Cable Exercise Machine

• US 20210086013A1
• Filed: 12/08/2020
• Published: 03/25/2021
• Est. Priority Date: 12/26/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IFIT Incorporated (Amynta Agency, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness Incorporated (HF HOLDINGS INC)
• Inventors: Olson, Michael L., Dalebout, William T.
• Granted Patent: US 10,967,214 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00192 using resistance provided by magnetic means A63B21/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0051 using eddy currents induced in moved elements, e.g. by permanent magnets
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/153 wound-up and unwound during exercise, e.g. from a reel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• 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 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/805 Optical or opto-electronic sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 calorie expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03566 the multiple stations having a common resistance device
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1245 Primarily by articulating the shoulder joint A63B23/129 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user

Abstract

A cable exercise machine may include a first vertical guide, a first pull cable routed through a first pulley, a second vertical guide, a second pull cable routed through a second pulley, and an electronic control panel. The first pulley may be movable along a length of the first vertical guide, and the second pulley may be movable along a length of the second vertical guide. The electronic control panel may be configured to: electronically allow for one or more levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable, electronically allow for adjustment of the level of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable, and electronically present the adjusted level of resistance to the user.

Claims

1. A cable exercise machine comprising:

a first vertical guide;

a first pull cable routed through a first pulley, the first pulley movable along a length of the first vertical guide;

a second vertical guide;

a second pull cable routed through a second pulley, the second pulley movable along a length of the second vertical guide; and

an electronic control panel configured to;

electronically allow for one or more levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable,

electronically allow for adjustment of the level of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable, and

electronically present the adjusted level of resistance to the user.

2. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first pull cable includes a first handle end equipped with a first handle connector that includes a first spring-loaded loop configured to have a first handle connected thereto; and

the second pull cable includes a second handle end equipped with a second handle connector that includes a second spring-loaded loop configured to have a second handle connected thereto.

3. The cable exercise machine of claim 2, wherein:

the first pull cable includes a first stopper attached to the first handle end with a cross sectional thickness that is large enough to stop the first handle end from being pulled into an opening in a first outer covering; and

the second pull cable includes a second stopper attached to the second handle end with a cross-sectional thickness that is large enough to stop the second handle end from being pulled into an opening in a second outer covering.

4. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize a workout for a height of the user; and

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the height of the user.

5. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize a workout for a desired target muscle group of the user; and

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the desired target muscle group of the user.

6. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first vertical guide extends from an upper left location of the cable exercise machine to a lower left location of the cable exercise machine; and

the second vertical guide extends from an upper right location of the cable exercise machine to a lower right location of the cable exercise machine.

7. The cable exercise machine of claim 6, wherein:

the first pulley is further rotatable from side to side on the first vertical guide; and

the second pulley is further rotatable from side to side on the second vertical guide.

8. The cable exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the first pulley is movable to the lower left location while the second pulley is movable to the upper right location.

9. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the electronic control panel is incorporated into an outer covering of the cable exercise machine.

10. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first vertical guide comprises a first vertical guide bar; and

the second vertical guide comprises a second vertical guide bar.

21. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises an electromagnetic unit linked to the first pull cable and to the second pull cable, the electromagnetic unit configured to apply the one or more levels of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically adjust the level of resistance applied by the electromagnetic unit to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable.

22. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a magnetic unit and a flywheel linked to the first pull cable and to the second pull cable, the magnetic unit and the flywheel configured to apply the one or more levels of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically adjust the level of resistance applied by the magnetic unit and the flywheel to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable.

23. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a frame;

the first vertical guide is incorporated into the frame; and

the second vertical guide is incorporated into the frame.

24. The cable exercise machine of claim 23, wherein the frame comprises a tower.

25. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of a workout.

26. The cable exercise machine of claim 25, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a trend of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

27. The cable exercise machine of claim 25, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a graph of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

28. The cable exercise machine of claim 27, wherein the graph depicts the force exerted by the user at the beginning of the workout versus the end of the workout.

29. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to play an audiovisual program; and

play the audiovisual program for the user.

30. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

electronically receive input from the user via a dial to adjust the level of resistance; and

electronically present the adjusted level of resistance to the user via an electronic display.

31. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to play music; and

electronically play the music for the user.

32. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to execute a pre-programmed workout; and

electronically execute the pre-programmed workout for the user.

33. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a count of a number of times that the user pulled on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of a workout.

34. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically determine whether a pull by the user on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable is a partial pull or a full-length pull; and

electronically display a count that includes a number of times that the user performed a full-length pull, and excludes a number of times that the user performed a partial pull, on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of a workout.

35. The cable exercise machine of claim 1, wherein:

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize a workout for a height of the user;

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the height of the user;

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize the workout for a desired target muscle group of the user;

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the desired target muscle group of the user;

the first vertical guide extends from an upper left location of the cable exercise machine to a lower left location of the cable exercise machine;

the second vertical guide extends from an upper right location of the cable exercise machine to a lower right location of the cable exercise machine;

the first pulley is movable to the lower left location while the second pulley is movable to the upper right location; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to;

electronically display a force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout;

electronically display a trend of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout;

electronically display a graph of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout, the graph depicting the force exerted by the user at the beginning of the workout versus the end of the workout;

electronically receive input from the user to play an audiovisual program, and play the audiovisual program for the user;

electronically receive input from the user to play music, and electronically play the music for the user;

electronically receive input from the user to execute a pre-programmed workout, and electronically execute the pre-programmed workout for the user;

electronically determine whether a pull by the user on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable is a partial pull or a full-length pull; and

electronically display a count that includes a number of times that the user performed a full-length pull, and excludes a number of times that the user performed a partial pull, on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

11. A cable exercise machine comprising:

a first pull cable routed through a first pulley;

a second pull cable routed through a second pulley; and

an electronic control panel configured to;

electronically allow for one or more levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable,

electronically receive input from the user to adjust the level of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable,

electronically present the adjusted level of resistance to the user, and

electronically display a force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of a workout.

12. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a trend of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

13. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a graph of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

14. The cable exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the graph depicts the force exerted by the user at the beginning of the workout versus the end of the workout.

36. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises an electromagnetic unit linked to the first pull cable and to the second pull cable, the electromagnetic unit configured to apply the one or more levels of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically adjust the level of resistance applied by the electromagnetic unit to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable.

37. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a magnetic unit and a flywheel linked to the first pull cable and to the second pull cable, the magnetic unit and the flywheel configured to apply the one or more levels of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically adjust the level of resistance applied by the magnetic unit and the flywheel to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable.

38. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a frame;

the first pulley is supported by the frame; and

the second pulley is supported by the frame.

39. The cable exercise machine of claim 38, wherein the frame comprises a tower.

40. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein:

the first pull cable includes a first handle end equipped with a first handle connector that includes a first spring-loaded loop configured to have a first handle connected thereto; and

the second pull cable includes a second handle end equipped with a second handle connector that includes a second spring-loaded loop configured to have a second handle connected thereto.

41. The cable exercise machine of claim 40, wherein:

the first pull cable includes a first stopper attached to the first handle end with a cross sectional thickness that is large enough to stop the first handle end from being pulled into an opening in a first outer covering; and

the second pull cable includes a second stopper attached to the second handle end with a cross-sectional thickness that is large enough to stop the second handle end from being pulled into an opening in a second outer covering.

42. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a first vertical guide;

the first pulley is movable along a length of the first vertical guide;

the cable exercise machine further comprises a second vertical guide; and

the second pulley is movable along a length of the second vertical guide.

43. The cable exercise machine of claim 42, wherein:

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize the workout for a height of the user; and

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the height of the user.

44. The cable exercise machine of claim 42, wherein:

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize the workout for a desired target muscle group of the user; and

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the desired target muscle group of the user.

45. The cable exercise machine of claim 42, wherein:

the first vertical guide extends from an upper left location of the cable exercise machine to a lower left location of the cable exercise machine; and

the second vertical guide extends from an upper right location of the cable exercise machine to a lower right location of the cable exercise machine.

46. The cable exercise machine of claim 45, wherein:

the first pulley is further rotatable from side to side on the first vertical guide; and

the second pulley is further rotatable from side to side on the second vertical guide.

47. The cable exercise machine of claim 45, wherein the first pulley is movable to the lower left location while the second pulley is movable to the upper right location.

48. The cable exercise machine of claim 42, wherein:

the first vertical guide comprises a first vertical guide bar; and

the second vertical guide comprises a second vertical guide bar.

49. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is incorporated into an outer covering of the cable exercise machine.

50. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to play an audiovisual program; and

play the audiovisual program for the user.

51. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein:

electronically receive input from the user via a dial to adjust the level of resistance; and

electronically present the adjusted level of resistance to the user via an electronic display.

52. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to play music; and

electronically play the music for the user.

53. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to execute a pre-programmed workout; and

electronically execute the pre-programmed workout for the user.

54. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a count of a number of times that the user pulled on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

55. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically determine whether a pull by the user on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable is a partial pull or a full-length pull; and

electronically display a count that includes a number of times that the user performed a full-length pull, and excludes a number of times that the user performed a partial pull, on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

56. The cable exercise machine of claim 11, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a first vertical guide;

the first pulley is movable along a length of the first vertical guide;

the cable exercise machine further comprises a second vertical guide;

the second pulley is movable along a length of the second vertical guide;

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize the workout for a height of the user;

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the height of the user;

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize the workout for a desired target muscle group of the user;

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the desired target muscle group of the user;

the first vertical guide extends from an upper left location of the cable exercise machine to a lower left location of the cable exercise machine;

the second vertical guide extends from an upper right location of the cable exercise machine to a lower right location of the cable exercise machine;

the first pulley is movable to the lower left location while the second pulley is movable to the upper right location; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to;

electronically display a trend of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout,

electronically display a graph of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout, the graph depicting the force exerted by the user at the beginning of the workout versus the end of the workout,

electronically receive input from the user to play an audiovisual program, and play the audiovisual program for the user,

electronically receive input from the user to play music, and electronically play the music for the user,

electronically receive input from the user to execute a pre-programmed workout, and electronically execute the pre-programmed workout for the user,

electronically determine whether a pull by the user on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable is a partial pull or a full-length pull, and

electronically display a count that includes a number of times that the user performed a full-length pull, and excludes a number of times that the user performed a partial pull, on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

15. A cable exercise machine comprising:

a first pull cable routed through a first pulley;

a second pull cable routed through a second pulley; and

an electronic control panel configured to;

electronically allow for one or more levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable,

electronically receive input from the user to adjust the level of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable,

electronically present the adjusted level of resistance to the user, and

electronically receive input from the user to play an audiovisual program, and play the audiovisual program for the user.

16. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the input from the user to adjust the level of resistance is received via a dial; and

the adjusted level of resistance to the user is presented via an electronic display.

17. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to play music; and

electronically play the music for the user.

18. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically receive input from the user to execute a pre-programmed workout; and

electronically execute the pre-programmed workout for the user.

19. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a count of a number of times that the user pulled on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of a workout.

20. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to:

electronically determine whether a pull by the user on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable is a partial pull or a full-length pull; and

electronically display a count that includes a number of times that the user performed a full-length pull, and excludes a number of times that the user performed a partial pull, on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of a workout.

57. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises an electromagnetic unit linked to the first pull cable and to the second pull cable, the electromagnetic unit configured to apply the one or more levels of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically adjust the level of resistance applied by the electromagnetic unit to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable.

58. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a magnetic unit and a flywheel linked to the first pull cable and to the second pull cable, the magnetic unit and the flywheel configured to apply the one or more levels of resistance to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically adjust the level of resistance applied by the magnetic unit and the flywheel to the user pulling on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable.

59. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a frame;

the first pulley is supported by the frame; and

the second pulley is supported by the frame.

60. The cable exercise machine of claim 59, wherein the frame comprises a tower.

61. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the first pull cable includes a first handle end equipped with a first handle connector that includes a first spring-loaded loop configured to have a first handle connected thereto; and

the second pull cable includes a second handle end equipped with a second handle connector that includes a second spring-loaded loop configured to have a second handle connected thereto.

62. The cable exercise machine of claim 61, wherein:

the first pull cable includes a first stopper attached to the first handle end with a cross sectional thickness that is large enough to stop the first handle end from being pulled into an opening in a first outer covering; and

the second pull cable includes a second stopper attached to the second handle end with a cross-sectional thickness that is large enough to stop the second handle end from being pulled into an opening in a second outer covering.

63. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a first vertical guide;

the first pulley is movable along a length of the first vertical guide;

the cable exercise machine further comprises a second vertical guide; and

the second pulley is movable along a length of the second vertical guide.

64. The cable exercise machine of claim 63, wherein:

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize a workout for a height of the user; and

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the height of the user.

65. The cable exercise machine of claim 64, wherein:

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize a workout for a desired target muscle group of the user; and

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the desired target muscle group of the user.

66. The cable exercise machine of claim 64, wherein:

the first vertical guide extends from an upper left location of the cable exercise machine to a lower left location of the cable exercise machine; and

the second vertical guide extends from an upper right location of the cable exercise machine to a lower right location of the cable exercise machine.

67. The cable exercise machine of claim 66, wherein:

the first pulley is further rotatable from side to side on the first vertical guide; and

the second pulley is further rotatable from side to side on the second vertical guide.

68. The cable exercise machine of claim 66, wherein the first pulley is movable to the lower left location while the second pulley is movable to the upper right location.

69. The cable exercise machine of claim 64, wherein:

the first vertical guide comprises a first vertical guide bar; and

the second vertical guide comprises a second vertical guide bar.

70. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the electronic control panel is incorporated into an outer covering of the cable exercise machine.

71. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of a workout.

72. The cable exercise machine of claim 71, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a trend of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

73. The cable exercise machine of claim 71, wherein the electronic control panel is further configured to electronically display a graph of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.

74. The cable exercise machine of claim 73, wherein the graph depicts the force exerted by the user at the beginning of the workout versus the end of the workout.

75. The cable exercise machine of claim 15, wherein:

the cable exercise machine further comprises a first vertical guide;

the first pulley is movable along a length of the first vertical guide;

the cable exercise machine further comprises a second vertical guide;

the second pulley is movable along a length of the second vertical guide;

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize a workout for a height of the user;

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the height of the user;

the first pulley is movable along the length of the first vertical guide to customize the workout for a desired target muscle group of the user;

the second pulley is movable along the length of the second vertical guide to customize the workout for the desired target muscle group of the user;

the first vertical guide extends from an upper left location of the cable exercise machine to a lower left location of the cable exercise machine;

the second vertical guide extends from an upper right location of the cable exercise machine to a lower right location of the cable exercise machine;

the first pulley is movable to the lower left location while the second pulley is movable to the upper right location; and

the electronic control panel is further configured to;

electronically display a force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout;

electronically display a trend of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout;

electronically display a graph of the force exerted by the user during each pull of the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout, the graph depicting the force exerted by the user at the beginning of the workout versus the end of the workout;

electronically receive input from the user to play music, and electronically play the music for the user;

electronically receive input from the user to execute a pre-programmed workout, and electronically execute the pre-programmed workout for the user;

electronically determine whether a pull by the user on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable is a partial pull or a full-length pull; and

electronically display a count that includes a number of times that the user performed a full-length pull, and excludes a number of times that the user performed a partial pull, on the first pull cable and/or the second pull cable over the course of the workout.