U.S. patent application number 13/614675 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for full-body exercise machine.
The applicant listed for this patent is Terrance Gerod HUNTER. Invention is credited to Terrance Gerod HUNTER.
Application Number | 20140073492 13/614675 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50233836 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140073492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HUNTER; Terrance Gerod |
March 13, 2014 |
FULL-BODY EXERCISE MACHINE
Abstract
An exercise machine which can be configured to perform a
plurality of different exercises, and which can include a base, a
vertical support column attached to the base, a cylinder and piston
assembly adjustably attached to the vertical support column, and a
horizontal weight beam carriage adjustably attached to both the
vertical support column and the cylinder and piston assembly, which
includes adjustable provisions for attaching weights and for
manipulating the exercise apparatus.
Inventors: |
HUNTER; Terrance Gerod;
(Fairfax, VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HUNTER; Terrance Gerod |
Fairfax |
VA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50233836 |
Appl. No.: |
13/614675 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4047 20151001;
A63B 21/0615 20130101; A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B 21/0728
20130101; A63B 23/1281 20130101; A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B
23/0405 20130101; A63B 23/08 20130101; A63B 23/0355 20130101; A63B
23/03525 20130101; A63B 2023/0411 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/98 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/062 20060101
A63B021/062 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a base which includes
adjustable provisions for standing; a vertical support column which
is attached to the base; a cylinder and piston assembly which is
connected by an adjustable attachment to the vertical support
column; and a horizontal weight beam carriage which is connected by
adjustable attachments to both the vertical support column and the
cylinder and piston assembly, and which includes adjustable
provisions for attaching weights and for manipulating the exercise
apparatus; wherein the adjustable provisions and adjustable
attachments allow the exercise apparatus to be configured to
perform a plurality of different exercises.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable provisions for
standing include at least one foot riser with adjustable
height.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the height of the foot riser
can be adjusted to accommodate a user performing at least one of
squats, calf raises, or dead lifts.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable attachments
allow at least one of the cylinder and piston assembly or the
horizontal weight beam carriage to be adjusted for height.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable attachments
allow at least one of the cylinder and piston assembly or the
horizontal weight beam carriage to be adjusted for angle.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylinder and piston
assembly acts as a guide along a user's range of motion
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylinder and piston
assembly provides support for a weight load when the apparatus is
not in use.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylinder and piston
assembly provides ground clearance for a user if there is a failure
to complete a full repetition of an exercise while the user is
underneath the horizontal weight beam carriage.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable provisions for
attaching weights to the apparatus includes a barbell.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the barbell is an
Olympic-style barbell.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable provisions for
manipulating the apparatus include at least one of a
modified-angled front hand grip, an underhanded hand grip, a
barbell, an arc bar, or detachable polymer hand grips
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the arc bar comprises a
shortened standard Olympic style barbell which is augmented by an
additional metal bar in the shape of an arc attached to the
substantially center portion of the shortened barbell.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the arc bar can be
adjustably positioned to facilitate a plurality of different
exercises.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different
exercises includes at least one isolation exercise.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one isolation
exercise is at least one of front squats, behind the neck squats,
calf raises, dead lifts, modified overhead front chest presses,
front barbell overhead chest presses, behind the neck barbell
overhead presses, underhand shoulder overhead presses, arc bar
overhead chest presses, one handed arc bar overhead presses,
upright rows, biceps curls, or triceps extensions.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of different
exercises includes at least one compound exercise.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one compound
exercise is at least one of a squat/frontal chest/calf raise
compound, a squat/modified overhead front chest press/calf raise
compound, a squat/underhand shoulder overhead press/calf raise
compound, a squat/arc bar overhead chest press/calf raise compound,
or a bent over row/bicep curl/calf raise compound.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Physical training is often a tedious, time-consuming, and
dangerous ordeal. Common gym equipment can be difficult to set up
and difficult to use. Exercise machines are often extremely
specialized, focusing entirely on only one type of exercise per
machine, causing frustration in users who wish to transition
quickly from exercise to exercise, or who wish to combine multiple
exercises into one compound exercise.
[0002] Although these compound exercises can be performed using
free weights, it is generally unsafe to do so without assistance.
In addition, common configurations of exercise machines and free
weight systems rarely allow for quick transition between, for
example, strength training and aerobic training, or vice versa.
SUMMARY
[0003] An exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine is disclosed.
The exercise machine can include a base which can have adjustable
provisions for standing, a vertical support column which can be
attached to the base, a cylinder and piston assembly which can be
adjustably connected to the column, and a horizontal weight beam
carriage which can be adjustably connected to both the column and
the assembly. The carriage can have adjustable provisions for
attaching weights and for manipulating the exercise machine. The
adjustable provisions and adjustable attachments can allow the
exercise machine to be configured to perform one or more different
exercises
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments. The following detailed description should be
considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures in
which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an
exercise machine.
[0006] FIG. 2 is an oblique view of an exemplary embodiment of an
exercise machine.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an
exercise machine.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for executing
a compound exercise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Aspects of the present invention are disclosed in the
following description and related figures directed to specific
embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the claims. Additionally,
well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will
not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure
the relevant details of the invention.
[0010] As used herein, the word "exemplary" means "serving as an
example, instance or illustration." The embodiments described
herein are not limiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should
be understood that the described embodiments are not necessarily to
be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
Moreover, the terms "embodiments of the invention", "embodiments"
or "invention" do not require that all embodiments of the invention
include the discussed feature, advantage, or mode of operation.
[0011] Generally referring to FIGS. 1-4, an exercise machine 100 is
disclosed. The exercise machine can allow for any desired
combination of flexibility, strength, or stamina physical training
through exercises such as isolation exercises or multiple compound
joint exercises, as desired.
[0012] The exercise machine 100 can allow a user to engage in any
desired type of physical training by providing any of a number of
adjustment options, for example varying degrees of weight, height,
angle of lift, body position, handgrip position, or any other type
of option, as desired. In this way, in exemplary embodiments the
exercise machine 100 can provide a multiple position, free-weight,
full-body circuit training experience which can include multiple
compound joint and isolation exercises. These exercises can affect
any desired muscle or group of muscles, for example the calves,
upper legs, buttocks, core, lower back, chest, upper back,
shoulders, forearms, biceps, triceps, or any other desired body
part. As described below, exemplary embodiments of exercise machine
100 can be configured in such a way that all of these exercises and
any others as desired can be performed upon one exercise machine in
a safe and timely manner.
[0013] The exercise machine 100 can also be configured in such a
way that no human assistance is required for a user to execute any
of the exercises. In some exemplary embodiments, the weight load of
the machine can be stabilized and controlled solely by the user who
is executing the exercise from start to finish. In this way,
exercise machine 100 can provide a safe and efficient full-body
circuit-training exercise routine upon one machine.
[0014] If desired, exercise machine 100 can also be adapted to be
positioned near and used with various cardio-vascular machines,
allowing for a strength training and aerobic conditioning exercise
session to be performed in an efficient manner. In some exemplary
embodiments, the exercise machine can be incorporated into a
gymnasium setting and positioned alongside cardio-vascular machines
such as treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bicycles, stair
climbers, rowing machines or any other cardiovascular or other
device as desired, allowing a user the opportunity to engage in a
cross-fit/full-body training experience.
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a side view, and FIG. 2 shows an oblique view,
of an exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine 100. Exercise
machine 100 can be a full-body circuit training platform which can
allow a user to perform a variety of exercises, for example a lower
body squat, an overhead press, a calf raise, a dead lift, a biceps
curl, a triceps extension, an upright row, or any other exercise as
desired.
[0016] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, exercise machine 100 can
include a base 102. Base 102 can include base rails 134, base
plates 136 and lower supporting beams 138. Base rails 134 can
support an exercise platform 128, which can include an opening
which can be any desired shape, for example a rectangle. Base 102
can also include foot risers 130, which can be adapted to cover the
opening in platform 128. Base 102 can include any desired number of
foot risers 130, and foot risers 130 can be reversible, adjustable,
or otherwise configurable to meet the particular needs of a user in
any situation. As an example, in some exemplary embodiments foot
risers 130 can be flat on one side and augmented with elevated
attachments of varying height on the other side, and can be
adjusted forward or backward along the opening in platform 128 in
any desired position. In this way, a combination of foot risers 130
can be used in unison for a flat surface that is level with the
remainder of the platform 128, or as desired any number them can be
selected and positioned anywhere within the rectangular opening of
the platform 128 for elevated heel or toe exercise positions. As a
result, the foot positioning requirements of a number of different
exercises can be accommodated, for example squats, calf raises or
dead lifts.
[0017] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, exercise machine 100 can
also include a vertical weight support column 104, which can be
supported by base 102. Column 104 can be adapted to receive upper
adjustable pivot clamp 108 and lower adjustable pivot clamp 106.
FIG. 3 shows a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of exercise
machine 100, in which can be seen a plurality of positioning holes
302 by which upper adjustable pivot clamp 108 and lower adjustable
pivot clamp 106 can attached to column 104 using any desired
attachment, for example a spring-loaded pin.
[0018] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, exercise machine 100 can also
include a horizontal support weight beam carriage 112, which can be
attached to the pivoting end of upper adjustable pivot clamp 108,
and can thereby be secured to column 104. In some exemplary
embodiments, horizontal support weight beam carriage 112 can also
have one or more positioning holes to which a horizontal adjustable
pivot clamp 110 can be attached.
[0019] The pivoting end of horizontal adjustable pivot clamp 110
can be linked to one end of a cylinder and piston assembly 126.
Assembly 126 can serve a variety of functions. For example, in some
exemplary embodiments, assembly 126 can act as a guide along a
user's range of motion, can provide support for the weight load
when the machine is not in use, or can provide ample ground
clearance for the user if there is a failure to complete a full
repetition of an exercise while the user is underneath the weight
load of the horizontal support weight beam 112. Assembly 126 can
provide support or assistance for the user, or assembly 126 can be
configured in such a way that it does not assist or restrict the
user's eccentric or concentric contractions during the execution of
an exercise, as desired.
[0020] The other end of assembly 126 can be attached to a pivoting
end of lower adjustable pivot clamp 106. In this way, the combined
positioning of lower adjustable pivot clamp 106, upper adjustable
pivot clamp 108, and horizontal adjustable pivot clamp 110 can
determine a number of different parameters of an exercise to be
performed on exercise machine 100. For example, the positioning of
upper adjustable pivot clamp 108 and lower adjustable pivot clamp
106 on the vertical weight support column 104 can be used determine
the height at which the user can execute an exercise. As another
example, the position of horizontal adjustable pivot clamp 110 on
horizontal support weight beam carriage 112 can be used to
determine the angle at which the user can execute an exercise.
[0021] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, horizontal support weight
beam carriage 112 can also include side rails 116. Side rails 116
can establish the length of the area in which the user can perform
exercises using the exercise machine 100. Side rails 116 can
contribute to the stability of exercise machine 100, and can also
serve as attachment points for any combination of weights or user
interaction devices as desired. For example, in some exemplary
embodiments, side rails 116 can include provisions for attaching
modified-angled front hand grips 118, barbell 120, underhanded hand
grips 124, and rotating arc bar 122.
[0022] Horizontal support weight beam carriage 112 can also be
supported by a reinforcing support beam 114. Reinforcing support
beam 114 can connect side rails 116, and can establish the width of
the area in which the user can perform any desired exercises on
exercise machine 100. Reinforcing support beam 114 can also provide
additional support to the horizontal support weight beam carriage
112, and contribute to even weight distribution throughout the
entire exercise machine 100.
[0023] Horizontal support weight beam carriage 112 can include left
and right modified-angled front hand grips 118. In some exemplary
embodiments, the modified-angled front hand grips 118 can be
located in a position that can provide a medium hand grip position,
allowing a user to exercise, for example, the pectoral muscles.
[0024] Horizontal support weight beam carriage 112 can also include
barbell 120, which include a standard Olympic-style barbell and
weight shafts. In some exemplary embodiments, barbell 120 can be
positioned substantially in the middle of side rails 116, which can
allow a user to assume the traditional front and behind-the-neck
positions for squat and overhead press. In these positions,
exercise machine 100 can be used to exercise, for example, the
muscles of the chest, back and shoulders. In further exemplary
embodiments, barbell 120 can be sized to allow for varying degrees
of narrow, medium, or wide hand grip positions, allowing a user to
attempt to vary the effect upon the muscles of the chest, back and
shoulders when, for example, performing overhead presses
individually, or in tandem with squats. Barbell 120 can also
include weight shafts at either end. In exemplary embodiments,
these weight shafts can extend transversely and can be used to
accommodate any type of weight, for example multiple removable
standard Olympic-style free-weight plates, as desired by the
user.
[0025] Horizontal support weight beam carriage 112 can also include
rotating arc bar 122. Arc bar 122 can be a shortened standard
Olympic style barbell which can be augmented by an additional metal
bar in the shape of an arc attached to the center portion of the
shortened barbell. Arc bar 122 can be linked by its two ends to the
two side rails 116, for example by bushings on each side. In this
way, arc bar 122 can rotate, allowing it to be repositioned as
desired. In some exemplary embodiments, arc bar 122 can locked into
one or positions by a spring-loaded locking pin located, for
example, on the bottom of the right side rail 116. In this way, arc
bar 122 can be positioned so that the arc can be grasped in various
positions, facilitating a variety of exercises. For example, arc
bar 122 can be locked into position with the arc parallel to the
platform 128 and the opening of the arc facing towards the vertical
weight support column 104, which can facilitate alternate narrow
hand grip overhead presses, executed individually or in tandem with
squats. As a thither example, arc bar 122 can be locked into
position with the opening of the arc facing the user. When arc bar
122 is in this position, a user can attach detachable polymer
training handgrips 132 to arc bar 122, allowing the user to
perform, for example, biceps curls and triceps extensions.
[0026] In the embodiments described above and in other exemplary
embodiments, exercise machine 100 can be used to perform a wide
variety of exercises. For example, a user can use exercise machine
100 as described above to perform isolation exercises, which can
focus primarily on one muscle or muscle group. In some embodiments,
exercise machine 100 can be used to perform, for example, squats,
both in front of and behind the neck, calf raises, dead lifts,
modified overhead front chest presses, front barbell overhead chest
presses, behind the neck barbell overhead presses, underhand
shoulder overhead presses, arc bar overhead chest presses, one
handed arc bar overhead presses, upright rows, biceps curls,
triceps extensions, and any other isolation exercise as
desired.
[0027] Exercise machine 100 can also be used to perform combination
or compound exercises. Exercise machine 100 can provide a variety
of the benefits of compound exercises. For example, when executing
a compound exercise the user's core muscles and forearms can be
actively engaged during the exercise due to the need to maintain
stability and control of the weight load being moved from the lower
body to upper body exercise positions. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary
embodiment of a process by which a user can perform a compound
exercise which includes a squat and an overhead press. At step 402,
the user can step upon the platform 128. At step 404, the user can
assume the eccentric position of a traditional squat exercise. At
step 406, the user can grasp one of the available hand grip
positions attached to the horizontal support weight beam carriage
112. At step 408, the user can execute a concentric contraction
with the lower body into the concentric position of a traditional
squat exercise. At step 410, the user can complete the execution of
a compound joint exercise by executing a concentric contraction
with the upper body into the concentric position of a traditional
overhead press.
[0028] A variety of compound exercises in addition to the one
described above can be accomplished using exercise machine 100.
Included in these are a squat/frontal chest/calf raise compound, a
squat/modified overhead front chest press/calf raise compound, a
squat/underhand shoulder overhead press/calf raise compound, a
squat/arc bar overhead chest press/calf raise compound, a bent over
row/bicep curl/calf raise compound, or any other compound exercise
as desired.
[0029] The foregoing description and accompanying figures
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0030] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *