METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN EXERCISE SUPPORT DEVICE

• US 20150080187A1
• Filed: 07/11/2014
• Published: 03/19/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lawrence Beane
• Original Assignee: Lawrence Beane
• Inventors: Beane, Lawrence
• Granted Patent: US 9,364,735 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/51
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1628 Pelvis
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/1652 Harness
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/00 Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms apparatus for passive exercising A61H1/00; generating or transmitting mechanical vibrations in general B06B
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 23/02 with electric or magnetic drive
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/64 Heated
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/66 Cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/0064 Attachments on the trainee preventing falling
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0009 for handicapped persons

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods that assist a user in utilizing an exercise machine. An exercise support device enables a user to exercise without having to hold on to the exercise machine while exercising. The exercise support device has a belt that can be worn by a user. In embodiments, the belt is connected to arm assemblies, which can be coupled to the side rails of an exercise machine. The exercise support device provides balance for a user of an exercise machine, which can enhance the quality of a user'"'"'s exercise.

Claims

1. An exercise support device that can be used with an exercise machine, comprising:

an adjustable belt that can be sized for a user of the exercise machine;

a first arm assembly that connects the belt to a first side rail of the exercise machine; and

a second arm assembly that connects the belt to a second side rail of the exercise machine,

wherein at least a portion of each of the first arm assembly and second arm assembly are substantially rigid; and

the support device assists the user in maintaining stability when installed on the exercise machine.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first side rail and second side rail of the exercise machine are substantially parallel to the sagittal plane of the user.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first arm assembly comprises:

a first belt connector attached to the belt,

a first arm attached to the first belt connector, wherein in the first arm is substantially rigid, and

a first rail connector attached to the first arm; and

the second arm assembly comprises;

a second belt connector attached to the belt,

a second arm attached to the second belt connector, wherein the second arm is substantially rigid, and

a second rail connector attached to the second arm,

wherein the first rail connector connects to the first side rail, and the second rail connector connects to the second side rail of the exercise machine.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second rail connectors are reversibly detachable from the first and second arms.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the first and second rail connectors are replaceable with one or more customized rail connectors specific to a geometry of the first and second side rail.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second belt connectors are reversibly detachable from the first and second arms.

7. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second rail connectors are fittings secured to the first and second side rail with fasteners.

8. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second rail connectors are clamps that are releasably held in a pressure fit engagement with the first and second side rails when the support device is connected to the exercise machine.

9. The device of claim 3, wherein the first arm and the second arm each include an extension mechanism that controls lengths of the first arm and the second arm.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein

the first arm and the second arm each comprise an outer arm and an inner arm nested within the outer arm;

the outer arm includes a plurality of apertures spaced longitudinally along the outer arm, and

the extension mechanism comprises a spring-loaded detent pin mounted in the inner arm, which when aligned with a selected aperture from the plurality of apertures, protrudes from the selected aperture and substantially secures length of the first arm and the second arm.

11. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second rail connectors each include a ball and socket joint.

12. The device of claim 3, wherein the first and second belt connectors each include a ball and socket joint.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a discontinuity in the belt; and

a breakaway mechanism connecting the belt across the discontinuity, wherein the breakaway mechanism disengages upon application of a predetermined force.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the predetermined force is greater than about 50 Newtons.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the belt comprises a support element that comprises a layer of padding.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein the belt comprises a support element that comprises a stiff brace for enhancing the stability of the user.

17. The device of claim 1, wherein the belt comprises a pocket, sized and shaped to hold a removable insert.

18. An exercise support device that can be used with an exercise machine, comprising:

a belt that can be sized for a user of the exercise machine;

a first arm assembly that includes;

a first belt connector attached to the belt,

a first arm attached to the first belt connector, and

a first rail connector attached to the first arm, wherein the first rail connector attaches to a first side rail of the exercise machine; and

a second arm assembly that includes;

a second belt connector attached to the belt,

a second arm attached to the second belt connector, and

a second rail connector attached to the second arm, wherein the second rail connector attaches to a second side rail of the exercise machine.

19. A method of using an exercise support device with an exercise machine, the steps comprising:

providing an exercise support device comprising;

a belt that can be sized for a user of the exercise machine;

a first arm assembly that includes

a first belt connector attached to the belt,

a first arm attached to the first belt connector, wherein the first arm is substantially rigid, and

a first rail connector attached to the first arm, wherein the first rail connector attaches to a first side rail of the exercise machine; and

a second arm assembly that includes

a second belt connector attached to the belt,

a second arm attached to the second belt connector, wherein the second arm is substantially rigid, and

a second rail connector attached to the second arm, wherein the second rail connector attaches to a second side rail of the exercise machine;

attaching the first rail connector to the first side rail of the exercise machine;

attaching the second rail connector to the second side rail of the exercise machine;

securing the belt about the waist of the user;

adjusting the length of the first arm;

adjusting the length of the second arm; and

using the exercise machine.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps:

detaching the first rail connector from the first arm;

detaching the second rail connector from the second arm;

selecting a different first rail connector based at least in part on a geometry of the first and second side rail;

selecting a different second rail connector based at least in part on a geometry of the first and second side rail;

attaching the different first rail connector to the first arm; and

attaching the different second rail connector to the second arm.