Cantilevering linear motion exercise device and method of physical exercise

• US 7,163,498 B1
• Filed: 08/20/2002
• Issued: 01/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Abelbeck Partners Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Abelbeck Partners Ltd.
• Inventors: Abelbeck, Kevin G.
• Primary Examiner(s): BAKER, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US10/225,070
• Time in Patent Office: 1,610 Days
• Field of Search: 482 92- 95, 482/142, D21/676, D21/686, D21/690
• US Class Current: 482/142
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00061 Replaceable resistance units of different strengths, e.g. for swapping
• 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 21/0428 the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0557 Details of attachments, e.g. clips or clamps
• 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 21/4031 with parts of the bench moving against a resistance during exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4034 for operation by feet
• 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 21/4049 Rotational movement
• 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 2208/0247 with legs in a kneeled 90/90 position
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0252 supine
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03533 With separate means driven by each limb, i.e. performing different movements
• 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 23/03575 : Apparatus used for exercising upper and lower limbs simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0405 : involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously A63B23/0476 takes precedence
• 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: A63B 69/0057 : Means for physically limiting movements of body parts A63B23/0211 takes precedence

Abstract

An exercise device that includes an upper frame with a user support that cantilevers over a lower frame provides for reduced storage and the potential for shipping in a pre-assembled state. The upper frame is supported by the lower frame with a rolling element there between. The rolling element can be in the form of rollers that are rotatably mounted to the foot portion of the upper frame and the head portion of the lower frame. The rolling element can also take the form of one of more rollers, which constantly articulate with each of the upper and lower frames. A spring bias is included to provide a resistance to movement of the upper frame with respect to the lower frame. The lower frame, and therefore the supported upper frame, can also be pivotally mounted to a base frame, thereby enabling the upper frame to be positioned in an inclined state. A pair of handles may also be used to actuate a cable that provides movement of the upper frame relative to the lower frame by displacement of the foot portion of the upper frame toward the head portion of the lower frame.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

an upper frame including a user support;

a rolling element supporting said upper frame and enabling reciprocating movement of said upper frame; and

a lower frame including a first end and a second end supporting said rolling element and allowing displacement of a portion of said upper frame beyond said second end of said lower frame.

2. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to a pliable tension member, the member attached to said upper frame and said lower frame, such that displacement of said handle causes movement of said upper frame relative to said lower frame.

3. An exercise device as in claim 2, wherein said pliable member is routed through a shoulder pad mounted on said upper frame.

4. An exercise device as in claim 2, wherein said pliable tension member is a member selected from the group consisting of a steel cable, a coated steel cable, a rope and a belt.

5. An exercise device as in claim 2, wherein said pliable tension member attaches to said upper frame and said lower frame by use of pulleys.

6. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said upper frame includes a shoulder pad assembly with a pulley mounted on an upper portion thereof.

7. An exercise device as in claim 6, wherein said shoulder pad assembly is movably mounted to said upper frame.

8. An exercise device as in claim 7, wherein said shoulder pad assembly is pivotally mounted to said upper frame.

9. An exercise device as in claim 6, wherein said pulley is mounted to allow 360-degree rotation about said shoulder pad.

10. An exercise device as in claim 9, wherein said pulley rotates about said shoulder pad such that a tension member supported by said pulley would run substantially collinear with a long axis of said shoulder pad.

11. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising a base frame which is movably mounted to said lower frame.

12. An exercise device as in claim 11, further comprising an incline arm movably mounted to said lower frame and said base frame thereby allowing said lower frame to be releasably secured to said base frame in more than one position.

13. An exercise device as in claim 12, wherein said incline arm is pivotally mounted to said lower frame and slidably mounted to said base frame.

14. An exercise device as in claim 11, wherein said lower frame is pivotally mounted to said base frame.

15. An exercise device as in claim 11, further comprising an incline arm movably attached to said lower frame and said base frame.

16. An exercise device as in claim 15, wherein said incline arm is pivotally mounted to said lower frame and slidably mounted to said base frame by way of a toothed rack mounted to said base frame.

17. An exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising at least one tension band with a first end secured to said upper frame and a second end releasably secured to said lower frame.

18. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said lower frame includes a foot bar thereby enabling a user to place their feet on the foot bar while positioned on said upper frame.

19. An exercise device as in claim 18, wherein said foot bar is pivotally mounted to said lower frame.

20. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said user support is comprised of a substantially flat pad which covers a surface of said upper frame.

21. An exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said rolling element is comprised of a carriage including load bearing elements that support said upper frame while being supported by said lower frame and allowing movement of said upper frame relative to said lower frame.

22. An exercise device as in claim 21, further comprising a location system including a tension member connecting said upper frame to said lower frame by way of said carriage.

23. An exercise device as in claim 22, wherein said location system includes a first tension member connecting a first end of said upper frame to said first end of said lower frame by way of said carriage and a second tension member connecting a second end of said upper frame to said second end of said lower frame by way of said carriage.

24. A exercise device as in claim 22, wherein said tension member is connected by way of said carriage by using a pulley mounted to said carriage and receiving said tension member.

25. An exercise device as in claim 21, further comprising a location system including a first gear rack mounted to said upper frame, a second gear rack mounted to said lower frame and a gear rotatably mounted to said carriage, the gear engaging said first gear rack and said second gear rack.

26. An exercise device comprising:

an upper frame including a user support;

a lower frame; and

a guide element positioned between said upper frame and said lower frame thereby enabling measurable displacement of said upper frame relative to said lower frame, wherein said guide member is displaced substantially one half of said measurable displacement relative to said lower frame.

27. An exercise device as in claim 26, further comprising a handle attached to a pliable tension member, the member attached to said upper frame and said lower frame, such that displacement of said handle causes movement of said upper frame relative to said lower frame.

28. An exercise device as in claim 27, wherein said pliable member is routed through a shoulder pad mounted on said upper frame.

29. An exercise device as in claim 27, wherein said pliable tension member is a member selected from the group consisting of a steel cable, a coated steel cable, a rope and a belt.

30. An exercise device as in claim 27, wherein said pliable tension member attaches to said upper frame and said lower frame by use of pulleys.

31. An exercise device as in claim 26, wherein said upper frame includes a shoulder pad assembly with a pulley mounted on an upper portion thereof.

32. An exercise device as in claim 31, wherein said shoulder pad assembly is movably mounted to said upper frame.

33. An exercise device as in claim 32, wherein said shoulder pad assembly is pivotally mounted to said upper frame.

34. An exercise device as in claim 31, wherein said pulley is mounted to allow 360-degree rotation about said shoulder pad.

35. An exercise device as in claim 34, wherein said pulley rotates about said shoulder pad such that a tension member supported by said pulley would run substantially collinear with a long axis of said shoulder pad.

36. An exercise device as in claim 26, further comprising a base frame which is movably mounted to said lower frame.

37. An exercise device as in claim 36, further comprising an incline arm movably mounted to said lower frame and said base frame thereby allowing said lower frame to be releasably secured to said base frame in more than one position.

38. An exercise device as in claim 37, wherein said incline arm is pivotally mounted to said lower frame and slidably mounted to said base frame.

39. An exercise device as in claim 36, wherein said lower frame is pivotally mounted to said base frame.

40. An exercise device as in claim 36, further comprising an incline arm movably attached to said lower frame and said base frame.

41. An exercise device as in claim 40, wherein said incline arm is pivotally mounted to said lower frame and slidably mounted to said base frame by way of a toothed rack mounted to said base frame.

42. An exercise device as in claim 26, further comprising at least one tension band with a first end secured to said upper frame and a second end releasably secured to said lower frame.

43. An exercise device as in claim 26, wherein said lower frame includes a foot bar thereby enabling a user to place their feet on the foot bar while positioned on said upper frame.

44. An exercise device as in claim 43, wherein said foot bar is pivotally mounted to said lower frame.

45. An exercise device as in claim 26, wherein said user support is comprised of a substantially flat pad which covers a surface of said upper frame.

46. An exercise device as in claim 26, wherein said guide element is comprised of a carriage including load bearing elements that support said upper frame while being supported by said lower frame and allowing movement of said upper frame relative to said lower frame.

47. An exercise device as in claim 46, further comprising a location system including a tension member connecting said upper frame to said lower frame by way of said carriage.

48. An exercise device as in claim 47, wherein said location system includes a first tension member connecting a first end of said upper frame to a first end of said lower frame by way of said carriage and a second tension member connecting a second end of said upper frame to a second end of said lower frame by way of said carriage.

49. An exercise device as in claim 47, wherein said tension member is connected by way of said carriage by using a pulley mounted to said carriage and receiving said tension member.

50. An exercise device as in claim 46, further comprising a location system including a first gear rack mounted to said upper frame, a second gear rack mounted to said lower frame and a gear rotatably mounted to said carriage, the gear engaging said first gear rack and said second gear rack.

51. A method of physical exercise comprising:

providing an exercise device of the type including an upper frame with a user support, a rolling element supporting said upper frame and enabling reciprocating movement of said upper frame and a lower frame including a first end and a second end supporting said rolling element and allowing displacement of a portion of said upper frame beyond a portion said second end of said lower frame;

positioning a user on said user support; and

applying force to displace said user on said user support relative to said lower frame, thereby exercising muscles of said user.

52. A method of physical exercise comprising:

providing an exercise device of the type including an upper frame with a user support, a lower frame and a guide element positioned between said upper frame and said lower frame, thereby enabling measurable displacement of said upper frame relative to said lower frame, wherein said guide member is displaced substantially one half of said measurable displacement relative to said lower frame, and a handle attached to a pliable tension member attached to said upper frame and said lower frame;

providing a user in contact with said handle; and

displacing said handle from a first position to a second position by said user, thereby displacing said upper frame relative to said lower frame and exercising muscles of said user.