Exercise machine support system
First Claim
1. An exercise machine support system, comprising:
- an exercise machine having a first end, a second end, a midpoint centrally located between the first end and the second end, and a first end platform near the first end;
at least one rail extending between the first and the second end of the exercise machine;
a carriage movably connected to the at least one rail;
a bias member connected to the carriage, wherein the bias member is adapted to exert resistance on the carriage;
a base positioned underneath the exercise machine;
a support extending upwardly from the base, wherein the exercise machine is pivotally connected to the support at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located between the first end and the midpoint of the exercise machine; and
an actuator connected between the base and the exercise machine for pivoting the exercise machine about the support;
wherein pivoting the exercise machine in a first direction causes the first end of the exercise machine to move upwardly and the second end of the exercise machine to move downwardly, and wherein pivoting the exercise machine in a second direction causes the first end of the exercise machine to move downwardly and the second end of the exercise machine to move upwardly.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An exercise machine support system for providing increased versatility including inclination or declination of an exercise surface, a reduction in the overall length and width of the exercise machine, and an enhanced user interface which reduces the risk of injury. The exercise machine support system generally includes a cantilevered exercise machine which is adapted to have a variable angle of incline or decline with respect to a horizontal ground surface. The exercise machine will generally include a base and a support which extends between the base and the exercise machine. The upper end of the support is connected to the exercise machine by a first pivot such that the exercise machine pivots about the support. An adjustment device may be utilized to pivot the exercise machine and thus adjust its angle of incline. Various types of adjustment devices are disclosed, including an actuator, ratchet-and-pawl, gears, and cam.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An exercise machine support system, comprising:
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an exercise machine having a first end, a second end, a midpoint centrally located between the first end and the second end, and a first end platform near the first end; at least one rail extending between the first and the second end of the exercise machine; a carriage movably connected to the at least one rail; a bias member connected to the carriage, wherein the bias member is adapted to exert resistance on the carriage; a base positioned underneath the exercise machine; a support extending upwardly from the base, wherein the exercise machine is pivotally connected to the support at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located between the first end and the midpoint of the exercise machine; and an actuator connected between the base and the exercise machine for pivoting the exercise machine about the support; wherein pivoting the exercise machine in a first direction causes the first end of the exercise machine to move upwardly and the second end of the exercise machine to move downwardly, and wherein pivoting the exercise machine in a second direction causes the first end of the exercise machine to move downwardly and the second end of the exercise machine to move upwardly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An exercise machine support system, comprising:
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an exercise machine having a first end, a second end, a midpoint centrally located between the first end and the second end, and a first end platform near the first end; at least one rail extending between the first and the second end of the exercise machine; a carriage movably connected to the at least one rail; a bias member connected to the carriage, wherein the bias member is adapted to exert resistance on the carriage; a base positioned underneath the exercise machine; a support extending upwardly from the base, wherein the exercise machine is pivotally connected to the support at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located between the first end and the midpoint of the exercise machine; an adjustment device connected between the base and the exercise machine for pivoting the exercise machine about the support, wherein the adjustment device is connected to the exercise machine between the pivot point and the midpoint of the exercise machine; and a counterbalancing bias member connected between the base and the exercise machine, wherein the counterbalancing bias member is connected between the pivot point and the first end of the exercise machine. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. An exercise machine support system, comprising:
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an exercise machine having a first end, a second end, a midpoint centrally located between the first end and the second end, and a first end platform near the first end; at least one rail extending between the first and the second end of the exercise machine; a carriage movably connected to the at least one rail; a bias member connected to the carriage, wherein the bias member is adapted to exert resistance on the carriage; a base positioned underneath the exercise machine; a support extending upwardly from the base, wherein the exercise machine is pivotally connected to the support at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located between the first end and the midpoint of the exercise machine; and a cam connected between the base and the exercise machine for pivoting the exercise machine about the support, wherein the cam is connected to the exercise machine between the pivot point and the midpoint of the exercise machine, wherein the cam is adapted to contact an underside of the exercise machine to provide a counterbalancing force to support the second end of the exercise machine, and wherein the cam is mechanically rotated to incline or decline the exercise machine about the pivot point. - View Dependent Claims (19)
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20. An exercise machine support system, comprising:
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an exercise machine having a first end, a second end, a midpoint centrally located between the first end and the second end, and a first end platform near the first end; at least one rail extending between the first and the second end of the exercise machine; a carriage movably connected to the at least one rail; a bias member connected to the carriage, wherein the bias member is adapted to exert resistance on the carriage; a base positioned underneath the exercise machine; a support extending upwardly from the base, wherein the exercise machine is pivotally connected to the support at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located between the first end and the midpoint of the exercise machine; an actuator connected between the base and the exercise machine for pivoting the exercise machine about the support; and a counterbalancing bias member connected between the base and the exercise machine, wherein the counterbalancing bias member is connected to the exercise machine on a side of the pivot point opposite of the actuator. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification