PENDULUM SQUAT EXERCISE MACHINES

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/701,051, filed Sep. 30, 2024, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to exercise machines, and particularly to pendulum squat exercise machines.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,095 relates to an apparatus utilizing squat maneuvers for exercising and/or rehabilitating muscles and joints in the lower back, hip and legs.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In non-limiting examples disclosed herein, a pendulum squat exercise machine comprises a carriage configured to support a user performing a pendulum squat motion in which the user moves into and between a squatted hip flexion position and a standing hip extension position; a stationary frame configured to support movement of the carriage during said pendulum squat motion; and a linkage assembly that pivotably couples the carriage to the stationary frame, the linkage assembly being configured so that throughout said pendulum squat motion the carriage continuously travels along an arc relative to the stationary frame and is separately continuously rotated relative to the linkage assembly and the stationary frame.

In embodiments, the squatted hip flexion position is a fully squatted hip flexion position in which a knee angle of the user is between 45 degrees and 65 degrees and a hip angle of the user is between 60 degrees and 80 degrees, and wherein the standing hip extension position is a fully standing hip extension position in which the knee angle of the user is between 160 degrees and 180 degrees and the hip angle of the user is between 160 degrees and 180 degrees.

In embodiments, the linkage assembly includes a work arm that is coupled to the stationary frame at a first frame pivot joint and to the carriage at a first carriage pivot joint, the linkage assembly being configured so that throughout said pendulum squat motion the carriage is continuously pivoted relative to the first frame pivot joint and the first carriage pivot joint.

In embodiments, the linkage assembly includes a work arm that is coupled to the stationary frame at a first frame pivot joint and to the carriage at a first carriage pivot joint; and a follower arm that is coupled to the stationary frame at a second frame pivot joint and to the carriage at a second carriage pivot joint; the linkage assembly being configured so that the carriage is continuously pivoted relative to the first frame pivot joint and the first carriage pivot joint throughout said pendulum squat motion. Optionally, the linkage assembly is configured so that the carriage is continuously pivoted relative to the second frame pivot joint and the second carriage pivot joint throughout said pendulum squat motion. Optionally, the pendulum squat exercise machine is configured so that throughout travel of the carriage during said pendulum squat exercise motion, the first frame pivot joint remains a first linear distance from the first carriage pivot joint, the second frame pivot joint remains a second linear distance from the second carriage pivot joint, the first carriage pivot joint remains a third linear distance from the second carriage pivot joint, and the first frame pivot joint remains a fourth linear distance from the second frame pivot joint. Optionally, the second linear distance is shorter than the first linear distance. Optionally, the third linear distance is shorter than the fourth linear distance.

In embodiments, a first pivot axis extending from the first frame pivot joint to the first carriage pivot joint remains non-parallel to a second pivot axis extending from the second frame pivot joint to the second carriage pivot joint throughout said pendulum squat motion.

In embodiments, the stationary frame, the carriage, the work arm, and the follower arm together constitute a four-bar linkage that facilitates continuous pivoting motion of the carriage relative to the stationary frame throughout said pendulum squat motion.

In embodiments, the work arm is rigid and non-linear between the first frame pivot joint and the first carriage pivot joint.

In embodiments, the work arm is rigid and includes at least one bent arm portion between the first frame pivot joint and the first carriage pivot joint.

In embodiments, the linkage assembly including a work arm and a follower arm, wherein together the stationary frame, the carriage, the work arm, and the follower arm provide a four-bar linkage that facilitates continuous pivoting motion of the carriage relative to the stationary frame throughout said pendulum squat motion.

In embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine further comprises a foot support for the user, the foot support being adjustable relative to the stationary frame. Optionally, the foot support includes a foot plate configured to support the user and a linkage that movably couples the foot plate to the stationary frame. Optionally, the linkage is a toggle linkage configured to pivot the foot plate into a lowered position and a raised position relative to the stationary frame. Optionally the toggle linkage includes a link member having a first end pivotably coupled to the stationary frame and a second end pivotably coupled to the foot plate. Optionally, a lever is operable by the user to pivot the link member over center about a toggle link pivot joint, which pivots the foot plate into the lowered position or the raised position.

In embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine further comprises a resistance mechanism for resisting movement of the user throughout movement from said squatted full hip flexion position to said standing full hip extension position. Optionally, the resistance mechanism including a weight. Optionally the weight is a free weight that is removably supported by the linkage assembly.

In embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine further comprises a bumper device configured to support the carriage in a lowest pivot position, the bumper device having a height that is adjustable to accommodate users of different heights. Optionally, the bumper device includes an adjustable stop bumper having a first bumper member configured to support the carriage in a short configuration of the bumper device, and a second bumper member that is pivotable into a stacked position on the first bumper member in which the carriage is supported by both the first bumper member and the second bumper member in a tall configuration of the bumper device. Optionally, the bumper device further includes a stationary bumper member that is spaced apart from the adjustable stop bumper and that together with the first bumper member supports the carriage in the short configuration. Optionally, the bumper device includes at least one surface that supports a stop member on the carriage, the surface extending perpendicular to the stop member when the carriage is in the lowest pivot position.

In embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine further comprises means for assisting performance of the pendulum squat motion. In embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine further comprises a resistance band configured to assist performance of the pendulum squat motion. Optionally, the resistance band is coupled to the stationary frame and the linkage assembly so that moving into said squatted hip flexion position stretches the resistance band and so that moving into said standing hip extension position relaxes the resistance band. Embodiments include a band post configured to support the resistance band on the stationary frame and a band post configured to support the resistance band on the linkage assembly.

In embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine further comprises a retaining device configured to retain the carriage in a racked position in which the carriage cannot be lowered relative to the stationary frame. In embodiments, the retaining device includes a latch member that is pivotable by the user to latch the linkage assembly to the stationary frame. Optionally, the retaining device includes a retainer peg that is pivotable by the user into engagement with a selected one of a plurality of slots corresponding to different respective rack-out heights of the carriage relative to the stationary frame. Embodiments further comprise an engagement device configured to automatically force the retaining device into an unlocked position in which the carriage can be lowered relative to the stationary frame as the user raises the carriage relative to the stationary frame. Optionally, the retaining device includes a handle that is operable by the user to move the retaining device.

In embodiments, a pendulum squat exercise machine comprises a stationary frame; a carriage configured to support a user performing a pendulum squat motion in which the user moves into and between a standing hip extension position and a squatted hip flexion position; and a linkage assembly that pivotably couples the carriage to the stationary frame, the linkage assembly including a work arm that is coupled to the stationary frame at a first frame pivot joint and to the carriage at a first carriage pivot joint, and a follower arm that is coupled to the stationary frame at a second frame pivot joint and to the carriage at a second carriage pivot joint; the linkage assembly being configured so that throughout travel of the carriage during said pendulum squat motion, the first frame pivot joint remains a first linear distance from the first carriage pivot joint, the second frame pivot joint remains a second linear distance from the second carriage pivot joint, the first carriage pivot joint remains a third linear distance from the second carriage pivot joint, and the first frame pivot joint remains a fourth linear distance from the second frame pivot joint; wherein the second linear distance is shorter than the first linear distance and/or the third linear distance is shorter than the fourth linear distance.

In embodiments, a pendulum squat exercise machine comprises a stationary frame; a carriage configured to support a user performing a pendulum squat motion in which the user moves into and between a standing hip extension position and a squatted hip flexion position; and a linkage assembly that pivotably couples the carriage to the stationary frame, the linkage assembly including a work arm that is coupled to the stationary frame at a first frame pivot joint and to the carriage at a first carriage pivot joint, and a follower arm that is coupled to the stationary frame at a second frame pivot joint and to the carriage at a second carriage pivot joint; the linkage assembly being configured so that a first arm axis extending from the first frame pivot joint to the first carriage pivot joint remains non-parallel to a second arm axis extending from the second frame pivot joint to the second carriage pivot joint throughout said pendulum squat motion.

In embodiments, a pendulum squat exercise machine comprises a carriage configured to support a user performing a pendulum squat motion in which the user moves into and between a squatted hip flexion position and a standing hip extension position; a stationary frame configured to support movement of the carriage relative to a ground surface during said pendulum squat motion; and a linkage assembly that pivotably couples the carriage to the stationary frame, the linkage assembly being configured so that the squatted hip flexion position is a fully squatted hip flexion position in which a knee angle of the user is between 45 degrees and 65 degrees and a hip angle of the user is between 60 degrees and 80 degrees, and wherein the standing hip extension position is a fully standing hip extension position in which the knee angle of the user is between 160 degrees and 180 degrees and the hip angle of the user is between 160 degrees and 180 degrees.

In embodiments, a method is for operating the pendulum squat exercise machine according to the examples summarized above. The method comprises moving into and between said squatted hip flexion position and said standing hip extension position, wherein the squatted hip flexion position is a fully squatted hip flexion position in which the user has a knee angle of between 45 degrees and 65 degrees and a hip angle of between 60 degrees and 80 degrees and wherein the standing hip extension position is a fully standing hip extension position in which the knee angle is between 160 degrees and 180 degrees and the hip angle is between 160 degrees and 180 degrees.

Various other features, objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments are described with reference to the following drawing figures. The same numbers are used throughout to reference like features and components.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a prior art squat machine.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate another embodiment of a prior art squat machine.

FIG. 3 is a front-side perspective view of an embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a rear-side perspective view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pendulum squat exercise machine.

FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of a retaining device of the pendulum squat exercise machine.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a foot support of the pendulum squat exercise machine.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the foot support.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stop bumper of the pendulum squat exercise machine.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the stop bumper.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine in a standing hip extension position.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine in a squatted hip flexion position.

FIG. 13 is a side view of another embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine in a standing hip extension position.

FIG. 14 a front-side perspective view of another embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a rear-side perspective view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 15 with a carriage retained in a first rack out position.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 16 with the carriage retained in a second rack out position.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 17 with the carriage retained in a third rack out position.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 18 with the retaining device in an unlocked position.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 19 with the carriage in a fully squatted hip flexion position.

FIG. 21 is a front-side perspective view of another embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a rear-side perspective view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is another rear-side perspective view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 22, with a portion of the stationary frame omitted.

FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a retaining device of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIG. 25 with the retaining device in an unlocked position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, discussion of particular directions is provided by example only, with regard to particular embodiments or relevant illustrations. For example, discussion of “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and “longitudinal” features and/or relative motion, e.g., movement “up” and “down,” is generally intended as a description only of the orientation of such features relative to a reference frame of a particular example or illustration. Correspondingly, for example, a “top” feature may sometimes be disposed below a “bottom” feature (and so on), in some arrangements or embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments may be arranged in a different orientation such that “top” and “bottom” features are arranged horizontally relative to each other, for example in a “left-to-right” orientation. Additionally, use of the words “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. is not intended to connote priority, importance, etc., but merely to distinguish one of several similar elements from another.

As explained herein below, during research and development in the relevant field, the present inventors determined that existing machines for performing squat exercise motions can be improved because they currently do not allow a user to move through the full desired range of motions associated with the squat exercise. In particular, the inventors have realized that a user of prior art squat exercise machines is normally restricted from moving through the full range of desired hip angles 32 and/or the full range of desired knee angle 34 (FIGS. 1A-2B).

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an example prior art pendulum exercise machine 200. The exercise machine 200 includes a frame 202, a backrest 204 configured to support the user 30 through the exercise movements, and a pendulum arm 206 that is rigidly connected to the backrest 204. The pendulum arm 206 is pivotably connected to the frame 202 by a pivot joint 208 such that the backrest 204 and pendulum arm 206 pivot together about the pivot joint 208. Through research and experimentation, the present inventors determined that a user 30 of the exercise machine 200 of FIGS. 1A and 1B will normally be unable to achieve the desired hip angle 32 and/or knee angle 34 near the top of the squat exercise motion (FIG. 1B). For example, a user 30 will normally be unable to achieve a sufficiently wide hip angle 32 due to the configuration of the pendulum arm 206, frame 202, and pivot joint 208. Thus, the present inventors have determined that prior art exercise machines similar to that of FIGS. 1A and 1B offer limited hip extension ranges, resulting in diminished muscle activation in the hip extensors, glutes, and hamstrings and thus a reduction in the effectiveness of the squat exercise.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, another embodiment of a prior art exercise machine 220 is illustrated. Similar to the exercise machine 200 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the exercise machine 220 of FIGS. 2A and 2B includes a stationary frame 222, a backrest 224 for supporting a user 30, and an arm assembly 226 that is rigidly coupled to the backrest 224 and pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 222 at a pivot joint 228. Unlike the exercise machine 200 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the pivot joint 228 of the exercise machine 220 of FIGS. 2A and 2B is located behind the user 30 during performance of the corresponding squat exercise motions. Through research and experimentation, the present inventors determined that the exercise machine 220 of FIGS. 2A and 2B also does not allow a user 30 to move through the full range of movement associated with a squat exercise motion. In particular, the inventors found that the exercise machine 220 has a limited range of possible hip and/or knee angles 32, 34. For example, a user 30 will normally be unable to achieve the desired hip angle 32 and knee angle 34 near the bottom of the squat exercise movement (FIG. 2A), resulting in diminished muscle activation in the hip flexors, glutes, and/or pelvic floor, and thus a reduction in the effectiveness of the squat exercise.

Based on the above realization, the present inventors have determined that there is a need in the art to provide an improved squat exercise machine that allows a user to move through a full range of motion to achieve the desired hip angles 32 and knee angles 34 in both the fully squatted and fully standing positions of the squat exercise motion. The present disclosure is a result of the present inventors' efforts to accommodate this need.

FIGS. 3-12 illustrate an embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine 100 according to the present disclosure. The pendulum squat exercise machine 100 is configured for performing a pendulum squat motion in which a user 30 (FIGS. 11 and 12) moves into and between a squatted hip flexion position (FIG. 12) and a standing hip extension position (FIG. 11).

Referring initially to FIGS. 3-5, the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 includes a carriage 102 configured to support the user 30 performing the pendulum squat motion, a stationary frame 104 configured to support movement of the carriage 102 during said pendulum squat motion, and a linkage assembly 106 that pivotably couples the carriage 102 to the stationary frame 104. In the illustrated embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 extends from top to bottom in a vertical direction VE, from front to back in a longitudinal direction LO which is perpendicular to the vertical direction VE, and from left to right in a lateral direction LA which is perpendicular to the vertical direction VE and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LO. Some embodiments, however, may be differently configured.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the stationary frame 104 of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 includes a first lateral frame assembly 122 and an opposing second lateral frame assembly 124 that define the first and second lateral sides of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100, respectively. Referring to FIG. 5, each of the first and second lateral frame assemblies 122, 124 includes a base frame member 128 that extends in the longitudinal direction LO along the bottom of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 between frame feet 126 that support the stationary frame 104 on the surface of the ground. A plurality of vertical frame members 130 extend upwardly from the base frame members 128 from the bottom of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 to the top end thereof. As discussed in further detail below, the vertical frame members 130 of the first and second lateral frame assemblies 122, 124 pivotably support the carriage 102 and the linkage assembly 106 relative to the ground. The first lateral frame assembly 122 and the second lateral frame assembly 124 are spaced apart by a first lower frame assembly 132 and a second lower frame assembly 134. Together with the base frame members 128, the first and second lower frame assemblies 132, 134 form a base 120 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the carriage 102 includes one or more carriage pads 136 supported by a spine 138 (FIG. 4) extending vertically along the back side of the carriage 102. The carriage 102 is pivotably supported relative to the stationary frame 104 of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 by the linkage assembly 106. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the linkage assembly 106 extends between the stationary frame 104 and the spine 138 of the carriage 102 and includes a work arm assembly 139 and a follower arm 142 that are pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 104 and the carriage 102 at corresponding pivot joints 144, 146, 150, 152 (also see FIG. 11). The work arm assembly 139 includes a first work arm 140 pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 104 proximate the first lateral frame assembly 122 and a second work arm 140 that is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 104 proximate the second lateral frame assembly 124. Each work arm 140 is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 104 at a first frame pivot joint 144 that defines a first frame pivot joint axis 90 (FIGS. 3 and 4), and to the carriage 102 at a first carriage pivot joint 146 that defines a first carriage pivot joint axis 92 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The shafts of at least one of the first frame pivot joint 144 and the first carriage pivot joint 146 may be pivotably supported in the stationary frame 104 and/or the work arm(s) 140 by a bearing assembly 148. As discussed in further detail below, the work arms 140 guide the carriage 102 along a generally arc-shaped path relative to the stationary frame 104 and ground surface as the user 30 performs the pendulum squat motion.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3-5, the illustrated work arms 140 include at least one bent section 141 and extend non-linearly between the first frame pivot joint 144 and the first carriage pivot joint 146. This may be advantageous, for example, so that a user 30 may easily enter and exit the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 without directly contacting the work arms 140. Additionally or alternatively, the bent section 141 may be advantageous, for example, to allow the user 30 be comfortably positioned in the carriage 102 without directly contacting the work arms 140 as the pendulum squat motion is performed. Front and back laterally extending crossmembers 154, 155 extend between the work arms 140 and rigidly couple the first work arm 140 to the second work arm 140 such that they pivot together relative to the stationary frame 104. To provide additional resistance to a user's movements through the pendulum squat motion, the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 includes a resistance mechanism 114 supported on the back laterally extending crossmember 155 of the work arm assembly 139. In the illustrated embodiments, the resistance mechanism 114 includes two weight horns 115 that are each configured to support at least one weight 80 (FIG. 3) that resist movement of the user 30 from the squatted full hip flexion position to the standing full hip extension position. At the front end of the work arm assembly 139, the front lateral extending crossmember 154 supports two counterweights 156 that balance the weight of the unloaded linkage assembly 106 and carriage 102 and facilitate balanced operation by the user. Some embodiments, however, may be configured with a different type of resistance mechanism and/or counterweight system, including but not limited to a weight stack, pulleys, resistance bands, and/or any other type of mechanism for resisting and/or assisting movement of the work arms 140 by the user.

As previously mentioned, the linkage assembly 106 includes a follower arm 142 that is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 104 and the carriage 102. Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the follower arm 142 is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 104 at a second frame pivot joint 150, which defines a second frame pivot axis 94 (FIGS. 3 and 4), and to the carriage 102 at a second carriage pivot joint 152, which defines a second carriage pivot axis 96 (FIGS. 3 and 4). The second frame pivot joint 150 includes a shaft that extends laterally inward from a longitudinal frame member 131 of the second lateral frame assembly 124. The second carriage pivot joint 152 includes a shaft that extends laterally towards the second lateral frame assembly 124 from the spine 138 (FIG. 4) of the carriage 102. The shaft of the second frame pivot joint 150 and/or the second carriage pivot joint 152 may be pivotably connected to the follower arm 142 by a bearing assembly 148. As discussed in further detail below, the follower arm 142 constrains the movement of the carriage 102 to control an orientation of the carriage 102 as it travels along the arc-shaped path defined by the work arms 140 relative to the stationary frame 104 and ground surface.

In the illustrated embodiments of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100, the linkage assembly 106 includes two opposing work arms 140 extending between opposing lateral sides of the carriage 102 and a corresponding one of the first and second lateral frame assemblies 122, 124 but only one follower arm 142 that extends between the second lateral frame assembly 124 and the carriage 102. This may be useful, for example, to reduce twisting and provide a rigid, sturdy-feel to the carriage 102 and the linkage assembly 106 as a user 30 performs the pendulum squat exercise motion. In particular, the opposing work arms 140 support the carriage 102 and provide a rigid, balanced feel to the user's movements while the single follower arm 142 allows a user 30 to easily enter and leave the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 via the first lateral side thereof. Some embodiments, however, may be differently configured.

In the illustrated embodiments, the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 also includes a retaining device 108 configured to selectively retain the carriage 102 in a racked position. The type and configuration of the retaining device 108 can vary from what is shown, as will be evident from the embodiment described herein below. In the illustrated example, referring to FIG. 6, the retaining device 108 is pivotably coupled to the work arms 140 of the work arm assembly 139. The retaining device 108 includes two latch members 162 that are pivotably coupled to opposing lateral sides of the work arm assembly 139 by retainer pivot joints 161 (which define a retainer pivot axis 97 about which the latch members 162 may pivot relative to the work arms 140). A lateral retainer bar 164 extends between the two latch members 162 such that the two latch members pivot together about the retainer pivot axis 97. Using a handle 166 extending from the lateral retainer bar 164, a user 30 positioned in the carriage 102 may pivot the retaining device 108 between a locked position (solid lines in FIG. 6) and an unlocked position (dashed lines in FIG. 6). In the locked position of the retaining device 108, each latch member 162 includes a hook 168 that engages a retainer peg 160 extending laterally inward from the first and second lateral frame assemblies 122, 124. Engagement between the latch members 162 and the retainer pegs 160 prevents a user 30 from lowering the carriage into the squatted hip flexion position. When the retaining device 108 is moved into the unlocked position (e.g., by pulling on the handle 166 to pivot the latch members 162 in the direction of arrows 70 in FIG. 6), downward movement of the carriage 102 is permitted, thereby allowing a user 30 to perform the pendulum squat motion.

Embodiments of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 may additionally include at least one engagement device 170 configured to force the retaining device 108 out of engagement with the retainer pegs 160 on the stationary frame 104 as the user 30 moves towards the standing full hip extension position. Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the illustrated pendulum squat exercise machine 100 includes an engagement device 170 that includes opposing laterally inwardly extending plates positioned on the first and second lateral frame assemblies 122, 124 below the retainer pegs 160. The engagement device 170 is configured so that as the carriage 102 is raised while the user 30 moves towards the standing full hip extension position, an abutment surface 169 (FIG. 6) on the latch member 162 abuts the engagement device 170, thereby forcing the retaining device 108 to pivot into the unlocked position. This may be useful, for example, to prevent the carriage 102 from being retained in the racked position until the completion of the pendulum squat exercise motions.

Some embodiments of a pendulum squat exercise machine may be configured with adjustment features that can be used to adjust the original rested position of the machine based on a particular user 30. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, the illustrated pendulum squat exercise machine 100 includes an adjustable foot support 110. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the adjustable foot support 110 includes a foot plate 172 configured to support the feet of a user 30 and a toggle linkage 174 that movably couples the foot plate 172 to the first lower frame assembly 132. A first end of the foot plate 172 is pivotably coupled to a base member 128 of the stationary frame 104 by a foot support pivot joint 178, which extends laterally between the opposing base members 128 of the first and second lateral frame assemblies 122, 124 (FIGS. 3-5). The toggle linkage 174 includes at least two link members 175 that are pivotably linked to the foot plate 172 and the first lower frame assembly 132. In particular, one end of the toggle linkage 174 is pivotably coupled to the second end of the foot plate 172 and another end of the toggle linkage 174 is pivotably coupled to the first lower frame assembly 132 at a toggle link pivot joint 177. A lever 176 extends from the toggle linkage 174 and can be used to articulate the toggle linkage 174. In use, the user 30 may pivot a link member 175 over center about the toggle link pivot joint 177, for example in the direction of arrow 71 in FIG. 8 to toggle the foot plate 172 back and forth into and between a lowered position (solid lines in FIG. 8) and a raised position (dashed lines in FIG. 8).

Additionally or alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-5, some embodiments of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 may include an adjustable stop bumper 112 configured to support the carriage 102 in the lowest pivot position of the carriage 102. A height of the adjustable stop bumper 112 may be adjusted to accommodate users of different heights. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the illustrated adjustable stop bumper 112 is adjustable between a tall configuration (FIG. 9 and dashed lines in FIG. 10) for use by a relatively taller user and a short configuration (solid lines in FIG. 10) for use by a relatively shorter user. The adjustable stop bumper includes a first bumper member 180 secured to an upper surface of the second lower frame assembly 134 and a movable second bumper member 182 that is pivotably connected to the second lower frame assembly 134. The second bumper member 182 is positioned on a bumper arm 186 that is pivotably connected to a bumper pivot bracket 184 on the second lower frame assembly 134 by a bumper pivot joint 188. When in the tall configuration (FIG. 9), the second bumper member 182 is stacked on top of the first bumper member 182 such that the carriage 102 is supported by both the first and second bumper members 180, 182 when the carriage 102 is in the lowest pivot position. To move the adjustable stop bumper 112 into the short configuration (FIG. 10), a user 30 can pivot or flip the second bumper member 182 and the bumper arm about the bumper pivot joint 188 (e.g., in the direction of arrows 72 in FIG. 10) to move the second bumper member 182 off the top of the first bumper member 180. In the short configuration, the second bumper member 182 is moved away from the first bumper member 180 such that the carriage 102 is supported by just the first bumper members 180 when in the lowest pivot position.

Some embodiments of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 may also be configured with at least one bumper member 137 configured to prevent the carriage 102 from moving past a highest desired pivot position. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the illustrated pendulum squat exercise machine 100 includes a crossmember 135 that extends between the first and second lateral frame assemblies 122, 124. Two bumper members 137 are positioned on the crossmember 135 in alignment with the work arms 140. When the carriage 102 reaches the highest desired pivot position, the work arms 140 move into abutment with the bumper members 137, thereby preventing further movement of the carriage 102. Advantageously, the bumper members 137 prevent the linkage assembly 106 from over rotating and becoming stuck in a bound position.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the stationary frame 104 of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100, the work arm 140, the follower arm 142, and the spine 138 of the carriage 102 together constitute a four-bar linkage that facilitates continuous pivoting motion of the carriage 102, including the spine 138 of the carriage 102 relative to the stationary frame 104 and the linkage assembly 106 and the ground surface throughout the pendulum squat motion. The work arms 140 define a first side of the four-bar linkage represented by a first arm axis 190 extending between the first frame pivot joint 144 and the first carriage pivot joint 146. Because the work arms 140 are non-linear, the first arm axis 190 does not extend along the path of the work arm 140. The follower arm 142 defines a second side of the four-bar linkage, which is represented by a second arm axis 192 that extends along the follower arm 142 between the second frame pivot joint 150 and the second carriage pivot joint 152. A third side of the four-bar linkage is defined by the spine 138 of the carriage 102, which is represented by a carriage axis 194 extending between the first carriage pivot joint 146 and the second carriage pivot joint 152. A fourth side of the four-bar linkage is defined by the stationary frame 104 and is represented by a frame axis 196 extending between the first frame pivot joint 144 and the second frame pivot joint 150. Due to the rigid construction of the work arms 140, a first linear distance between the first frame pivot joint 144 and the first carriage pivot joint 146 (i.e., the length of the first arm axis 190) does not change as the user performs the pendulum squat motion. A second linear distance (e.g., shorter than the first linear distance) between the second frame pivot joint 150 and the second carriage pivot joint 152 (i.e., the length of the second arm axis 192) is maintained due to the rigid construction of the follower arm 142 throughout the pendulum squat motion. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, a third linear distance between the first carriage pivot joint 146 and the second carriage pivot joint 152 (i.e., the length of the carriage axis 194) and a fourth linear distance between the first frame pivot joint 144 and the second frame pivot joint 150 (i.e., the length of the frame axis 196) do not change throughout the pendulum squat motion due to the rigid construction of the carriage 102 and the stationary frame 104.

The linkage assembly 106 of the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 is configured so that the second linear distance is shorter than the first linear distance. In other words, the second arm axis 192 is shorter than the first arm axis 190. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the linkage assembly 106 is configured so that the third linear distance is shorter than the fourth linear distance and the carriage axis 194 is shorter than the frame axis 196. As a user 30 performs the pendulum squat motion, the carriage 102, including the spine 138 that extends along the carriage axis 194, is continuously pivoted relative to the ground surface, the first frame pivot joint 144, the first carriage pivot joint 146, the second frame pivot joint 150, and the second carriage pivot joint 152 during the pendulum exercise motion. In other words, the spine 138 is continuously pivoted relative to the ground surface, the first frame pivot joint 144, the first carriage pivot joint 146, the second frame pivot joint 150, and the second carriage pivot joint 152 during the pendulum exercise motion. In other words, the carriage axis 194 is continuously pivoted relative to the ground surface, the first frame pivot joint 144, the first carriage pivot joint 146, the second frame pivot joint 150, and the second carriage pivot joint 152 during the pendulum exercise motion With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, each side of the four-bar linkage (i.e., the first arm axis 190, the second arm axis 192, the carriage axis 194, and the frame axis 196) formed by the carriage 102, the stationary frame 104, the work arms 140, and the follower arm 142 has a different length, all of which remain constant throughout the pendulum squat motion. Because the second linear distance between the second frame pivot joint 150 and the second carriage pivot joint 152 is shorter than the first linear distance between the first frame pivot joint 144 and the first carriage pivot joint 146, the first arm axis 190 remains non-parallel to the second arm axis 192 throughout said pendulum squat motion. Additionally, because the third linear distance between the first and second carriage pivot joints 146, 152 is shorter than the fourth linear distance between the first and second frame pivot joints 144, 150, the first arm axis 190 remains non-parallel to the second arm axis 192 throughout said pendulum squat motion. However, in an alternate embodiment, the linkage assembly 106 is configured so that the length of the first arm axis 190 is equal to the second arm axis 192 while the length of carriage axis 194 is shorter than the length of the frame axis 196, so the first and second arm axes 190, 192 remain non-parallel throughout said pendulum squat motion. Further example configurations of a linkage assembly of a pendulum squat exercise machine according to the present disclosure are considered and provided below in connection with FIG. 13.

In the illustrated embodiments, the linkage assembly 106 causes the carriage 102 to continuously rotate relative to the frame axis 196, and/or the ground surface while simultaneously and continuously rotating relative to the first arm axis 190 and/or the stationary frame 104 throughout said pendulum squat motion. As a user 30 moves the carriage 102 between the standing hip extension position (FIG. 11) and the squatted hip flexion position (FIG. 12), the work arms 140 and the follower arm 142 cause the upper end of the carriage 102 (i.e., the illustrated first carriage pivot joint 146) and the lower end of the carriage 102 (i.e., the illustrated second carriage pivot joint 152) to travel along different arc-shaped paths. Thus, the orientation of the carriage 102 and associated spine 138 and carriage axis 194 relative to the ground surface, the stationary frame 104, the linkage assembly 106, the first arm axis 190, and/or the ground surface changes continuously during the exercise motion. That is, in the illustrated example, the carriage 102 rotates continuously relative to the stationary frame 104, the first arm axis 190, the frame axis 196, and the ground surface during the pendulum squat exercise.

In the illustrated embodiments, the first arm axis 190 is longer than the second arm axis 192, and the frame axis 196 is longer than the carriage axis 194. As the carriage 102 is lowered while the user 30 is moving from the standing hip extension position (FIG. 11) and towards the squatted hip flexion position (FIG. 12), carriage 102 travels along an arc relative to the stationary frame 104 and is separately continuously rotated relative to the linkage assembly 106 (e.g., the first arm axis 190 and the frame axis 196) and the ground surface, for example in a counterclockwise direction indicated by arrow 74 in FIG. 12. Rotation of the carriage 102 in the counterclockwise direction increases an angle of the carriage pads 136 and/or the spine 138 (and the user 30 in the carriage 102) relative to the ground and/or decreases an angle of the carriage pads 136 and/or the spine 138 relative to the frame axis 196, thereby allowing the user 30 to achieve a fully squatted hip flexion position with a hip angle 32 less than or equal to 80 degrees and a knee angle 34 less than or equal to 65 degrees. For example, the hip angle 32 may be between 60 degrees and 80 degrees and the knee angle 34 may be between 45 degrees and 60 degrees when the user 30 is in the fully squatted hip flexion position.

In some embodiments, the hip angle 32 and/or the knee angle 34 in the fully squatted hip flexion position may be based at least on the size, proportions, and/or abilities of the user 30.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, as the carriage 102 rises while the user 30 is moving from the squatted hip flexion position towards the standing hip extension position, the linkage assembly 106 rotates the carriage 102 in a clockwise direction (i.e., opposite the direction of arrow 74 in FIG. 12), thereby allowing a user 30 to achieve a full range of motion at the top of the pendulum squat exercise movement. For example, rotation of the carriage 102 as it travels in an arc-shaped path relative to the stationary frame 104 and ground surface may allow the user 30 to achieve a fully standing hip extension position with a hip angle 32 and a knee angle 34 that is greater than or equal to 160 degrees. For example, the hip angle 32 may be between 160 degrees and 180 degrees and the knee angle 34 may be between 160 degrees and 180 degrees when the user 30 is in the fully standing hip extension position.

In some embodiments, the hip angle 32 and/or the knee angle 34 in the fully standing position may be based at least on the size, proportions, and/or abilities of the user 30.

Thus, unlike the prior art, the presently disclosed embodiments advantageously provide the user with the ability to move through a full range of desired hip angles and a full range of desired knee angles resulting in enhanced muscle activation in the hip extensors, glutes, and hamstrings, thereby improving the effectiveness of the squat exercise compared to the prior art. For example, the hip angle 32 of a user 30 may have a range of 120 degrees (i.e., from 60 degrees to 180 degrees) and the knee angle 34 of a user 30 may have a range of 135 degrees (i.e., from 45 degrees to 180 degrees) while said user 30 performs a squat exercise motion on the pendulum squat exercise machine 100. In some embodiments, however, the range of hip angles 32 of a user 30 and/or the range of knee angles 34 of a user 30 may be different. For example, the hip angles 32 range may be less than 120 degrees if the fully squatted hip angle 32 is greater than 60 degrees and/or the fully standing hip angle 32 is less than 180 degrees, or the hip angle 32 range may be greater than 120 degrees if the fully squatted hip angle 32 is less than 60 degrees. Additionally or alternatively, the knee angle 34 range may be less than 135 degrees if the fully squatted knee angle is greater than 45 degrees and/or the fully standing knee angle 34 is less than 180 degrees, or the knee angle 34 range may be greater than 135 degrees if the fully squatted knee angle 34 is less than 45 degrees.

Some embodiments of a pendulum squat exercise machine may include a differently configured linkage assembly that allows a user 30 to perform a squat exercise motion with a knee angle 34 that varies from 45 degrees to 180 and a hip angle 32 that varies from 60 degrees to 180 degrees. For example, FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine 300 including a linkage assembly 306 with at least one work arm 340 and at least one follower arm 342 that are differently dimensioned than those of FIGS. 3-12. Like the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 of FIGS. 3-12, the pendulum squat exercise machine 300 of FIG. 13 includes a stationary frame 304, a carriage 302 configured to support a user 30, an adjustable foot support 310, an adjustable stop bumper 312, and a resistance mechanism 314.

With continued reference to FIG. 13, the linkage assembly 306 is configured to pivotably support the carriage 302 on the stationary frame 304 such that, during the squat exercise motion, the carriage 302 continuously travels along an arc relative to the stationary frame 304 and ground surface while separately and simultaneously being continuously rotated relative to the linkage assembly 306 and ground surface. The work arm 340 of the linkage assembly 306 is pivotably coupled to the carriage 302 at a first carriage pivot joint 346 and the follower arm 342 is pivotably coupled to the carriage 302 at a second carriage pivot joint 352. The work arm 340 is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 304 at a first frame pivot joint 344 and the follower arm 342 is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 304 at a second frame pivot joint 350. However, by adjusting the dimensions of the work arm 340 and the follower arm 342, the first frame pivot joint 344 may be located at any position along the first joint line 380 in FIG. 13 and the second frame pivot joint 350 may be located at any position along the second joint line 382 in FIG. 13. That is, the second frame pivot joint 350 can be located elsewhere along the second joint line 382 to adjust how the carriage 302 rotates relative to the linkage assembly 306 throughout the exercise motion. Similarly, the first frame pivot joint 344 can be located elsewhere along the first joint line 380 to adjust the resistance provided by the pendulum squat exercise machine 300 throughout the exercise motion. In some embodiments, the stationary frame 304 may include at least one additional frame member (not shown) that extends to the desired location of the first frame pivot joint 344 and/or the second frame pivot joint 350 along the respective first and/or second joint line 380, 382.

Some embodiments of a pendulum squat exercise machine may be configured with at least one of an adjustable foot support, an adjustable stop bumper, a resistance mechanism, and a retaining device that is different than those of FIGS. 3-12. For example, FIGS. 14-20 illustrate an embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine 400 with a resistance mechanism 414 and a retaining device 408 that are different than those of the pendulum squat exercise machine of FIGS. 3-12. In the embodiments of FIGS. 14-20, the pendulum squat exercise machine 400 includes a carriage 402, a stationary frame 404, an adjustable foot support 410, and an adjustable stop bumper 412 that are generally the same as those of FIGS. 3-12. Unlike the pendulum squat exercise machine 100 of FIGS. 3-12, however, the pendulum squat exercise machine 400 of FIGS. 14-20 includes a retaining device 408 configured to selectively retain the carriage 102 in one of a plurality of racked positions (FIGS. 16-18), a differently configured resistance mechanism 414, and a differently configured linkage assembly 406.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the linkage assembly 406 includes a work arm assembly 439 with two opposing work arms 440 and a follower arm 442. Each work arm 440 is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 404 at a first frame pivot joint 444 that defines a first frame pivot joint axis (not shown) and to the carriage 402 at a first carriage pivot joint 446 that defines a first carriage pivot joint axis (not shown). Unlike the work arms 140 of FIGS. 3-12, the work arms 440 of FIGS. 14 and 15 each include two bent sections 441. Additionally, the resistance mechanism 414 is positioned on the work arm assembly 439 and includes two weight horns 415 that extend outwardly in opposite lateral directions from the sides of the work arm assembly 439. Similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 3-12, the follower arm 442 of the pendulum squat exercise machine 400 of FIGS. 14 and 15 is pivotably coupled to the stationary frame 404 at a second frame pivot joint 450 (FIG. 15) and to the carriage at a second carriage pivot joint 452. The illustrated follower arm 442 includes a bent section 443 so that the follower arm 442 extends non-linearly between the second frame pivot joint 450 and the second carriage pivot joint 452.

With continued reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, the pendulum squat exercise machine 400 is configured with a retaining device 408 that allows a user to secure the carriage 402 in a plurality of different racked positions (FIGS. 16-18). This may be useful, for example, to adjust the pendulum squat exercise machine 400 based on the height of a user.

The retaining device 408 includes opposing gusset plates 462 that are pivotably connected to carriage 402 at retainer pivot joints 463 (FIG. 15) on opposite lateral sides of the carriage 402. A lateral cross member 464 (FIG. 15) extends laterally across the back side of the carriage 402 and couples the opposing gusset plates 462 such that they pivot together about the retainer pivot joints 463. A retainer peg 460 extends laterally outward from each gusset plate 462. A retainer plate 470 secured to a frame member on both lateral sides of the stationary frame 404 is configured to be engaged by a corresponding one of the retainer pegs 460 to retain the carriage in a racked position.

In the illustrated embodiments, the retainer plates 470 each include a first slot 472, a second slot 474, and a third slot 476 for receiving the retainer peg 460 in a first, second, or third racked position of the carriage 402. FIG. 16 illustrates a pendulum squat exercise machine 400 with the retaining device 408 secured in the locked position with the carriage 402 in the first racked position. In the first racked position, the retainer pegs 460 are received in the first slots 472 of the retainer plates 470. FIG. 17 illustrates a pendulum squat exercise machine 400 with the retaining device 408 secured in the locked position with the carriage 402 in the second racked position. In the second racked position, the retainer pegs 460 are received in the second slots 474 of the retainer plates 470. FIG. 18 illustrates a pendulum squat exercise machine 400 with the retaining device 408 secured in the locked position with the carriage 402 in the third racked position. In the third racked position, the retainer pegs 460 are received in the third slots 476 of the retainer plates 470.

Referring to FIG. 19, to disengage the retainer pegs 460 from the retainer plates 470 so that a user can perform a squat exercise motion, a user may begin a standing motion, which lifts the retainer pegs 460 out of registry with a slot 472, 474, or 476 and then pull a handle 466 of the retaining device 408 in a forward direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow 88 in FIG. 19) to pivot the gusset plates 462 about the retainer pivot joints 463. As the handle 466 is pulled forward, the retainer pegs 460 are disengaged from the retainer plates 470, thereby moving the retaining device 408 into the unlocked position and allowing the carriage 402 to pivot relative to the stationary frame 404 and the linkage assembly 406. Once the retaining device 408 is in the unlocked position, the user may move with the carriage 402 into and between the fully standing position and the fully squatted position (FIG. 20).

FIGS. 21-26 illustrate another embodiment of a pendulum squat exercise machine 500 that includes a carriage 502 configured to support a user performing a pendulum squat motion, a stationary frame 504 configured to support movement of the carriage 502 during the pendulum squat motion, and a linkage assembly 506 that pivotably couples the carriage 502 to the stationary frame 504.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the pendulum squat exercise machine 500 extends from a front side 40 to back side 41 in a longitudinal direction LO, from a first lateral side 42 to an opposite second lateral side 43 in a lateral direction LA which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LO, and from a bottom side 44 to a top side 45 in a vertical direction VE which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LO perpendicular to the lateral direction LA. The stationary frame 504, the carriage 502, and the linkage assembly 506 of the exercise machine 500 are similar or generally the same as those of the pendulum squat exercise machine 400 of FIGS. 14-20. For example, the carriage 502 includes shoulder pads 503 that a user is configured to push against to support and move the carriage 502 during the exercise motion. The linkage assembly 506 includes opposing work arms 540 and a follower arm 542 that, together with the stationary frame 504 and the carriage 502, constitute a four-bar linkage that facilitates continuous pivoting motion of the carriage 502 relative to the stationary frame 504. Each work arm 540 is pivotably connected to the stationary frame 504 and the carriage 502 at a first frame pivot joint 544 and a first carriage pivot joint 546, respectively, and includes at least one bent section 541 between the first frame pivot joint 544 and the first carriage pivot joint 546. The follower arm 542 is pivotably connected to the stationary frame 504 and the carriage 502 at a second frame pivot joint 550 and a second carriage pivot joint 552, respectively, and includes at least one bent section 543 between the second frame pivot joint 550 and the second carriage pivot joint 552.

With continued reference to FIGS. 21-23, the pendulum squat exercise machine 500 also includes an adjustable foot support 510 and a resistance mechanism 514 that are generally the same as those of FIGS. 3-20. The resistance mechanism 514 is positioned on the linkage assembly 506 and includes opposing weight horns 515 configured to support weights (not shown) to adjust the resistance to the performance of the exercise motion. Some embodiments of an exercise machine 500 may include at least one storage weight horn 517 that is configured to support weights which are not currently being used on the weight horns 515 of the resistance mechanism 514. The illustrated exercise machine 500, for example, includes three storage weight horns 517 that project laterally outward form each lateral side 42, 43 of the stationary frame 504. On each lateral side 42, 43, one storage weight horn 517 projects laterally outward from a front frame members 505 of the stationary frame 504 and two storage weight horns 517 projects laterally outward from a rear frame members 509 of the stationary frame 504. Advantageously, the storage weight horns 517 provide a location on the exercise machine 500 where weights configured for use with the resistance mechanism 514 can be stored when not in use, thereby allowing a user to quickly add or remove weights from resistance mechanism 514. Some embodiments of a pendulum squat exercise machine 500 may include a different number of storage weight horns 517, and/or at least one storage weight horn 517 that is in a different location than those of the illustrated embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23 and 25, the pendulum squat exercise machine 500 includes two stationary stop bumpers 594 and an adjustable stop bumper 512 that are configured to support the carriage 502 in at least one low pivot position of the carriage 502. The stationary stop bumpers 594 are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the stationary frame 504 and each include a bumper member 595. The bumper members 595 are configured to be engaged by a corresponding stop post 596 that projects laterally outward from each work arm 540. When the bumper members 595 are engaged by the stop posts 596, the carriage 502 is supported relative to the stationary frame 504 via the stationary stop bumpers 594.

With continued reference to FIGS. 21-23 and 25, the adjustable stop bumper 512 includes at least one bumper member 513 that is pivotably connected to the stationary frame 504 via a stop pivot joint 511. The bumper member(s) 513 can be pivoted about the stop pivot joint 511 between a tall configuration (FIGS. 21-23) and a short configuration (not shown) in a similar fashion to the adjustable stop bumper 112 of FIGS. 3-12. In the tall configuration, the adjustable stop bumper 512 is configured to be engaged by a stop plate 592 positioned on the carriage 502 to support the carriage 502 on the stationary frame 504. While in the tall configuration, the stop plate 592 is configured to abut the bumper member(s) 513 before the stop posts 596 reach the stationary stop bumpers 594, thereby defining an elevated first lowest possible pivot position of the carriage 502. By pivoting the bumper member(s) 513 forward about the stop pivot joint 511, the adjustable stop bumper 512 is moved into the short configuration in which the stop plate 592 is not aligned with the bumper member(s) 513. In the short configuration, the carriage 502 is allowed to lower until the stop posts 596 abut the stationary stop bumpers 594, thereby defining a second lowest possible pivot position of the carriage 502 that is lower than the first lowest possible pivot position. In some embodiments, the adjustable stop bumper 512 may include an additional bumper member that is configured to be engaged by the stop plate 592 while the adjustable stop bumper 512 is in the short configuration. In such an embodiment, the adjustable stop bumper 512 and the stationary stop bumpers 594 are simultaneously engaged by the stop plate 592 and the stop posts 596, respectively.

The bumper members 513, 595 of the stationary stop bumpers 594 and the adjustable stop bumper 512 are oriented relative to the stationary frame 504 such that abutment surfaces of the bumper members 513, 595 are engaged at right angle. This may be useful, for example, so that the force from the weight of the carriage 502 and resistance mechanism 514 is transferred into the stationary frame 504 along a single axis, thereby reducing shear forces exerted on the stationary stop bumpers 594 and the adjustable stop bumper 512. For example, the bumper members 595 of the stationary stop bumpers 594 are oriented such that the stop posts 596 are traveling at a right angle relative to the abutment surface of the bumper members 595 as the stop posts engage the bumper members 595. As a result, the force from the weight of the carriage 502 and resistance mechanism 514 is transferred into the stationary stop bumpers 594 (and the stationary frame 504) at a right angle. The bumper member(s) 513 of the adjustable stop bumper 512 are oriented so that, in the tall configuration, the stop plate 592 is traveling at a right angle relative to the abutment surface of the bumper member(s) 513 as the stop plate 592 engages the bumper member(s) 513. Thus, the force from the weight of the carriage 502 and resistance mechanism 514 is transferred into the adjustable stop bumper 512 (and the stationary frame 504) with minimal shear forces.

Some embodiments of a pendulum squat exercise machine 500 are configured with features that alter the resistance provided by the resistance mechanism 514. For example, referring to FIG. 21, the pendulum squat exercise machine 500 may be configured with at least one set of band posts 602, 604 that enable the use of a conventional resistance band 606 (shown in dashed lines) to provide an assisting force that assists a user in raising the carriage 502 from the lowered position towards the raised position. Each set of band posts 602, 604 includes a frame band post 602 positioned on the stationary frame 504 and a work arm band post 604 positioned on the linkage assembly 506. In the illustrated embodiments each front frame member 505 includes a frame band post 602 that projects laterally inward from the side of the front frame members 505. Opposing work arm band post 604 project laterally outward from the lateral sides of the opposing work arms 540, and each work arm band post 604 is generally aligned with a corresponding one of the frame band post 602. Conventional resistance bands 606 are elastically deformable strips and/or loops of material that can be stretched (extended) through the application of an external force, and which naturally return (retract) to a relaxed state from a stretched state when the external force is released. The dimensions of a resistance band 606 (e.g., length, width, diameter) and the material properties of the resistance band 606 (e.g., material composition, elasticity, etc.) each affect the amount of force required to stretch the resistance band 606.

With continued reference to FIG. 21, to use resistance bands 606 with the exercise machine 500, a first end of the resistance band 606 is connected to one of the frame band post 602 and an opposite second end of the resistance band 606 is connected to the corresponding one of the work arm band post 604. The resistance band 606 is configured to provide a biasing force that resists movement of the work arm band post 604 away from the frame band post 602, thereby biasing the carriage 502 away from the lowered pivot position. When the carriage 502 is lowered as the user moves into said squatted hip flexion position, the work arm band post 604 moves away from the frame band post 602, thereby stretching the resistance band 606. As the resistance band 606 is stretched, the resistance band 606 provides a biasing force that resists the movement into the squatted hip flexion position, thereby reducing the felt weight of the carriage 502 and the resistance mechanism 514 experienced by the user. Furthermore, the resistance bands 606 prevent the carriage 502 from freefalling if not adequately supported by a user. When the carriage 502 is raised away from the ground as the user moves into the standing hip extension position, the resistance band 606 returns towards the relaxed state while also providing an assisting force that assists a user in lifting the carriage 502. The strength of the assisting force provided by the resistance band 606 may vary based on how much the resistance band 606 has been stretched (and the material properties thereof). Thus, a resistance band 606 will provide an assisting force that is largest when the carriage 502 is in the lowered pivot position (when the user is in the fully squatted hip flexion position), and which reduces in magnitude as the carriage 502 is raised by the user. This may be useful, for example, to provide a maximum assisting force when the user is fully squatted and may require assistance in beginning the upward movement of the carriage 502.

Advantageously, a user may select a particular resistance band 606 for use on with the band posts 602, 604 to achieve a desired change to the strength curve for the exercise motion. For example, a user may select a resistance band 606 based on its dimensions and material properties so that a desired assisting force will be provided during performance of the exercise motion. This may be useful, for example, to use the pendulum squat exercise machine 500 for rehabilitative exercises, and or for users who require assistance in performing the exercise motion with an empty resistance mechanism 514.

Referring to FIGS. 21, 22, and 24, the pendulum squat exercise machine 500 includes a retaining device 508 that allows a user to secure the carriage 502 in a plurality of different racked positions. This may be useful, for example, to adjust the pendulum squat exercise machine 500 based on the height of a user. The illustrated retaining device 508 includes a locking mechanism 559 (FIG. 24) pivotably coupled to the carriage 502 and a retainer plate 570 secured to a frame member 507 on opposite lateral sides of the frame 504. The locking mechanism 559 includes opposing retainer arms 580 that are pivotably connected to the carriage 502 at retainer pivot joints 589 (FIGS. 21 and 22) on opposite lateral sides of the carriage 502. Each retainer arm 580 has a first linear segment 588, a second linear segment 590, and a bent portion 591 between the first linear segment 588 and the second linear segment 590. Each retainer pivot joint 589 is formed by a shaft 586 and a corresponding bearing 587 that are positioned on the locking mechanism 559 and carriage 502 respectively.

With continued reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 24, a lateral cross member 582 extends laterally across the back side of the carriage 502 and couples the opposing retainer arms 580 such that they pivot together about the retainer pivot joints 463. A bumper member 583 is secured to a frame 538 of the carriage 502 and is configured to be abutted by the lateral cross member 582 when the retaining device 508 is in a locked position (FIGS. 21-23 and 25) or an unlocked position (FIG. 26). A retainer peg 560 extends laterally outward from the second linear segment 590 of each retainer arm 580. A handle 584 is connected to at least one of the retainer arms 580 and is operable by a user to disengage the retainer pegs 560 from the retainer plates 570. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer plates 570 each include a first slot 572, a second slot 574, and a third slot 576 for receiving the retainer peg 560 in a first, second, or third racked position of the carriage 502. The pendulum squat exercise machine 500 is depicted in the third racked position in FIGS. 21-23 and 25.

Referring to FIG. 26, to disengage the retainer pegs 560 from the retainer plates 570 so that a user can perform a squat exercise motion, a user begins the exercise motion by lifting the carriage 502 upward away from the ground. As the user moves towards the standing hip extension position and the carriage 502 pivots upwardly and the retainer pegs 560 move out from the slot 572, 574, 576 in which the retainer pegs 560 was received, thereby disengaging the retainer pegs 560 from the retainer plates 570. After the retainer pegs 560 are disengaged from the retainer plates 570, the user may pull the handle 584 of the retaining device 408 in a forward direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow 76) to pivot the retainer arms 580 of the locking mechanism 559 about the retainer pivot joints 589 (e.g., in the direction of arrow 78). As the handle 584 is pulled forward, the retainer pegs 560 move out of alignment with the retainer plates 570, thereby moving the retaining device 508 into the unlocked position. The lateral cross member 582 is configured to abut the bumper member 583 on the carriage 502 in the unlocked position, thereby preventing over rotation of the retainer arms 580.

When the retaining device 508 is in the unlocked position, the user may freely move with the carriage 502 into and between the fully standing position and the fully squatted position to perform the exercise motion. To place the carriage 502 back in the racked position, the user pivots the carriage 502 relative to the stationary frame 504 until the retainer pegs 560 are positioned above the slots 572, 574, 576 in the retainer plate 570 that correspond to the desired racked position of the carriage. The user then moves the handle 584 in a rearward direction (e.g., opposite the direction of arrow 76) to place the retaining device 508 into the locked position. The carriage 502 may then be lowered, thereby moving the retainer pegs 560 into engagement with the corresponding slots 572, 574, 576, thereby placing the carriage 502 in a racked position in which the carriage 502 is supported on the stationary frame 504 via the retaining device 508.

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.