Multi-vectoral weight trainer machine with simultaneous loading of multiple planes of motion

Abstract

An improved machine for weight training includes a first carriage configured to move in a first direction, and a second carriage mounted on the first carriage for movement in a second direction. The first carriage is coupled to a set of first weights such that the set of first weights offers a resistance to movement of the first carriage in the first direction. A set of second weights can be coupled to the second carriage such that movement of the second carriage is resisted by the set of second weights. Selective loading of the first weights and the second weights enables resistance to movements simultaneously in both directions or in a single direction based on user preference.

Description

MULTI- VECTORAL WEIGHT TRAINER MACHINE WITH SIMULTANEOUSLOADING OF MULTIPLE PLANES OF MOTIONField of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of exercise equipment. Specifically, it pertains to a multi -vectoral weight training machine, where two vectors or planes of motions can be simultaneously trained when used. The ability to load two force vectors or planes of motion at the same time relates directly to the most fundamental biomechanical functions that humans evolved to perform, namely, walking and running.Background

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Human anatomy and bone structures evolved in relation to our biomechanical blueprint. We developed the gluteus maximus muscles to perform hip extension, allowing us to locomote on land using the functions of walking and running. The rest of our anatomy like our spine, ribs, and pelvis also orient and develop around these fundamental biomechanical functions.

[0004] For the functions of walking and running to work, it involves loading the frontal, transverse, sagittal and longitudinal planes of motion all simultaneously. When you look at the scenarios that athletes find themselves in when playing at world class levels, this principle is always present.

[0005] When you walk or run, your leg kicks back horizontally when your foot hits the ground to create force in the horizontal plane. Simultaneously, there will be vertical force that you will have to administer when you jump off the ground. This principle exists for virtually every motion you perform and thus far, there isn’t any machinery or method out there that accounts for the simultaneous distribution of forces across different planes of motion.

[0006] Traditional training machines typically load one plane of motion at a time, and therefore there is a need in the art for a device / machine that loads in both planes. By loading in both planes of motion at the same time, it would be possible to more accurately simulate the same scenarios in movement that align with the biomechanical blueprint, which is what the instant invention intends to achieve.

[0007] As regards muscle isolation, all existing machines in the prior art target multiple muscles in the body regardless of what the user does, and therefore there is no such concept of muscle isolation. There is therefore a need in the art to create not just more integration, but to create integration in a manner that actually helps the body deal with challenges in life. There is therefore a need in the art for a training means that enables preparation of the body and brain for events using real-life simulations. There is further a need in the art for a machine that simulates events and scenarios that always take place in motion.

[0008] Patent Document US 7666124 B2 discloses an exercise machine that includes a moveable section connected to a frame such that the moveable section is independently and simultaneously moveable along a horizontal direction and vertical direction. The exercise machine further includes a weight stack operably connected to the moveable section, such that the weight stack provides resistance to movement of the moveable section. However, in the exercise machine of the cited document, the weight stack applies resistance to the movable section only during movement of the movable section in the vertical direction, and no resistance is applied during the horizontal movement, and the horizontal movement is meant to merely accommodate horizontal displacement of the limb being exercised, thereby allowing the user to remain stationary.

[0009] Therefore, known machines for weight training suffer from a major drawback in that they load one plane of motion at a time, and accordingly there is a need in the art to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks of existing devices.Summary

[0010] There is a need for an improved machine for weight training that enables a simulation of events and scenarios that take place in motion. Specifically, there is a need in the art for a machine for weight training that allows motion to occur in both thehorizontal and vertical planes simultaneously. This allows the user to load two different force vectors at the same time, which directly simulates the events and scenarios that take place in human motion.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a machine for weight training that solves above-described limitations of conventional machines for weight training. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the proposed machine for weight training can include a first carriage configured to move in a first direction, and a second carriage mounted on the first carriage for movement in a second direction. The first carriage is coupled to a set of first weights such that the set of first weights offers a resistance to movement of the first carriage in the first direction. A set of second weights can be coupled to the second carriage such that movement of the second carriage is resisted by the set of second weights.

[0012] According to an embodiment, movement in each of the first and the second direction can be a linear movement, and the second direction can be perpendicular to the first direction. According to an embodiment, the first direction can be a horizontal direction, and the second direction can be a vertical direction.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training can include at least one first track oriented in the first direction, wherein the first carriage can be mounted on at least one first track for movement along the first direction.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the first carriage can be an elongated structure that extends in the second direction and includes at least one second track located thereon extending in the second direction, and the second carriage can be mounted on the second track for movement along the second direction.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training includes an attachment member fixed to the second carriage, where the attachment carriage is configured to allow attachment of different attachments for carrying out exercises of different types.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training includes features for simultaneous loading of horizontal and vertical force vectors.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training allows variable push / pull resistances in the horizontal as well as the vertical directions.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training can include a mechanism to adjust the starting point of the first carriage for movement in the horizontal direction towards the back side of the machine. This would enable the user to create and load a pulling resistance in the horizontal plane. Similarly, the machine for weight training can include a counter lever mechanism, to adjust the starting point of the second carriage for movement in the vertical direction towards the upper side of the machine, creating and loading a pulling resistance, instead of a lifting resistance. This would allow the user to combine and load different variations of pushing and pulling motions along each plane of motion, for example: lift vertical and push horizontal, lift vertical and pull horizontal, pull down vertical and push horizontal or pull down vertical and pull horizontal.

[0019] According to an embodiment, a counter lever mechanism may be provided at the back of the machine and can be configured to start the second carriage at the top part of the machine. The counter lever mechanism would allow a user to create a resistance and load the pulling down motion on the vertical track. The type of resistance would be using pulleys or springs.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the resistance against pulling the first carriage toward front can be a pulley-based arrangement. There can be a secondary weight loading mechanism provided on the back of the machine, which would allow the user to load the pulling resistance in the horizontal direction.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the second carriage can include weight bars (referred to as second weight bars, herein) for coupling of the set of second weights thereto, which form the variable resistance for the movement in the vertical direction.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training can include a third carriage and at least one third track. The third carriage can be mounted on the at least one third track for movement along the at least one third track. The third carriage is configured to provide variable resistance for movement in the horizontal direction. According to an embodiment, the third carriage can also include weight bars (referred to as first weight bars, herein) for coupling of set of first weights thereto, which form the variable resistance for the movement in the horizontal direction. According to an embodiment, the third carriage can be coupled to the first carriage by at least one rope routed over a plurality of pulleys such that movement of the first carriage results in acorresponding movement of the third carriage. Thus, when the first carriage is moved the set of first weights offer resistance to the movement of the first carriage in the horizontal direction.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the second carriage can include a lock mechanism to lock movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage, thereby allowing the machine for weight training to be used for exercising only in the first direction. The lock mechanism can also be used to hold the second carriage in a lifted position when the elevation pads are being adjusted to set a desired starting point.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training can include spring stoppers located at the start or end point of the shafts of both the first track and the second track. The spring stopper can prevent the corresponding carriage from hitting a hard surface and instead help absorb the impact force and provide cushioning at end of movement of the carriage.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the machine for weight training can include a pair of adjustable vertical handles located on the left and right side of the front of the machine. The adjustable vertical handles can be adjusted from left to right, and vice-versa, and can be used as supports.

[0026] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a machine for weight training. The machine includes a frame, and at least one first track extending in a first direction of the frame. A first carriage is slidably coupled to the first track. The first carriage includes at least one second track extending in a second direction of the frame. The machine includes a second carriage slidably coupled to the second track. The second carriage includes an attachment member for coupling of at least one attachment through engagement with one or more holes located on the attachment member.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the second direction may be substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include an attachment bar adapted to be coupled to the attachment member of the second carriage and configured to be locked at one or more pre-determined positions along the length of the attachment member.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the machine may include a counterweight configured to be detachably coupled to the first carriage to reduce resistance to movement of the second carriage along the second track.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the first carriage may include a plurality of protrusions on each side surface thereof, the plurality of protrusions being spaced apart from one another along the height of the first carriage. The machine may also include a first locking device adapted to be detachably coupled to one of the plurality of protrusions of the first carriage to restrict movement of the second carriage along the second track.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the first locking device may include one or more hooks adapted to engage one of the plurality of protrusions located at the side surface of the first carriage. The first locking device may include a handle that enables the user to grip the first locking device and facilitate attachment and detachment with the plurality of protrusions. The first locking device may also include a resting surface that enables the second carriage to rest thereon when the one or more hooks are coupled to one of the plurality of protrusions, to prevent further downward movement of the second carriage along the second track.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the second carriage may include a lock configured to lock the second carriage with the first carriage to prevent movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage. The lock may include a retractable pin that engages with one of the holes located on the first carriage to prevent movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the first carriage may include a lock configured to lock movement of the first carriage in the first direction. The lock may include a retractable pin adapted to engage one or more holes located on the frame to prevent movement of the first carriage along the first track.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the machine may include at least one third track extending in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction, and a third carriage slidably coupled to the third track. The first carriage may be coupled to the third carriage such that movement of the first carriage results in movement of the third carriage.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the third carriage may include at least one weight bar for coupling of one or more first weights to the third carriage, to enable adjustment for resistance to movement of the first carriage along the first track.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the attachment member may include a pair of second weight bars for coupling one or more second weights to the second carriage, to enable adjustment for resistance to movement of the second carriage along the second track.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the machine may include one or more first spring stoppers located at ends of the first track to absorb impact when the first carriage reaches any of the ends of the first track, and one or more second spring stoppers located at the ends of the second track to absorb impact when the second carriage reaches any of the ends of the second track.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the machine may include a pair of adjustable vertically oriented handles fixed to sides of the frame. Each adjustable vertically oriented handle includes a selector plate fixed to the frame and a pair of levers pivotally coupled to the frame and ends of a vertical handle rod of the adjustable vertically oriented handle, such that engaging the corresponding lever with one or more holes in the selector plates moves the corresponding vertical handle rod inwards or outwards to change distance between the pair of adjustable vertically oriented handles.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the machine may include one or more elevation pads configured to adjust the starting point of the second carriage along the second track. The one or more elevation pads may be slidably configured with the second track for being moved to different positions along the second track.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include an L- shaped head pad attachment including an L-shaped pad attached with the attachment bar, the L-shaped pad adapted to allow a user to rest their head and exert a load thereto to result in movement of any of the first carriage and the second carriage.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a leg press attachment having a plate with at least one curved lip to enable the user to rest their feet on to facilitate a leg press exercise. The leg press attachment may include a cylindricalpad slidably fixed to the plate through a slot in a support member such that after sliding the cylindrical pad to a selected position, the cylindrical pad is lockable by a handle.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a dual pad attachment that includes a pair of cylindrical pads spaced apart from one another such that the pair of cylindrical pads are positioned on two sides of the attachment bar.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a single shaft swivel attachment that includes a rotating shaft with a hand grip fixed to the attachment bar such that the hand grip is freely rotatable with the rotating shaft.

[0044] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a hip pad attachment having a soft rectangular shaped pad with rounded edges fixed in perpendicular orientation to the attachment bar.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a single rotating handle attachment having a rotating handle with a shaft fixed to the attachment bar at an offset for free rotation about a rotational axis.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a double rotating handle attachment having two rotating handles. Each rotating handle may be adapted to rotate about a rotational axis of a shaft, such that the rotating handles are fixed to the attachment bar on two opposite sides at an offset for free rotation about the respective rotational axes.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a dual shoulder squat attachment having two shoulder pads that allow the user to rest their shoulders, a pair of vertical handles and a pair of horizontal handles to enable the user the grasp any of the pair of vertical handles and the pair of horizontal handles. The pair of vertical handles are substantially perpendicular to the pair of horizontal handles.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the at least one attachment may include a leg pad attachment having a cylindrical pad rotatably fixed to the attachment bar through a connecting member. The cylindrical pad may be coupled to the connecting member such that the cylindrical pad is rotatable about a shaft of the connecting member, upon exertion of load by a leg of the user, while the first carriage and the second carriage allow translation of the leg pad attachment in the first and second direction, respectively.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the machine may include a second locking attachment configured to restrict movement of the second carriage along the second track of the first carriage. The second locking attachment may include a retractable pin adapted to engage with one of a plurality of holes of the first carriage to prevent movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the second locking attachment may serve as a restriction for upward movement of the second carriage along the second track when the retractable pin is engaged with one of the plurality of holes of the first carriage.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the third carriage may include one or more weight stacks to facilitate movement of the first carriage and the second carriage along the first track and the second track, respectively, while providing resistance to movement of the first carriage and the second carriage.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the second carriage may include at least one pair of blocks mounted on the second track to slidably move along the second track when the user applies a pushing or pulling load. Each block of the pair of blocks may include a handle to enable the user to grasp the handle to push or pull the corresponding block along the second track.

[0053] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the proposed machine for weight training, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0055] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary front view showing details of a first carriage mounted on at least one track provided on the first carriage, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary side view of the machine of FIG. 1 showing details of a third carriage mounted on at least one third track and coupled to the first carriage, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0057] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary perspective views of the first carriage equipped with a counterweight, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0058] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary side views of an L-shaped head pad attachment, respectively showing two different modes of use of the L-shaped head pad attachment, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary side view of a leg press attachment, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0060] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary side view and top view respectively of a dual pad, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary side view of a single shaft swivel attachment, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side view of a hip pad attachment, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0063] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary side view and an exemplary perspective view of a single rotating handle attachment, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary side view of a double rotating handle attachment, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0065] FIGs. 11A and 11B illustrate exemplary top view and side view, respectively, of a dual shoulder squat attachment, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary side view of a single, weight loaded vertical sliding shaft with swivel, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary side view of a leg pad attachment for the machine, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0068] FIGs. 14A and 14B illustrate exemplary perspective views of a first locking device configured to restrict movement of a second carriage of the machine along a second track of the first carriage, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0069] FIGs. 15A and 15B illustrate exemplary representations of the first locking device coupled with the first carriage, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0070] FIGs. 16A and 16B illustrate exemplary representations of a second locking attachment configured to restrict movement of the second carriage along the second track, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0071] FIGs. 17A to 17C illustrate various exemplary representations of the machine equipped with multiple weight stacks for regulating resistance for movement of the first carriage and the second carriage, in accordance with various embodiments.Detailed Description

[0072] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0073] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0074] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0075] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0076] Conventional machines for weight training suffer from the drawback that they require a user to load a single group of muscles or joints associated with a particular limb of the user, at one time. While some machines permit change in its operation mode to exercise different groups of muscles or joints associated with different limbs, they need adjustment to change the mode, whenever a different group of muscles or joints are to be exercised. There is therefore a need for an improved machine for weight training.

[0077] It is an objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved machine for weight training (also referred to simply as machine and the two terms used interchangeably, herein) that overcomes the above limitation of the conventional machines for weight training and allows simultaneous exercising of more than one group of muscles or joints associated with more than one limb of the user.

[0078] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved machine for weight training that allows independent adjustment to resistance for different groups of muscles or joints being exercised.

[0079] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved machine for weight training that can be adjusted for exercising one of the different groups of muscles or joints being exercised.

[0080] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved machine for weight training that allows adjustment for different ranges of movements of limbs.

[0081] Referring now to FIGs. 1, 2A and 2B, where exemplary views of a machine for weight training 100 are disclosed in accordance with various embodiments herein. The disclosed machine for weight training 100 includes a frame 102 on which different functional components are mounted, thus enabling a rigid and compact structure. The machine 100 can include at least one first track, such as first track 112-1 and 112-2 (collectively referred to as first track 112, herein) located on an upper side and lower side of the frame 102. The first track 112 can be rod like structures fixed to the frame 102 in front to rear orientation. A first carriage 110 can be coupled to the first track 112 throughbushings that allow the first carriage 1 10 to move horizontally, also referred to as the first direction 104 shown in FIG. 1 by arrows, from front of the machine to rear and vice versa. As can be seen, the first carriage 110 is an elongated member oriented in vertical direction, such as in width wise mid position of the frame 102.

[0082] The first carriage 110 includes at least one second track 122, such as second track 122-1 and 122-2 (collectively referred to as second track 122, herein) located in vertical orientation on two sides of the first carriage 110. As can be seen the second track 122 can also be rod-like structures fixed to the first carriage 110 at two ends of the two tracks. A second carriage 120 can be coupled to the second track 122 through bushings that allow the second carriage 120 to move vertically, also referred to as the second direction 106 shown in FIG. 1 by arrows, such as up and down.

[0083] The second carriage can include an attachment member 124 for coupling of different attachments through engagement with holes 124B provided thereon. Different attachments, such as those shown in FIGs. 4A to 13, which are designed to exercise different body portions by engaging different parts of the body of a user with the machine 100, can be coupled to attachment member 124 by inserting the attachment bar 450 (refer to FIG. 4A) of the corresponding attachment within a hollow end of the attachment member 124, and thereafter locking it in position by inserting a pin through a selected hole 124B.

[0084] The attachment member 124 can also include a pair of second weight bars 124A for coupling of weights, referred to as second weights, to the second carriage 120. Thus, resistance to the vertical movement, or the effort required to move the second carriage 120 vertically can be adjusted.

[0085] The second carriage 120 is configured to be slidable along the second track 122 of the first carriage 110, utilizing one or more ropes and pulleys. These ropes are strategically routed to facilitate the movement of the second carriage 120 along the second track 122, providing smooth and controlled motion. As illustrated in FIGs. 3A and 3B, the first carriage 110 may be equipped with a counterweight 302. The counterweight is adapted to make the movement of the second carriage 120 along the second track 122 feel light and effortless, especially when the user desires such ease of operation. The counterweight 302 is operatively coupled to the ropes, allowing the user to actuate it as needed. When actuated, the counterweight 302 helps reduce the effort required to move the second carriage 120,thereby making the task significantly easier. This design not only improves the comfort of use but also enhances safety, as it minimizes the physical strain involved in the movement of the second carriage 120.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 3B, the first carriage 110 may include a plurality of protrusions 304 on each side surface thereof. The protrusions 304 may be spaced apart from one another along the height of the first carriage 110 such that the protrusions 304 allow a first locking device, as shown in FIGs. 14A and 14B, to be detachably coupled to the first carriage 110 to restrict movement of the second carriage 120 along the second track 122 based on user preferences.

[0087] The second carriage can further include a lock 126 that, on actuation, can lock the second carriage 120 with the first carriage 110 to prevent movement of the second carriage 120 relative to the first carriage 110. The lock 126 can include a retractable pin that can engage with one of the holes 128 provided on the first carriage 110 to prevent the movement of the second carriage 120 relative to the first carriage 110. Selection of hole 128 where the lock 126 is engaged can be based on a desired height of the attachments to be attached to the attachment member 124. As can be understood, once the second carriage 120 is locked with the first carriage 110, the machine 100 can be used only for exercising by pushing the first carriage 110 horizontally.

[0088] There can be another lock, such as lock 152 shown in FIG. 1, to lock movement of the first carriage 110 in horizontal direction, upon which the machine 100 can be used only for exercising by lifting the second carriage 120 vertically. The lock can include a retractable pin that can engage with a selected hole among holes 154 provided on the frame 102 to prevent movement of the first carriage. Thus, the two locks 126 and 152 allow a user to isolate either the horizontal or vertical motions.

[0089] The machine 100 can include at least one third track, such as third track 132- 1 and 132-2 (collectively referred to as third track 132, herein) located on a back upper side of the frame 102. The third track 132 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction. The third track 132 can be rod like structures fixed to the frame 102 in a vertical orientation. A third carriage 130 can be coupled to the third track 132 through bushings that allow the third carriage 130 to move vertically. The first carriage 110 is coupled to the third carriage 130 such that movement of the first carriage 110 results in acorresponding movement of the third carriage. For example, when the first carriage 110 is pushed horizontally back, the third carriage 130 goes vertically up. The third carriage 130 can include first weight bars 134 for coupling of weights, referred to as first weights, to the third carriage 130. Thus, resistance to the horizontal movement, or the effort required to move the first carriage 110 during horizontal pushing can be adjusted. The third carriage 130 can be coupled to the first carriage 110 by a set of ropes 138 and pulleys, such as pulleys 136-1, 136-2, 136-3,... 136-6, to route the rope 138 from the first carriage 110 to the third carriage 130.

[0090] The machine 100 can include one or more first spring stoppers, such as spring stoppers 144-1 and 144-2, shown in FIGs. 1 and 3, located at the end point of the first track 112. The spring stopper 144-1 and 144-2 can help absorb the impact, when the first carriage 110 reaches end of the first track 112, thus providing a cushioning at end of movement of the first carriage 110 and allowing bouncing of the first carriage 110 back towards front. Similar spring stoppers (second spring stoppers) can be provided with the second track 122 at an upper end of the second track 122 to help absorb the impact, when the second carriage 120 moves up and creates a return bounce. Similar spring stoppers, such as spring stoppers 146, shown in FIGs. 1 to 3, can be provided at the end points of the second track 122.

[0091] The machine 100 can further include spring stoppers, such as spring stoppers 148-1 and 148-2, shown in FIGs. 1 and 3, located at the start point of the first track 112, and spring stoppers 150 shown in FIGs. 1 to 3, located at the start point of the second track 122. The machine 100 can include a pair of adjustable vertically oriented handles (accordingly referred to a vertical handles, or simply as handles, herein), such as handle 142-1 fixed to left side of front of the frame 102 of the machine 100, and handle 142-2 (collectively referred to as handles 142, herein) fixed to left side of front of the frame 102 of the machine 100. Each of the handles 142-1 and 142-2 can include a selector plate 142A fixed to the frame 102 and a pair of levers 142B pivotally coupled to the frame 102 and two ends of a vertical handle rod 142, such that engaging the corresponding lever 142B with different holes in the selector plates 142A moves the corresponding vertical handle 142 inwards or outwards to change distance between the two vertical handles 142. Theadjustable vertical handles 142-1 and 142-2 can be used by the user of the machine 100 as supports, or anchors during exercise.

[0092] The machine 100 can further include one or more elevation pads, such as the elevation pads 140, to adjust starting point of the second carriage 120 in the vertical direction. The elevation pads 140 can be slidably configured with the second track 122 for being moved to different positions on the second track 122 and locked there. Similar mechanism can be provided on the first track 112 to adjust starting point of the first carriage 110 in the horizontal direction 104.

[0093] With the structure of the machine 100 as described above, different combinations of motions are possible. For example, a user can (i) push forward and lift up; (ii) push forward and pull down; (iii) pull back and lift up; or (iv) pull back and pull down. Further, each combination can have variable push pull resistance in the horizontal and vertical directions.

[0094] Furthermore, the above combinations of motions can be performed with different attachments fixed to the attachment member 124. The attachments can include an L-shaped head pad attachment 400 shown in FIGs. 4A and 4B, a leg press attachment 500 shown in FIG. 5, a dual pad 600 shown in FIGs. 6A and 6B, a single shaft swivel attachment 700 shown in FIG. 7, a hip pad attachment 800 shown in FIG. 8, a single rotating handle attachment 900 shown in FIGs. 9A and 9B, a double rotating handle attachment 1000 shown in FIG. 10, a dual shoulder squat attachment 1100 shown in FIGs. 11 A and 1 IB.

[0095] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate exemplary side views of an L-shaped head pad attachment 400. The L-shaped head pad attachment 400 can include an L-shaped pad 402 attached with an attachment bar 450. The L-shaped pad 402 may be adapted to allow a user to rest their head on a cushioned surface and exert a load thereto to result in movement of any of the first carriage 110 and the second carriage 120, depending on workout preferences. The attachment bar 450 can have a square cross section with a set of holes 452 such as a first set of holes 452-1 and a second set of holes 452-2 oriented on orthogonally located sides of the attachment bar 450. The attachment bar 450 can be same for all the attachments shown in FIGS. 4 to 13 and configured to be fixed to the attachment member 124 of the machine 100.

[0096] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary side view of a leg press attachment 500, which, as shown, can include a plate 502 with at least one curved angle / curved lip to rest feet on when doing a leg press. A cylindrical pad 504 is slidably fixed to the plate 502 through a slot 506 in a support member 510. After sliding the cylindrical pad 504 to a desired position, its position can be locked by handle 508. The sliding arrangement of the cylindrical pad 504 allows adjustment of the gap between the cylindrical pad 504 and the plate 502 to accommodate legs of different sizes and to secure foot / ankle to the leg press attachment 500.

[0097] FIGs. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary side view and top view respectively of a dual pad attachment 600. The dual pad attachment 600 can include a pair of cylindrical pads 602-1 and 602-2 (Collectively 602) with separation, fixed on two sides of the attachment bar 450.

[0098] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary side view of a single shaft swivel attachment 700, which includes a rotating shaft with hand grip 702 fixed to the attachment bar 450 through a bearing, such that the hand grip 702 can freely rotate.

[0099] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary side view of a hip pad attachment 800 having a soft rectangular shaped pad 802, with rounded edges fixed in perpendicular orientation to the attachment bar 450.

[0100] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary side view and an exemplary perspective view of a single rotating handle attachment 900. The single rotating handle attachment 900 can include a single rotating handle 902 with shaft, where the shaft of the single rotating handle 902 is fixed to the attachment bar 450 at an offset through a bearing mechanism for free rotation about a rotational axis 904.

[0101] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary side view of a double rotating handle attachment 1000, which includes two rotating handles with shaft, such as rotating handle 1002-1 and 1000-2 with shafts, each fixed to the attachment bar 450, on two opposite sides, at an offset through a bearing mechanism for free rotation about the respective rotational axes 1004-1 and 1004-2.

[0102] FIGs. 11A and 11B illustrate exemplary top view and side view, respectively, of a dual shoulder squat attachment 1100, which includes two shoulder pads, such as shoulder pads 1102-1 and 1102-2, for resting of shoulders of the user, a pair of verticalhandles 1104-1 and 1104-2, and a pair of horizontal handles 1106-1 and 1 106-2 for gripping and safety. The pair of vertical handles 1104-1 and 1104-2 may be substantially perpendicular to the pair of horizontal handles 1106-1 and 1106-2.

[0103] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary side view of a single, weight loaded vertical sliding shaft with swivel, which includes a vertical rod 1202 for loading weight plates. The vertical rod 1202 is in sliding engagement with the attachment bar 450 through a sliding portion 1204 having holes for fixing the vertical rod 1202 in different positions.

[0104] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary side view of a leg pad attachment 1300 for the machine 100. The leg pad attachment 1300 may include a cylindrical pad 1302 rotatably fixed to the attachment bar 450 through a connecting member 1304. The cylindrical pad 1302 may be coupled to the connecting member 1304 such that the cylindrical pad 1302 is rotatable about a shaft of the connecting member 1304, upon exertion of load by a leg of the user, while the first carriage 110 and the second carriage 120 allow translation of the leg pad attachment 1300 in the first and second direction depicted in FIG. 1, respectively. The cylindrical pad 1302 may be fixed to the connecting member 1304 such that after rotation of the cylindrical pad 1302 can be locked by a handle 1306.

[0105] FIGs. 14A and 14B illustrate exemplary perspective views of a first locking attachment (also referred to as “first locking device” herein) 1400 configured to restrict movement of the second carriage 120 of the machine 100 along the second track 122 of the first carriage 110. The first locking device 1400 may include one or more hooks 1402 adapted to engage the protrusions 304 located at the side surface of the first carriage 110. The first locking device 1400 may include a handle 1404 that allows the user to grip the first locking device 1400 and facilitate attachment and detachment with the protrusions 304 of the first carriage 110. The first locking device 1400 may also include a resting surface 1406 that allows the second carriage 120 to rest thereon when the hooks 1402 of the first locking device 1400 are coupled to the protrusions 304 located at a specific height of the first carriage 110, to prevent further downward movement of the second carriage 120, as shown in FIGs. 15A and 15B. In an exemplary embodiment, the hooks 1402 may be oriented relative to the handle 1404 in such a way that the handle 1404 is available for the user to easily grab when the hooks 1402 are coupled to the protrusions 304 of the firstcarriage 110, to allow easy and convenient detachment of the first locking device 1400 from the first carriage 110.

[0106] FIGs. 16A and 16B show exemplary representations of a second locking attachment 1600 configured to restrict movement of the second carriage 120 along the second track 122 of the first carriage 110. The second locking attachment 1600 may include a retractable pin 1602 that can engage with one of the holes 128 of the first carriage 110 to prevent the movement of the second carriage 120 relative to the first carriage 110. Selection of the hole 128 where the retractable pin 1602 of the second locking attachment 1600 is engaged can be based on a desired height at which movement of the second carriage 120 is to be stopped along the second track 122. The second locking attachment 1600 serves as a restriction for upward movement of the second carriage 120 when the retractable pin 1602 is engaged with one of the holes 128 of the first carriage 110.

[0107] The third carriage 130 of the machine 100 may include one or more weight stacks to aid in the movement of the first carriage 110 and the second carriage 120 along their respective tracks 112 and 122, while also providing resistance to their movement. FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary perspective view of the machine 100, which is equipped with the third carriage 130 that includes first and second weight stacks 1702 and 1704, which regulate the resistance for the movement of the first carriage 110 along the first track 112 and the second carriage 120 along the second track 122, respectively. FIGs. 17B and 17C show an exemplary side view and front view of the machine 100. The first weight stack 1702 allows the user to select a desired weight from a first set of weights, thereby adjusting the resistance to the movement of the first carriage 110 in the first direction 104 along the first track 112. Similarly, the second weight stack 1704 enables the user to choose a desired weight from a second set of weights, which customizes the resistance to the movement of the second carriage 120 in the second direction 106 along the second track 122. Both the first and second weight stacks 1702 and 1704 may be operatively connected to the first and second carriages 110 and 120, respectively, via a cable and pulley mechanism. This setup allows the user to easily adjust the resistance against the movement of the first and carriages 110, 120 during a workout session. As depicted in FIGs. 17A to 17C, the second carriage 120 is designed to move along the second direction 106 and is equipped with at least one pair of blocks 1706. These blocks 1706 may be mounted on thesecond track 122 such that they move along the second track 122 when the user applies a corresponding pushing or pulling load.

[0108] The second carriage 120 includes the attachment member 124, as shown in FIG.1, which is used to attach various exercise accessories or attachments. The attachment member 124 has holes 124B through which different attachments can be engaged. Attachments, such as those shown in FIGs. 4A to 13, are designed to target different body parts by allowing the user to interact with the machine 100 in various ways. To attach an accessory, the attachment bar 450 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the corresponding attachment is inserted into the hollow end of the attachment member 124 and is then secured in place by inserting a pin through a selected hole 124B. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the blocks 1706 of the second carriage 120 may be equipped with a handle 1708, allowing the user to easily grasp the handles in order to push or pull the blocks 1706 along the second track 122. The handles 1708 also provide the user with the ability to move the first carriage 110 along the first track 112 when the lock 152 (shown in FIG. 1) is disengaged.

[0109] Thus, the machine for weight training disclosed herein overcomes drawbacks of conventional machine for weight training. In particular, by allowing movement in two different directions, such as horizontal as well as vertical directions, it allows a user to simultaneously exercise more than one group of muscles and joints. Specifically, the user can move his body part both horizontally and vertically, either sequentially or in combination with each other, which loads different muscle and joint groups. For example, a user, using his arms, can lift the second carriage vertically against the resistance offered by the second weight, and simultaneously move, using his legs, forward against the resistance offered by the first weights, thus simultaneously exercising his leg as well as arm muscles and joints.

[0110] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.[oni] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 24 October 2025 (24.10.2025)CLAIMS1. A machine for weight training, comprising: a frame; at least one first track, the first track mounted on an upper and lower side of the frame, and wherein the first track extending in a horizontal direction; a first carriage slidably coupled to the first track, wherein the first carriage is oriented in a vertical direction, and wherein the first carriage is configured to move horizontally from a front portion of the machine to a rear portion of the machine and vice versa; at least one second track coupled to the first carriage, the second track extending in a vertical direction; a second carriage slidably coupled to the second track, wherein the second carriage is configured to move in a vertical orientation along the second track; and the second carriage comprising an attachment member for coupling at least one attachment through engagement with one or more holes located on the attachment member.

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first and second track comprises a pair of rod-like structures.

3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises an attachment bar adapted to be coupled to the attachment member of the second carriage, and configured to be locked at one or more pre-determined positions along the length of the attachment member.

4. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising a counterweight configured to be detachably coupled to the first carriage to reduce resistance to movement of the second carriage along the second track.

5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first carriage comprises a plurality of protrusions on each side surface thereof, the plurality of protrusions being spaced apart from one another along the height of the first carriage, and wherein27the machine comprises a first locking device adapted to be detachably coupled to one of the plurality of protrusions of the first carriage to restrict movement of the second carriage along the second track.

6. The machine according to claim 5, wherein the first locking device comprises: one or more hooks adapted to engage one of the plurality of protrusions located at the side surface of the first carriage; a handle that enables the user to grip the first locking device and facilitate attachment and detachment with the plurality of protrusions; a resting surface that enables the second carriage to rest thereon when the one or more hooks are coupled to one of the plurality of protrusions, to prevent further downward movement of the second carriage along the second track.

7. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the second carriage comprises a lock configured to lock the second carriage with the first carriage to prevent movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage.

8. The machine according to claim 7, wherein the lock comprises a retractable pin that engages with one of the holes located on the first carriage to prevent movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage.

9. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the first carriage comprises a lock configured to lock movement of the first carriage in the first direction, the lock comprising a retractable pin adapted to engage one or more holes located on the frame to prevent movement of the first carriage along the first track.

10. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising:at least one third track extending in a direction substantially parallel to the first direction; and a third carriage slidably coupled to the third track, wherein the first carriage is coupled to the third carriage such that movement of the first carriage results in movement of the third carriage.

11. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein the third carriage comprises at least one weight bar for coupling of one or more first weights to the third carriage, to enable adjustment for resistance to movement of the first carriage along the first track.

12. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the attachment member comprises a pair of second weight bars for coupling one or more second weights to the second carriage, to enable adjustment for resistance to movement of the second carriage along the second track.

13. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising: one or more first spring stoppers located at ends of the first track to absorb impact when the first carriage reaches any of the ends of the first track; and one or more second spring stoppers located at the ends of the second track to absorb impact when the second carriage reaches any of the ends of the second track.

14. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of adjustable vertically oriented handles fixed to sides of the frame, wherein each adjustable vertically oriented handle comprises a selector plate fixed to the frame and a pair of levers pivotally coupled to the frame and ends of a vertical handle rod of the adjustable vertically oriented handle, such that engaging the corresponding lever with one or more holes in the selector plates moves the corresponding vertical handle rod inwards or outwards to change distance between the pair of adjustable vertically oriented handles.

15. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising one or more elevation pads configured to adjust starting point of the second carriage along the second track, the one or more elevation pads being slidably configured with the second track for being moved to different positions along the second track.

16. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises an L- shaped head pad attachment comprising an L-shaped pad attached with the attachment bar, the L- shaped pad adapted to allow a user to rest their head and exert a load thereto to result in movement of any of the first carriage and the second carriage.

17. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a leg press attachment having a plate with at least one curved lip to enable the user to rest their feet on to facilitate a leg press exercise, the leg press attachment comprising a cylindrical pad slidably fixed to the plate through a slot in a support member such that after sliding the cylindrical pad to a selected position, the cylindrical pad is lockable by a handle.

18. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a dual pad attachment that includes a pair of cylindrical pads spaced apart from one another such that the pair of cylindrical pads are positioned on two sides of the attachment bar.

19. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a single shaft swivel attachment that includes a rotating shaft with a hand grip fixed to the attachment bar such that the hand grip is freely rotatable with the rotating shaft.

20. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one attachment comprises a hip pad attachment having a soft rectangular shaped pad with rounded edges fixed in perpendicular orientation to the attachment bar.

21. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a single rotating handle attachment having a rotating handle with a shaft fixed to the attachment bar at an offset for free rotation about a rotational axis.

22. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a double rotating handle attachment having two rotating handles, each rotating handle adapted to rotate about a rotational axis of a shaft, such that the rotating handles are fixed to the attachment bar on two opposite sides at an offset for free rotation about the respective rotational axes.

23. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment comprises a dual shoulder squat attachment having two shoulder pads that allow the user to rest their shoulders, a pair of vertical handles and a pair of horizontal handles to enable the user the grasp any of the pair of vertical handles and the pair of horizontal handles, and wherein the pair of vertical handles are substantially perpendicular to the pair of horizontal handles.

24. The machine according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one attachment comprises a leg pad attachment having a cylindrical pad rotatably fixed to the attachment bar through a connecting member, the cylindrical pad being coupled to the connecting member such that the cylindrical pad is rotatable about a shaft of the connecting member, upon exertion of load by a leg of the user, while the first carriage and the second carriage allow translation of the leg pad attachment in the first and second direction, respectively.

25. The machine according to claim 1, further comprising a second locking attachment configured to restrict movement of the second carriage along the second track of the first carriage, the second locking attachment comprising a retractable pin adapted to engage with one of a plurality of holes of the first carriage to prevent movement of the second carriage relative to the first carriage.3126. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the second locking attachment serves as a restriction for upward movement of the second carriage along the second track when the retractable pin is engaged with one of the plurality of holes of the first carriage.

27. The machine according to claim 10, wherein the third carriage comprises one or more weight stacks to facilitate movement of the first carriage and the second carriage along the first track and the second track, respectively, while providing resistance to movement of the first carriage and the second carriage.

28. The machine according to claim 27, wherein the second carriage comprises at least one pair of blocks mounted on the second track to slidably move along the second track when the user applies a pushing or pulling load, and wherein each block of the pair of blocks comprises a handle to enable the user to grasp the handle to push or pull the corresponding block along the second track.32Statement Under Article 19(1)The Written Opinion alleges thatUS 2014 / 0080685, BodyForce, US 2005 / 0202941, Vaes, and KR10-2432832, Yun discloses the claimed invention.In the claimed invention, a vertically-oriented first carriage, slidably coupled to a horizontally-oriented first track, is configured for front and back movement in a frame, that is, movement along a horizontal plane, while a second carriage, slidably coupled to the second track, is configured for vertical movement along the frame. The second track is fixed to the first carriage. This arrangement allows simultaneous movement in both horizontal and vertical directions, thereby enabling a user to simultaneously exercise more than one group of muscles and joints.BodyForce, in FIGS. 8-11 teaches a height adjustable monolift assembly 154 for supporting a barbell at different vertical and horizontal locations. As disclosed in Bodyforce, the monolift assembly includes a pair of arms 156, coupled to a frame member 158, that are oriented generally parallel to each other. The arms 156 are designed to move relative to the frame member in order to adjust a positioning of hooks within the machine. See paragraph [0064], Bodyforce does not teach a weight training machine that enables motion to occur in both the horizontal and vertical planes. In particular, BodyForce does not teach a first track that is mounted horizontally on an upper and lower side of the frame, and a first carriage that is oriented in a vertical direction and configured to move horizontally from a front portion of the machine to a rear portion of the machine and vice versa. Additionally, BodyForce does not teach a second track fixed to the first carriage, extending in a vertical direction, and a second carriage configured to move in a vertical orientation along the second track.Vaes discloses a rail that is independently moveable along the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. However, Vaes does not teach a first track mounted horizontally on an upper and lower side of the frame, and a first carriage that is oriented in a vertical direction and configured to move horizontally from a front portion of the machine to a rear portion of the machine and vice versa. Additionally, Vaes does not teach a second track fixed to the first carriage, the second track extending in a vertical direction and a second carriage configured to move in a vertical orientation along the second track.Yun discloses a machine with a separated barbell bar. Yun does not teach a first track that is mounted horizontally on an upper and lower side of the frame, and a first carriage oriented in a vertical direction and configured to move horizontally from a front portion of the machine to a rear portion of the machine and vice versa. Additionally, Yun does not teach a second track fixed to the first carriage, the second track extending in a vertical direction and a second carriage configured to move in a vertical orientation along the second track.33

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