CA3184829A1 - Trio functional trainer - Google Patents

Abstract

The Trio Functional Trainer is a functional trainer. The Trio Functional Trainer is an exercise machine that uses cables(connected to form two or more circles from the resistance to the protruding ends of the middle carriage to be pulled against anchor points by the user) and a resistance feature, such as a weight stack.The Trio of carriages are mounted to a column, and slidable along the same column by way of a pin(and/or carabineer).This allows one or both or more cables protruding from the middle carriage to be pulled from the anchored top or bottom carriages anchored to the column at various heights usually by way of a pin, one at a time. The pulling of the cables shrinks the circles, one, or others, at a time to act with force with the resistance feature to create resistance; such as lifting the weight stack. The Trio middle carriage has at least two cables entering from top and bottom and exiting through holes from inside the middle carriage to outside. These cables then attach to either the top or bottom carriage which is pinned in place on the column at any of many pin holes anchor points. The moving of the middle carriage causes the cable to lengthen from the middle carriage to the top or bottom carriage hook thereby shrinking the circle of cable which travels from the resistance feature through a plethora of pulleys to the middle carriage. This is the core idea the rest of the instances are based on. The mounted top and bottom carriages on the column which have a shape to surround or connect to the column(around the column) also Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 has rollers to slide along the column and holes on the column and a hole and pin on the top or bottom carriages to align to mount the column at many points. Either the top or bottom carriage is moved to the starting point and then the middle carriage is connected to it with a carabiner to a hook on either the top or bottom carriage while the other carriage is moved to the top if the top carriage or the bottom if the bottom carriage so as to be out of the way. When the middle carriage uses a pin to stay in place on the column (or by being between the top and bottom carriages with no extra space between them), the pulling of either or both cables (or more cables depending on the instance) is the same as a functional trainer allowing exercise by use of eg: a bar such as a tricep V bar, or handle(s), or belt, or rope, and/or strap connected to the cables with a carabiner for example. ln yet another instance: modified Jhooks (from smith machines) are described as Jhooks that in some instances may be longer so as to access multiple holes, (or more smaller pin holes may be in the column) and with a hook in addition for the middle carriage to hook to, and in some instances a second pin which is separate from the Jhook to completely lock the Jhook in place. And finally, the top and bottom of the Jhooks may have an end shape and/or a bumper such as rubber so as to stop the middle carriage from continuing along the column (sometimes offering a point for isometric effort). There would then be no need for one or both the top and bottom carriages. The J of the Jhook would be removed by removing the bottom curved portion and replacing it with a straight portion in some instances shorter. Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 In some instances two columns would have either half a bar each that sometimes work together or one bar between them. The carriages and/or modified Jhooks would work the same ways. In some instances there are two middle carriages for four carriages (or two middle carriages and two modified Jhooks)total with an additional modified Jhook in the middle height between the upper and lower middle carriages for a total of two middle carriages and three places for modified Jhooks or anchor point carriages; In some instances there would be two middle carriages and two modified Jhooks for each of one or two columns. Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08

Description

Description:
[0001] This invention relates to exercise equipment, specifically resistance training machines.
Background

[0002] Resistance Training Machines are exercise machines that apply resistance to a user's movements. A Weightlifting Machine is a Resistance Training Machine in which the resistance arises from lifting a weight. Resistance training machines of various types are often found in gyms. The use of resistance training machines (including weightlifting machines) requires the proper form to avoid injuries.
Proper form can be achieved through practice and technique, but it is also critical that the resistance training machine be properly sized for the user. Resistance training machines should be adjustable to accommodate individuals of different physical proportions. It can also be desirable to adjust resistance training machines for use in different types of exercise. It is desirable that resistance training machines be quickly and easily adjustable. This is especially important for resistance training machines in public gyms, as different people of different sizes may use the same resistance training machine in rotation.

[0003] There is therefore a general desire to have highly adjustable resistance training machines to accommodate individuals of different sizes. This would improve ergonomics for the users of resistance training machines.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 The Trio Functional Trainer

[0004] The Trio Functional Trainer is a functional trainer. The Trio Functional Trainer is an exercise machine that uses cables(connected to form two or more circles from the resistance to the protruding ends of the middle carriage to be pulled against anchor points by the user) and a resistance feature, such as a weight stack, to allow a Trio of carriages mounted to a column, and slidable along the same column by way of a pin(and/or carabineer) to set an anchor point or away from an anchor point, to allow one or both or more cables protruding from the unpinned middle carriage to be pulled away from the anchored top or bottom carriages anchored to the column at various heights one at a time and used by moving the middle carriage with an attached bar or platform or cushioned bar or cushioned compound bar away from the anchor point so as to lift the weight stack (or other means of resistance) while the non anchored carriage is moved to either the top if the top carriage or the bottom if the bottom carriage out of the way and then pinned to that anchor point or pinned to an anchor point somewhere in between to limit the movement o that exercise(sometimes offering a point for isometric effort).

[0005] The Trio middle carriage has at least two cables entering from top and bottom and exiting through holes from inside the middle carriage to outside. These cables then attach to either the top or bottom carriage which is pinned in place on the column at any of many pin holes anchor points. The moving of the middle carriage causes the cable to lengthen from the middle carriage to the top or bottom carriage hook thereby shrinking the circle of cable which travels from Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 the resistance feature through a plethora of pulleys to the middle carriage.

[0006] The mounted top and bottom carriages on the column which have a shape to surround or connect to the column(around the column) also has rollers to slide along the column and holes on the column and a hole and pin on the top or bottom carriages to align to mount the column at many points. Either the top or bottom carriage is moved to the starting point and then the middle carriage is connected to it with a carabiner to a hook on either the top or bottom carriage while the other carriage is moved to the top if the top carriage or the bottom if the bottom carriage so as to be out of the way.

[0007] When the middle carriage uses a pin to stay in place on the column (or by being between the top and bottom carriages with no extra space between them), the pulling of either or both cables (or more cables depending on the instance) is the same as a functional trainer allowing exercise by use of eg: a bar such as a tricep V bar, or handle(s), or belt, or rope, and/or strap connected to the cables with a carabiner for example.

[0008] In yet another instance: modified Jhooks (from smith machines) are described as Jhooks longers so as to access multiple holes, and with a hook in addition for the middle carriage to hook to, and a second pin which is separate from the Jhook to completely lock the Jhook in place. And finally, the top and bottom of the Jhooks may have an end shape and/or a bumper such as rubber so as to stop the middle carriage from continuing along the column. There would then be no need for one or both the top and bottom carriages. The J of the Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 Jhook would be removed by removing the bottom curved portion and replacing it with a straight portion in some instances shorter.
In some instances two columns would have either half a bar each that sometimes work together or one bar between them. The carriages and/or modified Jhooks would work the same ways. The important point is the middle carriage moves away from the anchored cable end and is no longer the point of contact for the end of the cable for most of the bar exercises with exceptions only like a normal functional trainer.
In some instances there are two middle carriages for four carriages (or two middle carriages and two modified Jhooks)total with an additional modified Jhook in the middle height between the upper and lower middle carriages for a total of two middle carriages and three places for modified Jhooks or anchor point carriages;
In some instances there would be two middle carriages and two modified Jhooks for each of one or two columns.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08

Claims (20)

CLANS:

1. A resistance training machine comprising:
a resistance mechanism, the resistance mechanism comprising:
two end carriages to move along a linear guide with pins to the pin holes in both the end carriages and in the linear guide and a hook on each to create an anchor point; a middle carriage coupled to move along a linear guide; an elongated flexible element having first and second end portions coupled to the carriage; first and second fasteners that respectively include first and second stoppers attached to the first and second end portions of the flexible element respectively, each of the first and second fasteners adapted to be attached to one of anchor points that are fixed one each on two carriages, one above and one below relative to the linear guide;
wherein a portion of the flexible element between the first and second end portions forms a loop that follows a path defined by a plurality of guiding elements(eg: pulleys); the guiding elements include a displaceable guiding element coupled to a resistance element; and moving the carriage along the linear guide while one of the first and/or second fasteners is coupled to one of the anchor points causes the length of the portion of the flexible element that forms the loop to be reduced, thereby displacing the one of the guiding elements against a force applied by the resistance element;

2. The resistance training machine according to claim 1 wherein the guiding elements comprise a plurality of pulleys, and wherein the first and second end portions of the flexible element double back around first and second rollers carried by the middle carriage or through a first and a second opening in the middle carriage(the pulleys may be arranged differently for different instances);
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08

3. The resistance training machine according to claim 2 wherein the first and second end portions of the flexible element pass between the middle carriage and the linear guide after passing through the top or bottom carriage and then respectively pass outward through the first and second openings to the first and second fasteners;

4. The resistance training machine according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the linear guide comprises a post and the carriages are slidably coupled to move the middle carriage along the post, wherein the carriages are formed with a through passage and the post extends through the through passage of the carriages;

5. The resistance training machine according to claim 4 wherein the post comprises a plurality of receivers spaced apart along the post;
the top and bottom carriages and sometimes center carriage are attachable to the receivers by pins; and each of the carriages provides one of the anchor points;

6. The resistance training machine according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the resistance element comprises a weight that is raised by reduction of the length of the portion of the flexible element that forms the loop;

7. The resistance training machine according to claim 6 wherein the path of the flexible element includes a bight that extends between two of the guiding elements and passes around the displaceable guiding element;

8. The resistance training machine according to any of claims 1 to 7 comprising a handle attached to move with the carriage( identified as a middle carriage) and at least one anchor point carriage or multiple Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 carriages, with some carriages being only for anchor points and are sometimes replaced by modified Jhook anchor points;

9. The resistance training machine according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the handle(eg: a bar, a platform, a padded bar(s)) is detachably affixed to the carriage.

10. The resistance training machine according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the handle comprises: a bar the shape of an exercise machine vertical bench press from the bar outside the handles and including additional handles at the handle location for pull downs and dips.
The bar may be half of the bar just described for the use by one arm each with two middle carriages connected to two linear guides and two half bars or the bar may be one bar for both arms or legs joining two middle carriages on two linear guides;

11. The resistance training machine according to claims 9 or 10 comprising a top or bottom carriage (or a modified Jhook) as an isometric stopper on the linear guide to prevent further linear displacement of the carriage along the linear guide, wherein the isometric stopper is the top or bottom carriage (or a modified Jhook) They may also function as a stopper non-isometric in purpose;

12. The resistance training machine according to claim 11 wherein each side of the bar close to the handles has a hook to connect to a carabiner each connected a chain each connected another carabineer and finally to a straight bar end to allow squats and calf raises and other exercises.

13. A resistance machine according to claim 11 or 12, a resistance element which is employed by pulling on the end of a cable{s} thereby Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 using a force upon the resistance element(eg: a weight stack lifting, electric motor{s}, resistance tubes-bands, nitrocell{s}, hydraulic or pneumatic resistances, rods, locking of the crossbar or handles, or any combination of) like a functional trainer;

14. The resistance training machine according to claim 13 comprising an upper middle carriage and lower middle carriage, both carriage coupled to move along the linear guide, wherein the upper carriage is connected to a handle and the lower carriage is connected to a handle or a platform.

15. The resistance training machine according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the resistance mechanism is a first resistance mechanism and the resistance training machine comprises a second resistance mechanism and the first and second resistance mechanisms share the resistance element.

16. The resistance training machine according to claim 13 or 15 wherein one instance may be the first resistance mechanism forms a first loop to be reduced, the second resistance mechanism forms a second loop to be reduced, the first and second loops to be reduced are respectively coupled to a first central pulley and a second central pulley, the first and second central pulleys are respectively coupled to a first and a second end of a third flexible element, the third flexible element is coupled to a displaceable pulley, and the displaceable pulley is coupled to the resistance element.

17. The resistance training machine according to claim 13 or 15 and could include claim 16 comprising: In one instance the linear guide has four carriages or two middle carriages and two modifed Jhooks, a first and second end of the middle top carriage, the first and second end of the carriage being antipodal to each other along the linear Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 guide; the first end portion of the flexible element being threaded through the first end of the carriage, terminating at a point on the second end of the carriage; the second end portion of the flexible element being threaded through the second end of the carriage, terminating at a point on the first end of the carriage. The lower middle carriage of four carriages would be the same as the top middle carriage with a platform instead of a bar for example;

18. The resistance training machine according to claim 1 and may include claim 17 wherein the top middle carriage(s) and the bottom middle carriage(s) may have hooks for anchor points;

19. The resistance training machine according to claim 18 wherein the first end portion of the flexible element passes across the middle carriages in a direction from a first end of the carriages to a second end of the carriages and the second end portion of the flexible element passes across the carriages in a direction from the second end of the carriages to the first end of the carriages.

20. A resistance training machine comprising in one or more instances: one or two middle carriages and two modified Jhooks or four carriages of which the top and bottom provide only anchor points and lock into place with a pin each to the pin holes in the carriages and the linear guide or two middle carriages and two modified Jhooks with multiple locations for each modified Jhook; a handle or platform (a bar or padded bar) coupled to the middle carriage(s);
a flexible elements having a first end in contact with the middle carriages and a second end in contact with the carriages;
a first fastener and second fastener respectively affixed to the first and second ends of the flexible elements; a resistance element coupled to the flexible elements; a post having a plurality of receivers for the pins of the upper and lower carriages or modified Jhooks, the carriages or Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08 modified Jhooks being coupled to the post, to provide an anchor point each along the linear guide; a modified Jhook(s) for the middle between the upper and lower middle carriages rather than or in addition to the usual places top and bottom; In some instances two columns(linear guide(s)) would have either half a bar each that sometimes work together or one bar between them. The carriages and/or modified Jhooks would work the same ways. The important point is the middle carriage moves away from the anchored cable end and is no longer the point of contact for the end of the cable for most of the bar exercises with exceptions only like a normal functional trainer, modified Jhooks are removable and are used as necessary;
wherein the resistance element comprises a weight that hangs from a pulley that is coupled with the flexible element; wherein the handle has a detachment point detachable affixing the handle to the middle carriages; wherein the first and second fasteners are carabiners;
wherein the post and carriage may have a square cross-section;
wherein a wheel and/or ball bearings decrease the friction between the carriage and the post;
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-02-08