Automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment

Abstract

Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards an automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment. The invention discloses electromechanical means for processing an input signal and manipulating physical aspects of the exercise equipment such that the equipment collapses for easier storage or movement. The invention is adaptable to a wide range of electronic exercise equipment such as complete exercise systems, treadmills, exercise bicycles, sit-up devices, rowing machines, and other such devices.

1 . A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse feature, comprising: 
 a bed support, comprising an inclined surface, having a bed support first end that is supported on a floor by at least one horizontal translation roller that rolls on the floor and thereby allows the first end to be translated, and having a bed support second end,    a vertically oriented support that receives, holds and allows rotation of the bed support second end so that the bed support is held at a selected incline angle “theta” relative to the floor,    a support bed that supports a person and that moves along the bed support between the bed support first end and the second bed support end,    a command processor to receive and implement a command for a change in at least one control parameter associated with an exercise/therapy workout,    a vertical translation mechanism, associated with the vertical support, that translates the bed support second end along the vertical support by a selected amount in response to receipt of an electronic signal from the command processor, without requiring that the person dismount from the support bed and without requiring that the person interrupt an exercise/therapy workout,    said command processor further configured to receive one or more input signals to commence collapsing or un-collapsing of the exercise equipment and to generate a first output signal,    said first output signal to be received by a control unit; said control unit configured to generate a second output signal upon receipt of said first output signal according to a predetermined algorithm,    said second output signal to be received by a second mechanical mechanism that controls the movement one or more physical aspects of the exercise equipment, and    said second mechanical mechanism to translate one or more physical aspects of the exercise equipment such that the exercise equipment is collapsed or un-collapsed as a result of the translation of the one or more physical aspects of the exercise equipment.    
   
   
       2 . A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse feature according to  claim 1 , wherein physical exercise apparatus utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism connected to horizontal translation roller in order to effectuate the collapse of the exercise equipment by translating the inclined surface towards the vertically oriented support.  
   
   
       3 . A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse feature according to  claim 1 , wherein physical exercise apparatus utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism to winch a cable, said cable running between said vertically oriented support and the inclined surface, wherein the winching of said cable effectuates the collapse of the equipment.  
   
   
       4 . A physical exercise apparatus featuring an automated collapse feature according to  claim 1 , wherein physical exercise apparatus utilizes said vertical translation mechanism to winch a cable, said cable running between said vertically oriented support and the inclined surface, wherein the winching of said cable effectuates the collapse of the equipment.  
   
   
       5 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment, comprising: 
 a command processor, said command processor configured to receive one or more input signals to commence collapsing or un-collapsing of the exercise equipment and to generate a first output signal,    said first output signal to be received by a control unit; said control unit configured to generate a second output signal upon receipt of said first output signal according to a predetermined algorithm,    said second output signal to be received by a mechanical mechanism that controls the movement one or more physical aspects of the exercise equipment,    said mechanical mechanism to translate one or more physical aspects of the exercise equipment such that the exercise equipment is collapsed or un-collapsed as a result of the translation.    
   
   
       6 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 5 , wherein said exercise equipment is a complete exercise system that utilizes the body weight of a person, along an inclined plane of variable angle, to generate resistance.  
   
   
       7 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 6 , wherein said complete exercise system utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism connected to rolling wheels, the rolling wheels located at the base of the inclined plane of the equipment, in order to effectuate the collapse of the exercise equipment by translating the inclined plane towards the vertical tower.  
   
   
       8 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 6 , wherein said complete exercise system utilizes an additional electro-mechanical mechanism to winch a cable, said cable running between a vertical section and the inclined plane of the equipment, winching of said cable effectuating the collapse of the equipment.  
   
   
       9 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 8 , wherein said complete exercise system utilizes the electro-mechanical mechanism employed by the vertical translation mechanism to winch a cable, said cable running between a vertical section and the inclined plane of the equipment, winching of said cable effectuating the collapse of the equipment.  
   
   
       10 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 5 , wherein said exercise equipment is a simulated stair climbing device that uses a mechanical mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.  
   
   
       11 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 5 , wherein said exercise equipment is a treadmill type exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.  
   
   
       12 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 5 , wherein said exercise equipment is a sit-up exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.  
   
   
       13 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 5 , wherein said exercise equipment is a rowing machine type exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.  
   
   
       14 . An automated mechanism for collapsing exercise equipment according to  claim 5 , wherein said exercise equipment is a stationary bicycle type exercise device that uses a mechanical mechanism to generate variable speed and resistance.