U.S. patent application number 15/237263 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for exercise machine carriage handle system.
The applicant listed for this patent is SPX Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to John C. Hamilton, Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree.
Application Number | 20160346593 15/237263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55632055 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160346593 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony Louis ;
et al. |
December 1, 2016 |
EXERCISE MACHINE CARRIAGE HANDLE SYSTEM
Abstract
An exercise machine carriage handle system for providing handles
for an exerciser to grasp with their hands thereby expanding the
type of exercises that may be performed. The exercise machine
carriage handle system generally includes a frame having a track, a
carriage movably connected to the track, a bias member connected
between the frame and the carriage, a first handle connected to the
carriage near the first side, and a second handle connected to the
carriage near the second side. The first handle and second handle
are adapted for grasping with a first hand and a second hand
respectively of a user during the performance of an exercise on the
exercise machine.
Inventors: |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony
Louis; (West Hollywood, CA) ; Hamilton; John C.;
(Santa Clarita, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SPX Fitness, Inc. |
Burbank |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55632055 |
Appl. No.: |
15/237263 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14970845 |
Dec 16, 2015 |
9415253 |
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15237263 |
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14065851 |
Oct 29, 2013 |
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14970845 |
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13924088 |
Jun 21, 2013 |
9119989 |
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14065851 |
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14066402 |
Oct 29, 2013 |
9283422 |
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14970845 |
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61806655 |
Mar 29, 2013 |
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61719757 |
Oct 29, 2012 |
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61719757 |
Oct 29, 2012 |
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61719763 |
Oct 29, 2012 |
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61719757 |
Oct 29, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/001 20130101;
A63B 2208/0219 20130101; A63B 21/4045 20151001; A63B 2023/003
20130101; A63B 22/0046 20130101; A63B 23/03575 20130101; A63B
23/03516 20130101; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B
2071/0694 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 22/0089 20130101;
A63B 23/04 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 22/203 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 2208/0223
20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101; A63B 22/0007 20130101; A63B
2071/0633 20130101; A63B 21/0428 20130101; A63B 21/023 20130101;
A63B 21/4034 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 23/035 20060101 A63B023/035; A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame having a track, a first
end and a second end, wherein the track has a longitudinal axis; a
carriage having an upper surface, a first end, a second end
opposite of the first end, a first side and a second side opposite
of the first side, wherein the carriage is movably connected to the
track and adapted to be movable along a portion of the longitudinal
axis of the track during execution of an exercise; a bias member
connected between the frame and the carriage, wherein the bias
member provides a biasing force to the carriage; a first handle
connected to the carriage near the first side, wherein the first
handle is adapted for grasping with a first hand of a user; a
second handle connected to the carriage near the second side,
wherein the second handle is adapted for grasping with a second
hand of the user; wherein the first handle and the second handle
are each comprised of an elongated structure and are substantially
parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the track;
wherein the first handle and the second handle are substantially
parallel with respect to the upper surface of the carriage; wherein
the first handle and the second handle have a substantially flush
relationship with the upper surface of the carriage; a first
opening between the first handle and the carriage, wherein the
first opening is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the track; a second opening between the
second handle and the carriage, wherein the second opening is
elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal
axis of the track; a first end platform connected to the frame and
positioned near the first end of the frame; and a second end
platform connected to the frame and positioned near the second end
of the frame.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle have a substantially flush relationship with the
first side and the second side of the carriage respectively.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle extend between the first end and the second end
of the carriage.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the first handle and
the second handle are each connected to the carriage near the first
end and the second end of the carriage.
5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the first handle and
the second handle each have a first distal end that is near the
first end of the carriage and a second distal end that is near the
second end of the carriage.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle are substantially parallel with respect to one
another.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle are each comprised of a substantially straight
structure.
8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle are each comprised of a cylindrical shape.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle each have an upper surface that is near a plane
of the upper surface of the carriage.
10. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein the upper surfaces of
the first handle and the second handle are parallel to the upper
surface of the carriage.
11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle each have a longitudinal axis that is parallel
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the track.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first side and the
second side of the carriage each include a portion that is
curved.
13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the carriage includes
a first pair of extended portions that extend outwardly from the
first side of the carriage and wherein the first handle is attached
between the first pair of extended portions forming the first
opening between the first handle and the carriage, and wherein the
carriage includes a second pair of extended portions that extend
outwardly from the second side of the carriage and wherein the
second handle is attached between the second pair of extended
portions forming the second opening between the second handle and
the carriage.
14. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the first pair of
extended portions and the second pair of extended portions each
include opposing surfaces that the first handle and the second
handle are connected to respectively.
15. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first handle and
the second handle are each permanently connected to the
carriage.
16. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first opening and
the second opening are each comprised of an elongated slot.
17. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein at least one side of
the first opening and the second opening is substantially
straight.
18. A method of using the exercise machine of claim 1, comprising:
grasping the first handle and the second handle with a first hand
and a second hand respectively of a user; and performing an
exercise on the exercise machine by the user.
19. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame having a track, a
first end and a second end, wherein the track has a longitudinal
axis; a first end platform connected to the frame and positioned
near the first end of the frame; a second end platform connected to
the frame and positioned near the second end of the frame; a
carriage movably connected to the track and adapted to be movable
along a portion of the longitudinal axis of the track during
execution of an exercise, wherein the carriage comprises: an upper
surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end opposite of the
first end, a first side and a second side opposite of the first
side; a first slot extending through the carriage near the first
side from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the first
slot is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to the
longitudinal axis of the track; a first handle defining at least a
portion of the first side of the carriage, wherein the first handle
is adapted for grasping with a first hand of a user, wherein the
first handle encloses one side of the first slot, and wherein the
first handle is comprised of an elongated structure that is
substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal axis of the
track; a second slot extending through the carriage near the second
side from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the
second slot is elongated in a direction substantially parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the track; and a second handle defining at
least a portion of the second side of the carriage, wherein the
second handle is adapted for grasping with a second hand of a user,
wherein the second handle encloses one side of the second slot, and
wherein the second handle is comprised of an elongated structure
that is substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal
axis of the track; wherein the first handle and the second handle
are substantially parallel with respect to the upper surface of the
carriage; wherein the first handle and the second handle have a
substantially flush relationship with the upper surface of the
carriage; and a bias member connected between the frame and the
carriage, wherein the bias member provides a biasing force to the
carriage.
20. The exercise machine of claim 19, including: a first pair of
extended portions that extend outwardly from the first side of the
carriage and wherein the first handle extends between the first
pair of extended portions forming the first opening between the
first handle and the carriage; and a second pair of extended
portions that extend outwardly from the second side of the carriage
and wherein the second handle extends between the second pair of
extended portions forming the second opening between the second
handle and the carriage; wherein the first handle and the second
handle are each comprised of a substantially straight structure.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/970,845 filed on Dec. 16, 2015 (Docket No.
LAGR-062), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/065,851 filed on Oct. 29, 2013 (Docket No. LAGR-005), which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/924,088
filed on Jun. 21, 2013 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,119,989
(Docket No. LAGR-003), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/719,757 filed Oct. 29, 2012 (Docket No.
LAGR-001) and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/806,655 filed
Mar. 29, 2013 (Docket No. LAGR-006).
[0002] U.S. application Ser. No. 14/970,845 filed on Dec. 16, 2015
(Docket No. LAGR-062) is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/066,402 filed Oct. 29, 2013 (Docket No.
LAGR-012), which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/719,763 filed Oct. 29, 2012 (Docket No. LAGR-002) and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 61/719,757 filed Oct. 29, 2012 (Docket
No. LAGR-001).
[0003] Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any
applications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0004] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates generally to an exercise
machine and more specifically it relates to a carriage for an
exercise machine that includes handles for an exerciser to grasp
with their hands thereby expanding the type of exercises that may
be performed.
[0007] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0008] Any discussion of the related art throughout the
specification should in no way be considered as an admission that
such related art is widely known or forms part of common general
knowledge in the field.
[0009] Pilates apparatuses were introduced as exercise devices in
the United States during the early 1900's. Today, Pilates is one of
the fastest growing fitness activities, and is well known to
millions of Pilates exercisers and fitness professionals.
[0010] It is also well known that Pilates apparatuses are generally
comprised of a rectangular, horizontal base structure with parallel
rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of the rectangular
structure, and a sliding carriage thereupon that is movably
attached to a first end of the structure by springs or elastic
bands that produce a resistance bias. Sliding the carriage away
from the first end of the apparatus to which one or more spring
resistance means are attached creates a workload against which
fitness exercises can be beneficially performed.
[0011] Some contemporary Pilates apparatuses incorporate a foot bar
at the first end of the longitudinal structure such that a user
resting their back on a slidable carriage can move the carriage
against a spring resistance force by first bending their knees and
placing their feet against the foot bar, then straightening their
legs, pushing against the stationary foot bar. The axis of the foot
bar is positioned typically normal to the longitudinal axis along
which the carriage of a Pilates apparatus slides. In some
instances, the foot bar also serves as a hand-holding bar during
the performance of certain exercises.
[0012] In all known instances, features that provide for an
accessory structure that an exerciser may push against with their
hands or feet, and features that provide for an exerciser to pull
with their hands are intended to be used by a person positioned
upon and substantially within the perimeter of the Pilates
structure. These features are not ergonomically designed for
exerciser engagement unless the exerciser is mounted substantially
or completely upon the Pilates apparatus. In all cases, they teach
away from accessibility to an exerciser substantially positioned
outside of the perimeter of the apparatus.
[0013] One problem with traditional Pilates apparatuses is that
they do not provide for exercisers using the apparatus when
positioned adjacent to, and therefore not mounted upon the
apparatus. Although many types and number of exercises may be
performed on traditional Pilates apparatuses, the inability to
perform exercises against the spring resistance means when not
mounted on the apparatus limits the types and number of
exercises.
[0014] Therefore, when a person is able to exercise against the
resistance means while positioned next to, and not upon the
apparatus, the types and number of exercises increase
substantially. Another problem with traditional apparatuses is that
the slidable carriage is typically a substantially horizontal board
devoid of features, including holes, bars or handles that would
allow an exerciser to grab with their hands, or push against with
hands or feet, during the performance of new and beneficial
exercises. In other words, the traditional Pilates slidable
carriage is merely a rectangular board without grabbing or pushing
features. In theory and in practice, for nearly 100 years, the
Pilates Method of exercise has encouraged centering and balance
upon an apparatus, and has taught away from performing exercises
when the exerciser is not substantially centered upon the
apparatus. The present invention therefore overcomes the
limitations of the traditional Pilates method of exercising by
promoting resistance exercising for cardiovascular and strength
training while positioned partially, or adjacent to the apparatus.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that today's gym and
Pilates studio operators desire a competitive advantage over
fitness facilities that merely offer traditional Pilates training
classes, and more specifically, desire the ability to provide a
broader selection of beneficial exercises that cannot be performed
on traditional Pilates apparatuses, and they will further
appreciate the commercial value associated with the ability to
offer expanded exercise routines.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Provided herein is an exercise machine which includes a
frame having a track, a carriage movably connected to the track, a
bias member connected between the frame and the carriage, a first
handle connected to the carriage near the first side, and a second
handle connected to the carriage near the second side. The first
handle and second handle are adapted for grasping with a first hand
and a second hand respectively of a user during the performance of
an exercise on the exercise machine.
[0016] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are
additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one
embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an exercise machine
carriage handle system.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise machine carriage
handle system.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of a first alternative
embodiment of the carriage handles.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the first alternative embodiment of
the carriage handles and handles connected to the end platform of
the exercise machine.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a second alternative
embodiment of the carriage handles.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of a third alternative
embodiment of the carriage handles.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of a fourth alternative
embodiment of the carriage handles.
[0025] FIG. 8A is an upper perspective view of the exercise machine
having the fourth alternative embodiment of the carriage handles
along with an exerciser pushing with a foot against an accessory
extending from the carriage.
[0026] FIG. 8B is an upper perspective view of the exercise machine
of FIG. 8A with an exerciser dismounted from the exercise machine,
grabbing handles on the side of the carriage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A. Overview.
[0027] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 8B illustrate an exercise machine carriage
handle system, which comprises a frame having a track, a carriage
movably connected to the track, a bias member connected between the
frame and the carriage, a first handle connected to the carriage
near the first side, and a second handle connected to the carriage
near the second side. The first handle and second handle are
adapted for grasping with a first hand and a second hand
respectively of a user during the performance of an exercise on the
exercise machine.
[0028] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of
an improved Pilates apparatus.
[0029] In the drawing, a Pilates apparatus 100 is shown comprising
a support structure with a plurality of support feet 101, a pair of
parallel rails 109 extending longitudinally substantially the
length of the apparatus 100 and supported by the support structure,
an exercise platform 102 and foot bar 105 affixed to a first end of
the structure, a slidable carriage 104 slidable upon the rails 109
in response to force exerted by an exerciser, one or more spring
bias means 106 removably connected between the slidable carriage
104 and a first end of the apparatus 100, and an exercise platform
103 affixed to a second end of the apparatus 100.
[0030] A plurality of hand-holds 107 are shown positioned
substantially at the perimeter corners of the slidable carriage
104, the orientation and geometry of the hand-holds 107 being such
that an exerciser may easily and comfortably insert their hands and
grab the slidable carriage 104 in order to perform an exercise.
[0031] Further, a plurality of side rails 108 are shown affixed to
the slidable carriage 104, and positioned substantially at the
perimeter sides of the carriage 104. The side rail accessories may
be comfortably grasped by an exerciser's hands during the
performance of an exercise.
[0032] It should be noted that, unlike traditional Pilates
apparatuses that fail to provide any of the hand-holding features
just described, the improved slidable carriage 104 provides a
plurality of hand-holding positions accessible to exercisers
completely positioned upon the carriage 104 with their spine
substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the apparatus
100, when positioned partially upon the floor and partially
supported by the apparatus 100, or when completely supported by the
floor, but grasping the hand-hold features for the performance of
an exercise.
[0033] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a side view of an
improved Pilates apparatus.
[0034] More specifically, a side view of a substantially
rectangular structure of a Pilates apparatus is supported off the
floor by a plurality of supporting feet 101. The structure further
supports a pair of parallel rails 109 extending substantially the
length of the structure, and a slidable carriage 104 thereupon. A
plurality of hand-holds 107 not viewable in the side view, and a
side grab bar 108 are shown as grabbing features on the slidable
carriage 104.
[0035] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of
a slidable carriage of an improved Pilates apparatus.
[0036] For purposes of clarity, the supporting structure, parallel
rails 109, stationary exercise platforms at the first end and
second end of the structure, and spring biasing means 106 are not
shown. Only the substantially horizontal exercise surface of the
slidable carriage 104 is illustrated.
[0037] Now, in the drawing, hand-holds 107 as previously described
are shown, with the geometric orientation of the holes being such
that they can be easily grasped by an exerciser positioned adjacent
to the apparatus 100. Side grab rails 300 are shown positioned
substantially along the lateral edges of the slidable carriage 104,
with substantially vertical rail supports at each end of the major
portion of the grab bar, the grab bar therefore being positioned at
an elevation above the exercise surface of the slidable carriage
104. The lateral edges of the slidable carriage 104 are aligned
substantially with the longitudinal axis of the Pilates apparatus
100 not shown.
[0038] As can be readily appreciated, the vertical and horizontal
portions of each of the grab bars may be grasped by an exerciser
positioned adjacent to the apparatus 100. The vertical portions may
also be grasped by an exerciser and used to push or pull the
slidable carriage 104 against the spring biasing means 106 along
the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 100.
[0039] It should be noted that although the grab bar is shown at an
elevation above the exercise surface, the grab bar may also be
positioned at an elevation below the exercise surface. Further,
although the grab bar accessory is shown as fixed in one location,
the bar may also swing 301 to any position within the arc range of
motion about a pivot point at the lower end of the vertical grab
bar supports. The illustration in the drawing is provided merely as
one example of a longitudinally aligned grab bar, and any grab bar
in any position above, even with, or below the exercise surface are
all anticipated by the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a side view of an
improved Pilates apparatus.
[0041] In the drawing, one raised grab bar 300 of a pair of grab
bars is shown affixed to the perimeter edge of a slidable carriage
104. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, an
exerciser positioned adjacent to the apparatus 100 could perform
exercises by grabbing either the vertical support members or the
horizontal grab bar.
[0042] Further, one smaller grab bar 400 of a pair of grab bars is
shown affixed to the perimeter edge of a stationary exercise
platform 103.
[0043] As previously described, the large grab bar 300 and smaller
grab bar 400 may be positioned with the horizontal portion
positioned above, even with, or below the exercise surfaces of the
platforms, and may be permanently or removably attached.
[0044] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing an alternate
isometric view of a slidable carriage of an improved Pilates
apparatus.
[0045] In the drawing, a pair of grab bars 500 are shown extending
beyond the perimeter edge of the exercise surface of a slidable
carriage 104 of a Pilates apparatus 100. As one variation of the
positioning of grabbing features of the present invention, the grab
bars 500 may be permanently or removably attached to the carriage
104.
[0046] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing an alternate
isometric view of a slidable carriage of an improved Pilates
apparatus.
[0047] More specifically, yet another alternative arrangement of a
plurality of smaller accessory grab handles 600 are shown variously
positioned proximal to and extending beyond the lateral edges of
the platform of a slidable carriage 104 of a Pilates apparatus 100.
The grab handles 600 may be provided in fixed positions, or may be
removably attached to the slidable carriage 104 and relocatable
using a plurality of attachment points not shown on the perimeter
of the slidable carriage 104.
[0048] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of
a plurality of accessory features on an improved Pilates apparatus.
More specifically, the drawing illustrates a plurality of hand-hold
features and accessories of the present invention.
[0049] An exerciser may grab one or more hand-hold features
positioned substantially at the lateral edges of the exercise
platform 102 affixed to a first end of a Pilates apparatus 100, the
platform 103 affixed to the second end of the apparatus 100, or the
exercise platform of the slidable carriage 104.
[0050] More specifically, a plurality of hand-holds 701 are
provided proximal to the lateral edges of said exercise platforms,
one or more of which may be used by an exerciser whether positioned
entirely upon the apparatus 100, or preferably when partially
supported by the apparatus 100 and floor, or entirely supported by
the floor.
[0051] Further, one or more grab handles 600 may be positioned at
various locations along the lateral edges of the carriage 104,
and/or may be positioned along the lateral edges of the stationary
platform 103 or 102, although not shown.
[0052] Still further, push bars 702 may be affixed to the slidable
carriage 104, extending laterally from the perimeter edge of the
platform, thereby providing a structure against which an exerciser
may push with a force against the spring biasing means 106.
[0053] Therefore, the types and number of hand-holds and push bars
as illustrated is not meant to be limiting, and the placement,
size, distance above or below the exercise surfaces, or the
distance of extension laterally beyond the perimeter of the
exercise surface may vary as may be required to properly perform
various exercises when positioned adjacent to, or partially
supported by a traditional Pilates apparatus.
[0054] It should be noted that any of the accessory handles, grab
bars or foot bars may be permanently attached, or removably
attached to the slidable carriage 104, the stationary exercise
platforms located at distal ends of the apparatus 100, or to the
structure of a Pilates apparatus 100.
[0055] FIG. 8A is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of
an exerciser pushing with a foot against an accessory of an
improved Pilates apparatus.
[0056] Merely as a means to illustrate the use of an improved
Pilates apparatus of the present invention, the drawing shows a
representative exerciser 800 supported on the floor by both arms
and one knee. One foot is raised and positioned upon a foot push
bar 702 such that extending the leg will require a force sufficient
enough to overcome the resistance created by the spring biasing
means 106.
[0057] As would be immediately recognized by a skilled artisan, the
representative exercise just described cannot be performed on a
traditional Pilates apparatus absent the push bar accessory of the
present invention.
[0058] FIG. 8B is an exemplary diagram showing an isometric view of
an exerciser dismounted from a Pilates apparatus, grabbing hand
hold accessory features of an improved Pilates apparatus.
[0059] A one more means of illustrating the use of an improved
Pilates apparatus of the present invention, the drawing shows a
representative exerciser 801 kneeling on the floor, positioning
both hands in hand-holds located on the perimeter corners of the
slidable carriage 104. In the performance of a torso-twist
exercise, the exerciser 801 rotates the torso clockwise as shown,
creating a rotational force F such that when transferred through
the arms, creates a force in the vector direction V sufficient
enough to overcome the resistance R created by the spring biasing
means 106.
[0060] By completing a number of repetitions of the exercise just
described, the exerciser 801 will have strengthened certain core
muscles including the internal and external obliques, ractus
abdominus and external incercostal muscles, to name a few.
[0061] The frame of the exercise machine includes a track, a first
end and a second end. The track has a longitudinal axis. The track
is comprised of one or more rails that the carriage is movably
connected to.
[0062] The carriage includes an upper surface, a lower surface
opposite of the upper surface, a first end, a second end opposite
of the first end, a first side and a second side opposite of the
first side. The carriage is movably connected to the track and
adapted to be movable along a portion of the longitudinal axis of
the track in a reciprocating back-and-forth motion. At least one
bias member (e.g. spring) is connected between the frame and the
carriage to provide a biasing force to the carriage.
[0063] At least one first handle is connected to the carriage
preferably near, adjacent or on the first side. The first handle is
adapted for grasping with a first hand of a user. Furthermore, at
least one second handle is connected to the carriage preferably
near, adjacent or on the second side. Similar to the first handle,
the second handle is also adapted for grasping with a second hand
of the user. The first and second handles may have various shapes,
sizes and configurations suitable for grasping by an exerciser. For
example, the first handle and the second handle may each have a
U-shaped structure that mirrors one another in one embodiment.
[0064] The first handle and the second handle are preferably
substantially parallel with respect to one another, however, the
handles are not required to be substantially parallel with respect
to one another. The first handle and the second handle are
preferably substantially parallel with respect to the upper surface
of the carriage, but are not required to be substantially parallel
with respect to the upper surface of the carriage. In one
embodiment of the exercise machine carriage handles, the pair of
opposing handles are substantially parallel with respect to one
another and the upper surface of the carriage. The handles
preferably have an upper surface that is near or aligned with the
upper surface of the carriage. The handles may extend outwardly
from the carriage or have a substantially flush relationship with
the upper surface and/or respective sides of the carriage.
[0065] A first opening may be formed between the first handle and
the carriage, and a second opening may be formed between the second
handle and the carriage. The openings allow portions of the hands
of the exercise to extend through when the user is grasping the
carriage or the handles. The first side and the second side of the
carriage each may include a portion that is inwardly curved.
[0066] The first handle and the second handle may be comprised of
an elongated structure such as a substantially straight structure
having a cylindrical shape (e.g. cylindrical rod, cylindrical tube,
etc.). The handles do not have to be elongated, straight or
cylindrical and instead may have various other types of shapes
suitable for grasping by an exerciser. The handles further may each
have a longitudinal axis that is parallel with respect to the
longitudinal axis of the frame and/or track of the exercise
machine. The handles may be angled at various non-parallel angles
with respect to the carriage and one another (e.g. the handles may
extend outwardly away from the carriage from a first end to a
second end of the handles). The carriage may include a first pair
of extended portions that extend outwardly from the first side of
the carriage with the first handle attached between the first pair
of extended portions forming the first opening between the first
handle and the carriage. The carriage may also include a second
pair of extended portions that extend outwardly from the second
side of the carriage with the second handle attached between the
second pair of extended portions forming a second opening between
the second handle and the carriage. The extended portions are not
required to connect the handles to the carriage as shown in the
figures. The first pair of extended portions and the second pair of
extended portions each include opposing surfaces that said first
handle and said second handle are connected to respectively.
Alternatively, the first handle and second handle may extend
outwardly from the first side and second side of the carriage
respectively.
[0067] The first handle and the second handle each may have a first
distal end that is near, adjacent or at the first end of the
carriage and a second distal end that is near, adjacent or at the
second end of the carriage. The distal ends of the handles do not
have to be near the ends of the carriage.
[0068] The first handle and second handle may extend outwardly from
the carriage to the side, upwardly or at an angle between thereof.
The first handle and second handle may extend upwardly from, near
or adjacent the first side and second side of the carriage
respectively. The handles do not have to extend outwardly from the
carriage.
[0069] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to
the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is
therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized
within the description are for convenience only and have no legal
or limiting effect.
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