MOTOR-DRIVEN VARIABLE WEIGHT EXERCISE DEVICE WITH MODULAR CHASSIS BODY

Abstract

The invention herein relates to a variable weight exercise machine comprising a motor driven carriage assembly that moves along a linear path creating a variable resistant force against which the user exerts an opposite force. The chassis body and frame of said device may be positioned horizontally or vertically, and having a design that can be modularly configured in coordination with accessory elements to achieve a variety of concentric or eccentric exercise movements.

Claims

1. A motor-driven variable weight exercise device with a modular frame and removably attachable components comprising a hollow chassis frame, one or more pin elements, a carriage element, and accessory elements, said hollow chassis frame having a first side, a second side, a top side, a bottom side, a first end, and a second end, said hollow chassis frame having perforations therethrough on both its right and left sides, said hollow chassis frame containing a linear actuator and motor drive located at its first end, said perforations between said right and left sides of said chassis frame being in mirror locations of each other such that a pin element is sleevable therethrough between said right and left side mirror perforations at a perpendicular cross-section to the length of said chassis frame, said hollow chassis frame being rotatable in pivot manner at its second end from horizontal to vertical position, said carriage element directly connected to said linear actuator extending beyond the top surface of said hollow chassis frame, said accessory elements comprising one or more of the following linear bars, handle elements, bench, seating element, foot pad, cross-bars, or support frame wherein each having perforations therethrough such that each said accessory element is removably detachable from said hollow chassis frame in modular manner by interconnect one or more accessory element to said hollow chassis frame by a pin element through a matching perforation between them.

2. Said motor-driven variable weight exercise device with a modular frame and removably attachable components of claim 1 further comprising one or more gusset elements, each said one or more gusset elements having perforations therethrough, each said gusset elements removably connectable to said hollow chassis frame and to one or more support frame element.

3. Said motor-driven variable weight exercise device with a modular frame and removably attachable components of claim 1 further in remote communication with a software enabled digital device with viewable screen interface.

4. Said motor-driven variable weight exercise device with a modular frame and removably attachable components of claim 1 further in communication with a software enabled digital device.

5. Said motor-driven variable weight exercise device with a modular frame and removably attachable components of claim 1 wherein the force exertion of said motor drive is translatable into viewable and readable data by preconfigured algorithmic software means.

6. Said motor-driven variable weight exercise device with adjustable chassis body of claim 1 is controllable by said digital panel of claim 13.

7. Said motor-driven variable weight exercise device with a modular frame and removably attachable components of claim 1 wherein the cumulative weight of said hollow chassis frame, carriage, and linear actuator and motor drive is under 300 pounds in total. and wherein the length of said chassis frame is under 100 inches.

8. Said motor-driven variable weight exercise device with a modular frame and removably attachable components of claim 1 wherein the length of said hollow chassis frame is under 100 inches.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 provides a right side perspective view of the invention according to a preferred embodiment as illustrated.

[0027] FIG. 2 provides a right side perspective view of the invention according to a preferred embodiment as illustrated.

[0028] FIG. 3 provides a partial top perspective view of the internal rear end portion of the invention according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 provides a partial top perspective view of the internal front end portion of the invention according to a preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 provides a right side perspective view of the invention according to a preferred embodiment as illustrated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention herein specifically comprising the following elements, as illustrated in part by the referenced figures. The illustrations and figures herein serve to explain certain aspects of the described invention and should not be read to limit the scope of this invention. Other embodiments will be understood to be within the scope of this invention according to the description provided herein.

[0032] The device of this invention according to a preferred embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, specifically as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises the following elements: A hollow geometrically shaped body horizontally (also referred to as the chassis frame) 101 disposed and seatable on a ground surface, a rotatable resting element 102, a vertical platform 103, and optionally a digital panel 104 attached to a rotatable digital panel arm 105. Said hollow geometrically shaped body or alternatively referenced as chassis frame or chassis body 101 having a front 106, rear 107, top 108, bottom 109, right 110, and left side 111 surfaces. Said top 108, bottom 109, right 110, and left 111 sides surfaces forming the length of the device which is longer than its said cross-sectional width, in total having a substantially rectangular shape. The length of said chassis frame may be any length but is preferably 6.5 feet long (78 inches) or alternatively a preferred length of under 8 feet long. The height of side surfaces may be up to 36 inches but is preferably 11 inches tall according to the preferred embodiment of this invention. Said front 106, rear 107, top 108, bottom 109, right 110, and left 111 side surfaces having an external surface 112 facing the external environment and an internal surface facing the internal space within said hollow geometrically shaped body 101. The width of said top 108 and bottom 109 surfaces may be up to 36 inches wide but is preferably 13 inches wide according to the preferred embodiment of this invention. Said hollow geometrically shaped body 101, comprising said front 106, rear 107, top 108, bottom 109, right 110, and left 111 side surfaces of this preferred embodiment comprising the chassis body (or alternatively referred to as the chassis frame) 101 of this invention.

[0033] Said rotatable resting element 102 comprising a planar panel 115 of substantially similar cross-sectional width as said top surface 108 of said chassis frame 101 and rearwardly disposed within the rear half along the length of said chassis frame 101. Said planar panel 115 of said resting element 102 having a length that is greater than its width. Said length comprising a left 116 and right side 117 parallel to the left 111 and right 110 sides of said chassis frame. Said planar panel 115 terminating at a top 118 and bottom 119 side. Said top side 118 of said planar panel element 115 terminating beyond the rear end 107 of said chassis frame 101 while the bottom end 119 terminates within the rearward half of said top surface of said chassis frame 101. A rotating mechanism comprising a bar 120 sleeved through perforations 121 along the left 111 and right 110 side surfaces of said chassis frame 101. Said planar panel 115 rotatable along a vertical path over the top side surface 108 of said chassis frame 101 within a substantially 180 degrees rotation.

[0034] Said chassis frame according to a preferred embodiment of this invention according to FIGS. 1 and 2 having perforations therethrough between its right 110 and left 111 side surfaces in matching form, dimension, and design to each enable a narrow pipe or bar to snuggly fit or sleeve therethrough in straight perpendicular manner between said right 110 and left 111 side surfaces. The perforations may comprise any pattern but should sufficiently match and mirror each other between said right 110 and left 111 sides to enable any linear bar or pipe to fit therethrough in substantially horizontal fashion, whether or not perpendicular in nature. The additional purpose of having perforations throughout the chassis frame is to remove excess weight without harming the structural integrity and sturdiness of the frame. This is highly beneficial for purposes of achieving lower cost in shipping and distribution of the inventive device to customers.

[0035] The purpose for fitting a bar through the chassis frame 101 between said left 111 and right 110 side surfaces is to create additional leverage, repositioning of parts, or introduction of additional tool elements. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, linear bars 120 located along the bottom rearward half of said chassis frame serves to block rotation of said resting element 102, allowing the resting element 102 to maintain a substantially vertical position. Depending on the position of said linear bar 120, the resting element 102 may be disposed in a forward direction or rearward direction. A forwardly angled vertical position of said resting element 102 creates a back rest for the user who may be seated facing rearward on said chassis frame 101. Likewise, a rearwardly angled vertical position of said resting element 102 creates a back rest for the user who may be seated facing forward on said chassis frame 101. According to a preferred embodiment of this invention, a radially disposed series 122 or plurality of perforations are provided directly below the bottom side of said planar panel along the right 110 and left 111 side surfaces of said chassis, allowing for angular adjustment of the vertical positioning of said planar panel 115. The diameter or length of each perforation of said radially disposed series 122 of perforation is preferably 0.375 inches, but may be any greater or lesser diameter to achieve its intended purpose. Larger circular perforations 123 are preferably up to 1.76 inches in diameter. Even further, perforations may comprise any geometric shape and may have a length or diameter up to the width, height, or length of said chassis body to serve any variety of functional or aesthetic purposes as described herein.

[0036] The internal space of said chassis frame according to FIGS. 3 and 4 of the preferred embodiment containing the following elements: A motor drive 401, a linear actuator 402 which may comprise a threaded screw element, two parallel guide tracks 403, a carriage 301 seated over said two parallel guide tracks 403. Said linear actuator 402 comprising a length of threaded screw with any preferred length between one (1) to 5 (five) feet, said linear actuator 402 being disposed centrally along the front half of said chassis frame 404. Said linear actuator 302 having a first end 303 closer to the front end of said chassis frame and a second end farther 304 away from the front end of said chassis frame. Said linear actuator 402 connected to a motor drive 401 wherein said motor drive 401 is electrically driven to rotate in two opposing directions by threaded screw element. The driven movement of said motor drive 401 causing said threaded screw element 402 to rotate in either of two opposing direction. A carriage 301 is detachably connected to said linear actuator 402 at the lower end of said carriage 301. Said connection may be by threaded screw and bolt connection, hook style connection, clip style connection, pneumatic style connection, or any known means for a removable and secure positioning of said carriage 301 on said linear actuator 302 wherein said carriage is rollably seated on either said two parallel guide tracks 305. The top surface 306 of said carriage element 301 is further attachable to optional tools by detachable connection means (i.e. threaded screw means, clamping means, hook means, etc.). Said optional tools extending beyond the top or external surfaces of said chassis frame from said carriage 301 and interacts with the user by being moved in either a forward or rearward direction along the front half of said chassis frame.

[0037] Said carriage element 301 further having roller elements (not shown in the illustrations) on its left 307 and right 308 sides that each rests within a guide track 305 along the internal right and left surfaces of said chassis frame 309. Said carriage element 301 traveling along said centrally disposed linear actuator 302 and stabilized by roller elements fitted within each said right and left side of said two parallel guide tracks 305, traversing smoothly in either forward or rearward direction along the length of said chassis frame 309. Said two parallel guide tracks 305 at either right and left sides of said chassis frame 309 positioned in parallel manner with said chassis frame 309 and with said centrally disposed linear guide track 302 such that the parallel relationship enables a smooth and straight directional movement along the entire length of said linear actuator 302 by said carriage element 301. To facilitate smooth traversal along the length of said chassis frame and threaded screw drive of said linear actuator, a cross-bar 310 is fixedly attached at the rearward end of said two parallel guide track 305 across the cross-section of said chassis frame 309 to maintain the two parallel guide tracks 305 in fixed parallel position. This is especially important in lieu of high amount of usage by multiple different users or alternatively shifting weight of the user seated thereon, which could throw off parallel alignment of the guide tracks 305. A loss of parallel alignment of the two parallel guide tracks 305 would otherwise cause the traversal movement of the rollers along the guide track to seize. The cross-bar 310 in this case would serve to hold the two parallel guide tracks 305 in fixed parallel position in spite of pressures thereon and will further serve to block continued traversal of said carriage 301 beyond and past the terminal end of said two parallel guide tracks 305.

[0038] According to the preferred embodiment of this invention, a vertical panel 311 is removably connected to said carriage element 301, extending above the top surface 306 of said chassis frame 301 in perpendicular manner. As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, said vertical panel 201 having a front 202 and rear side 203. Said front side 202 of said vertical panel 201 facing towards the rearward direction of said chassis frame. Said front side 202 of said vertical panel 201 further being flat and planar and is of rigid construct. The vertical panel 201 in this case provides sufficient surface space to allow a user to position their legs in a substantially upward and horizonal position, pushing against said vertical panel as it is moving towards the user who is in a seated position. The rear side 203 as well as the perimeter edge 204 of said vertical panel 201 may further have hook elements attached thereto or alternatively, perforations 205 therethrough, that allows straps to be connected or sleeved through. The straps would be pulled away with the vertical panel 201 allowing the user to accomplish stretching exercises. The vertical panel 201 is removably connected to said carriage and may be removed at any time. Said carriage may be interchangeably connected to any other extension elements, including without limitations poles, hooks, seating elements, etc.

[0039] The vertical panel according to a preferred embodiment of this invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 further having two arm extensions 206, each arm extension of said two arm extensions 206 attached to either the right 207 or left side 208 of said vertical panel 201 and protruding towards the rear side 208 of said chassis frame 209. Said arm extension 206 terminating with a substantially perpendicular L shaped bend or L-attachment 210. Said L shaped bend or L-attachment 210 creating a handle element for a fisted grip therearound. Said L shaped bend or L-attachment 210 is detachably connectable to each said arm extension 206 and may be radially adjusted for a preferred gripping position. Further, said L shaped bend or L-attachment 210 may allow for attachment of an additional gripping element. Said additional gripping element 211 of the preferred embodiment of this invention comprising a round or ball-shaped gripping element 211 that is removably attachable to said L shaped bend or L-attachment 210. Said ball-shaped gripping element 211 having size substantially equal to or smaller than the size of an adult human user's hand such that the user's hand may comfortably hold onto said ball-shaped gripping element and comfortably adjust position thereon.

[0040] The preferred embodiment of this invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 further providing the optional element of a digital panel 212. Said digital panel 212 connectable to a rotatable bar 213 that extends at a vertical angle in an upward and forward direction from said chassis frame 209. Said rotatable bar 213 may be disposed at an angle towards the front or rear end of said chassis frame 209. Said rotatable bar 213 having a bottom end 214 attached to said chassis frame 209 and a top end 215 terminating above said chassis frame 209, said top end 215 connectable to said digital panel 212. Said rotatable bar 213 having a length that extends beyond the height of said chassis frame 209 to be viewable at eye level or above eye level by said user in seated position on said chassis frame 209. Said digital panel 213 being connectable to the top end 215 of said rotatable bar 213 or anywhere along the top half of said rotatable bar 213 such that said digital panel 212 is viewable by said user in either forward or rearward seated position by rotation of said rotatable bar 212 at a forward or rearward angle on said chassis frame 209. Information from said motor drive is translated into digital signals and receivable by said digital panel for further configuration into viewable and readable information regarding the user's performance metrics.

[0041] The preferred embodiment of this invention further providing additional perforations 216 along bottom edge of the right and left side surfaces of said chassis frame 209. Said perforations allowing for cross bars 217 to be removably sleevable there through and extending beyond the right and left side surfaces, serving as a foot rest or foot leverage 217 for the user.

[0042] The overall weight of the device according to the preferred embodiment described herein and as illustrated is as follows: said chassis frame comprising the front, rear, left side, right side, top side, and bottom side surfaces with perforations as illustrated including said internal components of the linear actuator and motor drive system having an approximate weight of 150 pounds. Said carriage element including the vertical panel comprising approximately 60 pounds. Said back rest element including perforations and cushion elements as illustrated having a total weight of approximately 20 pounds. Said digital panel with arm extension having a total weight of approximately 8 pounds. The total weight of the device described herein as illustrated is approximately 250 pounds. The total surface area of all said perforations disposed along the surfaces of said chassis frame, said rotatable resting element, and said external platform is at least 0.5% or above the cumulative surface area of said chassis frame, rotatable resting element, and external platform.

[0043] Additional embodiments by way of perforations, connections, extensions, or attachments that enables additional optional configurations to the device herein, not otherwise shown in the illustrations or otherwise explicitly described herein, remains within the contemplated scope of this invention. The contemplated scope of this invention comprising a single unitary device that is adjustable to a plurality of configurations that enables full range and full body concentric and eccentric exercises by manner of a variable motor driven resistance force.

[0044] The types of exercises contemplated by this invention comprising those described herein without limitations and may include additional exercise options not otherwise disclosed but falling within the scope of this invention as described herein. FIG. 1 provides illustration of the chassis body 101 with the back rest 102 positioned in a forward configuration (said back rest 102 angled towards the rear of said chassis frame 101). In this case, the user would be seated facing towards the front end of said chassis frame 101. Any of a plurality of exercises may be achieved, which includes without limitations leg press, chess press, and rowing exercises.

[0045] Said rowing exercise is achievable by pulling against a strap that is removably connected to the base of said vertical platform 103 (possibly by hook and clip or latching means), said vertical platform 103 moving in a forward direction along said chassis frame 101.

[0046] Said chess press exercise is achieved by pushing against the handle elements 124 of said vertical platform 103 as it is moving rearward along said chassis frame. Said leg press exercise is achievable by pushing against said vertical platform 103 while it is moving rearward along said chassis frame 101, pushing being achieved by the user's legs.

[0047] According a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 5, the back rest element 502 may further be positioned at complete horizontal position flushly over the top surface 503 of the chassis body 501. Said back rest element may further provide a detachable leg support element 504 which helps to prop said resting element upward from the ground surface in sturdy position against the weight of the user. The detachable leg support helps to provide additional leverage In this case, the linear bar that was used to hold the back rest 502, at an upward angle is removed, allowing the back rest 502 to lay completely flat. Any plurality of exercises may be achieved, which includes without limitations squat, curl, and pull-down exercises.

[0048] Said squat exercise according is achievable by the user laying in full horizontal position on said back rest element and pushing his or her legs against said vertical platform as said vertical platform moves towards the user in rearward direction.

[0049] Said curl exercise is achievable by the user laying in full horizontal position on said back rest element and pulling on a strap element attached to said vertical platform while said vertical platform moves towards the front end of said chassis frame away from said user.

[0050] Said pull-down exercise is achievable by the user laying in full horizontal position on said back rest element, the user's head facing towards the front end of said chassis frame. In this case, the user pulls on the strap element, which is connected to the vertical platform as said vertical platform moves away from said user, towards the front end of said chassis frame.

[0051] FIG. 2 provides illustrations of the chassis body 101 with the back rest 102 positioned in rearward configuration (angled towards the front end of said chassis frame). In this case, the user is seated on said chassis frame 101, facing towards its rear end. Any plurality of exercises may be achieved in this position, including without limitations, dip, chess press, and abdominal exercises.

[0052] Said dip exercise is achievable by pulling a strap element in a downward direction. In this case, said strap element is connected to said vertical platform while said vertical platform moves away from the user towards the front end of said chassis frame.

[0053] Said chess press exercise is achievable in similar manner as said dip exercise, except the user would be pulling on said strap in an upwardly angled direction.

[0054] Said abdominal exercise is achievabable as well in similar manner as either said dip or chess press exercises described above, except that the straps would be leveraged over the user's shoulders, and said user would be pushing his or whole upper body downward.

[0055] Other features, advantages, and object of the present invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood from the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.