U.S. patent application number 16/917134 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-30 for system and method of using two exercise machines.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lagree Technologies, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lagree Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree.
Application Number | 20210402253 16/917134 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004938672 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210402253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony
Louis |
December 30, 2021 |
System and Method of Using Two Exercise Machines
Abstract
A system and method of using two exercise machines for
performing a wide range of exercise movements that utilize both of
the exercise machines in concert. The system and method of using
two exercise machines generally includes first exercise machine and
a second exercise machine which are used in concert to perform a
wide range of exercise movements. The first exercise machine may
include a track, a carriage movably connected to the track, and an
end platform. The second exercise machine may include its own
separate track, a carriage movably connected to the track, and an
end platform. The exercise machines may be positioned side-to-side
in parallel orientation such that an exerciser may perform various
exercise moves by positioning different limbs on the respective
carriages, end platforms, and/or tracks of the exercise machines,
in addition to the surface underlying the exercise machines.
Inventors: |
Lagree; Sebastien Anthony
Louis; (Burbank, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lagree Technologies, Inc. |
Burbank |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lagree Technologies, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
1000004938672 |
Appl. No.: |
16/917134 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/203 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/0428 20130101; A63B 21/00047
20130101; A63B 21/4045 20151001; A63B 23/03541 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/20 20060101
A63B022/20; A63B 21/00 20060101 A63B021/00; A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04; A63B 23/035 20060101 A63B023/035 |
Claims
1. A method of exercising with a first exercise machine and a
second exercise machine, the first exercise machine comprising a
first track, a first end platform directly or indirectly connected
to the first track, a first carriage movably connected to the first
track, a first end, a second end, and a first longitudinal axis
extending therebetween and the second exercise machine comprising a
second track, a second end platform directly or indirectly
connected to the second track, a second carriage movably connected
to the second track, a first end, a second end, and a second
longitudinal axis extend therebetween, comprising the steps of:
positioning the first exercise machine near the second exercise
machine such that the first longitudinal axis of the first exercise
machine is parallel with the second longitudinal axis of the second
exercise machine; positioning a first limb of an exerciser on the
first carriage of the first exercise machine; positioning a second
limb of the exerciser on the second carriage of the second exercise
machine; moving the first carriage along at least a portion of the
first track of the first exercise machine with the first limb by
the exerciser; and moving the second carriage of the second
exercise machine along at least a portion of the second track with
the second limb by the exerciser, wherein the first carriage of the
first exercise machine moves independently with respect to the
second carriage of the second exercise machine.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first exercise machine is not
connected to the second exercise machine.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first end and the second end
of the first exercise machine and the first end and the second end
of the second exercise machine are on a common plane that is
tangential to the first longitudinal axis and the second
longitudinal axis.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first
exercise machine is near the first end of the second exercise
machine and wherein the second end of the first exercise machine is
near the second end of the second exercise machine.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first end platform of the
first exercise machine is near the second end platform of the
second exercise machine.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein a first inner edge of the first
exercise machine is near a second inner edge of the second exercise
machine.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first exercise machine is not
in contact with the second exercise machine.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first limb is comprised of a
first hand of the exerciser and wherein the second limb is
comprised of a second hand of the exerciser.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of
positioning a first foot and a second foot on a surface underlying
the first exercise machine and the second exercise machine by the
exerciser.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first limb is comprised of a
first forearm of the exerciser and wherein the second limb is
comprised of a second forearm of the exerciser.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first limb is comprised of a
first foot of the exerciser and wherein the second limb is
comprised of a second foot of the exerciser.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
positioning a first hand and a second hand on a surface underlying
the first exercise machine and the second exercise machine by the
exerciser.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of
positioning a first hand on the first end platform of the first
exercise machine and a second hand on the second end platform of
the second exercise machine by the exerciser.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first foot of the exerciser
is positioned on the first carriage handle of the first carriage of
the first exercise machine and wherein the second foot of the
exerciser is positioned on the second carriage handle of the second
carriage of the second exercise machine.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the first limb is comprised of a
first shin of the exerciser and wherein the second limb is
comprised of a second shin of the exerciser.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of
positioning a first hand on the first track of the first exercise
machine and a second hand on the second track of the second
exercise machine by the exerciser.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first limb is comprised of a
first knee of the exerciser and wherein the second limb is
comprised of a first hand of the exerciser.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:
positioning a second knee on the first carriage of the first
exercise machine by the exerciser; and positioning a second hand on
the second carriage of the second exercise machine by the
exerciser.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the steps of:
positioning a second knee on the first end platform of the first
exercise machine by the exerciser; and positioning a second hand on
the second end platform of the second exercise machine by the
exerciser.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the first limb is comprised of a
first foot of the exerciser and wherein the second limb is
comprised of a first hand of the exerciser, further comprising the
steps of: positioning a second foot on the first end platform of
the first exercise machine by the exerciser; and positioning a
second hand on the second end platform of the second exercise
machine by the exerciser.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable to this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0003] Example embodiments in general relate to a system and method
of using two exercise machines for performing a wide range of
exercise movements that utilize both of the exercise machines in
concert.
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] Exercise machines have been in use for centuries. In recent
years, certain exercise machines which utilize movable carriages
have been increasing in popularity. However, the choices of
exercise movements to be performed on a single exercise machine
with a single carriage are limited. Such exercise machines may
limit an exerciser to only movements that utilize the feet or the
hands, but not both. By utilizing a pair of exercise machines in
concert with each other, a wide range of exercise movements that
were not previously available to be performed may be utilized by an
exerciser as desired.
SUMMARY
[0006] An example embodiment is directed to a system and method of
using two exercise machines. The system and method of using two
exercise machines includes a first exercise machine and a second
exercise machine which are used in concert to perform a wide range
of exercise movements. The first exercise machine may include a
track, a carriage movably connected to the track, and an end
platform. The second exercise machine may include its own separate
track, a carriage movably connected to the track, and an end
platform. The exercise machines may be positioned side-to-side in
parallel orientation such that an exerciser may perform various
exercise moves by positioning different limbs on the respective
carriages, end platforms, and/or tracks of the exercise machines,
in addition to the surface underlying the exercise machines.
[0007] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the
embodiments of the system and method of using two exercise machines
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
system and method of using two exercise machines 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 system and method of using two exercise
machines in detail, it is to be understood that the system and
method of using two exercise machines 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 system and method of using two
exercise machines 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
[0008] 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.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pair of exercise machines
in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of a pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of a pair of exercise machines with the
first carriage moved in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of a pair of exercise machines with the
second carriage moved in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of a pair of exercise machines with
both carriages moved in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 10B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 11A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 11B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 11C is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 12A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 12B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 13A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 13B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 14A is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 14B is a side perspective view of an exerciser
performing an exercise movement on the pair of exercise machines in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 14C is a top view of a pair of distally-spaced exercise
machines in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary exercise
movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines in which
the hands are on the carriages and the feet are on an underlying
surface in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in which the forearms are on the carriages and the feet are on an
underlying surface in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in which the feet are on the carriages and the hands are on an
underlying surface in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in which the shins are on the carriages and the hands are on the
tracks in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in which the feet are on the carriages and the exerciser is
standing substantially upright in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in which the hands are on the end platforms and the feet are on the
carriage handles in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in which the hands are on the first carriage and the knees are on
the second carriage accordance with an example embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in accordance in which hands are on the first end platform and
first carriage and the knees are on the second end platform and
second carriage with an example embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary
exercise movement to be performed on the pair of exercise machines
in which the hands are on the first carriage and first end platform
and the feet are on the second carriage and second end platform in
accordance with an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Overview
[0043] An example system and method of using two exercise machines
10 generally comprises a first exercise machine 20 and a second
exercise machine 30, the first exercise machine 20 comprising a
first track 21, a first end platform 25 directly or indirectly
connected to the first track 21, a first carriage 23 movably
connected to the first track 21, a first end 28, a second end 29,
and a first longitudinal axis 50 extending therebetween and the
second exercise machine 30 comprising a second track 31, a second
end platform 35 directly or indirectly connected to the second
track 31, a second carriage 33 movably connected to the second
track 31, a first end 38, a second end 39, and a second
longitudinal axis 52 extend therebetween, comprising the steps of
positioning the first exercise machine 20 near the second exercise
machine 30 such that the first longitudinal axis 50 of the first
exercise machine 20 is parallel with the second longitudinal axis
52 of the second exercise machine 30, wherein an inner edge 40 of
the first exercise machine 20 is near an inner edge 42 of the
second exercise machine 30; positioning a first limb 13a, 13b, 14a,
14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b of an exerciser 12 on the first carriage 23
of the first exercise machine 20; positioning a second limb 13a,
13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b of the exerciser 12 on the second
carriage 33 of the second exercise machine 30; moving the first
carriage 23 along at least a portion of the first track 21 of the
first exercise machine 20 with the first limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b,
15a, 15b, 16a, 16b by the exerciser 12; and moving the second
carriage 33 of the second exercise machine 30 along at least a
portion of the second track 31 with the second limb 13a, 13b, 14a,
14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b by the exerciser 12, wherein the first
carriage 23 of the first exercise machine 20 moves independently
with respect to the second carriage 33 of the second exercise
machine 30.
[0044] The first exercise machine 20 may be connected or not be
connected to the second exercise machine 30. The first end 28 and
the second end 29 of the first exercise machine 20 and the first
end 38 and the second end 39 of the second exercise machine 30 are
on a common plane that is tangential to the first longitudinal axis
50 and the second longitudinal axis 52. The first end 28 of the
first exercise machine 20 is near the first end 38 of the second
exercise machine 30 and the second end 29 of the first exercise
machine 20 is near the second end 39 of the second exercise machine
30. The first end platform 25 of the first exercise machine 20 is
near the second end platform 35 of the second exercise machine 30.
The first exercise machine 20 may be in contact or not in contact
with the second exercise machine 30. The first limb 13a, 13b, 14a,
14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be comprised of a first hand 13a of the
exerciser 12 and the second limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a,
16b may be comprised of a second hand 13b of the exerciser 12. The
first foot 16a and the second foot 16b may be positioned on a
surface 11 underlying the exercise machines 20, 30 by the exerciser
12.
[0045] The first limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be
comprised of a first forearm 14a of the exerciser 12 and the second
limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be comprised of a
second forearm 14b of the exerciser 12. The first limb 13a, 13b,
14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be comprised of a first foot 16a
of the exerciser 12 and the second limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a,
15b, 16a, 16b may be comprised of a second foot 16b of the
exerciser 12. The first hand 13a and the second hand 13b of the
exerciser 12 may be positioned on a surface 11 underlying the first
and second exercise machines 20, 30 by the exerciser 12.
[0046] The first hand 13a may be positioned on the first end
platform 25 of the first exercise machine 20 and the second hand
13b may be positioned on the second end platform 35 of the second
exercise machine 30 by the exerciser 12. The first foot 16a of the
exerciser 12 may be positioned on the first carriage handle 24 of
the first carriage 23 of the first exercise machine 20 and the
second foot 16b of the exerciser 12 may be positioned on the second
carriage handle 34 of the second carriage 33 of the second exercise
machine 30. The first limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b
may be comprised of a first shin of the exerciser 12 and the second
limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be comprised of a
second shin of the exerciser 12. The exerciser 12 may position a
first hand 13a on the first track 21 of the first exercise machine
20 and a second hand 13b on the second track 31 of the second
exercise machine 30 by the exerciser 12.
[0047] The first limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be
comprised of a first knee of the exerciser 12 and the second limb
13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be comprised of a first
hand 13a of the exerciser 12. The exerciser 12 may position a
second knee on the first carriage 23 of the first exercise machine
20 and may position a second hand 13b on the second carriage 33 of
the second exercise machine 30 by the exerciser 12. Alternatively,
the exerciser 12 may position a second knee on the first end
platform 25 of the first exercise machine 20 and a second hand 13b
on the second end platform 35 of the second exercise machine
30.
[0048] In an alternate embodiment, the first limb 13a, 13b, 14a,
14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b may be comprised of a first foot 16a of the
exerciser 12 and the second limb 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a,
16b may be comprised of a first hand 13a of the exerciser 12, with
the second foot 16b of the exerciser 12 positioned on the first end
platform 25 of the first exercise machine 20 and the second hand
13b of the exerciser 12 positioned on the second end platform 35 of
the second exercise machine 30.
B. Exercise Machines
[0049] As shown throughout the figures, the methods and systems
described herein utilize a pair of exercise machines 20, 30 which
are positioned side-to-side on an underlying surface 11 such as a
floor, mat, the ground, or the like. The positioning and
orientation of the exercise machines 20, 30 may vary in different
embodiments. Thus, the exemplary positioning and orientation of the
exercise machines 20, 30 shown in the figures should not be
construed as limiting.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the pair
of exercise machines 20, 30 are positioned parallel to each other,
with the first end 28 of the first exercise machine 20 being
positioned adjacent to or near the first end 38 of the second
exercise machine 30, and the second end 29 of the first exercise
machine 20 being positioned adjacent to or near the second end 39
of the second exercise machine 30. In alternate embodiments, an
opposite orientation may be utilized, with the first end 28 of the
first exercise machine 20 being positioned adjacent to or near the
second end 39 of the second exercise machine 30, and the second end
29 of the first exercise machine 20 being positioned adjacent to or
near the first end 38 of the second exercise machine 30.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 2, a first longitudinal axis 50 may extend
between the first and second ends 28, 29 of the first exercise
machine 20 along the first track 21. Similarly, a second
longitudinal axis 52 may extend between the first and second ends
38, 39 of the second exercise machine 30 along the second track 31.
In exemplary embodiments such as shown in the figures, the first
end 28 and the second end 29 of the first exercise machine 20, and
the first end 38 and the second end 39 of the second exercise
machine 30, may be on a common plane that is tangential with
respect to the first longitudinal axis 50 of the first exercise
machine 20 and the second longitudinal axis 52 of the second
exercise machine 30.
[0052] The angle between the first and second exercise machines 20,
30 may vary in different embodiments. In the exemplary figures, an
exemplary embodiment is illustrated in which the first exercise
machine 20 is parallel with respect to the second exercise machine
30. Put differently, the first longitudinal axis 50 of the first
exercise machine 20 may be parallel with respect to the second
longitudinal axis 52 of the second exercise machine 30.
[0053] It should be appreciated that other orientations may be
utilized. For example, the first and second exercise machines 20,
30 may be angled towards each other, or angled away from each
other, in different embodiments depending on the needs of the
exerciser 12 and/or the exercise moves being performed.
[0054] The distance between the pair of exercise machines 20, 30
may vary in different embodiments. Generally, they will be
positioned next to each other (e.g., adjacent to or near each
other), but not in contact, such as shown in the figures. In some
embodiments, the pair of exercise machines 20, 30 may contact each
other when positioned and oriented for use.
[0055] In other embodiments, the exercise machines 20, 30 may be
distally-spaced with respect to each other such that the inner edge
50 of the first exercise machine 20 is not in contact with the
inner edge 52 of the second exercise machine 30. In such
embodiments, the distance between the exercise machines 20, 30 may
vary depending on the particular exerciser 12. FIG. 14C illustrates
that the exercise machines 20, 30 have been separated by a distance
D1. The distance D1 between the respective inner edges 50, 52 of
the exercise machines 20, 30 may vary in different embodiments as
discussed herein. By way of example and without limitation, the
distance D1 could range from 0.5 inches to 5 feet, depending on the
exercises being performed and the physical characteristics of the
exerciser 12.
[0056] For example, an exerciser 12 with longer legs will space the
exercise machines 20, 30 further apart from each other than an
exerciser 12 with shorter legs. Further, the distance D1 between
the exercise machines 20, 30 may be adjusted for different exercise
movements. For example, the exercise machines 20, 30 in FIGS. 8A
and 8B are illustrated as being closer together than the exercise
machines 20, 30 in FIGS. 14A and 14B due to the different exercise
movements being performed in those respective figures.
[0057] The exercise machines 20, 30 in the exemplary figures are
shown as being disconnected from each other, with the first
exercise machine 20 not being in contact or connected in any way to
the second exercise machine 30. However, in some embodiments, it
may be desirable to connect the two exercise machines 20, 30 to
each other so as to, for example, ensure that the orientation and
positioning of the respective exercise machines 20, 30 is not
disrupted during particularly intense exercises. In such
embodiments, the first exercise machine 20 may be connected to the
second exercise machine 30, such as by a frame.
[0058] The figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the first
and second exercise machines 20, 30. It should be appreciated that
different types of exercise machines 20, 30 may be utilized, and
thus the scope should not be construed as limited to the particular
design of exercise machines 20, 30 shown in the figures.
[0059] By way of a non-limiting example, one or both of the
exercise machines 20, 30 may be comprised of the exercise machine
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,300,328, issued on May 28,
2019 and covering a "Tilting Exercise Machine", which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0060] By way of another non-limiting example, one or both of the
exercise machines 20, 30 may be comprised of the exercise machine
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,962,592, issued on May 8,
2018 and covering an "Exercise Machine Rail System", which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0061] By way of another non-limiting example, one or both of the
exercise machines 20, 30 may be comprised of the exercise machine
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,579,555, issued on Feb. 28,
2017 and covering an "Exercise Machine Rail System", which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0062] By way of another non-limiting example, one or both of the
exercise machines 20, 30 may be comprised of the exercise machine
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,641,585, issued on Feb. 4,
2014 and covering an "Exercise Machine", which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0063] By way of another non-limiting example, one or both of the
exercise machines 20, 30 may be comprised of the exercise machine
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,803,095, issued on Sep. 28,
2010 and covering an "Exercise Machine", which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0064] In the exemplary embodiment best shown in FIGS. 1-5, the
first and second exercise machines 20, 30 each share the same
design and configuration. However, it should be appreciated that,
in some embodiments, each of the exercise machines 20, 30 may have
its own, distinct design or configuration. For example, the first
exercise machine 20 may differ structurally from the second
exercise machine 30. Thus, the scope should not be construed as
limited to a pair of exercise machines 20, 30 which are mirror
images of each other such as shown in the exemplary figures for
illustrative purposes.
[0065] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate exemplary embodiments of exercise
machines 20, 30 for use with the systems and methods described
herein. The first exercise machine 20 will generally comprise a
first track 21 and a first carriage 23 movably connected to the
first track 21. One or more first bias members 27 may be removably
connected between the first carriage 23 and various structures of
the first exercise machine 20, such as but not limited to a frame,
base, or track 21 of the first exercise machine 20. The first track
21 is illustrated as comprising a monorail design, but in different
embodiments, the first track 21 may comprise parallel rails. The
manner in which the first carriage 23 is movably connected to the
first track 21 may vary in different embodiments, including but not
limited to the use of carriage wheels.
[0066] Continuing to reference FIGS. 1-5, the first exercise
machine 20 will generally comprise a plurality of base supports 22
such as feet or legs on which the first exercise machine 20 rests
on the surface 11 underlying the first exercise machine 20, such as
the floor, a mat, or a ground surface. The first carriage 23 may
include a first carriage handle 24. Although the figures illustrate
a single first carriage handle 24 which extends around the first
carriage 23, it should be appreciated that additional handles 24
may be included in different embodiments and that the configuration
of the first carriage handle 24 may vary (e.g., the first carriage
handle 24 may not extend around the first carriage 23, but instead
extend upwardly or outwardly therefrom).
[0067] The first exercise machine 20 may include a first end
platform 25 which is positioned at the first end 28 or the second
end 29 of the first exercise machine 20. In the exemplary figures,
a single first end platform 25 is shown at the second end 29 of the
first exercise machine 20. It should be appreciated that, in some
embodiments, both ends 28, 29 of the first exercise machine 20 may
include such an end platform 25. The first end platform 25 may
include a first end platform handle 26. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in the figures, the first end platform handle 26 is shown as
extending around the first end platform 25. It should be
appreciated that additional end platform handles 26 may be included
in different embodiments and that the configuration of the first
end platform handle 26 may vary (e.g., the first end platform
handle 26 may not extend around the first end platform 25, but
instead extend outwardly or upwardly therefrom).
[0068] The second exercise machine 30 will generally comprise a
second track 31 and a second carriage 33 movably connected to the
second track 31. One or more second bias members 37 may be
removably connected between the second carriage 33 and various
structures of the second exercise machine 30, such as but not
limited to a frame, base, or track 31 of the second exercise
machine 30. The second track 31 is illustrated as comprising a
monorail design, but in different embodiments, the second track 31
may comprise parallel rails. The manner in which the second
carriage 33 is movably connected to the second track 31 may vary in
different embodiments, including but not limited to the use of
carriage wheels.
[0069] Continuing to reference FIGS. 1-5, the second exercise
machine 30 will generally comprise a plurality of second base
supports 32 such as feet or legs on which the second exercise
machine 30 rests on the surface 11 underlying the second exercise
machine 30, such as the floor, a mat, or a ground surface. The
second carriage 33 may include a second carriage handle 34.
Although the figures illustrate a single second carriage handle 34
which extends around the second carriage 33, it should be
appreciated that additional handles 34 may be included in different
embodiments and that the configuration of the second carriage
handle 34 may vary (e.g., the second carriage handle 34 may not
extend around the second carriage 33, but instead extend upwardly
or outwardly therefrom).
[0070] The second exercise machine 30 may include a second end
platform 35 which is positioned at the first end 38 or the second
end 39 of the second exercise machine 30. In the exemplary figures,
a single second end platform 35 is shown at the second end 39 of
the second exercise machine 30. It should be appreciated that, in
some embodiments, both ends 38, 39 of the second exercise machine
30 may include such an end platform 35.
[0071] The second end platform 35 may include a second end platform
handle 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the
second end platform handle 36 is shown as extending around the
second end platform 35. It should be appreciated that additional
end platform handles 36 may be included in different embodiments
and that the configuration of the second end platform handle 2366
may vary (e.g., the second end platform handle 36 may not extend
around the second end platform 35, but instead extend outwardly or
upwardly therefrom).
C. Operation of Preferred Embodiment
[0072] The systems and methods described herein may be utilized to
perform a wide range of exercises which rely upon a pair of
exercise machines 20, 30 being used in concert. As shown and
described herein, an exerciser 12 may utilize various limbs 13a,
13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b positioned at various locations,
such as on the carriages 23, 33, end platforms 25, 35, tracks 21,
31, and/or the surface 11 underlying the exercise machines 20, 30
to perform a wide range of exercise moves. While the below sections
describe a variety of possible exercise movements to be performed
using a pair of exercise machines 20, 30, it should be appreciated
that various other exercise moves may be performed using the pair
of exercise machines 20, 30.
[0073] In use, the exercise machines 20, 30 are first positioned
near each other. The exercise machines 20, 30 may be positioned on
various surfaces 11, such as not limited to a ground surface, a
floor, a mat, or the like. The distance between the exercise
machines 20, 30 may vary depending on the exerciser 12 as well as
the exercise moves to be performed. The exercise machines 20, 30
may be adjacent to each other such that the exercise machines 20,
30 are in contact, or may be positioned adjacent to each other but
not in direct contact.
[0074] The exercise machines 20, 30 may be parallel or may be
oriented towards or away from each other. The exercise machines 20,
30 may be oriented the same, with the first end 28 of the first
exercise machine 20 being near the first end 38 of the second
exercise machine 30, or the exercise machines 20, 30 may be
alternatively oriented, such as with the first end 28 of the first
exercise machine 20 being near the second end 39 of the second
exercise machine 30.
[0075] With the exercise machines 20, 30 positioned and oriented as
desired by the exerciser 12 for performance of exercise moves, the
exerciser 12 may begin performing exercises. It should be
appreciated that the exercise machines 20, 30 themselves may be
easily moved between exercises as needed. For example, it may be
desirable to perform a first exercise move in which the exercise
machines 20, 30 are adjacent to each other and then move the
exercise machines 20, 30 apart from each other to perform
additional exercise movements. As a further example, it may be
desirable to perform a first exercise move in which the exercise
machines 20, 30 are parallel to each other and then move the
exercise machines 20, 30 angularly to a different orientation with
respect to each other.
[0076] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate different positioning of the carriages
23, 33 of the pair of exercise machines 20, 30. FIG. 2 illustrates
that the two carriages 23, 33 are positioned side-by side with each
other. FIG. 3 illustrates that the first carriage 23 of the first
exercise machine 20 has been moved towards the first end platform
25. FIG. 4 illustrates that the second carriage 33 of the second
exercise machine 30 has been moved towards the second end platform
35. FIG. 5 illustrates that the first carriage 23 of the first
exercise machine 20 has been moved towards the first end platform
25 and the second carriage 33 of the second exercise machine 30 has
been moved towards the second end platform 35.
[0077] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 15 illustrate a first exemplary exercise
movement that can be performed using the pair of exercise machines
20, 30. As can be seen, the pair of exercise machines 20, 30 have
been positioned near each other in parallel orientation. The
exerciser 12 positions a first hand 13a on the first carriage 23 of
the first exercise machine 20 and a second hand 13b on the second
carriage 33 of the second exercise machine 30.
[0078] With the hands 13a, 13b positioned on each of the carriages
23, 33, the exerciser 12 may position his/her feet 16a, 16b on the
surface 11 underlying the exercise machines 20, 30. In the
exemplary figures, it can be seen that the exerciser 12 has
positioned his feet 16a, 16b together at a point that is past the
respective first ends 28, 38 of the exercise machines 20, 30. The
feet 16a, 16b may be positioned together such that the exerciser 12
is in a "push-up" configuration.
[0079] With the exerciser's 12 hands 13a, 13b on the carriages 23,
33 and feet 16a, 16b on the underlying surface 11, the exerciser 12
may begin exercise movements. The exerciser 12 may alternate
between moving the first carriage 23 with his first hand 13a and
moving the second carriage 33 with his second hand 13b. The
carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and pulled along at least a portion
of the tracks 21, 31 repeatedly to perform the exercise
movements.
[0080] Bias members 27, 37 may be selectively connected to the
carriages 23, 33 to adjust resistance to movement of the carriages
23, 33. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to apply a first
resistance level to the first carriage 23 and a second resistance
level to the second carriage 33, which can be accomplished by
connecting different numbers of bias members 27, 37 to each of the
carriages 23, 33.
[0081] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 16 illustrate an exerciser 12 performing a
second exemplary exercise movement with the use of a pair of
exercise machines 20, 30 positioned next to each other
side-by-side. As can be seen, the exerciser 12 has rested his first
forearm 14a on the first carriage 23 of the first exercise machine
20 and his second forearm 14b on the second carriage 33 of the
second exercise machine 30. The hands 13a, 13b of the exerciser 12
may rest upon the carriages 23, 33 as shown or may grasp the
carriage handles 24, 34.
[0082] The exerciser 12 is shown with his feet 16a, 16b positioned
on the underlying surface 11 and positioned together so as to form
a "push-up" configuration with his body. The exerciser 12 may then
alternate between moving the first carriage 23 with his first
forearm 14a and moving the second carriage 33 with his second
forearm 14b. The carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and pulled along at
least a portion of the tracks 21, 31 repeatedly to perform the
exercise movements. As with the previous embodiment, different
resistance levels may be applied to each carriage 23, 33 as needed
by selectively connecting or disconnecting bias members 27, 37.
[0083] FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 17 illustrate yet another exercise
movement that can be performed on the pair of exercise machines 20,
30. As can be seen, the exerciser 12 has positioned his first foot
16a on the first carriage 23 of the first exercise machine 20 and
his second foot 16b on the second carriage 33 of the second
exercise machine 30. The hands 13a, 13b of the exerciser 12 are
positioned on the underlying surface 11, slightly spaced-apart from
each other.
[0084] In this position, the exerciser 12 may perform exercise
moves. The exerciser 12 may alternate between moving the first
carriage 23 with his first foot 16a and moving the second carriage
33 with his second foot 16b. The carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and
pulled along at least a portion of the tracks 21, 31 with the
exerciser's 12 feet 16a, 16b repeatedly to perform the exercise
movements. As with previous embodiments, different resistance
levels may be applied to each carriage 23, 33 as needed by
selectively connecting or disconnecting bias members 27, 37.
[0085] FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 18 illustrate another exercise movement
that can be performed on the pair of exercise machines 20, 30. As
can be seen, the exerciser 12 has positioned his first leg 15a on
the first carriage 23 of the first exercise machine 20 and his
second leg 15b on the second carriage 33 of the second exercise
machine 30. More specifically, the exerciser 12 has positioned his
lower legs (e.g., shins) on the carriages 23, 33.
[0086] The hands 13a, 13b of the exerciser 12 are positioned on the
tracks 21, 31 of the exercise machines 20, 30. As shown, the first
hand 13a of the exerciser 12 is positioned on the first track 21 of
the first exercise machine 20 at or near the first end 28 of the
first exercise machine 20. Similarly, the second hand 13b of the
exerciser 12 is positioned on the second track 31 of the second
exercise machine 30 at or near the first end 38 of the second
exercise machine 30. Thus, no portions of the exerciser's 12 body
is in contact with the underlying surface 11, with all limbs 13a,
13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b being positioned at various
locations on the exercise machines 20, 30.
[0087] In this position, the exerciser 12 may perform exercise
moves. The exerciser 12 may alternate between moving the first
carriage 23 with his first leg 15a and moving the second carriage
33 with his second leg 15b. The carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and
pulled along at least a portion of the tracks 21, 31 with the
exerciser's 12 legs 15a, 15b repeatedly to perform the exercise
movements. As with previous embodiments, different resistance
levels may be applied to each carriage 23, 33 as needed by
selectively connecting or disconnecting bias members 27, 37.
[0088] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 19 illustrate another exercise movement
that can be performed on the pair of exercise machines 20, 30. As
can be seen, the exerciser 12 is standing upright or substantially
upright, with his first foot 16a positioned on the first carriage
23 of the first exercise machine 20 and his second foot 16b
positioned on the second carriage 33 of the second exercise machine
30. The exerciser 12 has not positioned or placed his hands 13a,
13b on any surface, but instead is standing upright or
substantially upright. The hands 13a, 13b may be clasped together
as shown to aid with balance when performing the exercise
movements.
[0089] In this position, the exerciser 12 may perform exercise
moves. The exerciser 12 may alternate between moving the first
carriage 23 with his first foot 16a and moving the second carriage
33 with his second foot 16b. The carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and
pulled along all or a portion of the tracks 21, 31 with the
exerciser's 12 feet 16a, 16b repeatedly to perform the exercise
movements. As with previous embodiments, different resistance
levels may be applied to each carriage 23, 33 as needed by
selectively connecting or disconnecting bias members 27, 37.
[0090] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 20 illustrate another exercise
movement that can be performed on the pair of exercise machines 20,
30. As can be seen, the exerciser 12 is in a "push-up" body
position but is not in contact with the surface 11 underlying the
exercise machines 20, 30. Instead, all body parts of the exerciser
12, including all limbs 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b, are
not in contact with the surface 11.
[0091] Continuing to reference FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 20 the
exerciser 12 has positioned his first hand 13a on the first end
platform 25 of the first exercise machine 20 and positioned his
second hand 13b on the second end platform 35 of the second
exercise machine 30. The first foot 16a of the exerciser 12 has
been positioned on the first carriage 23 of the first exercise
machine 20 and the second foot 16b of the exerciser 12 has been
positioned on the second carriage 33 of the second exercise machine
30.
[0092] The toes of the exerciser 12 are shown as curled around the
carriage handles 24, 34 of the exercise machines 20, 30. More
specifically, one or more of the toes on the first foot 16a have
been positioned to engage with the first carriage handle 24 of the
first carriage 23 and one or more toes of the second foot 16b have
been positioned to engage with the second carriage handle 34 of the
second carriage 33. In alternate embodiments, the feet 16a, 16b may
instead be positioned on the pads of the carriages 23, 33 rather
than the carriage handles 24, 34.
[0093] In this position, the exerciser 12 may perform exercise
moves. The exerciser 12 may alternate between moving the first
carriage 23 with his first foot 16a and moving the second carriage
33 with his second foot 16b. The carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and
pulled along all or a portion of the tracks 21, 31 with the
exerciser's 12 feet 16a, 16b repeatedly to perform the exercise
movements. During all movements, the exerciser 12 maintains his
hands 13a, 13b on the end platforms 25, 35 for stability. As with
previous embodiments, different resistance levels may be applied to
each carriage 23, 33 as needed by selectively connecting or
disconnecting bias members 27, 37.
[0094] FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 21 illustrate another exercise movement
that can be performed on the pair of exercise machines 20, 30. As
can be seen, the exerciser 12 is only using the carriages 23, 33
with this exercise while maintain his body off the surface 11
underlying the exercise machines 20, 30. The exerciser 12 has
positioned both legs 15a, 15b on the first carriage 23 of the first
exercise machine 20 and both hands 13a, 13b on the second carriage
33 of the second exercise machine 30. More specifically, the knees
and/or shins have been positioned on the first carriage 23. The
hands 13a, 13b are shown as grasping the respective ends of the
second carriage handle 34, though it should be appreciated that the
hands 13a, 13b could instead by positioned on the pad of the second
carriage handle 34 in some embodiments.
[0095] In this position, the exerciser 12 may perform exercise
moves. The exerciser 12 may alternate between moving the first
carriage 23 with his legs 15a, 15b and moving the second carriage
33 with his hands 13a, 13b. The carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and
pulled along all or a portion of the tracks 21, 31 with the
exerciser's 12 hands 13a, 13b and legs 15a, 15b repeatedly to
perform the exercise movements. As with previous embodiments,
different resistance levels may be applied to each carriage 23, 33
as needed by selectively connecting or disconnecting bias members
27, 37.
[0096] FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 22 illustrate another exercise movement
that can be performed on the pair of exercise machines 20, 30. As
can be seen, the exerciser 12 has positioned his first leg 15a on
the first carriage 23 of the first exercise machine 20 and has
positioned his second leg 15b on the first end platform 25 of the
first exercise machine 20. Similarly, the exerciser 12 has
positioned his first hand 13a on the second carriage 33 of the
second exercise machine 30 and has positioned his second hand 13b
on the second end platform 35 of the second exercise machine 30. No
portion of the exerciser's 12 body is in contact with the
underlying surface 11.
[0097] In this position, the exerciser 12 may perform exercise
moves. The exerciser 12 may alternate between moving the first
carriage 23 of the first exercise machine 20 with his first leg 15a
and moving the second carriage 33 of the second exercise machine 30
with his first hand 13a. The carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and
pulled along all or a portion of the tracks 21, 31 with the
exerciser's 12 first hand 13a and first leg 15a, with the other
hand 13b and leg 15b maintaining positioning on the end platforms
25, 35. As with previous embodiments, different resistance levels
may be applied to each carriage 23, 33 as needed by selectively
connecting or disconnecting bias members 27, 37.
[0098] FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 23 illustrate yet another exercise
movement that can be performed on the pair of exercise machines 20,
30. As seen in these figures and in FIG. 14C, the exercise machines
20, 30 have been moved further apart than with previous exercise
movements. The first foot 16a has been positioned on the first end
platform 25 of the first exercise machine 20 and the second foot
16b has been positioned on the first carriage 23 of the first
exercise machine 20. The first hand 13a has been positioned on the
second end platform 35 of the second exercise machine 30 and the
second hand 13b has been positioned on the second carriage 33 of
the second exercise machine 30. No portion of the exerciser's 12
body is in contact with the underlying surface 11.
[0099] In this positon, the exerciser 12 may perform exercise
moves. The exerciser 12 may alternate between moving the first
carriage 23 of the first exercise machine 20 with his second foot
16b and moving the second carriage 33 of the second exercise
machine 30 with his second hand 13b. The second hand 13b and second
foot 16b may move in concert with each other, or may alternate. The
carriages 23, 33 may be pushed and pulled along all or a portion of
the tracks 21, 31 with the exerciser's second hand 13b and second
foot 16b, with the other hand 13a and foot 16a maintaining
positioning on the end platforms 25, 35. As with previous
embodiments, different resistance levels may be applied to each
carriage 23, 33 as needed by selectively connecting or
disconnecting bias members 27, 37.
[0100] 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 system and
method of using two exercise machines, 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 system and method of using
two exercise machines 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.
* * * * *