Patent Grant
11826604
Not applicable to this application.
The present invention relates to the field of fitness training devices and exercise machines. More specifically, a substantially horizontal exercise machine comprising an exercise platform slidable along one or more rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of the machine structure, the slidable platform spring-biased towards one end of the machine, is tiltable to allow for one end of the machine to be raised or lowered relative to the opposed end of the machine.
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.
The exercise field is well known. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that traditional exercise machines with a sliding, substantially horizontal exercise platform, such as a Pilates machine, are intended to provide a stable surface upon which to exercise. However, fitness trainers understand that if the angle of exercise increases or decreases relative to the horizontal plane, the energy output of the exerciser correspondingly increases or decreases with the changes in the angular plane of the exercise machine. Nevertheless, the fixed horizontal exercise plane of traditional Pilates exercise machines have remained unchanged since their commercial introduction nearly 100 years ago. The benefits of tilting such an exercise machine, including the ability to increase or decrease the intensity of the exercise and the ability of an exerciser to engage muscles during a workout that would not otherwise have been engaged on a horizontal platform, would be recognized by those skilled in the art as a novel improvement, and well appreciated by the fitness industry.
An exemplary embodiment of a tilting exercise machine generally includes exercise platforms located near its first and second ends and a slidable exercise platform in between, a base frame, a boom or stanchion structure pivotably mounted to the base frame and providing support for the exercise machine, and one or more actuators operable to cause the boom or stanchion structure to rotate about the pivotable mount and impart vertical movement to the first and second ends of the exercise machine to elevate and incline the exercise machine relative to a horizontal plane.
Some exemplary embodiments include a plurality of pivotable booms or stanchions arranged in an articulating parallelogram support structure providing for the inclination or declination of the exercise plane relative to the horizontal plane.
Therefore, one exemplary embodiment broadly comprises an exercise machine with a support structure providing for the inclination or declination of the supported exercise machine relative to a horizontal plane.
Another exemplary embodiment comprises an exercise machine supported by two opposed pairs of parallel booms, each pair of booms operable by means of an actuator, and the actuators being operable together or independently as a means to increase or decrease the angle of the plane of the upper surface of the exercise platforms relative to the horizontal plane.
Yet another exemplary embodiment comprises an exercise machine supported by two opposed pairs of pivotable stanchions, each stanchion of each parallel pair connected to the opposed stanchion of the opposed pair of pivotable stanchions by means of a linkage, and one actuator that pushes or pulls against one transverse power transfer bar to the pivotable stanchions and linkage as a means to increase or decrease the angle of the plane of the upper surface of the exercise platforms relative to the horizontal plane.
These and other embodiments will become known to one skilled in the art, especially after understanding the significant advantages of tilting an exercise apparatus as a means or engaging more muscles during a workout, and as a means to increase or decrease resistance level independent of a spring biasing means. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of the tilting exercise machine 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 embodiments of the tilting exercise machine 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 tilting exercise machine in detail, it is to be understood that the tilting exercise machine 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 tilting exercise machine 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.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.
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.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments” is not exhaustive and does not require that all embodiments include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.
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 discussed herein.
An example tilting exercise machine generally comprises an upper structure comprising an elongated exercise machine and a lower support structure, which supports the exercise machine and provides elevation and inclination adjustments. The exercise machine generally has a common exercise plane, a first end and a second end with fixed exercise platforms, and a slidable exercise platform in between. The lower support structure generally comprises a base in the form of a frame, a plurality of parallel and opposed booms or stanchions pivotably mounted to the base and supporting the exercise machine, and one or more actuators. The actuator or actuators are operable to impart rotational movement to the booms or stanchions about their pivotable connections, and the booms or stanchions are arranged so as to translate such rotational movement into vertical movement of the first and second ends of the exercise machine, thus providing selective adjustment of the elevation and inclination of the exercise machine relative to a horizontal plane. Further details are provided below with reference to the figures.
It should be noted that a biasing member, also referred to herein as a “biasing means,” is not meant to be limiting, and may comprise one or more of at least an extension spring, elastic band, spring biased pulley, eddy current brake, or through-pulley weighted rope or cable as functionally equivalent without any difference in meaning.
The base support structure 106 comprises a base frame and a plurality of feet, and connected thereto a first parallel pair of booms 201 providing for platform stability against unwanted rotation about the longitudinal axis of the machine while lifting of the first end relative to the second end, and a luffing actuator 202 providing the lifting of the first end. Further provided is a second parallel pair of booms 203 providing for platform stability against unwanted rotation about the longitudinal axis of the machine while lifting of the second end relative to the first end, and a luffing actuator 204 providing the lifting of the second end.
It is not the intention of the present invention to limit the type of actuator used to pivot the booms, nor to limit the operation of the actuator to any single means. Therefore, the word “luffing actuator” as used herein is meant to describe a device with an intended purpose of independently or simultaneously repositioning one or more pairs of substantially parallel pivotable booms relative to the support structure as a means of increasing or decreasing the vertical distance from the floor to a first end and second end of a substantially rectangular exercise machine. For the purposes just described, actuators may be linear or non-linear actuators, and operable by hydraulic, pneumatic, electric or mechanical means. Any actuator and method of operating the actuator may be used to pivot the booms thereby raising or lowering the first and/or second distal ends of the exercise machine. Further, actuators may be wire connected, or wirelessly connected to a controller unit.
For purposes of simplicity and clarity of discussion of the unique functionality of the present invention as will be described in
Now then, the default elevation 800 being shown by the referenced dotted line, the drawing shows that the first luffing actuator 202 is in a state of having been retracted, thereby having pivoted the first pair of booms 201 counterclockwise about the first pivot point 300 so that the cradles 800 are positioned on a plane at a lower elevation 900 when compared to the default elevation 800. Similarly, the second luffing actuator 204 is in a state of having been equally retracted, thereby having pivoted the second pair of booms 203 clockwise about the second pivot point 301 such that the cradles 800 are positioned on a substantially horizontal plane at a lower elevation 900 relative to the default elevation 801. The drawing therefore illustrates an exercise machine support structure positioned to support an exercise machine (not shown) on a substantially horizontal plane closer to the floor than the default elevation.
As can be readily understood by those skilled in the art, one or both pairs of parallel booms may be raised or lowered simultaneously or sequentially as preferred to create an elevated substantially horizontal plane between the cradles 800 to support the exercise machine not shown at an increased distance from the floor relative to the default elevation 801.
It should be noted that the lifting member may be of a cylindrical cross section and may roll about its central axis, or be fixed so as to not roll. Further, the lifting member may be of other than a cylindrical cross section, and still further, a plurality of lifting members, such as a right lifting member affixed to a right side of the exercise structure, and a left lifting member affixed to the left side of the exercise structure may be used to provide for the raising and lowering of the exercise machine by the movement of the distal ends of the booms.
An exercise machine support structure as previously described comprises two opposed pairs of parallel booms, the distal ends of a second pair of booms 203 proximal to the second end of the support structure being shown. A distal second end of a support structure comprises a second luffing actuator 204 affixed between the frame and a second yoke 1303, the yoke having a central axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the support structure extending laterally between and affixed to a second pair of parallel booms 203.
Cradles 800 are shown with the open upper side of the cradles providing for the insertion of the lifting member 1500 of the exercise machine. The dimension of the cradle as measured in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support structure is larger than the cross section dimension of the lifting member when measured in a direction transverse to the central axis of the lifting member. The increased length of the cradle relative to the lifting member provides for the central axis of the lifting member to move nearer or further from the distal ends of the booms as the dimension measured between the centers of the cradles of the first pair of booms and second pair of booms increases or decreases throughout the full range of motion of the opposed pairs of booms.
A yoke 1303 extends substantially between and affixes to the distal ends of the booms 203, and serves as a pivotable connection point for the distal end of a luffing actuator 204.
The lower bearing surface of the lifting member may roll upon the upper bearing surface of the cradle if the lifting member is rotationally affixed to the exercise machine, or may slide upon the upper bearing surface of the cradle if the lifting member is statically affixed to the exercise machine.
In one variation, a retaining plate 1501 may be removably affixed to the upper surface of the booms 203, as a means of retaining the lifting member 1500 within the geometry of the cradle 800.
As just described, the two opposed pairs of parallel booms may be independently raised or lowered relative to each other. The geometry of the parallelogram lifting structure provides for the total horizontal dimension measured from the center of one cradle on a first boom to the center of the cradle on a second, opposed boom to lengthen or shorten in conjunction with the independent raising or lowering of the opposed booms throughout the intended range of motion of the booms. The minimum longitudinal dimension of the opposed walls of the cradle must therefore be large enough to accommodate the fixed distance between the lifting members of the exercise machine throughout the full range of motion of the opposed booms.
The base support structure comprises a frame 1706 and a plurality of feet 1806, and connected thereto a first parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1802 pivotably attached between the support structure at a first pivot point 1804 and the exercise machine, a second parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1801 pivotably attached between the support structure at a second pivot point 1805 and the exercise machine, and a pair of parallel linkage members 1803 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine between and connected to the respective stanchions of the opposed pairs of stanchions. An actuator 1707 is pivotably connected to the support structure and to one yoke (not shown), the central axis of the yoke being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the machine, and extending substantially between each of the first pair of pivotable stanchions.
Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the pivotable stanchions may be of any preferred length, and the upper end of the opposed pairs of parallel stanchions may angle toward or away from each other, and that the location of the connection points between the parallel linkage members and the pivotable stanchions may be positioned so that the effective extension or retraction of the actuator respectively increases or decreases the vertical distance between the floor and platform 1702 at the first end relative to the platform 1703 at the second end of the exercise machine.
It should be noted that movement of the stanchions and linkage just described may be provided by a power actuator, or by an unpowered mechanical actuator manually operable by an exerciser. Therefore, a manual actuation means connected by linkages to one or more pairs of pivotable stanchions may be used in lieu of powered actuators without any difference in providing for an increase or decrease in the vertical distance from the floor to a first end and second end of an exercise machine
The exercise machine (not shown) previously described is pivotally affixed to the distal machine attachment points 2101 on each of the four pivotable stanchions. In response to extension or retraction of the actuator, the exercise machine being connected at the attachment points just described will tilt at a preferred inclination or declination angle relative to the horizontal plane.
Signals to the controller may be by wired means, for instance, via a timer or microprocessor 2703, by wired switch 2704, or by means of wireless communication via a wireless remote controller 2705.
A manually operable actuator lever 2802 and lever position selection plate 2801 are affixed to substantially a first end of a support structure frame 1706, the lever being lockable in a plurality of positions by means later described.
As previously described, the base support structure comprises a frame 1706, a first parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1802 pivotably attached between the support structure at a first pivot point 1804 and the exercise machine, a second parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1801 pivotably attached between the support structure at a second pivot point 1805 and the exercise machine, and a pair of parallel linkage members 1803 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine between and connected to the respective stanchion of the opposed pairs of stanchions.
Further, a power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly, the motion being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine.
In the drawing, the actuator lever 2802 is shown tilted towards the first end of the exercise machine, having been repositioned from the vertical neutral position indicated by the dashed lever outline. In the instant configuration, the forward repositioning of the manual lever transfers movement to the pivotable stanchions in such a manner as to cause the first end of the exercise machine to incline relative to the second end.
Also connected to the support structure frame are a first parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1802 pivotably attached between the support structure at a first pivot point 1804 and the exercise machine, a second parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1801 pivotably attached between the support structure at a second pivot point 1805 and the exercise machine, and a pair of parallel linkage members 1803 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine between and connected to the respective stanchion of the opposed pairs of stanchions.
Further, a power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly, the motion being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine.
In the drawing, the actuator lever 2802 is shown tilted away from the first end of the exercise machine, having been repositioned from the vertical neutral position indicated by the dashed lever outline. In the instant configuration, the repositioning of the manual lever away from the first end transfers movement to the pivotable stanchions in such a manner as to cause the first end of the exercise machine to decline relative to the second end.
It should be noted that the opposed pivotable stanchions just described are angularly positioned toward each other at acute angles to the vertical planes, the first stanchion 1802 pivoted away from the first end of the exercise machine at angle A, and the second stanchion 1805 pivoted towards the first end of the exercise machine at angle B.
Further, a power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly, the motion being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine. An actuator lever 2802 comprises a handle bar 3000, and a retractable lever position locking member 3001, the locking member selectably engageable with each of a plurality of adjustment plate slots 3002 of a lever position selection plate 2801. A power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly.
Having disengaged the retractable from the lever position locking member 3001 from the selection plate, the lever is free to manually rotate forward, the forward rotation thereby transmitting the lever motion to rotate the first and second pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802, 1801 in a counterclockwise motion about their respective pivot points 1804, 1805.
As can be readily seen, as the stanchions are rotated in a counterclockwise direction as just described, the vertical distance between the lower and upper pivot points of the first pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802 increase when compared to the neutral position shown in
Having disengaged the retractable from the lever position locking member 3001 from the selection plate, the lever is free to manually rotate rearward, the rearward rotation thereby transmitting the lever motion to rotate the first and second pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802, 1801 in a clockwise motion about their respective pivot points 1804, 1805.
As can be readily seen, as the stanchions are rotated in a clockwise direction as just described, the vertical distance between the lower and upper pivot points of the first pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802 decrease when compared to the neutral position of
A manually operable actuator lever 2802 and lever position selection plate 2801 are affixed to substantially a first end of a support structure frame 1706, the lever being lockable in a plurality of positions by means later described.
As previously described, a first parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1802 are pivotably attached between the support structure at a first pivot point 1804 and the exercise machine, a second parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1801 are pivotably attached between the support structure at a second pivot point 1805 and the exercise machine, and a pair of parallel linkage members 1803 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine between and connected to the respective stanchion of the opposed pairs of stanchions.
Further, a power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever 2802 at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly, the motion being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine.
In the drawing, the actuator lever 2802 is shown tilted away from the first end of the exercise machine, having been repositioned from the vertical neutral position indicated by the dashed lever outline. In the instant configuration, the rearward repositioning of the manual lever transfers movement to the pivotable stanchions in such a manner as to cause the first end of the exercise machine to incline relative to the second end.
A first parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1802 are pivotably attached between the support structure at a first pivot point 1804 and the exercise machine, a second parallel pair of pivoting stanchions 1801 are pivotably attached between the support structure at a second pivot point 1805 and the exercise machine, and a pair of parallel linkage members 1803 extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine between and connected to the respective stanchion of the opposed pairs of stanchions.
Further, a power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly, the motion being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine.
In the drawing, the actuator lever 2802 is shown tilted towards the first end of the exercise machine, having been repositioned from the vertical neutral position indicated by the dashed lever outline. In the instant configuration, the repositioning of the manual lever away from the first end transfers movement to the pivotable stanchions in such a manner as to cause the first end of the exercise machine to decline relative to the second end.
It should be noted that the opposed pivotable stanchions just described are angularly positioned away each other at the angles shown relative to the vertical planes, the first stanchion 1802 pivoted toward the first end of the exercise machine at angle C, and the second stanchion 1805 pivoted away from the first end of the exercise machine at angle D.
Further, a power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly, the motion being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the exercise machine. An actuator lever 2802 comprises a handle bar 3000, and a retractable lever position locking member 3001, the locking member selectably engageable with each of a plurality of adjustment plate slots 3002 of a lever position selection plate 2801. A power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion 1802 at the other end, thereby providing the transfer of the motion of the actuator lever to the stanchion linkage assembly
Having disengaged the retractable lever position locking member 3001 from the selection plate, the lever is free to manually rotate rearward, the rearward rotation thereby transmitting the lever motion to rotate the first and second pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802, 1801 in a clockwise motion about their respective pivot points 1804, 1805.
As can be readily seen, as the stanchions are rotated in a clockwise direction as just described, the vertical distance between the lower and upper pivot points of the first pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802 increase when compared to the neutral position of
Having disengaged the retractable lever position locking member 3001 from the selection plate as previously described, the lever is free to manually rotate forward, the forward rotation thereby transmitting the lever motion to rotate the first and second pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802, 1801 in a counterclockwise motion about their respective pivot points 1804, 1805.
As can be readily seen, as the stanchions are rotated in a counterclockwise direction as just described, the vertical distance between the lower and upper pivot points of the first pairs of pivotable stanchions 1802 decrease when compared to the neutral position of
The actuator lever assembly comprises a manually operable actuator lever 2802, a handle bar 3000, a retractable lever position locking member 3001, the locking member selectably engageable with each of a plurality of adjustment plate slots 3002 of a lever position selection plate 2801. A power transfer linkage member 2800 is pivotably attached to an actuator lever at one end, and to a first pivotable stanchion (not shown). The locking member 3001 is slidably affixed to the lever 2802, the upper and lower ends of the locking member extending through openings in the lever. The upper extended end of the locking member may be grasped by an exerciser's hand and pulled upward relative to the lever. Upon pulling the locking member upward, the lower extended end, having extended through an opening in the lever and into one of a plurality of adjustment plate slots 3002 of a lever position selection plate 2801, raises the extended lower end out of the slot, thereby disengaging the locking member allowing the lever assembly to rotate forward or rearward.
A spring 3800 secured between the actuator lever 2802 and retractable lever position locking member 3001 provides for a biasing force to retain the locking member in a preferred slot of the adjustment plate 2801 when the exerciser lowers the upper extension of the locking member after repositioning.
The drawing shows that the upper end of actuator lever assembly just described is rotated counterclockwise while the retractable lever position locking member 3001, shown as a dashed outline to indicate that the locking member has been disengaged from one adjustment plate slot 3801, is in a retracted position that extends the retaining spring 3800 during the repositioning.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the body of art related to locking and unlocking rotatable levers about a slotted plate, and biasing means to retain locking members in a locked state is large and well known. It is not the intention of the description herein to limit the adjustment lever details to those described, and any number of alternative mechanical linkages and interlocking components that would allow for engaging and disengaging a lever in various positions may be used.
The use of a transverse bar on Pilates exercise machines are well known, and are used by exercisers to push or pull against during the performance of an exercise. However, transverse bars on Pilates apparatuses are not used for the purpose of tilting the Pilates apparatus. No Pilates apparatus teaches inclination or declination of the exercise plane, and rather the Pilates Method specifically teaches away from inclining an apparatus, espousing only exercises on a horizontal apparatus.
In the drawing, the front view of a handle bar 3000 affixed to a manual actuator lever 2802 on the right side as previously described is shown. Further, the inward extension of the retractable lever position locking member 3001 is shown below a portion of the single transverse handle bar. As previously described, the retractable lever position locking member may be raised towards the handle bar to disengage the lower portion from each of a plurality of adjustment plate slots.
In the configuration shown, the handle bar extends transversely substantially across the exercise machine attaching to a left side lever 3900 shown without a locking member. The actuator lever 2802 and the left side lever 3900 are both connected to the linkage assemblies as previously described by means of equal length power transfer linkage members, and therefore the right and left levers to which the handle bar is connected move in parallel during any adjustment, and remain parallel and static when the locking member is locked in a preferred position.
The single, transverse handle bar just described will not allow an exerciser to pass their body through and between the opposed right and left levers. Therefore, it may be preferred to split the handle bars to allow for an exerciser to perform exercises between the handlebars.
The drawing shows a first handle bar 3901 secured to a first actuator lever assembly comprising a retractable locking member, and a second handle bar 3902 affixed to a second lever without a retractable locking member. The handle bars 3901, 3902, being both connected to the linkage assemblies as previously described, move in parallel during any adjustment, and remain parallel and static when the locking member is locked in a preferred position.
In use, an exerciser may first use the controller to control the actuator or actuators to adjust the relative vertical positions of the first and second ends of the exercise machine for a desired elevation and inclination of the exercise machine relative to a horizontal plane, as appropriate for the exercise to be performed. Alternatively, in embodiments in which a manual actuator lever is employed, the exerciser may rotate the actuator lever to the position corresponding to the desired inclination of the exercise machine for the exercise to be performed and lock it in place. Also alternatively, an exerciser having stature or a condition requiring the exercise machine to be lowered for mounting may do so and may mount the exercise machine prior to adjusting the inclination. Obviously, however, caution should be taken in adjusting the elevation and inclination of the exercise machine while an exerciser is mounted thereon in order to avoid falling as the exercise machine is in motion.
Once the exercise machine is adjusted to the desired elevation and inclination, the exerciser may mount the exercise machine and perform any desired exercises targeting various muscles and muscle groups. By way of example, and with reference to
While one example of a useful exercise has been provided above, the present invention is not intended to be limited with respect to any particular exercises that may be performed using the exercise machine of the present invention. To the contrary, persons skilled in the art will realize that a wide variety of useful exercises may be performed using an exercise machine embodying the present invention.
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 tilting exercise machine, 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 tilting exercise machine 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. 17/194,738 filed on Mar. 8, 2021 which issues as U.S. Pat. No. 11,433,271 on Sep. 6, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/419,911 filed on May 22, 2019 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,940,358, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/491,540 filed on Apr. 19, 2017 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,300,328 on May 28, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/324,582 filed Apr. 19, 2016. Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any applications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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