U.S. patent application number 11/614063 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment.
Invention is credited to James Dawson, Curt Morgan.
Application Number | 20070142175 11/614063 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38174383 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070142175 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morgan; Curt ; et
al. |
June 21, 2007 |
AUTOMATED MECHANISM FOR COLLAPSING EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Abstract
Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards an
automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment. The
invention discloses electromechanical means for processing an input
signal and manipulating physical aspects of the exercise equipment
such that the equipment collapses for easier storage or movement.
The invention is adaptable to a wide range of electronic exercise
equipment such as complete exercise systems, treadmills, exercise
bicycles, sit-up devices, rowing machines, and other such
devices.
Inventors: |
Morgan; Curt; (Huntington
Beach, CA) ; Dawson; James; (Laguna Beach,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARC E. HANKIN, ESQ.
11414 THURSTON CIRCLE
LOS ANGELES
CA
90049
US
|
Family ID: |
38174383 |
Appl. No.: |
11/614063 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60752304 |
Dec 20, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/1 ;
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0622 20151001;
A63B 2210/56 20130101; A63B 21/068 20130101; A63B 22/0089 20130101;
A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 22/0605
20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101; A63B 22/0076 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/001 ;
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 15/02 20060101
A63B015/02; A63B 26/00 20060101 A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse
feature, comprising: a bed support, comprising an inclined surface,
having a bed support first end that is supported on a floor by at
least one horizontal translation roller that rolls on the floor and
thereby allows the first end to be translated, and having a bed
support second end, a vertically oriented support that receives,
holds and allows rotation of the bed support second end so that the
bed support is held at a selected incline angle "theta" relative to
the floor, a support bed that supports a person and that moves
along the bed support between the bed support first end and the
second bed support end, a command processor to receive and
implement a command for a change in at least one control parameter
associated with an exercise/therapy workout, a vertical translation
mechanism, associated with the vertical support, that translates
the bed support second end along the vertical support by a selected
amount in response to receipt of an electronic signal from the
command processor, without requiring that the person dismount from
the support bed and without requiring that the person interrupt an
exercise/therapy workout, said command processor further configured
to receive one or more input signals to commence collapsing or
un-collapsing of the exercise equipment and to generate a first
output signal, said first output signal to be received by a control
unit; said control unit configured to generate a second output
signal upon receipt of said first output signal according to a
predetermined algorithm, said second output signal to be received
by a second mechanical mechanism that controls the movement one or
more physical aspects of the exercise equipment, and said second
mechanical mechanism to translate one or more physical aspects of
the exercise equipment such that the exercise equipment is
collapsed or un-collapsed as a result of the translation of the one
or more physical aspects of the exercise equipment.
2. A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse
feature according to claim 1, wherein physical exercise apparatus
utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism connected to
horizontal translation roller in order to effectuate the collapse
of the exercise equipment by translating the inclined surface
towards the vertically oriented support.
3. A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse
feature according to claim 1, wherein physical exercise apparatus
utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism to winch a
cable, said cable running between said vertically oriented support
and the inclined surface, wherein the winching of said cable
effectuates the collapse of the equipment.
4. A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse
feature according to claim 1, wherein physical exercise apparatus
utilizes said vertical translation mechanism to winch a cable, said
cable running between said vertically oriented support and the
inclined surface, wherein the winching of said cable effectuates
the collapse of the equipment.
5. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment,
comprising: a command processor, said command processor configured
to receive one or more input signals to commence collapsing or
un-collapsing of the exercise equipment and to generate a first
output signal, said first output signal to be received by a control
unit; said control unit configured to generate a second output
signal upon receipt of said first output signal according to a
predetermined algorithm, said second output signal to be received
by a mechanical mechanism that controls the movement one or more
physical aspects of the exercise equipment, said mechanical
mechanism to translate one or more physical aspects of the exercise
equipment such that the exercise equipment is collapsed or
un-collapsed as a result of the translation.
6. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is a complete
exercise system that utilizes the body weight of a person, along an
inclined plane of variable angle, to generate resistance.
7. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 6, wherein said complete exercise system
utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism connected to
rolling wheels, the rolling wheels located at the base of the
inclined plane of the equipment, in order to effectuate the
collapse of the exercise equipment by translating the inclined
plane towards the vertical tower.
8. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 6, wherein said complete exercise system
utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism to winch a
cable, said cable running between a vertical section and the
inclined plane of the equipment, winching of said cable
effectuating the collapse of the equipment.
9. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 8, wherein said complete exercise system
utilizes the electro-mechanical mechanism employed by the vertical
translation mechanism to winch a cable, said cable running between
a vertical section and the inclined plane of the equipment,
winching of said cable effectuating the collapse of the
equipment.
10. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is a
simulated stair climbing device that uses a mechanical mechanism to
generate variable speed and resistance.
11. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is a
treadmill type exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism to
generate variable speed and resistance.
12. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is a sit-up
exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism to generate
variable speed and resistance.
13. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is a rowing
machine type exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism to
generate variable speed and resistance.
14. An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment
according to claim 5, wherein said exercise equipment is a
stationary bicycle type exercise device that uses a mechanical
mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/752,304, filed Dec. 20, 2005 entitled "Automated
Mechanism For Collapsing Exercise Equipment," which is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] Various embodiments of this invention relate to mechanisms
for collapsing exercise equipment; specifically, to mechanisms for
collapsing exercise equipment that utilize an automated
electromechanical mechanism to process an input signal in order to
collapse the equipment for easy and convenient storage, moving, or
handling.
BACKGROUND
[0003] One of the many challenges facing designers of home exercise
equipment is designing equipment that can easily be collapsed for
quick and easy storage in a closet, under a bed, or other similar
place. As exercise equipment is often large and unsightly, quick
and easy storage of the equipment is an important concern for
consumers. Meanwhile, the equipment must remain rugged and durable
for an exercise routine and, yet, it is desirable that the same
equipment be collapsible such that it can be stored with a minimum
of effort and taking up a minimum of floor space.
[0004] Several exercise devices have been developed that allow a
person, once he or she has completed his or her exercise routine,
to collapse the equipment such that it may be easily moved or
stored. These devices typically involve a series of hinges, levers,
and locking pins that are manipulated by the user before and after
storage. These devices, however, can be cumbersome to handle and
may require additional strain and effort on the part of the user in
order to collapse the equipment.
[0005] A number of devices have been developed that ease the
collapsing process by utilizing a motor and mechanical mechanism.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,077,200, 6,267,710, 6,471,622, 6,726,602,
6,872,169, and 6,913,563, for example, disclose treadmill type
exercise equipment that utilize the treadmill's motor mechanism to
collapse the treadmill into a flat position for easy storage. Thus,
a person can more easily store the equipment while expending a
minimum of additional effort because the treadmill motor performs
the mechanical work needed to collapse the equipment. Such
mechanized collapsing equipment, however, has not been applied to
several other types of motorized exercise equipment.
[0006] Therefore, there remains in the art a long felt need for a
mechanism for quickly and easily collapsing a number of types of
exercise equipment while requiring a minimum amount of effort
expended.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Various embodiments of the invention are directed toward
overcoming the above shortcomings by disclosing a mechanism that
may be adapted to a number of types of exercise equipment to
facilitate the equipment's quick and easy automated collapse.
[0008] The device operates, generally speaking, by utilizing an
electromechanical mechanism to manipulate parts of the equipment.
Upon receiving an input signal, a command processor and automated
control mechanism provides a signal to the equipment's
electromechanical mechanism to manipulate and collapse certain
aspects of the equipment, thus allowing easier storage. The device
is an improvement on apparatus such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,786,847 wherein the mechanism is used to adjust workout
parameters because, in this invention, the mechanism is also used
as an automated means of collapsing the device.
[0009] This invention may operate by employing the mechanical
mechanisms existing within the exercise equipment to perform the
collapsing function or, alternatively, use a separate mechanical
mechanism that is solely dedicated to the automated collapsing
process.
[0010] Also, as claimed below, a myriad of types of exercise
equipment, such as: stair climbers, treadmills, exercise bicycles,
sit-up devices, rowing devices, complete whole-body exercise
devices, and further such devices, may employ the disclosed
mechanism in order to facilitate automated collapse.
[0011] In one embodiment of this invention, an inclined plane
complete-body exercise apparatus, such as the apparatus taught in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,847, utilizes an additional electromechanical
mechanism at the foot of the inclined place in order to drive a set
of wheels that serve to collapse the apparatus. Upon receiving a
command to fold the unit, the vertical translation mechanism raises
the inclined plane to its highest position. Then, as the wheels
beneath the incline plane rotate, pushing the plane towards the
vertical tower, a hinge in the middle of the plane is released,
allowing the plane to fold. The vertical translation mechanism is
lowered in coordination with the turning of the wheels, such that
the apparatus collapses into a "Z-shape," with the vertical tower
forming the uppermost portion of the "Z." Release of the folded
apparatus follows the opposite sequence.
[0012] In another embodiment of this invention, an inclined plane
complete-body exercise apparatus, such as the apparatus taught in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,847, utilizes an additional electromechanical
mechanism at the base of the tower in order to winch a cable that
extends from the foot of the inclined plane to the base of the
vertical tower. As the cable is winched inwards, the vertical
translation mechanism is adjusted to a middle position. The cable's
force on the inclined plane causes the hinge in the middle of the
plane to be released and, as the wheels of the plane are pulled
towards the vertical tower, the apparatus collapses into a
"Z-shape", with the vertical tower forming the uppermost portion of
the "Z". Release of the folded apparatus follows the opposite
sequence.
[0013] In another embodiment of the invention described in the
above paragraph, rather than using an additional electromechanical
mechanism, the same electromechanical mechanism used by the
vertical translation mechanism is coupled with gears, cables,
chains, and/or pulleys in order to effectuate the winching effect
on the cable. A cable can be used which runs beneath the inclined
plane, via pulleys, from the elevating platform to the wheels at
the distal end of the inclined plane.
[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the same
electromechanical apparatus for collapsing is adapted for use with
exercise equipment that lacks motorized inclination adjustment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an inclined position.
[0016] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an intermediate stage of being collapsed.
[0017] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in a fully collapsed position.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an inclined position.
[0019] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an intermediate stage of being collapsed.
[0020] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in a fully collapsed position.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an inclined position.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an intermediate stage of being collapsed.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in a fully collapsed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an inclined position. In FIG. 1A an inclined
plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown along with its
constituent parts including the elevating platform 2 and worm gear
3, that serve to elevate and lower the inclined plane and a sliding
pad 8 upon which to perform exercises. The inclined plane of the
exercise apparatus is divided to a proximate half 4 and a distal
half 5, that are connected and articulate with one another by a
hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined plane. Upon receiving
a signal to collapse the exercise equipment, an electro-mechanical
mechanism located at the distal end of the inclined plane, drives
the wheels 7, also located in the distal end of the inclined plane,
to drive the inclined plane towards the elevating platform 2 and
effectuate collapse of the exercise apparatus 1. The motion of the
wheels 7 is coordinated with the motion of the elevating platform 2
such that the exercise apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving
the signal.
[0025] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an intermediate stage of being collapsed. In
FIG. 1B an inclined plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is
shown as the elevating platform 2 is being lowered by the worm gear
3, in order to allow the exercise apparatus to collapse. The
proximate half 4 and a distal half 5 are no longer parallel, as the
hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined plane is now bending
and the sliding pad 8 collapsing along with the distal half of the
inclined plane. The electro-mechanical mechanism drives wheels 7 to
drive the inclined plane towards the elevating platform 2 and
effectuate collapse of the exercise apparatus 1.
[0026] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in a fully collapsed position. In FIG. 2A an
inclined plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the
elevating platform 2 is fully lowered by the worm gear 3. The
proximate half 4 of the inclined plane lies adjacent to the
elevating platform 2 and a distal half 5 and sliding pad 8 is also
collapsed towards the elevating platform 2, as the hinge 6 located
in the middle of the inclined plane is now fully closed. The wheels
7 are as close to the elevating platform as possible, now that the
unit has reached its fully collapsed position.
[0027] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an inclined position. In FIG. 2B an inclined
plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown along with its
constituent parts including the elevating platform 2 and worm gear
3, that serve to elevate and lower the inclined plane and a sliding
pad 8 upon which to perform exercises. The inclined plane of the
exercise apparatus is divided to a proximate half 4 and a distal
half 5, that are connected and articulate with one another by a
hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined plane. Upon receiving
a signal to collapse the exercise equipment, an electro-mechanical
mechanism located within the elevating platform 2, drives a winch 7
that pulls a cable 10 to pull the wheels towards the elevating
platform. The motion of the winch 9 and cable 10 is coordinated
with the motion of the elevating platform 2 such that the exercise
apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving the signal.
[0028] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an intermediate stage of being collapsed. In
FIG. 3A an inclined plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is
shown as the elevating platform 2 is being lowered by the worm gear
3, in order to allow the exercise apparatus to collapse. The
proximate half 4 and a distal half 5 are no longer parallel, as the
hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined plane is now bending
and the sliding pad 8 collapsing along with the distal half of the
inclined plane. The electro-mechanical mechanism drives the winch 9
to pull the cable 10 and the wheels 7 towards the elevating
platform 2. The motion of the winch 9 and cable 10 is coordinated
with the motion of the elevating platform 2 such that the exercise
apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving the signal.
[0029] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in a fully collapsed position. In FIG. 3B an
inclined plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the
elevating platform 2 is fully lowered by the worm gear 3. The
proximate half 4 of the inclined plane lies adjacent to the
elevating platform 2 and a distal half 5 and sliding pad 8 is also
collapsed towards the elevating platform 2, as the hinge 6 located
in the middle of the inclined plane is now fully closed. The winch
9 is fully tightened and the wheels 7 are as close to the elevating
platform as possible, now that the unit has reached its fully
collapsed position.
[0030] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an inclined position. In FIG. 4A an inclined
plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown along with its
constituent parts including the elevating platform 2 and worm gear
3, that serve to elevate and lower the inclined plane and a sliding
pad 8 upon which to perform exercises. The inclined plane of the
exercise apparatus is divided to a proximate half 4 and a distal
half 5, that are connected and articulate with one another via a
hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined plane. Upon receiving
a signal to collapse the exercise equipment, an electro-mechanical
mechanism located in the elevating platform 2 serves to adjust the
position of the elevating platform 2. A cable 10 is connected via
pulleys 11 and 12 to the elevating platform 2, at an attachment
point 13. The motion of the elevating platform 2, pulleys 11 and
12, and cable 10 are coordinated such that the wheels 7 are pulled
inwards and the exercise apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving
the signal.
[0031] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in an intermediate stage of being collapsed. In
FIG. 4B an inclined plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is
shown as the elevating platform 2 is being lowered by the worm gear
3, in order to allow the exercise apparatus to collapse. The
proximate half 4 and a distal half 5 are no longer parallel, as the
hinge 6 located in the middle of the inclined plane is now bending
and the sliding pad 8 collapsing along with the distal half of the
inclined plane. The electro-mechanical mechanism located in the
elevating platform 2 serves to adjust the position of the elevating
platform 2. A cable 10 is connected via pulleys 11 and 12 to the
elevating platform 2, at an attachment point 13. The motion of the
elevating platform 2, pulleys 11 and 12, and cable 10 are
coordinated such that the wheels 7 are pulled inwards and the
exercise apparatus 1 fully collapses upon receiving the signal.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
invention while in a fully collapsed position. In FIG. 5 an
inclined plane complete-body exercise apparatus 1 is shown as the
elevating platform 2 is fully lowered by the worm gear 3. The
proximate half 4 of the inclined plane lies adjacent to the
elevating platform 2 and a distal half 5 and sliding pad 8 is also
collapsed towards the elevating platform 2, as the hinge 6 located
in the middle of the inclined plane is now fully closed. A cable 10
is connected via pulleys 11 and 12 to the elevating platform 2, at
an attachment point 13. The elevating platform 2 is now fully
lowered and the cable 10 is pulled such that the wheels 7 are drawn
as close to the elevating platform as possible 7.
* * * * *