Climbing exercise machine

Abstract

An exercise machine that creates a simulated continuous resisted climbing motion is disclosed. The machine includes a floor- or ground-contacting base frame and two or more substantially vertically oriented uprights, wherein at least one upright is rigidly connected to the base frame. The machine further includes two handles and two foot pedals, each handle and each foot pedal being movably engaged with an upright for linear reciprocating motion along the upright. The handles and foot pedals are interconnected so that they move concurrently. An adjustable resistance mechanism may be operatively connected to the interconnection of the handles and foot pedals to provide adjustable resistance for the simulated continuous climbing motion.

Description

[0001] CLIMBING EXERCISE MACHINE

[0002] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 354,963, filed on June 23, 2022, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is related to P.C.T. Patent Application No. PCT / US2021 / 62814, entitled, “Climbing Exercise Machine,” filed December 21, 2021; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 118,355, entitled “Climbing Exercise Machine,” filed December 10, 2020; to P.C.T. Patent Application No. PCT / US2020 / 36434, entitled, “Climbing Exercise Machine,” filed June 5, 2020, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0004] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] This application pertains generally to exercise machines, and specifically to climbing exercise machines that simulate a continuous vertical climbing motion for the user.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] Many persons in different levels of physical condition and types of athletic ability desire to improve their overall physical fitness and cardiovascular capability. Prior exercise devices provide a wide range of motions and activities for increasing physical fitness. For example, known exercise devices may strengthen and condition individual muscles or various muscle groups of the user. Prior exercise devices may also exercise the entire body simultaneously to increase the overall physical fitness of the user.

[0008] Prior exercise devices frequently simulate different motions such as walking, running, and climbing. Climbing is particularly advantageous because it exercises the upper and lower body simultaneously, and it efficiently and effectively exercises all the major muscle groups of the body. Prior climbing devices emulate a climbing motion by having moveable handles and foot pedals which move in a generally predetermined pattern or range of motion.

[0009] U.S. Patent 5,492,515 to Chamitski, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, is generally representative of the state of the art of climbing exercise machines, which has not significantly advanced in many years and suffers from several drawbacks. Specifically, prior climbing exercise machines generally comprise a large and unstable base, which significantly increases the machine’s weight, decreases its movability, and presents the risk of injury to the user or surrounding people and property should the instability of the base cause the machine to rock or tip. These problems are compounded by the provision in these machines of a single central track, interconnecting both handles and both foot pedals along a single axis, which further impedes the stability, movability, and safety of the machine and is generally aesthetically displeasing. Moreover, prior climbing exercise machines generally include at least one slide and / or belt that may fail or require frequent lubrication, and which typically shorten the useful life of the machine.

[0010] U.S. Patent 5,490,818 to Haber, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, represents a climbing exercise machine with two uprights such that each upright houses a handle and a foot pedal. This is an improvement that increases the stability and opens the central viewing area for the user. However, the shortcomings of this design include that the handle and foot pedal engaged with each upright are mounted on a singular carriage such that the left-side handle cannot move independently from the leftside foot pedal, and likewise for the right-side handle and foot pedal. This eliminates the ability of the user to use a natural -gait climbing motion, wherein a user’s left foot and left hand move in opposite directions and the user’s right foot and right hand likewise move in opposite directions. This design also uses a perimetrical linkage connection, wherein the left-side handle and foot pedal carriage and the right-side handle and foot pedal carriage are connected across the upper end and the lower end of the frame by reciprocating linear motion cables and pulleys. This type of interconnection of the handles and foot pedals requires the usage of a linear motion resistance mechanism, such as the piston-driven hydraulic resistance system claimed by Haber. This type of resistance mechanism has multiple shortcomings, including a “jerky” feel associated with the reversing motion of the piston and fluid. Hydraulic systems are also prone to leaks that can create a messy and hazardous situation in a user’s home or fitness facility. The needle valves required to adjust hydraulic valves can also be very difficult to calibrate to create consistent resistance settings.

[0011] U.S. Patent 5,803,880 to Allen, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, presents a climbing exercise machine with two uprights such that each upright houses a handle and a foot pedal. This design also has a perimetrical linkage connection, wherein the left and right handle and foot pedal carriages are connected across the upper end of the uprights with a cable and pulleys and the lower end has a hydraulic fluid connection, which regulates the stroke length required to allow the user to move the handles and foot pedals in the opposite reciprocating direction and creates the resistance to the exercise motion. This hydraulic resistance system has many of the same shortcomings as the Haber design, but with the addition of many components that add substantial manufacturing cost and complexity to the design.

[0012] There is thus a need in the art for climbing exercise machines with improved stability, movability, safety, and aesthetics. It is further advantageous for such improved climbing exercise machines to reduce the need for maintenance of the machine or any of its components, and to extend the useful life of the machine.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a climbing exercise machine, comprises: a base support frame configured to contact a floor or ground surface; a first elongate upright, rigidly connected to the base support frame at an obtuse angle relative to the floor or ground surface; a second elongate upright, horizontally spaced apart from and parallel to the first upright and rigidly connected to the base support frame at an obtuse angle relative to the floor or ground surface; a first movable handle and a first movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the first upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the first upright; a second movable handle and a second movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the second upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the second upright; an adjustable resistance mechanism, mounted on a stationary portion of the machine, the adjustable resistance mechanism comprising a gearbox and a flywheel resistance assembly; and a linkage assembly, interconnecting and synchronizing the first movable handle, the first movable foot pedal, the second movable handle, the second movable foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism, wherein the interconnection and synchronization provided by the linkage assembly enables reciprocating concurrent movement of the first handle, the first foot pedal, the second handle, the second foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism to simulate a resisted continuous climbing motion for a user.

[0015] In other aspects, the gearbox may comprise a gearbox housing configured to house a plurality of gears.

[0016] In other aspects, the flywheel resistance assembly may comprise one or more flywheels in rotational communication with the plurality of gears and a magnet assembly configured to create a magnetic field that resists the rotation of the one or more flywheels.

[0017] In other aspects, the adjustable resistance mechanism may further comprise a stepper motor and an actuator configured to control a position of the magnet assembly relative to the one or more flywheels disposed on a flywheel axle. In other aspects, the actuator may comprise a screw driven by the stepper motor and a carriage that translates rotational movement of the screw to translational rotation of the carriage, wherein the carriage is coupled to the magnet assembly via a linking arm.

[0018] In other aspects, both the first movable handle and the second movable handle may be pivotably adjustable in a first direction and a second direction.

[0019] In other aspects, the machine may further comprise a processor; and a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to: receive input corresponding to a desired resistance and a rotational speed of the flywheel axle, determine a position of the magnet assembly relative to the one or more flywheels based on the input, generate instructions to cause the stepper motor to drive the actuator to position the magnet assembly at the determined magnet position, and transmit the generated instructions to the stepper motor.

[0020] In other aspects, the desired resistance may be received from a resistance knob in communication with the processor.

[0021] In other aspects, the rotational speed of the flywheel axis may be received from an encoder disposed at the flywheel axis.

[0022] In other aspects, the desired resistance may be received from an exercise program.

[0023] These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the aspects, embodiments, and configurations contained herein.

[0024] For purposes of further disclosure and to comply with applicable written description and enablement requirements, the following references generally relate to exercise machines and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties:

[0025] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2018 / 0339189, entitled “Exercise machine,” published 29 November 2018 to Luger et al.

[0026] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2019 / 0134456, entitled “Rock climbing machine,” published 9 May 2019 to Yeh.

[0027] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2020 / 0094106, entitled “Climbing machine,” published 26 March 2020 to Liu.

[0028] U.S. Patent 10,751,562, entitled “Climbing machine,” issued 25 August 2020 to Chen.

[0029] U.S. Patent Application Publication 2021 / 0098126, entitled “Interactive athletic equipment system,” published 1 April 2021 to Tchao et al.

[0030] As used herein, “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and / or C,” and “A, B, or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as Xi-Xn, Yi-Ym, and Zi-Z0, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., Xi and X2) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Yi and Zo).

[0031] It is to be noted that the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

[0032] The term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f) and / or Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the disclosure, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

[0033] It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. By way of example, the phrase from about 2 to about 4 includes the whole number and / or integer ranges from about 2 to about 3, from about 3 to about 4 and each possible range based on real (e.g., irrational and / or rational) numbers, such as from about 2.1 to about 4.9, from about 2.1 to about 3.4, and so on.

[0034] The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

[0037] Figure 1 illustrates various embodiments of a frame (uprights, crossbar, and base) of a climbing exercise machine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an interior of an upright of a climbing exercise machine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 is an illustration of coordinated movements of handles and foot pedals of a climbing exercise machine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a climbing exercise machine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates a top isolated cross section view of an upright and a linear motion carriage that is housed within the upright, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a linear motion carriage, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of a climbing exercise machine and some of the components of the machine are removed to better illustrate other components of the machine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of a climbing exercise machine and some of the components of the machine are removed to better illustrate other components of the machine, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9 illustrates a front perspective isolated view of a cross connector axle and the connection of the cross connector axle to a drive pulley, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 illustrates a front perspective isolated view of a cross connector axle operatively connected with a resistance assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 illustrates a rear perspective isolated view of a cross connector axle operatively connected with a resistance assembly, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figures 12 and 13 are illustrations of a flywheel resistance mechanism for a climbing exercise machine that includes tensioner rollers on drive belts that drive the flywheel and fan blades added to an axle of the flywheel, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 is an illustration of another embodiment of a resistance assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figures 15 and 16 are an illustration of a jaw coupling assembly in an engaged configuration and an exploded configuration according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 17 is an isolated view of a gearbox and a flywheel resistance assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 18 is an isolated view of a plurality of gears and a flywheel resistance assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figures 19A, 19B, and 19C are an isometric view, a left-side view, and a right-side view of a plurality of gears according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 20 is a close-up view of a stepper motor and an actuator according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 21 is a view of an actuator, a stepper motor, one or more flywheels, and a magnet assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 22 is a view of a magnet assembly and an actuator according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 23 is an illustration of a remote resistance adjustment feature, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 24 illustrates a front perspective isolated view of a first pedal assembly operatively connected with a linear motion carriage and a second foot pedal assembly operatively connected with a linear motion carriage, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 25A illustrates a rear perspective isolated view of a handle assembly operatively connected with a linear motion carriage and the handle is in a first linear adjustment position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 25B illustrates a front perspective isolated view of a handle assembly operatively connected with a linear motion carriage and the handle is in a second linear adjustment position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 26 illustrates a rear perspective view of a handle assembly operatively connected with a linear motion carriage, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 27A is a front isolated view of a handle assembly and the handle is latched in a horizontal angle position and a handle slide plate latching lever is in the latched position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 27B is a front isolated view of a handle assembly and the handle is latched in a vertical angle position and a handle slide plate latching lever is in the unlatched position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figures 28A, 28B, 28C, and 28D are views of an adjustable handle in various configurations according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 29A illustrates a rear perspective view of a climbing exercise machine with a user mounted on the machine in a first exercise position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 29B illustrates a rear perspective view of a climbing exercise machine with a user mounted on the machine in a second exercise position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 29C illustrates a rear perspective view of a climbing exercise machine with a user mounted on the machine in a third exercise position, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 30 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an exemplary computing environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented.

[0068] Figure 31 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an exemplary computing device in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. Figure 32 is a flowchart illustrating a method for generation and integration of virtual and / or augmented reality content during use of a climbing exercise system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] Figures 33 and 34 are illustrations of a camera system to monitor a user’s exercise performance, according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0070] In the appended figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. The reference labels and their corresponding components are as follows:

[0071] Reference label | Element U User 1 Climbing machine 9 Lower upright brace tube 10 Frame 11 Upright 11c Unitary upright 12 Crossbar 13 Base 14 Rail 15 Belt connector 16 Axle 17 Belt 18 Handle 18a Left handle 18b Right handle 19 Handle adjustment plate 20 Slide component 21 Foot pedal 21a Left foot pedal 21b Right foot pedal 300 Climbing machine 301 Elastic strap 302 Elastic strap end hook 303 Elastic strap frame anchor 304 De-weighting harness 305A First stationary handle 305B Second stationary handle 306 De-weighting harness elastic strap connector 308 Handle assembly 309 Interior wall Reference label | Element 310A First upright 310B Second upright 311 Foot pedal assembly 312 Cross connector housing 313 Base frame 315A First belt connector bracket 315B Second belt connector bracket 316A First connector bar connector bracket 316B Second connector bar connector bracket 316C Third connector bar connector bracket 316D Fourth connector bar connector bracket 317A First linkage belt 317B Second linkage belt 318A First handle 318B Second handle 319 Handle slide plate 320A First linear motion carriage 320B Second linear motion carriage 320C Third linear motion carriage 320D Fourth linear motion carriage 321a First foot pedal 321b Second foot pedal 322 Linear motion carriage wheels 325 Adjustable foot pedal strap 326 Handle slide plate latching lever 327 Handle slide plate latching lever axle 328 Handle slide plate latching pin 329 Handle slide plate latching pin receive holes 330 Handle slide plate receiver slot 331 Handle pivot adjustment latching button 332 Handle pivot axle 333 Handle pivot latching pin 334 Handle pivot latching pin receiver hole 335A First guide pulley mounting bracket 335B Second guide pulley mounting bracket 336A First guide pulley 336B Second guide pulley 337A First cross connector axle drive pulley 337B Second cross connector axle drive pulley 338 Facial recognition mapping process 339 User diagnostics watch 340 Electronic user interface display 341 Electronic user interface display support tube 342 Electronic user interface display mounting bracket 343 Flywheel resistance assembly support frame 344 Performance meter light bar 345 Resistance magnets housing 346 Resistance magnet 347 Flywheel Reference label | Element 348 Resistance magnets housing pivot axle 349 Flywheel resistance assembly 350A First linkage assembly 350B Second linkage assembly 351 Support beam 352 Support beam gusset 355 Coupling 356 Resistance control motor rotor 357 Resistance control motor 358 Resistance adjustment dial shaft 359 Resistance adjustment dial 360a First connector bar 360b Second connector bar 364 Flywheel axle 365 Flywheel axle pulley 366 Flywheel axle fan blades 368 Brace tube 369 Mounting block 370 Cross connector axle 371 Cross connecting axle bearing 372 A First flywheel drive pulley 372B Second flywheel drive pulley 372C Third flywheel drive pulley 373A First flywheel drive belt 373B Second flywheel drive belt 374 Flywheel drive pulley axle 375A First flywheel drive belt tensioner roller 375B Second flywheel drive belt tensioner roller 378A First foot pedal support axle 378B Second foot pedal support axle 379 A First foot pedal support axle connector bracket 379B Second foot pedal support axle connector bracket 380 Resistance mechanism 381 Gearbox 382 Plurality of gears 383 Encoder 384 Stepper motor 385 Jaw couplings 386 Resistance knob 387 Circuit board 388 Gearbox housing 389 Bearings 390 Seals 391 Isolators 392A-392G First gear to seventh gear 393 Magnet Assembly 394 Actuator 395 Actuator screw 396 Carriage Reference label | Element

[0072] 397 Slotted Bracket

[0073] 398 Arrow

[0074] 399 Linking Arm

[0075] 400 First pivot point

[0076] 401 Second pivot point

[0077] 402 Third pivot point

[0078] 403 Magnet axis

[0079] 404 Arrow

[0080] 405 Center axis

[0081] 406 Arrow

[0082] 407 First button

[0083] 408 Second button

[0084] 409 Spring-based mechanism

[0085] 410 Fan

[0086] 411 Wire

[0087] 500 Computing environment

[0088] 504 Computing device

[0089] 508 Computing device

[0090] 510 Network

[0091] 512 Computing device

[0092] 514 Server

[0093] 516 Server

[0094] 518 Database

[0095] 600 Computer system

[0096] 604 Bus

[0097] 608 Central processing unit

[0098] 612 Input device

[0099] 616 Output device

[0100] 620 Storage device

[0101] 624 Storage media reader

[0102] 628 Communications system

[0103] 632 Processing acceleration unit

[0104] 636 Working memory

[0105] 640 Operating system

[0106] 644 Other code

[0107] 820 Performance assessment camera system

[0108] 821 Camera

[0109] 822 Camera lens cover

[0110] 823 Camera lens cover hinge

[0111] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0112] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments disclosed herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that various embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope or applicability of the disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits several known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of the claims. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should however be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

[0113] While the exemplary aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations illustrated herein show the various components of the system collocated, certain components of the system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LAN and / or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and / or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the following description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system.

[0114] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and / or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.

[0115] As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and / or C,” and “A, B, or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

[0116] The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

[0117] The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material.”

[0118] The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any tangible storage and / or transmission medium that participate in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self- contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and / or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art- recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present disclosure are stored.

[0119] A “computer readable signal” medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0120] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0121] The terms “determine,” “calculate,” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation, or technique.

[0122] It shall be understood that the term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the disclosure, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

[0123] As used herein unless otherwise provided, the term “belt” or “flexible component” refers to any piece of material having the general shape of a loop that may be looped over a pulley and used to mechanically link two or more rotating shafts. Examples of belts as that term is used herein include loops of flexible material (such as, by way of non-limiting example, leather, fabric, rubber, or a synthetic polymer), chains, and ropes.

[0124] As used herein unless otherwise provided, the term “component” refers to any rigid, flexible, movable, or stationary item that is included in a part, assembly, or structure of an exercise machine.

[0125] As used herein unless otherwise provided, the term “mounted on,” when used to refer to a component or structure of an exercise machine, means that the component is fastened to, coupled, welded to, or otherwise affixed or connected to another component or structure on the exercise machine.

[0126] As used herein unless otherwise specified, the terms “swivel,” “rotate,” and “pivot” are interchangeable and each refer to an arcing or circular motion along a fixed path about a fixed center point.

[0127] As used herein unless otherwise specified, the terms “forward end,” “forward section,” and “forward portion” each refer to an end or section of a climbing exercise machine or any component thereof proximal to an end of the machine toward which a user faces during operation of the machine. Conversely, the terms “rearward end,” “rearward section,” and “rearward portion” each refer to an end or section of the climbing exercise machine or any component thereof opposite to an end of the machine toward which a user faces during operation of the machine.

[0128] As used herein unless otherwise provided, the terms “inward” and “inwardly” refer to a direction oriented generally in a horizontal plane and generally toward a central longitudinal axis of a frame of an exercise machine. By way of non-limiting example, handles and foot pedals of an exercise machine may extend “inwardly” from uprights of a frame because they extend from a left upright of the frame toward the right, or from a right upright of the frame toward the left (i.e., in both cases, toward the central longitudinal axis of the frame). By logical extension, as used herein unless otherwise provided, the terms “outward” and “outwardly” refer to a direction oriented generally in a horizontal plane and generally away from the central longitudinal axis of the frame of the exercise machine, e.g. toward the left from a left upright of the frame or toward the right from a right upright of the frame.

[0129] Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium.

[0130] In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component / object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

[0131] Examples of the processors as described herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 800 and 801, Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 610 and 615 with 4G LTE Integration and 64-bit computing, Apple® A7 processor with 64-bit architecture, Apple® M7 motion coprocessors, Samsung® Exynos® series, the Intel® Core™ family of processors, the Intel® Xeon® family of processors, the Intel® Atom™ family of processors, the Intel Itanium® family of processors, Intel® Core® i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22nm Haswell, Intel® Core® i5-3570K 22nm Ivy Bridge, the AMD® FX™ family of processors, AMD® FX-4300, FX-6300, and FX-8350 32nm Vishera, AMD® Kaveri processors, Texas Instruments® Jacinto C6000™ automotive infotainment processors, Texas Instruments® OMAP™ automotive-grade mobile processors, ARM® Cortex™-M processors, ARM® Cortex-A and ARM926EJ-S™ processors, other industry-equivalent processors, and may perform computational functions using any known or future-developed standard, instruction set, libraries, and / or architecture.

[0132] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. In additional embodiments, the disclosed methods may be implemented in conjunction with functional programming. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is dependent on the speed and / or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized.

[0133] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on programmed general- purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and / or method into a software and / or hardware system. Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein, and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure.

[0134] The present disclosure provides an improved climbing exercise machine that simulates a continuous vertical climbing motion for the user. The machine generally includes two handles and two foot pedals, each of which is mounted to a reciprocating, self-lubricating slide. The four reciprocating, self-lubricating slides are housed within two uprights disposed on opposing lateral sides of the machine, each of which houses a linear rail; within each upright, a slide mounting a handle and a slide mounting a foot pedal are interconnected by at least one belt. The belt of the left upright and the belt of the right upright are interconnected by an axle housed within a crossbar. The uprights are secured to a stable base. In embodiments, the machine may further include electronic devices and systems that enable a user to perceive digital content (e.g. streaming multimedia, such as climbing classes or instructional videos, as well as other digital entertainment content) while using the machine; by way of non-limiting example, such devices and systems may include a wirelessly networked tablet computer mounted on the crossbar of the machine.

[0135] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, various embodiments of a frame 10 of an exercise machine 1 are illustrated, comprising two uprights 11, a crossbar 12, and a base 13. As illustrated, the uprights 11, and therefore the rails 14 to which the reciprocating, self-lubricating slides 20 are mounted, are generally parallel to each other. The uprights 11 are generally disposed at a horizontal distance approximately commensurate with a shoulder width of the user, but this width may vary, and in some embodiments may be adjustable by the user.

[0136] As illustrated in Figure 1, the crossbar 12 housing the axle 16 that interconnects the belts 17 itself interconnects and spaces apart the uprights 11. In some embodiments, the crossbar 12 may be disposed at a top end of the uprights 11 to provide a generally A- shaped appearance, while in other embodiments, such as that illustrated in Figure 1, the crossbar 12 may be disposed at or near an approximate midpoint of the uprights 11 to provide a generally H-shaped appearance. The belts 17 may be interconnected by more than one axle 16; in these embodiments, an axle 16 interconnecting the belts 17 may be provided in association with the top crossbar 12, or the central crossbar 12, or both.

[0137] As illustrated in Figure 1, the uprights 11 are longitudinal beams that, when the user is using the machine, extend outwardly away from the user. Each beam forms an angle with a base 13 of the exercise machine 1 of between about 0 and about 90 degrees, such that the user perceives an upward direction (and optionally also a forward direction) of motion, and works against at least a portion of his or her own weight, while exercising; in some embodiments, this angle may be adjustable by the user. The uprights 11 interconnect with a base 13, which may generally be shaped such that the “footprint” of the exercise machine 1 on a floor, ground, or other horizontal surface on which the machine 1 is placed has the general shape of three sides of a rectangle. The uprights 11 and base 13 thus provide greater stability for the machine 1 than prior climbing exercise machines, while occupying a comparable or even smaller area of floor or ground space.

[0138] Referring now to Figure 2, an interior of an upright 11 of the climbing exercise machine 1 is illustrated in cross-section. As illustrated, a handle 18 of the machine 1, graspable by the user’s hand, extends both inwardly (away from the rail 14) and outwardly (into an interior of the upright 11). The handle 18 is affixed to a handle adjustment plate 19, which is interconnected via a belt 17 and cog to a generally C-shaped slide 20. The slide 20 is reciprocating and self-lubricating, and at the open end of the C-shape snugly receives the rail 14. The snug fit of the rail 14 within the open space defined by the slide 20 permits the slide 20 to travel smoothly along the rail 14 (i.e. along the length of the upright 11) to allow the user to exercise, while ensuring that the slide 20 does not become detached or loosened from the rail 14. While in Figure 2 the illustrated plate 19 and slide 20 mechanisms are shown in conjunction with a handle 18 (i.e. for receiving the user’s hand), it is to be expressly understood that the same or similar mechanisms are provided, mutatis mutandis, in conjunction with each foot pedal 21 (i.e. for receiving the user’s foot).

[0139] Referring now to Figure 3, the climbing pattern created by the configuration of the handles 18 and foot pedals 21 in conjunction with the belts 17 of the climbing exercise machine 1 is illustrated. As illustrated in Figure 7, the handles 18 and foot pedals 21 are interconnected to the belts 17 of each upright 11 (in this case, on opposing sides of the belt 17 to ensure contralateral motion), and / or the belts 17 of each upright 11 are interconnected via the axle 16, in such a way that when the user moves the left handle 18a downwardly, the left foot pedal 21a moves upwardly, the right handle 18b moves upwardly, and the right foot pedal 21b moves downwardly. Additionally, or alternatively, when the user moves the left foot pedal 21a upwardly, the left handle 18a moves downwardly, the right handle 18b moves upwardly, and the right foot pedal 21b moves downwardly. Additionally, or alternatively, when the user moves the right handle 18b upwardly, the left handle 18a moves downwardly, the left foot pedal 21a moves upwardly, and the right foot pedal 21b moves downwardly. Additionally, or alternatively, when the user moves the right foot pedal 21b downwardly, the left handle 18a moves downwardly, the left foot pedal 21a moves upwardly, and the right handle 18b moves upwardly. This climbing pattern, in which a hand and the opposite foot move upwardly while the other hand and foot move downwardly, is known as a “contralateral” or “cross-crawl” climbing pattern and may be a preferred embodiment of the desired climbing motion. In some embodiments, an alternative climbing pattern in which the right hand and foot move in one vertical direction while the left hand and foot move in the opposite direction — known as an “ipsilateral” or “standard” climbing pattern — may be preferred and provided for. Of course, all of the above movements may also be true vice versa, i.e. with each of the directions reversed.

[0140] As illustrated in Figure 3, the exercise machine 1 is configured to encourage the user to use a smooth, continuous, repeatable climbing motion that represents good climbing form, e.g. a contralateral climbing motion with one hand and the opposite foot (e.g. left hand and right foot) moving in one vertical direction (e.g. downwardly) while the other hand and foot (e.g. right hand and left foot) move in the opposite vertical direction (e.g. upwardly). This encouragement of good climbing form improves the usefulness and safety of the machine to the user, as good climbing form not only improves the effectiveness of the exercise in building strength but reduces the risk of muscle strain and other injuries. It is to be expressly understood that the climbing pattern illustrated in Figure 3 is exemplary only, and that the handles 18, foot pedals 21, slides 20, belts 17, axles 16, and other components of the climbing exercise machine 1 of the disclosure may be configured to encourage the user to use any desired climbing pattern while exercising.

[0141] A resistance component of climbing exercise machines of the disclosure that provides resistance to the user while exercising is referred to herein as a “resistance mechanism 380” but it is to be expressly understood that various additional or alternative components and / or mechanisms can be utilized to provide resistance to the user, and all such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. A component referred to herein as a “slide” is a component that (1) engages with a substantially planar surface, e.g. by sliding or rolling on the substantially planar surface, and (2) is interconnected to or with other components of the climbing exercise machine and causing those other components to move linearly with the sliding or rolling of the slide along the substantially planar surface.

[0142] In embodiments, climbing exercise machines of the present disclosure may comprise one or more sensors or devices for measuring and / or recording at least one parameter associated with a use of the machine that corresponds to a parameter of interest to the user. Specifically, many users desire to measure, record, or calculate parameters such as a length of the workout, an effective distance climbed during the workout, a quantity of energy expended the workout, and so on. In some cases, these parameters can be measured directly (e.g. by timing the workout), while others may be calculated from parameters associated with the machine, e.g., the total distance traveled by the reciprocating, self-lubricating slides, the number of rotations of the axle, and / or the work done on the axle (total and / or per rotation). Accordingly, the sensor(s) or device(s) may measure and / or record the parameter associated with the machine and, optionally, convert this parameter to a parameter of interest to the user according to an algorithm. In some embodiments, data comprising the parameter associated with the machine and / or the parameter of interest to the user may be presented to the user in a graphical user interface of the tablet computer of the exercise machine.

[0143] In embodiments, the base of the climbing exercise machine may comprise wheels or casters that permit the machine to be easily repositioned on a floor or ground surface. The wheels or casters may take any suitable form and may be placed on any suitable portion of the base. The wheels or casters may, but need not, be selectively removable and / or may be provided with a braking and / or locking mechanism to secure the machine in a desired position.

[0144] When structures or components of the disclosure are referred to as being located on a left or right side of a climbing exercise machine, it is to be understood that this refers to a user’s left or right, respectively, when the user is engaged with and operating the machine. When referring to a forward or rearward portion of a climbing exercise machine, it is to be understood that forward aspects of the machine are proximate to a side of the machine from which the user mounts and dismounts the machine, and rearward aspects of the machine are distant from a side of the machine from which the user mounts and dismounts the machine. Referring now to Figures 4 through 22 a climbing exercise machine 300 is illustrated that simulates a continuous vertical climbing motion for a user U (visible in Figs 29A-29C). The machine includes a first upright 310A and a second upright 310B, rigidly mounted parallel to each other, at an angle of between about 45° and about 90° relative to a floor or ground surface, on opposing lateral sides of a base frame 313. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first upright 310A and the second upright 310B may be mounted at different angles from each other and may be mounted at an angle less than 45° or greater than 90° relative to the floor or ground surface. A cross connector housing 312 connects a middle, central, or intermediate portion of upright 310A to a middle, central, or intermediate portion of upright 310B such that the uprights 310A, 310B and the cross connector housing 312 generally form an “H” shape. A first linear motion carriage 320A and a second linear motion carriage 320B are engaged with upright 310A for independent reciprocating linear motion within upright 310A; first linear motion carriage 320A is vertically spaced above second linear motion carriage 320B. A third linear motion carriage 320C and a fourth linear motion carriage 320D are engaged with upright 310B for independent reciprocating linear motion within upright 310B; third linear motion carriage 320C is vertically spaced above fourth linear motion carriage 320D. A first handle 318A is operatively connected to linear motion carriage 320A and a first foot pedal 321 A is operatively connected to linear motion carriage 320B. A second handle 318B is operatively connected to linear motion carriage 320C and a second foot pedal 321B is operatively connected to linear motion carriage 320D. Handle 318A and foot pedal 321A extend away from upright 310A towards upright 310B and handle 318B and foot pedal 321 A extend away from upright 310B and towards upright 310A. A first linkage assembly 350A interconnects the linear motion carriages 320A and 320B such that the handle 318A and the foot pedal 321 A cooperate and move concurrently in opposite directions relative to each other along upright 310A. A second linkage assembly 350B interconnects the linear motion carriages 320C and 320D such that the handle 318B and the foot pedal 32 IB cooperate and move concurrently in opposite directions relative to each other along upright 310B. A cross connector axle 370 having a first end and a second end is mounted on the cross connector housing 312 in parallel with cross connector housing 312. The first end of the cross connector axle 370 is operatively connected with linkage assembly 350A and the second end of the cross connector axle 370 is operatively connected with the linkage assembly 350B such that linear motion carriages 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D are interconnected and synchronized to move concurrently. A flywheel resistance assembly 349 is operatively connected with the cross connector axle 370 at a middle, central, or intermediate portion of the cross connector axle 370 to create resistance to the motion of the linear motion carriages 320A,320B,320C,320D. Climbing exercise machine 300 may also include an electronic user interface display 340 that is mounted on cross connector housing 312.

[0145] Figure 5 illustrates a climbing exercise machine 300 comprising a base frame 313. While base frame 313 is represented in Figure 37 as having a “horseshoe” or “U” shape and being made of a tubular material having a generally ovular cross section, it is to be expressly understood that base frame 313 can be constructed in any of various shapes and from any of various materials capable of securely supporting user U and the various components of the climbing exercise machine 300 during operating of the climbing exercise machine 300. Any of various metals, steels, and alloys may be commonly employed to construct base frame 313, but other materials are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0146] As illustrated in Figure 5, uprights 310A and 310B each have a first end and a second end and are rigidly mounted at their first ends onto base frame 313 at an obtuse angle, but it is to be expressly understood that uprights 310A and 310B can be rigidly mounted on base frame 313 at an acute angle, or perpendicular, to base frame 313 and such embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure. Uprights 310A and 310B house various functional components that are further described in detail herein.

[0147] A handle 318A is operatively engaged with upright 310A so as to move along the portion of upright 310A that is nearer to the second end of 310A in a linear reciprocating motion. A foot pedal 321 A is operatively engaged with upright 310A so as to move along the portion of upright 310A that is nearer to the first end of 310A in a linear reciprocating motion. A handle 318B is operatively engaged with upright 310B so as to move along the portion of upright 310B that is nearer to the second end of 310A in a linear reciprocating motion. A foot pedal 32 IB is operatively engaged with upright 310B so as to move along the portion of upright 310B that is nearer to the first end of 310B in a linear reciprocating motion.

[0148] A cross connector housing 312 has a first end and a second end; the first end is rigidly connected to upright 310A at a perpendicular angle at a middle, central, or intermediate portion of upright 310A and the second end of cross connector housing 312 is rigidly connected to upright 310B at a perpendicular angle at a middle, central, or intermediate portion of upright 310B such that uprights 310A and 310B combined with cross connector housing 312 generally form an “H” shape. A stationary handle 305A is rigidly connected to cross connector housing 312 proximal to the first end of cross connector housing 312 and extends rearward from cross connector housing 312 such that portions of handle grip 305A are substantially parallel with base frame 313. A stationary handle 305B is rigidly connected to cross connector housing 312 proximal to the second end of cross connector housing 312 and extends rearward of from cross connector housing 312 such that portions of stationary handle 305B are substantially parallel with base frame 313. A resistance adjustment dial 359 is operatively mounted on cross connector housing 312 at a location within comfortable reach of user U during operation of machine 300. An electronic user interface display 340 is mounted on cross connector housing 312 at a location within comfortable reach of user U and at a location within viewing distance by user U during operation of machine 300.

[0149] Figure 6 illustrates a cross section of an upright 310 and a cross section of a linear motion carriage 320 that is housed within upright 310, wherein the structural profile of upright 310 includes an integrated track that captures and guides linear motion carriage 320. Upright 310 is represented as being constructed from an extruded tube, wherein upright 310 is formed with interior walls 309 that create multiple chambers that run the length of upright 310. These chambers created by the interior walls 309 provide multiple rolling surfaces for linear motion carriage wheels 322. Any of various metals, steels, and alloys may be commonly employed to construct the upright 310, but other materials are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0150] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a linear motion carriage 320, which in this embodiment is constructed from an elongated bar with a four-sided, mostly rectangular profile. A series of linear motion carriage wheels 322 are fastened to three of the four sides of linear motion carriage 320 in an offset pattern such that each of the linear motion carriage wheels 322 concurrently contacts and rolls on an interior wall 309 of upright 310 to stabilize and move linear motion carriage 320 with minimal friction. The fourth side of the linear motion carriage 320 receives a user engagement assembly such as a foot pedal assembly 311 or a handle assembly 308, each of which is further described in detail herein. Any of various metals, steels, and alloys may be commonly employed to construct the linear motion carriage 320, but other materials are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosure.

[0151] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate views of the components housed within upright 310A and 310B that create the synchronized motions that transport handle assemblies 308 and foot pedal assemblies 311. The structure of uprights 310A and 310B have been removed from these views to best illustrate these components. These components include a first linear motion carriage 320A, a second linear motion carriage 320B, a third linear motion carriage 320C, a fourth linear motion carriage 320D, a first linkage assembly 350A, and a second linkage assembly 35 OB. Linkage assembly 350 A interconnects and synchronizes the motion of linear motion carriages 320A,320B. Linkage assembly 350B interconnects and synchronizes the motion of linear motion carriages 320C,320D.

[0152] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, linkage assembly 350A comprises a first linkage belt 317A, which forms a continuous loop supported on the second end of upright 310A by a first guide pulley mounting bracket 335 A and a first guide pulley 336A and supported on a middle, central, or intermediate section of upright 310A with a first cross connector axle drive pulley 337A, such that linkage belt 317A rotates on guide pulley 336A and cross connector axle drive pulley 337A. Linear motion carriage 320A is positioned for reciprocating movement within the loop formed by linkage belt 317A along the upper section of upright 310A. A first belt connector 315A rigidly connects a rearward section of linkage belt 317A to linear motion carriage 320A such that linkage belt 317A and linear motion carriage 320A move concurrently during operation of machine 300. Linear motion carriage 320B is positioned to move along the lower section of upright 310A. A first connector bar 360A has a first end and a second end; the first end is rigidly connected to a forward section of linkage belt 317A by a first connector bar bracket 316A and the second end of connector bar 360A is rigidly connected to the forward side of linear motion carriage 320B by a second connector bar bracket 316B such that linear motion carriage 320A, linear motion carriage 320B, guide pulley 336A, cross connector axle drive pulley 337A, linkage belt 317A, and connector bar 360 A move concurrently during operation of machine 300. This concurrent motion of linkage assembly 350A causes handle 318A and foot pedal 321 A to move in opposite directions, such that upward motion of the rearward section of linkage belt 317A causes linear motion carriage 320A and handle 318A to move upward, which concurrently causes the forward section of linkage belt 317A to move downward, which in turn causes connector bar 360A, linear motion carriage 320B, and foot pedal 321 A to move downward. The opposite motion of linkage assembly 350A would cause the opposite motion of all of the components of linkage assembly 350A, handle 318A, and foot pedal 321 A as described.

[0153] As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, linkage assembly 350B comprises a second linkage belt 317B, which forms a continuous loop supported on the second end of upright 31 OB by a second guide pulley mounting bracket 335B and a second guide pulley 336B and supported on a middle, central, or intermediate section of upright 31 OB with a second cross connector axle drive pulley 337B, such that linkage belt 317B rotates on guide pulley 336B and cross connector axle drive pulley 337B. Linear motion carriage 320C is positioned for reciprocating movement within the loop formed by linkage belt 317B along the upper section of upright 310B. A second belt connector 315B rigidly connects a forward section of linkage belt 317B to linear motion carriage 320C such that linkage belt 317B and linear motion carriage 320C move concurrently during operation of machine 300. Linear motion carriage 320D is positioned to move along the lower section of upright 310B. A second connector bar 360B has a first end and a second end; the first end is rigidly connected to a rearward section of linkage belt 317B by a third connector bar bracket 316C and the second end of connector bar 360B is rigidly connected to the rearward side of linear motion carriage 320D by a fourth connector bar bracket 316D such that linear motion carriage 320C, linear motion carriage 320D, guide pulley 336B, cross connector axle drive pulley 337B, linkage belt 317B, and connector bar 360B move concurrently during operation of machine 300. This concurrent motion of linkage assembly 350B causes handle 318B and foot pedal 321B to move in opposite directions, such that downward motion of the forward section of linkage belt 317B causes linear motion carriage 320C and handle 318B to move downward, which concurrently causes the rearward section of linkage belt 317B to move upward, which in turn causes connector bar 360B, linear motion carriage 320D, and foot pedal 321B to move upward. The opposite motion of linkage assembly 350B would cause the opposite motion of all of the components of linkage assembly 350B, handle 318B, and foot pedal 321B as described.

[0154] Figures 9-13 illustrate the components housed within the cross connector housing and the cooperation of those components with linkage assemblies 350A and 350B. To clearly illustrate certain components in these views, some components may be removed or represented with a transparent view. A cross connector axle 370 has a first end and a second end and is mounted on mounting blocks 369A and 369B by two cross connector axle bearings 371. The first end of cross connector axle 370 extends through mounting block 369A and is rigidly connected to cross connector axle drive pulley 337A, and the second end of cross connector axle 370 extends through mounting block 369B and is rigidly connected to cross connector axle drive pulley 337B, such that cross connector axle 370, cross connector axle drive pulley 337A, cross connector axle drive pulley 337B, linkage assembly 350A, linkage assembly 350B, handles 318A, 318B, and foot pedals 321A,321B are synchronized and move concurrently during operation of machine 300.

[0155] A resistance mechanism 380 comprising a flywheel resistance assembly 349 (labeled in Figure 43) is mounted on flywheel resistance assembly support frame 343 and is operatively connected to cross connector axle 370 at a middle, central, or intermediate portion of cross connector axle 370. Brace tubes 368 rigidly connect flywheel resistance assembly support frame 343 to mounting blocks 369A and 369B.

[0156] As illustrated in Figures 9-13, a drive pulley axle 374 has a first end and a second end and is mounted within flywheel resistance assembly support frame 343 forward of and parallel to cross connector axle 370. A flywheel axle 364 has a first end and a second end and is mounted within flywheel resistance assembly support frame 343 forward of and parallel to drive pulley axle 374. A resistance magnets housing pivot axle 348 has a first end and a second end and is mounted on flywheel resistance assembly support frame 343 forward of, above, and parallel to flywheel axle 364.

[0157] A first flywheel drive pulley 372A is rigidly mounted on a middle, central, or intermediate section of cross connector axle 370. A second flywheel drive pulley 372B, having a diameter the same as or similar to the diameter of drive pulley 372 A, is rigidly mounted on drive pulley axle 374 proximal to the first end of drive pulley axle 374, and a third drive pulley axle 372C, having a larger diameter than drive pulley 372B, is rigidly mounted proximal to the first end of drive axle 374. Drive pulleys 372B and 372C are parallel and in close proximity to each other, with drive pulley 372C nearer to the first end of drive axle 374 than drive pulley 372B. A flywheel axle pulley 365 is rigidly mounted on the first end of flywheel axle 364. At least one flywheel 347 is rigidly mounted on a middle, central, or intermediate section of flywheel axle 364. While Figures 42-44 depict a flywheel resistance assembly 349 having three flywheels 347, it is to be expressly understood that the flywheel resistance assembly may include any number of flywheels 347, including but not necessarily limited to one, two, four, or more than four flywheels 347, and all such embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure. A resistance magnets housing 345 is pivotally connected to a middle, central, or intermediate section of resistance magnets housing pivot axle 348.

[0158] A first flywheel drive belt 373 A connects drive pulley 372A with drive pulley 372B. A second flywheel drive belt 373B connects drive pulley 372C with flywheel axle pulley 365. A plurality of disc-shaped resistance magnets 346 are mounted on resistance magnets housing 345 and are offset from and parallel to flywheels 347. A resistance adjustment dial 359 is operatively mounted on cross connector housing 312 and is operatively connected to resistance magnets housing 345 to control the pivotal motion of resistance magnets housing 345 and set the location of resistance magnets housing 345. Resistance magnets 346 are mounted on resistance magnets housing 345 such that when resistance magnets housing 345 pivots about resistance magnets housing pivot axle 348 in a direction towards flywheels 347, a portion of the resistance magnets 346 overlap a portion of the flywheels 347, creating a magnetic field that resists the rotation of flywheels 347. When resistance adjustment dial 359 is moved to a position which causes resistance magnets 346 to overlap a larger portion of flywheels 347, more resistance is created, and when resistance adjustment dial 359 is moved to a position which causes resistance magnets 346 to overlap a smaller portion of flywheels 347, less resistance is created.

[0159] Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, an embodiment of a flywheel assembly is illustrated in which flywheel drive belt tensioner rollers 375A,B have been added to flywheel drive belts 373 A, B and flywheel axle fan blades 366 have been added to flywheel axle 364. A flywheel assembly comprising flywheel drive belt tensioner rollers 375A,B may be useful where additional torque is needed to place more tension on flywheel drive belts 373 A, B, for example where it is desirable to allow the flywheel to rotate in both directions; in this case, flywheel drive belt tensioner rollers 375A,B may be used to increase the tension on flywheel drive belts 373 A, B. Of course, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, increased tension on flywheel drive belts 373 A, B may, additionally or alternatively, be provided by other means, such as allowing for the position of flywheel drive pulleys 372A,B,C to be adjustable to tighten flywheel drive belts 373 A, B and / or using stretch belts for flywheel drive belts 373 A, B.

[0160] Similarly, and additionally and / or alternatively, flywheel axle fan blades 366 may be provided on the same flywheel axle 364 as a magnetic resistance flywheel, such that the flywheel axle fan blades 366 supplement the amount of resistance created by the flywheel and magnets and thereby allow the use of a small flywheel or flywheels to achieve adequate resistance. Resistance adjustment can be created by the flywheel and magnets, as the resistance provided by flywheel axle fan blades 366 will be static. Flywheel axle fan blades 366 may provide the additional or alternative function of cooling the components of the flywheel assembly. It is to be expressly understood that climbing exercise machines of the present disclosure may be provided with neither, one, or both of flywheel axle fan blades 366 and flywheel drive belt tensioner rollers 375A,B.

[0161] Turning now to Figures 14-22, alternative embodiments of the resistance mechanism 380 is shown. The resistance mechanism as illustrated comprises a gearbox 381 housing a plurality of gears 382, a flywheel resistance assembly 349 similar to or the same as the flywheel resistance assembly 349, an encoder 383, and a stepper motor 384 configured to adjust a resistance of the flywheel resistance assembly 349.

[0162] As shown in Figure 14, the gearbox 381 is in rotational communication with the cross connector axle 370 via a pair of jaw couplings 385. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the gearbox 381 may be in direct rotational communication with the cross connector axle 370. As previously described, the first end of the cross connector axle 370 is operatively connected with the linkage assembly 350 A and the second end of the cross connector axle 370 is operatively connected with the linkage assembly 350B such that linear motion carriages 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D are interconnected and synchronized to move concurrently. Also shown in Figure 14 is a remote resistance adjustment mechanism comprising a resistance knob 386 in communication with a circuit board 387 (visible in Figure 20). The circuit board 387 may be in communication with one or more components of the climbing exercise machine 300 such as, for example, the display 340, the stepper motor 384, the encoder 383, or the like. The circuit board 387 may also be in communication with one or more components outside of the climbing exercise machine 300 such as, for example, a user device (e.g., a cell phone, a tablet, a computing device, etc.). The resistance knob 386 may be used to adjust a resistance of the flywheel resistance assembly 349 as described in detail in Figures 20-22. Further shown is a fan 410 configured to cool the flywheel resistance assembly 349. In other embodiments, the climbing exercise machine 300 may comprise more than one fan 410 to cool one or more components (e.g., the gearbox 381, the display 340, etc.) and / or the user U.

[0163] Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the jaw couplings 385 are shown in an engaged configuration and an exploded configuration, respectively. Such jaw couplings 385 between the resistance mechanism 380 and the linear motion carriages 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D may advantageously enable precise motion control and a fail-safe design of the climbing exercise machine 300.

[0164] Referring to Figure 17, the gearbox 381, the cross connector axle 370, and the flywheel resistance assembly 349 are shown in isolation for clarity. As shown, the gearbox 381 comprises a gearbox housing 388 for housing the plurality of gears 382. It will be appreciated that any number of isolators, seals, and bearings may be disposed on the cross connector axle 370 or in contact with the cross connector axle 370 and / or the gearbox housing 388.

[0165] Turning to Figure 18, the gearbox housing 388 is removed to illustrate the plurality of gears 382 housed therein. As shown, the gearbox housing 388 also houses bearings 389, seals 390, and isolators 391. Also shown is the flywheel axle 364 which enables the plurality of gears 382 to be in rotational communication with the flywheel resistance assembly 349.

[0166] Referring to Figures 19A-19C, the plurality of gears 382 comprises a first gear 392 A, a second gear 392B, a third gear 392C, a fourth gear 392D, a fifth gear 392E, a sixth gear 392F, and a seventh gear 392G. In other embodiments, the plurality of gears 382 may comprise any number of gears including one gear, two gears, or more than two gears. In the illustrated embodiments, the first gear 392A is coupled to the cross connector axle 370 and the seventh gear 392G is coupled to the flywheel axle 364. As further shown in the illustrated embodiments, the first gear 392 A rotates the second gear 392B via respective gear teeth, the second gear 392B rotates the third gear 392C via respective gear teeth, the third gear 392C rotates the fourth gear 392D via a shaft, the fourth gear 392D rotates the fifth gear 392E via respective gear teeth, the first gear 392E rotates the sixth gear 392F via a shaft, and the sixth gear 392F rotates the seventh gear 392G via respective gear teeth. It will be appreciated that each gear may drive another gear in any configuration. As further shown, the plurality of gears 382 may each comprise varying diameters so as to reduce or increase an input rotational speed of the cross connector axle 370 to an output rotational speed of the flywheel axle 364. Thus, the number of gears, gear diameters, and gear configurations may, in some instances, be based on a desired output rotational speed for a given input rotational speed.

[0167] Turning to Figures 20-21, the flywheel resistance assembly 349 comprises one or more flywheels 347 in rotational communication with the plurality of gears 382 via the flywheel axle 364 and a magnet assembly 393 configured to create a magnetic field that resists the rotation of the flywheels 347 based on a position of the magnet assembly 393 relative to the one or more flywheels 347. As previously described, when the resistance magnets 346 overlap a larger portion of flywheels 347, more resistance is created, and when the resistance magnets 346 overlap a smaller portion of flywheels 347, less resistance is created. The position of the magnet assembly 393 may be based on a rotational speed of the flywheel axle 364 (as determined, by, for example, the encoder 383) and / or a user input received from, for example, the resistance knob 386.

[0168] The resistance knob 386 is shown in communication with the circuit board 387 via a wire 411. Though the resistance knob 386 is shown in wired communication with the circuit board 387, it will be appreciated that in other instances, the resistance knob 386 may be in wireless communication with the circuit board 387. Further illustrated is the stepper motor 384 configured to drive an actuator 394, which is configured to position the magnet assembly 393 relative to the one or more flywheels 347. The stepper motor 384 may be controlled by the circuit board 387 based on, as previously described, the rotational speed of the flywheel axle 364 and / or the user input. Thus, the resistance as generated by the flywheel resistance assembly 349 may be generated electromechanically.

[0169] Referring to Figure 22, the one or more flywheels 347 are not shown so as to illustrate the magnet assembly 393 and the actuator 394. The magnet assembly 393 may comprise a plurality of resistance magnets 346 of varying shapes and sizes. The actuator

[0170] 394 may comprise an actuator screw 395 rotated by the stepper motor 384 and a carriage 396 having a threaded bore that is driven by the actuator screw 395. As the actuator screw

[0171] 395 rotates, the carriage 396 linearly travels along the actuator screw 395 and within a slotted bracket 397 in the direction of arrow 398. The carriage 396 is also pivotably coupled to a linking arm 399 at a first pivot point 400. The linking arm 399 is pivotably connected to the magnet assembly 393 at a second pivot point 401 and the magnet assembly 393 is pivotable about a third pivot point 402 defined by a magnet axis 403. Thus, as the actuator screw 395 rotates, the carriage 396 translates linearly along the actuator screw 395, which causes the magnet assembly 393 to rotate towards or away from the one or more flywheels 347 via the linking arm 399.

[0172] The embodiments described above with respect to Figures 14-22 may beneficially provide a substantially linear resistance curve, an increased upper resistance limit, and increased reliability. Further, components may be more easily maintained, repaired, or replaced in such embodiments.

[0173] Referring now to Figure 23, another remote resistance adjustment mechanism of embodiments of climbing exercise machines of the disclosure is illustrated. The remote resistance adjustment mechanism comprises a coupling 355, a resistance control motor rotor 356, a resistance control motor 357, and a resistance adjustment dial shaft 358 in conjunction with a resistance adjustment dial 359. The resistance control motor 357 of a climbing exercise machine of a user may be connected, via a wired or wireless connection as described elsewhere herein, to a resistance adjustment mechanism of a climbing exercise machine of an instructor who is remote from the user. Due to this connection, by operating the resistance adjustment mechanism of the instructor’s climbing exercise machine, the instructor can command the resistance control motor 357 of the user’s climbing exercise machine; this command is then communicated via the resistance control motor rotor 356 and coupling 355 to the resistance adjustment dial shaft 358, causing the resistance adjustment dial 359 of the user’s climbing exercise machine to turn to increase or decrease the resistance encountered by the user.

[0174] In other embodiments, the resistant adjustment mechanism may receive input from the electronic user interface display 340 and / or a user device such as, for example, a mobile phone.

[0175] Figure 24 illustrates an isolated view of identical sets of left and right components that form a foot pedal assembly 311. For simplicity of disclosure, only a first set of components for a first foot pedal assembly 311 is described, and it is to be expressly understood that a second set of components for a second foot pedal assembly 311 may be identical in both structure and function. As illustrated in Figure 45, first foot pedal support axle connector bracket 379A has a first end and a second end; the first end is rigidly connected to a middle, central, or intermediate section of linear motion carriage 320B. A first foot pedal support axle 378A has a first end and a second end; the first end is rigidly connected to the second end of foot pedal support axle connector bracket 379A and the second end of first foot pedal support axle 378A extends perpendicularly away from upright 310A towards upright 310B. Foot pedal 321 A is a rigid component with a mostly flat surface that has a length and width capable of accepting and supporting the feet of the user U. A center section of foot pedal 321 A is mounted transversely onto foot pedal support axle 378A such that foot pedal 321 A can pivot about foot pedal support axle 378A, which allows a user U to flex user U’s ankles (in either dorsiflexion or plantar flexion) during operation of machine 300 while keeping user U’s feet relatively flat on foot pedal 321 A. An adjustable foot strap 325A is operatively connected to a central section of foot pedal 321 A across the width of foot pedal 321 A such that user U’s foot can be secured to foot pedal 321 A prior to operating machine 300.

[0176] Figures 25A-27B illustrate an isolated view of identical left and right components that form an adjustable handle assembly 308. For simplicity of disclosure, each component of adjustable handle assembly 308 and its function is described only once, but it is to be expressly understood that machine 300 comprises two identical sets of components that create left and right adjustable handle assemblies 308 that may be identical in both structure and function. As illustrated in Figures 46A-48B, a handle slide plate 319 is slidably engaged with a handle slide plate receiver slot 330 formed within linear motion carriage 320, such that handle slide plate 319 can be linearly adjusted along linear motion carriage 320. A plurality of handle slide plate latching pin receiver holes 329 are formed into and linearly spaced on linear motion carriage 320 within handle slide plate receiver slot 330. A handle slide plate latching pin 328 has a first end and a second end and is slidably mounted within handle slide plate 319 in a perpendicular orientation relative to linear motion carriage 320. The first end of handle slide plate latching pin 328 is engaged with a handle slide plate latching pin receiver hole 329 and the second end of handle slide plate latching pin 328 is pivotally connected to a handle slide plate latching lever 326 with a handle slide plate latching lever axle 327. Figure 46A illustrates handle slide plate 319 in a first position on linear motion carriage 320 with handle slide plate latching lever 326 in a latched position, such that handle slide plate latching pin 328 is extended and engaged with a first handle slide plate latching pin receiver hole 329. Figure 46B illustrates handle slide plate 319 in a second position on linear motion carriage 320 with handle slide plate latching lever 326 in a latched position, such that handle slide plate latching pin 328 is extended and engaged with a second handle slide plate latching pin receiver hole 329. Figure 48B illustrates handle slide plate latching lever 326 in an unlatched position, such that handle slide plate latching pin 328 is contracted and not engaged with a handle slide plate latching pin receiver hole 328. To adjust handle slide plate 319 from a first linear position on linear motion carriage 320 to a second linear position on linear motion carriage 320, user U may pivot handle slide plate latching lever 326 to the unlatched position, which contracts handle slide plate latching pin 328 and disengages handle slide plate latching pin 328 from a first handle slide plate latching pin receiver hole 329. User U may then slide handle slide plate 319 to a second linear position on linear motion carriage 320 and pivot handle slide plate latching lever 326 to the latched position, which extends handle slide plate latching pin 328 and engages handle slide plate latching pin 328 with a second handle slide plate latching pin receiver hole 329 to secure handle slide plate 319 into a second linear position on linear motion carriage 320.

[0177] While handle 318 is represented in Figures 25A-27B as having an “L” shape and being made of a tubular material having a generally round (circular or ovular) cross section, it is to be expressly understood that handle 318 can be constructed in any of various shapes and from any of various materials. Handle 318 is pivotally connected to handle slide plate 319 by a handle pivot axle 332. As illustrated in Figure 48A, handle 318 can be configured in a first angular position relative to upright 310, wherein handle 318 is in a perpendicular position relative to handle slide plate 319 and linear motion carriage 320 such that handle 318 extends away from upright 310A towards upright 310B. Handle 318 may also be pivotally adjusted to a second angular position relative to upright 310, wherein handle 318 is parallel to linear motion carriage 320 and in alignment with handle slide plate 319. As illustrated, handle pivot adjustment latching button 331 is movably mounted on the second end of handle 318 and operatively connected to a handle pivot latching pin 333 located within the first end of handle 318. First and second radially spaced handle pivot adjustment latching pin receiver holes 334 are formed into handle slide plate 319 proximal to handle pivot axle 332. Handle pivot adjustment latching button 331 is a spring-loaded component that is kept in an extended position by the spring when not engaged by user U. When handle pivot adjustment latching button 331 is in the extended position, handle pivot latching pin 333 is also in the extended position and engaged with a handle pivot adjustment latching pin receiver hole 334. To adjust handle 318 from a first angular position to a second angular position on handle slide plate 319, user U may press handle pivot adjustment latching button 331 into a contracted position, which contracts handle pivot latching pin 333 so as to disengage handle pivot latching pin 333 from a first handle pivot adjustment latching pin receiver hole 334. User U may then rotate handle 318 and then release handle pivot adjustment latching button 331, which causes handle pivot adjustment latching button 331 to extend and in turn causes handle pivot latching pin 333 to extend and engage with a second handle pivot adjustment latching pin receiver hole 334 to secure handle 318 into a second angular position on handle slide plate 319. Although handle 318 is shown and described as being adjustable to two unique angular positions on handle slide plate 319, the same or similar components and methods as described may be used to adjust handle 318 to any number of unique angular positions, e.g. three angular positions, four angular positions, or more than four angular positions, on handle slide plate 319, and such embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0178] Turning to Figures 28A-28D, alternative embodiments of the handle 318 are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 318 may be pivotally adjusted as described above in the direction of arrow 404 (shown in Figure 28C),and may also be rotated about a center axis 405 of the handle 318 in the direction of arrow 406 (shown in Figure 28B). To pivotably adjust the handle 318 in the direction of the arrow 406, a first button 407 may be engaged and to pivotably adjust the handle 318 in the direction of the arrow 404, a second button 408 may be engaged. The spring-based mechanism 409 by which to pivotably adjust the handle 318 in the direction of the arrow 406 and about the center axis 405 is shown in Figure 28D.

[0179] Figure 29A illustrates a user U operating machine 300 in a first position wherein user U’s left hand is engaged with handle 318A and user U’s left foot is engaged with foot pedal 321 A such that user U’s left arm and left leg are mostly contracted and more proximal to each other, and user U’s right hand is engaged with handle 318B and user U’s right foot is engaged with foot pedal 32 IB such that user U’s right arm and right leg are mostly extended and more distal to each other. Figure 49B illustrates a user U operating machine 300 in a second position wherein user U’s left hand is engaged with handle 318A and user U’s left foot is engaged with foot pedal 321 A such that user U’s left arm and left leg are mostly extended and more distal to each other, and user U’s right hand is engaged with handle 318B and user U’s right foot is engaged with foot pedal 32 IB such that user U’s right arm and right leg are mostly contracted and more proximal to each other. As illustrated in Figures 29A and 29B, when user U moves from a first exercise position to a second exercise position on machine 300, user U’s left hand and handle 318A move in the opposite direction of user U’s left foot and foot pedal 321 A, and user U’s right hand and handle 318B move in the opposite direction of user U’s right foot and foot pedal 32 IB. Furthermore, when User U moves from a first exercise position to a second exercise position on machine 300, user U’s left hand and handle 318A move in the opposite direction of user U’s right hand and handle 318B, and user U’s left foot and left foot pedal 321A move in the opposite direction of user U’s right foot and right foot pedal 321B while performing a resisted, concurrent climbing exercise motion using both arms and legs.

[0180] Figure 29C illustrates a user U operating machine 300 in a third exercise position, wherein user U’s left hand is gripping stationary hand grip 305A and user U’s right hand is gripping stationary hand grip 305B so as to stabilize and secure user U on machine 300 while user U’s left foot is engaged with foot pedal 321 A in a higher position along upright 310A and user U’s right foot is engaged with foot pedal 32 IB in a lower position along upright 310B, such that user U’s left foot and right foot move in reciprocating opposite directions while performing a legs-only climbing exercise motion.

[0181] To operate machine 300, user U may enter machine 300 by stepping onto foot pedal 321 A with user U’s left foot, stepping onto foot pedal 321B with user U’s right foot, gripping handle 318A with user U’s left hand, and gripping handle 318B with user U’s right hand. User U can then adjust the resistance to the exercise motion by moving resistance adjustment dial 359 to a preferred setting, causing resistance magnets 346 to engage flywheels 347 as previously described. If user U urges handle 318A upward, user U will necessarily concurrently urge foot pedal 321 A downward, handle 318B downward, and foot pedal 321B upward.

[0182] When user U begins the exercise motion in a first direction as described, all of the various moving components of the machine 300, including handle assemblies 308, foot pedal assemblies 311, linear motion carriages 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D, linkage assemblies 350A, 350B, cross connector axle 370, and flywheel resistance assembly 349, move concurrently in a synchronized fashion. Upward motion of handle 318A and linear motion carriage 320A causes belt 317A to rotate in a first direction on guide pulley 336A and cross connector axle drive pulley 337A, in turn causing the rearward side of linkage belt 317A to move upward, in turn causing the forward side of linkage belt 317A to move downward, in turn causing connector bar 360 A to move downward, in turn causing linear motion carriage 320B and foot pedal 321 A to move downward. Concurrently, downward motion of handle 318B and linear motion carriage 320C causes belt 317B to rotate in a first direction on guide pulley 336B and cross connector axle drive pulley 337B, in turn causing the forward side of linkage belt 317B to move downward, in turn causing the rearward side of linkage belt 317B to move upward, in turn causing connector bar 360B to move upward, in turn causing linear motion carriage 320D and foot pedal 32 IB to move upward. Concurrently, cross connector axle drive pulleys 337A and 337B cause cross connector axle 370 to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley 372A to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheel drive belt 373A to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley 372B to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley axle 374 to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley 374C to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheel drive belt 373B to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheel axle pulley 365 to rotate in a first direction, in turn causing flywheels 347 to rotate in a first direction.

[0183] When user U reverses the exercise motion to urge handles 318A and 318B and foot pedals 321A and 321B in the opposite second direction, all of the various moving components of the machine 300, including handle assemblies 308, foot pedal assemblies 311, linear motion carriages 320A, 320B, 320C, 320D, linkage assemblies 350A, 350B, cross connector axle 370, and flywheel resistance assembly 349, move concurrently in a synchronized fashion in the opposite second direction. Downward motion of handle 318A and linear motion carriage 320A causes belt 317A to rotate in a second direction on guide pulley 336A and cross connector axle drive pulley 337A, in turn causing the rearward side of linkage belt 317A to move downward, in turn causing the forward side of linkage belt 317A to move upward, in turn causing connector bar 360 A to move upward, in turn causing linear motion carriage 320B and foot pedal 321 A to move upward. Concurrently, upward motion of handle 318B and linear motion carriage 320C causes belt 317B to rotate in a second direction on guide pulley 336B and cross connector axle drive pulley 337B, in turn causing the forward side of linkage belt 317B to move upward, in turn causing the rearward side of linkage belt 317B to move downward, in turn causing connector bar 360B to move downward, in turn causing linear motion carriage 320D and foot pedal 32 IB to move downward. Concurrently, cross connector axle drive pulleys 337A and 337B cause cross connector axle 370 to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley 372A to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheel drive belt 373 A to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley 372B to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley axle 374 to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheel drive pulley 374C to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheel drive belt 373B to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheel axle pulley 365 to rotate in a second direction, in turn causing flywheels 347 to rotate in a second direction.

[0184] User U can continue this reciprocating first and second direction exercise motion for any preferred amount of time and / or preferred number of repetitions. User U may also interact with user interface display 340 prior to the exercise session, during the exercise session, and / or after the exercise session.

[0185] Figure 31 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an exemplary computing environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. More specifically, this example illustrates a computing environment 500 that may function as the servers, user computers, or other systems provided and described herein. The environment 500 includes one or more user computers, or computing devices, such as a computing device 504, a communication device 508, and / or more 512. The computing devices 504, 508, 512 may include general purpose personal computers (including, merely by way of example, personal computers, and / or laptop computers running various versions of Microsoft Corp.’s Windows® and / or Apple Corp.’s Macintosh® operating systems) and / or workstation computers running any of a variety of commercially available UNIX® or UNIX-like operating systems. These computing devices 504, 508, 512 may also have any of a variety of applications, including for example, database client and / or server applications, and web browser applications. Alternatively, the computing devices 504, 508, 512 may be any other electronic device, such as a thin-client computer, Internet- enabled mobile telephone, and / or personal digital assistant, capable of communicating via a network 510 and / or displaying and navigating web pages or other types of electronic documents. Although the exemplary computer environment 500 is shown with two computing devices, any number of user computers or computing devices may be supported.

[0186] Environment 500 further includes a network 510. The network 510 may can be any type of network familiar to those skilled in the art that can support data communications using any of a variety of commercially available protocols, including without limitation Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Systems Network Architecture (SNA), Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), AppleTalk, and the like. Merely by way of example, the network 510 maybe a Local Area Network (LAN), such as an Ethernet network, a Token-Ring network and / or the like; a wide-area network; a virtual network, including without limitation a Virtual Private Network (VPN); the Internet; an intranet; an extranet; a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN); an infra-red network; a wireless network (e.g., a network operating under any of the IEEE 802.9 suite of protocols, the Bluetooth® protocol known in the art, and / or any other wireless protocol); and / or any combination of these and / or other networks.

[0187] The system may also include one or more servers 514, 516. In this example, server 514 is shown as a web server and server 516 is shown as an application server. The web server 514, which may be used to process requests for web pages or other electronic documents from computing devices 504, 508, 512. The web server 514 can be running an operating system including any of those discussed above, as well as any commercially available server operating systems. The web server 514 can also run a variety of server applications, including SIP servers, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (secure) (HTTP(s)) servers, FTP servers, CGI servers, database servers, Java servers, and the like. In some instances, the web server 514 may publish operations available operations as one or more web services.

[0188] The environment 500 may also include one or more file and or / application servers 516, which can, in addition to an operating system, include one or more applications accessible by a client running on one or more of the computing devices 504, 508, 512. The server(s) 516 and / or 514 may be one or more general purpose computers capable of executing programs or scripts in response to the computing devices 504, 508, 512. As one example, the server 516, 514 may execute one or more web applications. The web application may be implemented as one or more scripts or programs written in any programming language, such as JavaTM, C, C#®, or C++, and / or any scripting language, such as Perl, Python, or Tool Command Language (TCL), as well as combinations of any programming / scripting languages. The application server(s) 116 may also include database servers, including without limitation those commercially available from Oracle®, Microsoft®, Sybase®, IBM® and the like, which can process requests from database clients running on a computing device 504, 508, 512.

[0189] The web pages created by the server 514 and / or 516 may be forwarded to a computing device 504, 508, 512 via a web (file) server 514, 516. Similarly, the web server 514 may be able to receive web page requests, web services invocations, and / or input data from a computing device 504, 508, 512 (e.g., a user computer, etc.) and can forward the web page requests and / or input data to the web (application) server 516. In further embodiments, the server 516 may function as a file server. Although for ease of description, Figure 13 illustrates a separate web server 514 and file / application server 516, those skilled in the art will recognize that the functions described with respect to servers 514, 516 may be performed by a single server and / or a plurality of specialized servers, depending on implementation-specific needs and parameters. The computer systems 504, 508, 512, web (file) server 514 and / or web (application) server 516 may function as the system, devices, or components described herein.

[0190] The environment 500 may also include a database 518. The database 518 may reside in a variety of locations. By way of example, database 518 may reside on a storage medium local to (and / or resident in) one or more of the computers 504, 508, 512, 514, 516. Alternatively, it may be remote from any or all of the computers 504, 508, 512, 514, 516, and in communication (e.g., via the network 110) with one or more of these. The database 518 may reside in a Storage- Area Network (SAN) familiar to those skilled in the art. Similarly, any necessary files for performing the functions attributed to the computers 504, 508, 512, 514, 516 may be stored locally on the respective computer and / or remotely, as appropriate. The database 518 may be a relational database, such as Oracle 20i®, that is adapted to store, update, and retrieve data in response to Structured Query Language (SQL) formatted commands. Figure 32 is a block diagram illustrating elements of an exemplary computing device in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. More specifically, this example illustrates one embodiment of a computer system 600 upon which the servers, user computers, computing devices, or other systems or components described above may be deployed or executed. The computer system 600 is shown comprising hardware elements that may be electrically coupled via a bus 604. The hardware elements may include one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs) 608; one or more input devices 612 (e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, etc.); and one or more output devices 616 (e.g., a display device, a printer, etc.). The computer system 600 may also include one or more storage devices 620. By way of example, storage device(s) 620 may be disk drives, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices such as a Random-Access Memory (RAM) and / or a Read-Only Memory (ROM), which can be programmable, flash- updateable and / or the like.

[0191] The computer system 600 may additionally include a computer-readable storage media reader 624; a communications system 628 (e.g., a modem, a network card (wireless or wired), an infra-red communication device, etc.); and working memory 636, which may include RAM and ROM devices as described above. The computer system 600 may also include a processing acceleration unit 632, which can include a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a special-purpose processor, and / or the like.

[0192] The computer-readable storage media reader 624 can further be connected to a computer-readable storage medium, together (and, optionally, in combination with storage device(s) 620) comprehensively representing remote, local, fixed, and / or removable storage devices plus storage media for temporarily and / or more permanently containing computer-readable information. The communications system 628 may permit data to be exchanged with a network and / or any other computer described above with respect to the computer environments described herein. Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “storage medium” may represent one or more devices for storing data, including ROM, RAM, magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices and / or other machine-readable mediums for storing information.

[0193] The computer system 600 may also comprise software elements, shown as being currently located within a working memory 636, including an operating system 640 and / or other code 644. It should be appreciated that alternate embodiments of a computer system 600 may have numerous variations from that described above. For example, customized hardware might also be used and / or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets), or both. Further, connection to other computing devices such as network input / output devices may be employed.

[0194] Examples of the processors 608 as described herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 800 and 801, Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 620 and 615 with 4G LTE Integration and 64-bit computing, Apple® A7 processor with 64-bit architecture, Apple® M7 motion coprocessors, Samsung® Exynos® series, the Intel® Core™ family of processors, the Intel® Xeon® family of processors, the Intel® Atom™ family of processors, the Intel Itanium® family of processors, Intel® Core® i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22nm Haswell, Intel® Core® i5-3570K 22nm Ivy Bridge, the AMD® FX™ family of processors, AMD® FX-4300, FX-6300, and FX-8350 32nm Vishera, AMD® Kaveri processors, Texas Instruments® Jacinto C6000™ automotive infotainment processors, Texas Instruments® OMAP™ automotive-grade mobile processors, ARM® Cortex™-M processors, ARM® Cortex-A and ARM926EJ-S™ processors, other industry-equivalent processors, and may perform computational functions using any known or future-developed standard, instruction set, libraries, and / or architecture.

[0195] Referring now to Figure 33, a method 700 for controlling a resistance of the climbing exercise machine such as the climbing exercise machine 100, 300 is provided. The method 700 may comprise receiving input (step 710). The input may comprise user input corresponding to a desired resistance, a predetermined resistance (e.g., resistance as determined from or received by an exercise application), a rotational speed of a flywheel axle such as the flywheel axle 364, and / or a current position of a magnet assembly such as the magnet assembly 393 relative to one or more flywheels such as the one or more flywheels 347. The input may be received from one or more components such as, for example, a resistance knob such as the resistance knob 386, a user device, an encoder such as the encoder 383, a sensor, etc.

[0196] The method 700 may also comprise determining a position of the magnet assembly (step 720). The position of the magnet assembly may be determined by, for example, a circuit board such as the circuit board 387, a computing device such as the computing device 504, 508, 512, a processor, a controller, or the like. A processor (whether of the computing device, controller, etc.) may execute an algorithm that receives the input and outputs the position of the magnet assembly that corresponds to a desired resistance. The method 700 may also comprise generating instructions (step 730). The instructions may be based on the determined position of the magnet assembly as determined in the step 720 above.

[0197] The method 700 may also comprise transmitting instructions (step 740). The instructions may be transmitted to a stepper motor such as the stepper motor 384 configured to drive an actuator such as the actuator 394. The actuator may be configured to position the magnet assembly relative to the one or more flywheels.

[0198] It will be appreciated that the steps may be repeated. For example, during use of the climbing exercise machine, the method 700 may be continuously repeated to maintain a desired resistance based on forces exerted by a user onto the climbing exercise machine and / or other inputs.

[0199] Referring now to Figures 33 and 34, a performance assessment camera system 820 of embodiments of climbing exercise machines of the invention is illustrated. The performance assessment camera system 820 comprises at least one camera (in this embodiment, three cameras) 821, and each camera 821 is provided in conjunction with a camera lens cover 822, which in turn is associated with a camera lens cover hinge 823. The cameras 821 of the performance assessment camera system 820 may monitor a user’s moving image while exercising and feed information relating to the exercise performance to an artificial intelligence (Al) algorithm or similar system, which may in turn communicate — via at least one screen, speaker, or similar of the climbing exercise machine — auditory or visual information relating to the user’s exercise performance to the user. By way of non-limiting example, the performance assessment camera system 820 and Al or similar system may provide auditory or visual suggestions to the user to correct the user’ s body position or form while exercising, suggestions to the user to increase or decrease resistance, and so on. The cameras 821 of the performance assessment camera system 820 may also be operable for facial recognition mapping, as described in more detail below in relation to Figure 63. When not wishing to utilize the functions provided by the performance assessment camera system 820, the user may articulate camera lens cover hinges 823 to cause camera lens covers 822 to cover cameras 821.

[0200] The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and / or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the various aspects, aspects, embodiments, and configurations, after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and / or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

[0201] The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more, aspects, embodiments, and configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspects, embodiments, and configurations. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

[0202] Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A climbing exercise machine, comprising: a base support frame configured to contact a floor or ground surface; a first elongate upright, rigidly connected to the base support frame; a second elongate upright, horizontally spaced apart from and parallel to the first upright and rigidly connected to the base support frame; a first movable handle and a first movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the first upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the first upright; a second movable handle and a second movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the second upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the second upright; an adjustable resistance mechanism mounted on the machine; and a linkage assembly, interconnecting and synchronizing the first movable handle, the first movable foot pedal, the second movable handle, the second movable foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism, wherein the interconnection and synchronization provided by the linkage assembly enables reciprocating concurrent movement of the first handle, the first foot pedal, the second handle, the second foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism to simulate a resisted continuous climbing motion for a user.

2. The climbing exercise machine of claim 1, wherein each of the first elongate upright and the second elongate upright are at an obtuse angle relative to the floor or ground surface.

3. The climbing exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the adjustable resistance mechanism is mounted on a stationary portion of the machine4. The climbing exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the adjustable resistance mechanism comprises a gearbox and a flywheel resistance assembly.

5. The climbing exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the gearbox comprises a gearbox housing configured to house a plurality of gears.

6. The climbing exercise machine of claim 4, wherein the flywheel resistance assembly comprises one or more flywheels in rotational communication with the plurality of gears and a magnet assembly configured to create a magnetic field that resists the rotation of the one or more flywheels.

7. The climbing exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the adjustable resistance mechanism further comprises a stepper motor and an actuator configured to control a position of the magnet assembly relative to the one or more flywheels disposed on a flywheel axle.

8. The climbing exercise machine of claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises a screw driven by the stepper motor and a carriage that translates rotational movement of the screw to translational rotation of the carriage, wherein the carriage is coupled to the magnet assembly via a linking arm.

9. The climbing exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both the first movable handle and the second movable handle are pivotably adjustable in a first direction and a second direction.

10. The climbing exercise machine of claim 4, further comprising: a processor; and a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to: receive input corresponding to a desired resistance and a rotational speed of the flywheel axle, determine a position of the magnet assembly relative to the one or more flywheels based on the input, generate instructions to cause the stepper motor to drive the actuator to position the magnet assembly at the determined magnet position, and transmit the generated instructions to the stepper motor.

11. The climbing exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the desired resistance is received from a resistance knob in communication with the processor.

12. The climbing exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the rotational speed of the flywheel axis is received from an encoder disposed at the flywheel axis.

13. The climbing exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the desired resistance is received from an exercise program.

14. A climbing exercise machine, comprising: a base support frame configured to contact a floor or ground surface; a first elongate upright, rigidly connected to the base support frame at an obtuse angle relative to the floor or ground surface;a second elongate upright, horizontally spaced apart from and parallel to the first upright and rigidly connected to the base support frame at an obtuse angle relative to the floor or ground surface; a first movable handle and a first movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the first upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the first upright; a second movable handle and a second movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the second upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the second upright; an adjustable resistance mechanism, mounted on a stationary portion of the machine, the adjustable resistance mechanism comprising a gearbox and a flywheel resistance assembly; and a linkage assembly, interconnecting and synchronizing the first movable handle, the first movable foot pedal, the second movable handle, the second movable foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism, wherein the interconnection and synchronization provided by the linkage assembly enables reciprocating concurrent movement of the first handle, the first foot pedal, the second handle, the second foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism to simulate a resisted continuous climbing motion for a user.

15. The climbing exercise machine of claim 14, wherein the gearbox comprises a gearbox housing configured to house a plurality of gears.

16. The climbing exercise machine of claim 14, wherein the flywheel resistance assembly comprises one or more flywheels in rotational communication with the plurality of gears and a magnet assembly configured to create a magnetic field that resists the rotation of the one or more flywheels.

17. The climbing exercise machine of claim 16, wherein the adjustable resistance mechanism further comprises a stepper motor and an actuator configured to control a position of the magnet assembly relative to the one or more flywheels disposed on a flywheel axle.

18. The climbing exercise machine of claim 17, wherein the actuator comprises a screw driven by the stepper motor and a carriage that translates rotational movement of the screw to translational rotation of the carriage, wherein the carriage is coupled to the magnet assembly via a linking arm.

19. The climbing exercise machine of claim 14, wherein both the first movable handle and the second movable handle are pivotably adjustable in a first direction and a second direction.

20. A climbing exercise machine, comprising: a base support frame configured to contact a floor or ground surface; a first elongate upright, rigidly connected to the base support frame; a second elongate upright, horizontally spaced apart from and parallel to the first upright and rigidly connected to the base support frame; a first movable handle and a first movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the first upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the first upright; a second movable handle and a second movable foot pedal, vertically spaced apart from each other and each being slidably engaged with the second upright to enable reciprocating linear movement along the second upright; an adjustable resistance mechanism mounted on the machine; a linkage assembly, interconnecting and synchronizing the first movable handle, the first movable foot pedal, the second movable handle, the second movable foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism, wherein the interconnection and synchronization provided by the linkage assembly enables reciprocating concurrent movement of the first handle, the first foot pedal, the second handle, the second foot pedal, and the adjustable resistance mechanism to simulate a resisted continuous climbing motion for a user; a processor; and a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to: receive input corresponding to a desired resistance and a rotational speed of the flywheel axle, determine a position of the magnet assembly relative to the one or more flywheels based on the input, generate instructions to cause the stepper motor to drive the actuator to position the magnet assembly at the determined magnet position, and transmit the generated instructions to the stepper motor.

Images