Smith machine

Abstract

To provide a Smith machine that minimizes restrictions on installation location, allows for adjustment of the guide rail's inclination angle, and suppresses sway when moving the barbell up and down, ensuring stability of the vertical trajectory. [Solution] The Smith machine 20 comprises an upper support column 107 in the front-rear direction, a lower support column 109 in the front-rear direction, an upper end support pin 201, a slope plate 202, and an inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240. The upper end support pin 201 rotatably supports the first intermediate vertical column 101 with respect to the upper support column 107 in the front-rear direction. The slope plate 102 is fixed to the lower support column 109 in the front-rear direction, which is opposite to the lower end of the first intermediate vertical column 101, and has an arcuate surface 202a drawn around the axis of rotation by the upper end support pin 201. The inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240 is provided between the lower end of the first intermediate vertical column 101 and the slope plate 202, and adjusts the inclination angle of the first intermediate vertical column 101 to which the guide rail 200 is fixed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a Smith machine.

Background Art

[0002] As a training machine, there is known a Smith machine in which a barbell bar is connected to a guide rail and the barbell is moved up and down along a fixed track on the guide rail. A Smith machine with a vertical guide rail is simply called a "Smith machine", and one with an inclined guide rail is sold as a "Super Smith machine". The guide rail of the Super Smith machine generally has a fixed inclination angle of about 5 to 10 degrees.

[0003] In contrast, Patent Document 1 below discloses an angle-adjustable and swingable Smith machine (hereinafter referred to as the "prior art Smith machine"). The prior art Smith machine includes a portal column in which the upper ends of a pair of vertical columns fixing the guide rail are connected by a horizontal column, an arc-shaped swing rail disposed above the portal column in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal column, and a pin operation mechanism provided at the center of the horizontal column. The prior art Smith machine adjusts the inclination angle of the guide rail by using the lower ends of the pair of vertical columns constituting the portal column as rotation axes and changing the pin fixing position with respect to the swing rail by operating the pin operation mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Besides the Smith machine, other training machines include the "cable machine," which allows users to freely adjust the load weight to suit their needs and utilizes pulleys and cables for training. Furthermore, "multi-machines" are known that combine Smith machines, cable machines, and other equipment on a rack structure.

[0006] Prior art Smith machines have two horizontal supports positioned at separate locations at the top of a rack structure, to which arc-shaped swing rails are fixed at both ends, resulting in the swing rails being long components in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when attempting to apply prior art Smith machines to a multi-machine setup, such as one that combines a Smith machine and a cable machine on a rack structure, the rack structure must be made larger, which limits the possible installation locations for the multi-machine setup.

[0007] Furthermore, in the prior art Smith machine, the insertion point of the pin into the hole formed in the elongated, arc-shaped swing rail is the upper end support position of the gate-shaped support column. As a result, the prior art Smith machine has low pin support strength to the rack structure at the upper end support position (pin position) of the gate-shaped support column, and the gate-shaped support column is easily displaced by the load acting on the pin position. Therefore, the prior art Smith machine has the problem that when a trainee moves the barbell up and down, the gate-shaped support column swings due to the load fluctuations acting on the pin position, and the guide rail fixed to the gate-shaped support column also swings along with this swing, resulting in an unstable vertical trajectory of the barbell.

[0008] This disclosure addresses the above-mentioned issues and aims to provide a Smith machine that can add a guide rail inclination angle adjustment function while minimizing restrictions on the installation location, and that can suppress swaying when moving the barbell up and down, thereby ensuring stability of the vertical trajectory. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The Smith machine of this disclosure has a rack structure that forms a training space, a pair of vertical posts that fix guide rails to which a barbell is attached, and moves the barbell up and down along a track along the guide rails. The Smith machine comprises an upper post, a lower post, an upper end support pin, a slope plate, and an inclination angle adjustment mechanism. The upper post is located horizontally in the upper part of the rack structure above the vertical post. The lower post is located horizontally in the lower part of the rack structure below the vertical post. The upper end support pin is provided at the upper end of the vertical post and supports the vertical post so that it can rotate relative to the upper post. The slope plate is fixed to the lower post opposite the lower end of the vertical post and has an arcuate surface drawn around the axis of rotation by the upper end support pin. The inclination angle adjustment mechanism is provided between the lower end of the vertical post and the slope plate and adjusts the inclination angle of the vertical post to which the guide rail is fixed. The tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes an angle adjustment plate fixed to the lower end of the vertical support column and having a stopper pin hole formed in a shape that covers the arcuate surface of the slope plate; a plurality of angle adjustment holes formed in the arcuate surface of the slope plate; a stopper pin that aligns with the stopper pin hole and one of the plurality of angle adjustment holes, and pin-connects the angle adjustment plate and the slope plate. The angle adjustment plate has rollers that roll while contacting the arcuate surface of the slope plate as the vertical support column moves when the tilt angle of the vertical support column is changed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The Smith machine of this disclosure can be fitted with a guide rail tilt angle adjustment function while minimizing restrictions on the installation location, and can also suppress sway when moving the barbell up and down, ensuring stability of the vertical trajectory. In addition, the inclination angle of the vertical support column to which the guide rail is fixed can be adjusted by simply inserting the stopper pin, aligning it with one of the stopper pin hole and one of the multiple angle adjustment holes. Furthermore, when adjusting the inclination angle of the vertical support column to which the guide rail is fixed, the rolling resistance allows the vertical support column to move smoothly along the curved surface of the slope plate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view showing the overall appearance of the multi-machine equipped with a Smith machine and a cable machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the Smith machine set to vertical orientation mode. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the Smith machine set to the inclined positioning mode. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the pin support configuration at the upper end of the support column of a Smith machine and the barbell connecting mechanism of the barbell bar holder. [Figure 5]This is an enlarged perspective view showing the support configuration of the Smith machine, specifically the tilt angle adjustment mechanism at the lower end of the support column. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the counterweight mechanism of the barbell bar holder on a Smith machine. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the tilt angle adjustment mechanism of the vertical support column to which the guide rail of the Smith machine is fixed. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the cable routing for a single-handle and lat pulldown machine. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the cable routing in a rowing handle system within a cable machine. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing an example where the engagement receiving member for the barbell bar hook is replaced with a hook receiving plate instead of the pin in Embodiment 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The Smith machine described herein will be described with reference to the attached drawings showing a multi-machine of Embodiment 1 for implementing it. In the attached drawings, the vertical direction (height direction) is the X-axis, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X-axis is the Y-axis, and the front-to-back direction in which the trainee enters and exits is the Z-axis. (Embodiment 1) The multi-machine M of Embodiment 1 is a training machine that mounts a Smith machine 20 and a cable machine 30 together on a rack structure 10 that forms a training space. The configuration of the multi-machine M will be described below in parts, consisting of the configuration of the rack structure 10, the configuration of the Smith machine 20, and the configuration of the cable machine 30.

[0013] [Rack structure configuration (Figure 1)] The rack structure 10 is composed of multiple metal support columns and forms a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped training space that encloses three sides in the Y-axis direction (left and right sides) and the Z-axis direction (back side), with the unenclosed Z-axis direction (front side) serving as an opening for trainees to enter and exit.

[0014] The rack structure 10 has, as vertical struts arranged in the Z-axis direction, a pair of left - and right - front vertical struts 100, a pair of left - and right - first intermediate vertical struts 101, a pair of left - and right - second intermediate vertical struts 102, and a pair of left - and right - rear vertical struts 103. The rack structure 10 has a rear - side vertical strut 104 at an intermediate position in the Y - axis direction of the pair of left - and right - rear vertical struts 103.

[0015] The second intermediate vertical strut 102 has a pair of left - and right J - hooks 120 with rollers and a single hanging bar 130. The J - hook 120 with rollers is a hook member on which a trainee places a barbell used for squats etc., and is provided at a side - surface position of the second intermediate vertical strut 102 such that the mounting height position in the X - axis direction can be adjusted. The hanging bar 130 is provided by connecting the upper - end portions of the pair of left - and right second intermediate vertical struts 102 in the Y - axis direction. Each of the pair of left - and right rear vertical struts 103 is provided with a plurality of plate - storage pins 140 that project outward in the Y - axis direction for storing spare weight plates.

[0016] The rack structure 10 has, as struts on the upper surface in the horizontal direction, a left - and right upper - front - end strut 105, a left - and right upper - rear - end strut 106, and a pair of left - and right upper struts 107 (upper struts) in the front - and - rear direction, in a rectangular shape. The left - and right upper - front - end strut 105 is provided by projecting a wide - chinning bar 150, for which a trainee performs hanging exercises and abdominal muscle exercises, outward in the Z - axis direction from the upper part of the opening surface of the training space.

[0017] The rack structure 10 has, as struts on the lower surface in the horizontal direction, a left - and right lower - rear - end strut 108, a pair of left - and right lower struts 109 (lower struts) in the front - and - rear direction, and a plurality of under - floor horizontal struts (not shown). The plurality of under - floor horizontal struts are arranged in the Y - axis direction with respect to the pair of left - and right lower struts 109 in the front - and - rear direction, and are fixed at both ends and arranged in parallel in the Z - axis direction. A rectangular training floor board 110, on which a trainee lies or a bench is placed, is placed covering the upper surface of the plurality of under - floor horizontal struts.

[0018] [Configuration of Smith Machine (Figs. 2 - 7)] The Smith machine 20 is a training machine in which a trainee moves a barbell up and down along a fixed track (a track) that follows a pair of left and right guide rails 200 to which the barbell is connected. The Smith machine 20 of Embodiment 1 employs a configuration that includes a tilt angle adjustment function to adjust the tilt angle of the pair of left and right guide rails 200 to which the barbell is connected, and the pair of left and right first intermediate vertical support columns 101 to which the guide rails 200 are fixed.

[0019] The guide rail 200 is cylindrical in shape and is fixed to a pair of left and right first intermediate vertical supports 101 in the rack structure 10 that forms the training space. The upper end of the guide rail 200 is fixed to a rail bracket 203 provided on the upper part of the pair of left and right first intermediate vertical supports 101. The lower end of the guide rail 200 is fixed to a pair of left and right angle adjustment plates 241 fixed to the lower ends of the pair of left and right first intermediate vertical supports 101.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the barbell connecting mechanism 210 for the guide rail 200 includes a barbell bar 211, a barbell bar holder 212, a barbell bar hook 213, a guide rail hole 214, a barbell bar hole 215, and a carabiner mounting hole 216.

[0021] The barbell bar 211 supports the barbell bar holder 212 while preventing movement in the Y-axis direction and allowing the trainee to rotate the bar. The inner portion of the barbell bar 211, sandwiched between the pair of left and right barbell bar holders 212, serves as the trainee's gripping area, while the outer exposed portions of the pair of left and right barbell bar holders 212 serve as the weight plate mounting areas.

[0022] The barbell bar holder 212 has a guide rail hole 214, a barbell bar hole 215, and a carabiner mounting hole 216 formed in the holder body 212a. The guide rail hole 214 is an insertion hole for the guide rail 200, allowing the barbell bar holder 212 to move vertically along the guide rail 200. The barbell bar hole 215 is an insertion hole for the barbell bar 211, supporting the barbell bar holder 212 while allowing the trainee to rotate the bar of the barbell bar 211. The carabiner mounting hole 216 is a hole for attaching a carabiner 233 provided at the end of a wire cable 232 that connects the barbell bar holder 212 to the counterweight 231 described later (see Figure 6).

[0023] The barbell bar hook 213 has a lower cylindrical portion 213a fixed to the barbell bar 211, and an upper hook portion 213b that can engage with multiple pins 101a arranged at equal intervals in the X-axis direction on the first intermediate vertical support 101. The pins 101a provided on the first intermediate vertical support 101 are the engagement receiving members of the barbell bar hook 213. The barbell bar hook 213 has a stopper pin 213d protruding in the Y-axis direction from the intermediate hook body portion 213c, and an arc-shaped stopper hole 212b corresponding to the stopper pin 213d is formed in the holder body 212a. The rotation range of the barbell bar hook 213 is limited by the stopper pin 213d and the arc-shaped stopper hole 212b. The barbell bar 211 becomes a barbell by attaching weight plates to both sides as appropriate. The barbell bar 211 can be moved up and down along the guide rail 200 by disengaging the hook portion 213b from the pin 101a. As shown in Figure 4, the barbell bar 211 can be held at a height position by engaging the hook portion 213b with the pin 101a.

[0024] The stopper mechanism 220 of the barbell bar holder 212 is a mechanism that restricts the downward movement of the barbell bar holder 212 when it is lowered. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the stopper mechanism 220 is located at the lower position of the first intermediate vertical support 101 and at the upper position of the tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 5, the stopper mechanism 220 comprises a stopper cylinder 221 and a stopper hook 222. The stopper cylinder 221 has a guide rail hole 221a formed to be movable in the X-axis direction along the guide rail 200. The stopper hook 222 is fixed to the stopper cylinder 221 and engages with a plurality of pins 101a arranged at equal intervals in the X-axis direction on the first intermediate vertical support 101 in a position that can be adjusted in the X-axis direction. The fixed position of the stopper cylinder 221 of the stopper mechanism 220 becomes the position that restricts the downward movement of the barbell bar holder 212 when the barbell bar holder 212 is lowered along the guide rail 200.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, the counterweight mechanism 230 of the barbell bar holder 212 is provided by connecting a pair of left and right barbell bar holders 212 and a pair of left and right counterweights 231 with cables. The counterweight mechanism 230 includes a pair of left and right wire cables 232, a pair of left and right carabiners 233, and five fixed pulleys 234 on each side as cable routing elements.

[0026] The wire cable 232 has a carabiner 233 at one end that connects to a carabiner mounting hole 216 of the barbell bar holder 212, and a counterweight 231 fixed to the other end. The counterweight 231 is a weight that balances the weight of the barbell bar holder 212 and is mounted so as to be able to move up and down in the X-axis direction on a single counterweight guide rail 235 fixed to the rear vertical support column 103 (see Figure 1). Five fixed pulleys 234 are provided on the upper surface of each of the pair of front-to-rear upper support columns 107 that constitute the rack structure 10, and determine the routing position and routing direction of the two wire cables 232.

[0027] The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 of the Smith machine 20 comprises an upper support column 107 in the front-rear direction, a lower support column 109 in the front-rear direction, an upper end support pin 201, and a slope plate 202.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper front-rear support column 107 is located at the upper position of the first intermediate vertical support column 101 in the rack structure 10. The lower front-rear support column 109 is located at the lower position of the first intermediate vertical support column 101 in the rack structure 10. As shown in Figure 4, the upper end support pin 201 is provided at the upper end of the first intermediate vertical support column 101 and rotatably supports the first intermediate vertical support column 101 with respect to the upper front-rear support column 107. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the slope plate 202 is fixed to the lower front-rear support column 109, which is opposite to the lower end of the first intermediate vertical support column 101, and has an arcuate surface 202a drawn around the axis of rotation provided by the upper end support pin 201. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 is provided between the lower end of the first intermediate vertical support 101 and the slope plate 202, and adjusts the tilt angle of the first intermediate vertical support 101 to which the guide rail 200 is fixed.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 includes an angle adjustment plate 241, a stopper pin hole 242, a first angle adjustment hole 243, a second angle adjustment hole 244, and a stopper pin 245.

[0030] The angle adjustment plate 241 is fixed to the first intermediate vertical support 101 and the lower end of the guide rail 200, and has a shape that covers the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202, with one stopper pin hole 242 formed therein. The one stopper pin hole 242 is a pin guide hole formed by the inner surface of a cylindrical tube 246 fixed to the upper surface of the angle adjustment plate 241. The first angle adjustment hole 243 is formed on the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202 at a position along the slope that corresponds to the vertical arrangement of the first intermediate vertical support 101. The second angle adjustment hole 244 is formed on the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202 at an inclined position on the upper part of the slope that corresponds to the inclined arrangement of the first intermediate vertical support 101. The stopper pin 245 is inserted from above by aligning it with the stopper pin hole 242 and the first angle adjustment hole 243, or with the stopper pin hole 242 and the second angle adjustment hole 244. The pin's own weight then connects the angle adjustment plate 241 and the slope plate 202.

[0031] The angle adjustment plate 241 has a first roller 247 and a second roller 248 that roll while in contact with the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202 as the first intermediate vertical support 101 moves when the inclination angle of the first intermediate vertical support 101 is changed. The first roller 247 is a stepped roller that has large-diameter roller sections at both ends that guide the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202, using both end faces as guide contact surfaces, and guide the roller so as not to fall off the arcuate surface 202a. The second roller 248 is a cylindrical roller positioned adjacent to the first roller 247.

[0032] The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 has two angle adjustment modes for the guide rail 200: a vertical arrangement mode in which the guide rail 200 is positioned vertically, and a tilt arrangement mode in which the guide rail 200 is positioned tilted at a predetermined angle in one direction from the vertical position. The vertical arrangement mode is a mode in which the first intermediate vertical support 101 to which the guide rail 200 is fixed is positioned vertically, as shown in Figure 2. The tilt arrangement mode is a mode in which the first intermediate vertical support 101 to which the guide rail 200 is fixed is positioned tilted at an angle of approximately 4 to 5 degrees to the left of the vertical position in the drawing, as shown in Figure 3.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 fixes a stopper plate 249 to the upper surface of the lower support column 109 in the front-rear direction, at a position opposite to the slope plate 202. The height of the stopper plate 249 is set by adding the height of the slope plate 202 to the height that overlaps with the lower part of the first intermediate vertical support column 101.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 has a front-to-rear safety support column 250 that is pinned to an appropriate height position between the first intermediate vertical support column 101 and the second intermediate vertical support column 102 in the vertical configuration mode. The front-to-rear safety support column 250 is pinned to the first intermediate vertical support column 101 and the second intermediate vertical support column 102 in the vertical configuration mode, and is removed from the distance between the first intermediate vertical support column 101 and the second intermediate vertical support column 102 in the tilt configuration mode, as shown in Figure 3.

[0035] [Cable machine configuration (Figures 8 and 9)] The cable machine 30 is a training machine in which trainees perform exercises by pulling on a wire cable with weights attached. The cable machine 30 of Embodiment 1 uses two rows of first weight stacks 313a and second weight stacks 313b, employing a 1:2 movement when operating the light load handle and essentially a 1:1 movement when operating the heavy load handle. Here, "1:2 movement" refers to a movement in which the handle stroke amount is 2 for a weight stroke amount of 1, and "1:1 movement" refers to a movement in which the handle stroke amount is 1 for a weight stroke amount of 1. The cable routing configuration of the cable machine 30 will be described below, divided into the single & lat pulldown handle system 310 (Figure 8) and the rowing handle system 330 (Figure 9).

[0036] The single & lat pulldown handle system 310 includes, as operating handles, a first single handle 311a (first light load handle), a second single handle 311b (second light load handle), and a lat pulldown handle 312 (heavy load handle). The single & lat pulldown handle system 310 also includes, as weight stacks, two rows of first weight stacks 313a and second weight stacks 313b. The first weight stack 313a is composed of multiple stacked weight plates and is provided on the rack structure 10 so as to be able to move up and down relative to two weight stack guide rails 322a (see Figure 1). The second weight stack 313b is composed of multiple stacked weight plates and is provided on the rack structure 10 so as to be able to move up and down relative to two weight stack guide rails 322b (see Figure 1).

[0037] The single and lat pulldown handle system 310 has a first wire cable 314a and a second wire cable 314b as wire cables. The first wire cable 314a connects the first single handle 311a and the first weight stack 313a. The second wire cable 314b connects the second single handle 311b and the second weight stack 313b.

[0038] The first wire cable 314a is connected at one end to the first single handle 311a and connects to the first weight stack 313a at the position of the pulley support bracket of the first movable pulley 315a. The second wire cable 314b is connected at one end to the second single handle 311b and connects to the second weight stack 313b at the position of the pulley support bracket of the second movable pulley 315b. The first wire cable 314a has a first carabiner 316a at one end and connects to the first single handle 311a via the first carabiner 316a. The second wire cable 314b has a second carabiner 316b at one end and connects to the second single handle 311b via the second carabiner 316b.

[0039] The first wire cable 314a and the second wire cable 314b are connected to a connecting plate 317 at the other end of the two cables, and a lat pulldown handle 312 is attached to the connecting plate 317. The first wire cable 314a has a first carabiner 318a at the other end and is connected to the connecting plate 317 via the first carabiner 318a. The second wire cable 314b has a second carabiner 318b at the other end and is connected to the connecting plate 317 via the second carabiner 318b.

[0040] The rack structure 10 is fitted with 10 first fixed pulleys 319a to secure the first cable path of the first wire cable 314a from the first carabiner 316a at one end to the first carabiner 318a at the other end. The rack structure 10 is fitted with 10 second fixed pulleys 319b to secure the second cable path of the second wire cable 314b from the second carabiner 316b at one end to the second carabiner 318b at the other end.

[0041] The first cable path has a first connecting pulley 321a supported by a first pulley support bracket 320a positioned along the path. The first pulley support bracket 320a supports the first connecting pulley 321a and the first connecting pulley 321a of the rowing handle system 350, and moves up and down in a floating state in the X-axis direction while maintaining the pulley support state. The second cable path has a second connecting pulley 321b supported by a second pulley support bracket 320b positioned along the path. The second pulley support bracket 320b supports the second connecting pulley 321b and the second connecting pulley 321b of the rowing handle system 350, and moves up and down in a floating state in the X-axis direction while maintaining the pulley support state.

[0042] The rowing handle system 330 has a rowing handle 331 (heavy load handle) as an operating handle. The rowing handle system 330 shares the two rows of first weight stack 313a and second weight stack 313b used in the single & lat pulldown handle system 310 as a weight stack. A footrest plate 332 for the trainee is provided at the rear of the rowing handle 331.

[0043] The rowing handle system 330 includes a first wire cable 333a and a second wire cable 333b as wire cables. The first wire cable 333a has one end connected to a first anchor frame 111a fixed to the rack structure 10 and the other end connected to a connecting plate 334. The second wire cable 333b has one end connected to a second anchor frame 111b fixed to the rack structure 10 and the other end connected to a connecting plate 334. In this way, the first wire cable 333a and the second wire cable 333b have the connecting plate 334 connected to the other end of the two cables, and one rowing handle 331 is attached to the connecting plate 334.

[0044] The first wire cable 333a has a first anchor member 335a at one end and is connected to the first anchor frame 111a via the first anchor member 335a. The second wire cable 333b has a second anchor member 335b at one end and is connected to the second anchor frame 111b via the second anchor member 335b. The connection position of the first wire cable 333a to the first anchor frame 111a and the connection position of the second wire cable 333b to the second anchor member 335b are adjustable to accommodate the elongation of the cables over time.

[0045] The first wire cable 333a has a first carabiner 336a at its other end. The second wire cable 314b has a second carabiner 336b at its other end. The other ends of the first wire cable 333a and the second wire cable 314b are connected to the connecting plate 334 via the first carabiner 336a and the second carabiner 336b.

[0046] The rack structure 10 is fitted with eight first fixed pulleys 337a to secure the first cable path of the first wire cable 333a from the first anchor member 335a at one end to the first carabiner 336a at the other end. The rack structure 10 is fitted with eight second fixed pulleys 337b to secure the second cable path of the second wire cable 333b from the second anchor member 335b at one end to the second carabiner 336b at the other end.

[0047] The first cable path of the first wire cable 333a has a first connecting pulley 338a supported by a first pulley support bracket 320a positioned along the path. The first pulley support bracket 320a supports the first connecting pulley 338a and the first connecting pulley 321a of the single & lat pulldown handle system 310, and moves up and down in a floating state in the X-axis direction while maintaining the pulley support state. The second cable path of the second wire cable 333b has a second connecting pulley 338b supported by a second pulley support bracket 320b positioned along the path. The second pulley support bracket 320b supports the second connecting pulley 338b and the second connecting pulley 321b of the single & lat pulldown handle system 310, and moves up and down in a floating state in the X-axis direction while maintaining the pulley support state.

[0048] [Background Technology of Smith Machines] One well-known training machine is the "Smith machine," which has a barbell bar connected to guide rails, and moves the barbell up and down along a fixed trajectory. Advantages of the Smith machine include its high level of safety, variety of exercises, and ease of maintaining proper form.

[0049] On the other hand, a drawback of the Smith machine is that the barbell can only be moved along a fixed trajectory, resulting in training that is biased towards specific muscles compared to free weights, which allow for free movement. The ability to adjust the incline angle of the guide rails compensates for this drawback of the Smith machine. For example, a Smith machine that lifts vertically can target the middle and lower parts of the pectoralis major and the triceps brachii. In contrast, a Smith machine that lifts at an angle can target the upper part of the pectoralis major and the anterior deltoid.

[0050] However, because the Smith machine connects the barbell to the guide rail, twisting occurs when changing the angle, and there is a concern that the positional relationship between the barbell bar holder, barbell bar hook, and guide rail may be disrupted as a result of this twisting. Therefore, commercially available Smith machines either have the guide rail fixed vertically or have a fixed angle of inclination of the guide rail, and currently, there are no commercially available Smith machines with a variable angle of the guide rail.

[0051] Multi-machines, which incorporate both a Smith machine and a cable machine, require more installation space than standalone Smith machines or cable machines. Therefore, it is necessary to compactly integrate the two types of machines within the allowable space. Consequently, the Smith machine installed in a multi-machine is inevitably subject to space limitations, further increasing the challenges of incorporating an angle-adjustable Smith machine into a multi-machine setup.

[0052] Thus, the underlying technology for Smith machines has not yet reached a level where Smith machines with variable guide rail angles can be commercially available. In particular, there is a demand from users for incorporating a Smith machine with an adjustable guide rail angle function into multi-machines, but this user demand has not yet been met.

[0053] [Training effects of using a Smith machine] The Smith machine 20 mounted on the multi-machine M of Embodiment 1 has been modified to include a function for adjusting the inclination angle of the guide rail 200 in response to user requests. The training effects of the Smith machine 20 will be described below. The main training exercises using the Smith machine 20 include Smith machine bench press, Smith machine squat, Smith machine deadlift, and Smith machine bent-over row.

[0054] The Smith machine 20 employs a configuration that includes an inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240 for adjusting the inclination angle of the first intermediate vertical support 101, which is supported by an upper end support pin 201, and a slope plate 202, with a guide rail 200 fixed to the lower end of the first intermediate vertical support 101.

[0055] Therefore, when setting the guide rail 200 to vertical position, the front-to-back safety support 250 is pinned to the appropriate height positions of the first intermediate vertical support 101 and the second intermediate vertical support 102. The operator then pins the angle adjustment plate 241 and the slope plate 202 together by inserting the stopper pin 245 from above, aligning it with one stopper pin hole 242 and the first angle adjustment hole 243. In this way, the pinning operation of the front-to-back safety support 250 and the pinning operation of the stopper pin 245 result in the vertical position of the guide rail 200 as shown in Figure 2.

[0056] When switching from the vertical positioning mode to the inclined positioning mode, in which the guide rail 200 is positioned at a predetermined angle in one direction, the pinned front-to-back safety support 250 is removed, and the pinned stopper pin 245 is also removed. After removing the stopper pin 245, the operator moves the pair of left and right first intermediate vertical support columns 101, 101 simultaneously by pulling, for example, an attached belt (not shown), to position the first intermediate vertical support columns 101, 101 at an angle. In the angled position, the operator inserts the stopper pin 245 from above, aligning it with one stopper pin hole 242 and the second angle adjustment hole 244, thereby pin-connecting the angle adjustment plate 241 and the slope plate 202. In this way, by removing the front-to-back safety support 250, moving the pair of left and right first intermediate vertical support columns 101, 101, and pin-connecting the stopper pin 245, the inclined positioning mode, in which the guide rail 200 is positioned at a predetermined inclination angle as shown in Figure 3, is achieved.

[0057] Here, when the angle of the Smith machine 20 is varied, moving only the guide rail 200 disrupts the positional relationship between the barbell bar hook 213 and the pin 101a. For this reason, in this embodiment 1, a structure is adopted in which the pin 101a is varied together with the first intermediate vertical support column 101 to which it is attached. Thus, when a trainee uses the Smith machine 20 to train, regardless of whether it is in vertical or inclined position, they can remove the barbell from the rack structure 10 and return the barbell to the rack structure 10 simply by flicking their wrist.

[0058] The slope plate 202 is a member fixed to the lower support column 109 in the front-rear direction, and is configured to have an inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240 between the lower end of the first intermediate vertical support column 101, which is supported by an upper end support pin 201, and the slope plate 202. Therefore, in the Smith machine 20, the insertion position of the stopper pin 245 into the first angle adjustment hole 243 or the second angle adjustment hole 244 formed in the slope plate 202 which is integrally fixed to the lower support column 109 in the front-rear direction becomes the lower end support position of the first intermediate vertical support column 101. As a result, the support strength of the upper end support pin 201 and the pin support strength to the rack structure 10 at the lower end support position (pin position) of the first intermediate vertical support column 101 are higher in the Smith machine 20 compared to the Smith machine described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, in the Smith machine 20, when the trainee moves the barbell up and down, even if the load changes at the pin position, the vibration of the first intermediate vertical support 101 and the guide rail 200 is suppressed, so the vertical trajectory of the barbell remains stable regardless of the configuration mode.

[0059] Here, the maximum inclination angle achieved by the inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240 is approximately 4 to 5 degrees, which is less than that of commercially available Super Smith machines. The reason for this is that even an angle of 4 to 5 degrees is sufficient for training variations, and the machine dimensions in the Z-axis direction of the Multi Machine M do not become excessively long. Therefore, even with the Multi Machine M, which tends to have limitations on installation location, the inclination angle adjustment function of the guide rail 200 can be added.

[0060] [Training effects of cable machines] The cable machine 30 mounted on the multi-machine M of Embodiment 1 responds to one-hand handle operation with a 1:2 movement ratio and to two-hand handle operation with a substantially 1:1 movement ratio. The training effect of the cable machine 30 will be explained below. The cable machine 30 can efficiently train a variety of muscles throughout the body, including the chest muscles, back muscles, shoulders, and arms of the upper body, and the thighs and calves of the lower body.

[0061] The cable machine 30 of the Multi Machine M is composed of multiple wire cables, multiple fixed pulleys, movable pulleys, and connecting pulleys. As is well known, when the first wire cable 314a of the handle portion pulled by the trainee passes through the first movable pulley 315a, the weight acting on the handle is halved, and the movement of the first wire cable 314a is also halved. Similarly, when the second wire cable 314b of the handle portion pulled by the trainee passes through the second movable pulley 315b, the weight acting on the handle is halved, and the movement of the second wire cable 314b is also halved. Therefore, since twice the force and distance moved are required for the trainee to pull, the movement when passing through the first movable pulley 315a and the second movable pulley 315b is defined and called "1:2 movement". In contrast, when using fixed pulleys or connecting pulleys, neither the weight acting on the handle nor the distance moved is halved, so it is defined as "1:1 movement".

[0062] In the cable machine 30 of the multi-machine M of Embodiment 1, a 1:2 movement is employed in the first single handle 311a and the second single handle 311b, which are parts operated by the trainee with one hand or parts where heavy weights cannot be handled.

[0063] However, the lat pulldown handle 312 and rowing handle 331 are parts that the trainee operates with both hands and can generate a large force, so the trainee can handle relatively heavy weights. Therefore, the lat pulldown handle 312 connects the first wire cable 314a and the second wire cable 314b with a connecting plate 317. By connecting them with the connecting plate 317, although the distance moved is 1:2, the weight is doubled because the first weight stack 313a and the second weight stack 313b are pulled up in two rows simultaneously, making it effectively equivalent to a 1:1 movement. Similarly, the rowing handle 331 connects the first wire cable 333a and the second wire cable 333b with a connecting plate 334. By connecting them with the connecting plate 334, although the distance moved is 1:2, the weight is doubled because the first weight stack 313a and the second weight stack 313b are pulled up in two rows simultaneously, making it effectively equivalent to a 1:1 movement.

[0064] Commercially available multi-machines employ a total of three weight stacks—one on each side and one at the rear—to achieve the above structure, separating the wire cable systems for 1:2 movement and 1:1 movement into independent systems. In contrast, the cable machine 30 of the multi-machine M in Embodiment 1 uses only the first weight stacks 313a and 2 weight stacks 313b in the two rear rows, appropriately positioning the 1:2 and 1:1 movements where needed. In particular, for handle operations on the lat pulldown handle 312 and rowing handle 331, the movement distance is 1:2, but the weight movement is 1:1. Therefore, the cable machine 30 has three advantages. First, it only requires two weight stacks. Second, it does not require separating the wire cables. Third, it offers greater flexibility and can accommodate more weight compared to cable machines using a single weight stack.

[0065] [Training effects using multiple machines] The explanation of the training effects of the Multi-Machine M will focus on the distinctive training effects other than those of the Smith Machine 20 and Cable Machine 30 mentioned above.

[0066] Commercially available multi-machines are designed for squats and bench presses using barbells, and the exercises are performed in areas without support pillars behind the user. Therefore, if a trainee suddenly loses their balance and falls backward, there is no support pillar to catch them, increasing the risk of accidents.

[0067] In contrast, the rack structure 10 of the multi-machine M of Embodiment 1 has a front vertical support 100, a first intermediate vertical support 101, a second intermediate vertical support 102, and a rear vertical support 103 as a pair of left and right vertical support columns. The second intermediate vertical support 102 has a pair of left and right roller-equipped J-hooks 120. Therefore, when performing squats or bench presses with a barbell placed on the roller-equipped J-hooks 120 on the second intermediate vertical support 102, the exercise is performed in the area between the vertical support columns where the first intermediate vertical support 101 is located behind the user. Thus, when performing squats or bench presses, the first intermediate vertical support 101 is behind the user. For this reason, even if the trainee suddenly loses their balance and falls backward, the pair of left and right first intermediate vertical support columns 101 will catch the barbell, which has the advantage of making accidents less likely.

[0068] [Effects of the Smith Machine] The Smith machine 20 of Embodiment 1 provides the following effects:

[0069] (1) The Smith machine 20 has a rack structure 10 that forms a training space, and a pair of vertical supports (first intermediate vertical supports 101) that fix guide rails 200 to which a barbell is attached, and moves the barbell up and down along a track along the guide rails 200. The Smith machine 20 includes an upper support (upper support 107 in the front-rear direction), a lower support (lower support 109 in the front-rear direction), an upper end support pin 201, a slope plate 202, and an inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240. The upper support is located in the front-rear direction at the upper position of the vertical supports in the rack structure 10. The lower support is located in the front-rear direction at the lower position of the vertical supports in the rack structure 10. The upper end support pin 201 is provided at the upper end of the vertical support and supports the vertical support so that it can rotate relative to the upper support. The slope plate 202 is fixed to the lower support column opposite the lower end of the vertical support column and has an arcuate surface 202a drawn around a pivot axis provided by the upper end support pin 201. The inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240 is provided between the lower end of the vertical support column and the slope plate 202 and adjusts the inclination angle of the vertical support column to which the guide rail 200 is fixed. This Smith machine 20 minimizes limitations on installation location, adds an adjustable inclination angle to the guide rail 200, and reduces sway when moving the barbell up and down, ensuring stability of the vertical trajectory.

[0070] (2) The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 includes an angle adjustment plate 241, a plurality of angle adjustment holes (first angle adjustment hole 243, second angle adjustment hole 244), and a stopper pin 245. The angle adjustment plate 241 is fixed to the lower end of the vertical support (first intermediate vertical support 101), and the stopper pin hole 242 is formed in a shape that covers the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202. The plurality of angle adjustment holes are formed in the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202. The stopper pin 245 is aligned with the stopper pin hole 242 and one of the plurality of angle adjustment holes, and the angle adjustment plate 241 and the slope plate 202 are pin-connected. This Smith machine 20 allows for adjustment of the tilt angle of the vertical support column to which the guide rail 200 is fixed, through a simple operation of inserting the stopper pin 245 by aligning it with the stopper pin hole 242 and one of the multiple angle adjustment holes.

[0071] (3) The angle adjustment plate 241 has rollers (first roller 247 and second roller 248) that roll while in contact with the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202 as the vertical support moves when the inclination angle of the vertical support (first intermediate vertical support 101) is changed. When adjusting the inclination angle of the vertical support (first intermediate vertical support 101) to which the guide rail 200 is fixed, the Smith machine 20 allows the vertical support to move smoothly along the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202 due to rolling resistance.

[0072] (4) The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 has, as angle adjustment modes for the guide rail 200, a vertical arrangement mode in which the guide rail 200 is positioned vertically, and a tilt arrangement mode in which the guide rail 200 is positioned tilted at a predetermined angle in one direction from the vertical position. This Smith machine 20 can adjust the inclination angle of the vertical support (first intermediate vertical support 101) to which the guide rail 200 is fixed, in at least two stages: a vertical positioning mode and an inclined positioning mode.

[0073] (5) The tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240 fixes a stopper plate 249 to the upper surface of the lower support column (front-rear lower support column 109) at a position opposite to the slope plate 202. The height of the stopper plate 249 is set by adding the height that overlaps with the lower part of the vertical support column (first intermediate vertical support column 101) to the height of the slope plate 202. In this Smith machine 20, when the vertical support (first intermediate vertical support 101) is moved along the arcuate surface 202a of the slope plate 202, the stopper plate 249 prevents the angle adjustment plate 241, which is fixed to the vertical support, from falling off the slope plate 202.

[0074] (6) The rack structure 10 is configured as a multi-machine M by mounting multiple training machines of different types together. The multi-machine M is equipped with an inclination angle adjustment mechanism 240 that adds an inclination angle adjustment function to the pair of left and right vertical support columns (first intermediate vertical support columns 101) of the rack structure 10, which are the first intermediate vertical support columns. This Smith machine 20 allows the tilt angle adjustment function of the guide rail 200 to be added to a multi-machine M that has multiple different types of training machines (such as a cable machine 30) mounted on a rack structure 10.

[0075] [Effects of Cable Machines] The cable machine 30 of Embodiment 1 provides the following effects:

[0076] (7) The cable machine 30 has an operating handle and a weight stack on a rack structure 10 that forms a training space, and training is performed by pulling a wire cable with weights attached. The cable machine 30 has an operating handle which can be operated with one hand: a first light load handle (first single handle 311a) and a second light load handle (second single handle 311b), and a heavy load handle (lat pulldown handle 312) that can be operated with both hands. The cable machine 30 has a weight stack which consists of two rows of first weight stacks 313a and second weight stacks 313b that are arranged to be raised and lowered on the rack structure 10. The cable machine 30 has a wire cable which consists of a first wire cable 314a that connects the first light load handle and the first weight stack 313a, and a second wire cable 314b that connects the second light load handle and the second weight stack 313b. The first wire cable 314a is connected at one end to the first light load handle, and the first weight stack 313a is connected to the pulley support bracket of the first movable pulley 315a. The second wire cable 314b is connected at one end to the second light load handle, and the second weight stack 313b is connected to the pulley support bracket of the second movable pulley 315b. The first wire cable 314a and the second wire cable 314b are connected to a connecting plate 317 at the other end of the two cables, and a heavy load handle is attached to the connecting plate 317. This cable machine 30 uses two rows of first weight stacks 313a and second weight stacks 313b to achieve a 1:2 movement when operating a light-load handle and a 1:1 movement when operating a heavy-load handle without interrupting the wire cable. Furthermore, because the cable machine 30 achieves the 1:1 movement using two rows of first weight stacks 313a and second weight stacks 313b, it can accommodate more weight plates compared to the case of 1:1 movement using a single weight stack.

[0077] (8) The first light load handle and the second light load handle are single handles (first single handle 311a and second single handle 311b) respectively positioned at the left and right front end vertical support columns 100 of the rack structure 10. This cable machine 30 can achieve a 2:1 movement when operating the first single handle 311a and the second single handle 311b, respectively.

[0078] (9) The heavy load handle is the first heavy load handle (lat pulldown handle 312) located at the upper rear of the training space formed by the rack structure 10. This cable machine 30 can achieve virtually a 1:1 movement when operating the first heavy load handle (lat pulldown handle 312).

[0079] (10) The heavy load handle is a second heavy load handle (rowing handle 331) located at the lower rear of the training space formed by the rack structure 10. This cable machine 30 can achieve virtually 1:1 movement when operating the second heavy load handle (rowing handle 331).

[0080] (11) The second heavy load handle (rowing handle 331) is connected to two rows of first weight stacks 313a and second weight stacks 313b via a positioned connecting pulley between the single handle and the movable pulley of the single & first heavy load handle system. This cable machine 30 utilizes the wire cable system of the first heavy-duty handle (lat pulldown handle 312) to add a second heavy-duty handle (rowing handle 331) while keeping the number of parts to a minimum.

[0081] The above description is based on the drawings of the multi-machine M of Embodiment 1 equipped with the Smith machine 20. However, the specific configuration of the Smith machine of this disclosure is not limited to the configuration shown in Embodiment 1. Changes and additions to the design of the Smith machine of this disclosure are permitted as long as they do not depart from the gist of the invention as defined in each claim.

[0082] The barbell bar hook 213 of Embodiment 1 shows an example in which the upper end hook portion 213b can engage with a plurality of pins 101a arranged at equal intervals in the X-axis direction on the first intermediate vertical support 101. However, the engagement receiving member of the barbell bar hook is not limited to pins. The engagement receiving member of the barbell bar hook 213' is a plate member fixed to the inner surface of a pair of left and right first intermediate vertical support 101, as shown in Figure 10, and may also be an example in which a hook receiving plate 217 has a plurality of hook receiving portions 217a arranged at equal intervals in the X-axis direction. The barbell bar hook 213' is fixed to the barbell bar 211, and its hook portion 213b' engages with the hook receiving portion 217a. In the example shown in Figure 10, when a pin hole for fixing the front-rear direction safety support 250 is formed on the side surface of the first intermediate vertical support 101 facing the second intermediate vertical support 102, it can be formed at a free position without interfering with the pin. The front-to-rear safety support column 250 can be adjusted in height in small increments by, for example, setting the vertical spacing of the fixing pin holes to approximately 25 mm.

[0083] Embodiment 1 shows an example of applying the Smith machine 20 to a multi-machine M in which a cable machine 30 is mounted together with a rack structure 10 that forms a training space. However, the Smith machine is not limited to the example of application to a multi-machine. The Smith machine may also be an example of a standalone Smith machine, for example, that has a function to adjust the inclination angle of the guide rails. Embodiment 1 shows an example of applying the cable machine 30 to a multi-machine M in which the Smith machine 20 is mounted together with a rack structure 10 that forms a training space. However, the cable machine is not limited to the example of application to a multi-machine. The cable machine may also be an example of a standalone cable machine equipped with one or more connecting plates.

[0084] Embodiment 1 shows an example of a two-stage tilt angle adjustment mechanism 240, comprising an angle adjustment plate 241, a first angle adjustment hole 243 and a second angle adjustment hole 244, and a stopper pin 245, which tilts in one direction from the vertical. However, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism is not limited to this example. When applied to a multi-machine, for example, an angle adjustment hole may be added between the two angle adjustment holes shown in Embodiment 1 to provide a mechanism for adjusting in three or more stages. Furthermore, when applied to a single Smith machine, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism may provide adjustment in two or more stages or steplessly, or it may be an example of a mechanism that tilts in two directions from the vertical. In addition, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism may be a mechanism that electrically operates the stopper pin using a solenoid or the like. In short, the tilt angle adjustment mechanism includes any mechanism that adjusts the tilt angle of the vertical support column to which the guide rail is fixed, even with various design changes and additions to the configuration. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] M Multi-machine 10 Rack Structures 101 First Intermediate Vertical Support (Vertical Support) 107 Front and rear improvement side struts (upper struts) 109 Anteroposterior lower support (lower support) 20 Smith Machines 200 Guide Rails 201 Upper end support pin 202 Slope Plate 202a Circular arc surface 240 Tilt angle adjustment mechanism 241 Angle adjustment plate 242 Stopper pin hole 243 First angle adjustment hole (angle adjustment hole) 244 Second angle adjustment hole (angle adjustment hole) 245 Stopper pin 247 First Laura (Laura) 248 Second Laura (Laura) 249 Stopper Plate 30 Cable Machines

Claims

1. A Smith machine having a rack structure that forms a training space, a pair of vertical support columns that fix guide rails to which a barbell is attached, and moving the barbell up and down along a track along the guide rails, The rack structure includes an upper support column located horizontally at the upper position of the vertical support column, The rack structure includes a lower support column located horizontally at the lower position of the vertical support column, An upper end support pin is provided at the upper end of the vertical support column and supports the vertical support column so that it can rotate relative to the upper support column, A slope plate fixed to the lower support column opposite to the lower end of the vertical support column, having an arc-shaped surface drawn around the pivot axis formed by the upper end support pin, The system includes a tilt angle adjustment mechanism provided between the lower end of the vertical support and the slope plate, which adjusts the tilt angle of the vertical support to which the guide rail is fixed, The aforementioned tilt angle adjustment mechanism is An angle adjustment plate is fixed to the lower end of the vertical support column and has stopper pin holes formed in a shape that covers the arcuate surface of the slope plate, Multiple angle adjustment holes formed on the arcuate surface of the slope plate, The device has a stopper pin that aligns with the stopper pin hole and one of the multiple angle adjustment holes, and connects the angle adjustment plate and the slope plate with a pin. The angle adjustment plate has rollers that roll while contacting the arcuate surface of the slope plate as the vertical support moves when the inclination angle of the vertical support is changed. A Smith machine characterized by its features.

2. In the Smith machine according to Claim 1, The tilt angle adjustment mechanism has at least the angle adjustment mode for the guide rail. A vertical arrangement mode in which the guide rail is positioned vertically, and a mode in which the guide rail is positioned from the vertical position to one side. It has an inclined arrangement mode in which the arrangement is tilted at a predetermined angle in the direction. A Smith machine characterized by its features.

3. In the Smith machine according to Claim 2, The tilt angle adjustment mechanism is located on the upper surface of the lower support column, facing the slope plate. Fix the stopper plate in the desired position. The height of the stopper plate is the height of the slope plate and the height of the vertical support column Add the height that overlaps with the bottom to set it. A Smith machine characterized by its features.

4. In the Smith machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The aforementioned rack structure is capable of mounting multiple training machines of different types together. Configure the machine, The multi-machine has a pair of left and right vertical support columns in the rack structure, and the guides The rail is equipped with a tilt angle adjustment mechanism that adds a function for adjusting the tilt angle. A Smith machine characterized by its features.

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