Lockout mechanism for exercise equipment

• US 7,226,399 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2003
• Issued: 06/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Jean-Paul Lanoue
• Original Assignee: Jean-Paul Lanoue
• Inventors: Lanoue, Jean-Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Crow; Stephen R.
• Application Number:
  US10/396,203
• Publication Number:
  US 20040192508A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,533 Days
• Field of Search: 482/93, 482/94, 482 97-104
• US Class Current: 482/99
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/06 User-manipulated weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/225 with flywheels
• 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 22/0235 driven by a motor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/70 Coin-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/72 Means preventing unauthorised use, e.g. by lowering a tennis net
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0686 Timers, rhythm indicators or pacing apparatus using electric or electronic means

Abstract

A lockout mechanism allows for controlled use of exercise equipment. Use is allowed on a time-controlled basis. A predetermined period of time is allocated based on an amount of money paid. The preferred embodiments include a coin-operated, time-controlled, lockout mechanism incorporated onto various types of exercise equipment to prohibit use. The first category including those types of exercise equipment which utilize flywheels, including but not limited to: elliptical trainers, stationary bicycles, stair steppers and cross-country ski machines. This first embodiment employs a friction device to prohibit use. The second category including those types of exercise equipment which utilize adjustable resistance in the form of a weight stack, including but not limited to: universal gyms and nautilus equipment. This second embodiment employs a spring loaded latch mechanism to prohibit use. A third category includes those types of exercise equipment which require electricity to operate. This third embodiment employs a timer circuit to interrupt power to prohibit use.

Claims

1. Exercise equipment comprising:

an adjustable weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates, wherein the adjustable weight stack is actuated during exercise to provide resistance, a locking plate installed onto the adjustable weight stack;

a lockout mechanism for selectively prohibiting actuation of the adjustable weight stack, the lockout mechanism including an actuating assembly, the actuating assembly having an engaged position and a retracted position, the engaged position in contact with the locking plate to prohibit movement of the weight stack, the retracted position such that movements of the weight stack is allowed; and

a timer connected to the lockout mechanism which engages the lockout mechanism upon expiration of the predetermined period of time.

2. Exercise equipment of claim 1 further comprising cables for actuating the weight stack;

and

a locating device to allow orderly stacking of the weight plates.

3. Exercise equipment of claim 1, wherein the timer is coin activated;

and

the predetermined period of time is based on an amount of money deposited.

4. Exercise equipment comprising:

an adjustable weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates;

the weight stack being actuated during exercise to provide resistance;

a locking mechanism for selectively prohibiting use, wherein the lockout mechanism further includes;

an actuating assembly;

a locking plate installed onto the adjustable weight stack;

the actuating assembly having an engaged position and a retracted position, wherein the actuating assembly includes a piston assembly;

the engaged position in contact with the locking plate to prohibit movement of the weight stack; and

the retracted position such that the movements of the weight stack is allowed.

5. Exercise equipment of claim 4, wherein the piston assembly is linearly actuated.

6. Exercise equipment of claim 5, wherein the linearly actuated piston assembly further defines a first end and a second end;

and

a spring loaded latch attached to the first end of the linearly actuated piston assembly, the spring loaded latch having a beveled edge as to allow return of the weight stack to a rest position upon expiration of the predetermined period of time.