Tilting exercise machine

• US 10,300,328 B2
• Filed: 04/19/2017
• Issued: 05/28/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 04/19/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc. (Sebastien Lagree)
• Original Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc. (Sebastien Lagree)
• Inventors: Lagree, Sebastien Anthony Louis, Hamilton, John C., Gibbs, Andy H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Anderson, Megan
• Application Number:
  US15/491,540
• Publication Number:
  US 20170296865A1
• Time in Patent Office: 769 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00047 Exercising devices not moving during use benches A63B21/4029; isometric exercising devices A63B21/0023; step exercisers A63B23/0458; walk exercisers A63B23/0464
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00065 by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/023 Wound springs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0407 Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/055 extension element type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0609 consisting of loosely interconnected elements for progressively changing weight, e.g. heavy chains
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0622 with adjustable inclination angle of the guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/068 using user's body weight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4027 Specific exercise interfaces chairs or stools with exercising means A47C9/002
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4029 Benches specifically adapted for exercising for bench press exercises A63B21/078
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4031 with parts of the bench moving against a resistance during exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4033 Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4045 Reciprocating movement along, in or on a guide weights moving along or in guiding means A63B21/06; for cardio-training A63B22/201
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0007 by alternatively exercising arms or legs, e.g. with a single set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/001 by simultaneously exercising arms and legs, e.g. diagonally in anti-phase A63B22/0076 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0023 : the inclination of the main axis of the movement path being adjustable, e.g. the inclination of an endless band
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0046 : Details of the support elements or their connection to the exercising apparatus, e.g. adjustment of size or orientation attachments of resisters or weights to the body of the user A63B21/4001; using rollers, wheels, castors or gliding means to be moved over the floor or guide tracks A63B22/20
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0087 : with a seat or torso support moving during the exercise, e.g. reformers A63B22/0076 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0089 : a counterforce being provided to the support force-resisting aspects A63B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/203 : in a horizontal plane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/205 : in a substantially vertical plane, e.g. for exercising against gravity exercising for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a user's body weight A63B21/068; with adjustable inclination A63B22/0023
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 : specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 : Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 : Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 : Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Abstract

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.

Claims

1. An exercise machine, comprising:

an upper frame having at least one track, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the upper frame includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one track has a longitudinal axis;

a first exercise platform connected to or near the first end of the upper frame;

a second exercise platform connected to or near the second end of the upper frame;

a third exercise platform moveably connected to the at least one track and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the at least one track;

at least one biasing member connected to the third exercise platform, wherein the at least one biasing member provides a resistance force to the third exercise platform;

a base;

a first boom having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end connected to the upper frame at or near the first end of the upper frame;

a second boom having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end connected to the upper frame at or near the second end of the upper frame;

a first actuator having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the first boom;

a second actuator having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the second boom;

wherein the first actuator is operable to cause the first end of the first boom to rotate about a first pivotable connection to the base and thereby cause the second distal end of the first boom to move in a vertical direction relative to the base; and

wherein the second actuator is operable to cause the first end of the second boom to rotate about a second pivotable connection to the base and thereby cause the second distal end of the second boom to move in the vertical direction relative to the base;

whereby the first and second ends of the upper frame are selectively moveable in the vertical direction to elevate the exercise machine with respect to the base and to provide the exercise machine with an angle of inclination between a first end and a second end of the exercise machine relative to a horizontal plane;

wherein the first boom and the second boom have a crossed configuration.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the base includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the base is closer to the first end of the upper frame than the second end of the base, wherein the second end of the base is closer to the second end of the upper frame than the first end of the base, wherein the first pivotable connection is closer to the second end of the base than the first end of the base, and wherein the second pivotable connection is closer to the first end of the base than the second end of the base.

3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the first end of the first actuator is closer to the first end of the base than the second end of the base and wherein the first end of the second actuator is closer to the second end of the base than the first end of the base.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the first end of the first actuator is closer to the first end of the base than the first pivotable connection and wherein the first end of the second actuator is closer to the second end of the base than the second pivotable connection.

5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first boom comprises a first pair of parallel booms each having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second distal end connected to the upper frame at or near the first end of the upper frame;

the second boom comprises a second pair of parallel booms each having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second distal end connected to the upper frame at or near the second end of the upper frame;

wherein the first pair and second pair of parallel booms are connected to the base opposing each other.

6. The exercise machine of claim 5, including:

a first yoke extending transversely between and connecting the first pair of parallel booms near the respective second distal ends of the first pair of parallel booms, the first actuator pivotably connected to the first yoke, the first yoke thereby pivotably connecting the first actuator to the first pair of parallel booms; and

a second yoke extending transversely between and connecting the second pair of parallel booms near the respective second distal ends of the second pair of parallel booms, the second actuator pivotably connected to the second yoke, the second yoke thereby pivotably connecting the second actuator to the second pair of parallel booms.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first and second actuators are operable independently of each other.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first and second actuators are luffing actuators.

9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first and second actuators comprise a linear actuator, non-linear actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electric actuator, or mechanical actuator.

10. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a controller, and wherein the controller is operable to independently control each of the first and second actuators.

11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first boom is pivotably connected to the first actuator and the second boom is pivotably connected to the second actuator.

12. The exercise machine of claim 1, including:

a first lifting member connected to the upper frame near the first end and extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the upper frame;

a second lifting member connected to the upper frame near the second end and extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the upper frame; and

wherein the first boom and the second boom each has a cradle near a respective second end, the cradle of the first boom in contact with and supporting the first lifting member, and the cradle of the second boom in contact with and supporting the second lifting member.

13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one biasing member comprises a spring, elastic band, spring biased pulley, eddy current brake, through-pulley weighted rope, or through-pulley weighted cable.

14. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the at least one biasing member comprises a spring, elastic band, spring biased pulley, eddy current brake, through-pulley weighted rope, or through-pulley weighted cable.

15. An exercise machine, comprising:

an upper frame having at least one track, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the upper frame includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one track has a longitudinal axis;

a first exercise platform connected to or near the first end of the upper frame;

a second exercise platform connected to or near the second end of the upper frame;

a third exercise platform moveably connected to the at least one track and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the at least one track;

at least one biasing member connected to the third exercise platform, wherein the at least one biasing member provides a resistance force to the third exercise platform;

a base having a first end and a second end;

a first boom having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end pivotably connected to the upper frame at or near the first end of the upper frame;

a second boom having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end pivotably connected to the upper frame at or near the second end of the upper frame;

a first actuator having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the first boom;

a second actuator having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the second boom;

wherein the first actuator is operable to cause the first end of the first boom to rotate about a first pivotable connection to the base and thereby cause the second distal end of the first boom to move in a vertical direction relative to the base; and

wherein the second actuator is operable to cause the first end of the second boom to rotate about a second pivotable connection to the base and thereby cause the second distal end of the second boom to move in the vertical direction relative to the base;

whereby the first and second ends of the upper frame are selectively moveable in the vertical direction to elevate the exercise machine with respect to the base and to provide the exercise machine with an angle of inclination between a first end and a second end of the exercise machine relative to a horizontal plane;

wherein the first boom and the second boom have a crossed configuration;

wherein the first and second actuators are operable independently of each other;

wherein the first boom is pivotably connected to the first actuator and the second boom is pivotably connected to the second actuator; and

wherein the first end of the base is closer to the first end of the upper frame than the second end of the base, wherein the second end of the base is closer to the second end of the upper frame than the first end of the base, wherein the first pivotable connection is closer to the second end of the base than the first end of the base, and wherein the second pivotable connection is closer to the first end of the base than the second end of the base.

16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the first boom comprises a first pair of parallel booms each having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second distal end connected to the upper frame at or near the first end of the upper frame;

the second boom comprises a second pair of parallel booms each having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second distal end connected to the upper frame at or near the second end of the upper frame;

wherein the first pair and second pair of parallel booms are connected to the base opposing each other.

17. The exercise machine of claim 16, including:

a first yoke extending transversely between and connecting the first pair of parallel booms near the respective second distal ends of the first pair of parallel booms, the first actuator pivotably connected to the first yoke, the first yoke thereby pivotably connecting the first actuator to the first pair of parallel booms; and

a second yoke extending transversely between and connecting the second pair of parallel booms near the respective second distal ends of the second pair of parallel booms, the second actuator pivotably connected to the second yoke, the second yoke thereby pivotably connecting the second actuator to the second pair of parallel booms.

18. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the first and second actuators are luffing actuators.

19. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the first and second actuators comprise a linear actuator, non-linear actuator, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator, electric actuator, or mechanical actuator.

20. The exercise machine of claim 15, further comprising a controller, and wherein the controller is operable to independently control each of the first and second actuators.

21. The exercise machine of claim 15, including:

a first lifting member connected to the upper frame near the first end and extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the upper frame;

a second lifting member connected to the upper frame near the second end and extending transversely to the central longitudinal axis of the upper frame; and

wherein the first boom and the second boom each has a cradle near a respective second end, the cradle of the first boom in contact with and supporting the first lifting member, and the cradle of the second boom in contact with and supporting the second lifting member.

22. An exercise machine, comprising:

an upper frame having at least one track, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the upper frame includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one track has a longitudinal axis;

a first exercise platform connected to or near the first end of the upper frame;

a second exercise platform connected to or near the second end of the upper frame;

a third exercise platform moveably connected to the at least one track and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the at least one track;

at least one biasing member connected to the third exercise platform, wherein the at least one biasing member provides a resistance force to the third exercise platform;

a base having a first end and a second end;

a first boom having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end pivotably connected to the upper frame at or near the first end of the upper frame;

a second boom having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end pivotably connected to the upper frame at or near the second end of the upper frame;

a first actuator having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the first boom;

a second actuator having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the second boom;

wherein the first actuator is operable to cause the first end of the first boom to rotate about a first pivotable connection to the base and thereby cause the second distal end of the first boom to move in a vertical direction relative to the base; and

wherein the second actuator is operable to cause the first end of the second boom to rotate about a second pivotable connection to the base and thereby cause the second distal end of the second boom to move in the vertical direction relative to the base;

whereby the first and second ends of the upper frame are selectively moveable in the vertical direction to elevate the exercise machine with respect to the base and to provide the exercise machine with an angle of inclination between a first end and a second end of the exercise machine relative to a horizontal plane;

wherein the first boom and the second boom have a crossed configuration;

wherein the first and second actuators are operable independently of each other;

wherein the first boom is pivotably connected to the first actuator and the second boom is pivotably connected to the second actuator; and

wherein the first end of the base is closer to the first end of the upper frame than the second end of the base, wherein the second end of the base is closer to the second end of the upper frame than the first end of the base, wherein the first pivotable connection is closer to the second end of the base than the first end of the base, and wherein the second pivotable connection is closer to the first end of the base than the second end of the base;

wherein the first end of the first actuator is closer to the first end of the base than the second end of the base and wherein the first end of the second actuator is closer to the second end of the base than the first end of the base;

wherein the first end of the first actuator is closer to the first end of the base than the first pivotable connection and wherein the first end of the second actuator is closer to the second end of the base than the second pivotable connection.