阅读说明：本技术 健身器械 (Body-building apparatus ) 是由 斯科特·R·沃特森 于 2020-02-11 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种健身器械。健身器械可以包括框架、由框架支承的阻力机构以及控制台,该控制台配置成控制阻力机构并且通过使用投射视觉指示器辅助使用者正确地执行锻炼来指导使用者使用健身器械进行锻炼。(An exercise machine. The exercise machine may include a frame, a resistance mechanism supported by the frame, and a console configured to control the resistance mechanism and guide a user through the use of projected visual indicators to perform exercises using the exercise machine by assisting the user in performing exercises properly.)

1. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a resistance mechanism supported by the frame; and

a console configured to:

controlling the resistance mechanism; and is

The user is instructed to exercise using the exercise machine by using the projected visual indicators to assist the user in performing the exercise correctly.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the projected visual indicator comprises a projected laser.

3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein the projected laser is projected by a device connected to the console.

4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user a location where their feet are placed using the projected visual indicator.

5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user how far a pull cable supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism is pulled using the projected visual indicator.

6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user how to properly position their hips to properly perform the exercise using the projected visual indicator.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user how to properly position their knees to properly perform the exercise using the projected visual indicator.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user how to properly position their joints to properly perform the exercise using the projected visual indicator.

9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user how to properly position their head to properly perform the exercise using the projected visual indicator.

10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user how to properly position their shoulders to properly perform the exercise using the projected visual indicators.

11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user how to properly position a body part to properly perform the exercise using the projected visual indicator.

12. The exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the console is further configured to guide the user through the use of audio guidance to perform exercises.

13. The exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the console is further configured to guide the user through exercise by using video that accurately describes what the user should do to follow the exercise.

14. The exercise machine of claim 11, wherein the console is further configured to enable a remote trainer, a live video feed, or a pre-recorded video feed or exercise to control the resistance parameter of the resistance mechanism of the exercise machine.

15. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the console is further configured with a plurality of user profiles to store a plurality of user settings for the exercise machine.

16. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a resistance mechanism supported by the frame; and

a console configured to:

controlling the resistance mechanism; and is

The user is guided to perform an exercise using the exercise machine by using the projected laser to assist the user in performing the exercise correctly.

17. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein the projected laser is projected by a device connected to the console.

18. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by displaying to the user the location of his feet to place using the projected laser.

19. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein the console is further configured to guide a user through exercise using the exercise machine by using the projected laser to display to the user how far a pull cable supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism is pulled.

20. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein the console is further configured to guide the user through exercise using the exercise machine by using the projected laser to show the user how to properly position their hips, knees, joints, head, shoulders to properly perform the exercise.

Background

Cable exercise machines are a popular type of exercise device for improving muscle tone and strength. Some benefits of the cable exercise machine are that it may enable a user to easily isolate muscles. However, the use of cable exercise machines may result in individual muscles becoming stronger while other muscles become weaker. This may be due to the cable exercise machine adjusting, balancing and supporting the user's body, resulting in weaker muscles that would normally accomplish these tasks in real life.

Free weight exercise machines are also popular for improving muscle tone and strength. The use of free weight machines often requires the user to use more than one muscle group per workout than the use of cable exercise machines and may generally result in less muscle isolation.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is provided merely to illustrate one exemplary technical field in which some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise machine may include a frame, a resistance mechanism supported by the frame, first and second traction cables supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism, and a power frame attached to the frame. The power frame may include a first straight upright configured with a first barbell holder adjustably attached to the first straight upright and a second upright configured with a second barbell holder adjustably attached to the second upright. The first barbell holder is adjustable at various positions between a first uppermost position and a first lowermost position on the first straight upright. The second barbell holder is also adjustable at various positions between a second uppermost position and a second lowermost position on the second upright.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include a first tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the first tractive cable and a second tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the second tractive cable.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include: a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable a first tensioner spring to assist a user in lifting the barbell; and a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the second tensioner spring to assist the user in lifting the barbell.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include: a first tensioner spring configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to assist a user in lifting a barbell; and a second tensioner spring configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to assist a user in lifting the barbell.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include: a first tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the first pull cable; a second tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the second pull cable; a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the first tensioner spring to resist the user lifting the barbell; and a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the second tensioner spring to resist the user lifting the barbell.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include: a first tensioner spring configured to provide a force resisting lifting of the barbell by the user of between 3 and 5 pounds, between 2 and 8 pounds, between 1 and 11 pounds, or between 2 and 20 pounds; and a second tensioner spring configured to provide a force resisting a user lifting the barbell of between 3 and 5 pounds, between 2 and 8 pounds, between 1 and 11 pounds, or between 2 and 20 pounds.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include: a resistance mechanism configured to be selectively set at one of a plurality of resistance levels; and first and second pulleys that enable the resistance mechanism to resist the user from lifting the barbell in proportion to a set resistance level of the resistance mechanism.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may also include a resistance mechanism including a flywheel and one or more magnets arranged to selectively resist rotation of the flywheel.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may also include a resistance mechanism including a motor.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include: a motor supported by the frame and connected to the first and second pull cables; a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the motor to assist a user in lifting the barbell; and a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the motor to assist the user in lifting the barbell.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a power rack further including an upper tie bar supported by the first and second upright posts.

Another aspect of the present disclosure can include any combination of the above features, and can further include a power frame further including a first weight plate holder supported by the first upright column and a second weight plate holder supported by the second upright column.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include first and second barbell holders configured as protector arms to prevent a barbell from falling on a user in the event that the user is unable to continue lifting the barbell.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include one or more dumbbells supported by the frame and each configured to hold a dumbbell.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise machine may include a frame, a resistance mechanism supported by the frame, first and second pull cables supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism, and a bottoming mechanism configured to prevent the first and second pull cables from fully extending.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may also include a bottoming mechanism including a first visual indicator on the first tow cable and a second visual indicator on the second tow cable.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include a bottoming mechanism including a sensor configured to trigger when one or more of the following occurs: the first tractive cable and/or the second tractive cable has extended to within a threshold of full extension; the user has moved more than a threshold distance from the exercise machine; or the barbell has moved beyond a threshold distance from the exercise machine.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features and may further include a bottoming mechanism further including an alarm configured to alert a user to a danger of the first tow cable and/or the second tow cable being fully extended in response to sensor triggering.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may further include a bottoming mechanism further including one or more brakes configured to engage the first and/or second tow cables in response to sensor activation to prevent the first and/or second tow cables from being fully extended.

Another aspect of the disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may also include a sensor including one or more of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a camera sensor, or an infrared sensor.

Another aspect of the present disclosure may include any combination of the above features, and may also include the following exercise machines: the exercise machine further includes a power frame attached to the frame and configured to have a first barbell holder and a second barbell holder adjustably attached to the power frame, the exercise machine further including a first tensioner spring configured to reduce slack of a first pull cable, the exercise machine further including a second tensioner spring configured to reduce slack of a second pull cable, the exercise machine further including a first pulley configured to selectively receive the first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell such that the first tensioner spring can assist the user in lifting the barbell, the exercise machine further including a second pulley configured to selectively receive the second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell such that the second tensioner spring can assist the user in lifting the barbell, and the bottoming mechanism is further configured to prevent the first pull cable and the second pull cable from being fully extended to avoid preventing a user of the barbell from moving a muscle group throughout a range of motion while lifting the barbell if the first pull cable and the second pull cable are selectively attached to the barbell.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

Drawings

Embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A-1E are front right, front, right, rear, and top views, respectively, of an example cable and powered frame exercise machine;

2A-2C illustrate a user preparing to lift a barbell, lifting a barbell, and squatting a barbell using the example cables and power frame exercise machine of FIGS. 1A-1E; and

fig. 3A-3C illustrate a user preparing to raise, raising, and lowering a barbell using the example cables and power frame exercise machine of fig. 1A-1E.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

Detailed Description

Some embodiments disclosed herein include a cable and powered frame exercise machine. For example, the example exercise machines disclosed herein may combine the features of a cable machine and the features of a powered stand to produce a superior exercise machine, wherein the cables of the exercise machine may be attached to a barbell to assist a user in performing an exercise with the barbell. This assistance may be in the form of making the barbell easier or harder to lift, depending on the desired effect. The exercise machine may also include certain bottoming features that prevent the cable from fully extending in order to maintain effective assistance of the cable when pulled alone or when attached to the barbell. In this manner, the example exercise machines disclosed herein may enable a user to perform both cable training and free weight training.

Turning now to the drawings, 1A through 1E are respectively a right front view, a right side view, a rear view, and a top view of an example cable and powered frame exercise machine. The exercise machine 100 may include a frame 102, a resistance mechanism 104 supported by the frame 102, and pull cables 106 a-106 f supported by the frame 102 and connected to the resistance mechanism 104, and a power frame 108 attached to the frame 102.

The frame 102 may be supported by a base, which may include left and right leg portions 110a, 110b and left and right lower bearings 112a, 112 b. The frame may also include a left upper support 114a and a right upper support 114 b.

The resistance mechanism 104 may include a flywheel 116 and one or more magnets 118 (which may be permanent magnets configured to be repositioned or electromagnets configured to have an adjusted magnetic field strength) arranged to selectively prevent rotation of the flywheel 116. The pull cables 106 a-106 f may have handles 120 a-120 f attached to the pull cables 106 a-106 f, respectively, such that a user may pull any of the pull cables 106 a-106 f by pulling the corresponding handle 120 a-120 f. The pull cables 106 a-106 f may be coupled to the resistance mechanism 104 via a plurality of pulleys, spools, other cables, or the like, such that the resistance mechanism 104 may apply a set level of resistance to a user pulling any of the pull cables 106 a-106 f. The level of resistance applied by resistance mechanism 104 may be controlled, at least in part, by console 122, and/or may be controlled, at least in part, by tablet 124a or 124b in wired or wireless communication (e.g., bluetooth communication) with console 122.

The pull cables 106 a-106 f may also be connected to left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b configured to reduce slack in the pull cables 106 a-106 f. More specifically, the left tensioner spring 125a may be configured to reduce slack in the left pull cables 106a, 106c and 106e, while the right tensioner spring 125b may be configured to reduce slack in the right pull cables 106b, 106d and 106 f. For example, after a user pulls one of the pull cables 106 a-106 f, the left or right tensioner spring 125a or 125b may be configured to retract the pull cable to its fully retracted position.

The power frame 108 may include left and right upright posts 126a, 126b that are attached to the frame 102 via left and right lower support members 112a, 112b and left and right upper support members 114a, 114b, respectively. Left and right upright posts 126a and 126b can be configured with left and right barbell holders 128a and 128b adjustably attached to left and right upright posts 126a and 126b, respectively. Left and right barbell holders 128a, 128b are adjustable at various positions between left and right uppermost positions 130a, 132a and 130b and 132b on left and right upright posts 126a, 126b, respectively. The left and right upright posts 126a, 126b can be configured with left and right protector arms 134a, 134b adjustably attached to the left and right upright posts 126a, 126b, respectively. The left and right protector arms 134a, 134b are also adjustable at various positions between left highest 130a and left lowest 132a and right highest 130b and right lowest 132b positions on the uprights 126a, 126b, respectively. Left and right barbell holders 128a and 128b and/or left and right protector arms 134a and 134b may be configured to prevent barbell 135 from falling onto the user in the event that the user is unable to continue to lift barbell 135.

The power frame 108 may also include an upper tie bar 136 supported by the left and right upright posts 126a, 126 b. The upper pull rod 136 may be configured to allow a user to perform an upper pull on the power frame 108. Power frame 108 may also include left and right upper pulleys 138a, 138b supported by upper tie bar 136 and left and right lower pulleys 140a, 140b supported by left and right leg portions 110a, 110b, respectively. The power frame 108 may also include left and right weight plate holders 142a, 142b supported by the left and right upright posts 126a, 126b, which are configured to store weight plates, such as weight plate 143. The power rack 108 may also include dumbbell racks 144 a-144 d supported by the frame 102 and each configured to hold a dumbbell (not shown).

The exercise machine 100 can also include a tablet holder 146 configured to hold the tablet 124a or hold the second tablet 124b such that when the user is facing away from the console 122 and/or away from the tablet 124a mounted above the console 122, the user can continue to view the tablet connected to the console 122 of the exercise machine 100 and use the tablet to control the exercise machine 100 without having to turn around.

Exercise apparatus 100 may also include a barbell holder (see figure 1C). Barbell retaining apparatus can include a tube 135a attached to frame 102 and configured to be large enough in diameter to receive one end of barbell 135 (or another barbell) when a user desires to store the barbell because barbell 135a is not currently in use. Barbell retaining apparatus may additionally or alternatively include a strap 135b attached to frame 102 and configured to wrap around the other end of barbell 135 (or another barbell) to maintain barbell 135 securely positioned against frame 102. The strap 135b may be a snap strap, a hook and loop strap, or other type of strap.

The exercise machine 100 may also include a bottoming mechanism configured to prevent the pull cables 106 a-106 f from fully extending, also referred to as bottoming or reaching the bottom. For example, the bottoming mechanism may include left and right sensors 148a, 148b positioned on left and right leg portions 110a, 110b, respectively. Left and right sensors 148a, 148b may include one or more of an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a camera sensor, or an infrared sensor, or some other sensor. Left and right sensors 148a, 148b may be configured to trigger when any of pull cables 106 a-106 f have extended to within a fully extended threshold (e.g., to within 2 feet of full extension), when a user has moved beyond a threshold distance from exercise machine 100 (such as beyond line 150), or when a barbell (such as barbell 135, which may be a standard olympic 44 pound or 45 pound barbell) has moved beyond a threshold distance from exercise machine 100 (such as beyond line 150), among other triggering events. In response to the triggering of the left and right sensors 148a, 148b, an alarm may alert the user to the danger of any of the tow cables 106 a-106 b being fully extended or the danger of some other event.

Fig. 2A-2C illustrate a user 180 preparing to lift barbell 135, lifting barbell 135, and squat barbell 135 using the example cable and power frame exercise machine 100 of fig. 1A-1E. As illustrated in fig. 2A-2C, left and right lower pulleys 140a and 140b may be configured to selectively receive pull cables 106e and 106f, respectively, after handles 120e and 120f have been separated from pull cables 106e and 106f, to enable selective attachment of pull cables 106e and 106f to barbell 135. Selectively attaching pull cables 106e and 106f to barbell 135 in this manner may enable left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b (see fig. 1D) to resist user 180 from lifting barbell 135. For example, the left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b can each include a spring constant of a particular value of pound force per inch (lbf/in). The spring constant may be configured to provide a certain amount of force that resists the user 180 when the user 180 lifts the barbell 135 as disclosed in fig. 2A-2C. For example, left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b may be configured to provide an obstruction force against user 180 of between 3 and 5 pounds, between 2 and 8 pounds, between 1 and 11 pounds, or between 2 and 20 pounds when user 180 lifts barbell 135 as disclosed in fig. 2A-2C. This force resisting the user 180 may change as the left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b are stretched, following the load versus deflection curve. As disclosed in fig. 2A-2C, the force resisting user 180 may increase as user 180 raises barbell 135 (because left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b are increasingly tensioned), and may decrease as user 180 lowers barbell 135 (because left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b are increasingly less tensioned). In this manner, left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b may maximally obstruct user 180 when barbell 135 is at its highest point and when user 180 is maximally expected to be obstructed, possibly because user 180 has the greatest amount of leverage. Moreover, resistance mechanism 104 may be configured to be selectively set at one of a plurality of resistance levels, for example using console 122 and/or tablet 124a or 124b, and selectively attaching traction cables 106e and 106f to barbell 135 via left and right lower pulleys 140a and 140b may further enable resistance mechanism 104 to resist user 180 from lifting barbell 135 in a manner proportional to the set resistance level of resistance mechanism 104.

Fig. 3A-3C illustrate a user preparing to raise, raising, and lowering a barbell using the example cable and power frame exercise machine 100 of fig. 1A-1E. As illustrated in fig. 3A-3C, the left and right upper pulleys 138a and 138b may be configured to selectively receive the pull cables 106a and 106b, respectively, after the handles 120a and 120b are separated from the pull cables 106a and 106b, to enable selective attachment of the pull cables 106a and 106b to the barbell 135. Selectively attaching pull cables 106a and 106b to barbell 135 in this manner may enable left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b (see fig. 1D) to assist user 180 in lifting barbell 135. For example, the left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b can each include a spring constant of a particular value of pound force per inch (lbf/in). The spring constant may be configured to provide a certain amount of force that assists user 180 when user 180 lifts barbell 135 as disclosed in fig. 3A-3C. For example, left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b may be configured to provide an assist force to assist user 180 of between 3 and 5 pounds, between 2 and 8 pounds, between 1 and 11 pounds, or between 2 and 20 pounds when user 180 lifts barbell 135 as disclosed in fig. 3A-3C. This force assisting the user 180 may follow a load versus deflection curve that varies as the left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b are stretched. As disclosed in fig. 3A-3C, the force assisting user 180 may increase as user 180 lowers barbell 135 (because left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b are stretched more and more) and may decrease as user 180 raises barbell 135 (because left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b are stretched less and less). In this manner, left and right tensioner springs 125a and 125b may maximally assist user 180 when barbell 135 is at its lowest point and when user 180 is maximally expected to be assisted, perhaps because user 180 has a minimal amount of leverage.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, the example exercise machines disclosed herein may combine the features of a cable machine and the features of a powered stand to produce a superior exercise machine in which a user may perform cable exercises, free weight exercises, or combination exercises. In combination exercises, the cables of the exercise machine may be attached to the barbell to assist the user in exercising with the barbell by making the barbell easier to lift or harder to lift, depending on the desired effect. The exercise machine may also include certain bottoming features that prevent the cable from fully extending to maintain effective assistance of the cable when the cable is pulled alone or when used while attached to the barbell.

The exercise machines disclosed herein may be used to perform high intensity lifting exercises, aerobic exercise exercises, or High Intensity Intermittent Training (HIIT) exercises, or some combination thereof. The exercise apparatus may be used in a gym or home environment.

Various modifications to the example exercise machines disclosed above will now be disclosed.

Although the example exercise machines disclosed herein include six pull cables, in some embodiments, as few as two pull cables or more than six pull cables may be included. Furthermore, the tow cables may be positioned at different locations than those illustrated in the figures.

Further, although a tensioner spring is disclosed herein, in some embodiments, the tensioner spring may be replaced with any other mechanism configured to reduce slack in the pull cable, such as an elastic cord, a counterweight, or other type of spring. In these embodiments, other mechanisms configured to reduce slack in the pull cables may continue to function as described above in connection with the barbell to make the barbell easier or harder to lift, depending on the desired effect.

Additionally, although the resistance mechanisms disclosed herein include a flywheel and one or more magnets arranged to selectively resist rotation of the flywheel, in some embodiments, the resistance mechanisms may alternatively include another type of brake (with or without a flywheel), a motor, a weight, or other structure or structures capable of providing resistance to a traction cable coupled thereto. In the case of a motor, the resistance mechanism may double as both a resistance mechanism and a mechanism that actively pulls the pull cable with a set amount of force. In this case, the motor may be attached to the barbell and may be controlled by a console or other controller to pull one or more barbell pull cables according to a user's command (e.g., a verbal command) or according to a torque sensor, motion sensor, or other sensor that notices that the user cannot lift the barbell without some assistance, thus acting as a virtual observer to assist the user in lifting the barbell and thus replacing a human observer. Further, where a resistance mechanism is used to make lifting the barbell more difficult, the console may be configured to control the resistance mechanism such that the resistance on the barbell becomes progressively harder or progressively more variable to enhance the lifting of the barbell. For example, the resistance mechanism may be controlled to assist the user in lifting the barbell during the last few strokes of a set of strokes. Alternatively or additionally, the resistance mechanism may be controlled to provide progressive resistance by providing a digital chain that increases the resistance on the barbell each time it is lifted.

Further, although the bottoming mechanism disclosed herein includes sensors positioned on the left and right legs of the exercise machine, in some embodiments, the bottoming mechanism sensors may be positioned anywhere else on the exercise machine, or may be positioned on a separate device in communication with the console of the exercise machine. Further, although the bottoming mechanism disclosed herein includes a sensor, in some embodiments, the sensor may be replaced with a visual indicator on the tow cable itself when the tow cable is at a threshold of full extension (e.g., within 2 feet), such as the tow cable transitioning from one color to another, or having another visual indicia. Additionally, the bottoming mechanism disclosed herein may also include one or more brakes configured to engage the tow cable in response to sensor activation to prevent the tow cable from extending beyond some fully extended threshold. The brake prevents the user from pulling the traction cable too far from the exercise machine.

Additionally, although the console disclosed herein is discussed as having the capability to adjust the resistance on the resistance mechanism, in some embodiments, the console may also be configured with computer functionality to receive input from a user and provide output to the user, and/or to control the exercise machine. For example, the console may be used in conjunction with the resistance mechanisms discussed above to allow a user to manually or programmatically vary the amount of resistance that the resistance mechanisms exert on the exercise machine during an exercise session. The console may be configured to communicate with other similar exercise machines, servers, personal trainer computing devices, and sensors such as heart rate sensors and respiration sensors over a network (e.g., a bluetooth network, WiFi network, or the internet). In addition, the console can download and upload data to, for example, download and upload exercises, data collected at the exercise machine, data collected at other exercise machines, and the like. The console may enable a user of the exercise machine to compete with another user of a similar or different exercise machine, either local or remote to the user, where the competing users compete in real time or at different times. Further, the console may be configured to track the amount of resistance provided by the resistance mechanism and the number of flywheels or revolutions during exercise in order to calculate the amount of calories burned, the amount of energy consumed, the amount of work performed, or any other metric or statistic desired by the user. Further, the console may be configured to track the number of cable pulls, the number and weight lifted of barbells, the number and weight lifted of dumbbells, and any other exercises performed in connection with the exercise machine in order to track the amount of calories burned, the amount of energy consumed, the amount of work performed, or any other metric or statistical data desired by the user during exercise using the exercise machine. Furthermore, all data tracked or downloaded by the console may be presented to the user on the display of the console or the display of another device, such as a tablet or smartphone connected to the console via bluetooth. In addition, the console or another device connected to the console may be configured to instruct the user to use the exercise machine to perform an exercise. Such guidance may be audio guidance, visual guidance, or some combination of the two, including guidance that uses video to accurately describe what the user should do to follow the workout. In this way, the user can obtain the benefit of a human trainer without the presence of the trainer. Further, such guidance may include the use of lasers or other projected visual indicators to assist the user in properly performing the exercise. For example, a laser may be used to show the user where his feet are placed, how far the traction cable is pulled, how correctly positioned his hips, knees, joints, head, shoulders, or any other body part to correctly perform cable or free weight training. Further, the console may be configured to serve as a real-time live video interface for a human trainer that may instruct the user to perform exercises on the exercise machine without the human trainer being on the field. In addition, live or pre-recorded exercise sessions may be displayed on the console or another connected device, such as live studio sessions, strength-enhancing sessions, whole body shaping sessions, and world-wide exercise sessions. Further, the console may be configured such that a remote trainer, live video feed, or pre-recorded video feed or workout may control the resistance or other parameters of the exercise machine. In addition, the console may be configured with multiple user profiles to store preferences and other settings of more than one user.

In addition to the above disclosed attachments, in some embodiments, the exercise machine may also include other attachments such as dumbbells, kettlebells, barbell holders attached to the frame or power rack for storing the barbells, adjustable weight stools for weight training lying down, sitting, or somewhere in between lying down or sitting, and rowing attachments that may be connected to one of the traction cables to allow the user to use the exercise machine as a rowing machine.

Additionally or alternatively, any of the example components disclosed herein relating to exercise machines may be moved from a substantially mirrored left-right position to other positions, such as a non-mirrored position or a central position. For example, in some cases, a single center pulley may be used instead of the left and right pulleys. In another example, more than two pulleys may function similarly to the left and right pulleys disclosed in the figures. Thus, the terms "left" and "right" are disclosed herein for convenience only and are not intended to indicate generally mirror-image left-right positions of components.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in this disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely exemplary representations used to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Additionally, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all of the operations of a particular method.

The terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.).

Further, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an," the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, it should be understood that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B and C, etc." is used, in general, such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together, and so forth. For example, use of the term "and/or" is intended to be interpreted in this manner.

Furthermore, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the summary, the detailed description, the claims, or the drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, including any of the terms, or including both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "a" or "B" or "a and B".

In addition, the use of the terms first, second, third, etc. herein is not necessarily intended to imply a particular order or number of elements. Generally, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used as general identifiers to distinguish between different elements. Where the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. do not imply a particular order, these terms should not be construed as implying a particular order. Moreover, where the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. do not imply a particular number of elements, these terms should not be taken to imply a particular number of elements. For example, a first utensil may be described as having a first side and a second utensil may be described as having a second side. The use of the term "second side" with respect to the second appliance may be used to distinguish that side of the second appliance from the "first side" of the first appliance, and is not intended to imply that the second appliance has two sides.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to explain the practical application to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the claimed invention and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.

1. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a pull cable supported by the frame; and

a power rack attached to the frame, the power rack comprising:

a first straight upright configured to have a first barbell holder attached thereto; and

a second upright column configured with a second barbell holder attached thereto.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising:

a tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the pull cable;

a first pulley configured to selectively receive a pull cable to enable the pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the tensioner spring to assist the user in lifting the barbell, wherein the first tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to assist the user in lifting the barbell.

3. The exercise machine of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a second pulley configured to selectively receive a pull cable to enable the pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the tensioner spring to resist the user lifting the barbell, wherein the first tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to resist the user lifting the barbell.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein:

the exercise machine further includes a resistance mechanism supported by the frame and coupled to the pull cable;

the resistance mechanism is configured to selectively set one of a plurality of resistance levels; and is

The second pulley enables the resistance mechanism to resist the user from lifting the barbell in proportion to the set resistance level of the resistance mechanism.

5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises:

a flywheel; and

one or more magnets arranged to selectively prevent rotation of the flywheel.

6. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a motor.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising:

a motor supported by the frame and connected to the pull cable;

a pulley configured to selectively receive a pull cable to enable the pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the motor to assist a user in lifting the barbell.

8. The exercise machine of one of claims 1-7, wherein the power frame further comprises an upper pull rod supported by the first upright and the second upright.

9. The exercise machine of one of claims 1-8, wherein the power frame further comprises:

a first weight plate holder supported by a first straight upright; and

a second weight plate holder supported by the second upright column.

10. The exercise machine of one of claims 1-9, wherein the first and second barbell holders are configured as protector arms to prevent the barbell from falling on the user in the event that the user is unable to continue to lift the barbell.

11. The exercise machine of one of claims 1-10, further comprising one or more dumbbell racks supported by the frame and each configured to hold a dumbbell.

12. The exercise machine of one of claims 1-11, further comprising a barbell retaining mechanism comprising:

a tubular member attached to the frame and configured to receive one end of the barbell; and

a band attached to the frame and configured to be wound around the other end of the barbell to maintain the other end of the barbell positioned against the frame.

13. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a pull cable supported by the frame; and

a bottoming mechanism configured to prevent the tow cable from fully extending.

14. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the bottoming mechanism comprises:

a visual indicator on the tow cable.

15. The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the bottoming mechanism comprises a sensor configured to trigger when one or more of the following occurs:

the first tractive cable and/or the second tractive cable has extended to within a threshold of full extension;

the user has moved more than a threshold distance from the exercise machine; or

The barbell has moved beyond a threshold distance from the exercise machine.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bottoming mechanism further comprises:

an alarm configured to alert a user to the danger of the first tow cable and/or the second tow cable being fully extended in response to the sensor triggering.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 or 16, wherein the bottoming mechanism further comprises:

one or more brakes configured to engage the first tractive line and/or the second tractive line in response to a sensor trigger to prevent the first tractive line and/or the second tractive line from being fully extended.

18. The exercise machine of one of claims 15-17, wherein the sensor comprises one or more of:

an optical sensor;

a magnetic sensor;

a camera sensor; or

An infrared sensor.

19. The exercise machine of one of claims 13 to 18, wherein:

the exercise machine further comprises a power frame attached to the frame, the power frame configured to have a first barbell holder and a second barbell holder attached to the power frame;

the exercise machine further includes a tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the pull cable;

the exercise machine further comprises a pulley configured to selectively receive a pull cable to enable the pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the tensioner spring to assist the user in lifting the barbell;

the exercise machine further comprises a second pulley configured to selectively receive a pull cable to enable the pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the second tensioner spring to resist the user lifting the barbell; and is

The bottoming mechanism is also configured to prevent the pull cable from fully extending to avoid preventing a user of the barbell from moving the muscle groups throughout the range of motion while lifting the barbell if the pull cable is selectively attached to the barbell.

20. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a resistance mechanism supported by the frame;

first and second pull cables supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism; and

a power rack attached to the frame, the power rack comprising:

a first straight upright configured with a first barbell holder adjustably attached to the first straight upright such that the first barbell holder is adjustable at various positions between a first uppermost position and a first lowermost position on the first straight upright; and

a second upright column configured with a second barbell holder adjustably attached to the second upright column such that the second barbell holder is adjustable at various positions between a first uppermost position and a first lowermost position on the second upright column.

21. The exercise machine of claim 20, further comprising:

a first tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the first pull cable; and

a second tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the second pull cable.

22. The exercise machine of claim 21, further comprising:

a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable a first tensioner spring to assist a user in lifting the barbell, wherein the first tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to assist the user in lifting the barbell; and

a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attachable to the barbell such that the second tensioner spring can assist the user in lifting the barbell, wherein the second tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to assist the user in lifting the barbell.

23. The exercise machine of claim 21, further comprising:

a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable a first tensioner spring to resist the user lifting the barbell, wherein the first tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to resist the user lifting the barbell; and

a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attachable to the barbell such that the second tensioner spring can resist the user lifting the barbell, wherein the second tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds that resists the user lifting the barbell.

24. The exercise machine of claim 23, wherein:

the resistance mechanism is configured to selectively set one of a plurality of resistance levels; and is

The first and second pulleys enable the resistance mechanism to resist the user from lifting the barbell in proportion to a set resistance level of the resistance mechanism.

25. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-24, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises:

a flywheel; and

one or more magnets arranged to selectively prevent rotation of the flywheel.

26. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-24, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a motor.

27. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-26, further comprising:

a motor supported by the frame and connected to the first and second pull cables;

a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the motor to assist a user in lifting the barbell; and

a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the motor to assist the user in lifting the barbell.

28. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-27, wherein the power frame further comprises an upper pull rod supported by the first and second upright posts.

29. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-28, wherein the power frame further comprises:

a first weight plate holder supported by a first straight upright; and

a second weight plate holder supported by the second upright column.

30. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-29, wherein the first and second barbell holders are configured as protector arms to prevent the barbell from falling on the user in the event that the user is unable to continue to lift the barbell.

31. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-30, further comprising one or more dumbbell racks supported by the frame and each configured to hold a dumbbell.

32. The exercise machine of one of claims 20-31, further comprising a barbell retaining mechanism comprising:

a tubular member attached to the frame and configured to receive one end of the barbell; and

a band attached to the frame and configured to be wound around the other end of the barbell to maintain the other end of the barbell positioned against the frame.

33. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a resistance mechanism supported by the frame;

first and second pull cables supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism; and

a bottoming mechanism configured to prevent the first and second tow cables from fully extending.

34. The exercise machine of claim 33, wherein the bottoming mechanism comprises:

a first visual indicator on the first tow cable; and

a second visual indicator on the second tow cable.

35. The exercise machine of claim 33, wherein the bottoming mechanism comprises a sensor configured to trigger when one or more of the following occurs:

the first tractive cable and/or the second tractive cable has extended to within a threshold of full extension;

the user has moved more than a threshold distance from the exercise machine; or

The barbell has moved beyond the threshold distance of the exercise machine.

36. The exercise apparatus of claim 35, wherein the bottoming mechanism further comprises:

an alarm configured to alert a user to the danger of the first tow cable and/or the second tow cable being fully extended in response to the sensor triggering.

37. The exercise apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein the bottoming mechanism further comprises:

one or more brakes configured to engage the first tractive line and/or the second tractive line in response to a sensor trigger to prevent the first tractive line and/or the second tractive line from being fully extended.

38. The exercise machine of claims 35-37, wherein the sensor comprises one or more of:

an optical sensor;

a magnetic sensor;

a camera sensor; or

An infrared sensor.

39. The exercise machine of one of claims 33-38, wherein:

the exercise machine further comprises a power frame attached to the frame, the power frame configured to have a first barbell holder and a second barbell holder adjustably attached to the power frame;

the exercise machine further includes a first tensioner spring configured to reduce slack of the first pull cable;

the exercise machine further includes a second tensioner spring configured to reduce slack of the second pull cable;

the exercise machine further comprises a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the first tensioner spring to assist the user in lifting the barbell;

the exercise machine further comprises a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable a second tensioner spring to assist the user in lifting the barbell; and is

The bottoming mechanism is further configured to prevent the first pull cable and the second pull cable from being fully extended to avoid preventing a user of the barbell from moving a muscle group throughout a range of motion while lifting the barbell if the first pull cable and the second pull cable are selectively attached to the barbell.

40. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a resistance mechanism supported by the frame;

first and second pull cables supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism; and

a power rack attached to the frame, the power rack comprising:

a first straight upright configured with a first barbell holder adjustably attached to the first straight upright such that the first barbell holder is adjustable at various positions between a first uppermost position and a first lowermost position on the first straight upright; and

a second upright column configured with a second barbell holder adjustably attached to the second upright column such that the second barbell holder is adjustable at various positions between a first uppermost position and a first lowermost position on the second upright column.

41. The exercise machine of claim 40, further comprising:

a first tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the first pull cable; and

a second tensioner spring configured to reduce slack in the second pull cable.

42. The exercise machine of claim 41, further comprising:

a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable a first tensioner spring to assist a user in lifting the barbell, wherein the first tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to assist the user in lifting the barbell; and

a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attachable to the barbell such that the second tensioner spring can assist the user in lifting the barbell, wherein the second tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to assist the user in lifting the barbell.

43. The exercise machine of claim 41, further comprising:

a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable a first tensioner spring to resist the user lifting the barbell, wherein the first tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds to resist the user lifting the barbell; and

a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attachable to the barbell such that the second tensioner spring can resist the user lifting the barbell, wherein the second tensioner spring is configured to provide a force between 3 pounds and 5 pounds, between 2 pounds and 8 pounds, between 1 pound and 11 pounds, or between 2 pounds and 20 pounds that resists the user lifting the barbell.

44. The exercise machine of claim 43, wherein:

the resistance mechanism is configured to selectively set one of a plurality of resistance levels; and is

The first and second pulleys enable the resistance mechanism to resist the user from lifting the barbell in proportion to a set resistance level of the resistance mechanism.

45. The exercise machine of claim 40, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises:

a flywheel; and

one or more magnets arranged to selectively prevent rotation of the flywheel.

46. The exercise machine of claim 40, wherein the resistance mechanism comprises a motor.

47. The exercise machine of claim 40, further comprising:

a motor supported by the frame and connected to the first and second pull cables;

a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the motor to assist a user in lifting the barbell; and

a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the motor to assist the user in lifting the barbell.

48. The exercise machine of claim 40, wherein the power frame further comprises an upper pull rod supported by the first upright and the second upright.

49. The exercise machine of claim 40, wherein the power frame further comprises:

a first weight plate holder supported by a first straight upright; and

a second weight plate holder supported by the second upright column.

50. The exercise machine of claim 40, wherein the first and second barbell holders are configured as protector arms to prevent the barbell from falling on the user in the event that the user is unable to continue to lift the barbell.

51. The exercise machine of claim 40, further comprising one or more dumbbell racks supported by the frame and each configured to hold a dumbbell.

52. The exercise machine of claim 40, further comprising a barbell retaining mechanism comprising:

a tubular member attached to the frame and configured to receive one end of the barbell; and

a band attached to the frame and configured to be wound around the other end of the barbell to maintain the other end of the barbell positioned against the frame.

53. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a resistance mechanism supported by the frame;

first and second pull cables supported by the frame and connected to the resistance mechanism; and

a bottoming mechanism configured to prevent the first and second tow cables from fully extending.

54. The exercise apparatus of claim 53, wherein the bottoming mechanism comprises:

a first visual indicator on the first tow cable; and

a second visual indicator on the second tow cable.

55. The exercise machine of claim 53, wherein the bottoming mechanism comprises a sensor configured to trigger when one or more of the following occurs:

the first tractive cable and/or the second tractive cable has extended to within a threshold of full extension;

the user has moved more than a threshold distance from the exercise machine; or

The barbell has moved beyond a threshold distance from the exercise machine.

56. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein the bottoming mechanism further comprises:

an alarm configured to alert a user to the danger of the first tow cable and/or the second tow cable being fully extended in response to the sensor triggering.

57. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein the bottoming mechanism further comprises:

one or more brakes configured to engage the first tractive line and/or the second tractive line in response to a sensor trigger to prevent the first tractive line and/or the second tractive line from being fully extended.

58. The exercise machine of claim 55, wherein the sensors comprise one or more of:

an optical sensor;

a magnetic sensor;

a camera sensor; or

An infrared sensor.

59. The exercise machine of claim 53, wherein:

the exercise machine further comprises a power frame attached to the frame, the power frame configured to have a first barbell holder and a second barbell holder adjustably attached to the power frame;

the exercise machine further includes a first tensioner spring configured to reduce slack of the first pull cable;

the exercise machine further includes a second tensioner spring configured to reduce slack of the second pull cable;

the exercise machine further comprises a first pulley configured to selectively receive a first pull cable to enable the first pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable the first tensioner spring to assist the user in lifting the barbell;

the exercise machine further comprises a second pulley configured to selectively receive a second pull cable to enable the second pull cable to be selectively attached to the barbell to enable a second tensioner spring to assist the user in lifting the barbell; and is

The bottoming mechanism is further configured to prevent the first pull cable and the second pull cable from being fully extended to avoid preventing a user of the barbell from moving a muscle group throughout a range of motion while lifting the barbell if the first pull cable and the second pull cable are selectively attached to the barbell.