PORTABLE STRENGTH TRAINING EQUIPMENT WITH VARIABLE LEVER SYSTEM

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/385,243 filed on Nov. 29, 2022.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to strength training exercise equipment, and more specifically, to an exercise machine with leverage arm for strength training (or exercise machines).

2. Description of Related Art

The physiology of human muscles enables them to function in three different ways. The first is a positive or concentric function in which the muscles contract under a load that is less than the muscle strength.

The second is a static or isometric function in which the muscle attempts to contract against a load that is greater than the muscle strength.

The third is a negative or eccentric function in which an external load is large enough to overcome the muscle strength and force the muscle to elongate in spite of an attempt by the person to contract the muscle.

It is well known that muscles perform much more efficiently during eccentric functions than during concentric or isometric functions. The same muscle can exert a greater force during eccentric functions than it can during either concentric or isometric functions. In addition, the energy expended, and the associated electrical activities or pulses of the muscle nervous system, are greater during concentric and isometric functions compared to eccentric functions when overcoming the same load.

Various types of prior art equipment have been developed to assist persons exercise their muscles. The equipment ranges from simple hand-held barbells to complicated and expensive hydraulically controlled machines. Many machines are very specialized in that they are designed to exercise only one or a very limited set of muscles.

With only very few exceptions, prior art exercise machines have not taken advantage of the muscle physiology related to the differences in efficiency between concentric and eccentric functions. Prior art machines impose a single load that the person must overcome during both concentric and eccentric muscle functions. A few prior exercise machines were capable of imposing different loads for concentric and eccentric muscle functions, but those machines invariably included very expensive and complicated hydraulic systems.

Examples of prior mechanical exercise machines are plentiful. The Powertec Direct Company of Milford, Pa., markets a wide variety of equipment for exercising many of the body's muscles such as legs, back, chest, thigh, and arms. The Hammer Strength Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Promaxima Manufacturing Limited of Houston, Texas also market respective lines of mechanical exercising equipment.

Many of the commercially available prior art exercise machines utilize one or more pivoting beams. One end of the beam is pivoted to a frame. The beam supports one or more weights. The exercising person oscillates the beam and weights by alternately performing concentric and eccentric functions by the appropriate muscles. The beam and weight design of prior equipment imposes the same load for both the concentric and eccentric muscle functions.

Through experience and observation, several problems within the strength training machines were observed. One of the biggest issues that hinder people from purchasing at-home strength training equipment is the lack of space for storing the equipment and challenges to move the equipment easily from one location to another. For example, the typical footprint for a full-cage power rack is approximately 4-ft×4-ft with a height of 8 ft, a weight of 300 lbs. and no easy means to move the rack without either disassembly or lifting the entire rack system. Moving a typical power rack is very challenging as most are designed to be locked into a specific location and can require significant time to break down and move. The present invention comprises a more portable and storable product.

Another major issue was observed with existing lever-based equipment. Most machines (e.g. Smith Machines) only provided up/down movement but if a way could be found to add left/right movement plus front/back movement into a workout, this would provide a more complete muscle workout while allowing for additional exercises to be done on one machine.

A typical example of prior equipment is the bench press, such as is marketed by the Powertec Direct Company. Somewhat similar equipment is shown in PCT patent WO89/01805. Other examples of beam and weight type exercising machines may be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,050,873; 5,066,003; 5,125,881; 5,135,449; 5,135,456; 5,171,198; 5,180,354; 5,181,896; 5,273,504; 5,273,505; and Des 321.391. None of the prior art machines teach that different loads can be overcome by the person during concentric and eccentric functions of his muscles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,155 shows equipment that takes into account the inherent ability of human muscles to perform differently during concentric and eccentric functions. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,155 shows a harness that is worn by an exercising person. A spotter operates a rope that is tied to the harness through a block and tackle in order to assist the person to raise weights during concentric muscle functions. During the eccentric muscle functions, the spotter allows an increased load to be imposed on the exercising person.

Despite the widespread availability of numerous different kinds of lever-arm exercise machines, they suffer from a number of drawbacks:

• • they have relatively large space requirements so portability and storability are a challenge;
  • time-consuming issues to break them down if they must be moved;
  • the levers only operate in two directions (up and down), which limits a workout to a smaller range of muscles and limits the stimulation of targeted muscles (muscles operating in three dimensions are more engaged).

Thus, a need exists for a portable strength training equipment with variable lever system that substantially or completely eliminates the problem of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention utilizes a Variable Lever System (VLS), which uses a universal ball joint to provide a more complete muscle workout relative to existing lever systems. In addition, most strength training machines can only start in the “lower” position (with the weight in a retracted position). The VLS can be vertically repositioned to various heights allowing the user to start movements in the “upper”, “mid” or “lower” range of motion positions as opposed to only a “lower position” that is common in the prior art. Depending on the movement, the user adjusts for height and then lifts the weight bar out of the adjustable resting position (e.g. sitting on j-hooks), which is housed on the forward frame. Advantages relative to similar equipment are enhanced muscle training that moves muscles in a more realistic multi-dimensional manner related to everyday life or sports, increased workout capabilities, convenient storage and portability, and safety. Note: when the safety mechanism aka spotter bars are properly installed and adjusted for movement and user height, it is not possible for the VLS to drop lower than the dual safety spotter bars (barring product abuse, improper installment, product defect, or fatigue). Many current safety arms on a half-cage can miss a falling weight bar if the bar falls further out than the safety arms, but since the VLS is attached to the machine, it was designed so as to not have the ability to extend beyond the spotter bars.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a side view of the VLS system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the machine with arrows to show the movement of the VLS system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the machine.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the machine.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the machine.

FIG. 6 is a partial transparent perspective view of the sliding tube.

FIG. 7 (1, 2, 3) show various components of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the machine moving through a standard doorway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this disclosure, various quantities, such as amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions and the like, are presented in a range format; the foregoing can and will deviate without departing from the scope of the intended invention. It should be understood that the description of a quantity in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of any embodiment. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as all individual numerical values within that range unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual values within that range, for example, 1.1, 2, 2.3, 4.6, 2, 5, and 5.9. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. The upper and lower limits of these intervening ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of any embodiment. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C).

Unless specifically stated or obvious from context, as used herein, the term “about” in reference to a number or range of numbers is understood to mean the stated number and numbers +/−10% thereof, or 10% below the lower listed limit and 10% above the higher listed limit for the values listed for a range.

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described in an exemplary manner so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

In the Figures, a multi-purposed, machine 10 is shown that provides for strength and overall wellness training with a focus on free range of muscle motion, and includes a system for VLS movements, novel relative to existing strength training equipment. VLS allows the user to use one or two arms (or legs) to perform muscle strengthening functions with a fuller range of motion due to the utilization of a universal ball joint as the fulcrum, that allows a starting position of movements in an extended or upper position, middle position or lower position (as opposed just to the lower or bottom position typical of existing strength training machines) by means of an extending and retracting sliding tube and portability due to a handcart (dolly) design element. Portability allows users to, for example, move the machine to exercise outside on nice days, or from room to room in a building or house, or to easily store it out of the way when not in use.

The machine is primarily comprised of a base structure (superstructure, frame), a the VLS) with a universal ball joint, sliding tube for leverage, connection (fixed) tube, an upper extension off the rear stanchion that allows the attachment of cable pulleys, heavy bags and other workout accessories and pneumatic wheels for portability. Unlike existing lever systems that typically only allow bi-directional movement (up and down), within the VLS system, the ball joint can move about the point 360 degrees radially at a max 10-degree variance. In addition, it can move in the y-axis direction about 50″ in total travel. This movement allows for continuity of clockwise/counter-clockwise, side-to-side and up/down movement, (front/back movement is primarily accomplished via the sliding tube moving across rollers in the VLS roller box).

• • 1. Featuring versatility in exercise options with a safety system, the machine comprises the following features and attributes VLS that allows the use of one or two arms (or legs) to perform multi-directional muscle strengthening functions by means of the physics of leverage with weight, force, fulcrum, and a lever. The VLS is comprised of the following features:
    • a. an adjustable housing and mount for the universal ball joint. This 2.5″×2.5″ square, tube housing slides up and down the rear upright stanchion of the machine to help provide optimal VLS position for performing specific exercise movements. A 1″ steel hitch pin is used to secure the housing to the desired position. As illustrated in FIG. 1.
    • b. the VLS provides a fuller range of motion when exercising relative to most strength training machines due to the utilization of a universal ball joint as the fulcrum. Whereas most lever-based strength training machines only provide 2-directional movement (i.e. up and down), the VLS universal ball joint allows for clockwise/counter-clockwise and side-to-side movements as well as up and down (360 degree rotation, inward/outward, vertical, diagonal, and horizontal movement). Because a person utilizing the VLS has to lift in a similar manner to free weights, the user's muscles go through a fuller ranger of motion, which both increases the effectiveness of the exercise while also working out a broader muscle group relative to a 2-dimensional exercise (e.g. up and down on a Smith machine). Movement is accomplished by rollers inside the VLS case (front/back), pivot ball within universal joint (side-to-side, clockwise/counterclockwise) and universal ball joint attached to height-adjustable housing (up/down). As illustrated in FIG. 2, movement directions illustrated by the arrows.
    • c. The VLS system includes (but is not limited to) the universal ball joint that is connected to the fixed tube, a VLS roller housing box (case) with four steel (2-in. wide×2-in. diameter) heavy-duty rollers and four tensioning screws, a sliding (inner) tube and front frame with weight lifting bar. The sliding tube and fixed tube run parallel to each other with bottom rollers in contact with the sliding tube. The sliding bar is “locked” into place by the upper two rollers allowing it to “roll” over the rollers to provide front/back system movement. Tensions screws help minimize side-to-side movement of the sliding tube within the housing box. The universal ball joint (and the entire VLS system) is attached to the rear stanchion via a vertically adjustable housing. This, along with J-hook adjustability on the front stanchions, allows the user to start movements in the “upper”, “mid” or “lower” range of motion positions as opposed to only a “lower position” that is common in the prior art. Depending on the movement the user adjusts for height/position and then lifts the weight bar (forward frame) out of the adjustable resting rack and then outward. Once this is done, the user then performs the exercise movements and, once finished, re-racks the forward frame with lifting bar onto the j-hooks. Users should always remember to adjust the safety mechanism associated with the VLS relative to exercise performed and user height and arm length prior to use to help prevent injury. An additional benefit of the sliding tube is that the user can position themselves facing forward or rearward relative the machine when performing movements to minimize the stresses on their body and for improved balance. When combined with the advantages of the VLS universal joint, the user will be able to position their body forward, rearward and also side-to-side to achieve the optimal angle for any specific exercise while reducing unwanted stress on the body.
  • 2. The machine includes a superstructure/frame to provide the stability and durability required to perform exercise movements. This superstructure will consist primarily of 2″×2″ steel square tube with a base, forward frame (2 stanchions) and rear frame (1 stanchion). The base portion will be 30″ wide by 42″ long; the forward upright stanchions will be 74″ (76″ overall height with base) in height; and the rear stanchion will be 66″ (70″ including base and top tie tube frame). The upper portion of the machine has a 2″×2″×30″ square steel tube (tie frame) connecting the front and rear frames that is 30″ in length. 1- 1/16″ holes will be incorporated on the 2″×2″ square steel tubing stanchions to allow quick adjustability within the system. The following are features of the superstructure of the machine:
    • a. the forward frame provides sufficient stability for performing various VLS workout movements without requiring additional ballast from a fixed workout bench or fixed user positions.
    • b. the forward frame incorporates an adjustable safety spotter arm, one per stanchion that can be positioned at the “lowest” or “bottom” position of an exercise movement to keep the load from going lower than desired. The spotter arms will attach to the upright stanchions via j-hooks that are incorporated into the safety arm.
    • c. the forward frame incorporates two (2) upright stanchions with 1- 1/16″ diameter holes, every two inches. These holes will allow the easy utilization of commercially available “J-hook” accessories such as a resting ledge for the VLS to be housed or “racked” when beginning or at the end of each exercise set with the utmost amount of adjustability.
    • d. the rearward upright stanchion will also have 1- 1/16″ holes every 2″ to allow the universal ball joint to be positioned to allow for the most amount of muscle motion for the desired exercise movement. The universal ball joint will be mounted to a 2-½″×2-½″ steel tube with plastic bushings to allow it to slide easily up and down the 2″×2″ steel rear stanchion. Once in the desired position, a 1″ hitch pin will secure the universal joint housing into place by running directly through both square tubes. The rear stanchion also allows easy installation of an upper pulley wheel to provide a “transition point” for the lower pulley wheel and cable to perform additional exercise movements.
    • e. the forward-to-rear connecter 2″×2″ fixed square steel tube will have 1- 1/16″ holes every 2″ to allow “J-hook” type accessories to be mounted such as a horizontally/vertically extension tube with cable pulley wheel that will allow a mounting point “high point” for cable exercises, heavy bag, speed bag, battle ropes, etc.
    • f. additionally, the machine has a portability feature. The portability is a result of the machine being designed to operate similar to a hand-truck (dolly cart). This allows the unit to be easily moved so users can conveniently exercise in different locations (e.g. outside on nice sunny days, in a garage stall or family room), or to store the machine out of the way when it is not in use. The unit can be tilted rearward by use of an integrated lifting handle onto dual fixed wheels that act as a fulcrum to allow the device to be transportable. As the machine can be tilted such that it will not be more than 31″ in width and 79″ in height when in the transport or retracted position, the entire device has been designed to move, and to easily fit, through a standard ADA-compliant doorway without requiring disassembly. FIG. 8 shows the machine in the portable position.

The machine will consist of the following components:

• • 1. Frame superstructure—Frame superstructure—a 30″ wide×42″ long×76″ high platform consisting of a base, (note with removable/angled extension for accessories inserted on rear stanchion, the high point is 79″h) front and back frames and tie tube. The base superstructure houses the VLS (universal joint, fixed tube, sliding tube, case with rollers and front frame with weight lifting bar), removable rear extension for accessories (cable, battle ropes, heavy bag) and wheels. Weights can be added to the VLS to increase resistance for all strength-training movements (lifting). Specific tubing (rear stanchion) will have 1- 1/16″ holes incorporated every 2″ to allow VLS position versatility specific to exercise movements performed and user dimensions (i.e. height, arm length). The machine will sit on rubber feet that will slide over the 2″×2″ steel tube to help provide a stable and non-skid base.
  • 2. Variable Lever System (VLS) The VLS allows for weight-machine-type movements using an adjustable and pivoting lever (bar) to help provide the optimum range of motion relative to a user's dimensions (i.e. height, arm length) and desired weight training movement. Due to the novel design of incorporating a universal ball joint as a pivot point (fulcrum), the VLS provides a wider range of motion and more natural lifting movements relative to similar devices that only provide two-dimensional movement (e.g. up and down). The increased motion range provides a more “free weight” lifting experience (similar to dumbbell workouts) while the machine also has safety feature which, when used properly, help reduce the risk of injury. The side/side and left/right motion that the universal ball joint affords provide a transition point that, when reached, allows the user's applied force to be driven upward (or downward) for continuation of an exercise movement in an effective motion.

The connecting (fixed) tube runs parallel to a sliding tube to which the lifting bar (forward frame) is attached. Both these tubes are made of 2″ square tube. Four 2-inch heavy-duty rollers in a protective 3/16″ thick steel case provide the front and back motion of the sliding bar. A fixed pin at the back of the sliding bar prevents it from over extending beyond the rollers while tensioning screw help limit side-to-side motion of the sliding bar within the protective case.

Adjustable safety spotter bars one on each side of the forward stanchion, are made of 2×3 steel tube, and are approximately 24″ long each is attached to the front stanchion via the 1- 1/16″ holes onto a J-hook. When used properly, this helps prevent the VLS from lowering further than desired.

The lifting bar swivels to allow a fuller ranger of motion. To execute one-arm or leg movements, the user grips the lifting bar in the middle to better balance the weight load.

• • 3. Wheels—two (2) pneumatic wheels located at the base of the rear stanchion are used to transport the machine when it is tilted at an angle allowing the unit to function similar to a handcart (dolly).
  • 4. Two 12″ weight storage pegs are mounted to the rear stanchion allowing the Olympic weigh plates to be stored when not in use.

Olympic-style weight plates with a 2″ center hole (sold separately or already owned by user) will provide the additional resistance (weight) when performing many of the exercise movements that can be accomplished using the Mantis™ Portable Gym. As the VLS allows side-to-side movement, two-weight retention device (weight collars, one for each side) will be provided to keep weight from shifting or sliding off the weight post. All attachments of the VLS that are outside of 30″ will be removable to allow the machine to be no wider than 30″ to allow navigation through a standard ADA doorway.

FIG. 3 shows the machine 10 described above, which is now described in greater detail. The machine 10 includes a superstructure, or frame, generally comprised of a forward frame 12, a rear frame 14, a lower frame/base 16, and a tie frame 20. The forward frame 12 contains two 2″×2″×74″ square steel tubes that are connected to a top 2″×2″×30″ tube with L brackets 17 (one on each side, four total) that are bolted onto the frame. This forms a wide U-shaped member that is secured to the base 16 in two locations with triangular brackets 38. Bolts secure the braces 38 to the forward frame 12 (also referred to as the front stanchion).

The tie frame 20 secures the top of the forward frame 12 and the top of the rear frame 14 (also referred to as the front and back stanchions respectively). The triangle bracket 38 joins the forward frame 12 and the tie frame 20 with bolts. The tie frame 20 is secured to the rear frame with two additional triangle brackets 38. A removable J-hook bracket 18 sits on the rear side of the tie frame 20. This accommodates a removable 18″ high “high point” fixture with a swivel pulley 19 that allows for accessory attachments (e.g. cable pulleys or a heavy workout bag), which is welded to the J-hook bracket 18. The accessories can include a cable with one end secured to the weights on the handle 34 and the other end secured to a pull down bar. The forward frame 12 has a series of 1- 1/16″ holes 21 on both forward stanchions (on the front and back) which can accommodate the J-Hook weight bar rest 22 or safety spotter bars 23.

The machine 10 is mobile as mentioned above. The machine 10 includes two pneumatic wheels 36 that are secured to the rear stanchion 14 and base 16 with brackets. Handles 34 are mounted toward the top of the rear frame 14. The high position of the handles 34 provides leverage to tilt the machine 10 backward, allowing the wheels 36 to contact the ground and the machine 10 to be wheeled from place to place. When the machine 10 is level it rests on rubber feet 68 located on the ends of the base 16, and the wheels 36 are no longer operatively engaged with the ground, helping to prevent the machine 10 from moving.

A key component of the machine 10 is the Variable Lever System, or VLS, which allows for much of the machine's 10 simulation of movements similar to free weights. The VLS includes, but is not limited to, a front frame 76 with weight bar 44, weight pegs 54, sliding tube 24, fixed tube 25, protective housing box 27 with tensioning screws 29 and heavy-duty rollers 28 (internal—see FIGS. 6, 7), and a universal joint 26. The VLS front frame 76 includes the weight lifting bar 44. The weight bar 44 slides through holes at the front end of the front frame 76 and is secured with a spring-loaded retention pin 35. Weights are attached to the weight pegs 54 that are bolted onto the front frame 76 to provide the ballast, or weight resistance, that users will exercise against. Weights can be added in various amounts as desired, and in various orientations as the weight pegs 54 extend in perpendicular directions.

The front frame 76 is welded to the sliding tube 24. The sliding tube 24 and fixed tube 25 run parallel to each other. One end of the fixed bar 25 is secured to a universal ball joint 26 while a mid-point of the fixed bar 25 is attached to a protective housing box 27 that contains four steel (2-in. wide×2-in. diameter) heavy-duty rollers 28 that allow the sliding bar 24 to move forward and backward as it passes over the fixed tube 25, and four tensioning screws 29 that reduce side-to-side movement within the protective case. The sliding bar 24 is “locked” into place by the upper two rollers allowing it to “roll” over the rollers to provide front/back system movement. A mechanism prevents the sliding tube from traveling too far forward and coming apart. The position of the sliding tube 24 and the housing box 27 can be adjusted by securing the tensioning screws 29 into the desired holes in the sliding tube 24.

The fixed tube 25 secures to a universal ball joint 26. The universal ball joint 26 is attached to a bracket 30 with a cotter pin 32. This acts as the base of the VLS. The bracket 30 is in turn secured to the adjustable VLS housing 31 by a hitch pin 37. The position of this mechanism can be moved up and down by virtue of the holes in the rear frame 14.

Two weight handles are provided on the rear frame 14 just above the wheels 36. Weights can be added to the handles as needed to counter the weights added to the weight pegs 54 to stabilize the machine 10 and prevent it from tipping during use. The weight handles secures to the holes in the rear frame 14 and are therefore adjustable relative thereto.