Exercise machine support system
An exercise machine support system for providing increased versatility including inclination or declination of an exercise surface, a reduction in the overall length and width of the exercise machine, and an enhanced user interface which reduces the risk of injury. The exercise machine support system generally includes a cantilevered exercise machine which is adapted to have a variable angle of incline or decline with respect to a horizontal ground surface. The exercise machine will generally include a base and a support which extends between the base and the exercise machine. The upper end of the support is connected to the exercise machine by a first pivot such that the exercise machine pivots about the support. An adjustment device may be utilized to pivot the exercise machine and thus adjust its angle of incline. Various types of adjustment devices are disclosed, including an actuator, ratchet-and-pawl, gears, and cam.
1. An exercise machine, comprising:
a rail having a first end, a second end, a midpoint centrally located between the first end and the second end;
a carriage movably connected to the rail so as to slide between the first end and the second end of the rail;
a bias member connected to the carriage, wherein the bias member is adapted to exert resistance on the carriage;
a first end platform connected to the rail near the first end;
a base positioned underneath the rail;
a support extending upwardly from the base, wherein the rail is pivotally connected to the support at a pivot point, wherein the pivot point is located between the first end and the midpoint of the rail, and wherein the pivot point is located near the first end of the rail; and
an adjustment device connected between the base and the rail for pivoting the rail about the support, wherein the adjustment device is connected to the rail between the pivot point and the midpoint of the rail;
wherein pivoting the rail in a first direction causes the first end of the rail to move upwardly and the second end of the rail to move downwardly, and wherein pivoting the rail in a second direction causes the first end of the rail to move downwardly and the second end of the rail to move upwardly.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment device extends vertically between the base and the rail.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment device is comprised of an actuator.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment device is comprised of an electro-mechanical actuator.
5. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment device is comprised of a hydraulic actuator or pneumatic actuator.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the adjustment device is comprised of a screw jack.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a ground surface.
8. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the rail is cantilevered.
9. The exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the bias member is comprised of a spring.