Factory Workout Apparatus

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/288,396, filed on Dec. 10, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The disclosure relates to workout apparatuses and methods of using the same.

Fitness equipment is generally used for physical exercise and rehabilitation therapies, such as in physical and cognitive therapy. Fitness equipment facilitates performing exercises, such as aerobic exercise to improve or maintain cardiovascular health, resistance training that targets muscles, and flexibility training to maintain or increase a person's freedom of movement and reduce incidence of injury.

Resistance training often uses specific movements against a resistance to target specific muscle groups. Often, resistance is provided by elastic bands, free weights, weight machines, and/or body weight, such as in plyometric training. Aerobic exercise is often performed using machines such as treadmills, stationary bicycles, ergometers and other kinds of equipment.

Physical therapy is often required after injury, illness, and/or a medical procedure. Depending on the nature of the injury, illness, or medical procedure, physical therapy usually includes a combination of aerobic, strength, and/or flexibility training. Effective physical therapy regimes generally require adapted or modified exercise movements that account for a patient's limitations and which can be changed as a patient progresses with the therapy. Cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CRT) is a type of physical therapy designed to improve (restorative CRT) or maintain (compensatory CRT) a person's cognitive function by employing therapy regimes that incorporate physical activity. Often, this physical activity is paired with a neuro-stimulus. It is thought that concurrent mental and physical activities synergize to provide enhanced cognitive improvements.

Given the numerous types exercises, exercise goals and purposes, and increasing numbers of people who regularly partake in physical activities, there are few workout modalities or machines that lend themselves to a wide range of exercise types that accommodate any combination of aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and physical therapy exercises. There are fewer still that allow for large, compound movements, which are known to be particularly effective.

The present invention provides exercise apparatuses and methods for using them. The apparatuses of the present invention generally task a user with removing weighted items from one part of the machine and placing them on another part of the machine. The weighted items are free standing, e.g., weighted bags, weighted balls, kettle bells, weighted objects of proprietary configuration and the like. Thus, when using an apparatus of the invention, a user moves a free-standing weighted item from point A (a first platform or tube opening) to point B (a second platform or tube opening) and releasing the weight upon completion of the move/repetition.

The present invention is based on the discovery that natural movements, often associated with manual labor, e.g., picking up and placing heavy objects in a warehouse, can provide a quick, fully-body workout quickly. Depending on the intensity, weight, speed, and duration of a workout using the apparatuses of the invention, workouts with aerobic, anaerobic, and combinations thereof can be performed. Moreover, because the apparatuses of the invention can be used with largely-familiar, natural movements, the apparatuses of the invention can be used correctly by many individuals with minimal or no training on proper form to complete the movements of a workout. This departs from nearly every type of exercise using free-weights, which often lead to severe injury when performed with even minor deviations from correct form. Furthermore, because the natural movements of the invention are fairly ubiquitous, the apparatuses of the invention are more approachable, and thus more likely to be used, by individuals who are generally hesitant or resistant to exercise.

Additionally, because the apparatuses of the invention are able to mimic a natural movements, certain apparatuses of the invention can be designed (e.g., the appearance of the apparatus/weighted objects or audio-visual displays, which lend a “theme” to the apparatus. These “themes” (for example, an industrial, construction, and factory theme) may be used to attract and encourage users that would otherwise not interact with a piece of fitness equipment.

In certain aspects, a weighted item or object placed by a user on a part of the machine will remain in position or on the part of the machine (e.g., a platform, shelf, cubby, compartment, container, etc.) until the user moves it elsewhere. In other cases, the apparatus will move the item to another location, e.g., via a conveyor belt, slide, and/or other means as described herein.

In certain aspects, an apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of platforms of varying height. For example, an apparatus may have platforms at three distinct heights, e.g., high, medium, and low. The platforms may wrap around a central support beam, frame or body. Pairs of platforms may be connected by a surface, which may include rollers and/or conveyor belts that move weighted objects between connected platforms in either direction and at varying speeds. Thus, for example, in certain aspects, a user lifts a weighted item off a platform that is moving weights towards the user and places it on a platform moving away from the user.

Additionally or alternatively, an apparatus of the invention may include a motor that slightly tilts the platforms so that one side is higher than the other. The platform may be composed of a material that allows items placed on the upper side to roll/slide down to the lower side. Alternatively, the user is tasked with creating enough force to cause the item (e.g., a ball) to roll around the surface to a connected platform.

In certain aspects, an apparatus may be configured such that two users, standing on opposite sides of the machine are able to concurrently use the apparatus—preferably in a cooperative or competitive manner. Similarly, in certain aspects, more than one apparatus may be in electronic communication, using wired or wireless connection methods, allowing users of the connected machines to compete against one another.

In certain aspects, an apparatus of the present invention includes slides or tubes that crisscross from high to low. The user begins by picking up a weighted item either from the bottom of either slide (the left or the right). The user then lifts the item and places it at the top of either slide. The item will then slide back down to the opposite side of where the item was placed. Thus, for example, if the user places an item on the top right slide, it will end up on the bottom left.

In certain aspects, the present invention includes an exercise apparatus comprising: a central body comprising a base, a front surface, a back surface, a left surface and a right surface; one or more sets of opposing platforms, each platform attached to the central body via one or more support members wherein one platform of a set is disposed proximal to the left surface and the other platform disposed proximal to the right surface; and one or more weighted objects, enabling a user facing the front surface to lift a weighted object from one platform and deposit it on another.

The apparatus may include a plurality of sets of opposing platforms. In certain preferred aspects, the apparatus includes three sets of opposing platforms.

In certain apparatuses, the height of each set of platforms relative to the base of the central body is adjustable. Similarly, a distance from which each platform of a set is disposed relative to the central body may be adjustable.

In certain aspects, each platform of a set is connected via a surface that extends from one platform in a direction towards that back surface and annularly around the central body where it connects to an opposing platform. A weighted object placed on a platform by a user is moved to the opposing platform along the surface connecting the platforms.

The surface may include a conveyor belt that moves the weighted object between platforms. A portion of the surface connecting the platforms may include a low friction surface before and after the conveyor belt. The low friction surface may include, for example, ball bearings along which the weighted object moves. In certain aspects, the conveyor belt is removable enabling two users to use the apparatus concurrently, e.g., one positioned in front and the other positioned behind the central body.

The apparatus may further include a control unit coupled to one or more sensors that detect the presence or absence of a weighted object on a platform. The control unit may be coupled to a motor that drives the conveyor belt such that when the sensor detects a weighted object on a platform the control unit stops the conveyor belt. The control unit may be coupled to a motor that drives the conveyor belt such that when the sensor detects a weighted object on a platform the control unit starts the conveyor belt thereby moving the weighted object to the opposing platform.

In certain aspects, each platform of a set is disposed at a different height relative to the base such that when a user places a weighted object on the higher platform, the weighted object travels along the surface to the opposing platform.

In certain aspects, the apparatus comprises a control unit coupled to an interface that provides instructions to a user. For example, interface may provide instructions to the user to move a weight from one platform to another platform.

In certain aspects, the interface comprises a screen disposed in the front surface of the central body. In certain aspects, the interface comprises one or more of a speaker and/or lights associated with each platform. Each platform may be uniquely designated, e.g., by a color, and the interface instructs a user to move a weighted object to a platform using the designation.

In certain aspects, each platform comprises a four or five sided cubby into which a weighted object is placed by a user.

The present invention also provides an exercise apparatus comprising: a central body comprising a base; a plurality of tubes, wherein each tube comprises an upper opening and lower opening; and one or more weighted objects, enabling a user to lift a weighted object from a lower opening of one of the tubes and depositing in the upper opening of one of the tubes such the object slides to a lower opening in of one of the tubes.

In certain aspects, the tubes intersect one another between their respective upper and lower openings. The intersection of the tubes may include a flap that directs a weighted object deposited into an upper opening of a tube to slide into the lower opening of a desired tube.

The present invention provides exercise apparatuses and methods for using them. The apparatuses of the present invention generally task a user with removing weighted items from one part of the machine and placing them on another part of the machine. The weighted items are free standing, e.g., weighted bags, weighted balls, kettle bells, weighted objects of proprietary configuration and the like. Thus, when using an apparatus of the invention, a user moves a free-standing, weighted item from point A (a first platform or tube opening) to point B (a second platform or tube opening) and releases the weight upon completion of the move/repetition.

provides a schematic of an exemplary apparatusof the invention. As shown, the apparatus includes a central bodywith a base. The apparatus may include one or more sets of opposing platforms (). Each platform is attached to the central body via one or more support members. As shown, the sets of opposing platforms may be disposed at different heights relative to the base. The central body may include one or more storage spaces, which may be used to store free standing weighted objects used with the apparatus. The central body may also include an interface, such a display, which is coupled to a control module.

In certain embodiments, the central body is an open frame, rather than the configuration with body panels shown in. In certain aspects, the central body may be mounted on a horizontal surface, like a wall. Alternatively, in certain aspects, an apparatus of the invention may include a series of pedestals of platforms mounted to a larger structure, like a wall.

As shown in, apparatuses of the invention may include a base (and) supporting the apparatus on the floor. In certain aspects, a smaller basemay be used where the apparatus does not use heavy weights and/or where the apparatus is also mounted to a wall or other surface. As shown in, when an apparatus of the invention is used with heavy weights and/or without the ability to mount to a wall, a larger basemay be used. In certain apparatuses of the invention, the base (e.g., large or small) may be swapped for a base that meets the requirements of the apparatus' placement/use.

As shown in, a user may remove a weighted object from one platform of the machine and place it on another part of the machine. Thus, when using an apparatus of the invention, a user moves a free-standing weighted item from point A (a first platform) to point B (a second platform) and releasing the weight upon completion of the move/repetition. In certain aspects, an interface, such as the displayshown inmay provide a user with prompts for lifting a weighted object from a particular platform and setting it on a different platform.

As shown in, weighted objects of the invention may take several forms. Preferably, as provided in, the weighted objects are free-standing, e.g., weighted bags, weighted balls, kettle bells, weighted objects of proprietary configuration and the like. In certain apparatuses of the invention, the weighted objects are rigid, which as described herein may allow the weight to travel through the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, apparatuses of the invention may be configured to use non-rigid weights, such as a weighted bag or medicine ball, which prevents the object from rolling or moving off when placed. Further, by permitting the use of both hard and soft weighted objects, the apparatuses of the invention may be better able to mimic a natural movement, such as picking up and placing a heavy sack of grain. In certain aspects, weighted objects used with an apparatus follow a “theme” of the apparatus. For example, an apparatus may be “themed” as a “factory workout”. Thus, while the apparatus itself may have lights, sounds, and other decorations (e.g., thematic labels), this theme may be extended using the weighted objects, which for a “factory” theme may include weighted sacks or boxes.

In certain aspects, the positions of individual platforms and/or sets of opposing platforms may be adjusted. As shown in, the heightof one or more platforms relative to the base may be adjusted upwards or downwards. Similarly, the proximityof one or more platforms relative to the base. As shown in, in certain aspects, the angleof one or more platforms relative to the central body may be adjustable.

As shown in, adjusting the relative positions of the platforms provides a diverse range of potential movements—from large compound movements when platforms are separated to small, isolated movements when platforms are in close proximity to one another.

By incorporating this large range of adjustment, the apparatuses of the invention may be used for a wide variety of physical activities targeted at diverse sets of users and fitness goals. For example, the platforms/cubbies may be adjusted such that they are low and wide relative central body. In such a configuration, opposing sets of cubbies/platforms may be separated by a distance that requires a user to take a number of lateral steps to traverse. This configuration may allow a user to undertake a routine, for example, focused on quick, side-to-side lateral movements that are central to many sports. Similarly, cubbies may be adjusted such that the topmost are above a use's head, meaning a user will have to leap in order to place a weighted object in the cubby. In all such methods, pace, mass of weighted object, requirement to gently set objects, etc., may be adjusted to increase or decrease the intensity of a workout and/or based on the goals of the training.

The wide-range of adjustability allows the same machine that allows users to perform such fitness-oriented routines to also be used for less strenuous activities, such as those common in cognitive or physical therapy. Adjusting the telescoping arms to bring the cubbies closer to the central body and raising/lowering cubbies to within a person's range of motion reduces the need for a user to make large movements to place weighted objects between cubbies/platforms.

Any means of adjustment known in the art may be employed to adjust the platforms. As shown inadjustment may be accomplished using support beams that telescope/pivot/move, and are secured using a pin when the desired configuration is achieved. Alternatively or additionally, apparatuses of the invention may incorporate bi-directional hydraulic assemblies to move the platforms. As shown in, apparatuses may be designed to include several adjustable elements, which ultimately provide nearly infinite adjustable configurations by which to use the apparatuses of the invention.

As shown in, in certain embodiments, the apparatus has telescoping arms that may be adjusted in height by pushing a button associated with each arm. Pushing the button may release a lock allowing the arm to traverse along a vertical axis. Advantageously, as shown, this configuration buries the adjustment mechanism within the central body such that a user cannot trap their fingers when adjusting an arm. In certain embodiments, the movement of the arm may be facilitated with a hydraulic or pneumatic assist and/or be counterweighted. This prevents an arm from collapsing when unlocked and helps a user when lifting an arm.

As shown in, in certain aspects, the telescoping direction of the arms may be controlled, for example, using a mechanical crank. Although shown with a crank, apparatuses of the invention may employ alternative mechanical and/or electromechanical means to move and actuate the arms to adjust the positions of the platforms/cubbies.

In certain aspects, the positions of the platforms are controlled using motors coupled to a central control module as described herein.

In certain aspects, a weighted object placed by a user on a part of the machine (e.g., a platform) will stay put until the user moves it elsewhere. In other cases, upon completion of placing a weighted item into position on a platform, the apparatus will move the item to another location, e.g., via a conveyor belt, slide, and/or other means as described herein.

shows an apparatus with opposing, connected platforms. As shown in, in certain aspects opposing platformsmay be connected to one another via a surface. A weight set on a first platform (e.g.,) may be moved by the apparatus to a connected platform (e.g.,) via the surface. Thus, for example, a user may pick up a weighted object from platformset it on platformat which point the apparatus moves it along the surfaceto platformThis allows for multiple repetitions of a movement using the same set of opposing platforms and a single or common set of weighted objects.

In certain aspects, the surfaceis a low friction surface. By raising the height of a platform (e.g.,) relative to its opposing platform (e.g.,), when a weighted object is placed on the higher platform by the user, gravity coupled with the low friction surface will move the weight along the surface to the starting platform. The relative positions of the platform may be controlled, for example, using a controlon the central body. In certain aspects, the control is coupled to one or more motors that alter the position of the platforms.

Alternatively, the surfacemay include a conveyor belt. Thus, a weight placed on one platform will travel along the conveyor belt/surfaceand return to the original platform. The operation of the conveyor belt may be controlled using a dedicated controlfor the conveyor belt and/or via an interface (such as a touchscreen), as described herein.

As shown in, in certain aspects opposing platformsmay wrap around a central support body. Pairs of platforms may be connected by a surface, which may include one or more of rollers, bearingsand/or conveyorbelts that move weighted objects between connected platforms in either direction and at varying speeds.

In certain aspects, the conveyor beltsmay be removed such that the apparatus is usable by two users simultaneously. The users may face one another with the apparatus between. This may allow, for example, certain routines that employ a competitive or cooperative aspect.

As shown in, in certain aspects, apparatuses of the invention may include one or more sensorsdisposed on the platforms, which are coupled to a central control module. Sensors may, for example, detect when a weighted object is placed or removed from a particular platform. Such sensors may detect the presence and/or position of a weighted object by mass and/or by an identifier, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip or Bluetooth transmitter embedded in the object. Advantageously, by using an identifier, such as an RFID chip, weights (including those of equal masses) may be independently identified by an apparatus of the invention. This allows, for example, the apparatus to discriminate between objects off different appearance (e.g., colors), even if they have similar masses.

In certain aspects, apparatuses of the invention include one or more sensors that detect when a weighted object is positioned on a platform through movement of a weighted object between platforms, e.g., via a conveyor belt. Such sensors include, for example as shown in the closeup view provided in, a beam of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a laser or beam of infrared light) that is interrupted when a weight is positioned between sensors disposed on the sides of a platform. Interrupting the beam may, for example, cause a conveyor belt to stop or start depending on the desired location of a weighted object in accordance with an ongoing exercise program.

In certain aspects, each platform/cubby includes one or more sensors that detect the force at which an object is set down by a user. Such sensors may, for example, detect changes in weight and/or movement of the platform in response to a weighted object's deposit. Sensors that detect movement may include, for example, accelerometers. By detecting a high force or large amount of movement, in certain aspects, an apparatus of the invention may determine whether a user dropped a weighted object (e.g., due to fatigue or poor form) or placed the object on a platform in a controlled and coordinated manner, which may be indicative of proper technique. Such sensors may provide a signal to a central control module, which in turn, causes a signal to be displayed to a user. The displayed signal may, for example, indicate that a user dropped a weight with too much force.

As shown in, the platforms may possess a number of different configurations. In, the platforms are configured as cubbies, boxes, and/or any other partially enclosed area into which a weighted object is deposited.