U.S. patent application number 15/610560 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-30 for exercise machine rail indicia system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lagree Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree.
Application Number | 20170340947 15/610560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60421309 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170340947 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony
Louis |
November 30, 2017 |
Exercise Machine Rail Indicia System
Abstract
An exercise machine rail indicia system for providing indicia to
improve exercise instruction. The exercise machine rail indicia
system generally includes a frame a rail, a carriage movably
positioned upon the rail, a bias member connected between the
carriage and the frame that applies a bias force upon the carriage,
a first position indicator positioned upon the upper surface of the
rail, and a second position indicator positioned upon the upper
surface of the rail. The first position indicator and the second
position indicator are distally spaced apart a first distance. The
first position indicator and the second position indicator visually
indicate to the exerciser where to position the carriage along the
first rail during the performance of an exercise.
Inventors: |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony
Louis; (Burbank, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lagree Technologies, Inc. |
Burbank |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60421309 |
Appl. No.: |
15/610560 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62343201 |
May 31, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/00065 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 22/0007 20130101; A63B 22/0089
20130101; A63B 22/001 20130101; A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 21/055
20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B
21/4034 20151001; A63B 21/023 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/06 20060101
A63B071/06; A63B 21/04 20060101 A63B021/04; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 21/02 20060101 A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame having a first end, a
second end and a first rail having an upper surface, wherein the
first rail extends between the first end and the second end; 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 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; a second end platform
connected to the frame and positioned near the second end of the
frame; a first position indicator positioned upon the upper surface
of the first rail, wherein the first position indicator is
comprised of a first visual indicator; and a second position
indicator positioned upon the upper surface of the first rail,
wherein the second position indicator is comprised of a second
visual indicator; wherein the first visual indicator and the second
visual indicator are each comprised of a character or a graphical
image; wherein the first position indicator and the second position
indicator are distally spaced apart a first distance, and wherein
the first position indicator and the second position indicator
visually indicate to the exerciser where to position the carriage
along the first rail during the performance of an exercise.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
different color.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
character.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
different character.
5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
numeral.
6. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are sequential in
number.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of
an alphabetic character.
8. The exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are sequential.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator visually indicate to
the exerciser where to position the first end the carriage along
the first rail during the performance of the exercise.
10. A method of exercising on the exercise machine of claim 9, said
method comprising the following steps: communicating to the
exerciser to position the first end of the carriage to be
substantially aligned with the first position indicator; moving the
carriage so that the first end of the carriage is substantially
aligned with the first position indicator by the exerciser;
communicating to the exerciser to position the first end of the
carriage to be substantially aligned with the second position
indicator; and moving the carriage so that the first end of the
carriage is substantially aligned with the second position
indicator by the exerciser.
11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a
second rail that is parallel with respect to the first rail,
wherein an upper surface of the second rail includes position
indicator corresponding to and aligned with the first position
indicator and the second position indicator.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
line that is substantially parallel to the first end of the
carriage.
13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
graphical image.
14. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are comprised of a
different graphical image.
15. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are comprised of
different visual patterns.
16. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are comprised of
different rectangular images.
17. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame having a first end, a
second end and a first rail having an upper surface, wherein the
first rail extends between the first end and the second end; 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 of the frame, and wherein the carriage is movable
between the first end and the second end; an alignment opening
extending through the carriage near the first end of the carriage;
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; a second end platform connected to the frame and positioned
near the second end of the frame; a first position indicator
positioned upon the upper surface of the first rail, wherein the
first position indicator is comprised of a first visual indicator;
and a second position indicator positioned upon the upper surface
of the first rail, wherein the second position indicator is
comprised of a second visual indicator; wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are distally spaced
apart a first distance; wherein the first position indicator and
the second position indicator visually indicate to the exerciser
where to position the alignment opening the carriage along the
first rail during the performance of the exercise by aligning the
alignment opening with the first position indicator or the second
position indicator.
18. The exercise machine of claim 17, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
different color.
19. The exercise machine of claim 17, wherein the first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each comprised of a
numeral, alphabetic character, line, shape or a combination
thereof.
20. A method of exercising on the exercise machine of claim 17,
said method comprising the following steps: communicating to the
exerciser to position the alignment opening of the carriage to be
substantially aligned with the first position indicator; moving the
carriage so that the alignment opening of the carriage is
substantially aligned with the first position indicator by the
exerciser; communicating to the exerciser to position the alignment
opening of the carriage to be substantially aligned with the second
position indicator; and moving the carriage so that the alignment
opening of the carriage is substantially aligned with the second
position indicator by the exerciser.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code,
Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
62/343,201 filed May 31, 2016 (Attorney Docket No. LAGR-071). The
62/343,201 application is currently pending. The 62/343,201
application is hereby incorporated by reference into this
application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0003] Example embodiments in general relate to an exercise machine
rail indicia system for providing indicia to improve exercise
instruction.
Related Art
[0004] 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.
[0005] Fitness training using weights is well known throughout the
fitness world. In weight training, an exerciser selects an
appropriate weight, for example, 50 pounds, and uses that 50 pound
measured weight as muscle resistance against which to perform an
exercise.
[0006] Another well-known method of fitness training comprises
exerting a force against a spring bias. For instance, attaching a
handle to one end of an extension spring that has the opposed end
affixed to an immovable object, provides for the exerciser to pull
against the springs, thereby accomplishing one form of resistance
training. However, resistance force relative to spring extension is
subject Hooke's Law, that is, the force is linearly proportional to
the length of extension.
[0007] Spring-based resistance training creates an exceptional
confusion on the part of the exerciser. Because of Hooke's Law, the
springs than an exerciser expects to be equivalent to the 50 pound
weight previously described will immediately find that when the
spring is extended to twice its initial length, its
weight-equivalent resistance has risen to 100 pounds.
[0008] Although well known to engineers and similar technologists
who have studies the body of are related to spring dynamics,
Hookean principles are largely unknown to the average exerciser.
Therefore, there is an ever-present confusion by exercisers in
determining the proper initial spring tension at the start of an
exercise, and further confusion as to what percentage of the
spring's initial length it should be extended to in order to
maximize the efficiency and purpose of the exercise workout.
[0009] On the other hand, fitness trainers have come to understand
the relationship between spring extension and the corresponding
linear increase in force corresponding to the extension. Trainers
are therefore qualified to instruct exercisers on the appropriate
range of motion, and the appropriate selection of spring tension at
the start of the exercise, and further are qualified to instruct
the student exerciser on the proper range of motion, or in other
words, the proper length of extension of the spring in order to
maximize the beneficial effects of the exercise workout.
[0010] However, one significant problem remains unsolved. When an
exerciser is performing exercises in a class environment, for
instance, being one member of a class of ten to 20 other
exercisers, the ability of an instructor to provide one-on-one,
personal training is lost, and with that, the ability to instruct
each exerciser who far to lengthen the spring during exercise is
also lost.
[0011] Another significant unsolved problem is that on certain
resistance-based exercise apparatus. One type of exercise apparatus
comprises one or more substantially horizontal rails and a platform
that slides substantially the length of the rails in response to
the force exerted upon the moving platform by the exerciser. The
exerciser moves the platform, which is spring biased toward one of
the two opposed ends of the apparatus, by applying an ever
increasing force corresponding to Hooke's Law. Therefore the longer
distance that an exerciser moved the platform away from the spring
biased end, the more force the exerciser must exert upon the
platform. There is no absolute understanding of the force that
should be applied to the platform that corresponds to the exerciser
knowingly performing an exercise against a 50-pound weight.
[0012] Therefore, those skilled in the art will immediately
appreciate a system and training method applicable to instructing a
class of exercisers as to how far to move the movable platform from
any given starting point in order to achieve the maximum benefit of
the exercise.
[0013] Fitness trainers will also appreciate that exercisers
exceeding their normal range of motion during exercise often times
injure joints, ligament, muscles and other soft tissue. They will
therefore appreciate a system and method of instructing a class of
exercisers performing exercises on a movable, spring biased
platform in such a manner that exercisers do not overextend their
normal range of motion, thereby preventing injury.
SUMMARY
[0014] An example embodiment is directed to an exercise machine
rail indicia system. The exercise machine rail indicia system
includes exercise platform movable substantially the length of one
or more longitudinal rails with range of motion indicia placed upon
the rails, the indicia thereby being readily visible to an
exerciser, and easily reference by the exerciser in response to
instruction from a fitness trainer.
[0015] The various embodiments further provide for an exercise
teaching method whereby an instructor directs exercisers where to
position the movable platform relative to specific rail
indicia.
[0016] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the
embodiments of the exercise machine rail indicia system 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 embodiments of the exercise
machine rail indicia system 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
exercise machine rail indicia system in detail, it is to be
understood that the exercise machine rail indicia system 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 exercise machine
rail indicia system 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] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference
characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus
are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
[0018] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a perspective view of
an improved exercise machine.
[0019] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a side view of an
improved exercise machine.
[0020] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of an
improved exercise machine.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of an improved exercise machine.
[0022] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of an improved exercise machine.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
second end of and improved exercise machine with indicia.
[0024] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a second end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia.
[0025] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a second end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a second end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia.
[0027] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
first end of an improved exercise machine with indicia.
[0028] FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a first end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia.
[0029] FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a first end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia.
[0030] FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a first end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia.
[0031] FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram showing a side view of an
exerciser working on a first end of an improved exercise
machine.
[0032] FIG. 15 is an exemplary diagram showing a side view of an
exerciser working on a second end of an improved exercise
machine.
[0033] FIG. 16 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a method
of instructing an exerciser on an improved exercise machine.
[0034] FIG. 17 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a
variation of a method of instructing an exerciser on an improved
exercise machine.
[0035] FIG. 18 is an exemplary diagram showing a perspective view
of an improved exercise machine of a monorail structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Various aspects of specific embodiments are disclosed in the
following description and related drawings. Alternate embodiments
may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of
the present disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of
exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be
omitted so as not to obscure relevant details. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description, a discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0037] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram showing a perspective view of
an improved exercise machine 100 comprised of a pair of
substantially horizontal and parallel rails 101 affixed at a
preferred elevation above the floor by one of more support
structures 102, the rigidity of the support structures being
improved by optional stabilizing members 103. The machine provides
for a plurality of exercise platforms positioned atop of the
support structures and parallel rails, the platforms therefore
being positioned substantially on a horizontal exercise plane. A
first platform 104 is securedly affixed to a first end of the
machine, and a second platform 105 is securedly affixed to the
opposed second end of the machine. A third platform 106 is slidable
upon the rails 101 substantially the length of the machine between
the first platform and second platform. The movable platform 106 is
spring biased toward the first end of the machine by removably
attaching one or more springs 111 between the first end and the
platform. A push bar 107 is optionally provided at a first end of
the machine, the push bar being used as a structure against which
an exerciser would push in order to move the movable platform 106
in a direction toward the second end, and in opposition to the
resistance created by the spring biasing means.
[0039] Exercisers may perform exercises by placing different body
parts on the first end platform 104 and the movable platform 106,
the range of motion of the movable platform from a preferred
starting point to a preferred maximum distance from the first
platform being represented by the range of carriage movement dotted
line 108.
[0040] Alternately, exercisers may perform exercises by placing
different body parts on the second end platform 105 and the movable
platform 106, the range of motion of the movable platform from a
preferred starting point to a preferred minimum distance to the
second platform being represented by the range of carriage movement
dotted line 109.
[0041] A plurality of range of platform movement indicators are
shown on the parallel rails as indicia lines 110 used as points of
reference for instructing a class of exercisers as to where to
position the movable platform.
[0042] FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a side view of an
improved exercise machine comprised of a pair of substantially
horizontal and parallel rails 101 supported by one of more support
structures 102 and optional stabilizing members 103, a first
platform 104 securedly affixed to a first end of the machine, a
push bar 107, a second platform 105 securedly affixed to the
opposed second end of the machine, and a third platform 106
comprising a plurality of trolleys 200 that allow the platform to
slide upon the rails 101 substantially the length of the machine
between the first platform and second platform. The movable
platform 106 is spring biased toward the first end of the machine
by one or more springs 111.
[0043] Carriage positioning indicia 201 is shown having been
provided in a preferred location upon the rails proximate to the
first end of the machine, and more specifically within the range of
carriage movement dotted line 108, and another variation of
positioning indicia 202 has been provided upon the rails proximate
to the second end of the machine, and more specifically within the
range of carriage movement dotted line 109.
[0044] When an exerciser performs exercises incorporating the
platform at the first end 104, the preferred range of carriage
motion will fall approximately within the range of carriage
movement dotted line 108, and exercisers would reference
carriage-positioning indicia 201 proximate to the first end of the
machine.
[0045] When an exerciser performs exercises incorporating the
platform at the second end 105, the preferred range of carriage
motion will fall approximately within the range of carriage
movement dotted line 109, and exercisers would reference
carriage-positioning indicia 202 proximate to the second end of the
machine.
[0046] FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of an
improved exercise machine as just described FIG. 2. It should be
noted that indicia proximate to the first end of the machine 201
are provided on both parallel rails 101 with substantially the same
indicia being positioned at substantially the same distance
measured from the first end platform 104 of the machine, the right
side being substantially a mirror image of the left side. The
operable indicia are preferably positioned within the range of
carriage movement dotted line 108. Further, indicia proximate to
the second end of the machine 202 are provided on both parallel
rails 101 with substantially the same indicia being positioned at
substantially the same distance measured from the second end
platform 105 of the machine, the right side being substantially a
mirror image of the left side. The operable indicia are preferably
positioned within the range of carriage movement dotted line
109.
[0047] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of an improved exercise machine comprised of a pair of
substantially horizontal and parallel rails 101 extending
substantially the length of the machine between a platform at the
first end 104 and platform at the second end 105. The machine
further provides for a platform 106 slidable upon the rails 101
substantially the length of the machine between the first platform
and second platform. The movable platform 106 is spring biased
toward the first end of the machine by one or more springs 111
removably attached between the first end and the platform. A push
bar 107 is optionally provided at a first end of the machine.
[0048] In the drawing, it can be seen that a plurality of
through-slots have been incorporated into the movable platform 106,
with a first pair of slots 400 being positioned on opposed sides of
the first end of the movable platform substantially aligned with an
axis transverse to the longitudinal major axis of the machine, and
a second pair of slots 401 being positioned on opposed sides of the
second end of the movable platform substantially aligned with an
axis transverse to the longitudinal major axis of the machine.
[0049] As can be instantly recognized, indicia on the rails
proximate to the first end 402 can be readily viewed through the
platform slots 400, and the portion of the rails 101 as viewed
through the pair of slots 401 at the second end of the movable
platform show no indicia on the rails. The indicia 403 provided for
on the rails proximate to the second end are not viewable through
the movable carriage slots 401.
[0050] In practice, when an exerciser is performing exercises on
the first end of the machine, and specifically with at least one
body part in contact with the movable platform, the exerciser being
positioned such that the indicia 402 are viewable through the
platform slots 400, the exerciser moves the movable platform in
response to the trainer's instructions until the slots 400 align
with the indicia specified by the trainer.
[0051] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of an improved exercise machine as just described FIG. 4.
In the drawing, the start position of the just described movable
platform is shown with the dotted line 500, the platform 106 having
been moved during the performance of an exercise to the position as
illustrated.
[0052] The indicia as is viewable by an exerciser through the
through-slots 400, 401 in the movable platform 106 are decidedly
different from the viewable indicia when the platform is in the
starting position. Specifically, the cross-hatched indicia 403
integral with the rails 101 can be viewed by an exerciser who looks
through the slots 401 during exercise.
[0053] In practice, as one illustrious example, a trainer may
direct the class to perform an exercise by pushing the movable
carriage 106 in a direction opposed to the first end platform 104,
beginning with the platform at the starting position 500 until such
time at the cross-hatched indicia 403 are first viewed when looking
through the second pair of slots 401, then stop and hold the
position for a preferred short period of time before directing the
exerciser to return the carriage back to the starting position.
[0054] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
second end of and improved exercise machine with indicia. More
specifically, a dotted line 109 represents the range of travel of a
movable platform 106 relative to a permanent platform of the second
end 105 of an exercise machine as previously described, the range
of travel as illustrated is not meant to me limiting, and may be
represented by a larger or smaller dimension as measured between
the two platforms just described.
[0055] As one variation of indicia that may be applied to, affixed
upon, in integrated into the exerciser-viewable surfaces of one or
more rails upon which the movable platform slides, the drawing
shows a plurality of rectangular images 600 on each of the left and
right rails. In this variation, the differing graphics within the
highlighted rectangular areas may represent different colors, or
different graphic images, either or both of which are quickly
recognizable by an exerciser when directed by an instructor to move
the carriage to a specified image.
[0056] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a second end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia. As another variation of indicia that may be applied to,
affixed upon, integrated into the exerciser-viewable surfaces of
one or more rails upon which the movable platform slides, the
drawing shows a plurality of differently highlighted lengths of
rail surface 700, 701, 701 positioned within the preferred range of
travel of the movable platform 106 relative to the permanent
platform of the second end 105. In this variation, the differing
graphics within the highlighted rectangular areas may represent
different colors, or different graphic images, either or both of
which are quickly recognizable by an exerciser when directed by an
instructor to move the carriage to a specified image.
[0057] In practice, a trainer may instruct exercisers to move the
movable platform 106 to a position so that the edge of the movable
platform closest to the permanent platform is aligned over the
center darkened indicia 701. The purpose of the longer dimension of
the indicia is to provide for short and tall exercisers to perform
the exercise in accordance with the trainer's instructions, with
both short and tall exercisers being physically able to position to
edge of the movable platform over at least one portion of the
laterally elongated indicia, or zone.
[0058] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a second end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia. As yet another variation of indicia that may be applied
to, affixed upon, integrated into the exerciser-viewable surfaces
of one or more rails upon which the movable platform slides, the
drawing shows a substantial length of rail surface 800 positioned
within the preferred range of travel of the movable platform 106
relative to the permanent platform of the second end 105. In this
variation, the elongated rectangular area represent a color easily
differentiated from the color of the rails, or a readily
discernable graphic image, either or both of which are quickly
recognizable by an exerciser when directed by an instructor to
position the edge of the carriage proximate to the permanent second
platform to a specified location over the image zone.
[0059] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a second end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia. As yet another variation of indicia that may be applied
to, affixed upon, integrated into the exerciser-viewable surfaces
of one or more rails upon which the movable platform slides, the
drawing shows numerical position indicators 900 along a substantial
length of the rail surfaces, the indicia being positioned within
the preferred range of travel of the movable platform 106 relative
to the permanent platform of the second end 105. In this variation,
the numerical indicia easily viewable in contrast to the color of
the rails would be quickly recognizable by an exerciser when
directed by an instructor to position the edge of the carriage
proximate to the permanent second platform to a specified position
relative to any number. It should be noted that alpha characters
and various other types of characters may also be used in
combination with, or in the alternative to numerical indicia.
[0060] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
first end of an improved exercise machine with indicia. More
specifically, a dotted line 108 represents the range of travel of a
movable platform 106 relative to a permanent platform of the first
end 104 of an exercise machine as previously described, the range
of travel as illustrated is not meant to me limiting, and may be
represented by a larger or smaller dimension as measured between
the two platforms just described.
[0061] As one variation of indicia that may be applied to, affixed
upon, in integrated into the exerciser-viewable surfaces of one or
more rails upon which the movable platform slides, the drawing
shows a plurality of positioning images 1000 on each of the left
and right rails. In this variation, the differing graphics within
the highlighted lines or rectangular areas formed between any
adjacent lines may represent different colors, or different graphic
images, either or both of which are quickly recognizable by an
exerciser when directed by an instructor to move the carriage to a
specified image.
[0062] FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a first end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia. As yet another variation of indicia that may be applied
to, affixed upon, in integrated into the exerciser-viewable
surfaces of one or more rails upon which the movable platform
slides, the drawing shows a plurality of rectangular images 1100 on
each of the left and right rails. In this variation, the differing
graphics within the highlighted rectangular areas may represent
different colors, or different graphic images, either or both of
which are quickly recognizable by an exerciser when directed by an
instructor to move the carriage to a specified image.
[0063] FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a first end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia. As yet another variation of indicia that may be applied
to, affixed upon, in integrated into the exerciser-viewable
surfaces of one or more rails upon which the movable platform
slides, the drawing shows specified stop and max indicators 1200,
1201 on each of the left and right rails. In this variation, the
lines and/or text may represent the stop point 1200 that a trainer
would instruct exercisers to position the edge of the movable
platform 106 proximate to the permanent first platform 104 upon the
recovery stroke of a repetition of an exercise. Further, the lines
and/or text may represent the point 1201 that a trainer would
instruct exercisers not to exceed while positioning the edge of the
movable platform 106 proximate to the permanent first platform 104
upon the work stroke of a repetition of an exercise. The indicia
just described is not meant to be limiting, and additional
positioning points may be incorporated into the viewable surfaces
of the parallel rails.
[0064] FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram showing a top view of a
variation of a first end of an improved exercise machine with
indicia. As yet another variation of indicia that may be applied
to, affixed upon, integrated into the exerciser-viewable surfaces
of one or more rails upon which the movable platform slides, the
drawing shows numerical position indicators 1300 along a
substantial length of the rail surfaces, the indicia being
positioned within the preferred range of travel of the movable
platform 106 relative to the permanent platform of the first end
104. In this variation, the numerical indicia easily viewable in
contrast to the color of the rails would be quickly recognizable by
an exerciser when directed by an instructor to position the edge of
the carriage proximate to the permanent first platform to a
specified position relative to any number. It should be noted that
alpha characters or other types of characters, symbols and other
indicia may also be used in combination with, or in the alternative
to numerical indicia. It should be further noted that the indicia
proximate to the first end of the machine may be similar or
dissimilar to the indicia proximate to the second end of the
machine.
[0065] FIG. 14 is an exemplary diagram showing a side view of an
exerciser working on a second end of an improved exercise machine.
In the drawing, an exerciser 1400 is positioned with their knees
upon the movable platform 106, and hands grasping the permanent
platform at the first end 104. During the performance of the
anticipated exercise, the exerciser will move the movable platform
by applying a pushing force F exceeding, and in a direction opposed
to the spring biasing resistance force R. The maximum length of
travel of the movable carriage from a typical exerciser would be
over a length of the parallel rails as indicated by the dotted line
108.
[0066] In practice, at a trainer's instruction, an exerciser being
positioned as shown would move the movable carriage in a direction
opposed to the platform 104 at the first end of the machine by
activating "pushing" muscles highlighted, for instance, the gluteus
maximus 1402, the deltoids and triceps 1403 and others not
mentioned. At the trainer's instruction, the exerciser would stop
moving the movable platform when the exerciser can see 1404 the
specific indicia indicator 1401 called out by the trainer. The
exerciser would then hold the position of the movable platform for
an instructor-specified period of time before moving the platform
to a subsequent trainer-specified position.
[0067] It should be noted that the type of indicia proximate to the
first permanent platform 104 is of a different composition than the
indicia proximate to the second end permanent platform 105,
however, the indicia at the first end may be different, similar or
identical as may be preferred.
[0068] FIG. 15 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a method
of instructing an exerciser on an improved exercise machine. In the
drawing, an exerciser 1400 is positioned with their knees upon the
movable platform 106, and hands grasping the permanent platform at
the second end 105. During the performance of the anticipated
exercise, the exerciser will move the movable platform by applying
a pulling force F exceeding, and in a direction opposed to the
spring biasing resistance force R. The maximum length of travel of
the movable carriage from a typical exerciser would be over a
length of the parallel rails as indicated by the dotted line
109.
[0069] In practice, at a trainer's instruction, an exerciser being
positioned as shown would move the movable carriage in a direction
towards the platform 105 at the second end of the machine by
activating "pulling" muscles highlighted, for instance, the
deltoids and biceps 1500, the abdominal and quadriceps muscles 1501
and others not mentioned. At the trainer's instruction, the
exerciser would stop moving the movable platform when the exerciser
can see 1502 the specific indicia indicator 1401 called out by the
trainer. The exerciser would then hold the position of the movable
platform for an instructor-specified period of time before moving
the platform to a subsequent trainer-specified position.
[0070] As can readily be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
the many variations of indicia positioned upon, affixed to, or
integrated with the rails as just described, and the representative
exercise are not meant to be limiting, but that describing the many
thousands of combinations of exercises and types and colors of
indicia would be exhaustive and burdensome. Nevertheless,
describing every variation would illustrate the novel function of
exerciser viewable indicia upon the rails, and the corresponding
instruction method of the present invention.
[0071] FIG. 16 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a
variation of a method of instructing an exerciser on an improved
exercise machine. In the illustrious example, a trainer begins
instructing a class of exercisers, each exerciser mounted upon an
exercise machine of the present invention as previously described.
The trainer informs the class that the instant exercise will be
performed ten times 1600, each time an exerciser moves the movable
platform from a first position, to a second position, back to a
first position constituting one repetition.
[0072] Given the instruction, exercisers first perform two
repetitions by moving the movable platform to a certain indicia
indicating "position #1" 1601 before returning the movable carriage
to the starting position, and repeat one more time. Given further
instruction, exercisers perform two repetitions by moving the
movable platform to a certain indicia indicating "position #2" 1602
before returning the movable carriage to the starting position, and
repeat one more time. Given further instruction, exercisers perform
two repetitions by moving the movable platform to a certain indicia
indicating "position #3" 1603 before returning the movable carriage
to the starting position, and repeat one more time. Given further
instruction, exercisers perform one repetition by moving the
movable platform to a certain indicia indicating "position #4" 1604
before returning the movable carriage to the starting position.
Given further instruction, exercisers perform two repetitions by
moving the movable platform to a certain indicia indicating
"position #2" 1605 before returning the movable carriage to the
starting position, and repeat one more time. Given a final
instruction, exercisers perform one final repetition by moving the
movable platform to a certain indicia indicating "position #1" 1606
before returning the movable carriage to the starting position.
Upon completion of the cumulative of ten repetitions just
described, the instructor instructs the class of exercisers to
prepare for the next exercise.
[0073] FIG. 17 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a
variation of a method of instructing an exerciser on an improved
exercise machine. As a variation to a method of exercising based on
repetitions of a given exercise as just described, it may be
preferred to perform, and hold positions of an exercise based on
the period of time that a position is held during the work phase of
an exercise.
[0074] In the illustrious example, a trainer begins instructing a
class of exercisers, each exerciser mounted upon an exercise
machine of the present invention as previously described. The
trainer informs the class that the instant exercise will be
performed, and that the objective is to hold the position when
directed for a period of time 1700 as directed.
[0075] Since the position, being in the work phase of an exercise,
correlates to marinating a force equivalent to extend and hold
against the force exerted upon the movable platform by the spring
biasing means.
[0076] It should be noted that the following references to colored
bars as indicia are not meant to be limiting, and that any indicia
previously described may be use instead of, or in combination with
the colored bar indicia.
[0077] It should be further noted that the different colored
indicia bars, being positioned at different locations upon the
parallel rails upon which the movable platform slides, correlate to
relatively increased or decreased force exerted by the springs
against the movable carriage as first described under Hooke's
law.
[0078] Given the instruction, exercisers first reposition the
movable platform to the YELLOW BAR indicia 1701 while the
instructor counts off the holding period in seconds. Given further
instruction, exercisers then reposition the movable platform to the
GREEN BAR indicia 1702 while the instructor counts off the holding
period in seconds. Given further instruction, exercisers then
reposition the movable platform to the RED BAR indicia 1703 while
the instructor counts off the holding period in seconds. Given
further instruction, exercisers then reposition the movable
platform back to the GREEN BAR indicia 1704 while the instructor
counts off the holding period in seconds. Given further
instruction, exercisers then reposition the movable platform back
to the YELLOW BAR indicia 1705 while the instructor counts off the
holding period in seconds. Given the final instruction, exercisers
then reposition the movable platform to the BLUE BAR indicia 1706
while the instructor counts off the holding period in seconds, the
completion of which is consistent with the cumulative time
objective of holding the movable carriage as different positions
which correlated to different forces, and for different periods of
time, thereby completing the instant exercise. The instructor then
readies the class for a subsequent exercise.
[0079] FIG. 18 is an exemplary diagram showing a perspective view
of an improved exercise machine of a monorail structure. In the
drawing, a first stationary platform 104 is affixed to a support
structure 1801 at a first end of the machine, and a second
stationary platform 105 is affixed to a support structure 1802 at a
second end of the machine. A single rail 1803 extends substantially
between the support structure at the first end 1801 and support
structure at the second end 1802. A movable platform 106 is
slidably attached to the single rail 1803 such that the platform
may be moved along the single rail substantially between the
platforms at the first end and opposed second end.
[0080] The movable platform is spring biased toward the first end
by use of one or more springs not shown, the spring biasing means
connected preferably between the machine structure 1801 at the
first end, and the movable platform 106. The spring biasing means
provides for a resistance force against which an exerciser must
overcome with an exercise work force by pushing the movable
platform towards the platform at the second end 1802.
[0081] In the monorail structure just described, the movable
platform may slide upon the monorail structure for a preferred
distance from the first end, defining a preferred range or movement
of the movable platform 108 when an exerciser is exercising between
the movable platform and the platform at the first end 104. In some
instances, it may be preferable to exercise between the movable
platform and the stationary platform at the second end 105. During
the performance of exercises between the movable platform and a
second end, the movable platform will within a preferred exercise
range, and therefore a preferred range of movement 109 between the
movable platform and the stationary platform of the second end.
[0082] As previously described, a plurality of indicia 1803 is
provided for exerciser reference when performing exercises between
the first platform 104 and the movable platform 106, and a
plurality of indicia 1804 is provided for exerciser reference when
performing exercises between the second platform 105 and the
movable platform 106, the indicia being one or more of the various
types of indicia previously described. An exerciser performing
exercises on a monorail exercise machine structure as just
described would follow the trainer's instructions during the
performance of exercises by referring to the indicia, and aligning
the movable carriage to the appropriate indicia in response to the
trainer's instructions.
[0083] An example exercise machine rail indicia system generally
comprises a frame a rail, a carriage movably positioned upon the
rail, a bias member connected between the carriage and the frame
that applies a bias force upon the carriage, a first position
indicator positioned upon the upper surface of the rail, and a
second position indicator positioned upon the upper surface of the
rail. The first position indicator and the second position
indicator are distally spaced apart a first distance. The first
position indicator and the second position indicator visually
indicate to the exerciser where to position the carriage along the
first rail during the performance of an exercise.
[0084] One or more of the embodiments of the exercise machine
includes a frame having a first end, a second end and a first rail
having an upper surface. The first rail extends between the first
end and the second end. The rail preferably has a rectangular cross
sectional shape with the upper surface, two side surfaces and a
bottom surface. However, the rail may have various other cross
sectional shapes such as, but not limited to, circular, triangular,
polygonal, square, oval and the like. 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 is movably
positioned upon the first rail of the frame to allow an exerciser
to perform an exercise on the carriage. The carriage is movable
between the first end and the second end in a sliding manner
supported by rollers or other moving structure. At least one bias
member is connected between the carriage and the frame that applies
a bias force upon the carriage forming resistance to the exerciser
during the performance of the exercise. 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. A first position
indicator is positioned upon the upper surface of the first rail
and is comprised of a first visual indicator. A second position
indicator is positioned upon the upper surface of the first rail
and is comprised of a second visual indicator. The first visual
indicator and the second visual indicator are each preferably
comprised of a character or a graphical image. The first position
indicator and the second position indicator are distally spaced
apart a first distance and visually indicate to the exerciser where
to position the carriage along the first rail during the
performance of an exercise.
[0085] A third, fourth, fifth and sixth position indicator may be
used, with all of the position indicators at different locations
long the rail to provide different distances for the carriage to be
positioned for different exercises and/or resistances. The first
position indicator and the second position indicator may each be
comprised of the same or a different color. The first position
indicator and the second position indicator are each preferably
comprised of a character such as, but not limited to, numerals
(e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, i, ii, iii, iv), alphabetical characters
(e.g. A, B, C, D, E, a, b, c, d, e). The first position indicator
and the second position indicator are each preferably comprised of
a different character to help differentiate to the exerciser what
location to move the carriage to during the performance of an
exercise. Though not required, the first position indicator and the
second position indicator are preferably sequential (e.g. 1, 2, 3
or A, B, C).
[0086] The first position indicator and the second position
indicator may each be comprised of a line that is substantially
parallel to the first end of the carriage. The character may be
positioned within (e.g. centrally) the line as shown in FIG. 18 or
near an end of the line. The first position indicator and the
second position indicator may also each be comprised of a graphical
image and in particular a different graphical image from one
another. For example, the position indicators may each have the
same or different visual patterns (e.g. cross-hatched, diagonal
lines, horizontal lines, vertical lines, dotted). As a further
example, the position indicators may each have the same or
different shapes (e.g. rectangular, square, circular). The position
indicators may also extend along the entire width of the upper
surface of the rail or only a portion of the width of the upper
surface of the rail. The position indicators may also extend along
the entire side of the rail or only a portion of the side of the
rail (or both sides of the rail).
[0087] The first position indicator and the second position
indicator may visually indicate to the exerciser where to position
the first end or the second end the carriage along the first rail
during the performance of the exercise. The frame may include a
second rail that is parallel with respect to the first rail as
shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings. The upper surface of
the second rail preferably includes position indicator
corresponding to and aligned with the first position indicator and
the second position indicator, however, the second rail does not
need to include position indicators with just the first rail having
position indicators.
[0088] To use the embodiment that uses the first end of the
carriage to be aligned with one of the position indicators, an
instructor communicates to the exerciser to position the first end
(or second end) of the carriage to be substantially aligned with
the first position indicator. The exerciser then moves the carriage
so that the first end (or second end) of the carriage is
substantially aligned with the first position indicator. The
instructor then communicates to the exerciser to position the first
end (or second end) of the carriage to be substantially aligned
with the second position indicator. The exerciser then moves the
carriage so that the first end (or second end) of the carriage is
substantially aligned with the second position indicator by the
exerciser. This process may continue for a third position
indicator, a fourth position indicator and so forth as desired.
[0089] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings, the
carriage may include one or more alignment openings extending
through the carriage to allow the exerciser to visually align the
alignment opening with a position indicator on the rail. The
alignment opening is preferably near the first end and/or the
second end of the carriage but may be located away from the first
end of the carriage. The alignment openings are preferably
rectangular shaped and extend completely through the carriage from
the upper surface of the carriage through the lower surface of the
carriage, however, various other shapes may be used. The first
position indicator and the second position indicator may be
comprised of a numeral, alphabetic character, line, shape or a
combination thereof.
[0090] To use the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the
drawings, an instructor communicates to the exerciser to position
the alignment opening of the carriage to be substantially aligned
with the first position indicator. The exerciser then moves the
carriage so that the alignment opening of the carriage is
substantially aligned with the first position indicator. The
instructor then communicates to the exerciser to position the
alignment opening of the carriage to be substantially aligned with
the second position indicator. The exerciser then moves the
carriage so that the alignment opening of the carriage is
substantially aligned with the second position indicator by the
exerciser. This process may continue for a third position
indicator, a fourth position indicator and so forth as desired.
[0091] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown and described without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations
or variations of the embodiments discussed herein.
[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 exercise
machine rail indicia system, 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 exercise machine rail indicia system 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.
* * * * *