U.S. patent application number 15/463730 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for exercise machine handle system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lagree Technologies, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lagree Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to John C. Hamilton, Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree.
Application Number | 20170189740 15/463730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58335157 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170189740 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony Louis ;
et al. |
July 6, 2017 |
EXERCISE MACHINE HANDLE SYSTEM
Abstract
An exercise machine handle system which provides a unique handle
and rotatable handle hub configuration to aid in performing a
variety of exercises. The exercise machine handle system generally
includes one or more handle assemblies each having a mounting
bracket adapted to be removably secured to an exercise machine and
including an upwardly-extending mounting hub shaft. A handle hub
having a pair of curved handles extending in opposite directions
therefrom is rotatably securable around an upper end of the handle
hub shaft into a variety of locked positions. A third curved handle
extends from an upper end of the handle hub in a similarly
rotatably securable position. By removably securing one or more
handle assemblies to an exercise machine, a user can benefit from a
wide range of exercises supported by the adjustable handle
assemblies.
Inventors: |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony
Louis; (Burbank, CA) ; Hamilton; John C.;
(Santa Clarita, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lagree Technologies, Inc. |
Burbank |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lagree Technologies, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
58335157 |
Appl. No.: |
15/463730 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15387764 |
Dec 22, 2016 |
9597545 |
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15463730 |
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15332636 |
Oct 24, 2016 |
9586081 |
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15387764 |
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14841210 |
Aug 31, 2015 |
9474924 |
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15332636 |
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13924088 |
Jun 21, 2013 |
9119989 |
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14841210 |
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14065851 |
Oct 29, 2013 |
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15387764 |
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13068795 |
May 20, 2011 |
8641585 |
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14065851 |
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13924088 |
Jun 21, 2013 |
9119989 |
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13068795 |
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61719757 |
Oct 29, 2012 |
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61719763 |
Oct 29, 2012 |
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61806655 |
Mar 29, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2071/0063 20130101;
A63B 22/0089 20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 21/0428
20130101; A63B 21/4001 20151001; A63B 21/40 20151001; A63B 23/1236
20130101; A63B 21/4045 20151001; A63B 21/02 20130101; A63B 21/068
20130101; A63B 2208/0214 20130101; A63B 22/0046 20130101; A63B
21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/023 20130101;
A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 71/0054
20130101; A63B 22/0087 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B
2225/09 20130101; A63B 2023/003 20130101; A63B 23/0216 20130101;
A63B 21/15 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 22/00 20060101 A63B022/00; A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04; A63B 23/12 20060101 A63B023/12; A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame having a first end, a
second end, a first rail and a second rail, wherein the first rail
is parallel with respect to the second rail; 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 positioned upon the first rail and the
second rail of the frame, and wherein the carriage is movable
between the first end and the second end; a bias member connected
between the carriage and the frame that applies a bias force upon
the carriage; a first end platform connected to the frame and
positioned near the first end of the frame, wherein the first end
platform has an upper surface; a second end platform connected to
the frame and positioned near the second end of the frame, wherein
the second end platform has an upper surface, wherein the upper
surface of the carriage, the upper surface of the first end
platform and the upper surface of the second end platform are on a
common plane; and a plurality of adjustable handles attached to the
frame, wherein the plurality of adjustable handles each have an
inverted L-shaped structure, and wherein the plurality of
adjustable handles are rotatably movable into a first position to
perform certain exercises or a second position to move the
plurality of handles out of the way to perform other exercises,
wherein the plurality of adjustable handles are comprised of: a
first adjustable handle attached to the frame near the first end of
the frame, wherein the first adjustable handle is rotatably
adjustable, and wherein the first adjustable handle is adapted to
be grasped by a first hand of an exerciser; a second adjustable
handle attached to the frame near the first end of the frame,
wherein the second adjustable handle is rotatably adjustable, and
wherein the second adjustable handle is adapted to be grasped by a
second hand of the exerciser; a third adjustable handle attached to
the frame near the second end of the frame, wherein the third
adjustable handle is rotatably adjustable, and wherein the third
adjustable handle is adapted to be grasped by the second hand of
the exerciser; and a fourth adjustable handle attached to the frame
near the second end of the frame, wherein the third adjustable
handle is rotatably adjustable, and wherein the fourth adjustable
handle is adapted to be grasped by the first hand of the
exerciser.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
adjustable handles each include a vertical segment and a horizontal
segment extending from an upper portion of the vertical
segment.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein when the plurality of
adjustable handles are positioned into the first position, the
plurality of adjustable handles extend inwardly.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein when the plurality of
adjustable handles are positioned into the first position, the
plurality of adjustable handles extend inwardly towards one of the
plurality of adjustable handles opposite thereof
5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
adjustable handles are each lockable into a particular position to
prevent movement thereof.
6. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the plurality of
adjustable handles are each unlockable to be movable into a
different position.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first adjustable
handle and the third adjustable handle are attached to the first
rail, and wherein the second adjustable handle and the fourth
adjustable handle are attached to the second rail.
8. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame having a first end, a
second end, a first rail and a second rail, wherein the first rail
is parallel with respect to the second rail; 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 positioned upon the first rail and the
second rail of the frame, and wherein the carriage is movable
between the first end and the second end; a bias member connected
between the carriage and the frame that applies a bias force upon
the carriage; a first end platform connected to the frame and
positioned near the first end of the frame, wherein the first end
platform has an upper surface; a second end platform connected to
the frame and positioned near the second end of the frame, wherein
the second end platform has an upper surface, wherein the upper
surface of the carriage, the upper surface of the first end
platform and the upper surface of the second end platform are
substantially on a common plane; and a plurality of adjustable
handles attached to the frame, wherein the plurality of adjustable
handles each have an inverted L-shaped structure, and wherein the
plurality of adjustable handles are rotatably movable into a first
position or a second position to perform certain exercises, wherein
the plurality of adjustable handles are comprised of: a first
adjustable handle attached to the frame near the first end of the
frame, wherein the first adjustable handle is rotatably adjustable,
and wherein the first adjustable handle is adapted to be grasped by
a first hand of an exerciser; and a second adjustable handle
attached to the frame near the first end of the frame, wherein the
second adjustable handle is rotatably adjustable, and wherein the
second adjustable handle is adapted to be grasped by a second hand
of the exerciser.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/387,764 filed on Dec. 22, 2016 which issues
as U.S. Pat. No. 9,597,545 on Mar. 21, 2017 (Docket No. LAGR-105),
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/332,636
filed on Oct. 24, 2016 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,586,081
(Docket No. LAGR-083) and a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/065,851 filed on Oct. 29, 2013 (Docket No.
LAGR-005).
[0002] U.S. application Ser. No. 15/332,636 application (Docket No.
LAGR-083) is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/841,210
filed on Aug. 31, 2015 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,474,924 on
Oct. 25, 2016 (Docket No. LAGR-052), which is a continuation 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).
[0003] U.S. application Ser. No. 14/065,851 application (Docket No.
LAGR-005) is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/068,795 filed on May 20, 2011 now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,641,585 (Docket No. LAGR-025) and 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). The Ser. No.
14/065,851 application (Docket No. LAGR-005) also claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/719,763 filed on Oct. 29,
2012 (Docket No. LAGR-002) and U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/806,655 filed on Mar. 29, 2013 (Docket No. LAGR-006).
[0004] Each of the aforementioned patent applications, and any
applications related thereto, is herein incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Field of the Invention
[0006] The present invention relates generally to an exercise
machine and more specifically it relates to an exercise machine
handle system which provides a unique handle configuration to aid
in performing a variety of exercises.
[0007] 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] In 1912 England, Joseph Pilates worked as a self-defense
instructor for detectives at Scotland Yard. At the outbreak of
World War I, Pilates was interned in a detention camp as an "alien
enemy". While interned, Pilates refined his ideas and trained other
internees in his system of exercise. He rigged springs to hospital
beds, enabling bedridden patients to exercise against spring
resistance, an innovation that led to his ultimate development of
what is known today as a Pilates apparatus.
[0010] In 1926, Pilates immigrated to the United States and opened
the first "Pilates" fitness studio. Professional dancers were the
first to embrace Pilates' workouts in earnest. Of the many Pilates
students who became teachers in their own Pilates studios, Ron
Fletcher opened a Pilates' studio in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Hollywood celebrities discovered Pilates via Fletcher's studio. The
public follows the stars, and in the late 1990s, the media started
profiling Hollywood stars who used Pilates apparatuses, and the
market for Pilates studios across the United States expanded
explosively. Today, over 10 million Americans practice Pilates, and
the numbers continue to grow.
[0011] The physiological benefits to persons using Pilates
apparatuses for exercise are two-fold, combining flexibility and
strength training: (a) use of the apparatus increases users'
flexibility and range of motion by allowing the user positioned on
a sliding carriage to move towards or away from one end of the
apparatus on a rolling carriage biasly connected to one of the ends
of the apparatus by one or more springs, and (b) use of the
apparatus increases lean muscle tissue development by working
muscles against variable spring tension as a reasonable substitute
for lifting dumbbells or other heavy weights.
[0012] With various features installed on the apparatus, namely
handles, pulleys, ropes and bars, users can variably use pushing or
pulling motions against the spring tension in order to exercise
different muscles or muscle groups.
[0013] Since the 1990s, Pilates apparatuses have become a standard
pieces of equipment in fitness studios and health clubs, and are
used for physical therapy and rehabilitation, dance medicine and
sports medicine, athletic training and conditioning, and general
fitness for specialized audiences--for example, the out-of-shape,
over 50 year old population, or fitness programs for pregnant,
soon-to-be mothers.
[0014] Despite the nearly 100 year-long history of Pilates, the
core design of the Pilates apparatus has remained substantially
unchanged, although additional accessories using the spring tension
have been devised, cosmetic and material changes have allowed
production of apparatuses that are lower cost to produce, or more
pleasing to the eye.
[0015] This status quo acceptance of antiquated Pilates apparatus
design has failed to incorporate substantial improvements to
mechanisms and user operation, resulting in what the medical
community know recognizes as potentially dangerous and often
injury-causing deficiencies.
[0016] Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there
is a need for a new and improved exercise machine handle system
which provides a unique handle configuration to aid in performing a
variety of exercises.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The invention generally relates to an exercise machine
system which includes one or more handle assemblies, each including
a mounting bracket adapted to be removably secured to an exercise
machine and including an upwardly-extending mounting hub shaft. A
handle hub having a pair of curved handles extending in opposite
directions therefrom is rotatably securable around an upper end of
the mounting hub shaft into a variety of positions. A third curved
handle extends from an upper end of the handle hub. By removably
securing one or more handle assemblies to an exercise machine, a
user can benefit from a wide range of exercises supported by the
adjustable handle assemblies.
[0018] Persons exercising on a Pilates apparatus often first
position themselves on an exercise carriage that rolls along
parallel rails. Once mounted on the exercise carriage, a person
uses handles to push or pull the carriage along the rails, and
against a bias tension typically created by springs attached
between the rolling carriage and one end of the apparatus.
[0019] The present invention is a novel multi-axis and rotational
handle assembly that vastly improves the functionality of a
Piltates apparatus. Two of the assemblies are required on any given
Pilates apparatus, the assemblies being substantially mirror images
of each other, with the first assembly installed on the one side of
the longitudinal axis of the Pilates apparatus, and the second
assembly being installed on the opposite side of the longitudinal
axis, both assemblies being aligned along the same axis that is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0020] Where handle assembly is referred to in the singular, if
should be understood that such reference also refers to a second
handle assembly that is substantially a mirror image of the first
referred to handle assembly.
[0021] Therefore, one exemplary embodiment of the present invention
is to create an exercise apparatus handle assembly upon which more
than two handles are positioned at different dimensions as measured
above the plane formed by the top surface of the rolling
carriage.
[0022] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to create an exercise apparatus handle assembly with a plurality of
handles that are ergonomically positioned to allow optimum support
for the wrist, elbow, ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, and other major
joints of a person exercising on a Pilates apparatus.
[0023] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to create an exercise apparatus handle assembly with a plurality of
handles that are positionable at the start of an exercise routine,
thereafter allowing a person exercising to rapidly change hand
positions from one handle to another handle when transitioning from
one exercise to a different exercise without stopping the exercise
routine to alter the apparatus configuration.
[0024] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to
create an exercise apparatus handle assembly with a plurality of
handles that allow a fitness trainer to direct exercising persons
to rapidly change hand positions to a different handle prior to
resuming an exercise routine. To those skilled in the art, it will
become obvious that this functionality is substantially more time
efficient when a trainer is teaching one, or a group of exercisers,
and requires exercising persons to rapid transition hand positions
from one handle to another handle in order to follow directions
related to the next exercise in a sequence of exercises in a
workout routine.
[0025] The height, weight, arm length, leg length, torso length,
shoulder width and many other physical measurements of persons
exercising on a Pilates apparatus vary widely. Therefore, another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is to create an
exercise apparatus handle assembly with a plurality of handles
positioned to allow ease of use by different sized persons without
time-consuming or complicated apparatus readjustment.
[0026] Yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
to create an exercise apparatus handle assembly with a plurality of
handles that are rotatably repositionable about an axis
perpendicular to the horizontal surface of the rolling carriage in
order to accommodate the wide differences in physical dimension of
persons exercising, thereby better aligning exercisers' hand
positions upon the apparatus to reduce unwanted stress on joints,
to mitigate injury, and to provide more comfort to the
exerciser.
[0027] Further, another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is to create an exercise apparatus handle assembly with a
plurality of handles adjustable along multiple axis relative to the
rolling carriage of a Pilates apparatus to aid in the proper
exercise position for enhanced safety and comfort of the person
exercising.
[0028] These and other embodiments will become known to one skilled
in the art, especially after understanding the significant
commercial advantages, the ability to complete a workout routine in
a reduced amount of time, enhanced injury prevention, the ability
to rapidly change the position of a body upon the apparatus to
exercise different sets of muscles, and the significantly expanded
apparatus flexibility to provide more comfort to a wide population
of people of different sizes without reconfiguring a Pilates
apparatus for each individual. The present invention is not
intended to be limited to the disclosed embodiments.
[0029] 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
[0030] 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:
[0031] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a handle assembly of
the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a handle assembly of the
present invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a handle assembly of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 is side sectional view of a handle assembly of the
present invention illustrating rotation of the handle hub.
[0035] FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a handle assembly of
the present invention in an unlocked state.
[0036] FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of a handle assembly of
the present invention being rotated in an unlocked state.
[0037] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of a handle assembly of
the present invention in a locked state after rotation.
[0038] FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of a handle assembly of the present invention utilizing
a rotatable upper handle.
[0039] FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of a handle assembly of the present invention
illustrating adjustment of the rotatable upper handle.
[0040] FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of an alternate
embodiment of a handle assembly of the present invention
illustrating locking of the rotatable upper handle in a rotated
position.
[0041] FIG. 11 is an upper perspective view of present invention
with the carriage assembly in an extended position.
[0042] FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of present invention
with the carriage assembly in a retracted position.
[0043] FIG. 13 is a top view of the carriage assembly of the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 14 is a first upper perspective view of the present
invention in use.
[0045] FIG. 15 is a second upper perspective view of the present
invention in use.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a third upper perspective view of the present
invention in use.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a fourth upper perspective view of the present
invention in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A. Overview.
[0048] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 17 illustrate a exercise machine handle
system 10, which comprises handle assemblies 11, 12 including a
mounting bracket 20 adapted to be removably secured to an exercise
machine 90 and including an upwardly-extending mounting hub shaft
30. A handle hub 60 having a pair of curved handles 80, 85
extending in opposite directions therefrom is rotatably securable
around an upper end 31 of the mounting hub shaft 30 into a variety
of positions. A third curved handle 70 extends from an upper end 62
of the handle hub 60. By removably securing one or more handle
assemblies 11, 12 to an exercise machine 90, a user can benefit
from a wide range of exercises supported by the adjustable handle
assemblies 11, 12.
B. Handle Assembly.
[0049] As shown throughout the figures, the present invention
comprises a handle assembly 11 which broadly comprises a mounting
bracket 20, a mounting hub shaft 30 extending upwardly from the
mounting bracket 20, and a handle hub 60 rotatably and lockably
secured to the mounting hub shaft 30. A pair of side handles 80, 85
extend outwardly in opposite directions from the handle hub 60. An
upper handle 70 similarly extends upwardly from the handle hub 60,
the upper handle 70 being either fixedly secured thereto or
rotatably locked thereto.
[0050] The phrase "handle assembly" is used herein to mean one of
two handle assemblies 11, 12 located upon an exercise apparatus,
the assemblies 11, 12 being mirror images of each other, both of
which are located on an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of
the exercise apparatus. It should be recognized that the
description of, or reference to one handle assembly 11 shall apply
to a second handle assembly 12 that is substantially a mirror image
of the first.
[0051] Further, although "handle assembly" implies the human
interface contact point of an exercise machine 90 upon which human
hands are placed, the disclosure is not limiting, and can be
interchangeably mean "foot bar assembly" upon which a person may
push against using their feet in order to primarily exercise the
muscles of the legs and back.
[0052] i. Mounting Bracket.
[0053] The handle assembly 11 will generally include a mounting
bracket 20 having an upper end 21 and a lower end 22. The mounting
bracket 20 may be comprised of various structures, devices, and
configurations adapted to be removably secured to an exercise
machine 90 such as a pilates machine as shown in the figures.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment as best shown in FIGS. 3-4, the
lower end 22 of the mounting bracket 20 will include a clamping
structure having an aperture 23 through which a securing member 24
such as a pin or fastener may be threadably secured to removably
secure the mounting bracket 20 to the exercise machine 90.
[0055] FIG. 2 best illustrates a mounting hub shaft 30, which
extends upwardly from the upper end 21 of the mounting bracket 20.
The mounting hub shaft 30 may be integrally formed with the
mounting bracket 20 or they may be comprised of discrete structures
secured together.
[0056] Although the figures illustrate the mounting hub shaft 30
being hollow, it is appreciated that, in some embodiments, the
mounting hub shaft 30 may be solid. In a preferred embodiment as
shown in the figures, the mounting hub shaft 30 is comprised of a
hollow, cylindrical tube having an upper opening 33 at its upper
end 31 and a lower end 32 which is fixedly secured (or integral
with) the upper end 21 of the mounting bracket 20. The upper
opening 33 in the upper end 31 of the mounting hub shaft 30 leads
to an internal channel 34 in which the various components of the
adjustment assembly 40 are housed.
[0057] In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 2, the mounting hub
shaft 30 includes one or more apertures 35 positioned around its
outer circumference adjacent its upper end 31. These apertures 35
may be aligned with corresponding apertures 56 on the collar 50 of
the adjustment assembly 40 so that the collar 50 may be secured to
the mounting hub shaft 30 via one or more fasteners 36 as best
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0058] ii. Handle Hub.
[0059] As best shown in FIG. 3, a handle hub 60 is included which
is rotatably secured to the upper end 31 of the mounting hub shaft
30. The handle hub 60 is rotatable into a plurality of locked
positions by utilizing an adjustment assembly 40 as described
herein. Preferably, the handle hub 60 will be rotatable such that
the handle hub 60 may be locked into approximately 45 degree
intervals, though other configurations may be utilized.
[0060] As best shown in FIGS. 3-7, the handle hub 60 is movable
longitudinally with respect to the mounting hub shaft 24 preferably
without allowing the handle hub 60 to be fully removed from the
mounting hub shaft 24. The handle hub 60 is movable from a locked
state to an unlocked state, wherein the locked state prevents
rotation of the handle hub 60 and wherein the unlocked state allows
free rotation of the handle hub 60 about the mounting hub shaft 24.
The handle hub 60 is movable in a first longitudinal direction
(generally downward) to the locked state and in a second
longitudinal direction (generally upward) to the unlocked state to
allow free rotation. As described below, the handle hub 60 will
preferably be biased toward the locked state such that, absent
force, the handle hub 60 will revert back into the locked
state.
[0061] The handle hub 60 comprises a base connector 61 and a side
support 66 extending from one side of the base connector 61 as best
shown in FIG. 2. The base connector 61 comprises a tube member
having an upper end 62, a lower opening 63, and an internal cavity
64 extending between the upper end 61 and the lower opening 63. The
lower opening 63 is preferably rotatably secured around the upper
end 31 of the mounting hub shaft 30 as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
The upper handle 70 of the present invention is either fixedly or
rotatably secured to the upper end 62 of the base connector 61,
depending on the embodiment of the present invention as described
herein.
[0062] The side handle support 66 may be comprised of a similar
tube-like configuration which is fixedly secured to the outer
circumference of the base connector 61 in an orientation such that
the base connector 61 and side handle support 66 are perpendicular
with respect to each other as shown in the figures. The side handle
support 66 includes a first end 67 and a second end 68, wherein the
first side handle 80 of the present invention is fixedly secured to
the first end 67 of the side handle support 66 and the second side
handle 85 of the present invention is fixedly secured to the second
end 68 of the side handle support 66.
[0063] iii. Adjustment Assembly.
[0064] The handle hub 60 is rotatable around the upper end 31 of
the mounting hub shaft 30 into a plurality of locked positions by
utilizing an adjustment assembly 40, which is operable to
longitudinally move the handle hub 60 from its locked state to its
unlocked state. A variety of adjustment assemblies 40 known in the
art to allow a hub to be rotatably locked into a plurality of
positions about a rod may be utilized for the present invention. In
some embodiments, the upper end 31 of the mounting hub shaft 30 or
the lower end 63 of the base connector 61 may comprise a tapered
collet so as to allow the handle hub 60 to be selectively rotated
into a plurality of frictionally-locked positions about the
mounting hub shaft 30. Other exemplary adjustment assemblies 40
include a mechanism comprised of mating female and male features
which lock at predetermined angles, interlocking teeth on two
gears, or any other known rotational locking mechanism. In another
embodiment, rotating a threaded collar or threaded clamp would
release a collet, thus allowing the handle hub 60 to be rotated
about the mounting hub shaft 30. Upon being rotated into the
desired position, the threaded collar or threaded clamp could be
re-tightened to re-engage the collet and fix the handle hub 60 in
position.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment as best illustrated in FIGS. 2-4,
the adjustment assembly 40 comprises an anchoring member 41 which
is slidably positioned within the inner channel 34 of the mounting
hub shaft 30. The anchoring member 41 comprises a circular base
portion 42 and an elongated rod portion 43 extending upwardly from
the base portion 42 as best illustrated in FIG. 2. The upper end 44
of the anchoring member 41 is fixedly secured within the handle hub
60 such that upward force on the handle hub 60 will draw the
anchoring member 41 upwards. The lower end 45 of the anchoring
member 41 is left free.
[0066] A bias member 46, preferably comprised of a
downwardly-biased coil spring 46 as shown in FIG. 2, is coiled
around the rod portion 43 of the anchoring member 41, with the
bottom end of the bias member 46 rests or is secured against the
base portion 42 of the anchoring member 41 and the top end of the
bias member 46 rests or is secured against a lower end 49 of a tube
member 47 which similarly extends around the rod portion 43 of the
anchoring member 41 at a position above the coil spring 46. The
upper end 48 of the tube member 47 rests against the lower end 52
of the collar 50 of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3. The
rod portion 43 extends fully through the bias member 46 and tube
member 47.
[0067] The collar 50 is utilized to lock the handle hub 60 into a
plurality of radial positions with respect to the mounting hub
shaft 30. The collar 50 generally comprises a cylindrical structure
having an upper end 51 and a lower end 52 which is positioned
within the lower opening 63 of the base connector 61 of the handle
hub 60.
[0068] The collar 50 includes a plurality of radial protrusions 53
extending outwardly from its outer circumference, preferably
adjacent to its upper end 51, which define a plurality of radial
slots 54 adapted to matingly engage with a plurality of locking
members 65 positioned in the internal cavity 64 of the base
connector 61 of the handle hub 60. The rod portion 43 of the
anchoring member 41 extends fully through a channel 55 extending
through the hollow collar 50, with the upper end 44 of the rod
portion 43 being fixed within the handle hub 60.
[0069] The collar 50 includes a plurality of apertures 56 along its
outer circumference which are adapted to align with corresponding
apertures 35 on the upper end 31 of the mounting hub shaft 30 such
that fasteners 36 may be extended therethrough to secure the collar
50 within the upper opening 33 of the mounting hub shaft 30 as
shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0070] By applying upward force to the handle hub 60, such as by
pulling on one of the handles 70, 80, 85, the base connector 61 of
the handle hub 60 will be drawn upward to disengage its internal
locking members 65 from the radial slots 54 of the collar 50 and
enter an unlocked state. In such an unlocked state with the locking
members 65 so disengaged, the handle hub 60 may be freely rotated
into a plurality of positions.
[0071] When pulled upward, the bias member 46 will be compressed
between base portion 42 of the adjustment assembly 40 and the lower
end 49 of the tube member 47 due to the base portion 42 being drawn
upward through the hollow tube member 47 and collar 50 as shown in
FIG. 4. When such force is released, the downward bias of the bias
member 46 will force the anchoring member 41 (and attached handle
hub 60) to be drawn back down, and the locking members 65 will
re-engage with the radial slots 54, thus locking the handle hub 60
back to a locked state in a new position.
[0072] iv. Handles.
[0073] As shown throughout the figures, the handle assembly 11 of
the present invention generally includes an upper handle 70
extending upwardly from the handle hub 60, a first side handle 80
extending in a first side direction from the handle hub 60, and a
second side handle 85 extending in a second side direction from the
handle hub 60.
[0074] The figure merely illustrate exemplary for the positioning
of the first, second and third handles 70, 80, 85 of the present
invention. It should be noted that the handles 70, 80, 85 in the
figures are generally shown as being locked into a particular
configuration. However, the handles 70, 80, 85 may be unlocked,
rotated to any desired angle about the mounting hub shaft 30, and
re-locked in order to achieve a different handle configuration.
[0075] Each of the handles 70, 80, 85 may be grasped by a person
exercising, such as on an exercise machine 90. In some cases, the
handles 70, 80, 85 may be used as footrests against which force may
be applied through the leg muscles, thereby allowing the person
exercising to move the carriage assembly 92 away from the handle
end by pushing against the one or more handles 70, 80, 85. The
distances between any two of the handles 70, 80, 85 is large enough
such that a person may reasonably and comfortably grasp one handle
without encountering interference from any other.
[0076] As shown throughout the figures, the first handle 80
comprises a curved, U-shaped configuration and extends in a first
direction from the side handle support 66 of the handle hub 60. The
proximal end 81 of the first side handle 80 is preferably secured
to the side handle support 66. The first side handle 80 curves
between its proximal end 81 and its distal end 82. The first side
handle 80 comprises a middle handle with respect to the other
handles, with its distal end 82 being at an elevation between that
of the respective distal ends 87, 74 of the second side and upper
handles 85, 70.
[0077] The second side handle 85 similarly comprises a curved,
U-shaped configuration and extends in a second direction from the
side handle support 66, the second direction being oppositely
oriented with respect to the first direction of the first side
handle 80. The proximal end 86 of the second side handle 85 is
secured to the side handle support 66 on an opposite side with
respect to the first side handle 80. The second side handle 85
curves between its proximal end 86 and its distal end 87. The
second side handle 85 preferably comprises a lower handle with
respect to the other handles, with its distal end 87 being at a
lower elevation than that of the respective distal ends 82, 74 of
the first side and upper handles 80, 70.
[0078] The upper handle 70 may be comprised of a curved,
substantially L-shaped configuration similar to the first and
second side handles 80, 85, or, preferably, may be comprised of a
right-angle configuration as shown in the figures. In some
embodiments, proximal end 72 of the upper handle 70 will be fixedly
secured to the upper end 62 of the handle hub 60, such as is shown
in FIGS. 1-7.
[0079] In other embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 8-10, the upper
handle 70 may be rotatably locked into a plurality of positions
with respect to the handle hub 60. Various adjustment
configurations may be utilized for the upper handle 70, including
any of those previously disclosed with respect to the rotational
locking of the handle hub 60 about the mounting hub shaft 30.
[0080] In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 8-10, the proximal
end 72 of the upper handle 70 will include a tapered collet 73
which frictionally engages within the upper end 62 of the base
connector 61 when fully pushed in but disengages when pulled out
such that the upper handle 70 may be freely rotated before being
pushed back in and thus re-engaged in a frictional manner. The
distal end 74 of the upper handle 70 preferably extends in a
perpendicular direction with respect to the handle hub 60 and is at
a higher elevation than that of the respective distal ends 82, 87
of the side handles 80, 85.
C. Exercise Machine. The handle assemblies 11, 12 of the present
invention may be utilized with a wide range of exercise machines
90. FIGS. 11-17 illustrate an exemplary embodiment in use with a
Pilates machine 90. The exercise machine 90 shown therein comprises
a base 91 with a carriage assembly 92 slidably secured thereon. A
person positioned upon the rolling carriage assembly 92, while
maintaining their position under the carriage, pushes their hands
or feet against one or more of the handles 70, 80, 85 of the handle
assemblies 11, 12.
[0081] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary diagram showing a Pilates
machine 90 with its carriage assembly 92 located in the tensed
position, and the approximate location of the handle assemblies 11,
12 thereon. As shown therein, the two handle assemblies 11, 12 are
mirror reflections of each other, and are substantially aligned
along an X-Axis. However, the handle assemblies 11, 12 need not be
mirror images of each other after one or more handles 70, 80, 85
thereof are rotated.
D. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.
[0082] FIG. 12 illustrates the carriage assembly 92 in its rested
position. A person positioned upon the rolling carriage assembly
92, while maintaining their position upon the carriage 92, pushes
their hands or feet against one or more of the handles 70, 80, 85
of the handle assemblies 11, 12, thereby causing the carriage 92 to
move along the rails on the exercise machine's 90 base 91 against a
spring bias assembly which connects the carriage assembly 92 to the
end of the base 91 proximal to the handle assemblies 11, 12.
[0083] FIG. 13 illustrates the carriage assembly 92 of the exercise
machine 90, which may include one or more positioning indicia 94
for aiding in various exercises. The positioning indicia 94 may be
comprised of numbers which may be referenced by an exercise
instructor or manual to aid in a user positioning his/her body on
the carriage assembly 92 to more efficiently exercise with the
exercise machine 90.
[0084] FIGS. 14-17 illustrate an individual using the present
invention. It will become known to one skilled in the art that by
rotating the opposed handles 70, 80, 85 inward, and toward each
other, a person with narrow shoulders may grab the handles 70, 80,
85 with their hands, more comfortably accommodating the relatively
narrow stature of the person, and reducing the possibility of
injuring wrist, elbow or shoulder joints that could result from
incorrectly aligned anatomy during exercise.
[0085] Similarly, will become obvious to one skilled in the art
that by rotating the opposed handles 70, 80, 85 outward, and away
each other, a person with wide shoulders may grab the handles 70,
80, 85 with their hands, more comfortably accommodating the
relatively broad stature of the person, and reducing the
possibility of injuring wrist, elbow or shoulder joints that could
result from incorrectly aligned anatomy during exercise.
[0086] FIG. 14 illustrates a person kneeling upon the carriage
assembly 92 in a position at the start of an exercise. The hands
are positioned closely together to facilitate the increased
workload on the triceps muscles of the upper arms, rather than
increasing the muscle loading on the trapezius muscles of the upper
back and neck. This position also reduces workload on the deltoid
muscles of the shoulder in the event that the deltoid muscles have
been injured, and a lighter muscle loading is required to promote
rehabilitation or reduce the chances of injury.
[0087] FIG. 15 illustrates a person positioned upon the carriage
assembly 92 in its working position with the hands being positioned
on upper handles 70 being pointed toward each other. By arranging
the hands closely together, the person has increased the workload
on the triceps muscles by pushing against the handle assemblies 11,
12 of a Pilates apparatus.
[0088] FIG. 16 illustrates a person positioned upon the carriage
assembly 92 in its working position with the hands being positioned
on the upper handles 70 with the body being raised off of the
carriage assembly 92, thereby expending additional muscle energy in
the workout compared to a person who did not additionally lift
their weight vertically off of the carriage 92. As it will become
known to one skilled in the art, the upper handles 70 upon which
the illustrative person is holding require more exercise energy
output to raise the body higher, than holding handles 80, 85 at a
lower position which would have required less work. In other words,
by using the upper handles 70, the person has created a more
beneficially intense workout than would have been possible using
lower-positioned handles.
[0089] FIG. 17 is an exemplary diagram illustrating an orthographic
view of a figure of a person positioned upon the rolling carriage
92 located in its working position on a Pilates machine 90. By
arranging the hands on handles 70, 80, 85 at different widths and
elevations, the person can focus workload on muscles that would not
be equivalently worked if the hands were in mirrored positions. As
will become known to one skilled in the art, human bodies are not
entirely symmetrical, and for health or cosmetic reasons, people
desire the ability to work the relatively underdeveloped muscles
more than the same muscles on the other side of their bodies in
order to more closely balance the asymmetry.
[0090] In this illustration, the person has placed their right hand
widely upon the upper handle 70, while placing their left hand more
closely to the body, and on a handle 80 that is lower in elevation
than the handle used on the right side. It should be noted that,
while not shown, any unique combination of handle elevation and
hand width can be used in asymmetric combination. It will be
readily apparent to one skilled in the art that asymmetric
positioning on an exercise device advantageously facilitates the
asymmetric workload on muscles, thereby relatively increasing or
decreasing workload on the muscles on the right side of the body
compared to the same muscles on the left side of the body.
[0091] It should be observed that describing the virtually
unlimited combinations of the number of handles 70, 80, 85, handle
elevations and the fixed position of those handles 70, 80, 85
relative to each other, the number of handles 70, 80, 85 that can
be mounted upon a vertical column and attached to a Pilates
apparatus 90, the rotation or adjustment angles of each of those
handles 70, 80, 85 for the purpose of exercising different muscles
or muscle groups, or to prevent injury would be exhaustive and
burdensome. Therefore, it should be noted that the embodiments
disclosed are not intended to be limiting, but rather merely
illustrate the advantages of the present invention over previous
Pilates apparatuses 90 as a result of the novel, and highly
flexible design herein disclosed.
[0092] 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.
* * * * *