Supportive exercise machine

Abstract

An exercise support machine configured to support at least a portion of a user's weight is provided. The exercise support machine can include a frame portion having a plurality of frame members defining an interior region of the machine. The machine can further include two vertical support members extending upward from the frame portion and a lever arm pivotally connected to the upper ends of the vertical support members. The lever arm can include a seat connected to a first end of the lever arm and positioned within the interior region of the machine. The machine can further include a lifting mechanism connected to the frame portion and the second end of the lever arm. The lifting mechanism can control the vertical movement of the seat to provide weight bearing support for the user of the machine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 304,031, filed on Mar. 4, 2016, to Jeffery T. Lefkovitz et al., entitled “Supportive Exercise Machine,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Supportive exercise machines can be used to provide mechanical support to assist a user with physical limitations, particularly walking and standing limitations, when performing many different kinds of exercises. The mechanical support component of such a device can protect the user from falling and enable the user to use various types of exercise equipment. These supportive exercise machines are commonly configured with partial weight bearing components that can assist a patient during training, where the weight of the user is all or partially supported by the machine. The weight bearing components are also commonly adjustable so that t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the machine can include leg supports configured for preventing a user's legs from moving too far forward and into the mechanical components of the machine when the user is positioned on the seat of the machine.

[0012]According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the machine can include a front support component configured with handles and a chest protection pad to prevent the user's torso from moving too far forward and into the mechanical components of the machine when the user is positioned on the seat of the machine.

[0013]The machine can operate by restricting the downward movement of the seat based on a desired body weight support amount selected by the user. The lifting mechanism can be configured to control the downward movement of the seat by restricting rotation of the lever arm. The lifting mechanism can be connected to the second end of the lever arm and prevent upward movement of the second end of the lever arm (thereby preventing the downward movement of the first end of the lever arm and the seat connected thereto) unless a downward force is applied to the seat by the user that is greater than the selected body weight support amount. The machine can include a control device that can be configured to allow the user to variably select the body weight support amount provided by the lifting mechanism.

[0014]According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lifting mechanism can be configured as an actuator that can restrict extension of the extension arm connected to the second end of the lever arm, which can then prevent the upward movement of the second end of the lever arm, and thus the downward movement of the seat end of the lever arm. A user can use the machine by using the control device to select a desired amount of body weight support. The control device, in conjunction with the lifting mechanism operating system, can then adjust the body weight support force provided by the lifting mechanism to an amount that prevents downward movement of the seat end of the lever arm unless the user applies more body weight than the selected body weight support amount force. The user can then position himself or herself onto the seat end of the lever arm and begin exercising.

Problems solved by technology

However, these commonly-known supportive exercise machines have several limitations that inhibit the user's / patient's ability to use the machines effectively.

For example, such machines are typically not wheelchair accessible, do not allow for ambulatory functions, require assistance from another person, such as a trainer, to enter and use the machine, place stress on the user's body due to the harness, and are not efficient at allowing the user to effectively regain strength due to the lifting forces of the weight bearing relief components of the machine.

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