US20090105052A1 - Strength training system with folding frame - Google Patents

Abstract

In one example, a strength training system includes a folding frame having a central sub-frame and first and second lateral sub-frames, and pivoting cross members pivotally coupling the central sub-frame to at least one of the first and second lateral sub-frames, the folding frame being configured to move between an unfolded position and a folded position in which the first and second lateral sub-frames are generally parallel in the unfolded position. The strength training system also includes a strength training assembly coupled to the folding frame. The strength training system may include a pulley machine that includes pulleys and cables. In at least one example, the pulleys and cables may be secured to the folding frame in a pre-assembled manner. Further, in at least one example, the strength training system may be assembled without the use of tools.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• Not applicable
BACKGROUNDBackground and Relevant Art
• In an attempt to improve their health and physical conditioning, consumers are purchasing home exercise devices in record quantities. Some of the exercise equipment purchased includes strength training equipment, such as strength training systems.
• Strength training systems having one or more exercise stations linked to a resistance assembly have been around for some time. Strength training systems are often large and made of numerous different parts. In order to reduce the cost associated with packaging, storing, and shipping, strength training systems are packaged in an unassembled manner. Packaging strength training systems in an unassembled manner reduces the size of the box required to enclose the system, thus reducing the packaging costs and the amount of storage space required to store the system.
• While packaging strength training systems in an unassembled manner provides some benefits as described above, there are however, various drawbacks to packaging and shipping strength training devices is an unassembled manner. For example, when a strength training system is shipped in an unassembled manner to a user, the user must assemble the strength training system. Such assembly can be complicated. Often, strength training systems are shipped with an instructional manual to assist the user is assembling the strength training system. However, even with the aid of an instructional manual, the complications associated with assembling the strength training system are not eliminated. Further, the assembled strength training systems often do not provide the stability or rigidity desired for vigorous strength training.
• The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
BRIEF SUMMARY
• In one example, a strength training system includes a folding frame having a central sub-frame, first and second lateral sub-frames, and pivoting cross members pivotally coupling the central sub-frame to at least one of the first and second lateral sub-frames. The folding frame may be configured to move between an unfolded position and a folded position in which the first and second lateral sub-frames are generally parallel in the folded position and/or in the unfolded position. The strength training system also includes a strength training assembly coupled to the folding frame. Strength training assemblies may include, without limitation, weight machines that make use of pulleys, resistance bands such as resilient or rubber bands, free weights such as plate stacks and/or Olympic plates, resilient rods, other types of resistance and/or some combination of the above. Strength training assemblies may also include free weights, partial free weight assemblies, resistance assemblies that make use of a user's weight and/or some combination of the above. For ease of reference, a weight machine assembly and a free weight assembly will be described below. It will be appreciated that these assemblies are provided for discussion and not by way of limitation.
• In another example, a strength training system includes a folding frame having a central sub-frame, cross members pivotally coupled to the central sub-frame and first and second lateral sub-frames pivotally coupled to the cross members. The folding frame may be configured to move between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration in which at least half of the central sub-frame is located between the first and second lateral sub-frames when the folding frame is in the folded configuration and in which a footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 80 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration, such as about 85 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration. The strength training system also includes at least one strength training assembly coupled to the folding frame.
• In yet another example, a strength training system includes a folding frame comprising a central sub-frame, cross members pivotally coupled to the central sub-frame and first and second lateral sub-frames pivotally coupled to the cross members. The folding frame being configured to move between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration in which the central sub-frame is located completely between the first and second lateral sub-frames when the folding frame is in the folded configuration.
• The strength training system may include a pulley machine that includes pulleys and cables. In at least one example, the pulleys and cables may be secured to the folding frame in a pre-assembled manner. Further, in at least one example, the strength training system may be assembled without the use of tools.
• This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
• Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described below will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a strength training system having a folding frame in which the folding frame is in the expanded configuration according to one example;
• FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a strength training system having a folding frame in which the folding frame is in the folded configuration;
• FIG. 1C illustrates a pivot assembly according to one example;
• FIG. 1D illustrates a pivot assembly according to one example;
• FIG. 2A illustrates a partial view of a weight machine coupled to a folding frame according to one example;
• FIG. 2B illustrates a partial view of a fly machine portion of a weight machine according to one example;
• FIG. 2C illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a fly machine according to one example;
• FIG. 3A illustrates a free weight assembly coupled to a folding frame according to one example; and
• FIG. 3B illustrates a weight crutch according to one example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• A folding frame assembly is provided herein, which may be part of a strength training system. The folding frame assembly is configured to be readily moved from a folded or collapsed position. In at least one example, the folding frame assembly includes several sub-frames that are coupled together with pivoting cross members. The pivoting cross members allow the sub-frames to be collapsed together while providing a stable platform for strength training equipment when the folding frame assembly is unfolded. Accordingly, the pivoting cross members allow the folding frame assembly to be nearly completely assembled, which may reduce the complexity of assembling the exercise system. Further, the configuration of the folding frame assembly allows the folding frame assembly to have a folded footprint that is at least about 70 percent less than the expanded footprint, such as at least about 80 percent less than the expanded footprint, e.g., about 85 percent less. Such a configuration may allow the folding frame assembly to be shipped while nearly completely assembled. Other configurations may provide for an even further reduction of the folded footprint relative to the expanded footprint.
• FIG. 1A is a perspective view of astrength training system10 that includes afolding frame assembly100 as well as one or more strength training assembly, which may include a weight machine such as apulley machine200, and/or a free-weight assembly300. As will be discussed in more detail below, thefolding frame assembly100 allows thestrength training system10 to be moved between an expanded configuration as illustrated inFIG. 1A to a folded configuration as illustrated inFIG. 1B.
• As seen inFIGS. 1A and 1B, folding thestrength training system10 reduces the footprint of thestrength training system10. As used herein, the term footprint shall be broadly understood to mean the surface area which is covered by a line which extends vertically from the outer most portions of the exercise system while the exercise system is in a given configuration, such as an expanded configuration and a folded or collapsed configuration.
• In at least one example, the configuration of the folding frame assembly reduces the footprint of the strength training system in the expanded configuration relative to the folded configuration by approximately 70 percent. As used herein, the term footprint shall be broadly understood as the longest width dimension of thefolding frame assembly100 multiplied by the longest length dimension of thefolding frame assembly100 when viewed in a plan view. Thus, from a top view looking downward onassembly100, the folded footprint is substantially smaller than the unfolded footprint.
• In one example, a footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 70 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration. In another example, a footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 75 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration. In yet another example, the footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 80 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration. In still another example, the footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 85 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration.
• Such a configuration may allow the strength training system to occupy a relatively small area, such as when the strength training system is packed for shipping or when the system is stored or not in use. Further, thefolding frame assembly100 may also allow a user to rapidly move thefolding frame assembly100 from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration rapidly and to securefolding frame assembly100 in place to form a stable platform for thestrength training system100.
• With continuing reference toFIG. 1A, the folding frame assembly includes acentral sub-frame102 as well as first and secondlateral sub-frames104 and106 respectively. Thecentral sub-frame102 includes a frontvertical support108, a rearvertical support110, anupper support112, as well as alower support114. The upper andlower supports110,112 couple the frontvertical support108 and the rearvertical support110.
• In at least one example, the firstlateral sub-frame104 includes front and rearvertical supports116,118 that are secured together with upper andlower supports120,122. The secondlateral sub-frame106 may be substantially similar to the firstlateral sub-frame104. Accordingly, the secondlateral sub-frame106 may also include front and rearvertical supports124,126 that are coupled together with upper andlower supports128,130.
• Thecentral sub-frame102 is operatively associated with each of the firstlateral sub-frame104 and the secondlateral sub-frame106. In particular, thefolding frame assembly100 may include upper and lowerpivoting cross members132,134 that couple thecentral sub-frame102 to the first lateral sub-frame and/or upper and lowerpivoting cross members136,138 that couple thecentral sub-frame102 to the secondlateral sub-frame104. In at least one example, a single lateral sub-frame is pivotally secured to thecentral sub-frame102 while another lateral sub-frame may be secured to the central sub-frame in some other manner. For ease of reference, the first and secondlateral sub-frames102,104 will be described in the context of each being pivotally coupled to thecentral sub-frame102.
• More particularly, thefolding frame assembly100 includesseveral pivot assemblies140. As illustrated inFIG. 1A, thefolding frame assembly100 includepivot assemblies140 that couple the frontvertical support108 of the central sub-frame to upper and lowerpivoting cross members132,134 as well as to upper and lowerpivoting cross members136,138.Pivot assemblies140 also couple upper and lowerpivoting cross members132,134 to the rearvertical support118 of the firstlateral sub-frame102 as well as coupling the upper and lowerpivoting cross members136,138 to the rearvertical support126 of the secondlateral sub-frame104. In at least one example, each of thepivot assemblies140 is similar. In other examples, thepivot assemblies140 may be configured differently from each other. As will be discussed in more detail below, eachpivot assembly140 allows the pivoting cross members132-138 to pivot relative to the corresponding vertical support member and to secure each pivoting cross member in a desired position relative to a corresponding vertical cross member.
• FIG. 1C illustrates apivot assembly140 in more detail. Thepivot assembly140 illustrated inFIG. 1C will be discussed with respect to coupling the upperpivoting cross member132 to the rearvertical support118 of the firstlateral sub-frame104. It will be appreciated that a discussion of thepivot assembly140 may apply to the other vertical supports and pivoting cross members.
• Thepivot assembly140 generally includes a channeled support142 and apivot pin144. The channeled support142 may be secured to the rearvertical support118. The channeled support142 may also be integrally formed with therear support118. Further, portions of the channeled support142 may be integrally formed with the rearvertical support118 and/or integrally formed with the lowerpivoting cross member134.
• In any case, the channeled support142 may include opposing portions including atop portion146 and abottom portion148 located on opposing sides of acentral portion150. The channeled support142 includes guide holes defined in both the top andbottom portions146,148 that correspond to similar holes defined in the upperpivoting cross member132. Thepivot pin144 extends through thetop portion146, through the upperpivoting cross member132, and out of thelower portion148 of the channeled support142. Thepivot pin144 may be secured in position by any suitable means, such as by a nut secured to the end of thepivot pin144. In other examples, thepivot pin144 may have a different configuration, such as having a cotter pin type configuration or other configuration.
• Accordingly, the configuration of the channeled support142 allows the upperpivoting cross member132 to pivot away from thecentral portion150 of thepivot assembly140 while preventing the upperpivoting cross member132 from pivoting past thecentral portion150. As illustrated inFIG. 1D, the channeled support142 also includes ahole152 defined in thecentral portion150 of the channeled support142.
• An additional hole is defined in the lowerpivoting cross member134. In one example, the hole defined in the upperpivoting cross member132 may be threaded. When the lowerpivoting cross member134 is brought into contact with thecentral portion150, the holes discussed above are brought into alignment. Once the holes are brought into alignment, a fastener, such as a bolt, may engage the threads in the lowerpivoting cross member134 to thereby secure the upperpivoting cross member132 in position relative to thepivot assembly140 and thus secure the upperpivoting cross member132 in position relative to the rearvertical support118.
• Accordingly, thepivot assembly140 allows a pivoting cross member to move from a folded configuration to an expanded configuration.Pivot assemblies140 further allow pivoting cross members to be rapidly secured in the expanded configuration relative to a corresponding vertical support member. The pivoting cross members will now be discussed to describe the folding of thefolding frame assembly100.
• With reference again toFIG. 1A, while thefolding frame assembly100 is in the expanded configuration, the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 and the pivoting cross members132-138 form a structure having a generally rectangular footprint such that thefolding frame assembly100 has a generally boxed shape configuration. In such a configuration, more than half of the central sub-frame is outside of the box formed by the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 and the pivoting cross members132-138. For example, all but the frontvertical support112 may be exterior to the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 when thefolding frame assembly100 is in the expanded configuration.
• In at least one example, thefolding frame assembly100 has an expanded footprint that is about 57 inches to about 62.7 inches in length by about 50 inches in width, (such as a length of about 62.7 inches and a width of about 50 inches, for example). Thefolding frame assembly100 may have a folded footprint of about 37 inches in length and about 11.5 inches in width, for example. Such a configuration may result in a footprint of about 3,135 square inches in the expanded configuration and a footprint of about 442.5 square inches in the folded configuration. Such a configuration may result in a reduction in the footprint of more than 80 percent, such as about 85 percent, about 86 percent, or more.
• As illustrated inFIG. 1B, when thefolding frame assembly100 is in a folded configuration, more than half of thecentral sub-frame102 is between the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106. In addition, thecentral sub-frame102 may be completely between the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 when thefolding frame assembly100 is in the folded or collapsed configuration. Further, any number of the components of thefolding frame assembly100, such as different portions of thecentral sub-frame102, the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106, and/or the pivoting cross members132-138 may telescope to further reduce the size of thefolding frame assembly100 in the folded configuration.
• In one example, thefolding frame assembly100 is unfolded by moving the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 away from thecentral sub-frame102. As previously discussed, the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 may be moved away from thecentral sub-frame102 by moving thelateral sub-frames104,106 until the pivoting cross members132-138 engage the central portions150 (FIG. 1C) of thepivot assemblies140. Once in such a position, the first and second lateral frames104,106 and the pivoting cross members132-138 may be secured in the expanded position illustrated inFIG. 1A.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 may be approximately parallel to each other in each of the folding and expanded or unfolded configurations. Further, the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 may be approximately parallel to thecentral sub-frame102 in each of the folded and expanded configurations.
• Accordingly, the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 are pivoted into the expanded positions relative to thecentral sub-frame102. Thereafter, aremovable cross member152 may be secured to the device to thereby further secure the frontvertical supports116,124 in position relative to each other.
• In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 1A the frontvertical supports116,124 may have channeledsupports156,158 secured thereto. Each of the channeled supports156,158 may be substantially similar. Accordingly, reference will be made to channeledsupport156 in particular. The discussion of the channeledsupport156 may also apply to channeledsupport158.
• The channeledsupport156 includes acentral portion160 that corresponds to a bottom of the channeledsupport156 as well asside portions162 that correspond to the sides. In at least one example, the channeledsupport156 includes a hole defined therein. Theremovable cross member152 may include a corresponding hole defined therein. The hole defined in theremovable cross member152 may be threaded or have a threaded member secured to the interior thereof adjacent the hole.
• In either case, the holes defined in theremovable cross member152 and the channeledsupport156 may be aligned when theremovable cross member152 is located within the channeledsupport156. Once theremovable cross member152 is thus coupled to the channeledsupport156, a fastener, such as a bolt or other fastener, may be passed through the holes described above to engage the holes. Accordingly, theremovable cross member152 may be secured to the channeledsupport156. The channeledsupport156 in turn is secured to the frontvertical support116. In another example, a portion or all of the channeledsupport156 may be integrally formed with the frontvertical support116 and/or the channeledsupport156.
• Theremovable cross member152 may be substantially rigid. Accordingly, securing theremovable cross member152 to the frontvertical supports116,124 constrains the distance between the frontvertical supports116,124, thereby further securing the relationship between the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106. Further constraining the relationship between the first and secondlateral sub-frames104,106 theremovable cross member152 further stabilizes thefolding frame assembly100 in the expanded configuration. In at least one example, theremovable cross member152 may be used to stabilize the folding frame in the expanded or use configuration to allow thestrength training system10 to be assembled without the use of tools. Accordingly, thefolding frame assembly100 provides a highly collapsible and readily unfolded frame that is configured to provide a stable platform for a weight machine and/or free weights, as will be described in more detail below.
• FIG. 2A illustrates a partial view of a weight machine, such as thepulley machine200. Thepulley machine200 includes aweight rack202 that is secured to front andrear guide rails204,206. The front andrear guide rails204,206 are secured to thecentral sub-frame102. In particular, the front andrear guide rails204,206 may form the rearvertical support110. The front andrear guide rails204,206 extend at least partially from thelower support114 toward theupper support112 and may extend from thelower support114 to theupper support112. The front andrear guide rails204,206 allow theweight rack202 to be raised and lowered by thepulley machine200 to thereby provide resistance for strength training applications.
• Thepulley machine200 includes pulleys and cables to provide various strength training applications that use theweight rack202 and weights associated with theweight rack202 for resistance. The configuration of thestrength training system10 allows thepulley machine200 to be pre-assembled to thefolding frame assembly100, such as before thestrength training system10 is shipped to a customer. Such a configuration may decrease the assembly time of thestrength training system10 by reducing the number of operations a consumer would perform in order to fully assemble the strength training system. In at least one example, thepulley machine200 includes anupper pulley assembly208 and alower pulley assembly210.
• Theupper pulley assembly208 includes first, second, andthird pulleys212,214,216 as well as first and secondcoupler pulley assemblies218,220 respectively. Thelower pulley assembly210 includes first, second, third, fourth fifth, andsixth pulleys222,223,224,225,226, and227 as well as a thirdcoupler pulley assembly230.
• A first cable228 is secured to theweight rack202. Movement of the first cable228 results in movement of theweight rack202. The first cable228 extends from theweight rack202 and over thefirst pulley212. The first cable228 then extends from thefirst pulley212, over thesecond pulley214 without engaging thesecond pulley214, and into engagement with thethird pulley216. The first cable228 then extends downward and into engagement with the firstcoupler pulley assembly218.
• Thefirst coupler assembly218 includes anupper pulley232 and alower pulley234 which are each coupled to aframe236. In the illustrated example, theframe236 includes opposing plates. Regardless of the configuration of theframe236, the firstcoupler pulley assembly218 allows theupper pulley232 and thelower pulley234 to rotate independently of each other, such as to allow independent rotation of cables or cable segments coupled to each of thepulleys232,234 while coupling the position of thepulleys232,234.
• The first cable228 is wrapped around theupper pulley232 and then extends upwardly to the secondupper pulley214. From the secondupper pulley214, the first cable228 extends downward to where the first cable228 is secured to the secondcoupler pulley assembly220.
• Asecond cable238 passes through thelower pulley234 of the firstcoupler pulley assembly218. In particular, thesecond cable238 may be anchored to thelower support114 and pass over thelower pulley234. From thelower pulley234, thesecond cable238 is directed to thefirst pulley222 of thelower pulley assembly210.
• From thefirst pulley222, thesecond cable238 passes through the thirdcoupler pulley assembly230. In particular, thethird coupler assembly230 includes aframe240 that has alower pulley242 and anupper pulley243. Thesecond cable238 is operatively associated with thelower pulley242. From thelower pulley242, thesecond cable238 is directed to thesecond pulley224 of thelower pulley assembly210. Thesecond cable238 may include an attachment point secured thereto for performing strength training exercises. As introduced, thethird coupler assembly230 includes anupper pulley243 operatively associated with theframe240. Athird cable245 is operatively associated with theupper pulley243. Thethird cable245 extends from theupper pulley243 to afly machine247.
• FIG. 2B illustrates thefly machine247 in more detail. Thefly machine247 may include a mountingbracket248, flyarms250,252, andtabs254,256. Thefly arms250,252 are pivotingly coupled to the mountingbracket248. Thetabs254,256 are also operatively associated withfly arms250,252 respectively as well as the mountingbracket248. In the illustrated example, thefly arms250,252 selectively engage thetabs254,256. More specifically, as thefly arms250,252 rotate away from thecentral sub-frame102, thefly arms250,252 engage thetabs254,256. As thefly arms250,252 rotated toward thecentral sub-frame102, such as may be the case when thefly arms250,252 are folded for storage.
• Thefly arms250,252 engage thetabs254,256 such that thetabs254,256 follow thetabs254,256 at an angle, such as approximately 90 degrees. Thetabs254,256 includeholes258 defined therein that are configured to receive a cable, such as thethird cable245.
• As previously introduced, the thirdcoupler pulley assembly230 splits thethird cable245. The ends of thethird cable245 are routed from the thirdcoupler pulley assembly230 to first andsecond pulleys268,270 associated with thefly machine247. The first andsecond pulleys268,270 route the ends of thethird cable245 to the tabs264,266. Accordingly, as thefly arms250,252 engage the tabs264,266 to move the tabs264,266 away from thecentral sub-frame102 the tabs264,266 pull thethird cable245.
• As previously introduced, movement of thethird cable245 is coupled to the first cable228 by way of the pivot assemblies and thesecond cable238 as described above. Accordingly, as thefly arms250,252 are moved away from thecentral sub-frame102 the tabs264,266 pull thethird cable245 to pull the first cable228 to lift theweight rack202.
• Thefly arms250,252 include adjustable arm rests272,274. The adjustable arm rests272,274 are configured to translate relative to the flyarms250,252.FIG. 2C illustrates a partial cross sectional view of thefly arm250 and theadjustable arm rest256. Thefly arm250 may extend at least partially through theadjustable arm rest272. Thefly arm250 may include a series of holes275 defined therein to provide selected positions at which theadjustable arm rest272 may be secured. Accordingly, theadjustable arm rest272 may include a securingfeature276. The securingfeature276 illustrated inFIG. 2C includes aknob278 that is secured to ashaft280. Theshaft280 includes a threadedportion282 andpin portion284.
• The threadedportion282 is configured to engage a threadedportion286 which may be secured to theadjustable arm rest256 to thereby secure theadjustable arm rest256 in position relative to thefly arm250. In particular, as the threadedportion282 of theshaft280 is threaded into threadedportion286 of theadjustable arm rest272, thepin portion284 extends through the corresponding hole275 in thefly arm250 to thereby secure theadjustable arm rest272 in position relative to thefly arm250. Accordingly, thefly machine247 includes adjustable arm rests272,274 to allow users having various arm lengths to use thefly machine247 as described above.
• As previously introduced the first cable228 passes over the first andthird pulleys212,216 to the firstcoupler pulley assembly218, around thesecond pulley214 and to the secondcoupler pulley assembly220. The secondcoupler pulley assembly220 includes a frame290 and a pulley291 coupled to the frame290. The first cable228 is secured to the frame290. Afourth cable292 is operatively associated with the pulley291. In particular, the pulley291 splits thefourth cable292, which runs from the pulley291 to the third andfourth pulleys224,225 of thelower pulley assembly210. Thefourth cable292 is directed from the third andfourth pulleys224,225 to fifth andsixth pulleys226,227 respectively.
• The fifth andsixth pulleys226,227 may be secured to thelower supports122,130 of thelateral sub-frames104,106. The fifth andsixth pulleys226,227 direct thefourth cable292 toadditional pulleys293,294 that are coupled toupper supports112,120.Pulleys293,294 direct thefourth cable292. In one example, thefourth cable292 is routed internally through theupper supports112,120 to pivotingpulleys293,294. Each of the ends of thefourth cable292 may include an attachment point secured thereto for performing strength training exercises.
• Turning now briefly toFIGS. 1A and 1B, when thefolding frame assembly100 is folded, thepulley machine200 is substantially contained by thefolding frame assembly100. Further, while thefolding frame assembly100 is expanded, thefolding frame assembly100 provides a stable platform for the components of thepulley machine200.
• In addition to providing a stable platform for thepulley machine200, thefolding frame assembly100 also provides a stable platform for additional strength training equipment, such as afree weight assembly300.FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of thestrength training system10 that focuses on thefree weight assembly300.
• Thefree weight assembly300 may include, without limitation, a pull-upbar302, aweight rack assembly304, aweight crutch assembly306, and asmith machine308. The pull upbar302 may be part of theremovable cross member154 discussed in more detail with reference toFIGS. 1A and 1B. In the illustrated example the pull upbar302 may include twoindividual bar portions310,312. Each of thebar portions310,312 may be shaped to provide a variety of hand positions. Accordingly, the pull upbar302 may be provided with theremovable cross member154.
• Thefree weight assembly300 also includes theweight rack assembly304. Theweight rack assembly304 may include a plurality ofposts314 that are removably secured to thefolding frame assembly100. In particular, theposts314 may be secured to the rearvertical supports118,126 of each of thelateral sub-frames104,106. Each of the rearvertical supports118,126 include a plurality of holes defined therein as well as threaded portions associated with the holes. In one example, the holes have threaded portions defined therein. Each of the posts may include a threaded portion that is configured to engage the threads associated with the holes defined in the rearvertical supports118,126. Such a configuration may allow a user to readily secure theposts314 to the rearvertical supports118,126 while allowing a user to readily remove theposts314 to reduce the foot print of thestrength training system10 when thefolding frame assembly100 is collapsed, such as for shipping and/or long term storage.
• Theposts314 are configured to store free weights, such as Olympic plates, on thefolding frame assembly100. Such weights may be utilized with theweight rack202 associated with thepulley machine200. The weights may also be utilized with one or more bars in conjunction with theweight crutch assembly306 and/or theSmith machine308, which will now be discussed in turn.
• Theweight crutch assembly306 includes slottedrails316,318,lower weight crutches320,322 andupper weight crutches324,326. Thelower weight crutches320,322 may be longer than theupper weight crutches324,326. Both the lower andupper weight crutches320,322 are configured to support a bar.
• The slotted rails316 include a plurality ofslots328. The weight crutches320-326 are configured to selectively engage theslots328. In one example, the weight crutches320-326 may interface withslots328 in a substantially similar manner. Accordingly, a discussion of the interaction betweenlower weight crutch320 may be applied to the interaction to the other weight crutches322-326 and the slots.
• FIG. 3B illustrateslower weight crutch320 in isolation. With reference toFIG. 3B and simultaneous reference toFIG. 3A, thelower weight crutch320 includes atab330 having a width aspect that is approximately the same size as a height aspect of the slots328 (FIG. 3A). Further, thetab330 may have a height aspect that is similar to a width aspect of theslots328. Such a configuration may allow thetab330 to be secured to aslot328 by aligning the width aspect of thetab330 to the height aspect of theslot328 and the height aspect of thetab330 to the width aspect of theslot328 to allow thetab330 to be placed within theslot328.
• Thereafter, thelower weight crutch320 may be rotated. Since the width aspect of thetab330 is greater than the width aspect of theslot328, thelower weight crutch320 is thereby selectively secured to the slottedrail316. Thelower weight crutch320 may be removed by following the steps above in reverse order. Thelower weight crutch320 may then be moved to a desired slot and secured to that slot.
• Accordingly, theweight crutches320 may be moved to desired positions, such as positions corresponding to positions for supporting a bar. By positioning the weight crutches320-326 in appropriate positions, the weight crutches320-326 may provide supports for a bar to be used in which only the vertical position is constrained during weight lifting exercises while allowing some degree of freedom in the horizontal direction.
• Thefree weight assembly300 also includes the Smithmachine type assembly308 previously introduced. TheSmith machine308 may includetubular guides332,334 that extend from thelower supports122,130 to theupper supports120,128. TheSmith machine308 also includes slotted rail coupled to the frontvertical supports116,126,lower latch assemblies340,342, andupper latch assemblies344,346. Thelower latch assemblies340,342 are configured to translate vertically relative to thetubular guide rails332,334 and to engage the slotted rails336,338 to secure thelower latch assemblies340,342 at desired locations. Such a configuration may allow thelower latch assemblies340,342 to limit the vertical movement of theupper latch assemblies344,346.
• Theupper latch assemblies344,346 may be configured to engage the slotted rails336,338 in a similar manner as thelower latch assemblies340,342. Further, theupper latch assemblies344,346 may include linear bearings which engage thetubular guide rails332,334. In addition, theupper latch assemblies344,346 may include bar supports348,350. The bar supports348,350 are configured to receive anOlympic bar352. In particular, theOlympic bar352 includes acentral portion354 that may be passed through the bar supports348,350. The ends of thecentral portion354 may include threaded ends that are configured to receive weight supports356,358. Accordingly, once thecentral portion354 has been passed through the bar supports348,350, the weight supports356,358 may be secured to theOlympic bar352 on the outside of the bar supports348,350. Such a configuration allows theOlympic bar352 to be secured to theupper latch assembly342,344. The location of theupper latch assembly342,344 in turn is constrained horizontally by thetubular guide rails332,334 and vertically by thelower latch assemblies340,342. Such a configuration may allow a user to lift weights in a secure and stable manner to reduce the possibility of injury from dropping weights while performing weight lifting exercises using theSmith machine308. Accordingly, thestrength training system10 includes afolding frame assembly100 that provides a stable platform for a weight machine and/or free weights.
• A folding frame assembly has been provided herein, which may be part of a strength training system. The folding frame assembly is configured to be readily moved from a folded or collapsed position. In at least one example, the folding frame assembly includes several sub-frames that are coupled together with pivoting cross members. The pivoting cross members allow the sub-frames to be collapsed together while providing a stable platform for strength training equipment when the folding frame assembly is unfolded. Accordingly, the pivoting cross members allow the folding frame assembly to be nearly completely assembled, which may reduce the complexity of assembling the exercise system. Further, the configuration of the folding frame assembly allows the folding frame assembly to have a folded footprint that is at least about 80 percent less than the expanded footprint, such as about 85 percent less. Such a configuration may allow the folding frame assembly to be shipped while nearly completely assembled.
• The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (24)

1. A strength training system, comprising:

a folding frame comprising a central sub-frame and first and second lateral sub-frames; and

pivoting cross members pivotally coupling the central sub-frame to at least one of the first and second lateral sub-frames, the folding frame being configured to move between an unfolded position and a folded position in which the first and second lateral sub-frames are generally parallel in the unfolded position; and

a strength training assembly coupled to the folding frame.

2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the pivoting cross members pivotally couple the sub-frame to each of the first and second lateral sub-frames and in which the first and second lateral sub-frames are generally parallel in the folded position.

3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the strength training assembly includes at least one of a weight machine assembly and a free weight assembly.

4. The system ofclaim 3, wherein the weight machine assembly comprises a pulley machine.

5. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the central sub-frame is substantially parallel to at least one of the first and second lateral sub-frames in each of the folded and the unfolded positions.

6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein at least half of the sub-frame is between the first and second lateral sub-frames when the folding frame is in the folded position.

7. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a removable cross member removably coupling the first and second lateral sub-frames.

8. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of pivot assemblies coupling the pivoting cross members to the central sub-frame and to at least one of the first and second lateral sub-frames.

9. A strength training system, comprising:

a folding frame comprising a central sub-frame, cross members pivotally coupled to the central sub-frame and first and second lateral sub-frames pivotally coupled to the cross members, the folding frame being configured to move between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein at least half of the central sub-frame is located between the first and second lateral sub-frames when the folding frame is in the folded configuration, wherein a footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 70 percent less than a footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration; and

at least one strength training assembly coupled to the folding frame.

10. The strength training system ofclaim 9, wherein the entire central sub-frame is located between the first and second lateral sub-frame when the folding frame is in the folded configuration.

11. The strength training system ofclaim 9, wherein the footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 75 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration.

12. The strength training system ofclaim 11, wherein the footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 80 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration.

13. The strength training system ofclaim 12, wherein the footprint of the folding frame in the folded configuration is at least about 85 percent less than the footprint of the folding frame in the unfolded configuration.

14. The strength training system ofclaim 9, wherein the strength training assembly includes at least one of a weight machine, a fly machine, a pulley machine, a free weight assembly.

15. The strength training system ofclaim 14, wherein the free weight assembly includes at least one of removable weight posts, a Smith machine, a weight crutch assembly, and a pull up bar coupled to a removable cross member.

16. The strength training system ofclaim 9, wherein the strength training assembly is configured to be assembled without tools.

17. A strength training system, comprising:

a folding frame comprising a central sub-frame, cross members pivotally coupled to the central sub-frame and first and second lateral sub-frames pivotally coupled to the cross members, the folding frame being configured to move between an unfolded configuration and a folded configuration, wherein the central sub-frame is located completely between the first and second lateral sub-frames when the folding frame is in the folded configuration; and

a strength training assembly coupled to the folding frame.

18. The strength training system ofclaim 17, wherein the strength training assembly includes at least one of a pulley machine, and a free weight assembly.

19. The strength training system ofclaim 17, wherein more than half of the central sub-frame exterior to the first and second lateral sub-frames when the folding frame is in the unfolded configuration.

20. A strength training system comprising:

a frame comprising a central sub-frame and at least one lateral sub-frame pivotally linked to the central sub-frame, the frame being adapted to move between a folded and use configuration, the at least one lateral sub-frame being adapted to increase the stability of the strength training system when the frame is in the use configuration; and

a strength training assembly coupled to the frame.

21. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the frame comprises a folding frame.

22. The system ofclaim 20, further comprising a member adapted to couple the central sub-frame to the at least one lateral sub-frame.

23. The system ofclaim 20, further comprising a second lateral sub-frame coupled the central sub-frame by a cross member.

24. The system ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one lateral sub-frame is adapted to pivot with respect to the central sub-frame.

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