US20180147436A1

US20180147436A1 - Multi-dimensional articulating user support exercise machine

Info

Publication number: US20180147436A1
Application number: US15/823,915
Authority: US
Inventors: Joseph K. Ellis; Joshua M. Aguilar
Original assignee: Product Design Innovations LLC
Current assignee: Product Design Innovations LLC
Priority date: 2016-11-29
Filing date: 2017-11-28
Publication date: 2018-05-31

Abstract

Improved exercise machines having a movable user engagement member and a user support movably mounted on a movable slide support surface and a slidable wedge concurrently engaging the movable slide support surface and a stationary slide support surface and an operative linkage system connecting the user engagement and the slidable wedge such that movement of the user engagement causes the slidable wedge to engage the slide support surfaces changing the distance between at least a portion of the slide support surfaces and thereby creating a multi-dimensional articulating movement of the user support during an exercise motion.

Description

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority on and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/427,472 having a filing date of 29 Nov. 2016.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

This invention relates to the general technical field of exercise, physical fitness and physical therapy equipment and machines. This invention relates more specifically to the field of strength conditioning exercise machines wherein at least one movable user engagement means is operatively linked to a slidable wedge assembly wherein the slidable wedge simultaneously engages a movable slide support surface and a stationary slide support surface. A movable user support is pivotally mounted on said movable slide support surface and pivotally linked to an operative linkage assembly wherein movement of the user engagement means causes movement of the slidable wedge which creates a multi-dimensional articulation motion of the user support during an exercise motion.

Prior Art

Exercise, physical fitness and physical therapy equipment and machines are available in various configurations and for various purposes, and are available for all of the major muscle groups. The majority of such equipment and machines, especially in the exercise field, concentrate either on cardiovascular conditioning or strength conditioning. Strength conditioning machines can be configured with a combination of several features. Those features are categorized as (a) the movement pattern of the user engagement or engagements, (b) whether or not the machine comprises a user support and if the machine comprises a user support the user support can be stationary or movable, and (c) the resistance to the motion of the user engagement that creates the exertion for the user.
The movement pattern of the user engagement can either be machine guided or user guided. Machine guided strength machines have a predetermined movement pattern where the user only has to apply the force to move the user engagement feature but does not have to control the movement pattern. User guided machines allow the user to control at least a portion of the movement pattern. Stationary user support machines keep the user's center of mass stationary throughout the exercise motion. Movable user supports cause the users center of mass to move when the machine is being operated. The resistance to the user engagement feature can either be the user's body weight, or a secondary source of resistance such as gravity resisted weights or an alternative resistance source or a combination of the user's body weight and a secondary source of resistance.
The purpose of strength conditioning exercise machines is to improve the performance of a human motion or motions whether it is an athletic motion or simply a daily activity. For athletic motions and most daily activities, humans are in full body motion such that most or all of the human body is moving during any activity. Therefore, strength conditioning machines that move the user's entire body during the exercise motion more closely simulate real world activities and are therefore more effective and useful at increasing the performance of the human body for those activities.
This inventor has previously developed other machines that cause the user support to move during the exercise motion and operation of the machine. However, the current invention is another type of movable user support exercise motion that fills a need not previously met.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,588 discloses this inventor's development of a composite motion movement machine, which combines a moving actuating member and a moving user support, the composite motion movement machine having a user support member, a stationary main frame on which the user support is located, the user support member being pivotally connected to the main frame, a truck in slidable engagement with the user support member and the main frame, an actuating user engagement member being pivotally connected to the main frame and operatively connected to the truck, the actuating user engagement member being adapted to move between a first position and a second position, and a linking mechanism operatively connecting said actuating member with said truck, wherein, when the user moves the actuating member between the first position and the second position, the truck moves along rails on the user support member and the main frame, forcing the user support to pivot relative to the main frame such that the user is exercising against the resistance of at least portion of their body weight combined with at least a portion of the user support frame and any additional secondary resistance that may be added to movement of the user support. This motion is a fixed arcing motion of the user support and an improvement to stationary user support machines.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,888,661 discloses this inventor's improvement on abdominal and core exercise apparatuses by utilizing a centrally pivoting linkage member that is operatively attached on a first end to a pivoting upper body actuating member and operatively attached on an opposite second end to a sliding while pivoting user support. When the user pulls the upper body actuating member with their arms towards the user support and pulls the user support with their legs towards the upper body actuating member, this causes the first end of the centrally pivoting linkage member to move downward and causes the opposite second end of the centrally pivoting linkage member to move upward, thus causing the sliding while pivoting user support to move in a direction towards the pivoting upper body actuating member with the user support pivoting upwardly from back to front. This causes the user's upper and lower extremities to be in an extended position in the first position of the exercise and in a contracted position in the second position of the exercise, thus causing certain muscles of the user's abdominals and core portion of the torso to be exercised. This concurrent pulling motion of the user's upper and lower body creates an integration motion exercise with total body movement, whereas the current invention creates an isolation motion exercise with total body movement wherein a single muscle group is targeted on each embodiment.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,287,241 discloses this inventor's improvement on leg press exercise apparatuses by utilizing composite motion movement, which combines a moving actuating member and a moving user support, the machine having a user support member, a stationary main frame on which the user support is located, the user support member being pivotally connected to the main frame, a truck in slidable engagement with the user support member and the main frame, an actuating user engagement member for the user's feet being pivotally connected to the main frame and operatively connected to the truck, the actuating user engagement member being adapted to move between a first position and a second position, and a linking mechanism operatively connecting said actuating member with said truck, wherein, when the user moves the actuating member between the first position and the second position, the truck moves along rails on the user support member and the main frame, forcing the user support to pivot relative to the main frame such that the user is exercising against the resistance of at least portion of their body weight combined with at least a portion of the user support frame and any additional secondary resistance that may be added to movement of the user support. This motion is a fixed arcing motion of the user support and an improvement to stationary user support machines.
US Patent Publication No. 2014/0371036 discloses this inventor's development of a sliding while rotating user support exercise machine that comprises a three-bar tripod linkage system wherein one end of a first bar connects to the main frame, one end of a second bar connects to the traveling member, and one end of a third bar connects to the user support and the opposite end of all three bars converge to a floating central axle. The current invention improves upon this sliding while rotating multi-function exercise machine by creating greater rotation of the user support when the traveling member of each embodiment of the current invention travels the same distance as the traveling member of the multi-function exercise machine, thus creating a more dynamic motion that will more closely simulate real world activities. The current invention also addresses improving the sliding while rotating user support multi-function exercise machine by eliminating many components of the linkage system connecting the sliding while rotating user support to the stationary main frame, thus reducing costly components and reducing the number of wear parts.
Other exercise machines have been developed that have a movable user engagement means that is operatively linked to a movable user support. The common deficiency of these machines is that the user support moves in a single plane arcing pattern. Thus these options do not have multi-dimensional articulation of the user support such that the total motion of the user support is limited to single plane relatively small arcs and do not best simulate human exercise motions and activities.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,594,880 to Webber shows a user support that pivots beneath and proximal to the user's center of mass and is operatively linked to a user engagement means. This stationary pivot motion creates minimal movement of the user's center of mass and therefore does not create multi-dimensional movement of the user support when activating the engagement means. This motion is inadequate to provide the multi-dimensional motion required to simulate many athletic and daily activity movements.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,760 to Bobroff and U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,158 to Drecksel show various types of horse riding simulation machines where the user support is rigidly attached to an arcing portion of the main frame of the machine and operatively connected to a pivoting pulling arm such that the two stationary pivots move in fixed arcs relative to the main frame during the exercise motion. While this creates total body movement, the rigid connection of the user support to the arcing frame member creates a single dimensional motion and does not provide the multi-dimensional movement preferred by many users to simulate a variety of everyday activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention was developed to provide an improved exercise machine wherein at least one movable user engagement means is operatively linked to a slidable wedge assembly wherein the slidable wedge simultaneously engages a movable slide support surface and a stationary slide support surface. An articulating user support is connected to the movable slide support surface and an operative linkage assembly wherein movement of the user engagement means causes movement of the slidable wedge which creates a multi-dimensional articulation motion of the user support during an exercise motion.
Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a stationary main frame connected to one or more stationary parallel elongated slide surfaces and one or more movable parallel elongated slide surfaces which pivot from a stationary pivot at one end and are movable in an arcing motion, a slidable wedge assembly slidably connected to said stationary slide surfaces and slidably connected to the movable slide support surfaces for movement in fixed linear pattern, such that as the slidable wedge moves concurrently along the stationary slide surfaces and the movable slide surfaces it creates an arcing motion of the movable slide surfaces, and at least one user support comprising first and second pivoting support connections such that a first pivot is mounted on said arcing slide surface and a second pivot is connected to at least one link bar having a first end and a second end such that the a first end of the link bar is connect at the second pivot of the user support and a second end of the link bar is pivotally connected to either the slidable wedge or the stationary main frame, at least one user engagement means moveably connected to the main frame or the user support and operatively linked to the slidable wedge, wherein movement of at least one user engagement member causes the movable slide surface to move in an arcing pattern while at least one user support concurrently articulates relative to the movable slide surface during an exercise motion.
The invention can be presented in various embodiments for exercising various portions of the user's body with the common feature of all the embodiments being that at least one user support simultaneously moves in an arcing pattern with the movable slide support surface relative to the main stationary frame while articulating relative to the movable slide surface when the movable user engagement which is operatively linked to the slidable wedge is actuated by the user. Machines that only pivot the user support during an exercise motion relative to the stationary main frame cannot create enough movement of user support to simulate the way the human body would naturally position itself to gain optimal leverage against a resistance force. In certain embodiments of the present invention the optimal exercise motion is achieved when the user engagement means is mounted on the stationary main frame. In certain embodiments of the present invention the optimal exercise motion is achieved when the user engagement means is mounted on the user support. In certain embodiments the user engagement means moves in an arcing pattern. In certain embodiments the user engagement means moves in a linear pattern. In certain embodiments the user engagement feature moves in a predetermined machine controlled pattern. In certain embodiments the user engagement feature moves in a user defined pattern. In all preferred embodiments the slidable wedge can slide on any low friction surface or roll on wheels or linear bears or the like.
In all preferred embodiments of the invention the slidable wedge slides or rolls when pulled, pushed or released by the operative drive linkage as force is increased or decreased upon the user engagement. This operative drive linkage can consist of various configurations and be assembled from single or multiple components to meet the requirements of the exercise and to accommodate users of all ability levels. For example, certain embodiments may require a user engagement member to have a mechanical advantage such that the force required to move the slidable wedge is reduced. These mechanical advantage components may include one or more of the following: cams, pulleys, levers, wheels, linear bearings, pivot axles, and flexible members such as a cable. Most configurations of the operative linkage will consist of one or more flexible components such as cables or belt and one or more guide pulleys for the flexible component. Alternative drive linkage configurations may consist of one or more rigid components, still other configurations may include one or more slidable components, and other configurations may consist of a combination of one or more flexible components, rigid components, and or slidable components. In all preferred embodiments of the invention various components of the machine can be adjustable to accommodate the needs of the user. These adjustments can include the distance and or angle of a user engagement member relative to the entirety of a user support or a portion of a user support.
Additional resistance may be added to the exercise motion of each embodiment of the invention. The resistance may consist of various components such as weight stacks, free weight discs, hydraulics, pneumatics, moment arms, flexible rods, electromagnetic resistance, or alternative resistance components and assemblies. These resistance components may be operatively linked to one or more of the movable components of any embodiment of the invention or directly mounted on one or more of the movable components of any embodiment of the invention.
These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention, will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended figures in which like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures illustrate each embodiment from multiple angle views to best illustrate the features and functions of each embodiment. Some of the figures illustrate a user mounted on the machine for clarity of the exercise motion. Some of the figures illustrate an individual component or assembly of a particular embodiment to clearly illustrate the individual parts required to produce those components or assemblies.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred configuration of a slidable wedge assembly such as the one used in the abdominal muscles exercise machine illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 9 comprising opposing left and right lower sets of wheels that engage the stationary slide support surfaces and opposing left and right upper sets of wheels that engage the movable slide support surfaces and the sets of wheels that engage the movable slide support surfaces are mounted on a rotatable shaft. Guide pulleys for the drive cable are mounted on the wedge frame cross brace bar.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's abdominal muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the stationary main frame and two separate dependent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 3 is a front view in the at rest an inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's abdominal muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the stationary main frame and two separate dependent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 4 is a front view in the engaged and fully activated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's abdominal muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the stationary main frame and two separate dependent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view in the engaged and fully activated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's abdominal muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the stationary main frame and two separate dependent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's abdominal muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the stationary main frame and two separate dependent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. A portion of the slide surfaces are cutaway in this view to better illustrate the location of some of the components of the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 7 is a side view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's abdominal muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the stationary main frame and two separate dependent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 8 is a side view in the engaged and activated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's abdominal muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the stationary main frame and two separate dependent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a preferred configuration of a slidable wedge assembly such as the one used in the pectoral muscles exercise machine illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 and the quadriceps muscles exercise machine illustrated in FIGS. 21-26 comprising opposing left and right lower sets of wheels that engage the stationary slide support surfaces and opposing left and right upper wheels that engage the movable slide support surfaces and a frame that houses a pivot axle for connecting a pivotal user support link bar and houses the axles for the upper wheels assembly and the axles for the lower wheels assembly.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's pectoral muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and two separate independent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 11 is a side view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's pectoral muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and two separate independent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 12 is a side view in the engaged and activated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's pectoral muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and two separate independent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's pectoral muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and two separate independent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. In this view the user is holding one engagement member in the engaged and activated position and the other engagement member is in the at rest and inactivated position. A portion of the slide surfaces are cutaway in this view to better illustrate the location of some of the components of the slidable wedge. Additional resistance can be added to this embodiment, but is not shown in this view to more clearly illustrate the components.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's pectoral muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and two separate independent movable user engagement members are mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a preferred configuration of a slidable wedge assembly such as the one used in the latissimus dorsi muscles exercise machine illustrated in FIGS. 16 through 20 comprising opposing left and right lower sets of wheels that engage the stationary slide support surfaces and opposing left and right upper wheels that engage the movable slide support surfaces and a frame that houses the axles for the upper wheels assembly and the axles for the lower wheels assembly.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's latissimus dorsi muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is pivotally connected to the stationary base frame and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. A portion of the slide surfaces are cutaway in this view to better illustrate the location of some of the components of the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's latissimus dorsi muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is pivotally connected to the stationary base frame and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's latissimus dorsi muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is pivotally connected to the stationary base frame and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 19 is a side view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's latissimus dorsi muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is pivotally connected to the stationary base frame and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 20 is a side view in the at engaged and activated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's latissimus dorsi muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is pivotally connected to the stationary base frame and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by removable weight discs that are loaded onto a holder bar that is mounted on the movable slide support surfaces.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's quadriceps muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide support surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by a stack of weight plates that are operatively connected to the slidable wedge.

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention that exercises a user's quadriceps muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide support surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by a stack of weight plates that are operatively connected to the slidable wedge.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's quadriceps muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide support surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. A portion of the slide surfaces are cutaway in this view to better illustrate the location of some of the components of the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by a stack of weight plates that are operatively connected to the slidable wedge.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view in the engaged and activated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's quadriceps muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide support surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by a stack of weight plates that are operatively connected to the slidable wedge.

FIG. 25 is a side view in the at rest and inactivated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's quadriceps muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide support surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by a stack of weight plates that are operatively connected to the slidable wedge.

FIG. 26 is a side view in the at engaged and activated position of an embodiment of the invention illustrating a user mounted on the machine that exercises a user's quadriceps muscles wherein the user support is pivotally linked to the movable slide support surfaces and operatively linked to the slidable wedge and a movable user engagement member is mounted on the user support and operatively connected to the slidable wedge. Additional resistance to the exercise is provided by a stack of weight plates that are operatively connected to the slidable wedge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary preferred embodiments are disclosed below in connection with the attached drawings. Throughout this specification and disclosure, various terms will be used to describe various elements or sets of elements, features or sets of features, and devices or sets of devices. For example, the term rearward end or portion of the machine would refer to the end or portion of the machine most proximal to the pivoting end of the movable slide surface. The term forward end or portion of the machine would refer to the end or portion of the machine most distal to the pivoting end of the movable slide surface. The term user support or movable user support will be used to describe any pad, bar, platform, or other elements that supports the user during operation of the machine. The terms at rest, inactivated, and starting positions will be used to describe when the user is not engaging the device, or only minimally so. The terms activated, extended, engaged, and operating will be used to describe when the user is in motion performing an exercise on the machine. The term releasing or releases will be used to describe the user's action during operation of the machine when the user is reducing or lessening their exertion force upon the user engagement member or members. The terms push, pushing, press, pressing, pull, or pulling when referring to the user operating the machine will be used to describe any motion or movement by a user when they are maintaining or increasing their exertion force. The term upper body will refer generally to the user's arms and hands but may also refer to the user's chest, back, and torso as well. The term lower body will generally refer to the user's legs and feet but may also refer to the user's buttocks and hips as well. The term user engagement member will refer to any movable handles, platforms, pads, or other user engagement means engaged by any portion of the user's body to exert force upon an operative component of the machine during the exercise motion.
FIGS. 1-26 are all views of embodiments or components of embodiments of the invention this inventor terms a Multi-Dimensional Articulating User Support Exercise Machine. Generally, the invention is a machine that moves the user through a multi-dimensional articulating pattern whereby at least one movable user engagement, at least one movable user support, an operative linkage assembly, a slidable wedge, a stationary slide surface, a movable slide surface and a drive linkage assembly are all operatively connected and cooperate in unison during an exercise motion. In all embodiments, at least one user support has at least one pivotal connection to the movable slide surface. In all embodiments, at least one user support has at least one pivotal link to either the slidable wedge or the stationary main frame. The movable user engagement member may be configured in various forms and may be movably connected to the machine in various locations, but in every embodiment at least one user engagement member is operatively connected directly to the slidable wedge by a drive assembly. In all preferred embodiments of the invention any movement of a user engagement member will cause concurrent movement of the slidable wedge, movable slide surface, the user support linkage and the drive linkage. All preferred embodiments of the invention may be configured such that additional resistance can be added to the exercise motion.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-26, various views of multiple embodiments of machine 10 are shown to provide a more complete understanding of the invention. In all preferred embodiments machine 10 comprises stationary base frame 11, stationary slide support surfaces 13, movable slide support surface 14, slidable wedge 30, drive linkage 40, user support linkage assembly 25, user support 20, and user engagement 80A or 80B. In all embodiments user engagement 80A or 80B and slidable wedge 30 are operatively linked by drive linkage 40. In all embodiments at least one user support 20 is pivotally mounted on movable slide support surface 14 and pivotally connected to user support linkage 25. In certain embodiments user support linkage 25 is mounted on slidable wedge 30. In certain embodiments user support linkage 25 is mounted on stationary base frame 11. Machine 10 can be constructed of any suitable material, such as formed tubes or channels, made from steel or other metals or suitable materials, for supporting the working components of machine 10. Slide support surfaces 13 and 14, base frame cross braces 12, and base frame 11 comprise components such as tubes and stands so as to form a stable base adequate to stably support the remainder of machine 10 and a user U, as well as being able to stably withstand the movement of machine 10 during use.
In all preferred embodiments of the invention at least one user support 20 is mounted on a pivotal connection to movable slide support surface 14 and a pivotal connection to user support linkage assembly 25. Slidable wedge 30 is slidably engaged with stationary slide support surfaces 13, and movable slide support surfaces 14. Stationary slide support surfaces 13 are rigidly connected to base frame 11 such that stationary slide support surfaces 13 and base frame 11 form a rigid support structure for machine 10. At least a portion of movable slide support surfaces 14 are located above stationary slides support surfaces 13 relative to base frame 11 and pivotally connected at a first end to base frame 11 at a location proximal to the rearward portion of the machine and supported at a second location distal to the rearward portion of the machine by the upper wheel assembly of slidable wedge 30. In certain embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-8 user support linkage assembly 25 is mounted on base frame 11. In certain other embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 and 16-26 user support linkage 25 is mounted on slidable wedge 30. In certain embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-8 there is a separate upper body support assembly 50 and upper body user engagement 80A and a separate lower body support assembly 60 and lower body user engagement 80B and the upper body user support and engagement move separately from the lower body user support and engagement. In certain other embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 there is a single user support assembly 20 are two separate and independent left and right upper body user engagement assemblies 80A. In other embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 16-20 there is a single user support assembly 20 and a single upper body user engagement assembly 80A. In other embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 21-26 there is a single user support assembly 20 and a single lower body user engagement assembly 80B. In all embodiments of the invention drive linkage 40 connects at least one user engagement 80A or 80B to slidable wedge 30.
In certain embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-8 drive linkage assembly 40 consist of a flexible drive cable 41 and a plurality of guide pulleys 44 wherein a portion of the pulleys 44 are mounted on stationary base frame 11 and a portion of the pulleys are mounted on slidable wedge 30 and cable 41 is anchored at a first end to lower body user support cable anchor 42A and anchored at a second end to upper body user support cable anchor 42B. In other embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 Drive linkage assembly 40 consist of at least one floating guide pulley 44, at least one stationary guide pulley 44 mounted on base frame cross brace 12, at least one press arm cable 81 mounted on opposing left and right side press arm upper link bars 83A with press arm cable anchors 142 and at least one drive cable 41 mounted at a first end on a floating pulley 44 with drive cable anchor 143 and mounted at a second end on a rearward portion of slidable wedge 30 with drive cable anchor 143. In other embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 16-20 drive linkage assembly 40 consists of at least one drive cable 41 mounted at a first end to upper body user engagement assembly 80A with drive cable anchor 143 and mounted at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge 30 with drive cable anchor 143 wherein drive cable 41 is guided by at least one guide cable 44 mounted on a portion of stationary base frame 11. In other embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 21-26 drive linkage assembly 40 consist of at least one drive cable 41 mounted at a first end to lower body user engagement assembly 80B with drive cable anchor 143 and mounted at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge 30 with drive cable anchor 143 wherein drive cable 41 is guided by at least one guide cable 44 mounted on a portion of stationary base frame 11.
In certain embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 2-8 there is a separate dependent upper body user engagement assembly 80A and a separate dependent lower body user engagement assembly 80B wherein an upper body user support assembly 50 is engaged by the user's hands and a lower body support assembly 60 is engaged by the user's lower legs and movement of upper body user support 50 causes simultaneous movement of lower body user support 60 and vice versa. In certain embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-8, upper body user engagement assemblies 80A comprise rigidly attached components such as hand grip pull bars 57 and lower body user engagement assemblies 80B comprise rigidly attached components such as ankle pads 74. In other embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 there are two separate independent left and right opposing upper body user engagement assemblies 80A wherein left press arm grip handle 84R is rigidly connected to lower left press arm link bar 83B and right press arm grip handle 84L is rigidly connected to lower right press arm link bar 83A. In other embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 16-20 there is a single upper body engagement assembly 80A wherein at least one grip bar such as pulldown bar grip pulling bar 102 is rigidly attached to at least one upper body engagement actuating bar such as pulldown bar 100. In other embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 21-26 there is a single lower body engagement assembly 80B wherein at least one lower body engagement component such as ankle pad 74 is rigidly attached to at least one lower body engagement actuating bar such as ankle pad pivot bar 79. Other embodiments of the invention can comprise various configurations of at least one upper body user engagement component and or at least one lower body user engagement components to best fit the requirements of the desired exercise motion.
In all embodiments of the invention slidable wedge assembly 30 consists of at least one lower wedge wheel assembly 38 and at least one upper wedge wheel assembly 39 and at least one connection to drive linkage 40. In certain embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 upper wheel assembly 39 is mounted on wedge axle 33 and wedge axle 33 rotates on wedge axle pivot bearings 37. In certain embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 drive cable 41 is connected to wedge 30 via wedge cross brace 31, pulley housing 43 and guide pulleys 44. In certain other embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 9-26 slidable wedge assembly 30 consist of at least one lower wedge wheel assembly 38 wherein wheels 34 are rigidly mounted to wedge wheel mounting plates 36 and at least one upper wedge wheel 34 is rigidly mounted directly on wedge axle frame 32 or rigidly mounted to a wedge axle 33 which is rigidly attached to wedge axle frame 32 and drive linkage 40 is connected to slidable wedge 30 via drive cable anchor 143 and at least one slidable wedge to user support link bar 126 is mounted on wedge axle frame 32 with slidable wedge pivot axle 128. Other embodiments of the invention can comprise various configurations of at least one upper wedge wheel assembly 39, at least one lower wedge wheel assembly 38 and if required at least one slidable wedge to user support link bar pivotally connected to wedge axle frame 32 to best fit the requirements of the desired exercise motion.
In all embodiments of the invention user support linkage assembly 25 supports a portion of user support 20 and controls the articulating motion of user support 20 during the exercise motion. In certain embodiments such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2-8 at least one link bar 26 pivotally connects upper body support 50 to base frame 11 and at least one link bar 27 pivotally connects upper body support 50 to movable slide surface 14 and at least one link bar 28 pivotally connects upper body user support 50 to lower body user support 60 such that upper body support 50 and lower body user support 60 are dependent and move in unison. In certain other embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 10-14 and 16-26 user support linkage assembly 25 is pivotally connected to user support 20 at a first end and pivotally connected to slidable wedge 30 such that linkage assembly 25 controls the articulation motion of user support 20 during the exercise motion.
In all preferred embodiments of the invention additional resistance can be added to movement of upper body user engagement assembly 80A and or the lower body user engagement assembly 80B. In certain embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 2-8, the additional resistance is not shown to better illustrate the components of the machine 10. In certain other embodiments such as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 the additional resistance consists of removable weight discs 92 supported by weight disc holder bar 91 and weight disc holder 91 is rigidly attached to movable slide support surfaces 14 such that removable weight discs 92 creates additional resistance against the exercise motion of machine 10. In certain other embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 21-26, the additional resistance consists of a weight stack assembly 98 wherein weight stack cable 46 is connected at a first end to slidable wedge assembly 30 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 and is connected at a second end to weight stack selector rod 96 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 and weight stack cable 46 is guided by guide pulleys 44 and the hole location where weight stack selector pin 97 is inserted into weight stack selector rod 96 controls the amount of weight stack plates 95 that travel vertically on weight stack guide rods 94 during operation of machine 10 such that weight stack plates 95, selector rod 96 and weight stack selector pin 97 create additional resistance against the exercise motion of machine 10. Removable weight discs 92 can be configured in various shapes and sizes so as to create various amounts of resistance. Weight stack assembly 98 consists of weight stack frame 93, weight stack guide rods 94, weight stack plates 95, weight stack selector rod 96 and weight stack selector pin 97. Weight stack frame 91 is generally a vertically oriented rectangular shape structure which can be constructed of any suitable material such as steel or other structural material capable of securing weight stack guide rods 94 and supporting weight stack plates 95. Weight stack guide rods 94 are generally elongated tubes or rods which control the path of weight stack plates 95 during operation of machine 10. Weight stack plates 95 consist of individual stacked weight plates that each generally have two spaced holes for receiving weight stack guide rods 92. Weight stack selector rod 96 is generally an elongated rod with spaced holes that accept weight stack selector pin 97 weight stack selector rod 96 extends from the top to the bottom of the stack of weight plates 95. Weight stack selector pin 97 is an elongated rod that is sufficient in length to penetrate at least a portion of a weight plate 95 and weight stack selector rod 96. Although presented in certain embodiments, additional resistance may be added to the exercise motion of the invention in various configurations and with various components such that the overall exertion of the exercise can be adjusted to the needs of the individual user U.
Slide support surfaces 13 and 14 as illustrated in each embodiment are represented as elongated concave surfaces that supports and guides wedge wheels 34; however, slide support surfaces 13 and 14 may consist of any suitable surface capable of guiding and supporting a low friction sliding or rolling component of slidable wedge 30 during operation of machine 10.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, which represent an embodiment of the invention that exercises user U's abdominal muscles wherein opposing left and right sides of stationary base frame 11 are connected by base frame cross brace 12 and stationary slide support surfaces 13 are rigidly connected to base frame 11 to form the foundation base structure of machine 10. Movable slide support surfaces 14 are pivotally connected to base frame 11 above stationary slide support surfaces 13 at pivot assembly 15. Stationary slide support surfaces 13 and movable slide support surfaces 14 are operatively connected by slidable wedge assembly 30 such that opposing left and right upper wheel assemblies 39 are engaged with movable slide support surfaces 14 and opposing left and right lower wheel assemblies 38 are engaged with stationary slide support surfaces 13 and upper wheel assemblies 39 and lower wheel assemblies 38 are connected by rotatable axle 33, wedge axle frame 32 and stationary wedge axles 33. Opposing left and right side assemblies of slidable wedge 30 are connected by wedge cross brace 31. Upper body user support assembly 50 pivots on upper body user support pivot 58. Upper body user support 50 is a pivotal assembly consisting of head pad 56, torso pads 55, an upper body user support pivoting cross bar 51, upper body user support cable anchor mount bar 45B, an upper body user support hand grip mounting bar 52 with attached grip pulling bars 57 for receiving the user U's hands. Lower body user support assembly 60 pivots on lower body user support pivot 63. Lower body user support 60 is a pivotal assembly consisting of lower body user support pivoting cross bar 61, lower body user support pivot connection bars 62, lower body user support pivots 63, seat bearing mounting bar 64, seat pivot shaft 65, seat pivot bearings 66, seat support bar 67, seat pad 73, lumbar pad support bar 70, lumbar pad 72, ankle pad support bar 69, ankle pad mounting bar 75, ankle pads 74 for receiving a user's feet and ankles. Upper body user support assembly 50 and lower body user support assembly 60 are guided and partially supported by user support linkage assembly 25 wherein link bar 26 is connected at a first end to base frame 11 at link bar pivot 29A and connected at a second end to upper body user support 50 at link bar pivot 29B and link bar 27 is connected at a first end to pivot bearing support tube 61 at link bar pivot 29D and connected at a second end to upper body user support 50 at link bar pivot 29C and link bar 28 is connected at a first end to upper to lower body user support pivot connection mount bar 59 at link bar pivot 29F and connected at a second end to upper to lower body user support pivot connection mount bar 59 at link bar pivot 29E. Upper body user engagement assembly 80A and lower body user engagement assembly 80B are operatively connected to slidable wedge 30 by drive linkage assembly 40 wherein drive cable 41 has a first end and a second end and a first end is connected to upper body user support assembly 50 at upper body user support cable anchor 42B and a second end is connected to lower body user support assembly 60 at lower body user support cable anchor 42A and a central portion of drive cable 41 is connected to slidable wedge 30 and to base frame cross brace 12 by guide pulley housings 43 and guide pulleys 44. Although not illustrated so as to more clearly present the various components of this embodiment, this embodiment of the invention can be configured to add additional resistance to the exercise motion of machine 10 wherein weight disc holder bars 91 could be rigidly attached to movable slide support surfaces 14 or any other suitable portion of the machine for supporting removable weight discs 92, and or weight stack assembly 98 could be operatively linked to the exercise motion of machine 10 or alternative resistance features could be added to machine 10.
To operate this embodiment of the invention, the user U enters machine 10 and assumes a generally seated position in which seat pad 73 and lumbar pad 72 supports user U's upper legs, buttocks and hips. User U's torso is supported by torso pads 55 and user U's head is support by head pad 56. User U then places his or her feet behind ankle pads 74 such that the front of user U's ankles are contacting and braced against pads 74. To activate and engage machine 10, user U grasp hand grip pull bars 57 which are rigidly attached to upper body user support assembly 50, and pulls them in a forward arcing motion while concurrently pulling on ankle pads 74 which are rigidly attached to lower body user support assembly 60 in an upward arcing motion, thus concurrently pivoting upper body user engagement member 50 about upper body user support pivot 58 and lower body user support 60 about lower body user support pivot 63. This motion concurrently acts upon drive linkage assembly 40 causing lower body user support cable anchor 42A to move forward and away from slidable wedge 30 and upper body user support cable anchor 42B to move rearward transferring the rearward portion of drive cable 41 into a more vertical orientation such that slidable wedge 30 is forced to roll along movable slide support surface 14 and stationary slide support surface 13 in a direction rearward towards movable slide support surface pivot 15. This motion of slidable wedge 30 concurrently causes movable slide support surface 14 to pivot about pivot 15 in an upward arcing motion. This motion concurrently activates user support linkage assembly 25 wherein link bar 26 guides upper body user support 50 in a rearward and downward motion and link bar 27 stabilizes upper body user support 50 as it moves and link bar 28 connects upper body user support 50 and lower body user support 60 such that they move in unison causing lower body user support to move in an upward and rearward motion. This concurrent arcing and articulating motion of upper body user support 50 and lower body user support 60 that occurs when the user U exerts a pulling force on hand grip pull bars 57 and ankle pads 74 causes user U to move from a generally seat orientation in the at rest and inactivated position where the angle formed between user U's thighs and torso is a wide “V” shape to a contracted “crunch” orientation where the angle formed between user U's thighs and torso is a narrow “V” shape in the engaged and fully activated position. User U can maintain the position of upper body user support 50 and lower body user support 60 at any location between the at rest position and the fully activated position during the exercise motion.
At any time during the exercise motion when user U decreases the pulling force upon hand grip pull bars 57 and ankle pads 74, user support linkage 25 will guide upper body user support 50 in a forward and upward motion as it pivots about upper body user support pivot 58 while lower body user support 60 concurrently moves in a downward and forward motion as it pivots about lower body user support pivot 63, and slidable wedge 30 will concurrently roll forward on movable slide support surface 14 and stationary slide support surface 13 and away from pivot assembly 15 causing movable slide support surface 14 to pivot about pivot assembly 15 in a downward arcing motion this will concurrently cause lower body user support cable anchor 42A to move downward and closer to slidable wedge 30 and upper body user support cable anchor 42B to move forward into a more angular orientation. This concurrent arcing and articulating motion of upper body user support 50 and lower body user support 60 that occurs when the user U reduces a pulling force on hand grip pull bars 57 and ankle pads 74 causes user U to move from a generally contracted “crunch” orientation where the angle formed between user U's thighs and torso is a narrow “V” shape in the engaged and fully activated position to a more seat orientation in the at rest and inactivated position where the angle formed between user U's thighs and torso is a wide “V” shape.
User U can perform multiple repetitions of urging and releasing the force required to operate this embodiment of the machine 10 so as to perform a set of abdominal muscle exercises. The multi-dimensional articulating motion of upper body user support 50 and lower body user support 60 in this embodiment creates a greater range of motion that more closely assimilates a natural crunching motion of the user U's abdominal muscles thus creating an improved and more effective way to exercise the user U's abdominal muscles.
Referring now to FIGS. 9-15, which represent an embodiment of the invention that exercises user U's pectoral muscles wherein opposing left and right sides of stationary base frame 11 are connected by base frame cross braces 12 and stationary slide support surfaces 13 are rigidly connected to base frame 11 to form the foundation base structure of machine 10. Movable slide support surfaces 14 are pivotally connected to a rearward portion of base frame 11 at pivot assembly 15 located on a base frame cross brace 12. A rearward portion of movable slide support surfaces 14 are located below stationary slide support surfaces 13 relative to base frame 11 and a forward portion of movable slide support surfaces 14 are located above stationary slide support surfaces 13 relative to base frame 11 and both movable slide support surfaces 14 and stationary slide support surfaces 13 are operatively connected by slidable wedge assembly 30 such that upper wheels assembly 39 is engaged with movable slide support surfaces 14 and opposing left and right lower wheels assemblies 38 are engaged with stationary slide support surfaces 13 and upper wheels assembly 39 and lower wheels assemblies 38 are connected by wedge axle frame 32 and wedge axles 33. A forward portion of user support assembly 20 pivots on movable slide support surface 14 at lower user support pivots 24A and a rearward portion of user support assembly 20 pivots on user support linkage assembly 25 at upper user support pivot 24B. User support assembly 20 is comprised of torso pad 55 mounted on torso pad mounting plate 18, seat pad 73 is mounted on seat pad mounting plate 19, user support connection flanges 23, foot support connection bar 21 and foot support 22. Upper body user engagement assembly 80A is comprised of opposing left and right press grip handles 84 rigidly connected proximal to a first end of lower press arm link bar 84 and a second end of lower press arm link bar 84 is pivotally connected to a first end of upper press arm link bar 83 at press arm pivot 82B and a second end of upper press arm pivot 83 is pivotally connected to press arm assembly connection bar 88 at press arm pivot 82A. User support linkage assembly 25 is comprised of slidable wedge to user support link bar 126 having a first end pivotally connected to user support 20 at user support connection flange 23 with upper user support pivot 24B and pivotally connected at a second end to a rear portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 at slidable wedge link bar pivot 129. Drive linkage assembly 40 is comprised of a press arm cable 81 connected at a first and second ends to opposing left and right pressing arm cable anchors 142 and guided by a centrally located guide pulley 44 that is mounted on floating guide pulley housing 43 and drive cable 41 having first and second ends is connected at a first end to floating housing 43 at drive cable anchor 143 and connected at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge 30 with drive cable anchor 143 and guided by guide pulley 44 mounted on guide pulley housing 43 which is rigidly attached to base frame cross base 12. FIGS. 11, 12, 13 illustrate this embodiment with additional resistance provided by removable discs 92 supported by weight disc holder bar 91 which is rigidly attached to movable slide support surfaces 14 with connection bracket 90. Although not illustrated removable weight discs 92 and weight disc bar holder 92 could be mounted at various locations on machine 10 to create additional resistance and or weight stack assembly 98 could be operatively linked to the exercise motion of machine 10 or alternative resistance features could be added to machine 10.
To operate this embodiment of the invention, the user U enters machine 10 and assumes a generally seated position in which seat pad 73 supports user U's upper legs, buttocks and hips and user U's torso is supported by torso pad 55. User U then places his or her feet on foot support 22 and grasp press arm grip handles 85. To activate and engage machine 10, user U presses press arm grip handles 85, which are rigidly attached to a first end of lower press arm link bars 84 forward and away from torso pad 55. This motion concurrently causes upper press arm link bars 83, which are pivotally connected at a first end to a second end of lower press arm link bars 84 at lower press arm pivots 82B. This causes upper press arm link bars 83 to pivot at a second end in a forward and upward arcing motion about upper press arm pivots 82A. This motion concurrently causes press arm cable 82 and floating guide pulley 44 to move forward and away from a rearward portion of machine 10 and act upon drive cable 41, which is attached at a first end to floating guide pulley housing 43 and attached at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 such that slidable wedge 30 and slidable wedge to user support link bar 126 move in a direction towards a rearward portion of machine 10 causing upper wedge wheels assembly 39 to move movable slide support surfaces 14 in an upward arcing pivoting motion about movable slide support surface pivot assemblies 15 thereby causing a forward portion of user support 20 to pivot about lower user support pivot 24A and a rearward portion of user support 20 to pivot about upper user support pivot 24B such that user support 20 and user U move from a first at rest and inactivated seated position through a multi-dimensional articulating motion and into a more elevated and reclined position relative to stationary base frame 11 in the fully engaged and activated position. User U can maintain press arm grip handles 85 and user support 20 at any location between the at rest position and the fully activated position during the exercise motion. An additional operational feature of machine 10 in this pectoral exercise machine embodiment is that during operation of machine 10, the opposing left and right sides of upper body user engagement assembly 80A can operate independently of one another such that either side can be moved anywhere between the at rest and inactivated position and fully engaged and activated position, however the motion of user support 20 is maximized when both the left and right sides of upper body user engagement assembly 80A are moved equal distances.
At any time during the exercise motion when user U decreases the pressing force upon either the left or right press arm grip handles 85 user support 20 and user U move through a multi-dimensional articulating motion into a less elevated and less reclined position relative to stationary base frame 11 wherein a forward portion of user support 20 pivots about lower user support pivot 24A and a rearward portion of user support 20 pivots about upper user support pivot 24B causing movable slide support surfaces 14 to move in a downward arcing pivoting motion about movable slide support surface pivot assemblies 15 and slidable wedge 30 and slidable wedge to user support link bar 126 to move in a direction towards a forward portion of machine 10 which acts upon drive cable 41 which acts upon floating pulley housing 43 causing floating pulley 44 and press arm drive cable 81 to move in a direction towards a rearward portion of machine 10, causing a second end of upper press arm link bar 83 to pivot about upper press arm pivot 82A and a second end of lower press arm link bar 84 to pivot about a first end of upper press arm link 83 at lower press arm pivot 82B such that press arm grip handles 85 which are rigidly connected to a first end of lower press arm link bar 84 move towards torso pad 55 causing user U to move from a more elevated and reclined position in the engaged and activated position to a more seat position in the at rest and inactivated position.
User U can perform multiple repetitions of urging and releasing the force required to operate this embodiment of the machine 10 so as to perform a set of pectoral muscle exercises. The multi-dimensional articulating motion of user support 20 in this embodiment creates a greater range of motion that more closely assimilates a natural pressing and contracting motion of the user U's pectoral muscles thus creating an improved and more effective way to exercise the user U's pectoral muscles.
Now referring to FIGS. 15-20, which represent an embodiment of the invention that exercises user U's latissimus dorsi muscles wherein opposing left and right sides of stationary base frame 11 are connected by base frame cross braces 12 and stationary slide support surfaces 13 are rigidly connected to base frame 11 to form the foundation base structure of machine 10. Movable slide support surfaces 14 are pivotally connected to a rearward portion of base frame 11 at pivot assembly 15 located on a base frame cross brace 12. At least a portion of movable slide support surfaces 14 are located above stationary slide support surfaces 13 relative to base frame 11 and both movable slide support surfaces 14 and stationary slide support surfaces 13 are operatively connected by slidable wedge assembly 30 such that upper wheels assembly 39 is engaged with movable slide support surfaces 14 and opposing left and right lower wheels assemblies 38 are engaged with stationary slide support surfaces 13 and upper wheels assembly 39 and lower wheels assemblies 38 are connected by wedge axle frame 32 and wedge axles 33. A rearward upper portion of user support assembly 20 pivots on movable slide support surface 14 at upper user support pivots 24B and a rearward lower portion of user support assembly 20 pivots on user support linkage assembly 25 at lower user support pivots 24A wherein upper user support pivots 24B and lower user support pivots 24A are approximately vertical of one another and equal distances from either end of machine 10. User support assembly 20 is comprised of a thigh hold down pad 76 mounted on thigh pad support bar 77, seat pad 73 mounted on seat support bar 67, user foot support 22 mounted on thigh pad support bar 77 and connection flanges 23. Upper body user engagement assembly 80A is comprised of opposing left and right pulldown bar grip pulling bars 102 rigidly connected proximal to a first forward end of pulldown bars 100 and central portion of pulldown bars 100 are rigidly connected with pulldown bar cross brace 100 and a second rearward end of pulldown bars 100 are pivotally connected to stationary base frame 11 at pulldown bar pivots 103. User support linkage assembly 25 is comprised of opposing left and right slidable wedge to user support link bars 126 having a first end pivotally connected to user support 20 at user support connection flanges 23 with lower user support pivots 24A and pivotally connected at a second end to a central portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 at slidable wedge link bar pivot 129. Drive linkage assembly 40 is comprised of a drive cable 41 that is connected at a first end to central portion of pulldown bar cross brace 101 with a drive cable anchor 143 and connected at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 with a drive cable anchor 143 and guided by an upper guide pulley 44 that is housed in a guide pulley housing 43 which is mounted on a base frame cross brace 12 and a lower guide pulley 44 that is housed in a guide pulley housing 43, which is mounted on a base frame cross brace 12. Additional resistance to the exercise motion is provided by removable discs 92 supported by weight disc holder bars 91 which are rigidly attached to movable slide support surfaces 14. Although not illustrated removable weight discs 92 and weight disc bar holder 92 could be mounted at various locations on machine 10 to create additional resistance and or weight stack assembly 98 could be operatively linked to the exercise motion of machine 10 or alternative resistance features could be added to machine 10.
To operate this embodiment of the invention, the user U enters machine 10 by grasping left and right pulldown bar grip pulling bars 102 and assumes a generally seated position in which seat pad 73 supports user U's upper legs, buttocks and hips and torso. User U then places his or her feet on foot support 22 and places his or her thighs below thigh hold down pad 76 such that thigh hold down pad 76 and foot support 22 hold user U's lower body securely in place during the exercise motion. To activate and engage machine 10, user U pulls pulldown bar grip pulling bars 102 downward towards user U's chest this motion causes pulldown bars 100 to arc downward about pulldown bar pivots 103 which concurrently acts upon drive cable 41 which is attached at a first end to pulldown bar cross brace 100 and attached at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 such that slidable wedge 30 moves in a direction towards a rearward portion of 10 this causes user support 20 and user U to pivot about upper user support pivots 24B and lower user support pivots 24A such that lower user support pivot 24A moves a greater horizontal distance towards a rearward portion of machine 10 relative to base frame 11 than upper user support 24B such that lower user support 24A moves closer to a rearward portion of machine 10 than upper user support 24B thus causing user support 20 and user U to move from a first at rest and inactivated mostly upright and vertical seated position relative to base frame 11 through a multi-dimensional articulating motion and into a more reclined position relative to stationary base frame 11 in the fully engaged and activated position. User U can maintain pulldown bar grip pulling bars 102 and user support 20 at any location between the at rest position and the fully activated position during the exercise motion.
At any time during the exercise motion when user U decreases the pulling force upon pulldown bar grip pulling bars 102, slidable wedge assembly 30 will move in a direction away from a rearward portion of machine 10 and act upon drive cable 41 which is connected at a second end to a rearward portion slidable wedge 30 and connected at a first end to pulldown bar cross brace 101 and guided by guide pulleys 44 thus causing pulldown bars 100 to move in a downward arcing motion and slidable wedge to user support link bars 126 and movable slide support surfaces 14 will concurrently pivot in an downward arcing motion about slidable wedge link bar pivots 129 and movable slide support surface pivots 15 respectively. This will cause user support 20 and user U to pivot about lower user support pivots 24A and upper user support pivots 24B such that lower user support pivot 24A moves a greater horizontal distance away from a rearward portion of machine 10 relative to base frame 11 than upper user support 24B such that lower user support 24A and upper user support pivots 24B are positioned approximately vertical of one another and equal distances from either end of machine 10 in the at rest and inactivated position. This motion takes user U through a multi-dimensional articulating motion from a more reclined position relative to stationary base frame 11 in the engaged and fully activated position to a mostly upright and vertical seated position relative to base frame 11 in the at rest and inactivated position.
User U can perform multiple repetitions of urging and releasing the force required to operate this embodiment of the machine 10 so as to perform a set of latissimus dorsi muscle exercises. The multi-dimensional articulating motion of user support 20 in this embodiment creates a greater range of motion that more closely assimilates a natural pressing and contracting motion of the user U's latissimus dorsi muscles thus creating an improved and more effective way to exercise the user U's latissimus dorsi muscles.
Now referring to FIGS. 21-26, which represent an embodiment of the invention that exercises user U's quadriceps muscles wherein opposing left and right sides of stationary base frame 11 are connected by base frame cross braces 12 and stationary slide support surfaces 13 are rigidly connected to base frame 11 to form the foundation base structure of machine 10. Movable slide support surfaces 14 are pivotally connected to a rearward portion of base frame 11 at pivot assembly 15 located on a base frame cross brace 12. A rearward portion of movable slide support surfaces 14 are located below stationary slide support surfaces 13 relative to base frame 11 and a forward portion of movable slide support surfaces 14 are located above stationary slide support surfaces 13 relative to base frame 11 and both movable slide support surfaces 14 and stationary slide support surfaces 13 are operatively connected by slidable wedge assembly 30 such that upper wheels assembly 39 is engaged with movable slide support surfaces 14 and opposing left and right lower wheels assemblies 38 are engaged with stationary slide support surfaces 13 and upper wheels assembly 39 and lower wheels assemblies 38 are connected by wedge axle frame 32 and wedge axles 33. For this embodiment wedge axle frame 32 comprises open cut away sections to allow drive cable 41 to move unobstructed through wedge axle frame 32 during operation of machine 10. A forward portion of user support assembly 20 pivots on movable slide support surface 14 at lower user support pivots 24A and a rearward portion of user support assembly 20 pivots on user support linkage assembly 25 at upper user support pivot 24B. User support assembly 20 is comprised of torso pad 55 mounted on torso pad support bar 78 and seat pad 73 is mounted on seat support bar 67. Lower body user engagement assembly 80B is comprised of ankle pad pivot bar 79 pivotally mounted at a first end to ankle pad bar pivot 87 and ankle pads 74 are mounted proximal to a second end of ankle pad pivot bar 79 and drive cable anchor mounting bracket 48 is rigidly attached to a lower rearward portion of ankle pad pivot bar 79 relative to base frame 11. User support linkage assembly 25 is comprised of slidable wedge to user support link bar 126 having a first end pivotally connected to user support 20 at user support connection flange 23 with upper user support pivot 24B and pivotally connected at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 at slidable wedge link bar pivot 129. Drive linkage assembly 40 is comprised of a drive cable 41 that is connected at a first end to drive cable mounted bracket 48 with a drive cable anchor 143 and connected at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 with a drive cable anchor 143 and guided by an upper guide pulley 44 that is mounted on a base frame cross brace 12 and a lower guide pulley 44 that is mounted on a base frame cross brace 12. Additional resistance is provided by weight stack assembly 98 wherein weight stack cable 46 has a first and second ends such that a first end is connected to a forward portion of slidable wedge 30 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 and a second end is connected to a first upper end of weight stack selector rod 96 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 and guided by a first guide pulley 44 housed in guide pulley housing 43 mounted on a forward base frame cross brace 12 and guided by a second guide pulley 44 housed in guide pulley housing 43 mounted on a rearward base frame cross brace and guided by a third and fourth guide pulleys 44 housed in a guide pulley housing 43 mounted on an upper portion of weight stack frame 93. Weight stack plates 95 are guided by and connected to weight stack frame 93 by weight stack guide rods 94 which are connected to weight stack frame 93 and weight stack selector pin 97 can be inserted through any weight stack plate 95 and weight stack selector rod 96 such that user U can select a desired amount of resistance weight. Although not illustrated removable weight discs 92 and weight disc bar holder 92 could also be mounted at various locations on machine 10 to create additional resistance and or alternative resistance features could be added to machine 10.
To operate this embodiment of the invention, the user U enters machine 10 and assumes a seated position in which seat pad 73 supports user U's upper legs, buttocks and hips and user U's torso is supported by torso pad 55. User U then places his or her ankles against a rearward portion of ankle pads 74 and grasps user stabilization grip bars 86. To activate and engage machine 10, user U extends his or her lower legs forward such that his or her ankles moves ankle pads 74 and a second end of ankle pad pivot bar 79 in an upward arcing motion away from seat pad 73 as a first end of ankle pad pivot bar 79 pivots about ankle pad bar pivot 87, this motion acts upon drive cable 41 which is attached at a first end to drive cable anchor mounting bracket 48 and attached at a second end to a rearward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 such that slidable wedge 30 and slidable wedge to user support link bar 126 move in a direction towards a rearward portion of machine 10 causing upper wedge wheels assembly 39 to move movable slide support surfaces 14 in an upward arcing pivoting motion about movable slide support surface pivot assemblies 15 thereby causing a forward portion of user support 20 to pivot about lower user support pivot 24A and a rearward portion of user support 20 to pivot about upper user support pivot 24B such that user support 20 and user U move from a first at rest and inactivated seated position through a multi-dimensional articulating motion and into a more elevated and reclined position relative to stationary base frame 11 in the fully engaged and activated position. User U can maintain ankle pad pivot bar 79 and user support 20 at any location between the at rest position and the fully activated position during the exercise motion. Additionally when slidable wedge assembly 30 moves in a rearward direction it concurrently acts upon weight stack cable 46 which is attached at a first end to a forward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 and attached at a second end to an upper first end of weight stack selector rod 96 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 such that at least a portion of weight stack plates 95 along with weight stack selector rod 96 and weight stack selector pin 97 move in a vertical upward motion guided by weight stack guide rods 94 so as to provide additional resistance to the exercise motion.
At any time during the exercise motion when user U decreases the extension force upon ankle pads 74 user support 20 and user U move through a multi-dimensional articulating motion into a less elevated and less reclined position relative to stationary base frame 11 wherein a forward portion of user support 20 pivots about lower user support pivot 24A and a rearward portion of user support 20 pivots about upper user support pivot 24B causing movable slide support surfaces 14 to move in a downward arcing pivoting motion about movable slide support surface pivot assemblies 15 and slidable wedge 30 and slidable wedge to user support link bar 126 to move in a direction towards a forward portion of machine 10 which acts upon drive cable 41 which acts upon drive cable anchor mounting bracket 48 causing ankle pads 74 and a second end of ankle pad pivot bar 79 to move in a downward arcing motion towards seat pad 73 as a first end of ankle pad pivot bar 79 pivots about ankle pad bar pivot 87, causing user U to move from a more elevated and reclined position in the engaged and activated position to a more seat position in the at rest and inactivated position. Additionally when user U decreases the extension force upon ankle pads 74 at least a portion of weight stack plates 95 along with weight stack selector rod 96 and weight stack selector pin 97 concurrently move in a vertical downward motion guided by weight stack guide rods 94 this acts upon weight stack cable 46 which is attached at a first end to a forward portion of slidable wedge assembly 30 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 and attached at a second end to an upper first end of weight stack selector rod 96 with a weight stack cable anchor 47 such that slidable wedge assembly 30 is pulled in a forward direction with additional force equivalent to the additional resistance selected by user U to the exercise motion of machine 10.
User U can perform multiple repetitions of urging and releasing the force required to operate this embodiment of the machine 10 so as to perform a set of quadriceps muscle exercises. The multi-dimensional articulating motion of user support 20 in this embodiment creates a greater range of motion that more closely assimilates a natural extension and contracting motion of the user U's quadriceps muscles thus creating an improved and more effective way to exercise the user U's quadriceps muscles.
Features and components of the preferred embodiments of the present invention include at least one user support assembly 20 that cooperates with at least one movable upper body user engagement assembly 80A and or a lower body user engagement assembly 80B for exercising in a multi-dimensional articulating motion, the machine 10 comprising: (a) a stationary base frame 11 having a forward end and a rearward end that supports machine 10; (b) one or more stationary slide support surfaces 13 connected to or part of the base frame 11; (c) one or more movable slide support surfaces 14 pivotally connected at a rearward end only to a base frame cross brace 12; (d) a slidable wedge assembly 30 that simultaneously engages stationary slide support surfaces 13 and movable slide support surfaces 14; (e) a user support linkage assembly 25 comprising at least one user support link bar 126 that is pivotally mounted on a first end user support assembly 20 and pivotally connected on a second end to slidable wedge assembly 30 or base frame 11; (f) a user support 20 wherein a portion is pivotally mounted on at least one movable slide support surface 14 and a portion is pivotally mounted on a least one use support link bar 126; (g) a user engagement assembly 80A and or 80B with at least one attached receiver for receiving a user's hands or lower legs or torso; and (h) a drive linkage assembly 40 which consists of multiple components that operatively links the concurrent motion of the user engagement assembly 80A and or 80B to the user support 20.
In every preferred embodiment, the user support 20 and the user engagement assembly 80A and or 80B are movable between a first at rest and inactivated position and a second engaged and fully activated position, and can be maintained at any position between the first at rest and inactivated position and the second engaged and fully activated position.
While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

No. Description
U User
10 Machine
11 Stationary base frame
12 Base frame cross brace
13 Stationary slide support surface
14 Movable slide support surface
15 Movable slide support surface pivot assembly
16 Pivot bearing support tube
17 Lower body support pivot bearing housing
18 Torso pad mounting plate
19 Seat pad mounting plate
20 User support assembly
21 Foot support connection bar
22 Foot support
23 User support connection flange
24A Lower user support pivot
24B Upper user support pivot
25 User support linkage assembly
26 Base frame to upper body user support link bar
27 Pivoting slide support surface to upper body user support link bar
28 Lower body user support pivot to upper body user support pivot link bar
29 Link bar pivot assembly
30 Slidable wedge assembly
31 Wedge cross brace
32 Wedge axle frame
33 Wedge axle
34 Wedge wheel
35 Wedge axle pivot assembly
36 Wedge wheel mounting plate
37 Wedge axle pivot bearing
38 Lower wedge wheel assembly
39 Upper wedge wheel assembly
40 Drive linkage assembly
41 Drive cable
42A Lower body user support drive cable anchor
42B Upper body user support drive cable anchor
43 Pulley housing
44 Guide pulley
45A Lower body user support cable anchor mounting bar
45B Upper body user support cable anchor mounting bar
46 Weight stack cable
47 Weight stack cable anchor
48 Drive cable anchor mounting bracket
50 Upper body user support assembly
51 Upper body user support pivoting cross bar
52 Upper body user support hand grip mounting bar
53 Torso pad mounting plate
54 Head pad mounting plate
55 Torso pads
56 Head pad
57 Hand grip pulling bars
58 Upper body user support pivot
59 Upper to lower body user support pivot connection mount bar
60 Lower body user support assembly
61 Lower body user support pivoting cross bar
62 Lower body user support pivot connection bar
63 Lower body user support pivot assembly
64 Seat pivot bearing mounting bar
65 Seat pivot shaft
66 Seat pivot bearing
67 Seat support bar
68 Seat pad mounting plate
69 Ankle pad support bar
70 Lumbar pad support bar
71 Lumbar pad mounting plate
72 Lumbar pad
73 Seat pad
74 Ankle pads
75 Ankle pads mounting bar
76 Thigh hold down pad
77 Thigh pad support bar
78 Torso pad support bar
79 Ankle pad pivot bar
80A Upper body user engagement assembly
80B Lower body user engagement assembly
81 Press arm cable
82A Upper press arm pivot
82B Lower press arm pivot
83 Upper press arm link bar
84 Lower press arm link bar
85 Press arm grip handle
86 User stabilization grip bar
87 Ankle pad bar pivot
88 Press arm assembly connection bar
90 Connection bracket
91 Weight disc holder bar
92 Removable weight disc
93 Weight stack frame
94 Weight stack guide rods
95 Weight stack plates
96 Weight stack selector rod
97 Weight stack selector pin
98 Weight stack assembly
100 Pulldown bar
101 Pulldown bar cross brace
102 Pulldown bar grip pulling bars
103 Pulldown bar pivot
126 Slidable wedge to user support link bar
128 Slidable wedge link bar pivot axle
129 Slidable wedge link bar pivot
142 Pressing arm cable anchor
143 Drive cable anchor

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-dimensional articulating motion exercise machine comprising:

(a) a stationary main frame having a forward end and a rearward end;

(b) at least one stationary slide support surface having a first end and a second end, the at least one stationary slide support surface being connected to or part of the main frame;

(c) at least one movable slide support surface having a first end, a second end, and a central portion, wherein only the first end is pivotally connected to the main frame, and wherein the central portion is slidably connected to a movable support;

(d) a slidable wedge assembly concurrently engaging the at least one stationary slide support surface and the at least one movable slide support surface for movement in a fixed linear path along the slide support surfaces, wherein movement of the slidable wedge along the slide support surfaces increases or decreases the distance between at least a portion of the at least one stationary slide support surface and the at least one movable slide support surface;

(e) at least one link bar having a first end and a second end;

(f) a movable user support having at least one first pivotal connection point and at least one second pivotal connection point, wherein the at least one first pivotal connection point is connected to the at least one movable slide support surface and the second pivotal connection point is connected to at least one link bar;

(g) an operative drive linkage assembly comprising the at least one link bar, wherein the first end of the at least one link bar is pivotally connected to the at least one second pivotal connection point of the user support and the second end of the at least one link bar is pivotally connected to the slidable wedge assembly;

(h) at least one movable user engagement member mounted on the user support or on the main frame, the at least one movable user engagement member being operatively linked to the slidable wedge assembly;

(i) an operative drive linkage connecting the at least one movable user engagement member to the slidable wedge assembly,

wherein movement of the at least one movable user engagement member concurrently moves the operative drive linkage assembly, the slidable wedge assembly, the at least one movable slide support surface, the user support, and the user support linkage assembly, and

wherein exercise resistance is provided to the machine by at least a user's weight so as to create a force required to move the user engagement member, the operative drive linkage, the slidable wedge assembly, and the user support from the first at rest and inactivated position to the second engaged and fully activated position and all points in between the first at rest and inactivated position and the second engaged and fully activated position.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the operative drive linkage assembly further comprises at least one flexible component and at least one guide component.

3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the location of the slidable wedge assembly along the slide support surfaces controls the angular orientation of the user support relative to the main frame during operation of the machine.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein engagement and activation of the at least one movable user engagement member simultaneously causes the at least one movable slide support surface to move in an arcing pattern and the user support to articulate relative to the at least one movable slide support surface during an exercise motion thus creating a multi-dimensional motion of the user support.

5. The exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the at least one movable user engagement member, the operative drive linkage, the slidable wedge assembly, and the user support have a first at rest and inactivated position and a second engaged and fully activated position, and the at least one movable user engagement member, the operative drive linkage, the slidable wedge assembly, and the user support are maintainable at any position in between the first at rest and inactivated position and the second engaged and fully activated position during operation of the machine.

6. The exercise machine of claim 5, further comprising means for adding additional exercise resistance to the machine.

7. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the distance between the at least one movable user engagement member and at least a portion of the user support is adjustable when the machine is in the at rest and inactivated position, and wherein an angle between the at least one movable user engagement member and at least a portion of the user support is adjustable when the machine is in the at rest and inactivated position.

8. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the at least one movable user engagement member comprises a single member, or two separate dependent members, or two separate independent members.

9. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the at least one movable user engagement member has a motion pattern that is controlled by the machine.

10. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein the at least one movable user engagement member has a motion pattern that is controlled by a user.

11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the operative drive linkage assembly further comprises at least one rigid component.

12. The exercise machine of claim 1, comprising at least two stationary slide support surfaces that are parallel to each other.

13. The exercise machine of claim 1, comprising at least two movable slide support surfaces that are parallel to each other.

14. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein exercise resistance is provided to the machine by at least a user's weight and the weight of at least some of the machine components.

15. A multi-dimensional articulating motion exercise machine comprising:

(a) a stationary main frame having a forward end and a rearward end;

(e) at least one connection link bar having a first end and a second end, at least one support link bar having a first end and a second end, and at least one guide link bar having a first end and a second end;

(f) a lower body user support having a first pivotal connection and a second pivotal connection, wherein the first pivotal connection of the lower body user support is connected to the at least one movable slide support surface and the second pivotal connection of the lower body user support is connected to the at least one connection link bar;

(g) an upper body user support having a first pivotal connection, a second pivotal connection, and a third pivotal connection, wherein the first pivotal connection of the upper body user support is connected to the at least one connection link bar, the second pivotal connection of the upper body user support is connected to the at least one support link bar, and the third pivotal connection of the upper body user support is connected to the at least one guide link bar;

(h) a user support linkage assembly comprising the at least one connection link bar, the at least one support link bar, and the at least one guide link bar, wherein

(i) the first and second ends of the at least one connection link bar are first and second pivotal ends, wherein the first pivotal end of the at least one connection link bar is connected to the upper body user support and the second pivotal end of the at least one connection link bar is connected to the lower body user support,

(ii) the first and second ends of the at least one support link bar are first and second pivotal ends, wherein the first pivotal end of the at least one support link bar is connected to the upper body user support and the second pivotal end of the at least one support link bar is connected to the movable slide support surface, and

(iii) the first and second ends of the at least one guide link bar are first and second pivotal ends, wherein the first pivotal end of the at least one guide link bar is connected to the upper body user support and the second pivotal end of the at least one guide link bar is connected to the base frame or the slidable wedge assembly;

(i) at least one movable upper body user engagement member mounted on the upper body user support and at least one movable lower body user engagement member mounted on the lower body user support, wherein the upper body user engagement member and the lower body user engagement member are operatively linked to the slidable wedge assembly; and

(j) an operative drive linkage cooperatively connecting the upper body user engagement member, the lower body user engagement member, and the slidable wedge assembly,

wherein movement of the at least one upper body user engagement member or the at least one lower body user engagement member concurrently moves the operative drive linkage, the slidable wedge assembly, the at least one movable slide support surface, the upper body user support, the lower body user support, and the user support linkage assembly, and

wherein exercise resistance is provided to the machine by a user's weight so as to create a force required to move the at least one upper body user engagement member, the at least one lower body user engagement member, the operative drive linkage, the slidable wedge assembly, the upper body user support, and the lower body user support from the first at rest and inactivated position to the second engaged and fully activated position and all points in between the first at rest and inactivated position and the second engaged and fully activated position.

16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the operative drive linkage assembly further comprises at least one flexible component and at least one guide component.

17. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the location of the slidable wedge assembly along the slide support surfaces controls the angular orientation of the upper body user support and the lower body user support relative to the main frame during operation of the machine.

18. The exercise machine of claim 17, wherein engagement and activation of the upper body user engagement member or the lower body user engagement member simultaneously causes the at least one movable slide support surface to move in an arcing pattern and the upper body user support and the lower body user support to articulate relative to the at least one movable slide support surface during an exercise motion thus creating a multi-dimensional motion of the upper body user support and the lower body user support.

19. The exercise machine of claim 18, wherein the at least one movable upper body user engagement member, the at least one movable lower body user engagement member, the operative drive linkage, the slidable wedge assembly, the upper body user support, the lower body user support, the at least one connection link bar, the at least one support link bar, and the at least one guide link bar each have a first at rest and inactivated position and a second engaged and fully activated position, and the at least one movable upper body user engagement member, the at least one movable lower body user engagement member, the operative drive linkage, the slidable wedge assembly, the upper body user support, the lower body user support, the at least one connection link bar, the at least one support link bar, and the at least one guide link bar are maintainable at any position in between the first at rest and inactivated position and the second engaged and fully activated position during operation of the machine.

20. The exercise machine of claim 19, further comprising means for adding additional exercise resistance to the machine.

21. The exercise machine of claim 18, wherein the distances between the at least one upper body user engagement member and the at least one lower body user engagement member, and at least a portion of the upper body user support and at least a portion of the lower body user support are adjustable when the machine is in the at rest and inactivated position, and wherein an angle between the at least one upper body user engagement member and the at least one lower body user engagement member, and at least a portion of the upper body user support and at least a portion of the lower body user support are adjustable when the machine is in the at rest and inactivated position.

22. The exercise machine of claim 18, wherein the upper body user engagement member and the lower body user engagement member are dependent upon each other and operate in unison.

23. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the operative drive linkage comprises at least one rigid component.

24. The exercise machine of claim 15, comprising at least two stationary slide support surfaces that are parallel to each other.

25. The exercise machine of claim 15, comprising at least two movable slide support surfaces that are parallel to each other.

26. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein exercise resistance is provided to the machine by at least a user's weight and the weight of at least some of the machine components.