively-desired, longitudinal setting positions of the shoulder support 120. The track 156 is provided with a series of longitudinally-oriented holes 158. For purposes of this disclosure, the series of longitudinally-oriented holes 158 are defined as “blind holes”. Blind holes are intended to mean and are defined herein as openings which do not extend completely through the track support plate 152. Thus, in accordance to the embodiment wherein the series of longitudinally-oriented holes 158 is provided in the track 156, a top of each of the holes 158 is oriented along an upper surface of the track 156, and the holes 158 extend downward a depth short of the bottom of track support plate 152. The tubular shaft 172 is also provided with a series of longitudinally-oriented holes 178 defined through the inner sidewall thereof. When performing an exercise using the machine 10, the shoulder pads 122 and hand grips 144 move concurrently or otherwise in a conjunctive manner. Thus, to adjust the shoulder pads 122, and consequently, the hand grips 144 to a selectively-desired, longitudinal setting position, pin 179 is threadedly disengaged and removed from the present hole 178 setting and the threaded aperture 177 of shaft receiver 170, and pin 180 is threadedly disengaged and removed from the present hole 158 setting and the threaded aperture 138 of pads support plate 130. The shoulder pads 122 are slidably moved longitudinally along the first and second guide rails 160 and 162 until reaching user's desired setting. While maintaining shoulder pads 122 substantially stationary in user's desired setting, the threaded aperture 138 of pads support plate 130 is aligned with one of the series of holes 158 provided in the track 156. The pin 180 threadedly engages the threaded aperture 138 until pin 180 engages the selected hole 158, thereby securing the shoulder pads 122 to the track 156 of track support plate 152 in accordance with user's selectively-desired, longitudinal setting position. Because the shoulder pads 122 and hand grips 144 move conjunctively, as the shoulder pads 122 are slidably moved, the shaft receiver 170 slidably moves along the tubular shaft 172 in a corresponding manner, thereby also positioning the shaft receiver 170 in user's desired setting, and thus aligning the threaded aperture 177 of shaft receiver 170 with one of the series of holes 178 of tubular shaft 172. Finally, pin 179 threadedly engages the threaded aperture 177 of shaft receiver 170 until pin 179 engages the selected hole 158, thereby securing the shaft receiver 170 to tubular shaft 172 in accordance with user's selectively-desired, longitudinal setting position.
It is envisioned that other locking mechanisms may be utilized for securing both the shoulder pads 122 and hand grips 144 at various longitudinal setting positions. Such locking mechanisms are therefore within the scope and spirit of the present application. In accordance to one locking assembly embodiment, the locking assembly may comprise a spring-biased pin or pin assembly. In lieu of threaded apertures 138 and 177, the pads support plate 130 and the shaft receiver 170 both may include openings, respectively, defined axially therethrough. A first spring-biased pin is disposed about the opening of pads support plate 130 and a second spring-biased pin is disposed about the opening of shaft receiver 170. The track 156 includes the series of longitudinally-oriented holes 158, and the tubular shaft 172 includes the series of longitudinally-oriented holes 178.
In reference to the first pin utilized for securing the shoulder pads 122 to a desired hole 158 setting along the track 156, in a resting position, the first pin is urged by a spring axially towards the track 156. Keeping in mind the shoulder pads 122 and hand grips 144 move in a conjunctive fashion, the second pin is retracted or pulled axially until the second pin is effectively removed from the current hole 178 position and held in such retracted position while the first pin is then retracted or pulled axially until first pin is effectively removed from the current hole 158 position in track 156, and first pin is held in such retracted position, while the shoulder pads 122 are slidably moved longitudinally along the first and second guide rails 160 and 162 (user may now release the second pin) until reaching user's desired setting. While maintaining shoulder pads 122 substantially stationary in user's desired setting, the first pin is released and urged via a spring to engage one of the holes 158 of the track 156.
Similarly, in reference to the second pin utilized for securing the shaft receiver 170 to a desired hole 178 setting of the tubular shaft 172, the second pin is urged by a spring axially towards the tubular shaft 172. As previously described, because the shoulder pads 122 and hand grips 144 move conjunctively, as the shoulder pads 122 are slidably moved, the shaft receiver 170 slidably moves along the tubular shaft 172 in a corresponding manner, thereby also positioning the shaft receiver 170 in user's desired setting, and thus aligning the second pin with one of the series of holes 178 of tubular shaft 172, whereupon the second pin is urged via a spring to automatically engage the hole 178 in current alignment with second pin.
Referring now more particularly to
The central support section 80 further comprises a plurality of tubular upright members 90 and a plurality of tubular sloped members 96. The plurality of tubular upright members 90 comprises a first upright member 92 and a second upright member 94. The first upright member 92 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, perpendicularly to an upper sidewall of the first horizontal member 22 at the rear end 22b thereof. The second upright member 94 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, perpendicularly to an upper sidewall of the second horizontal member 24 at the rear end 24b thereof. The first upright member 92 and second upright member 94 are of equal height. Both the first and second upright members 92 and 94 each comprises a beveled continuous upper edge 92a and 94a, respectively.
An upper crossmember 86 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first upright member 92 and the second upright member 94, distally above the rearward crossmember 84, and proximate the beveled continuous upper edge 92a, 94a of first upright member 92 and second upright member 94, respectively.
The plurality of tubular sloped members 96 comprises a first sloped member 97 and a second sloped member 98. A lower end of the first sloped member 97 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to the upper sidewall of first horizontal member 22, proximally rearward the forward crossmember 82. A lower sidewall of first sloped member 97, distal the lower end thereof, is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to the beveled continuous upper edge 92a of the first upright member 92. The first sloped member 97 joins the first horizontal member 22 at interface IA and at interface IB, wherein interface IA forming an angle measuring in a range of approximately 20° to 60°, in a preferred range of approximately 30° to 50°, and most preferably 40°, and wherein interface IB forming an angle measuring in a range of approximately 120° to 160°, in a preferred range of approximately 130° to 150°, and most preferably 140°. The angles formed by interface IA and interface IB are supplementary angles. By way of example, in particular reference to
Referring now more particularly to
In reference to the flanges 98a and 98b of second sloped member 98, the first pair of flanges 98a flanks the lateral sidewalls of the second sloped member 98 proximate a forward end thereof. The first pair of flanges 98a projects outwardly in an integral fashion from the lateral sidewalls of second sloped member 98. The first pair of flanges 98a has upper surfaces which are coplanar with the upper sidewall of the second sloped member 98. The second pair of flanges 98b flanks the lateral sidewalls of the second sloped member 98 proximate a rearward end thereof. The second pair of flanges 98b projects outwardly in an integral fashion from the lateral sidewalls of second sloped member 98. The second pair of flanges 98b has upper surfaces which are coplanar with the upper sidewall of the second sloped member 98.
Referring now to
The foot platform 192 further comprises a foot engaging section 199 having opposing downwardly depending, conical-shaped sidewalls 200 and 201, and a rear sidewall 202. The foot engaging section 199 extends integrally from the horizontal forward section 193 at interface II, wherein interface II forming an angle measuring in a range of approximately 125° to 135°, in a preferred range of approximately 127.5° to 132.5°, and most preferably 130°. Interface II is depicted as having a vertex V7. The upper surface of the horizontal forward section 193 provides the X-axis XC (horizontal). The Y-axis (vertical or perpendicular from horizontal) is depicted by the vertical dotted line referenced as “YE”. The X-axis XC and the Y-axis YE meet at vertex V7; thus, the angle formed by the joining of the upper surface of horizontal forward section 193 and the upper surface of foot engaging section 199 at interface II preferably measures 130°, as illustrated in
The measure of the angle of the foot engaging section 199 (at interface II as described and illustrated herein) is critical to the present invention in relation to the orientation of the upper torso support 50 and shoulder support 120, as previously described, for allowing the user of the machine 10 to both achieve comprehensive health and fitness and substantially reduce the risk of injury to the knee joints and lumbar spine.
The foot support carriage 205 comprises a first platform guide rod 206 and a second platform guide rod 208. The first platform guide rod 206 is mounted superjacent the first sloped member 97 via a first pair of platform rod support brackets 209 and 210 and the second platform guide rod 208 is mounted superjacent the second sloped member 98 via a second pair of platform rod support brackets 211 and 212. The first pair of platform rod support brackets 209 and 210 is mechanically coupled, respectively, to the first and second pair of flanges 97a and 97b of the first sloped member 97 via mechanical fasteners 109a, such as nuts and bolts. The second pair of platform rod support brackets 211 and 212 is mechanically coupled, respectively, to the first and second pair of flanges 98a and 98b of the second sloped member 98 via mechanical fasteners 109a, such as nuts and bolts.
The foot support carriage 205 further comprises a truck support plate 215 to which a plurality of platform trucks 220 are mechanically coupled via mechanical fasteners 109a, such as nuts and bolts. A first platform truck 221, a second platform truck 222, a third platform truck 223, and a fourth platform truck 224 are mounted about respective corners along an underside of truck support plate 215 via mechanical fasteners 109a, such as nuts and bolts. The first platform truck 221 and the second platform truck 222 are slidably coupled to the first platform guide rod 206. The third platform truck 223 and the fourth platform truck 224 are slidably coupled to the second platform guide rod 208. The first platform truck 221 and the second platform truck 222 slidably engage and cooperate with the first platform guide rod 206. The third platform truck 223 and the fourth platform truck 224 slidably engage and cooperate with the second platform guide rod 208. Platform trucks 221, 222, 223, and 224 are each disposed with bearings 226 which cooperate, respectively, with the first platform guide rod 206 and the second platform guide rod 208, thereby enabling the platform trucks 221, 222, 223, and 224, and thus the foot platform 192, to slidably translate smoothly along the first and second platform guide rods 206 and 208. The first and second platform trucks 221 and 222 and the third and fourth platform trucks 223 and 224 are configured to facilitate substantially frictionless motion by the foot platform 192 along the first and second platform guide rods 206 and 208, respectively.
In order to hold the foot platform 192 in the exercise start position of the machine 10, a pair of tubular stop arms 228 and 229 (
Referring now to
In accordance to one embodiment, the adjustable resistance 240 comprises a weight stack 242 housed within a weight stack structure 250. The weight stack 242 is a standard selectorized weight stack as known in the field. The weight stack 242 comprises a plurality of plates 243, each preferably being the same weight. The weight stack 242 is operably connected with the shoulder support 120 and the upper torso support 50 via a suitable linking assembly 300 or system, shown herein as a cable and pulley assembly 302 comprising a cable 304 and a plurality of pulleys P-A through P-G for directing the cable 304. Other suitable linking systems known in the field are envisioned, such as a belt(s), chain(s), rope(s), tie rod(s), or arm(s), and as such, are within the spirit and scope of the present application.
The weight stack structure 250 comprises a first tubular horizontal member 251 and a second tubular horizontal member 252, the first and second tubular horizontal members 251 and 252 are coplanar and spatially aligned in a parallel orientation. Weight stack structure 250 includes a forward crossmember 254, and a rearward crossmember 256, wherein forward crossmember 254 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first tubular horizontal member 251 and the second tubular horizontal member 252 at forward ends 251a and 252a, respectively, thereof. Rearward crossmember 256 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first tubular horizontal member 251 and the second tubular horizontal member 252 about a midpoint of first and second tubular horizontal members 251 and 252. Weight stack structure 250 further includes a first vertical member 257 and a second vertical member 259, wherein the first vertical member 257 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to an upper sidewall of the first tubular horizontal member 251 at the forward end 251a thereof, and the second vertical member 259 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to an upper sidewall of the second tubular horizontal member 252 at the forward end 252a thereof. The first vertical member 257 and the second vertical member 259 extend vertically along the same transverse plane. A first short member 260 and a second short member 262 is disclosed, wherein the first short member 260 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, along a forward end 260a, lower sidewall thereof superjacent a top edge of the first vertical member 257, and the second short member 262 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, along a forward end 262a, lower sidewall thereof superjacent a top edge of the second vertical member 259. The first short member 260 and the second short member 262 are coplanar and lie in the same horizontal plane.
The weight stack structure 250 further includes a first elongated, vertically-disposed member 264 and a second elongated, vertically-disposed member 266. The first elongated, vertically-disposed member 264 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, perpendicularly to the upper sidewall of the first tubular horizontal member 251, rearward to first vertical member 257, and the second elongated, vertically-disposed member 266 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, perpendicularly to an upper sidewall of the second tubular horizontal member 252, rearward to second vertical member 259. The first elongated, vertically-disposed member 264 and the second elongated, vertically-disposed member 266 extend upwardly in parallel spaced relation. An upper crossmember 270 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first elongated, vertically-disposed member 264 and the second elongated, vertically-disposed member 266, proximately above rearward crossmember 256. A base member 272 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, between respective inner sidewalls of the first elongated, vertically-disposed member 264 and the second elongated, vertically-disposed member 266, above upper crossmember 270 and orthogonal to first short member 260 and second short member 262. A top member 274 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, superjacent upper ends of the first elongated, vertically-disposed member 264 and the second elongated, vertically-disposed member 266. The top member 274 includes a first rod aperture 275 and a second rod aperture 276, wherein the first rod aperture 275 is aligned in spaced relation to the second rod aperture 276. The first rod aperture 275 is defined through the upper sidewall of top member 274 and extends downward through the bottom sidewall thereof, and wherein second rod aperture 276 is defined through the upper sidewall of top member 274 and extends downward through the bottom sidewall thereof.
To stabilize the weight stack structure 250, a rear sidewall of the rearward crossmember 84 may be mounted to the forward sidewall of the forward crossmember 254 in a contiguous or flush arrangement. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the rearward crossmember 84 is securably mounted, such as by arc welding, to the forward sidewall of the forward crossmember 254.
Adjustable feet 28 or footers may be provided along the lower sidewalls of each the first tubular horizontal member 251 and the second tubular horizontal member 252. The first and second tubular horizontal members 251 and 251 may each include a single adjustable foot 28 coupled at respective rear ends thereof, or the first and second tubular horizontal members 251 and 251 may each include two adjustable feet 28 coupled respectively to the lower sidewalls thereof, wherein one adjustable foot 28 coupled respectively at forward ends thereof, and one adjustable foot 28 coupled respectively at rear ends thereof.
Referring now more particularly to the cable and pulley assembly 302, the assembly 302 further comprises an upper pulley mounting bracket 310 (as best shown in
A lower rear support section bracket 312 (
In reference to
Each plate 243 further comprises a first weight stack guide rod aperture 246 and a second weight stack guide rod aperture 248 extending between a top face 243a of the plate 243 to a bottom face 243b of the plate 243, wherein the first weight stack guide rod aperture 246 and the second weight stack guide rod aperture 248 are adapted to cooperate with the first weight stack guide rod 280 and the second weight stack guide rod 284, respectively. Each plate 243 comprises a bar receiving hole 244 defined centrally therethrough between the first and second weight stack guide rod apertures 246 and 248. Each plate 243 further comprises a weight pin receiving aperture 245 extending generally transversely from the bar receiving hole 244. A weight selection bar 290 extends through the bar receiving hole 244 of each of the plurality of plates 243 in the weight stack 242. The weight selection bar 290 has a series of holes 292 disposed along its length. Each of the holes 292 corresponds in position to the position of a plate 243 in the weight stack 242. One end of the cable 304 of the cable and pulley assembly 302 is coupled to the uppermost plate 243 in the weight stack 242 by a coupling member 296 mounted to an upper end of the weight selection bar 290.
The cable 304 extends upwardly from the coupling member 296, through the axially-aligned hole 306 of top member 274 and extends over, or is otherwise routed over, and engages pulley P-A. From pulley P-A, the cable 304 extends downward and extends under and engages pulley P-B from which cable 304 extends forwardly in a generally horizontal course and extends under and then over engaging pulley P-C in a rearward course, and from pulley P-C, the cable 304 extends rearward inclinationally or in a sloped course and extends over pulley P-D and downward therefrom and extends under and engages pulley P-E from which cable 304 extends forwardly in a generally horizontal course and extends under and engages pulley P-F, from which cable 304 extends in a generally upward course and extends over and engages pulley P-G, from which cable 304 extends in a forward sloped course and terminates at an anchor 330, shown in
In order to select the desired amount of weight for performing an exercise, a weight selection pin 294 is inserted through the weight pin receiving aperture 245 to engage the weight selection bar 290, which thereby engages the plate 243 associated with the selected weight pin receiving aperture 245. For example, if the user selects the 5th plate from a top of the weight stack 242, the user will lift the 5th plate and the four plates 243 above it during the exercise. The selected plate 243 and all of the plates 243 thereabove are lifted by the cable 304. Thus, the user may gradually increase or decrease the amount of weight lifted when performing the exercise.
The machine 10 can also be used to enhance strength training regimens, particularly concerning rehabilitation therapy for the lower lumbar and knees.
Referring now to
It is envisioned that the various embodiments, as separately disclosed, are interchangeable in various aspects, so that elements of one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more of the other embodiments, and that specific positioning of individual elements may necessitate other arrangements not specifically disclosed to accommodate performance requirements or spatial considerations.
It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further 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 purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.
Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims appended hereto.
