Exercise devices – User manipulated force resisting apparatus – component... – Utilizing weight resistance
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-16
2001-03-27
Mulcahy, John (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...
Utilizing weight resistance
C482S099000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206810
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an exercise machine, effectively employable for strengthening and/or rehabilitation purposes.
Every exercise machine comprises a plurality of devices co-operating together to allow the execution of exercises aimed at training one or more regions of the body.
Among such devices, always present are a frame, a load unit, a seat, and an articulated device employable by a user to exchange power with the load unit, naturally for training purposes. The frame supports a platform and comprises a frame obtained by welding metal pipes, previously cut to measure. This frame presents a base portion that realizes the support for the seat, and an upper portion that supports and normally delimits the load unit.
The latter is traditionally of the gravity type, and realized by means of a plurality of metal plates of a determined weight. The plates are stacked together, and constrained to slide vertically by means of two rods, in turn vertically supported by the frame. In this case, the rods-plates assembly defines a sliding guide device wherein the rods define the guide and the plates the slide. Naturally, the user has the possibility of isolating on each occasion a set number of plates to form a load of a given size. This load can be actuated by the user through a flexible cable variously passing around pulleys supported by the frame. Traction on the flexible cable is exercised by means of handles, bars or the like, and during the operation of the machine the plates defining the load are alternatively lifted and lowered with respect to a rest position. This position is reached at the end of the exercise, or in the case wherein, accidentally, the user releases the handle when the plates are still lifted. Highly trained athletes can reach the ability of lifting loads exceeding 100 kilograms.
Therefore, for safety reasons, the load unit is isolated from the outside by means of a metal grate. This grate is fastened to the pipes of the frame in a removable manner by means of a plurality of connecting elements, such as screws and/or rivets. Each exercise machine is specialized according to the type of exercise that such a machine must perform and it presents a frame of a different kind, with different dimensions.
Exercise machines like the ones described above present a mechanical structure obtained by assembling very simple components. This constructive aspect allows for a significant reduction in raw material costs, but considerably complicates the productive process: the need to realize the frame starting from a plurality of metal tubes forces the completion of a large number of metalwork interventions, at the end whereof painting must be performed. Moreover, the fact that the structure of the machine is welded considerably complicates maintenance activities, such as the replacement or upgrading of the number of plates equipping the load unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to realize an exercise machine that is free of the drawbacks described above.
A further aim of the present invention is for the part of frame reserved to the load unit to be of particularly rapid and economical construction, and substantially free of welded components.
According to the present invention an exercise machine is realized comprising a frame provided with at least an upright, vertical and prismatically shaped; said upright supporting at least an elongated body able to serve as a guide and a pack of flat bodies able to be actuated longitudinally for the execution of training exercises; each of said flat bodies presenting a portion coupled transversely to said elongated body, to render said flat bodies angularly fixed and free to slide with respect to said elongated body; at least one plate supported by said upright in a position facing said flat bodies to isolate them from the outside; characterized in that said upright is externally delimited by a prismatically shaped longitudinal shell, able laterally to cover said coupled portions; longitudinal coupling means being provided to connect rigidly together said upright and elongated body; said plate being delimited laterally by at least a substantially rectilinear longitudinal border; said shell presenting at least a longitudinal seat slidingly engaged by said longitudinal border.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3647209 (1972-03-01), La Lanne
patent: 4606540 (1986-08-01), Chin Sen
patent: 9108981 (1991-11-01), None
patent: 9416610 (1995-01-01), None
patent: 2052274 (1981-01-01), None
Mulcahy John
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP
Techogym S.r.l.
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