UPPER AND LOWER BODY RECIPROCATING ARCING MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE ANGLE USER SUPPORT
20240042272 ยท 2024-02-08
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
A63B21/4045
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B24/0087
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B23/0355
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B22/205
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B21/4039
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B22/0023
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B22/001
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B21/153
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A63B23/03533
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A63B23/035
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
An upper and lower body reciprocating arcing motion exercise machine with an adjustable angle user support frame, left and right lower body user support assemblies having foot platforms and shin support pads mounted on an arcing track for movement along rearward and central portions of the user support frame, and left and right upper body user supports having gripping handles mounted on pivotable levers that move in an arcing motion relative to a forward and central portion of the movable user support frame. A linkage assembly operatively connects and synchronizes the exercise motions of the upper and lower body user support assemblies. In certain embodiments, an adjustable resistance mechanism is operatively engaged with the upper and lower body user supports for providing adjustable resistance to the exercise motion of the upper and lower body user supports.
Claims
1. An upper and lower body reciprocating arcing motion exercise machine with an adjustable angle user support frame comprising: a) a stationary base frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and a central portion located between the forward end and the rearward end; b) a user support frame having a forward end and a rearward end, with a rearward portion of the user support frame being slidably or rollably engaged with the rearward and central portion of the stationary base frame; c) an angle adjustment linkage assembly pivotally mounted on a forward portion of the stationary base frame and pivotally connected to the forward portion of the user support frame for adjusting the angle of the user support frame relative to the stationary base frame and floor surface upon which the stationary base frame rests; d) a left side lower body user support assembly comprising a foot pedal and a shin pad, the left side lower body support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the rearward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame, and a right side lower body user support assembly comprising a foot pedal and a shin pad, the right side lower body support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the rearward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame; e) a left side upper body user support assembly comprising a gripping handle and a pivotable lever, the left side upper body user support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the forward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame, and a right side upper body user support assembly comprising a gripping handle and a pivotable lever, the right side upper body user support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the forward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame; f) a left side user supports linkage assembly operatively connecting the left side upper body user support assembly to the left side lower body user support assembly at a left side connection hub, and a right side user supports linkage assembly operatively connecting the right side upper body user support assembly to the right side lower body user support assembly at a right side connection hub; and g) a rocker arm pivotably mounted on the user support frame, wherein the left side connection hub and the right side connection hub are operatively connected to opposing ends of the rocker arm such that the motions of the left side upper body user support assembly and the left side lower body user support assembly are synchronized with the opposing motions of the right side upper body user support assembly and the right side lower body user support assembly.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a left side pedal transport assembly that moves in an arc shaped path along the user support frame and a right side pedal transport assembly that moves in an arc shaped path along the user support frame.
3. The exercise machine of claim 2, further comprising left and right pivoting levers and at least one common height adjustment lever, wherein the gripping handles of the left side and right side upper body user support assemblies are respectively mounted on the left and right pivoting levers, the left and right pivoting levers being independently pivotably mounted on a first end or a central portion of the at least one common height adjustment lever, and a second end of the at least one common single height adjustment lever is pivotally mounted on the user support frame.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the at least one common height adjustment lever is operatively connected to a height adjustment link bar such that anytime the angle adjustment linkage assembly is adjusted so as to adjust the angle of the user support frame, the height adjustment link bar concurrently adjusts the angle of the at least one common height adjustment lever relative to the user support frame.
5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the reciprocating arcing pattern of exercise motion is defined by the configuration of the left side and right side upper body user support assemblies, the left side and right side lower body user support assemblies, the left side and right side user supports linkage assemblies, and the rocker arm, and wherein the range of movement of the reciprocating arcing pattern of exercise motion is controlled by the range of movement of the exercise motion of the user.
6. The exercise machine of claim 5, further comprising an adjustable resistance mechanism that is operatively engaged with the exercise motion of the left side upper body user support assembly, the right side upper body user support assembly, the left side lower body user support assembly, and the right side lower body user support assembly.
7. An upper and lower body reciprocating arcing motion exercise machine with an adjustable angle user support frame comprising: a) a stationary base frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and a central portion located between the forward end and the rearward end; b) a user support frame having a forward end and a rearward end, with a rearward portion of the rearward end of the user support frame being slidably or rollably engaged with the rearward end and central portions of the stationary base frame; c) an angle adjustment linkage assembly pivotally mounted on a forward portion of the stationary base frame and pivotally connected to the forward portion of the user support frame for adjusting the angle of the user support frame relative to the stationary base frame and floor surface upon which the stationary base frame rest; d) a left side lower body user support assembly comprising a foot pedal and a shin pad, the left side lower body support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the rearward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame, and a right side lower body user support assembly comprising a foot pedal and a shin pad, the right side lower body support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the rearward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame; e) a left side upper body user support comprising a gripping handle connected to a first end of a left side pivotable lever and a second end of the left side pivotable lever being rigidly connected to the left side lower body user support assembly for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the forward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame, and a right side upper body user support comprising a gripping handle connected to a first end of a right side pivotable lever and a second end of the right side pivotable lever being rigidly connected to the right side lower body user support assembly for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the forward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame; f) a left side connection hub connecting the left side lower body user support assembly to the user support frame and a right side connection hub connecting the right side lower body user support assembly to the user support frame; f) a rocker arm pivotably mounted on the user support frame; and g) a left side link bar operatively connecting the left end of the rocker arm to the left side connection hub and a right side link bar operatively connecting the right end of the rocker arm to the right side connection hub such that the motions of the left side upper body user support assembly and the left side lower body user support assembly are synchronized with the opposing motions of the right side upper body user support assembly and the right side lower body user support assembly.
8. The exercise machine of claim 7, further comprising a left side pedal transport assembly that moves along in an arc shaped path along the user support frame and a right side pedal transport assembly that moves along in an arc shaped path along the user support frame.
9. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the reciprocating arcing pattern of exercise motion is defined by the configuration of the left side upper body user support assembly, the right side upper body user support assembly, the left side lower body user support assembly, the right side lower body user support assembly, the left side link bar, the right side link bar, and the rocker arm, and wherein the range of movement of the reciprocating arcing pattern of exercise motion is controlled by the range of movement of the exercise motion of the user.
10. The exercise machine of claim 9, further comprising an adjustable resistance mechanism that is operatively engaged with the exercise motion of the left side upper body user support assembly, the right side upper body user support assembly, the left side lower body user support assembly, and the right side lower body user support assembly.
11. An upper and lower body reciprocating arcing motion exercise machine with an adjustable angle user support frame comprising: a) a stationary base frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and a central portion located between the forward end and the rearward end; b) a user support frame having a forward end, a rearward end, and a central portion located between the forward end and the rearward end of the user support frame, with the central portion of the user support frame being pivotally mounted on the stationary base frame; c) an angle adjustment assembly operatively connecting the central portion of the user support frame with the stationary base frame for adjusting the angle of the user support frame relative to the stationary base frame and floor surface upon which the stationary base frame rests; d) a left side lower body user support assembly comprising a foot pedal and a shin pad, the left side lower body support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the rearward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame, and a right side lower body user support assembly comprising a foot pedal and a shin pad, the right side lower body support assembly being operatively connected to the user support frame for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the rearward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame; e) a left side upper body user support comprising a gripping handle connected to a first end of a left side pivotable lever and a second end of the left side pivotable lever being rigidly connected to the left side lower body user support assembly for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the forward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame, and a right side upper body user support comprising a gripping handle connected to a first end of a right side pivotable lever and a second end of the right side pivotable lever being rigidly connected to the right side lower body user support assembly for movement in a reciprocating arcing motion between the forward portion of the user support frame and the central portion of the user support frame; f) a left side connection hub connected the left side lower body user support assembly to the user support frame and a right side connection hub connecting the right side lower body user support assembly to the user support frame; f) a rocker arm pivotably mounted on the user support frame; and g) a left side link bar operatively connecting the left end of the rocker arm to the left side connection hub and a right side link bar operatively connecting the right end of the rocker arm to the right side connection hub such that the motions of the left side upper body user support assembly and the left side lower body user support assembly are synchronized with the opposing motions of the right side upper body user support assembly and the right side lower body user support assembly.
12. The exercise machine of claim 11, further comprising a left side pedal transport assembly that moves along in an arc shaped path along the user support frame and a right side pedal transport assembly that moves in an arc shaped path along the user support frame.
13. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the reciprocating arcing pattern of exercise motion is defined by the configuration of the left side upper body user support assembly, the right side upper body user support assembly, the left side lower body user support assembly, the right side lower body user support assembly, the left side link bar, the right side link bar, and the rocker arm, and wherein the range of movement of the reciprocating arcing pattern of exercise motion is controlled by the range of movement of the exercise motion of the user.
14. The exercise machine of claim 13, further comprising an adjustable resistance mechanism that is operatively engaged with the exercise motion of the left side upper body user support assembly, the right side upper body user support assembly, the left side lower body user support assembly, and the right side lower body user support assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In some figures, the invention is illustrated from one side and in these figures the invention looks the same, but in a general mirror image from the opposite side, with both sides having same structures, features, and components. In some figures, certain components have been removed from the machine in order to better illustrate other components. In some figures, certain components have been illustrated with close up views for better illustration of the individual components and how these components cooperate during operation of the invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Exemplary preferred embodiments are disclosed below in connection with the attached drawings. Throughout this specification, various terms will be used to describe various components or sets of components, features or sets of features, mechanisms, and devices. The term rearward end or portion of the user support frame, machine, or stationary base frame will refer to the end or portion of each that is most proximal to the user's feet and distal to the user's hands. The term forward end or portion of the user support frame, machine, or stationary base frame will refer to the end or portion of each that is most proximal to the user's hands and distal to the user's feet. The term linkage or linkage assembly will refer to a movable component or group of components that joint two features of the machine wherein at least one of the features has a movable function. The terms push, pushing, press, pressing, pull, or pulling when referring to the user operating the machine will be used to describe any motion or movement by a user when they are maintaining or increasing their exertion force. The term upper body will refer generally to the user's arms and hands but may also refer to the user's chest, back, and torso as well. The term lower body will generally refer to the user's legs and feet but may also refer to the user's buttocks and hips as well. The term lower legs will refer to the user's shin, ankles, and feet and in some instances the user's knees. The terms limbs or extremities will refer to the user's arms and legs. The term angle adjusting assembly will refer to any component and or mechanism and its components that adjust the angle of the user support frame. The term pivot will refer to an axle and or axle hub in which a component or set of components rotate upon. The term assembly will refer to a group of components that cooperate together to create a function of the invention.
[0032] The invention is comprised of many identical left and right components as illustrated in various perspective views and many of these components will be introduced as left and right or left and right side components and thereafter frequently be referred to and described in a plural context so as to prevent the excess duplication of descriptions of left and right or left and right side components. When referring to left and right identical components it is to be expressly understood that the term left would be referring to a user's left side when mounted on the machine in the exercise position and the term right would be referring to a user's right side when mounted on the machine in the exercise position. When a first set of like left and right components are referred to as being connected, engaged, or cooperating with a second and different set of like left and right components, it is to be expressly understood that those connections, engagements, or cooperations will be referring to the first left component connecting, engaging, or cooperating with the second and different left component the first right component connecting, engaging, or cooperating with second and different right component to prevent the excessive duplication of the term respectively.
[0033] The exercise motion of the user's lower body created by the invention is virtually identical in all embodiments of the invention. The exercise motion of the user's upper body has slight variations among the embodiments. Each embodiment will function with or without an adjustable resistance mechanism. A first distinction between the embodiments is the mechanism and method for adjusting the user support frame and securing the angle of the user support frame to the stationary base frame. A second distinction between the embodiments is how the user support frame is supported by the stationary base frame. A third distinction between the embodiments is whether the upper body user support assemblies are operatively connected to the user support frame or the upper body user support assemblies are rigidly connected directly to the lower body user support assembly.
[0034] To further comply with written description and enablement requirements, the following patents and patent application publications are also incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety. U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,155,933, 10,065,062, 10,994,169, and US Patent Application Publication 2015/0283425.
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[0040] Left and right axle mounting flanges 7 are rigidly mounted on a central portion of left and right angle control levers 57. Opposing ends of a pivot axle 53 are operatively mounted on left and right mounting flanges 7, and mounting flanges 7 are rigidly connected to central portions of angle control levers 57. Pivot axle 53 is rigidly connected perpendicular to a central portion of an angle adjustment lever 52. An angle adjustment handle 51 is rigidly mounted on a first end of angle adjustment lever 52 and a locking pin 54 is rigidly mounted on a second end of angle adjustment lever 52 such that the second end of angle adjustment lever 52 and locking pin 54 form a T shape. An angle of exercise position of user support frame 10 is selected and secured by operating angle adjustment assembly 50 and engaging locking pin 54 with a locking pin receiver slot 59.
[0041]
[0042]
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[0044]
[0045]
[0046]
[0047] Now referring to
[0048] To adjust user support frame 10 from this highest angle exercise position to a lower angle exercise position, user U would grasp angle adjustment handle 51 and press down causing angle adjustment lever 52 to pivot about pivot 53 while the second end of angle adjustment lever 52 lifts upward causing locking pin 54 to lift out of the locking pin receiver slots 59 that is located most proximal to the forward end of machine 1. Next, user U would push angle adjustment handle 51 away from user U and towards the rearward end of machine 1 causing angle control levers 57 to lower as the first end of angle control levers 57 pivot about pivot axle 56 in a second direction and the second end of angle control levers 57 pivot about pivot 58 in a second direction. When locking pin 54 reaches a position directly above the desired locking pin receiver slots 59, user U would pull up on angle adjustment handle 51 causing angle adjustment lever 52 to pivot about pivot 53 while the second end of angle adjustment lever 52 lowers causing locking pin 54 to engage the desired locking pin receiver slots 59 for securing user support frame 10 to the desired angle of exercise position.
[0049] When user U operates angle adjustment linkage assembly 50 in a first direction to adjust the exercise angle position of user support frame 10, this operation concurrently adjusts the height of left and right gripping handles 41 relative to user support frame 10 in a first direction as follows. When left and right angle control levers 57 raise, the second ends of angle control levers 57 pivot about pivot 58 in a first direction. This causes pivot 49 that is rigidly mounted on pivot 58 to rotate in a first direction. This causes the second end of height control bar 48 to raise as it pivots about pivot 49 in a first direction. This causes the first end of height control bar 48 to raise as it pivots about pivot 47 in a first direction and raise connection tube 9. This causes the second ends of left and right height adjustment levers 45 to pivot about pivot axle 46 in a first direction such that the first ends of height adjustment levers 45 raise and pivot about pivot axle 44 in a first direction to raise left and right mounting tubes 43. This concurrently causes left and right pivotable levers 42, left and right gripping handles 41, and left and right pivots 74 to raise. When left and right pivots 74 raise, this causes the second ends of left and right link bars 72 to raise relative to user support 10 as they pivot about pivots 74 in a first direction and the first ends of link bars 72 to pivot about pivots 75 in a first direction. Raising the height of the left and right gripping handles 41 creates an upper body exercise motion that moves in a more vertical arcing pattern relative to the stationary base frame and the floor surface upon which the stationary base frame rest.
[0050] When user U operates angle adjustment linkage assembly 50 in a second direction to adjust the exercise angle position of user support frame 10, this operation concurrently adjusts the height of left and right gripping handles 41 relative to user support frame 10 in a second direction as follows. When left and right angle control levers 57 lower, the second ends of angle control levers 57 pivot about pivot 58 in a second direction. This causes pivot 49 that is rigidly mounted on pivot 58 to rotate in a second direction. This causes the second end of height control bar 48 to lower as it pivots about pivot 49 in a second direction. This causes the first end of height control bar 48 to lower as it pivots about pivot 47 in a second direction and lowers connection tube 9. This causes the second ends of left and right height adjustment levers 45 to pivot about pivot axle 46 in a second direction such that the first ends of height adjustment levers 45 lower and pivot about pivot axle 44 in a second direction to lower left and right mounting tubes 43. This concurrently causes left and right pivotable levers 42, left and right gripping handles 41, and left and right pivots 74 to lower. When left and right pivots 74 lower, this causes the second ends of left and right link bars 72 to lower relative to user support frame 10 as they pivot about pivots 74 in a second direction and the first ends of link bars 72 to pivot about pivots 75 in a second direction. Lowering the height of the left and right gripping handles 41 creates an upper body exercise motion that moves in a more horizontal arcing pattern relative to the stationary base frame and the floor surface upon which the stationary base frame rest.
[0051] Machine 1 may be operated with or without an adjustable resistance mechanism 60.
[0052] To operate the exercise motion function of machine 1, user U would enter the machine by placing user U's feet on foot pedals 23 and user U's shins against shin pads 21. User U would then grasp grip handles 41 and concurrently urge the left side lower body user support assembly 20A and left side upper body user support assembly 40A in a pushing or pulling direction while concurrently urging right side lower body user support assembly 20B and right side upper body user support assembly 40B in the opposite direction. This motion causes the first end of left side link bar 25 to move in a first direction as left side pedal transport assembly 30 rolls along left side foot pedal wheel track 35 in a first direction. This causes the second end of left side link bar 25 and the first end of left side link bar 27 to pivot about pivot 26 in a first direction as left side linkage bar 27 swings in a first direction and the second end of left side link bar 27 pivots about left side connection hub 29 in a first direction as left side connection hub pivots about pivot axle 28 in a first direction. This causes left side connection hub flange 71 to rotate in a first direction on left side connection hub 29 and urge left side link bar 73 and left side link bar 72 in a first direction wherein the first end of left side link bar 73 pivots on a rearward portion of left side connection hub flange 71 in a first direction with pivot 76 and the second end of left side linkage bar 73 pivots in a first direction on the left end of rocker arm 80 causing rocker arm 80 to pivot about pivot 81 in a first direction. When urged by left side connection hub flange 71 in a first direction, the first end of left side linkage bar 72 pivots on the forward end of left side connection hub flange 71 in a first direction with a pivot 75 and the second end of left side linkage bar 72 pivots in a first direction on a pivot 74. This causes left side mounting tube 43 to pivot about pivot axle 44 in a first direction causing left side pivotable lever 42 and left side grip handle 41 to move in a first direction.
[0053] Rocker arm 80 connects and synchronizes the motion of the left side lower body user support assembly 20A and the left side upper body user support assembly 40A with the motion of the right side lower body user support assembly 20B and right side upper body user support assembly 40B. Therefore, the motion of the left side lower body user support assembly 20A and left side upper body user support assembly 40A in a first direction as previously described herein would cause the first end of right side linkage bar 25 to move in a second direction as right side foot pedal transport assembly 30 rolls along right side foot pedal wheel track 35 in a second direction. This causes the second end of right side link bar 25 and the first end of right side link bar 27 pivot about pivot 26 in a second direction as right side link bar 27 swings in a second direction. This causes the second end of right side linkage bar 27 to pivot about right side connection hub 29 in a second direction as right side connection hub flange 71 pivots about pivot axle 28 in a second direction. This causes right side connection hub flange 71 to rotate in a second direction on right side connection hub 29 and urge right side link bar 73 and right side link bar 72 in second direction. This causes the first end of right side linkage bar 73 to pivot in a second direction on a rearward portion of right side connection hub flange 71 with pivot 76 and the second end of right side link bar 73 to pivot in a second direction on the right end of rocker arm 80 causing rocker arm 80 to pivot about pivot 81 in a second direction. When urged by right side connection hub flange 71 in a second direction, the first end of right side linkage bar 72 pivots in a second direction on a forward portion of right side connection hub flange 71 with a first pivot 75 and the second end of right side linkage bar 72 pivots in a second direction on pivot 74. This causes right side mounting tube 43 to pivot in a second direction about pivot axle 44 causing right side pivotable lever 42 and left side grip handle 41 to move in a second direction.
[0054] When user U switches the direction of urging the left side lower body user support assembly 20A and the left side upper body user support assembly 40A from a first direction to a second direction, this causes the direction of the right side lower body user support assembly 20B and the right side upper body user support assembly 40B to switch from a second direction to a first direction and vice versa during the reciprocating operating of machine 1 as previously described herein.
[0055]
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[0066] To operate the exercise motion function of machine 100, user U would enter the machine by placing user U's feet on foot pedals 123 and user U's shins against shin pads 121. User U would then grasp grip handles 141 and concurrently urge the left side lower body user support assembly 120A and left side upper body user support assembly 140A in a pushing or pulling direction while concurrently urging right side lower body user support assembly 120B and right side upper body user support assembly 140B in the opposite direction. This motion would cause the first end of left side link bar 125 to move in a first direction as left side pedal transport assembly 130 rolls along left side foot pedal wheel track 135 in a first direction. This causes the second end of left side link bar 125 and the first end of left side link bar 127 to pivot about pivot 126 in a first direction as left side linkage bar 127 swings in a first direction and the second end of left side link bar 127 pivots about left side connection hub 129 in a first direction. This concurrently causes left side pivotable lever 142 and left side gripping handle 141 to pivot in a first direction as left side connection hub 129 pivots about pivot axle 128 in a first direction. This causes left side connection hub flange 171 to rotate in a first direction on left side connection hub 129 and urge left side link bar 173 in a first direction such that the first end of left side link bar 173 pivots on a rearward portion of left side connection hub flange 171 in a first direction with pivot 176 and the second end of left side linkage bar 173 pivots in a first direction on the left end of rocker arm 180 with pivot 177 causing rocker arm 180 to pivot about pivot 181 in a first direction.
[0067] Rocker arm 180 connects and synchronizes the motion of the left side lower body user support assembly 120A and the left side upper body user support assembly 140A with the motion of the right side lower body user support assembly 120B and right side upper body user support assembly 140B. Therefore, the motion of the left side lower body user support assembly 120A and left side upper body user support assembly 140A in a first direction as previously described herein would cause the first end of right side linkage bar 125 to move in a second direction as right side foot pedal transport assembly 130 rolls along right side foot pedal wheel track 135 in a second direction. This causes the second end of right side link bar 125 and the first end of right side link bar 127 pivot about pivot 126 in a second direction as right side link bar 127 swings in a second direction and the second end of right side linkage bar 127 pivots about right side connection hub 129 in a second direction. This causes right side pivotable lever 142 and right side gripping handle 141 to pivot in a second direction as right side connection hub 129 pivots about pivot axle 128 in a second direction. This causes right side connection hub flange 171 to rotate in a second direction on right side connection hub 129 and urge right side link bar 173 in a second direction wherein the first end of right side link bar 173 pivots on a rearward portion of right side connection hub flange 171 in a second direction with pivot 176 and the second end of right side linkage bar 173 pivots in a second direction with pivot 177 on the right end of rocker arm 180 causing rocker arm 180 to pivot about pivot 181 in a second direction.
[0068] When user U switches the direction of urging the left side lower body user support assembly 120A and the left side upper body user support assembly 140A from a first direction to a second direction, this causes the direction of the right side lower body user support assembly 120B and the right side upper body user support assembly 140B to switch from a second direction to a first direction and vice versa during the reciprocating operating of machine 100 as previously described herein.
[0069]
[0070] As best illustrated in
[0071] As illustrated in
[0072]
[0073] A gripping handle 251 is rigidly connected to a first end of an angle adjustment lever 252 tube. Angle adjustment lever 252 is an elongated hollow tube with a cross tube rigidly connected to the second end of angle adjustment lever 252 such that the second end of angle adjustment lever 252 is T shaped. Opposing ends of the cross tube portion of angle adjustment lever 252 are rigidly connected to the inside walls of left and right pivot connection plates 213 at a location adjacent to spring loaded locking pins 254. An actuator lever trigger 257 is operatively engaged with the angle adjustment lever 252 at a location adjacent to gripping handle 251 such that a user U can grasp gripping handle 251 and reach actuator lever trigger 257 by extending user U's fingers. Actuator lever trigger 257 passes through left and right elongated slots in angle adjustment lever 252 at a perpendicular angle. The first end of an elongated actuator lever 258 is rigidly connected to actuator lever trigger 257 in a T shaped configuration. Actuator lever 258 is slidably engaged with the inside of angle adjustment lever 252 such that actuator lever 258 extends from actuator lever trigger 257 through the second end of angle adjustment lever 252 and extends a few inches beyond the second end of angle adjustment lever 252. The second end of actuator lever 258 is rigidly connected to a central portion of a ramps mounting plate 259 to form a T shape.
[0074] Ramps mounting plate 259 extends most of the distance between the inside walls of left and right pivot connection plates 213. A left and right actuator ramp 256 is rigidly connected to opposing ends of ramps mounting plate 259 and operatively engaged with left and right spring loaded locking pins 254. Actuator ramps 256 are wedge shaped components with a central slot for accepting spring loaded locking pins 254. Actuator ramps 256 are preferably constructed from low friction material.
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[0081] To adjust the angle of exercise position of machine 200, a user U would stand in front of machine 200 and face machine 200. User U would then grasp gripping handle 251 with user U's palm and extend user U's fingers to grasp actuator lever trigger 257. User U would then squeeze actuator lever trigger 257 into a contracted position so as to draw actuator lever trigger 257 and actuator lever 258 towards gripping handle 251. This would cause left and right actuator ramps 256 to move towards spring loaded locking pin 254 to move left and right disengagement knobs 255 towards actuator lever 258 to contract the second ends of spring loaded locking pins 254 so as to draw the second end of spring loaded locking pins out of receiver holes 204. This would unlock user support frame 210 from user support frame pivot mounting bracket 203 such that user support frame 210 can rotate about pivot axle 253. While user U is grasping and maintaining actuator lever trigger 257 in the contracted position, user U can move angle adjustment lever 252 upward to move user support frame 210 to a higher angle of exercise position or user U can move angle adjustment lever 252 downward to move user support frame 210 to a lower angle of exercise position. When user U moves user support frame 210 to a desired angle of exercise position, user U will release user U's grasp on actuator trigger 257 so that actuator lever 258 will move away from gripping handle 251 and left and right actuator ramps 256 will move away from spring loaded locking pin 254 to move left and right disengagement knobs 255 away from actuator lever 258 to extend the second ends of spring loaded locking pins 254 so as to engage the second end of spring loaded locking pins with a receiver holes 204 to lock user support frame 210 into a desired angle of exercise position.
[0082] The adjustable resistance mechanism 260 of machine 200 operates identically to adjustable resistance mechanism 160 of machine 100. Therefore, to operate the adjustable resistance assembly 260 of machine 200, a user U would follow the identical steps for operating the adjustable resistance mechanism 160 of machine 100 as previously described herein.
[0083] The exercise motion function of machine 200 is identical to that of the exercise motion function of machine 100. Therefore, to operate the exercise function of machine 200, a user U would follow the identical steps for operating the exercise motion function of machine 100 as previously described herein.
[0084] While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0085] U User [0086] 1 Machine [0087] 2 Stationary base frame [0088] 3 Linear wheel track [0089] 5 Axle mounting flange [0090] 7 Axle mounting flange [0091] 9 Connection tube [0092] 10 User support frame [0093] 11 Connection bracket [0094] 12 Axle connection plate [0095] 14 Axle [0096] 15 Angle adjustment wheel [0097] 20 Lower body user support assembly [0098] 20A Left side lower body user support assembly [0099] 20B Right side lower body user support assembly [0100] 21 Shin pad [0101] 22 Shin pad support tube [0102] 23 Foot pedal [0103] 24 Foot pedal support tube [0104] 25 Link bar [0105] 26 Pivot [0106] 27 Link bar [0107] 28 Pivot axle [0108] 29 Connection hub [0109] 30 Foot pedals transport assembly [0110] 31 Housing [0111] 32 Foot pedal wheel [0112] 33 Pivot hub [0113] 34 Pivot hub axle [0114] 35 Foot pedal wheel track [0115] 40 Upper body user support assembly [0116] 40A Left side upper body user support assembly [0117] 40B Right side upper body user support assembly [0118] 41 Gripping handle [0119] 42 Pivotable lever [0120] 43 Mounting tube [0121] 44 Pivot axle [0122] 45 Height adjustment lever [0123] 46 Pivot axle [0124] 47 Pivot [0125] 48 Height control bar [0126] 49 Pivot [0127] 50 Angle adjustment linkage assembly [0128] 51 Angle Adjustment handle [0129] 52 Angle adjustment lever [0130] 53 Pivot axle [0131] 54 Locking pin [0132] 55 Locking rack [0133] 56 Pivot axle [0134] 57 Angle control lever [0135] 58 Pivot [0136] 59 Locking pin receiver slot [0137] 60 Adjustable resistance mechanism [0138] 61 Resistance mounting bracket [0139] 62 Resistance adjustment knob [0140] 63 Resistance adjustment screw [0141] 64 Resistance friction pad [0142] 70 User supports linkage assembly [0143] 71 Connection hub flange [0144] 72 Link bar [0145] 73 Link bar [0146] 74 Pivot [0147] 75 Pivot [0148] 76 Pivot [0149] 77 Pivot [0150] 80 Rocker arm [0151] 81 Rocker arm pivot [0152] 82 Rocker arm support tube [0153] 100 Machine [0154] 110 User support frame [0155] 102 Stationary base frame [0156] 120 Lower body user support assembly [0157] 120A Left side lower body user support assembly [0158] 120B Right side lower body user support assembly [0159] 127 Link bar [0160] 129 Connection hub [0161] 130 Foot pedal transport assembly [0162] 140 Upper body user support assembly [0163] 140A Left side upper body user support assembly [0164] 140B Right side upper body user support assembly [0165] 141 Gripping handle [0166] 142 Pivotable lever [0167] 150 Angle adjustment linkage assembly [0168] 152 Angle adjustment lever [0169] 154 Locking pin [0170] 155 Locking pin rack [0171] 160 Adjustable resistance mechanism [0172] 170 User supports linkage assembly [0173] 171 Linkages connection hub [0174] 173 Link bar [0175] 176 Pivot [0176] 177 Pivot [0177] 180 Rocker arm [0178] 181 Rocker arm pivot [0179] 200 Machine [0180] 202 Stationary base frame [0181] 203 User support frame pivot mounting bracket [0182] 204 Receiver hole [0183] 210 User support frame [0184] 213 Pivot connection plate [0185] 220 Lower body user support assembly [0186] 220A Left side lower body user support assembly [0187] 220B Right side lower body user support assembly [0188] 221 Shin pad [0189] 223 Foot pedal [0190] 230 Foot pedal transport assembly [0191] 240 Upper body user support assembly [0192] 240A Left side upper body user support assembly [0193] 240B Right side upper body user support assembly [0194] 250 Angle adjustment linkage assembly [0195] 251 Gripping handle [0196] 252 Angle adjustment lever [0197] 253 Pivot axle [0198] 254 Spring loaded locking pin [0199] 255 Disengagement knob [0200] 256 Actuator ramp [0201] 257 Actuator lever trigger [0202] 258 Actuator lever [0203] 259 Actuator ramps mounting plate [0204] 260 Adjustable resistance mechanism [0205] 270 User supports linkage assembly