U.S. patent application number 16/533233 was filed with the patent office on 2020-02-13 for exercise machine safety 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 Samuel D. Cox, John C. Hamilton, Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree, Todd G. Remund.
Application Number | 20200047051 16/533233 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69405351 |
Filed Date | 2020-02-13 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200047051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony Louis ;
et al. |
February 13, 2020 |
Exercise Machine Safety System
Abstract
A safety system for an exercise machine having a plurality of
moving internal components. The safety system generally includes a
plurality of safety covers that are removably attachable to the
machine at various locations to close off openings between the
structural members of the machine, enclose the internal spaces of
the machine containing internal moving components, and thus prevent
an exerciser from coming in contact with the internal components
through the openings. The safety covers include one or more side
safety covers removably attachable to fixed structural elements
and/or a movable platform of the machine along the lateral sides of
the machine, one or more top safety covers attached to the machine
below and between stationary platforms located at or near opposite
longitudinal ends of the machine, and one or more end safety covers
removably attachable near the opposite longitudinal ends of the
machine.
Inventors: |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony
Louis; (Burbank, CA) ; Hamilton; John C.;
(Santa Clarita, CA) ; Cox; Samuel D.; (Yuba City,
CA) ; Remund; Todd G.; (Yuba City, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lagree Technologies, Inc. |
Burbank |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lagree Technologies, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
69405351 |
Appl. No.: |
16/533233 |
Filed: |
August 6, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62715368 |
Aug 7, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0023 20130101;
A63B 22/0089 20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 2208/0214
20130101; A63B 21/0622 20151001; A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63B 21/02
20130101; A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B
2071/009 20130101; A63B 2209/08 20130101; A63B 2209/10
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00; A63B 22/20 20060101 A63B022/20; A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine safety system, comprising: an exercise
machine comprising a base, an upper frame, a first end and a second
end opposite the first end, and a first side and a second side
opposite the first side, wherein the upper frame includes at least
one track, wherein the upper frame includes a central longitudinal
axis and wherein the at least one track has a longitudinal axis; a
platform moveably connected to the at least one track and adapted
to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of
the at least one track; and a first side safety cover connected
between the base and the upper frame of the exercise machine, the
first side safety cover being connected to the exercise machine so
as to cover a gap between the base and the upper frame of the
exercise machine.
2. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, wherein the first
side safety cover is connected to the first side of the exercise
machine.
3. The exercise machine safety system of claim 2, comprising a
second side safety cover connected to the second side of the
exercise machine.
4. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, wherein the first
side safety cover comprises a fastener for connecting to the
exercise machine.
5. The exercise machine safety system of claim 4, wherein the
fastener is connected to the base of the exercise machine.
6. The exercise machine safety system of claim 4, wherein the
fastener is connected to the upper frame of the exercise
machine.
7. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, comprising a
platform safety cover connected to the platform.
8. The exercise machine safety system of claim 7, wherein the
platform safety cover extends downwardly from the platform to cover
the at least one track underneath the platform.
9. The exercise machine safety system of claim 7, wherein the
platform safety cover comprises a fastener, wherein the fastener is
connected to the platform.
10. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, comprising an
end safety cover connected to the first end or the second end of
the exercise machine.
11. The exercise machine safety system of claim 10, wherein the end
safety cover comprises a fastener for connecting to the exercise
machine.
12. The exercise machine safety system of claim 11, wherein the
exercise machine comprises an end platform at or near the first end
or the second end of the exercise machine, wherein the fastener is
connected to the end platform.
13. The exercise machine safety system of claim 10, wherein the end
safety cover comprises a U-shaped configuration so as to wrap
around the first side and the second side of the exercise
machine.
14. An exercise machine safety system, comprising: an exercise
machine comprising a base, an upper frame, a first end and a second
end opposite the first end, and a first side and a second side
opposite the first side, wherein the upper frame includes at least
one track, wherein the upper frame includes a central longitudinal
axis and wherein the at least one track has a longitudinal axis,
wherein the track comprises a first rail and a second rail, wherein
the first rail is parallel and distally-spaced with respect to the
second rail; a platform moveably connected to the at least one
track and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the
longitudinal axis of the at least one track; a first end platform
connected at or near the first end of the exercise machine; a
second end platform connected at or near the second end of the
exercise machine; and a top safety cover connected to the at least
one track underneath the platform such that the platform may move
over the top safety cover, the top safety cover being connected to
the at least one track so as to cover a space between the first
rail and the second rail of the at least one track.
15. The exercise machine safety system of claim 14, wherein the top
safety cover is connected to the inner edge of the first rail and
the inner edge of the second rail.
16. The exercise machine safety system of claim 14, comprising a
transverse structural member connected between the first rail and
the second rail, wherein the top safety cover rests on the
transverse structural member.
17. The exercise machine safety system of claim 14, comprising a
first side safety cover removably connected between the base and
the upper frame on the first side of the exercise machine.
18. The exercise machine safety system of claim 17, comprising a
second side safety cover removably connected between the base and
the upper frame on the second side of the exercise machine.
19. The exercise machine safety system of claim 18, comprising a
first platform safety cover removably connected to a first side of
the platform and a second platform safety cover connected to a
second side of the platform.
20. The exercise machine safety system of claim 19, comprising a
first end safety cover removably connected to the first end
platform and a second end safety cover removably connected to the
second end platform.
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.
62/715,368 filed Aug. 7, 2018. The 62/715,368 application is
currently pending. The 62/715,368 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 the field of
fitness training devices and exercise machines. More specifically,
example embodiments relate to safety covers suited for use with
exercise machines having a plurality of stationary and movable
exercise platforms for protecting exercisers from moving parts of
the machines.
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] Resistance exercise machines of the type having a sliding,
substantially horizontal exercise platform, such as Pilates
apparatuses or stationary rowing machines, are intended to provide
for resistance training by moving the platform reciprocally along
one or more longitudinal rails that guide the platform's linear
movement during exercise. Exercise machines as just described are
necessarily comprised of many stationary and movable components.
Traditional machines lack complete separation of the exerciser from
the accessible stationary and moving components of the machine
during exercise. The safe use of such exercise machines may be
improved with safety covers that separate the exerciser
substantially from moving parts of the machines.
SUMMARY
[0006] Example embodiments are directed to a novel resistance
exercise machine safety system that includes safety covers that
separate an exerciser from the moving parts of an exercise machine
during use. The safety covers are easily removable to allow machine
technicians access to the exercise machine to perform routine
maintenance and/or to repair the machine when it is not in use by
an exerciser.
[0007] In one example embodiment, the safety system includes one or
more safety covers removably attached to stationary structural
components of an exercise machine along the sides of the machine to
separate an exerciser on the machine from moving parts of the
machine. In another example embodiment, the safety covers are
removably attached the to the sides of a movable exercise platform
of an exercise machine such that the safety covers move with the
moveable platform to separate an exerciser from moving parts of the
machine. In yet another embodiment, the safety system includes one
or more safety covers comprising substantially flat plates adapted
to be fastened between opposing support rails of an exercise
machine beneath movable and stationary exercise platforms to
separate an exerciser from moving parts of the machine. In still
another example embodiment, the safety system includes one or more
safety covers comprising cap structures removably attached to
structural components of the ends of an exercise machine to
separate an exerciser from moving parts of the machine located near
the ends of the machine.
[0008] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the
embodiments of a safety system for an exercise machine comprising
safety covers 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 safety covers 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 safety
covers in detail, it is to be understood that the safety covers are
not limited in their 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 safety covers are
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
[0009] 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.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety
system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise
machine for use with an exercise machine safety system in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of an exercise machine safety system
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety
system with side safety covers removed in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5A is a frontal view of a side safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5B is a rear view of a side safety cover of an exercise
machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5C is a first side view of a side safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 5D is a second side view of a side safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a side safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5F is a perspective view of a fastener of a side safety
cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an end view of a side safety cover being installed
between the base and upper frame of an exercise machine of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an end view of a side safety cover installed
between the base and upper frame of an exercise machine of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety
system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety
system with platforms removed in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top view of an exercise machine safety system
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a top view of an exercise machine safety system
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view of an exercise machine safety system
in use in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a side view of an exercise machine safety system
with end and platform safety covers removed in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 14A is a frontal view of an end safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 14B is a rear view of an end safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 14C is a top view of an end safety cover of an exercise
machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 14D is a bottom view of an end safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 15A is a first side view of a platform safety cover of
an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 15B is a second side view of a platform safety cover of
an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 15C is a rear view of a platform safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 15D is a frontal view of a platform safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 16A is a top view of a top safety cover of an exercise
machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 16B is a bottom view of a top safety cover of an
exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example.
[0038] FIG. 17 is an end view of an exercise machine safety system
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 18 is an end view of an exercise machine safety system
with end safety covers removed in accordance with an example
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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. Likewise, the
term "embodiments" is not exhaustive and does not require that all
embodiments include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of
operation.
[0042] Although more than one embodiment is 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, including
combinations of the embodiments.
A. Overview
[0043] An example safety system generally includes one or more
safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 adapted to be attached to an
elongated resistance-type exercise machine 100, 200.
[0044] An exemplary exercise machine 100, 200 includes a pair of
elongated parallel guide rails 107, first and second stationary
exercise platforms 102, 103 mounted on the guide rails 107 at or
near opposite longitudinal ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine
100, and a movable exercise platform 104 supported on the guide
rails 107 that is adapted to reciprocate on the guide rails 107
between the stationary platforms 102, 103.
[0045] The exemplary exercise machine 100, 200 may include various
internal moving parts. A resistance mechanism such as resistance
biasing members 214 may be attached between the exercise machine
100, 200 and the movable platform 104 so as to provide a selected
amount of resistance against movement of the movable platform 104
during exercises. Actuators 215, 216 and pivoting arms 211 of the
exercise machine 100, 200 are operable for raising, lowering, and
tilting the guide rails 107 with the stationary and movable
exercise platforms 102, 103, 104 supported thereon. The exercise
machine 100, 200 also has various structural components that
support the guide rails 107 and exercise platforms 102, 103, 104
and various openings and gaps between the structural support
components through which the moving parts are accessible.
[0046] In one embodiment, the safety system includes one or more
side safety covers 310 each having an exterior surface 311 and an
interior surface 312. One or more fasteners 313 are provided on the
interior surface 312 of the side safety covers 310 for removable
attachment to structural components of the exercise machine 100,
200 along the sides 304, 305 of the machine 100, 200 to separate an
exerciser 300 on the machine 100, 200 from moving parts of the
machine 100, 200 otherwise accessible along the sides 304, 305 of
the machine 100, 200.
[0047] In another embodiment, the safety system includes one or
more platform safety covers 315 each having an exterior surface 316
and an interior surface 317. One or more fasteners 318 are provided
on the interior surface 317 of the platform safety covers 315 for
removably attaching the platform safety covers 315 to the sides of
the movable exercise platform 104. The platform safety covers 315
move with the moveable platform 104 to separate an exerciser 300 on
the machine 100, 200 from moving parts of the machine 100, 200
otherwise accessible along the sides of the movable platform
104.
[0048] In yet another embodiment, the safety system includes one or
more top safety covers 212 comprising substantially flat plates.
The plates are fastened between the guide rails 205, 206 beneath
the movable platform 104 and stationary exercise platforms 102, 103
to separate an exerciser 300 on the machine 100, 200 from moving
parts of the machine 100, 200 otherwise accessible through top
openings between the guide rails 205, 206.
[0049] In still another embodiment, the safety system includes one
or more end safety covers 320 comprising cap structures. The end
safety covers 320 may include fasteners 321 for removably attaching
the end safety covers 320 to structural components of the ends 302,
303 of the machine 100, 200 to separate an exerciser 300 on the
machine 100, 200 from moving parts of the machine 100, 200 located
near the ends 302, 303 of the machine 100, 200.
[0050] An exemplary exercise machine safety system may comprise an
exercise machine 100, 200 comprising a base 201, an upper frame
219, a first end 302 and a second end 303 opposite the first end
302, and a first side 304 and a second side 305 opposite the first
side 304, wherein the upper frame 219 includes at least one track
208, wherein the upper frame 219 includes a central longitudinal
axis and wherein the at least one track 208 has a longitudinal
axis. A platform 104, 204 is moveably connected to the at least one
track 208 and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of
the longitudinal axis of the at least one track. A first side
safety cover 310 is connected between the base 201 and the upper
frame 219 of the exercise machine 100, 200, the first side safety
cover 310 being connected to the exercise machine 100, 200 so as to
cover a gap 309 between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 of the
exercise machine 100, 200.
[0051] The first side safety cover 310 may be connected to the
first side 304 of the exercise machine 100, 200. A second side
safety cover 310 may be connected to the second side 305 of the
exercise machine 100, 200. The first side safety cover 310 may
comprise a fastener 313 for connecting to the exercise machine 100,
200, wherein the fastener 313 is connected to the base 201 of the
exercise machine 100, 200 or to the upper frame 219 of the exercise
machine 100, 200.
[0052] A platform safety cover 315 may be connected to the platform
104, 204, wherein the platform safety cover 315 extends downwardly
from the platform 104, 204 to cover the track 208 underneath the
platform 104, 204. The platform safety cover 315 may comprise a
fastener 318, wherein the fastener 318 is connected to the platform
104, 204.
[0053] An end safety cover 320, 325 may be connected to the first
end 302 or the second end 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200. The
end safety cover 320, 325 may comprise a fastener 323, 328 for
connecting to the exercise machine 100, 200. The exercise machine
100, 200 may comprise an end platform 102, 103, 202, 203 at or near
the first end 302 or the second end 303 of the exercise machine
100, 200, wherein the fastener 323, 328 is connected to the end
platform 102, 103, 202, 203.
[0054] Another exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine safety
system may comprise an exercise machine 100, 200 comprising a base
201, an upper frame 219, a first end 302 and a second end 303
opposite the first end 302, and a first side 304 and a second side
305 opposite the first side 304, wherein the upper frame 219
includes at least one track 208, wherein the upper frame 219
includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one
track 208 has a longitudinal axis, wherein the track 208 comprises
a first rail 205 and a second rail 206, wherein the first rail 205
is parallel and distally-spaced with respect to the second rail
206. A platform 104, 204 is moveably connected to the at least one
track 208 and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of
the longitudinal axis of the at least one track 208. A first end
platform 102, 202 is connected at or near the first end 302 of the
exercise machine and a second end platform 103, 203 is connected at
or near the second end 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200. A top
safety cover 212 connected to the at least one track 208 underneath
the platform 104, 204 such that the platform 104, 204 may move over
the top safety cover 212, the top safety cover 212 being connected
to the track 208 so as to cover a space between the first rail 205
and the second rail 206 of the track 208. The top safety cover 212
may be connected to the inner edge of the first rail 205 and the
inner edge of the second rail 206. A transverse structural member
213 may be connected between the first rail 205 and the second rail
206, wherein the top safety cover 212 rests on the transverse
structural member 213.
[0055] A first side safety cover 310 may be connected between the
base 201 and the upper frame 219 on the first side 304 of the
exercise machine 100, 200 and a second side safety cover 310 may be
connected between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 on the
second side 305 of the exercise machine 100, 200. A first platform
safety cover 315 may be connected to a first side of the platform
104, 204 and a second platform safety cover 315 may be connected to
a second side of the platform 104, 105. A first end safety cover
320 may be connected to the first end platform 102, 202 and a
second end safety cover 325 connected to the second end platform
102, 202.
B. Side Safety Covers
[0056] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an
improved exercise machine 100 with one example embodiment of side
safety covers 310 removably attached to the sides 304, 305 of the
machine 100 to separate an exerciser 300 on the machine 100 from
moving parts of the machine 300 that would otherwise be accessible
through side openings or gaps of the machine 300.
[0057] More specifically, a substantially longitudinal exercise
machine 100 is shown comprising a plurality of support structures
101. The support structures 101 support a stationary front end
exercise platform 102, a stationary back end exercise platform 103,
and a pair of elongated guide rails 107 that extend substantially
the length of the machine 100 between the front and back end
platforms 102, 103. A movable exercise platform 104 is supported on
and slides reciprocally along the upper surface of the guide rails
1007 between the front and back end exercise platforms 102,
103.
[0058] As a means to prevent exercisers 300 on the machine 100 from
injuring themselves during exercise, a pair of side safety covers
310 are removably attached to structural members of the machine 100
along the sides 304, 305. The side safety covers 310 prevent an
exerciser 300 on the machine 100 from inadvertently coming into
contact with moving parts of the machine 100 that would otherwise
be exposed through openings or gaps between structural members of
the machine 100 along the sides thereof. The side safety covers 310
may extend along the sides 304, 305 of the machine 100 a sufficient
distance to prevent access through side openings in the machine 100
to all otherwise accessible moving parts. The side safety covers
310 are preferably removably affixed to various structural members
106 of the exercise machine 100 to enable easy access to internal
spaces of the machine 100 by technicians for maintenance and repair
of the machine if necessary.
[0059] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the improved exercise machine
as just described with the previously described side safety covers
310 removed. It can be readily seen that the plurality of support
structures 101 are spaced apart by and affixed to a plurality of
structural members 106 that extend longitudinally between opposite
ends 302, 303 of the machine 100. It can also be readily seen with
the side safety covers 310 removed that there are openings between
the support structures 101 and structural members 106 along the
sides of the machine 100 through which an exerciser 300 can insert
the exerciser's 300 insert feet or hands during exercise. The side
safety covers 310 close off and cover these openings and enclose
the internal spaces of the machine 100, thus preventing access to
internal moving components of the machine 100 during exercise, and
thus providing additional safety for the exerciser 300.
[0060] FIG. 3 is a side view of the improved exercise machine 100
with side safety covers 310 attached. As shown, the plurality of
support structures 101 are spaced apart longitudinally between the
front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 100. The support
structures 101 extend vertically and support the pair of elongated
parallel rails 107. The rails 107 extend substantially the entire
length of the machine 100 between the front and back ends 302, 303.
The rails 107 in turn support the stationary front end platform
102, the stationary back end platform 103, and the movable platform
104. The front and back end platforms 102, 103 are mounted at or
near the longitudinally opposite front and back ends 302, 303 of
the machine 100 respectively. The movable platform 104 may be
supported on the rails 107 by trolley wheels (not shown) or the
like and is reciprocally movable along the rails 107 between the
front and back end platforms 102, 103. Handle assemblies 108 are
shown mounted on the rails 107 at or near the opposed longitudinal
ends 302, 303 of the machine 100 and adjacent to the front and back
end platforms 102, 103 to be used by an exerciser 300 for stability
and support during exercise.
[0061] A plurality of side safety covers 310 is mounted to the
machine 100 preferably in a manner to substantially close off the
openings between the floor or other support surface on which the
machine 100 rests and the machine upper surface of the guide rails
107 and to enclose the internal spaces of the machine 100 that
would otherwise be accessible through those openings. Although not
shown in FIG. 3, it is to be understood that the side safety covers
310 are intended to be mounted on both elongated lateral sides of
the machine 100.
[0062] It also should be noted that while the side safety covers
310 may be identical, they need not be identical. Further, they
side safety covers 310 may comprise a single part extending
substantially the length of the machine 100 between the front and
back ends 302, 303. However, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that fabrication costs for smaller parts produced in
higher volume are lower than larger parts produced at lower
volumes. Thus, the use of four or more identical side safety covers
310, two or more on each opposed lateral side 304, 305 of the
machine 100, may be utilized since this configuration provides a
lower total production cost than fewer large parts. In such an
exemplary configuration, the side safety covers 310 on a side 304,
305 of the machine 100 may be sized and mounted to abut or nearly
abut one another at their adjacent ends to substantially completely
enclose the open spaces along the sides of the machine 100 through
which an exerciser 300 might otherwise come in contact with the
moving parts of the machine 100.
[0063] FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the improved exercise
machine 100 showing the side safety covers 310 removed. As can be
readily seen, with the side covers 310 removed an exerciser 300 can
easily insert the exerciser's hands and feet through openings
between the various stationary structural members 106 along the
lateral sides 304, 305 of the machine 100, such as the openings
between the elongated structural member 106 and the longitudinal
structural member 109, which is described in further detail
below.
[0064] Thus, without the side safety covers 310, an exerciser 300
may come in contact with various moving parts of the machine 100
contained within the inner spaces of the machine 100. These can
include various moving parts for raising, lowering, and tilting the
rails 107 and platforms 102, 103 of the machine 100, including
actuators 215, 216, pivoting support arms 211, and the like.
[0065] Further, in resistance type exercise machines 100 an
exerciser 300 can come in contact with the components of a
resistance assembly such as resistance biasing members 214. In the
example machine, a spring coil 110 is exposed to access by
exercisers 300 through the openings in the lateral sides 304, 305
of the machine 100 when the side safety covers 310 are removed. The
spring coil 110 is a movable, high stored energy assembly of the
machine 100 that provides for variable exercise resistance at high
weight equivalents, for example, resistance levels exceeding two
hundred pounds of force.
[0066] It thus will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the internal moving elements and high energy assemblies of exercise
machines 100 exposed to access by exercisers 300 pose greater
safety and liability risks when compared to the example exercise
machines 100 with side safety covers 310 described herein that
prevent accidental or intentional insertion of an exerciser's 300
hands or feet into the interior spaces of the machine 100 through
openings in the sides 304, 305 and elsewhere.
[0067] FIG. 5A is an end view of an example side safety cover 310.
As shown, the side safety cover 310 has an exterior surface 311
which includes one or more fastener receivers 314 into or through
which cover fasteners 313 are affixed to the side safety cover
310.
[0068] FIG. 5B is another end view of an example side safety cover
310. As shown, the side safety cover 310 has an interior surface
312 with fasteners 313 affixed. The use of fasteners 313 positioned
on the interior 312 of the cover 310 provides for improved cosmetic
appearance when viewed from the exterior of the machine 100. This
arrangement has the further benefit of removing fastening hardware
from the exterior of the machine 100 that otherwise could become
hazardous to an exerciser 300. For instance, traditional bolt heads
or nuts exposed on the exterior 311 of the side safety covers 310
could unintentionally cut an exerciser's 300 hands or feet if the
exerciser 300 came into contact with the exposed fastening
hardware.
[0069] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
although the example side safety covers 310 in FIGS. 5A-5F are
shown having a particular shape, configuration and dimensions, the
shape, configuration, and dimensions of the covers are not intended
to be limiting. Rather the side safety covers 310 can be shaped,
configured, and dimensioned for use with various machines as
required. Further, it will be appreciated that the side safety
covers 310 as shown can be constructed as single contiguous
structures, or as multiple separate structures, as mentioned
previously.
[0070] FIG. 6 is a side view of an example side safety cover 310
and cross-sections of the elongated structural members 106, 109 of
an exercise machine 100 previously identified. As just described,
the fasteners 313 for attaching the side safety cover 310 to the
machine 100 may be positioned on the interior surface 312 of the
side safety cover 310 and hence within the enclosed interior space
of the machine 100. Thus, as shown, a fastening ridge or protrusion
114 may be formed at or near the top edge of the side safety cover
310 and extends substantially along the entire length of the side
safety cover 310. The fastening ridge 114 may be shaped and
positioned so as to engage and fit into a corresponding elongated
female slotted portion 114a of the longitudinal structural member
109 when the lower edge of the side safety cover 310 is positioned
at an outward angle relative to the lateral side edge 304, 305 of
the exercise machine 100.
[0071] Continuing to reference FIG. 6, the side safety cover 310
may be removably connected to the machine 100 by rotating the side
safety cover 310 in the direction shown by the arrow to an
installed position as indicated by the dashed outline of the side
safety cover 310. When in the dashed line position, one or a
plurality of fasteners 313 engage and are snapped over and at least
partially around longitudinal member 106 to removably secure the
side safety cover 310 in the preferred position. In this particular
example embodiment, the fastener 313 is at least partially flexible
in order to snap over and at least partially around the
corresponding structural member 106 so as to provide holding
tension between the fastener 313 and the structural member 106 and
to removably secure the side safety cover 310 to the machine
100.
[0072] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that exercise
machines occasionally require periodic maintenance, and it is often
necessary to lubricate, adjust or replace certain parts of the
machines. Therefore, the novel side safety covers 310 described
herein are easily removable and replaceable without the use of
special tools.
[0073] It should be noted that although the method of removably
affixing the side safety covers 310 to the elongated structural
components 109 of the example machine 100 as just described may be
utilized, it is not meant to be limiting. Rather, the use of
different fastener 313 shapes and types are also contemplated
consistent with achieving the functions and objective described.
For example, consistent with the functions and objectives described
herein, fasteners 313 having non-cylindrical shapes may be used to
correspond to the different shapes of the structural components
106, 109 of the machines 100 on which the side safety covers 310
are intended for use. In addition, while flexible or partially
flexible fasteners 313 may be used, fasteners 313 having other
means of applying a holding force to structural components 106, 109
of a machine 100 also may be used. Still further, other types of
fasteners 313 such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, or other
mechanical fasteners may be used as desired.
[0074] FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the interior side 312 of
an example side safety cover 310 as described above showing the
side safety cover 310 attached to structural members 106, 109 of an
exercise machine 100. More specifically, the interior perspective
of a shortened length of the longitudinal structural member 109 is
shown with the fastening ride 114 of the side safety cover 310
inserted into the corresponding female slot 114a of the structural
member 109. A plurality of fasteners 313 are shown affixed to the
interior surface 312 of the side safety cover 310 in positions such
that the fasteners 313 may removably snap around the major diameter
of the substantially cylindrical structural member 106 of the
machine 100.
[0075] In the positions just described, the side safety cover 310
will remain in place to prevent the accidental or intentional
insertion of an exerciser's 300 feet or hands towards the interior
of the exercise machine 100. It is understood that the snap
features just described are not meant to be limited to round or
cylindrical structural members 106, 109, and may be designed to
snap over or into corresponding structural members of any geometric
cross-section or extrusion profile.
[0076] FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary exercise machine 100 which
includes a base 201 and an upper frame 219. The upper frame 219
includes a track 208 along which a movable platform 104 is movably
connected so as to be movable between all or part of the length
between the first end 302 and the second end 303 of the exercise
machine 100. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a gap 309 is present
between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 or track 208 of the
exercise machine 100.
[0077] Because of the gap 309 in the exercise machine 100, an
exerciser 300 is at risk of accidentally placing a limb such as a
foot or hand within the gap 309 between the base 201 and the upper
frame 219 of the exercise machine 100. As a typical exercise
machine 100 may include numerous moving parts and other structures
underneath the track 208, there is a substantial risk of injury if
an exerciser 300 slips into the gap 309.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the gap 309 may be partially or
fully covered by use of one or more side safety covers 310 which
may be fixedly or removably attached to one or both sides 304, 305
of the exercise machine 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3, it can be seen that substantially the entire length
of the exercise machine 100 is covered by use of a pair of side
safety covers 310, with the two side safety covers 310 being
positioned so as to contact each other to prevent any openings or
gaps between adjacent side safety covers 310. It should be
appreciated that, in certain embodiments, a single side safety
cover 310 could be utilized. In other embodiments, additional side
safety covers 310 could be utilized, depending on the length and
type of exercise machine 100 being used.
[0079] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, side
safety covers 310 are only shown extending along the first side 304
of the exercise machine 100. Although not shown, it should be
appreciated that the second side 304 of the exercise machine 100 is
largely a mirror image of the first side 303 and may similarly
include one or more side safety covers 310 connected so as to cover
all or part of a gap 309 in the exercise machine 100, such as
between its base 201 and upper frame 219. In some embodiments, such
as when the exercise machine 100 is placed against a wall or other
structure, only a single side 303, 304 of the exercise machine 100
may need side safety cover(s) 310.
[0080] FIGS. 5A-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a side
safety cover 310 for removable or fixed attachment to one or more
sides 304, 305 of an exercise machine 100. As can be seen, each
side safety cover 310 may comprise an elongated, flat or curved,
plate-like member having an exterior surface 311 and an interior
surface 312.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5C, and 5D, the exterior surface 311
of the side safety cover 310 faces away from the exercise machine
100 and is the portion of the side safety cover 310 which an
exerciser 300 will contact in the event a limb tries to enter
through the gap 309 in the exercise machine 100. The exterior
surface 311 may have a handle, projections, or the like to aid in
removing the side safety cover 310 from the exercise machine
100.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D, the interior surface 312
of the side safety cover 310 faces toward the exercise machine 100
and is generally removably or fixedly attached to the exercise
machine 100. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5E illustrates
usage of round fasteners 313 which are connected to the interior
surface 312 of the side safety covers 310. The fasteners 313
themselves may be connected within a fastener receiver 314 on the
side safety cover 310 such as shown in FIG. 5F. The fasteners 313
may be adapted to engage around a structural member 106, 109 of the
exercise machine 100 on its base 201 and/or frame 219.
[0083] While semi-circular fasteners 313 are shown, it should be
appreciated that various other types of methods may be used to
removably connect the side safety covers 310 to the exercise
machine 100. For example and without limitation, clamps, nuts,
bolts, screws, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or adhesives
may be utilized to connect the side safety covers 310 to the
exercise machine 100. In some embodiments, the side safety covers
310 may be connected to both the upper frame 219 and the base 201
of the exercise machine 100. In other embodiments, the side safety
covers 310 may be connected to only one of the upper frame 219 or
base 201.
C. Platform Safety Covers
[0084] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a variation of another
exemplary embodiment of an improved exercise machine 200 with
platform safety covers 315. The exemplary embodiment of an exercise
machine 200 comprises an elongated structure having a longitudinal
axis, and a front end 302 and back end 303 located substantially on
the longitudinal axis at opposite longitudinal ends of the machine
200. The exercise machine has a base 201 that rests on the ground,
floor, or another support surface.
[0085] The illustrated exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine
200 also has an upper frame 219 including a track 208 that
comprises a pair of parallel elongated rails 205, 206 that extend
substantially the entire length of the machine 200 between the
front and back ends 302, 303. A right elongated guide rail 205 is
aligned with and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the machine 200 and a left elongated guide rail 206 is aligned with
and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine
200. Both guide rails 205, 206 extend substantially the length of
the exercise machine 200 between the front and back ends 302, 303,
with the right elongated guide rail 205 being positioned at or near
the first side 304 of the exercise machine 200 and the left
elongated guide rail 206 being positioned at or near the second
side 305 of the exercise machine 200.
[0086] A front end stationary exercise platform 202 is shown
mounted on the rails 205, 206 at or near one longitudinal end 302
of the machine, and a back end stationary exercise platform 203 is
mounted on the rails 205, 206 at or near the opposite longitudinal
end 303 of the machine 200. A movable exercise platform 204 is
supported on and slides reciprocally along substantially the length
of the track 208 between the front end platform 202 and back end
platform 203. The movable exercise platform 204 may be mounted on
the track 208 by a plurality of trolley wheels, magnets, or the
like.
[0087] The guide rails 205, 206, front and back end platforms 202,
203, and movable platform 204 of the upper frame 219 of the
exercise machine 200 can be raised, lowered, and tilted. Thus,
front and back lifting actuators 215, 216 are shown connected
between the base 201 and the frame 219 at or near the front and
back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 respectively. A pair of front
lifting jib arms 211 is rotatably connected between the base 201
and the front lifting actuator 215 and a pair of back lifting jib
arms 211 is rotatably connected between the base 201 and the back
lifting actuator 216.
[0088] The front and back lifting actuators 215, 216 are obscured
from view in FIG. 8, but are visible in subsequent figures and are
described further below. Similarly, only one of the lifting jib
arms 211 is visible in FIG. 8, but others are visible in subsequent
figures and are further described below. It is noted that the
actuators 215, 216 and jib arms 211 comprise movable elements of
the exercise machine 200 that could cause injury to an exerciser
300 if the exerciser 300 comes in contact with them.
[0089] A resistance assembly is mounted to the underside of the
sliding platform 204. The resistance assembly includes resistance
biasing members 214, such as, for example springs, and resistance
adjustment knobs 207 with the biasing members 214 being connected
between one or more stationary components of the machine 200 and
the movable platform 204. An exerciser 300 can select a resistance
force to be applied to the movable platform 204 by engaging or
disengaging one or more of the resistance adjustment knobs 207 from
the platform 204, thereby removably affixing a corresponding
biasing member 214 between a fixed component of the machine
structure and the sliding platform 204. It is noted that the
resistance biasing members 214, e.g., springs or cords, are
operable to exert a significant amount of resistance force and thus
pose a risk of injury to an exerciser 300 if the exerciser 300
comes in contact with them.
[0090] In this example embodiment, platform safety covers 315 are
attached to the sides of the movable platform 204 rather than to
fixed structural members of the machine 200. Thus, the platform
safety covers 315 move along with the movable platform 204, close
off the openings beneath the movable platform 204, and effectively
enclose the interior spaces of the machine 200 that would otherwise
be accessible by an exerciser 300 through the openings beneath the
movable platform 204. By substantially enclosing the interior space
of the machine 200 accessible from beneath the sliding platform
204, the platform safety covers 315 protect against potential
injury to an exerciser 300 from coming in contact with the moving
parts of the machine 200 located beneath the sliding platform 204
and the resistance biasing members 214 as described above. It will
be appreciated that the platform safety covers 315 can be removably
attached to the sliding platform 204 in a manner substantially
similar to that described previously with respect to the side
safety covers 310 and the fixed structural members of the machine
200. Alternatively, the platform safety covers 315 can be removably
attached to the sliding platform 204 using different types of
fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, or other
suitable mechanical fasteners.
[0091] FIGS. 8-13, 17, and 18 illustrate an exemplary exercise
machine 200 which includes a base 201 and an upper frame 219. The
upper frame 219 includes a track 208 along which a movable platform
204 is movably connected so as to be movable between all or part of
the length between the first end 302 and the second end 303 of the
exercise machine 200. As best shown in FIG. 13, the space
underneath the movable platform 204 is typically exposed which puts
an exerciser 300 at risk of his/her fingers or other limbs becoming
jammed underneath the movable platform 204 or run over by the
wheels (or other movement structures) of the movable platform
204.
[0092] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the space underneath the sides
of the movable platform 204 may be partially or wholly covered by a
platform safety cover 315. The platform safety cover 315 is
attached (fixedly or removably) directly to the side of the movable
platform 204 so as to cover the sides of both the bottom of the
movable platform 204 and the track 208 or upper frame 219. Although
the figures illustrate that the platform safety cover 315
terminates above the base 201, it should be appreciated that, in
some embodiments, the safety cover 315 may partially or fully cover
the base 201 as well.
[0093] Exemplary embodiments of a platform safety cover 315 are
shown in FIGS. 15A-15D. As illustrated, an exemplary embodiment of
a platform safety cover 315 may comprise an exterior surface 316
which faces away from the movable platform 204 and an interior
surface 316 which faces towards the movable platform 204.
[0094] The interior surface 316 of the platform safety cover 315 is
attached directly to the movable platform 204 such that the
platform safety cover 315 moves along with the movable platform
204. The platform safety cover 315 is not attached or connected to
the exercise machine 200 so as to allow the platform safety cover
315 to move along with the movable platform 204.
[0095] The manner in which the platform safety cover 315 is
connected to the movable platform 204 may vary in different
embodiments. By way of example, FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary
fastener 318 on the interior surface 317 of the platform safety
cover 315 for engaging with a corresponding feature on the movable
platform 204 itself. While the figures illustrate round female-type
fasteners 318, it should be appreciated that a wide range of
methods of attachment may be utilized to removably connect the
platform safety cover 315 to the movable platform 204, including
but not limited to clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, magnets,
hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or adhesives.
[0096] In addition to the sliding platform safety covers 315, the
stationary and movable components of the front and back ends 302,
303 of the machine 200 may be enclosed by a front end safety cover
320 and a back end safety cover 325. Although shown in FIG. 8,
these are described in detail below in connection with subsequent
figures.
D. Top Safety Covers
[0097] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the variation of the improved
exercise machine with the previously described exercise platforms
202, 203, 204 and safety covers 315, 320, 325 removed in order to
clearly illustrate an embodiment with top safety covers 212. The
top safety covers 212 may comprise substantially flat planar plate
structures. The top safety covers 212 extend between and for
substantially the entire length of the track 208, such as a right
guide rail 205 and left guide rail 206 as shown in the figures.
[0098] The plurality of top safety covers 212 provide a safety
barrier between an exerciser 300 positioned on one or more of the
exercise platforms 202, 203, 204 and the internal stationary and
moving parts of the machine 200 through top openings in the machine
200. It should be noted that the plurality of top safety covers 212
just described may comprise one or more covers 212 of sufficient
length and height so as to reliably protect the exerciser 300 from
the stationary and movable members of the machine.
[0099] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the variation of the improved
exercise machine with the previously described exercise platforms
202, 203, 204 and safety covers 212 attached. As can be seen, the
front end platform 202, back end platform 203, movable platform
204, and plurality of top safety covers 212 substantially overly
and conceal the stationary and movable machine members positioned
below the platforms 202, 203, 204 and safety covers 212 in the
interior space of the machine 200. However, they leave exposed the
resistance adjustment knobs 207 for manipulation by an exerciser
300. The positioning of the parallel right and left guide rails
205, 206 are shown for reference.
[0100] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the variation of the improved
exercise machine 200 with the previously described exercise
platforms 202, 203, 204 and top safety covers 212 removed. With the
top safety covers 212 and platforms 202, 203, 204 removed, the many
stationary and movable members, elements, and components of the
machine can be clearly seen. These include the right and left guide
rails 205, 206, the plurality of resistance biasing members 214
attached to the corresponding plurality of resistance adjustment
knobs 207 as previously described, the front and back lifting
actuators 215, 216, the front and back jib arms (view obscured in
this figure), and a plurality of stabilizing shock absorbers
217.
[0101] The shock absorbers 217 are connected between the base 201
and the upper frame 219 near the front and back ends 302, 303 of
the machine 200 and are arranged as mirror images. The opposite
front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 can be elevated
independently or together by use of the front and back lifting
actuators 215, 216, the pivoting jib support arms 211, and the
shock absorbers 217. The platforms 202, 203, 204 and top safety
covers 212 block access to and prevent an exerciser from coming in
contact with these movable members and components through top
openings of the machine 200, and thus provide protection to prevent
an exerciser from possibly being injured.
[0102] A plurality of transverse structural members 213 extend
substantially between the guide rails 205, 206, the guide rails
205, 206 and transverse members 213 forming the basic upper frame
219. The top safety covers 212 may be mounted atop, rested upon,
and supported by the structural members 213. The top safety covers
212 may be fastened to the structural members via conventional
screws or nuts and bolts if desired. However, for easier
disassembly and access to the internal spaces and components of the
machine, the top safety covers 212 may alternatively be fastened
using removable pins and sockets or other quick disconnect
fasteners.
[0103] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a top
safety cover 212 for covering the area between the guide rails 205,
206 of the track 208 of the exercise machine 200. As the movable
platform 204 traverses the track 208, there is always the risk that
a limb such as a hand or foot will fall through the track 208 and
be injured, such as by one of the components positioned underneath
the track 208. To prevent such injury, the track 208 may be covered
by top platform safety covers 212 such as shown in FIGS. 8-10.
[0104] Each of the top safety covers 212 may comprise a plate-like,
flat member which is connected between the rails 205, 206 along the
length of the exercise machine 200. As shown in FIG. 9, multiple
top safety covers 212 may be utilized and connected adjacent to
each other to run all or part of the span of the track 208. The
number of top safety covers 212 will vary between different
embodiments, and thus should not be construed as limited by the
exemplary figures. More or less top safety covers 212 could be
utilized.
[0105] In exercise machines 200 which utilize resistance biasing
members 214 that may be selectively connected to the movable
platform 204 to increase/decrease resistance to movement of the
movable platform 204 along the track 208, the area of the track 208
which includes the resistance biasing members 214 may remain
exposed such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In such embodiments,
multiple top safety covers 212 may be utilized, with a gap between
adjacent top safety covers 212 so as to expose the resistance
biasing members 214.
[0106] The manner in which the top safety covers 212 are connected
to the exercise machine 200 may vary in different embodiments. The
top safety covers 212 may be connected to the track 208 by various
methods, including the use of fasteners, clamps, bolts, nuts,
screws, magnets, straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. The
top safety covers 212 are generally connected between the rails
205, 206 of the track 208 such as shown in FIG. 9. More
specifically, the top safety covers 212 may be connected to the
respective inner edges of the rails 205, 206 such that the wheels
of the movable platform 204 may still run along the outer edges of
the rails 205, 206. In other embodiments, the top safety covers 212
may rest upon or be connected to transverse structural members 213
such as brackets, rods, or the like which extend between the rails
205, 206 such as shown in FIG. 11.
E. End Safety Covers
[0107] FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the
improved exercise machine 200 with an exerciser 300 positioned in
one of many possible positions in preparation for or during the
performance of an exercise. The exerciser 300 is shown positioned
on the sliding platform 204, and in practice, would be pushing and
pulling the sliding platform 204 reciprocally between the front end
stationary platform 202 and the back end stationary platform 203
against a biasing force such as provided by any of the resistance
biasing members 214 which are affixed to the sliding platform
204.
[0108] In this exemplary embodiment, a front end safety cover 320
and a back end safety cover 325 protect the exerciser 300 against
injury by preventing the exerciser 300 from coming in contact with
stationary and movable components located at and near the
respective front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200.
Similarly, the sliding side safety covers 315 attached to the
sliding platform 204 prevent the exerciser 300 from accidentally
encountering the jib lifting arms 211 and other machine components
that may be accessed through openings beneath the movable platform
204.
[0109] The front end safety cover 320 and back end safety cover 325
may be shaped substantially like caps and have exterior surfaces
321, 326 and interior surfaces 322, 327. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in the figures, end safety covers 320, 325 are
substantially identical and each comprise a curved, C- or U-shaped
configuration so as to wrap around the sides 304, 305 of the
exercise machine 200 such as shown in FIG. 8.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the front end safety cover
320 may include an exterior surface 321 facing away from the
exercise machine 200 and an interior surface 325 which is affixed
to the exercise machine 200. As shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, the
back end safety cover 325 may similarly include an exterior surface
326 facing away from the exercise machine 200 and an interior
surface 325 which is affixed to the exercise machine 200. The front
and back end safety covers 320, 325 are shaped to approximately
match the shapes of the front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine
200 and are sized to fit over the ends 302, 303.
[0111] The front and back end safety covers 320, 325 may be
removably attachable to the front and back ends 302, 303 of the
machine 200 respectively. They may be attached in any of the
manners previously described herein or in any other suitable
manner. Thus, for example, they may be fitted with fasteners 323,
328 on their interior sides 322, 327 that engage with and snap onto
or over fixed structural members of the machine 200. In the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-14D, the front end safety
cover 320 includes at least one fastener 323 on its interior
surface 322 and the back end safety cover 325 includes at least one
fastener 328 on its interior surface 327.
[0112] Alternatively, the front and back end safety covers 320, 325
may be removably attached using straps and hooks, Velcro fasteners,
adhesives or other mechanical fasteners, preferably of a quick
disconnect style. Similarly to the side safety covers 310, each of
the front and back end safety covers 320, 325 may be constructed as
a single contiguous structure that completely encloses an end 302,
303 of the machine 200 or as multiple separate structures that
approximately abut at their adjacent ends or otherwise cooperate to
enclose an end 302, 303 of the machine 200. Further, the front and
back end safety covers 320, 325 need not entirely enclose the ends
302, 303 of the machine 200, but suitably may enclose only the
portion or portions of the ends 302, 303 with openings through
which an exerciser 300 may come in contact with moving or
stationary parts of the machine 200 that pose a risk of injury.
[0113] FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the variation of the
improved exercise machine 200 showing the front end platform 202
elevated and the front end safety cover 320, back end safety cover
325 and sliding platform safety covers 315 removed, as indicated by
the dashed lines. With the safety covers 320, 325, 315 removed, it
can be clearly seen that the now exposed lifting jib arms 211, the
plurality of stabilizing shock absorbers 217, and the front lifting
actuator 215 of the lifting structure could cause injury if
accidentally encountered by an exerciser 300. It can also be
clearly seen how attachment of the various safety covers can
prevent such encounters.
[0114] FIG. 17 is an end view of the variation of the improved
exercise machine showing an end cover 325 attached. More
specifically, the back end stationary platform 203 is shown
positioned above the base 201 of the exercise machine 200 with the
back end safety cover 325 attached to the machine between the two.
The back end safety cover 325 closes off the openings between the
structural members of the back end 303 of the machine 200 through
which an exerciser 300 could come in contact with the interior
spaces of the machine 200, and effectively encloses the interior
spaces containing the stationary and movable members of the back
end lifting structure to prevent the exerciser 200 from coming in
contact with them.
[0115] FIG. 18 is another end view of the variation of the improved
exercise machine 200 with the back end safety cover just described
325 having been removed to reveal the movable components of the
back end lifting structure located within the interior spaces of
the machine 200. For reference, the ends of the right and left
guide rails 205, 206 can be clearly seen. A plurality of
stabilizing shock absorbers 217 and a back end lifting actuator 216
work together when actuated by a machine operator to raise the
proximal back end of the machine 200 by raising a lifting yoke 218
that is movably affixed to the lifting ends of the lifting jib arms
211 (see also FIG. 13). As can be appreciated, the exerciser 300 is
prevented from encountering all of the just described machine
components by the back end safety cover 209. The front end safety
cover 208 is similarly attached to the front end of the machine and
similarly prevents access to the stationary and moving components
associated with the front lifting actuator 215 and other front
lifting components best shown in FIGS. 11 and 13.
[0116] FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate exemplary embodiments of both a
first end safety cover 320 and a second end safety cover 325. It
should be appreciated that both of the illustrated safety covers
320, 325 are largely identical. The first end safety cover 320
includes an exterior surface 321 facing away from the exercise
machine 200 and an interior surface 322 facing towards and attached
to the exercise machine 200. Similarly, the second end safety cover
320 includes an exterior surface 326 facing away from the exercise
machine 200 and an interior surface 322 facing towards and attached
to the exercise machine 200.
[0117] The manner in which the end safety covers 320, 325 are
connected to the first end 302 or second end 303 of the exercise
machine 200 may vary in different embodiments. FIG. 14B illustrates
a fastener 323 on the interior surface 322 of the first end safety
cover 320. FIG. 14D illustrates a fastener 328 on the interior
surface 326 of the second end safety cover 325. The illustrated
fasteners 323, 328 are merely exemplary, as a wide range of other
methods could be utilized to removably connect the end safety
covers 320, 325 to the exercise machine 200, including but not
limited to clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, magnets, hook-and-loop
fasteners, and/or adhesives.
F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment
[0118] Prior to use, the desired side safety covers 310 are
removably attached as described herein to elongated structural
elements 109 of the machine 100, 200 along the lateral sides 304,
305 of the machine 100 and/or to the lateral sides of the movable
exercise platform 104. The desired top safety covers 212 are
attached as described herein atop the transverse structural members
213 of the machine 100, 200 that extend between the elongated
parallel guide rails 205, 206. The top safety covers 212 are
attached to extend beneath the front and back stationary platforms
202, 203 and substantially along the entire length of the elongated
guide rails 205, 206 between the front and back stationary
platforms 202, 203. It is noted that it may be necessary to remove
one or more of the front and back stationary platforms 202, 203 and
the movable platform 204 in order to attach the top safety covers
212. The end safety covers 320, 325 are similarly attached to the
front and back ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200 as
desired and as described herein.
[0119] The side safety covers 310 may be connected to the sides
304, 305 of the exercise machine 100, 200 so as to cover the gap
309 between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 of the exercise
machine 100, 200. The side safety covers 310 may be connected to
both the base 201 and the upper frame 219, to only the base 201, or
to only the upper frame 219. The fasteners 313 of the side safety
covers 310 are generally connected to engage with a structural
member 106, 109 of the exercise machine 100, 200 such as shown in
FIG. 6.
[0120] The platform safety covers 315 may be connected to the
movable platform 204 such as shown in FIG. 12 so as to cover the
space between the movable platform 204 and the underlying track 208
on which it runs. The platform safety covers 315 are generally
connected on either side of the movable platform 204. The platform
safety covers 315 generally are connected only to the movable
platform 204 such that the platform safety covers 315 move along
with the movable platform 204 as it traverses the track 208. The
fasteners 318 on the interior surface 317 of the platform safety
covers 315 are generally connected to engage with the movable
platform 204.
[0121] The end safety covers 320, 325 may be connected to the
respective ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200 so as to
cover the gap 309 between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 on
the ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200. The end safety
covers 320, 325 may be connected to both the base 201 and the upper
frame 219, to only the base 201, or to only the upper frame 219.
The fasteners 323, 328 of the end safety covers 320, 325 are
generally connected to engage with a structural member 106, 109 of
the exercise machine 100, 200.
[0122] The top safety covers 212 may be connected to the upper end
of the track 208 so as to prevent access to the internal components
underneath the track 208. The top safety covers 212 may be
connected to the respective inner edges of the rails 205, 206 of
the track 208, leaving the outer edges of the rails 205, 206
exposed so that the wheels of the movable platform 204 may move
along the rails 205, 206. The top safety cover 212 may also or
alternatively rest upon or be connected to one or more transverse
structural members 213 extending between the rails 205, 206.
[0123] Once the desired safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 are
attached, an exerciser 300 may use the exercise machine 100, 200 in
the normal manner. During the exerciser's 300 use of the machine
100, 200, any attached safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 of the
safety system are operable to close off openings and gaps 309
between structural components 106, 109, such as between the base
201 and the upper frame 219, of the machine 100, 200 and to enclose
the interior spaces containing the various moving and other
components of the exercise machine 100, 200 with which the
exerciser 300 could otherwise come in contact through the openings
and gaps 309 and possibly be injured. The safety covers 212, 310,
315, 320, 325 function to substantially close off openings between
structural components 106, 109 in the sides 304, 305, top, and ends
302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200 through which the
exerciser 300 could come into contact with the internal components
of the machine 100, 200. By closing off the openings and gaps 309
and enclosing the internal components of the exercise machine 100,
200, the exercise machine safety system reduces the risk of injury
to the exerciser 300 and enhances the exerciser's safety.
[0124] If it becomes necessary to perform maintenance or
adjustments on the exercise machine 100, 200 at any time, a
technician can easily and without special tools remove the desired
safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 to access the necessary
internal spaces and components of the machine. Upon completion, the
removed safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 can be readily
reattached to the machine 100, 200 as described herein without the
need for any special tools and the machine 100, 200 is then ready
again for normal use by exercisers 300.
[0125] The novel exercise machine and variations described above
comprise various moving parts and a safety system comprising
various easily attachable and removable safety covers 212, 310,
315, 320, 325 that provide a barrier between an exerciser 300 and
the internal moving parts of the machine 100, 200. The covers may
be affixed to the machine 100, 200 with various fasteners 313, 318,
323, 328 and/or latches as described herein so that special tools
or equipment are not required for affixing or removing the covers
212, 310, 315, 320, 325. For instance, contemplated fasteners 313,
318, 323, 328 include hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners,
adhesives, and/or integral resilient features positioned on the
interior 312, 317, 322, 327 of the covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325
that allow snapping the covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 directly to
structural members 106, 109 of the machines 100, 200. However, the
covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 also may be affixed using
traditional fastening hardware such as nuts and bolts.
[0126] 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 safety cover,
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 safety
covers described herein may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof,
and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any
headings utilized within the description are for convenience only
and have no legal or limiting effect.
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