Exercise Machine Employing One or More Flexible Tension Bands

This non-provisional utility application is a continuation-in-part application, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of design application Ser. No. 29/931,153, filed on Mar. 5, 2024, and entitled FRAME DESIGN FOR AN EXERCISE MACHINE, and is also a continuation-in-part, and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of application Ser. No. 18/226,507, filed on Jul. 26, 2023, and entitled EXERCISE MACHINE EMPLOYING ONE OR MORE FLEXIBLE EXERCISE BANDS, which in turn claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Application Ser. No. 63/423,926, filed on Nov. 9, 2022, and entitled EXERCISE MACHINE EMPLOYING ONE OR MORE FLEXIBLE EXERCISE BANDS, and all of whose entire disclosures are incorporated by reference herein.

This invention relates generally to an exercise machine and more particularly to an exercise machine employing one or more flexible tension, or exercise bands.

One well-known exercise device is known by the trademark BOWFLEX, and includes a plurality of fairly rigid, elongate, fiberglass rods that bend to provide resistance by flexing, much like a bow for propelling arrows. This machine connects the bow-like members to a manually engageable member through a pulley system.

Jones et al. US Patent Application Publication 2019/0275363 discloses an exercise machine employing one or more tension bands, as shown in FIGS. 56A-56B, and described in paragraph 0195. This device does not have the versatility of the exercise device of the present invention, as described and claimed herein.

McBride US Patent Application Publication 2009/0098987 discloses an exercise machine including a foldable platform; having no relationship to an exercise device employing tension bands as disclosed and claimed in the present application.

Siaperas U.S. Pat. No. 10,779,645 discloses an exercise device employing tension bands, which is devoid of any rotatably mounted exercise arms as disclosed and claimed in the present application.

Other patent documents employing exercise bands have been made of record in the parent '507 application, but none of those documents disclose or render obvious the unique features of the exercise device of this invention, as described and claimed herein.

In accordance with the broadest aspects of the invention the flexible tension bands can be of any design and are not limited to conventional tension bands on the market, e.g. they can include tension bands in the form of a continuous loop, as well as conventional exercise bands or specially designed tension bands having opposed ends with fasteners thereon, e.g., carabineers.

This invention relates to an exercise machine in which tension is provided by one or more flexible tension (stretchable) bands, and most preferably without the use of any pulley system.

An exercise machine employing one or more flexible tension bands in accordance with this invention includes a pair of exercise arms rotatably mounted on frame members through rotatable mounts at locations vertically above a surface supporting the exercise machine, said pair or exercise arms being horizontally spaced-apart and being configured to be engaged by opposed hands of an individual located between said pair of exercise arms, at least one first connector on each of said exercise arms, at least one second connector on a machine member vertically below the rotatable mount of each of the exercise arms and at least one third connector on a machine member above the rotatable mount or moveable to a position above the rotatable mount of each of the exercise arms, at least one flexible tension band being configured to be connected to said at least one first connector and at least one vertically spaced-apart second connector, whereby when said at least one flexible tension band is connect to said at least one first and second, vertically spaced-apart connectors rotation of the exercise arms in an upward direction is opposed by a downwardly directed tension force imposed on said at least one stretched, flexible tension band, and at least one flexible tension band being configured to be connected to said at least one first connector and at least one third connector spaced vertically above of the exercise arm, whereby when said at least one flexible tension band is connect to said at least one first and third, vertically spaced-apart connectors rotation of the exercise arms in an a downward direction is opposed by an upwardly directed tension force imposed on said at least one, stretched flexible tension band connected to said at least one of said first and third connectors.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the exercise machine includes a platform provided between the horizontally spaced-apart exercise arms and below the rotatable mount of the exercise arms, said platform including a deck to support an individual engaging the opposed arms during exercising and spaced-apart, peripheral frame members, each including a plurality of second connectors attached thereto.

In accordance with this invention, the number of first connectors can be the same or different than the number of second connectors and the same or different than the number of third connectors. The important feature is that one or more tension bands can be connected to at least a first connector on each exercise arm and either to at least one second connector or at least one third connector to provide a resistive force to either the upward rotational movement of the exercise arm or the downward rotational movement of the exercise arm, respectively.

In accordance with the preferred embodiments of this invention, the first and second connectors can be connected to a tension band that is in the form of a continuous loop or that has free ends with attachment members thereon, e.g., carabineers.

In accordance with the preferred embodiments of this invention the first and third connectors can be connected to a tension band that is in the form of a continuous loop or that has free ends with attachment members thereon, e.g., carabineers.

In accordance with this invention one or more tension bands can be connected to either one or a plurality of first connectors and/or to either one or a plurality of second connectors. This permits the tension to be varied with the use of the same tension band(s) and also permits tension to be varied by varying the number of first connectors and/or second connectors to which one or more tension bands is (are) connected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a set of first connectors, e.g., two or more are spaced from each other along the length of each exercise arm so that each of said first connectors is spaced a different distance from the rotational mount of each exercise arm. This permits the resistive force to rotational motion of the exercise arm, either in an upward or downward direction, to be varied by connecting one or more exercise bands to different ones of said first connectors.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, either some or all of the second and third connector have an open, “C” construction including a gap through which a continuous segment of one or more tension bands can be inserted, and a peripheral wall to which one or more attachment members, e.g., carabineers, at ends of a tension band can be connected. This “C” construction of the connector provides the unique benefit of receiving either tension bands in the form of a continuous loop or tension bands having attachment members, e.g., carabineers, associated with the ends of said tension bands. The tension bands can be conventional exercise bands usable apart of the exercise machine of this invention.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention, said first connectors are in the form of circular pins extending outwardly from each exercise arm, and preferably terminating in an enlarged, flange to prevent a tension band, or connector for a tension band, inserted over the pin from sliding off the free end thereof.

Preferably the exercise arms each include a bracket rotatably mounted on a distal end thereof, and the bracket includes an opening for receiving a removable handle or other member to be gripped by an individual during exercising. Most preferably the mounting bracket can be locked into a number of rotational positions relative to each exercise arm to permit the bracket and gripping member attached thereto to rotate as a unit with said respective exercise arm.

In the most preferred embodiments of this invention, an adjustable stop, or support member is provided below each exercise arm to engage each arm in a desired position for commencing an exercise. Most preferably each adjustable stop includes a roller at a distal end thereof for engaging the underside of its overlying exercise arm, preferably through a cushioning pad secured to the underside of said exercise arm.

In the most preferred embodiment of this invention the exercise machine includes side arms rotatably mounted to spaced-apart frame members for rotation between uppermost and lowermost positions and being configured to be locked in different rotational positions, said side arms being rotatably mounted on transversely spaced-apart frame members of said machine in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane in which each of said exercise arms is rotatably mounted for carrying out an exercise, said side arms each including a third connector adjacent a distal end. In this arrangement the third connector on each side arm can be rotated from a lowermost position below the rotational mount of a respective exercise arm and an uppermost position above said rotational mount of said respective exercise arm.

In the most preferred embodiment of this invention each of the side arms is configured to be retained in a position in which a third connector adjacent an outer end thereof is vertically spaced above the rotational mount of the exercise arms, said third connector of each side arm, preferably being of a “C” configuration and being configured to retain one or more flexible tension bands that also are configured to be connected to one or more first connector(s) of the exercise arms, whereby, when said one or more flexible tension bands are connected to the one or more first connector(s) of the exercise arms, downward rotational movement of said exercise arms stretches said one or more flexible tension bands to provide a resistive force opposing said downward rotational movement.

In the most preferred embodiment of this invention each of the side arms includes telescopic inner and outer sections to permit adjustment of the spacing between the rotatable connection of each inner section of a side arm to a frame member of the machine and a third connector adjacent an outer end of a telescopic outer section of said side arm. This also adjusts the vertical spacing of the third connector on the outer section of said side arm and first connector(s), which permits adjustment of the at-rest, rotational position of the exercise arm when a tension band is connected to both the third connector and one or more first connectors. In addition, providing inner and outer telescopic sections on the side arms permits adjustment of the transverse spacing between the third connectors thereon when said side arms are positioned at an angle to their respective supporting frame members. This permits flys and other pulling exercises to be carried out with different degrees of tension provided through the same band or bands attached to one or more first connectors on the exercise arms and to the third connector attached to adjacent the distal end of the outer telescopic section of each side arm.

References to orientation or position of members of the machine, e.g., upper, lower, vertically spaced, horizontally spaced, etc. refers to the orientation or position of members relative to a surface on which the exercise machine is supported, e.g., floor, platform, etc.

Reference to “flexible tension band” or “flexible exercise band,” unless otherwise specified, means a flexible, elongate member or closed-loop member that is stretchable to provide a tension force in a direction opposed to the direction of stretching.

The description herein is illustrative of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described and claimed. The most preferred design is disclosed in pending US design application Ser. No. 29/931,153, entitled FRAME DESIGN FOR AN EXERCISE MACHINE. The subject matter of this '153 application is incorporated by reference herein.

An exercise machine including features of this invention is shown atin.shows the exercise machinein a folded or retracted position to conserve space when the machine is not in use. However, such an arrangement permitting folding or retracting of the machine is not required in accordance with this invention. In fact, the most preferred embodiment of the machine is not foldable or retractable.

The exercise machinehas a frame assemblyincluding a number of frame members including vertically oriented, transversely spaced apart frame members,.

A platformincludes a deckand frame members,rotatably connected to a transversely extending front base frame membersthrough clevises,. (see). Although the inclusion of the platform is preferred and provides desirable benefits in this invention, in the broadest aspects of this invention the platform may be omitted and the exercise machine stabilized by bolting frame members to the floor, or by the use of other stabilizing systems. However, the use of the platform arrangement disclosed herein is very desirable; providing a simple and effective manner for stabilizing the machine during use.

When not in use the platformcan be retained in a retracted position, as shown in, through the cooperation of spring-loaded pinsretained within membersattached to vertically oriented, spaced apart frame members,, said spring-loaded pinsbeing biased normally into passagesof membersextending outwardly from frame members,of the platform. (See). This same arrangement for maintaining platformin a retracted position can be employed in the embodiment of exercise machine, to be described in detail infra. However, permitting the platformto be movable into a retracted position is optional and is not a required feature in accordance with this invention. In the preferred embodiment of this invention a retractable platform is not included.

By pulling spring-loaded pinsupwardly, in the direction of the arrows shown in, the pins are pulled out of engagement with the corresponding passagesof membersto permit rotation of the platforminto a horizontal position for use of the exercise machine. (See). Specifically, in one embodiment the deckof the platform is configured to support a benchon which an individual using the exercise machine is supported during exercising; either sitting or in a supine position. Alternatively, an individual using the machine can be directly supported on deck, without use of a bench or other body-supporting structure. The provision of platformincluding the deckis a desirable feature of the most preferred embodiments of this invention since a person on the deck, either with or without a bench imposes a downward force on the machine to aid in stabilizing the machineduring its use. Without the inclusion of platform, other means would be required to stabilize the machine; such as bolting frame members of the machine to its supporting surface, which involves a complex assembly operation.

Referring to, when the bench is not in use it can be retained within a storage areaprovided by the transversely extending front base frame members, side base frame members, and transversely extending rear base frame member, The inclusion of storage areis not required in accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention. In fact, in the more preferred exercise machinesuch a storage area is not included.

As can be seen in, rotatably mounted exercise arms,are retained in a retracted position when the exercise machine is not in use. In this retracted position the arms,preferably are within the vertical plane provided by the vertically oriented, transversely spaced apart frame members,to provide a desirable, compact construction when the machineis not in use.

Referring to, the exercise arms,are retained in the retracted position by the engagement of pinsspring loaded in U-shaped members(or other similar members) to normally engage within openingson the inner surface of the exercise arms,(one such opening being shown in exercise armin). The U-shaped membersare retained, by welding or any other suitable means, to vertically extending frame members,of the frame assemblyof the exercise machine. It should be noted that this same arrangement for maintain exercise arms in a retracted position can be employed in the exercise machine, which will be described in detail later in this application. However, in the most preferred embodiment of this invention the exercise arms are rotatably mounted to a U-shaped bracket welded directly to front walls of vertically upstanding frame members.

Referring to, when the pins(preferably spring-loaded) are pulled in the direction of the arrows, they will disengage from the corresponding openingsof the exercise arms,to permit those arms to rotate about axles,into an operative position, as shown in. As is shown, a very desirable feature of this invention is that the exercise arms,are above, and in vertical alignment with spaced-apart frame members,of the platform. This arrangement also is provided in the exercise machines.

It should be understood that the disclosed arrangement for maintaining the exercise arms,in a retracted position and for releasing the exercise arms,for movement into a position for use is not a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. Any suitable arrangement can be provided.

Preferably, including a bracket at the end of each exercise arm for removably receiving a handle or other hand-gripping member is a desirable feature of this invention. Such an arrangement can be provided in several ways. For example, the distal end of each of the exercise arms,can be provided with a hollow interior, such as hollow handle sectionshown into function as a support bracket for removably receiving a handle-gripping assembly, e.g.,shown in, or other hand-gripping assembly. It is most preferred to form the exercise armsandin the form of hollow brackets, like outer arm sectionsin, to thereby telescopically receive a desired hand-gripping assembly, either an assembly including a handlerotatably attached thereto, e.g.,shown in, or another assembly or unit including a hand-gripping assembly for use during exercising.

An alternative arrangement employing a bracket for removably receiving a handle or other hand-gripping member is shown inherein. In this arrangement, a disc, having aperturesspaced-apart around the periphery thereof is fixed against movement to each of the exercise arms,(only one exercise arm being shown) by any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, and not by way of limitation, a mountis welded to a side wall of each of the exercise arms, and threaded bolts, screws, or the likesecure the discto the mountthrough aligned threaded openings. A brackethas a hollow distal endfor removably receiving a stemof a grippable handle(or other hand-grippable member) and a rotatable, locking member, e.g., a threaded pin member is rotated through aligned openings in said bracketand stemto firmly retain the handlein the bracketin a desired position. The bracketincludes a tubular sectionrotatable supported by a bearing or bushing (not shown) on a fixed axleretained through a central passage of the discin a conventional manner know in the art, to thereby permit rotatable adjustment of the bracketand handleretained therein relative to each exercise arm,. When the bracketis in a desired position it is locked to its respective exercise arm to move as a unit therewith, by inserting a spring-loaded pinconnected to the bracket through one of the aperturesextending through disc. As noted above, the handleor other gripping member can be telescopically received in the bracketand held therein by a rotatable, tightening memberthat can be moved into an aligned opening (not shown) in the stemof the bracket telescopically received in the bracket.

Referring to, the exercise machineis provided with rotatably mounted exercise arm-engaging members; one for each of the exercise armand. Each arm-engaging memberis identical and is rotatably mounted about an axlefrom an inactive, or non-operative position shown best in, to an operative, arm-engaging position shown best in. The exercise armsandcan be mounted for axial movement along axles,, respectively, to permit adjustment of the spacing of the arms from each other to accommodate individuals having different statures. In a like manner, the arm-engaging memberscan be mounted for axial movement along their respective axlesto be positioned in alignment with the exercise arms,to provide their desired supporting function, as is described in greater detail hereinafter. The same arrangement of rotatably mounted exercise arm-engaging members, and the mounting of both the exercise arms and the exercise arm-engaging members for axial movement along their respective rotational axles can be employed in the exercise machine, which will be described in detail later in this application. However, such an arrangement is not required and is not considered a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention.

In the preferred embodiments of this invention arm-engaging members are employed that are of a more simplified construction than the arm-engaging members, as will be described in detail hereinafter with respect to.

As will be described in detail hereinafter with respect to the embodiment of this invention shown in(i.e., exercise machine), each of the exercise arms is provided by two sections rotatably mounted relative to each other, with one of the sections including telescopic members. Providing the exercise arms with two sections rotatably mounted relative to each other is optional and is not required in accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention. In the most preferred embodiment of this invention, each of the exercise arms is a single member, which retains the mounting bracketfor rotation relative to the discfixed adjacent the distal end of the exercise arms, as shown in.

Referring to, a locking pinnormally is spring biased into a passage(one being shown in) in each of the arm-engaging memberto retain each arm-engaging member in a non-operative position. This position is maintained when the exercise machineis not in use and permits the components of the machineto be maintained in a desired, retracted condition. The arm-engaging membersalso are maintained in a non-operative position when the exercise arms,are being rotated downwardly against an opposing force created by the stretching of flexible tension bands.

Referring to, when it is desired to use the exercise machine, and provide support for the exercise arms,in a desired starting position, each locking pinis pulled outwardly as shown in, to release the pin from its engagement with its corresponding passage, and permit clockwise rotation of the arm-engaging membersin the direction shown by the arrow in, into an operative position for supporting each exercise arm in a desired position prior to the beginning of an exercise in which the arms are rotated in an upward direction against a tension force provided by the stretched exercise bands. When in an operative position the locking pin is spring biased into a corresponding passage (not shown) in the arm-engaging members.

Referring toa cushioning member or padpreferably is attached to upper surfaceof each arm-engaging memberwhen the arm-engaging membersare in an active position to support exercise arms,, to provide a cushioning effect when the rotatable exercise arms are moved into engagement with respective arm-engaging members.

The construction and arrangement of the arm-engaging membersare not a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. Any other suitable arm-engaging member can be employed. In the most preferred embodiment of this invention shown in, each arm-engaging membercan include a telescopic arrangement including an inner memberfixedly mounted, e.g., by welding or other suitable means to a frame member supporting an overlying exerciser arm, e.g.,,, (only exercise armbeing shown) and an outer membertelescopically received, and axially moveable within the inner member. The arm-engaging memberis secured to the frame member at an upwardly directed angle toward the overlying exercise arm, e.g.,,. The distal end of the outer memberincludes a cylindrical rollhaving an outer, round surface for engaging its overlying exercise arm through a cushioning padsecured to the underside of said exercise arm. The rollcan be rotatable or stationary. In the most preferred embodiment, the rollis rotatable.

Referring to, the telescopic outer memberhas a series of vertically spaced openingstherein, and a threaded locking pinis threaded through an outer wall of the inner memberfor being rotated into a desired openingin the outer memberto retain rollin a position for engaging the cushioning padto retain the exercise armin a desired position to commence an exercise.

As shown in, the arm engaging memberis in a position with the rollof the outer membersupporting its overlying exercise arm in a substantially horizontal position to commence one or more exercises.

As shown in, the arm engaging memberis fully retracted, resulting the overlying exercise arm being supported by the rollin a downwardly inclined orientation for commencing one or more exercises in which the exercise arms are moved in an upward direction against the resistive force provided by one or more tension bands being connected to one or more first connectors and one or more second connectors.

Referring to, each of the exercise arms,includes a rotatably adjustable gripping handle,, at the distal ends thereof for engagement by a person during exercising.shows the gripping handles,in one desired orientation andshows the gripping handles in a second, desired orientation rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in. As noted earlier, the gripping handles,can be part of assemblies separate from the exercise arms,, and the exercise arms either can be in the form of hollow brackets for receiving the handles,therein, in the same manner as handle assembliesare retained with arm sections, or the exercise arms each can retain a rotatably mounted bracketfor telescopically receiving a handle or other grippable member(s) therein, as shown in Figs. herein.

Referring to, the arrangement for permitting rotational adjustment of the gripping handlerelative to exercise armwill be described, it being understood that the exact same arrangement is provided for permitting rotational adjustment of gripping handlerelative to exercise arm. A spring-loaded locking pinis normally spring-loaded inwardly to engage within a desired openingof flangeto which the gripping handleis secured, When it is desired to change the position of the gripping handle, the locking pin, which can be spring loaded inwardly, is pulled outwardly in the direction of the arrow shown into permit the handleto be rotated into a desired position, e.g., the position shown in. In this new, desired position the locking pinis spring biased into an aligned openingin the flangeto maintain the gripping handlein its new position. As stated earlier, the gripping handleis attached to its corresponding exercise armin this same manner. In accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention the gripping handlesneed not be rotatably mounted relative to the exercise arms, or other arrangements can be employed to provide rotation of handles relative to exercise arms. In exercise machinedisclosed in, the same constructions can be employed to rotatably mount gripping handlesto inner telescopic membersof outer sectionsof the exercise arms,.