NZ549482A - Vibration exercise machine with gas suspension - Google Patents

Abstract

A vibration exercise machine (1) with a controllable air suspension system is disclosed. The exercise machine includes a contact surface (2) on which a user positions themselves, a base (3), and a vibration generating element for vibrating the contact surface. Gas suspension units (5) are placed between the contact surface and base to isolate the vibration. The pressure in the suspension units may be automatically controlled.

Description

James & Welis Ref: 31936/60 CG *10054970101* PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 549482 Dated: 25 August 2006 IMPROVED EXERCISE MACHINE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 2 NOV 2007 R E C FIV E D WE Vibra Air Limited, a New Zealand Company of 13 Perkins Drive, RD 6, Tauranga, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG IMPROVED EXERCISE MACHINE STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 549482, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an improved exercise machine.

Specifically this invention relates to the improvement of vibration exercise machines by the addition of a controllable air suspension system.

BACKGROUND ART Vibration training or exercising has recently become a popular method of weight loss, toning and muscle building.

Vibration training makes use of involuntary stretch reflex movement of muscles.

Voluntary stretch reflexes are made when a person voluntarily moves a limb or muscle, for example when walking or running. Voluntary stretch reflexes are initiated by an electrical impulse from the brain which travels via the central nervous system to the muscle in question, causing the fibres to twitch and lead to 20 the desired movement.

Involuntary reflexes, such as those made use of during vibration training are when an outside force exerts itself on the central nervous system, this also causes the muscle to spasm.

Vibrating the central nervous system leads to every muscle twitching at the Hertz 1 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG rating (vibration per second) of the vibration exercise machine. For example if the vibrations are set at fifty Hertz then the muscles will twitch fifty times per second. This rapid movement causes the body to burn large amounts of energy as all muscle fibres are being moved. This provides a significant advantage over normal 5 exercises, which often use only 70% or less of muscle fibres.

It has been shown that muscles are capable of moving up to 150 times per second without any negative effects.

Vibration exercise or training is a method of training on a machine that causes vibrations at a set speed. Vibration exercise machines are well known and 10 generally include a base unit that incorporates a platform on which the user stands, below which is positioned a motor and vibration generator. Often a handle is also provided for the user to hold onto with their hands during a training session.

Users simply position themselves on the vibrating platform; the platform of the unit sends vibrations though muscles in the body causing them to twitch.

Many machines use either rubber or steel springs positioned at the four corners of the platform between the upper and lower platform to provide support to the user during training.

Many machines currently available in New Zealand are produced in Asia. Given typical Asian demographics these machines are typically intended for persons of 20 up to 70 kgs in weight.

Many New Zealanders using vibration exercise machines are heavier than 70 kgs. This heavier weight results in a large number of machines breaking, and expensive fixing bills for the gym or owner of the vibration machine.

If additional weight is applied to the platform on which the user stands, this will 25 result in not just the platform vibrating, but also the whole base unit. This can 2 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG damage to both the machine, and the floor and can be noisy and disruptive to other users.

Rubber or steel springs are often snapped or constrained when persons of heavier weight stand on the platform.

Another significant disadvantage of current machines is that there is no way to ensure that the correct vibration is still felt when persons of different body weight are using the machine. For example if someone of 100 kgs is on the vibration machine it is likely that they are going to receive less vibration than someone who weighs for example 50 kgs simply because their weight dampens the effect and 10 decreases the amplitude of the vibrations.

The amplitude of the vibrations, as well as the speed is important. While the frequency determines how many times each second the muscles are vibrated and therefore move, the amplitude of the vibrations determines how great a movement will be provided.

The greater the amplitude of the vibration, the greater the degree of movement of the muscle, and therefore the more effective the exercise is, leading to increased weight loss or toning.

A couple of examples of previous vibration exercise machines are given below: WO 2005/000188 discloses a fitness machine comprising a frame with a vibration 20 element, a vibration generator connected to the vibration generator and a vibration dampener. The vibration dampner can be set such that it can absorb to a selective degree the vibration produced by the vibrating element. As a result of this the training load (difficulty of the exercise desired by the user can be obtained.) The vibration dampner disclosed is made up of plates, preferably of rubber that are 25 positioned on top of the platform on which the user stands. A number of plates or 3 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG number of plates of different thickness or vibration absorbency may be utilised to obtain the desired training load.

This method is cumbersome and requires the user to first determine what training load they desire, or is best for their fitness program. Then they have to determine 5 what combination of plates will provide the specific training load, and position the plates on the platform of the exercise machine before starting. Again this method does not take into account the person's weight, or if it does then this must be determined separately, and incorporated into the calculation to determine what plates should be used. This is a manual function and is impractical.

US 2001/0000782 discloses a device and method for imparting a sudden increase in load on a muscle over a defined period of time from a predetermined base mode. This is via either a seesaw platform that is oscillated in a vertical direction at the correct frequency and amplitude on which the user stands, or a surface that is fixed to a portion of the body and is oscillated relative to an external mass.

This machine still has significant disadvantages as disclosed above in that there is no simple correction which can be automatically undertaken in order to alter the amplitude with respect to a user's body weight.

The current way to change the vibration amplitude on some machines is a scheme whereby two separate motors with offset weights are utilised, attached to the underside of the top plate, both running in opposite directions, giving an up and down movement of the top plate. Greater amplitude can be achieved when both motors are run in reverse rotation as a built-in counterweight within the motors is realigned to give a greater centrifugal force, so long as the motors are specified with this option.

The frequency of the vibration is simply determined by the motor speed. 4 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG It would therefore be beneficial to those providing vibration exercise machines or training programmes or facilities if there were available a machine which could cope with the heavier weight of many users, and which would automatically provide vibrations based on a users weight.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a 10 number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this 15 specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG isolating the vibration from an exercise machine, the exercise machine including a contact surface on which a user positions themselves, a base, a vibration generating element for vibrating the contact surface, characterised by step of positioning supporting elements between the contact surface and the base.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vibration exercise machine, including a contact surface on which a user positions themselves, and a base, and a vibration generating element for vibrating the contact surface, and a plurality of supporting elements configured to connect the contact surface to the base, characterised in that the supporting elements are configured to prevent 15 transference of vibrations from the contact surface to the base .

In a preferred embodiment the vibration exercise machine may include any existing or new vibration machine which includes a contact surface on which a user positions themselves, and a base, and a vibration generating element positioned substantially between the contact surface and the base which is configured to 20 vibrate the contact surface.

In a preferred embodiment the gas suspension units may utilise air as the gas, and shall be referred to as air suspension units herein. However, this should not be James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG seen as limiting as any other gas or gaseous substance may be utilised with the present invention, for example, nitrogen, oxygen or helium.

In a preferred embodiment the air may be compressed air.

In a preferred embodiment the supporting elements of the present invention may 5 overcome the significant disadvantages of current and existing methods of providing support of the contact surface or platform on which the user stands. These include an increased strength, being able to cope with and not stress or break under heavy weights, such as those over 70 kgs.

Throughout this specification the term air suspension units should be taken as any 10 unit which uses air pressure to provide support and stability between the contact surface and the base of the vibration exercise machine. The air suspension unit may be any mechanical device using confined air to absorb the shock of motion.

In a preferred embodiment the air suspension unit may be, or include air springs, and shall be referred to as such herein.

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the term air spring also encompasses air cushions, air bags and air coils.

In a preferred embodiment the air suspension unit may be known air springs used in the suspension units of vehicles.

In a preferred embodiment the air suspension unit may be one manufactured by 20 Goodyear or Firestone. However, this should not be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment the air suspension unit may be a Firestone #16, or Goodyear Y1-1B5-500 or similar, and shall be referred to as such herein.

In one embodiment the air suspension unit may be a single convoluted airbag. However, preferably the air suspension unit may be a double convoluted airbag. A 7 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG double convoluted airbag provides the following significant advantages: • it provides greater isolation of the base plate of the vibrating machine, thereby decreasing transference of energy or vibration from the motor or contact surface to the base, • it increases the transference of energy or vibrations to the contact surface, increasing the efficiency of the machine, and • it has increased air capacity, increasing versatility.

The air suspension units provide a much greater strength than previously used rubber or steel springs.

The air suspension units overcome a number of significant disadvantages of using rubber or steel springs, including the following: 1. When rubber or steel springs are used a lot of energy from the motors is transferred down to the base, or base plate of the vibration machine (transference). This transfers excessive vibration and noise as the machine 15 vibrates against the floor on which the machine is positioned. This can lead to damage to both the floor and the machine, and if the machine is located on an upper storey can prevent work or other activities in the floor below due to the vibration on the ceiling.

The use of air suspension units as per the present invention decreases the 20 amount of transference due to the non-mechanical linkage between the contact surface or vibration generating element and the base plate of the vibration machine.

For example a Firestone #16 air spring at an air pressure of 8 psi results in approximately 0.7% transference of energy to the base plate. On the other 8 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG hand, a commonly used rubber spring can result in approximately 4.4% transference.

Air springs also have a lower natural frequency than steel or rubber springs; which also decreases transference. The natural frequency of any spring 5 can be calculated by the equation: Natural frequency = 188 x (the square root of ( spring rate divided by the load)) {This formula is an imperial based formula} 2. Rubber springs located at the four corners of the platform can provide good support. However, the major disadvantage with rubber springs is that long 10 term exposure to vibrations can lead to a decrease in the hardness of the rubber and the rubber fragmenting. This is particularly problematic when the springs are deteriorating at different rates, for example the rubber spring in one corner of the platform may deteriorate faster, resulting in an uneven vibration and support. This in turn can exert increased pressure 15 and vibrations on the remaining rubber springs increasing the speed of their deterioration.

In a preferred embodiment the Firestone #16 air spring may be at an air pressure of approximately 8 psi. This air pressure would be able to hold a 100 kg user when four air springs are utilised.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the Firestone #16 air spring may be at an air pressure in the range of 5 -10 psi.

In addition, having the air pressure in the range of 5 - 10 psi, provides additional safety for the user and protection for the machine.

For example if a user stands on only one corner of the contact surface, all their 25 weight will be on one air suspension unit. 9 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG If the air spring is at a minimum air pressure for the user's weight then the result could be that the contact surface is pushed down completely and contacts the base plate. This may tip the user off the contact surface, or lead to damage of the vibration generating element.

The strength and load capacity of air springs may easily be altered by increasing or decreasing the air pressure.

In direct contrast to this increasing the strength of steel springs would lead to the requirement for heavier, bigger springs and/or an increased number of coils. Similarly to increase the strength of load capacity of rubber springs would require 10 thicker springs and/or an increased shore hardness.

In order to change the strength or load capacity of steel or rubber springs the springs would need to be removed from the machine, and new springs of a different strength inserted. This process is time consuming, tricky and not suitable for quick changes between individual users on the vibration machine.

It would be appreciated that the larger the air spring, the larger the weight or load capacity.

In a preferred embodiment the vibration exercise machine of the present invention may include four air springs, one at substantially each corner of the contact surface, if of a substantially square or rectangular shape. If the contact surface is 20 a different shape preferably there may be four springs spaced evenly around substantially the edge of the contact surface. However, this should not be seen as limiting as in some situations a greater or smaller number of air springs may be utilised.

In a preferred embodiment the air springs may be controlled, to either increase or 25 decrease the air pressure within.

James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG In a preferred embodiment the air springs may be connected to an air compressor, which acts to and allows the air pressure to be either increased or decreased.

In a preferred embodiment increasing the air pressure in the air springs will decrease the amplitude of the vibration.

Similarly, in a preferred embodiment decreasing the air pressure in the air springs will increase the amplitude of the vibration.

Increasing the air pressure will also cause an increase in the height of the contact surface; similarly decreasing the air pressure will decrease the height of the contact surface. This is a secondary effect of increasing or decreasing the air 10 pressure, however may be beneficial in a number of situations, for example for particular users of differing heights undertaking the same exercise on the machine.

In a preferred embodiment the air pressure may be automatically altered.

However, this should not be seen as limiting, as the air pressure may also be altered manually.

In a preferred embodiment the air pressure may be altered to relate to the body weight of the user.

In a preferred embodiment the air pressure may be altered to ensure that the same amplitude of vibrations are experienced by users of differing weights.

In an alternative embodiment the air pressure may be altered to ensure that a 20 desired amplitude is experienced by a user, no matter what the user's weight.

For example, for the same air pressure, a heavier user is likely to experience vibrations of smaller amplitude than a user of a lighter weight due to an increased damping effect of the increased weight. 11 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG Therefore to provide the same vibration amplitude a heavier user will require a lower air pressure in the air springs than a lighter person, to cause larger amplitude vibrations to be produced, and result in the same effect.

The amplitude of vibrations (if the air springs were left at one air pressure) would 5 vary greatly depending on the user's weight.

The relationship between the user's weight and the amplitude can be determined by the following equation: Amplitude = dynamic moment (of the motors) mass of vibration plate + motor mass For example, when unladen (i.e. when no user is positioned on the contact surface) the desired amplitude may be up to 4.0 mm.

In a preferred embodiment as the spring rate or air pressure in the air spring increases the amplitude decreases. This is due to increased transference of energy to the base plate of the machine. Transference however, is not 15 considerable until high air pressures are reached, for example 100 psi (the design limit of the Firestone #16).

In a preferred embodiment the air pressure may be varied to allow for the differing weights of users. Users have a considerable range of weights; therefore the air springs of the present invention are a significant advantage as they ensure the 20 best training method suited to each individual, as well as long life span of the vibration exercise machines.

In a preferred embodiment the amplitude may be measured by any known means. Alternatively it may be measured simply by attaching a pen to the platform and marking movement on a surface. 12 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG In a preferred embodiment the compressor may be independent from the machine.

In some embodiments one compressor may be utilised to control a plurality of vibrating machines. In this instance each vibrating machine would have its own control system and valves to allow each machine to be independently altered to 5 suit an individual user.

Alternatively an air compressor may be associated with or integral to each machine.

In a preferred embodiment the air springs may be connected to the compressor via an air line.

In a preferred embodiment the air line may be approximately 4mm in diameter. However, this should not be seen as limiting, as the same results may be obtained from either a larger or smaller air line.

In a preferred embodiment the air suspension units of the present invention may be used to replace or retro fit the springs in existing vibration exercise machines. 15 This will increase the efficiency of existing machines, increase their life span and allow them to be used in a wider variety of locations as associated noise is limited. This will also allow their efficiency to be maximised for the varying weight of users.

In a preferred embodiment the vibrating exercise machine may also incorporate a support element that the user holds on to while on the contact surface.

In a preferred embodiment the support element may be attached to the contact surface. This ensures that the support element also has the same frequency of vibration as the contact surface. This provides the user with vibrations both through the support element which they hold with their hands, and the contact surface on which they stand. This provides an increased effect from most vibration 25 machines wherein the support element is attached to the base plate, and only 13 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG receiving a very low level of vibration through transference of energy to the base plate.

In a preferred embodiment the motor may be run at a desired speed of 25 to 60 Hertz.

In many of the existing machines the contact surface on which the user is positioned is 600 by 400mm in size. This is too small to undertake many of the current exercises done during vibration training, for example lunges, or exercises which require the user to have their feet spaced apart.

This size is too small to undertake some of the exercises in question, especially for 10 a large or heavy user. Therefore a further embodiment of the present invention may also have a larger size contact surface in conjunction with the air suspension units.

In a preferred embodiment, the vibration exercise machine of the present invention may have a contact surface which is approximately 950 by 500 mm.

In a preferred embodiment there may be a manual control which the user can use to vary the air pressure in the air springs.

Alternatively there may be an automatic controller which when the user's weight is entered alters the air pressure to ensure the correct vibration amplitude is provided when the user steps onto the contact surface. Alternatively adjustment may be 20 made automatically using Programmable Logic and electro-pneumatic technologies.

In a preferred embodiment the air pressure in the air suspension units may be able to be varied on individual machines in the case where there are multiple machines in one location or connected to one compressor. 14 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG Electronic controls for air pressure valves are currently known and any standard equipment for this may be utilised.

In a preferred embodiment the air pressure may be linked to body weight at a set equation.

The relationship between the user's weight and the air pressure required to provide a particular amplitude may be slightly non-linear due to the dead mass of the machine in the contact surface and vibration generating element. For example, this may be up to approximately 44 kg.

In a preferred embodiment the vibration machine may also include a weight sensor 10 which automatically determines the user's weight once they step onto the contact surface.

In a preferred embodiment the weight sensor may determine the weight by the change in air pressure in the air springs, by comparing the air pressure both before and after the user steps onto the contact surface.

In a preferred embodiment the change in the air pressure in the air suspension units is used to determine the weight of the user and the required air pressure to provide vibrations of the desired amplitude. This information can then be utilised to determine whether and by how much the air pressure needs to be increased or decreased.

In a preferred embodiment the unladen amplitude may range from 2 to 4mm.

In a preferred embodiment the amplitude may also be linked to the motor speed for example usually lower amplitudes are used at higher motor speeds.

In a preferred embodiment the vibration machine may also include a timer which can be set for 30, 45, or 60 seconds, these being common times for which James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG exercises are undertaken on a vibration machine.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of setting the vibration amplitude on a vibration exercise machine, the vibration exercise machine including a contact surface on which a user positions themselves, and a base, and a vibration generating element positioned substantially between the contact surface and the base which is configured to vibrate the contact surface, and a plurality of supporting elements configured to connect the contact surface to the 10 base wherein the supporting elements are air suspension units, the method characterised by the steps of: a) determining a user's weight after the user has positioned themselves on the contact surface, and b) altering the air pressure to ensure that the desired amplitude of vibration is 15 provided.

The present invention provides a number of advantages over current vibration exercise machines, including the following: • It allows the amplitude to be maintained at a desired level for users of differing weights, • It allows quick and easy adjustment of the suspension system; air pressure can easily be altered through a set of valves and an air compressor. 16 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG In comparison adjusting steel or rubber springs would require the springs to be removed and springs of differing Shore hardness inserted, this process is time consuming, and not cost effective as a number of spring sets of differing Shore hardness would be 5 required.

• It decreases the transference of energy or vibrations from the vibration generating element or contact surface to the base plate and therefore the floor on which the machine is positioned substantially, to almost negligible amounts.

This should allow the vibration machines of the present invention to be used in a wider range of locations, including on the upper floors of buildings and on wooden floored buildings, without noise or damage problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic of a prototype base unit; Figure 2 shows a schematic of the general layout of the vibration unit, Figure 3 shows the air pressure system which is manually regulated, Figure 4 shows a schematic of the air spring set up and control system for automated mass and pressure regulation, BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 17 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG Figure 1 shows a schematic of the platform for a vibration exercise machine generally shown by (1), but not including any associated handle or pedestal which may be present on the vibration machine.

The platform includes a contact surface or top plate (2), a base plate (3) a vibration 5 motor which is not shown in this figure but which is configured to vibrate the top plate (2).

The platform also includes two air bag pedestal mounts (4) which are utilised to support the air springs (5).

Four air springs (5) are positioned in substantially the four corners of the contact 10 surface (2).

Figure 2 shows the general layout of the unit from a) a top view b) a front view and c) a side view.

The same numbers are used to show the features as in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a schematic of a manually regulated pressure system for the air 15 springs. This shows the four air springs (6), connected via an air line (7) which is also connected to a compressor (8) via a control box (9).

The control box (9) allows the air pressure to be either increased or decreased manually.

Figure 4 shows a schematic of an automatically regulated air pressure system 20 wherein the air springs (10) are connected by an air line (11) which is in turn connected to a pressure sensor (12) which determines the user's weight (by the difference in the unladen and laden weight, i.e before and after the user positions themselves on the contact surface).

The pressure system details are then feed into the control box generally indicated 18 James & Wells Ref: 31936/60 CG by (13) which includes a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) (14) which is used to regulate the electro-pneumatic regulator (15) via a line (16).

The PLC (14) uses the users weight to determine what air pressure is required to provide vibrations of the desired amplitude and what increase or decrease in air 5 pressure is required to provide this amplitude. This information is then feed into the electro-pneumatic regulator (15).

The electro-pneumatic regulator in turn acts on the compressor (17) to increase or decrease the air pressure in the air springs (10).

The pressure sensor (12) can provide feedback data to determine when the 10 pressure is correct or alternatively the PLC can determine a set amount of air pressure to be provided.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 19

Claims (34)

WHAT l/WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method of isolating the vibration from an exercise machine, the exercise machine including a contact surface on which a user positions themselves, a base, a vibration generating element for vibrating the contact surface, characterised by the step of positioning gas suspension units between the contact surface and the base.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gas suspension units utilise air as the gas.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the air is compressed air.

4. The method according to either one of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the gas suspension units are air springs.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the air springs are air bags.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the air bags are double convoluted air bags.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein four supporting elements are positioned between the contact surface and the base.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the gas pressure in the supporting elements is in the range of 5-10 psi. 20 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY! OFFICE OF N.Z. 13 JUN 2008 RECEIVED

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the method includes the step of adjusting the pressure within the supporting elements.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pressure in the supporting elements is adjusted according to the weight of a person using the exercise machine.

11 The method according to either one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the pressure is adjusted to be in the range of 5-10 psi.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein a sensor controls the adjustment of the pressure within the supporting elements.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the weight of the user is calculated by comparing the pressure sensed in the supporting elements both before and after the user steps onto the contact surface.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, wherein the step of adjusting the air pressure in the supporting elements is achieved using an external compressor.

15. The method according to claim 14 wherein the compressor is in communication with a plurality of exercise machines.

16. The method according to either one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the compressor is configured to ensure the supporting elements have sufficient pressure to support the user's weight when the exercise machine is being operated.

17. An exercise machine, including a contact surface on which a user positions themselves, a base, I 13 jun 2008 [RECEIVED a vibration generating element for vibrating the contact surface, a plurality of supporting elements configured to connect the contact surface to the base, characterised in that the supporting elements are gas suspension units.

18. The exercise machine according to either of claim 17, wherein the gas suspension units utilise air as the gas.

19. The exercise machine according to claim 18, wherein the air is compressed air.

20. The exercise machine according to either one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the air spring suspension unit are air springs.

21. The exercise machine according to claim 20, wherein the air springs are air bags.

22. The exercise machine according to claim 21, wherein the air bags are double convoluted air bags.

23. The exercise machine according to any one of claims 17 - 22, wherein four supporting elements are positioned between the contact surface and the base.

24. The exercise machine according to any one of claims 17 - 23, wherein the air pressure in the air supporting elements is in the range of 5-10 psi.

25. The exercise machine according to any one of claims 17-24, wherein the method includes the step of adjusting the pressure within the supporting elements.

26. The exercise machine according to claim 25, wherein the adjustment of the air pressure in the supporting elements is dependent on the weight of a person using the exercise machine. 13 JUN2008 'RECEIVED

27. The exercise machine according to any one of claims 17-26, wherein the air pressure is in the range of 5-10 psi.

28. The exercise machine according to any one of claims 17 - 27, wherein the adjustment of the air pressure within the supporting elements is controlled by a sensor.

29. The exercise machine according to claim 28, wherein the sensor determines the weight of the user by comparing the pressure in the supporting elements both before and after the user steps onto the contact surface.

30. The exercise machine according to claims 17-29, wherein the adjustment of the air pressure in the supporting elements is achieved using an external compressor.

31. The exercise machine according to claim 30, wherein the compressor is in communication with a plurality of exercise machines.

32. The exercise machine according to either of claims 30 or 31, wherein the compressor is configured to ensure that the supporting elements have sufficient pressure to support the users weight.

33. An exercise machine as substantially described herein with reference to the description and attached drawings.

34. A method of isolating the vibration from an exercise machine as substantially described herein with reference to the description and attached drawings. VIBRA-AIR LIMITED by their authorised agents INTELLEflMMESft OFFICE OF N.Z. 1 3 JUN 2008 RECEIVED 23