U.S. patent application number 10/378289 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-21 for leg press machine.
Invention is credited to Giannelli, Raymond, Gillen, Arnold B., Lee, Scott, Lurken, Gary, Sechrest, Scott, Wendt, Stephen C..
Application Number | 20030158018 10/378289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26881805 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030158018 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Giannelli, Raymond ; et
al. |
August 21, 2003 |
Leg press machine
Abstract
A leg press exercise machine that provides translational and
rotational motion of the user support structure by translating the
user support structure along two intersecting non-orthogonal linear
paths. A front portion of the user support structure travels along
an inclining linear path and a rear portion of the user support
structure travels along a declining linear path. The translation of
the user support structure along the inclining and declining linear
paths results in the user support structure exhibiting a rational
motion, defining an arcuate path.
Inventors: |
Giannelli, Raymond;
(Franklin, MA) ; Wendt, Stephen C.; (Owatonna,
MN) ; Lee, Scott; (Pomfret, CT) ; Sechrest,
Scott; (Providence, RI) ; Lurken, Gary;
(Owatonna, MN) ; Gillen, Arnold B.; (Fairbault,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John Christopher
Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.
Suite 2040
200 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Family ID: |
26881805 |
Appl. No.: |
10/378289 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10378289 |
Mar 3, 2003 |
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09789071 |
Feb 20, 2001 |
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60186138 |
May 9, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/95 ;
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/068 20130101;
A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 2208/0233
20130101; A63B 23/0405 20130101; A63B 21/152 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/95 ;
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/068 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A leg press exercise machine comprising a user support structure
adapted to be moved from a first position to a second position, the
user support structure traveling along a pair of intersecting
non-orthogonal paths.
2. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 1, further
comprising a frame including a first support structure defining a
first liner path and second support structure defining a second
linear path, wherein the user support structure is movably mounted
the first support structure and the second support structure.
3. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 2, wherein the
user support structure comprises a first portion slidingly mounted
to the first support structure and a second portion slidingly
mounted to the second support structure.
4. The leg press machine according to claim 3, wherein the first
portion of the user support structure reaches an apex of the first
linear path and the second portion of the user support structure
reaches a nadir of the second linear path as the user support
structure travels from the first position to the second
position.
5. The leg press machine according to claim 3, wherein the first
portion of the user support structure reaches a nadir of the first
linear path and the second portion of the user support structure
reaches an apex of the second linear path as the user support
structure travels from the second position to the first
position.
6. The leg press machine according to claim 3, wherein the first
portion of the user support structure reaches an apex of the first
linear path and the second portion of the user support structure
reaches an apex of the second linear path as the user support
structure travels from the first position to the second
position.
7. The leg press machine according to claim 3, wherein the first
portion of the user support structure reaches a nadir of the first
linear path and the second portion of the user support structure
reaches a nadir of the second linear path as the user support
structure travels from the second position to the first
position.
8. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 1, further
comprising a footplate adjustably mounted to the frame.
9. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 1, further
comprising a resistance mechanism operably connected to the user
support structure.
10. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein
the user support structure comprises a seat and a backrest, the
seat and the backrest translating and rotating as the user support
structure is moved between the first position and the second
position.
11. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 8, wherein
the seat and the backrest recline as the user support structure
travels from the first position to the second position.
12. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 10, wherein
the seat and the backrest incline as the user support structure
travels from the second position to the first position.
13. A leg press exercise machines for exercising a user's leg
muscles comprising: a frame; a user support structure operably
mounted onto the frame and adapted to be moved from a first
position to a second position, the user support structure traveling
along a pair of intersecting non-orthogonal paths; and a resistance
mechanism operably connected to the user support structure.
14. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 13, further
comprising a footplate adjustably mounted to the frame and
engagable by the user.
15. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 13, wherein
the frame comprising a first support structure defining a first
linear path and a second support structure defining a second linear
path, wherein the user support structure is movably mounted the
first support structure and the second support structure.
16. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 15, wherein
the user support structure comprises a first portion slidingly
mounted to the first support structure and a second portion
slidingly mounted to the second support structure.
17. The leg press machine according to claim 16, wherein the first
portion of the user support structure reaches an apex of the first
linear path and the second portion of the user support structure
reaches a nadir of the second linear path as the user support
structure travels from the first position to the second
position.
18. The leg press machine according to claim 16, wherein the first
portion of the user support structure reaches a nadir of the first
linear path and the second portion of the user support structure
reaches an apex of the second linear path as the user support
structure travels from the second position to the first
position.
19. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 11, wherein
the user support structure comprises a seat and a backrest, the
seat and the backrest translating and rotating as the user support
structure is moved between the first position and the second
position.
20. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 19, wherein
the seat and the backrest recline as the user support structure
travels from the first position to the second position.
21. The leg press exercise machine according to claim 19, wherein
the seat and the backrest incline as the user support structure
travels from the second position to the first position.
22. A leg press exercise machines for exercising a user's leg
muscles comprising: a frame including a first support structure
defining a first linear path and a second support structure
defining a second linear path; a user support structure including a
first portion slidingly mounted to the first support structure and
a second portion slidingly mounted to the second support structure,
the user support structure adapted to be moved from a first
position to a second position along the first linear path and the
second linear path, such that the user support structure declines
as the user support structure is moved from the first position to
the second position and inclines as the user support structure
moves from a second position to the first position; a footplate
adjustably mounted to the frame and engagable by the user; and a
resistance mechanism including a weight stack operably connected to
user support structure.
23. A leg press machine, comprising; a frame, a weight resistance
mechanism coupled to the frame, a footplate fixed to the frame, and
a seat carriage coupled to the weight resistance mechanism and
having proximal and distal end portions, and a pivot having an axis
of rotation, wherein the proximal end portion is translationally
movable in a first translational axis of motion, the distal end
portion is translationally movable in a second translational axis
of motion, said first translational axis and second translational
axis skewed to each other to cause said proximal end of seat
carriage to move up and back while said distal end of seat carriage
moves down and back during the extension of the leg.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/361,617, filed Mar.
04, 2002, entitled LEG PRESS MACHINE, and is a continuation-in-part
(CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/789,071, filed Feb.
02, 2001, entitled LEG PRESS MACHINE, which is related to and
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/186,138, filed May 9, 2000, entitled LEG PRESS MACHINE, the
entirety of which are incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] n/a
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of exercise and
physical rehabilitation equipment, and in particular to apparatus
for exercising the legs and lower torso.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is often necessary or desirable for a person to exercise
a particular muscle or group of muscles, such as to recover from
surgery or injury, to increase strength, stamina and endurance, and
to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, as well for aesthetic
purposes. Various machines have been developed to exercise
different muscles and muscle groups by forcing the muscles to
contract and extend under a load, such as by moving a free weight
against the force of gravity or by moving an object whose movement
is resisted by resistance force, such as a spring or a weight
attached to a cable and pulley system.
[0005] One exercise that has been developed to exercise the leg
muscles is known as the leg press. A leg press involves a pushing
motion wherein a person pushes with his/her feet and legs to extend
the legs from a hip and knee flexed starting position to a hip and
knee extended finishing position, thereby contracting the muscles
in the legs and lower torso, namely the quadriceps, gluteal, and
calf muscles, as well as any ancillary muscles involved in such a
motion.
[0006] A typical leg press machine includes a footplate and a seat.
A user sits in the seat, generally facing opposite the footplate,
applies force to the footplate in the leg press motion, which is
typically a compound motion of the hip and knee pushing the
footplate away from the user's torso. This force is countered by
the force generated by the hip and knee applied through the torso
against the seat, rendering the body relatively motionless with
respect to a fixed frame such as the ground. As the legs extend,
either the footplate or the seat (or both) is moved, generally in a
somewhat linear path, allowing the exercise motion to proceed. A
resistance device is coupled to the moving elements to provide the
necessary resistance.
[0007] Currently, leg press exercise machines having features
similar to those disclosed in Jones, U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,080, and
Simonson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,263,914, include an adjustable
seat for accommodating users having different body sizes and leg
lengths. The position of the seat relative to the footplate is
adjusted prior to the commencement of exercise such that the user
can exercise over a full range of motion. Alternatively, the
footplate may be disposed at various initial positions with respect
to a fixed seat.
[0008] In known leg press machines, the motion of the moving
portion of the machine is generally fixed to one linear or
rotational degree of freedom. Thus, when the leg press exercise is
executed, the body or the machine move in a generally linear,
straight translational motion or a single axis rotational motion.
This results in an exercise which mostly stresses the quadricep
muscle group in the leg, but does not fully engage various other
muscle groups in the hips and lower torso, which are often integral
to the motion of the lower body. Examples of such muscle groups are
the hip extensor and lower back muscles.
[0009] It is desirable therefore, to provide an exercise machine
for the legs, which also incorporate a means by which the hips and
lower back muscles may be exercised to a higher intensity and with
a greater range of motion, in addition to the muscles exercised by
a traditional leg press.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an exercise apparatus,
particularly for leg presses and in which the apparatus is
relatively simple in construction, relatively inexpensive, and
provides for the maintaining of a more optimized body position
throughout the transition from a start position to an extended
position and back. This optimized body positioning allows for the
rearward rotation of the torso as it translates through the path of
motion, to allow for a substantially increased range of motion of
the user's hip during the exercise. In accordance with one aspect
of the present invention, there is provided a reversibly extending
exercising apparatus that comprises a first arm and a second arm
pivotably interconnected to each other such that the interconnected
arms are pivotably movable between a start position and an extended
position. The first arm may be pivotably supported from an
apparatus frame, while the second arm is slidably or rollably
supported on a support guide mechanism. In this way, the second arm
is supported for movement along a predetermined path of travel,
preferably inclined relative to horizontal, between the start and
extended positions.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a leg press exercise apparatus that comprises a
frame, a rest member on the frame for receiving and supporting a
user's feet, and a first arm,and a second arm that are pivotably
intercoupled to each other such that the arms are pivotably movable
between a start position and an extended position. The first arm is
coupled to the frame, preferably adjacent of the rest member. A
seat is provided for supporting the user and is carried by the
second arm. An incline base support member is disposed under the
second arm and is for supporting this second arm during the
movement between start and extended positions.
[0012] In accordance with the invention there is also provided an
apparatus comprising: a frame; a rest member on said frame for
receiving a user's feet; a first arm and a second arm that are
pivotably intercoupled to each other such that the arms are
pivotably movable between a start position and an extended
position; said first arm coupled to said frame; a seat for
supporting a torso of the user and carried by said second arm; and
an inclined base support member disposed under said second arm for
supporting the second arm during movement between the start and
extended positions. The first arm is pivotably coupled to said
frame, the second arm following the inclined base support between
the start and extended positions such that the torso of the user is
rotated rearwardly relative to horizontal during movement between
the start and extended positions. The frame includes an upright
support piece having at the top end thereof a pivot member for
coupling said first arms to said frame. The apparatus includes a
pivot member for intercoupling the first and second arms such that
the torso of the user is translated rearwardly away from the rest
member-during movement between the start and extended positions.
The apparatus includes a carriage supported on said inclined base
support member wherein the carriage at one end thereof includes a
pivot member for pivotally supporting the carriage from said second
arm. The carriage typically comprises spacedly disposed side plates
interconnected by a lower guide member and an upper guide
member.
[0013] Further in a accordance with the invention there is provided
a reversibly extending exercise apparatus comprising: a pair of
pivotably interconnected arms on which a subject is mountable on a
chair mechanism; a support and guide mechanism forming a part of a
frame of the apparatus; wherein the support and guide mechanism
support one of the pair of pivotably interconnected arms; wherein
the arms are reversibly extendible by forcible extension of the
legs of the subject between a rest position and an extended
position; the arms being extendible such that the subject is
positioned in an upwardly prone position at all times between the
rest and extended position
[0014] In an alternative embodiment of the leg press machines of
the present invention, the carriage assembly is mounted to the
frame, so as to move along on a pair of intersecting non-orthogonal
paths. The carriage assembly is adapted to be moved from a first
position to a second position along the non-orthogonal planes,
defining an arcuate path. The seat and backrest decline as the
carriage assembly travels from the first position to the second
position, placing the hips in minimal flexion. Similarly, the seat
and backrest incline as the carriage assembly travels from the
second position to the first position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and
the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the
exercise apparatus of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the exercise apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevation view of the apparatus
disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 and showing the apparatus in rest and
extended positions;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus of
the present invention with the apparatus in its extended position,
but with the seat removed for clarity;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a somewhat schematic view of the exercise
apparatus similar to that depicted in FIG. 3, but showing further
cutaway details;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3
as taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3;
[0022] FIGS. 7A-7B are schematic representations of pairs of
non-intersecting, non-orthogonal linear paths;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of a second exemplary
embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second exemplary
embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention;
and
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective elevation view of a third exemplary
embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The subject invention provides a leg press machine for
exercising the leg muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstring,
calf, and gluteus muscles. The leg press machine includes a user
support structure sliding mounted to a frame, wherein the user
support structure is capable of both translational and rotational
motion. The translational and rotational motion of the user support
structure induces significantly greater extension of the hips of a
user when the user's legs are extended, thereby increasing the
exercise intensity and range of motion of the hip extensors and
lower torso muscles.
[0027] Reference is now made to the drawings herein, particularly
FIGS. 1-6 which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the leg press
apparatus of the present invention. The apparatus comprises a frame
10 preferably constructed of metal. The frame is comprised of a
number of different components, many of which are of square or
U-shaped metal cross section. The frame 10 includes an elongated
base piece 12 having at one end a curved section 14 and at its
other end connects to an upright support piece 16. An extension
member 18 is secured at about the middle of base piece 12 as noted
in, for example, FIG. 4. A pulley 20 is supported at a position
where the extension member 18 is secured to the base piece 12.
[0028] At the end of the base piece 12 where the upright support
piece 16 is secured, there is also provided a U-shaped support
member 24. Member 24 has upstanding support members 26 and 28.
These support members 26 and 28, at the respective tops thereof,
support footplates 30 and 32. Each of these footplates 30 and 32
may carry a non-skid surface 34, such as shown in either FIG. 1 or
FIG. 3.
[0029] To stabilize the apparatus, frame 10 and its various members
employ stabilizer feet. These are in the form of cylindrical
members 38. These are shown, for example, in FIG. 4, two being
attached to the U-shaped support member 24, and one being attached
to the frame between the base piece 12 and the curved section 14.
The stability of the apparatus is also enhanced by the extension
member 18 extending from the base piece 12.
[0030] An inclined support member 40 is provided. Member 40 extends
from the base piece 12 to the top of the curved section 14. The
inclined support member 40 functions as a fixed rail for the
carriage 42.
[0031] The carriage 42 comprises two side plates 44, one disposed
on each side of the incline support member 40. These side plates
are interconnected by a lower guide member 46 and by an upper guide
member 48. The carriage 42 is also pivotably connected to the arm
structure which is to be described in further detail hereinafter.
This connection, as noted in the figures, is at pivot 50.
[0032] As indicated previously, in addition to the frame 10 and
rest members, namely leg plates 30 and 32, there is also provided a
pair of arms that are pivotably interconnected to each other such
that the arms are pivotably movable between a start position and an
extended position. In the drawings, these are identified as arms 52
and 54. These arms 52 and 54 are interconnected at a common end at
the pivot member 56. The top end of arm 52 is also pivoted at pivot
member 58 such as shown in the somewhat schematic diagram of FIG.
5. Pivot 58 is secured at the top of the upright support piece 16.
Refer also to the enlarged side elevation view of FIG. 3 which
shows the pivot member 58 with the arms 52 and 54 in solid and
dotted position indicating two different positions of the linkage
arms.
[0033] Also included in the apparatus of the present invention is a
seat 60 and its associated backrest 62 attached or rigidly
connected to arm 54 such that pivoting of the arm 54 simultaneously
pivots seat 60 and backrest 62. A plate 64 may be used for commonly
supporting the seat 60 and the backrest 64 such as indicated in
FIG. 5. A reference may also be made to the perspective view of
FIG. 4 which shows the plate 64 and the seat 60 and the backrest 62
in dotted outline.
[0034] It is also noted from the drawings that the arm 54 has an
upturned end 68 that supports at its top end an adjustment bar 70
that is affixed to the plate 64 and may be used for adjusting the
position of the seat and backrest. For this purpose, the adjustment
bar 70 includes an inner-member 73 and an outer-member 74. The
inner-member 73 is provided with holes into which a pin 75 may be
inserted so as to hold the seat and backrest in any one of a number
of positions along the arm 54. The pin 75 may be a spring loaded
pin for adjusting seat position. As also noted in FIG. 5, there may
be a slidable channel or plate 80 disposed between the plate 64 and
the arm 54 so as to enable the seat mechanism to slide readily on
the arm 54. The member 80 may be constructed, for example, of
Teflon. For proper support of the seat and backrest, there are also
provided side guides 82, such as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
Furthermore, at one of the guides 83, there is disposed outwardly
on either side of the arm 54, handlebars 84. In this regard, also
note FIG. 1 which shows the user 100 in a seated position on the
seat 60 with his back against the backrest 62 and with his hand
grasping one of the handlebars 84, that is the one that is visible
in FIG. 1.
[0035] Now, with further regard to the drawings, and in particular,
the perspective view of FIG. 4, there is clearly shown the cable
arrangement for providing the resistance to the user. In this
regard, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown in dotted
outline a multi-station apparatus 88 to which the extension member
18 may be coupled, as indicated, in FIG. 2. A cable 90 may connect
in the machine 88 to weights or some other mechanism for providing
resistance. But, as indicated, for example, in FIG. 4 of the
present application, the cable 90 extends about pulley 20 and from
there to a further pulley 91. Pulley 91 is supported between spaced
brackets 92 of the frame 10. From there, the cable 90 extends to a
further pulley 94 that is rotatable but has its supporting housing
fixed directly to arm 52. The cable 90 extends to about pulley 94
and then is secured by means of a pin 95 between the spaced
brackets 92. Depending upon the amount of weight that is selected
or other form of resistance that is used, as the user moves from
the rest position toward an extended position, the weight and cable
mechanism impose a force on the user to carry out the exercise in
muscle strengthening.
[0036] Reference may now be made to FIG. 3 that shows, in solid
outline, the arms 52 and 54 in a rest position. In this position,
the stop plate 96 is resting against the elastomeric stop 98. FIG.
3 also shows, in phantom outline, the arms 52 and 54 pivoted to a
more extended position. This would also be similar to the position
of the apparatus depicted in the perspective view of FIG. 4 where
it is noted that the stop plate 96 is spaced away from the stop 98.
FIG. 5 shows the apparatus in its rest position also with the stop
98 engaging the plate 96.
[0037] With further reference to FIG. 3, it should also be noted
that as the arm 54 moves from the solid position (initial) to the
dotted position (extended) in FIG. 3, the attitude of the arm 54
and the seat 60/backrest 62 mounted on the arm 54 and changes
relative to the horizontal. This provides a comfortable body
position as the user provides leg press action between initial and
extended positions. Because the arm 54 is secured at pivot 50, the
carriage 42 simply transitions along rail 40 such as between the
two positions illustrated in FIG. 3 and the arm 54, seat 60 and
backrest 62 pivot backwardly.
[0038] With regard to the diagram of FIG. 5, this also clearly
indicates the position of the arm 54 in its rest position with the
carriage being against a stop. FIG. 5 also illustrates the cable 90
and its transition around the pulleys. It is noted in FIG. 5, that
the pulley 20 is shown, for the sake of illustration, vertically
disposed when, in actuality, it is horizontally disposed such as
illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0039] In an alternative embodiment of the leg press exercise
machine, the translation and rotation of the user support structure
is achieved by translating the user support structure along two
intersecting non-orthogonal linear paths. For example, a front
portion of the user support structure can travel along a first
linear path and a rear portion of the user support structure can
travel along a second linear path. The translation of the user
support structure along the first and second linear paths results
in the user support structure exhibiting a rotational motion,
defining an arcuate path. As shown in FIG. 7A, the front portion of
the user support structure 110 travels along a first liner path "I"
and the rear portion of the user support structure 110 travel along
second linear path "D." When the user support structure 110 moves
from a first position "P1" to a second position "P2" the front
portion travels to the apex of the first linear path "I" and the
rear portion travel to the nadir of the second liner path "D."
Similarly, when the user support structure 110 moves from the
second position "P2" to the first position "P1" the front portion
travels to the nadir of the first linear path "I" and the rear
portion travel to the apex of the second liner path "D." The
translation of the user support structure 110 along the first
linear path "I" and second linear path "D" results in the user
support structure 110 exhibiting a rotational motion, defining an
arcuate path.
[0040] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, the front portion of the
user support structure 110 travels along a first liner path "I1"
and the rear portion of the user support structure travel 110 along
second linear path "I2." When the user support structure 110 moves
from a first position "P1" to a second position "P2" the front
portion travels to the apex of the first linear path "I1" and the
rear portion travel to the apex of the second liner path "I2."
Similarly, when the user support structure 110 moves from the
second position "P2" to the first position "P1" the front portion
travels to the nadir of the first linear path "I2" and the rear
portion travel to the nadir of the second liner path "I2." The
translation of the user support structure 110 along the first
linear path "I1" and second linear path "I2" results in the user
support structure 110 exhibiting a rotational motion, defining an
arcuate path.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 the leg press machine, labeled
generally as 100, includes among other elements, a frame 102 and a
user support structure 104 sliding mounted to the frame 102. The
user support structure 104 includes a seat 106 and a backrest 108.
The seat 106 and backrest 108 are mounted to a carriage assembly
110, which includes a pair of front slide bearings 112 and a pair
of rear rollers 114. The carriage assembly 110 is mounted to the
frame 102, wherein the front slide bearings 112 are coupled one
each about a pair of shafts 116, such that the front portion of the
carriage assembly 110 is translatable along a first linear path
"I." The rear rollers 114 are positioned on and engagable with a
pair frame rails 118, such that the rear portion of the carriage
assembly 110 is translatable along a second linear path "D," where
the first linear path and the second liner path are intersecting
non-orthogonal paths.
[0042] The front portion of the carriage assembly 110 is pivotally
coupled to the front slide bearings 112, such that the carriage
assembly 110 is pivotable about point "P." As the front and rear
portions of the carriage assembly 110 translate along paths "I" and
"D," the carriage assembly 110 pivots about point "P." The
translational and rotational motions of the carriage assembly 110
define an arcuate path, where the seat 106 and the backrest 108
rotate along the arcuate path.
[0043] In use, as shown in FIG. 8, a user's legs are extended by
applying a force "F" to a footplate 120, where the force "F" is
sufficient to overcome a machine resistance. The user support
structure 104 travels away from the footplate 120, with the front
of the carriage assembly 110 translating along first linear path
"I" to an apex, and the rear portion of the carriage assembly 110
translates along the second linear path "D" to a nadir. The
carriage assembly 110 pivots about point "P," where the seat 106
and the backrest 108 rotate, reclining along the arcuate path. The
user's legs are contracted by decreasing the force "F" until the
force "F" is less than the machine resistance. The user support
structure 104 travels towards from the footplate 118, with the
front of the carriage assembly 110 translating along first linear
path "I" to a nadir, and the rear portion of the carriage assembly
110 translates along the second linear path "D" to an apex. The
carriage assembly 110 pivots about point "P," where the seat 106
and the backrest 108 incline along the arcuate path, to the start
position.
[0044] The footplate 120 and backrest 108 are adjustable to
accommodate a user's specific body size and shape. The footplate
120 is adjusted using the footplate adjustment mechanism 122, a
four-bar linkage which allows a user to adjust the fixed position
of the footplate 120 in the direction "B." The footrest adjustment
lever 124 is coupled to the footplate 120 to allow a user to adjust
the footplate 120 while seated and ready to perform the leg press
motion. The backrest 108 is adjustable in the direction "R.sub.4"
via the backrest support 126. The backrest support 126 is an
arcuate element having several apertures there though, and is fixed
at one end to the backrest 108, and at the other end to the
carriage assembly 110. The backrest 108 is adjusted by sliding the
backrest support 126 along the direction R.sub.4 and selectably
engaging one of its apertures.
[0045] In an embodiment, the machine resistance is provided by a
weight stack operably connected to the user support structure 102.
Referring to FIG. 9, a weight stack brace 128 is attached to the
support frame 102, such that the weight stack 130 is easily
accessible by a user positioned in the user support structure 104.
Rails 132 are mounted vertically within the weight stack brace 128,
where the weight stack 130 is slidingly mounted to the rails
132.
[0046] A transmission assembly 134 is interposed between the weight
stack brace 128 and the support frame 102, where the transmission
assembly 134 includes a shaft 136, a first cam 138, and a second
cam 140. A weight stack pulley set 142a and 142b is mounted to the
top of the weight stack brace 128, with pulley 142a aligned with
the first cam 138 and pulley 142b aligned with the weight stack
130. A first connecting structure 144 having a first end and a
second end operably connects the first cam 138 to the weight stack
130. The first end of the first connecting structure 144 is
connected to the first cam 138, wherein the first connecting
structure 144 is threaded about the weight stack pulleys 142a and
142b, and the second end of the first connecting structure 144 is
connected to the weight stack 130.
[0047] The second cam 140 is aligned with a frame pulley 146,
wherein a first carriages pulley 156 and a second carriage pulley
148 are positioned above the frame pulley 146 on the carriage
assembly 110. A second connecting structure 150 having a first end
and a second end operably connects the second cam 140 to the
carriage assembly 110. The first end of the second connecting
structure 150 is attached the second cam 140, where the second
connecting structure 150 is threaded about the frame pulley 146 and
through the first carriage pulley 156 and the second carriage
pulley 148. The second end of the second connecting structure 150
is secured to the frame 102 with clamp 158. As the user support
structure 104 is moved from the start position, the carriage
assembly 110 pulls the second connecting structure 150, rotating
the second cam 140. The rotation of the second cam 150 causes the
rotation of the first cam 138, via the shaft 136, raising the
weight stack 130. The first connecting structure 144 and the second
connecting structure 150 can include belts, cables, ropes, chains,
or other related typed devices.
[0048] Other mechanisms for providing resistance can also be used,
such as friction fitting, springs, elastic bands, hydraulic,
pneumatic or electromagnetic resistance, or an air resistance fan
could be employed (either alone or in combination) and still
practice the invention.
[0049] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the rear
portion of the carriage assembly 110 includes pair of rear slide
bearings 152. The rear portion of the carriage assembly 110 is
mounted to the frame 102 by coupling the rear slide bearings 152
about the rear shafts 154, such that the rear portion of the
carriage assembly 110 is translatable along the second linear path
"D."
[0050] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
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