Exercise Device and Method of Using Same

• US 20070203004A1
• Filed: 03/20/2007
• Published: 08/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Total Gym Global Corp.
• Original Assignee: Engineering Fitness International Corporation
• Inventors: McCutcheon, Dan, Campanaro, Thomas, Campanaro, Joy, McMurray, Douglas
• Granted Patent: US 7,503,880 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/142
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/015 including rotating or oscillating elements rubbing against fixed elements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0622 with adjustable inclination angle of the guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• 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 21/4029 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 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• 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 22/0002 involving an exercising of arms for strengthening the upper limbs A63B23/12
• 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 22/0087 with a seat or torso support moving during the exercise, e.g. reformers A63B22/0076 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0252 supine
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/58 slideably retracted in a housing when not in use
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0355 A single apparatus used for either upper or lower limbs, i.e. with a set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limb or limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/12 : for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 : Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/908 : Adjustable

Abstract

An exercise device includes a vertical support member; an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline; a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline; first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline; one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement; and a non-motorized lift assist mechanism coupled to the adjustable incline and configured to impart a force on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a vertical support member;

an adjustable incline having a first end and a second end, the first end of the adjustable incline adjustably supported by, and vertically movable with respect to, the vertical support member for adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline;

a user support platform movably attached to the adjustable incline;

first and second pulleys coupled to the adjustable incline;

one or more cables extendable through first and second pulleys and coupled to the user support platform for movement of the support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement; and

a non-motorized lift assist mechanism coupled to the adjustable incline and configured to impart a force on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

2. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the vertical support member includes a base, and the exercise device includes a strut coupling the base to the adjustable incline, and the lift assist mechanism couples the strut to the adjustable incline and is configured to impart a force on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

3. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the the lift assist mechanism couples the strut to the adjustable incline at a location between where the strut is coupled to the adjustable incline and the vertical support member, and the lift assist mechanism is configured to push upward and toward the vertical support member on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

4. The exercise device of claim 2, wherein the adjustable incline includes a lower end adjacent the ground, the the lift assist mechanism couples the strut to the adjustable incline at a location between where the strut is coupled to the adjustable incline and the lower end of the adjustable incline, and the lift assist mechanism is configured to pull downward and toward the vertical support member on the adjustable incline to assist a user in adjusting the incline of the adjustable incline.

5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the vertical support member includes the lift assist mechanism incorporated therein.

6. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the lift assist mechanism includes a spring.

7. The exercise device of claim 6, wherein the lift assist mechanism includes a gas spring.

8. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the lift assist mechanism includes a push-type gas spring.

9. The exercise device of claim 7, wherein the lift assist mechanism includes a pull-type gas spring.

11. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said one or more cables include a single cable with opposite ends, and further including handles each connected to the opposite ends of the single cable.

12. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is collapsible.

10. The exercise device of claim, wherein the lift assist mechanism includes one or more coil springs.