Exercise Machine Safety System

Abstract

A safety system for an exercise machine having a plurality of moving internal components. The safety system generally includes a plurality of safety covers that are removably attachable to the machine at various locations to close off openings between the structural members of the machine, enclose the internal spaces of the machine containing internal moving components, and thus prevent an exerciser from coming in contact with the internal components through the openings. The safety covers include one or more side safety covers removably attachable to fixed structural elements and/or a movable platform of the machine along the lateral sides of the machine, one or more top safety covers attached to the machine below and between stationary platforms located at or near opposite longitudinal ends of the machine, and one or more end safety covers removably attachable near the opposite longitudinal ends of the machine.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/715,368 filed Aug. 7, 2018. The 62/715,368 application is currently pending. The 62/715,368 application is hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND

Field

Example embodiments in general relate to the field of fitness training devices and exercise machines. More specifically, example embodiments relate to safety covers suited for use with exercise machines having a plurality of stationary and movable exercise platforms for protecting exercisers from moving parts of the machines.

Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Resistance exercise machines of the type having a sliding, substantially horizontal exercise platform, such as Pilates apparatuses or stationary rowing machines, are intended to provide for resistance training by moving the platform reciprocally along one or more longitudinal rails that guide the platform's linear movement during exercise. Exercise machines as just described are necessarily comprised of many stationary and movable components. Traditional machines lack complete separation of the exerciser from the accessible stationary and moving components of the machine during exercise. The safe use of such exercise machines may be improved with safety covers that separate the exerciser substantially from moving parts of the machines.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments are directed to a novel resistance exercise machine safety system that includes safety covers that separate an exerciser from the moving parts of an exercise machine during use. The safety covers are easily removable to allow machine technicians access to the exercise machine to perform routine maintenance and/or to repair the machine when it is not in use by an exerciser.

In one example embodiment, the safety system includes one or more safety covers removably attached to stationary structural components of an exercise machine along the sides of the machine to separate an exerciser on the machine from moving parts of the machine. In another example embodiment, the safety covers are removably attached the to the sides of a movable exercise platform of an exercise machine such that the safety covers move with the moveable platform to separate an exerciser from moving parts of the machine. In yet another embodiment, the safety system includes one or more safety covers comprising substantially flat plates adapted to be fastened between opposing support rails of an exercise machine beneath movable and stationary exercise platforms to separate an exerciser from moving parts of the machine. In still another example embodiment, the safety system includes one or more safety covers comprising cap structures removably attached to structural components of the ends of an exercise machine to separate an exerciser from moving parts of the machine located near the ends of the machine.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the embodiments of a safety system for an exercise machine comprising safety covers in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional embodiments of the safety covers that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the safety covers in detail, it is to be understood that the safety covers are not limited in their application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The safety covers are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary exercise machine for use with an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety system with side safety covers removed in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a frontal view of a side safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a rear view of a side safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5C is a first side view of a side safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5D is a second side view of a side safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5E is a perspective view of a side safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5F is a perspective view of a fastener of a side safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an end view of a side safety cover being installed between the base and upper frame of an exercise machine of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an end view of a side safety cover installed between the base and upper frame of an exercise machine of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exercise machine safety system with platforms removed in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an exercise machine safety system in use in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side view of an exercise machine safety system with end and platform safety covers removed in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a frontal view of an end safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of an end safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14C is a top view of an end safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 14D is a bottom view of an end safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15A is a first side view of a platform safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15B is a second side view of a platform safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15C is a rear view of a platform safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 15D is a frontal view of a platform safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a top view of a top safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 16B is a bottom view of a top safety cover of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example.

FIG. 17 is an end view of an exercise machine safety system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an end view of an exercise machine safety system with end safety covers removed in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of specific embodiments are disclosed in the following description and related drawings. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure relevant details. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the description, a discussion of several terms used herein follows.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiments” is not exhaustive and does not require that all embodiments include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation.

Although more than one embodiment is illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein, including combinations of the embodiments.

A. Overview

An example safety system generally includes one or more safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 adapted to be attached to an elongated resistance-type exercise machine 100, 200.

An exemplary exercise machine 100, 200 includes a pair of elongated parallel guide rails 107, first and second stationary exercise platforms 102, 103 mounted on the guide rails 107 at or near opposite longitudinal ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, and a movable exercise platform 104 supported on the guide rails 107 that is adapted to reciprocate on the guide rails 107 between the stationary platforms 102, 103.

The exemplary exercise machine 100, 200 may include various internal moving parts. A resistance mechanism such as resistance biasing members 214 may be attached between the exercise machine 100, 200 and the movable platform 104 so as to provide a selected amount of resistance against movement of the movable platform 104 during exercises. Actuators 215, 216 and pivoting arms 211 of the exercise machine 100, 200 are operable for raising, lowering, and tilting the guide rails 107 with the stationary and movable exercise platforms 102, 103, 104 supported thereon. The exercise machine 100, 200 also has various structural components that support the guide rails 107 and exercise platforms 102, 103, 104 and various openings and gaps between the structural support components through which the moving parts are accessible.

In one embodiment, the safety system includes one or more side safety covers 310 each having an exterior surface 311 and an interior surface 312. One or more fasteners 313 are provided on the interior surface 312 of the side safety covers 310 for removable attachment to structural components of the exercise machine 100, 200 along the sides 304, 305 of the machine 100, 200 to separate an exerciser 300 on the machine 100, 200 from moving parts of the machine 100, 200 otherwise accessible along the sides 304, 305 of the machine 100, 200.

In another embodiment, the safety system includes one or more platform safety covers 315 each having an exterior surface 316 and an interior surface 317. One or more fasteners 318 are provided on the interior surface 317 of the platform safety covers 315 for removably attaching the platform safety covers 315 to the sides of the movable exercise platform 104. The platform safety covers 315 move with the moveable platform 104 to separate an exerciser 300 on the machine 100, 200 from moving parts of the machine 100, 200 otherwise accessible along the sides of the movable platform 104.

In yet another embodiment, the safety system includes one or more top safety covers 212 comprising substantially flat plates. The plates are fastened between the guide rails 205, 206 beneath the movable platform 104 and stationary exercise platforms 102, 103 to separate an exerciser 300 on the machine 100, 200 from moving parts of the machine 100, 200 otherwise accessible through top openings between the guide rails 205, 206.

In still another embodiment, the safety system includes one or more end safety covers 320 comprising cap structures. The end safety covers 320 may include fasteners 321 for removably attaching the end safety covers 320 to structural components of the ends 302, 303 of the machine 100, 200 to separate an exerciser 300 on the machine 100, 200 from moving parts of the machine 100, 200 located near the ends 302, 303 of the machine 100, 200.

An exemplary exercise machine safety system may comprise an exercise machine 100, 200 comprising a base 201, an upper frame 219, a first end 302 and a second end 303 opposite the first end 302, and a first side 304 and a second side 305 opposite the first side 304, wherein the upper frame 219 includes at least one track 208, wherein the upper frame 219 includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one track 208 has a longitudinal axis. A platform 104, 204 is moveably connected to the at least one track 208 and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the at least one track. A first side safety cover 310 is connected between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 of the exercise machine 100, 200, the first side safety cover 310 being connected to the exercise machine 100, 200 so as to cover a gap 309 between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 of the exercise machine 100, 200.

The first side safety cover 310 may be connected to the first side 304 of the exercise machine 100, 200. A second side safety cover 310 may be connected to the second side 305 of the exercise machine 100, 200. The first side safety cover 310 may comprise a fastener 313 for connecting to the exercise machine 100, 200, wherein the fastener 313 is connected to the base 201 of the exercise machine 100, 200 or to the upper frame 219 of the exercise machine 100, 200.

A platform safety cover 315 may be connected to the platform 104, 204, wherein the platform safety cover 315 extends downwardly from the platform 104, 204 to cover the track 208 underneath the platform 104, 204. The platform safety cover 315 may comprise a fastener 318, wherein the fastener 318 is connected to the platform 104, 204.

An end safety cover 320, 325 may be connected to the first end 302 or the second end 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200. The end safety cover 320, 325 may comprise a fastener 323, 328 for connecting to the exercise machine 100, 200. The exercise machine 100, 200 may comprise an end platform 102, 103, 202, 203 at or near the first end 302 or the second end 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200, wherein the fastener 323, 328 is connected to the end platform 102, 103, 202, 203.

Another exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine safety system may comprise an exercise machine 100, 200 comprising a base 201, an upper frame 219, a first end 302 and a second end 303 opposite the first end 302, and a first side 304 and a second side 305 opposite the first side 304, wherein the upper frame 219 includes at least one track 208, wherein the upper frame 219 includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one track 208 has a longitudinal axis, wherein the track 208 comprises a first rail 205 and a second rail 206, wherein the first rail 205 is parallel and distally-spaced with respect to the second rail 206. A platform 104, 204 is moveably connected to the at least one track 208 and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the at least one track 208. A first end platform 102, 202 is connected at or near the first end 302 of the exercise machine and a second end platform 103, 203 is connected at or near the second end 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200. A top safety cover 212 connected to the at least one track 208 underneath the platform 104, 204 such that the platform 104, 204 may move over the top safety cover 212, the top safety cover 212 being connected to the track 208 so as to cover a space between the first rail 205 and the second rail 206 of the track 208. The top safety cover 212 may be connected to the inner edge of the first rail 205 and the inner edge of the second rail 206. A transverse structural member 213 may be connected between the first rail 205 and the second rail 206, wherein the top safety cover 212 rests on the transverse structural member 213.

A first side safety cover 310 may be connected between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 on the first side 304 of the exercise machine 100, 200 and a second side safety cover 310 may be connected between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 on the second side 305 of the exercise machine 100, 200. A first platform safety cover 315 may be connected to a first side of the platform 104, 204 and a second platform safety cover 315 may be connected to a second side of the platform 104, 105. A first end safety cover 320 may be connected to the first end platform 102, 202 and a second end safety cover 325 connected to the second end platform 102, 202.

B. Side Safety Covers

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved exercise machine 100 with one example embodiment of side safety covers 310 removably attached to the sides 304, 305 of the machine 100 to separate an exerciser 300 on the machine 100 from moving parts of the machine 300 that would otherwise be accessible through side openings or gaps of the machine 300.

More specifically, a substantially longitudinal exercise machine 100 is shown comprising a plurality of support structures 101. The support structures 101 support a stationary front end exercise platform 102, a stationary back end exercise platform 103, and a pair of elongated guide rails 107 that extend substantially the length of the machine 100 between the front and back end platforms 102, 103. A movable exercise platform 104 is supported on and slides reciprocally along the upper surface of the guide rails 1007 between the front and back end exercise platforms 102, 103.

As a means to prevent exercisers 300 on the machine 100 from injuring themselves during exercise, a pair of side safety covers 310 are removably attached to structural members of the machine 100 along the sides 304, 305. The side safety covers 310 prevent an exerciser 300 on the machine 100 from inadvertently coming into contact with moving parts of the machine 100 that would otherwise be exposed through openings or gaps between structural members of the machine 100 along the sides thereof. The side safety covers 310 may extend along the sides 304, 305 of the machine 100 a sufficient distance to prevent access through side openings in the machine 100 to all otherwise accessible moving parts. The side safety covers 310 are preferably removably affixed to various structural members 106 of the exercise machine 100 to enable easy access to internal spaces of the machine 100 by technicians for maintenance and repair of the machine if necessary.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the improved exercise machine as just described with the previously described side safety covers 310 removed. It can be readily seen that the plurality of support structures 101 are spaced apart by and affixed to a plurality of structural members 106 that extend longitudinally between opposite ends 302, 303 of the machine 100. It can also be readily seen with the side safety covers 310 removed that there are openings between the support structures 101 and structural members 106 along the sides of the machine 100 through which an exerciser 300 can insert the exerciser's 300 insert feet or hands during exercise. The side safety covers 310 close off and cover these openings and enclose the internal spaces of the machine 100, thus preventing access to internal moving components of the machine 100 during exercise, and thus providing additional safety for the exerciser 300.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the improved exercise machine 100 with side safety covers 310 attached. As shown, the plurality of support structures 101 are spaced apart longitudinally between the front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 100. The support structures 101 extend vertically and support the pair of elongated parallel rails 107. The rails 107 extend substantially the entire length of the machine 100 between the front and back ends 302, 303. The rails 107 in turn support the stationary front end platform 102, the stationary back end platform 103, and the movable platform 104. The front and back end platforms 102, 103 are mounted at or near the longitudinally opposite front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 100 respectively. The movable platform 104 may be supported on the rails 107 by trolley wheels (not shown) or the like and is reciprocally movable along the rails 107 between the front and back end platforms 102, 103. Handle assemblies 108 are shown mounted on the rails 107 at or near the opposed longitudinal ends 302, 303 of the machine 100 and adjacent to the front and back end platforms 102, 103 to be used by an exerciser 300 for stability and support during exercise.

A plurality of side safety covers 310 is mounted to the machine 100 preferably in a manner to substantially close off the openings between the floor or other support surface on which the machine 100 rests and the machine upper surface of the guide rails 107 and to enclose the internal spaces of the machine 100 that would otherwise be accessible through those openings. Although not shown in FIG. 3, it is to be understood that the side safety covers 310 are intended to be mounted on both elongated lateral sides of the machine 100.

It also should be noted that while the side safety covers 310 may be identical, they need not be identical. Further, they side safety covers 310 may comprise a single part extending substantially the length of the machine 100 between the front and back ends 302, 303. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that fabrication costs for smaller parts produced in higher volume are lower than larger parts produced at lower volumes. Thus, the use of four or more identical side safety covers 310, two or more on each opposed lateral side 304, 305 of the machine 100, may be utilized since this configuration provides a lower total production cost than fewer large parts. In such an exemplary configuration, the side safety covers 310 on a side 304, 305 of the machine 100 may be sized and mounted to abut or nearly abut one another at their adjacent ends to substantially completely enclose the open spaces along the sides of the machine 100 through which an exerciser 300 might otherwise come in contact with the moving parts of the machine 100.

FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of the improved exercise machine 100 showing the side safety covers 310 removed. As can be readily seen, with the side covers 310 removed an exerciser 300 can easily insert the exerciser's hands and feet through openings between the various stationary structural members 106 along the lateral sides 304, 305 of the machine 100, such as the openings between the elongated structural member 106 and the longitudinal structural member 109, which is described in further detail below.

Thus, without the side safety covers 310, an exerciser 300 may come in contact with various moving parts of the machine 100 contained within the inner spaces of the machine 100. These can include various moving parts for raising, lowering, and tilting the rails 107 and platforms 102, 103 of the machine 100, including actuators 215, 216, pivoting support arms 211, and the like.

Further, in resistance type exercise machines 100 an exerciser 300 can come in contact with the components of a resistance assembly such as resistance biasing members 214. In the example machine, a spring coil 110 is exposed to access by exercisers 300 through the openings in the lateral sides 304, 305 of the machine 100 when the side safety covers 310 are removed. The spring coil 110 is a movable, high stored energy assembly of the machine 100 that provides for variable exercise resistance at high weight equivalents, for example, resistance levels exceeding two hundred pounds of force.

It thus will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the internal moving elements and high energy assemblies of exercise machines 100 exposed to access by exercisers 300 pose greater safety and liability risks when compared to the example exercise machines 100 with side safety covers 310 described herein that prevent accidental or intentional insertion of an exerciser's 300 hands or feet into the interior spaces of the machine 100 through openings in the sides 304, 305 and elsewhere.

FIG. 5A is an end view of an example side safety cover 310. As shown, the side safety cover 310 has an exterior surface 311 which includes one or more fastener receivers 314 into or through which cover fasteners 313 are affixed to the side safety cover 310.

FIG. 5B is another end view of an example side safety cover 310. As shown, the side safety cover 310 has an interior surface 312 with fasteners 313 affixed. The use of fasteners 313 positioned on the interior 312 of the cover 310 provides for improved cosmetic appearance when viewed from the exterior of the machine 100. This arrangement has the further benefit of removing fastening hardware from the exterior of the machine 100 that otherwise could become hazardous to an exerciser 300. For instance, traditional bolt heads or nuts exposed on the exterior 311 of the side safety covers 310 could unintentionally cut an exerciser's 300 hands or feet if the exerciser 300 came into contact with the exposed fastening hardware.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the example side safety covers 310 in FIGS. 5A-5F are shown having a particular shape, configuration and dimensions, the shape, configuration, and dimensions of the covers are not intended to be limiting. Rather the side safety covers 310 can be shaped, configured, and dimensioned for use with various machines as required. Further, it will be appreciated that the side safety covers 310 as shown can be constructed as single contiguous structures, or as multiple separate structures, as mentioned previously.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an example side safety cover 310 and cross-sections of the elongated structural members 106, 109 of an exercise machine 100 previously identified. As just described, the fasteners 313 for attaching the side safety cover 310 to the machine 100 may be positioned on the interior surface 312 of the side safety cover 310 and hence within the enclosed interior space of the machine 100. Thus, as shown, a fastening ridge or protrusion 114 may be formed at or near the top edge of the side safety cover 310 and extends substantially along the entire length of the side safety cover 310. The fastening ridge 114 may be shaped and positioned so as to engage and fit into a corresponding elongated female slotted portion 114a of the longitudinal structural member 109 when the lower edge of the side safety cover 310 is positioned at an outward angle relative to the lateral side edge 304, 305 of the exercise machine 100.

Continuing to reference FIG. 6, the side safety cover 310 may be removably connected to the machine 100 by rotating the side safety cover 310 in the direction shown by the arrow to an installed position as indicated by the dashed outline of the side safety cover 310. When in the dashed line position, one or a plurality of fasteners 313 engage and are snapped over and at least partially around longitudinal member 106 to removably secure the side safety cover 310 in the preferred position. In this particular example embodiment, the fastener 313 is at least partially flexible in order to snap over and at least partially around the corresponding structural member 106 so as to provide holding tension between the fastener 313 and the structural member 106 and to removably secure the side safety cover 310 to the machine 100.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that exercise machines occasionally require periodic maintenance, and it is often necessary to lubricate, adjust or replace certain parts of the machines. Therefore, the novel side safety covers 310 described herein are easily removable and replaceable without the use of special tools.

It should be noted that although the method of removably affixing the side safety covers 310 to the elongated structural components 109 of the example machine 100 as just described may be utilized, it is not meant to be limiting. Rather, the use of different fastener 313 shapes and types are also contemplated consistent with achieving the functions and objective described. For example, consistent with the functions and objectives described herein, fasteners 313 having non-cylindrical shapes may be used to correspond to the different shapes of the structural components 106, 109 of the machines 100 on which the side safety covers 310 are intended for use. In addition, while flexible or partially flexible fasteners 313 may be used, fasteners 313 having other means of applying a holding force to structural components 106, 109 of a machine 100 also may be used. Still further, other types of fasteners 313 such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, or other mechanical fasteners may be used as desired.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view from the interior side 312 of an example side safety cover 310 as described above showing the side safety cover 310 attached to structural members 106, 109 of an exercise machine 100. More specifically, the interior perspective of a shortened length of the longitudinal structural member 109 is shown with the fastening ride 114 of the side safety cover 310 inserted into the corresponding female slot 114a of the structural member 109. A plurality of fasteners 313 are shown affixed to the interior surface 312 of the side safety cover 310 in positions such that the fasteners 313 may removably snap around the major diameter of the substantially cylindrical structural member 106 of the machine 100.

In the positions just described, the side safety cover 310 will remain in place to prevent the accidental or intentional insertion of an exerciser's 300 feet or hands towards the interior of the exercise machine 100. It is understood that the snap features just described are not meant to be limited to round or cylindrical structural members 106, 109, and may be designed to snap over or into corresponding structural members of any geometric cross-section or extrusion profile.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an exemplary exercise machine 100 which includes a base 201 and an upper frame 219. The upper frame 219 includes a track 208 along which a movable platform 104 is movably connected so as to be movable between all or part of the length between the first end 302 and the second end 303 of the exercise machine 100. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a gap 309 is present between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 or track 208 of the exercise machine 100.

Because of the gap 309 in the exercise machine 100, an exerciser 300 is at risk of accidentally placing a limb such as a foot or hand within the gap 309 between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 of the exercise machine 100. As a typical exercise machine 100 may include numerous moving parts and other structures underneath the track 208, there is a substantial risk of injury if an exerciser 300 slips into the gap 309.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the gap 309 may be partially or fully covered by use of one or more side safety covers 310 which may be fixedly or removably attached to one or both sides 304, 305 of the exercise machine 100. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, it can be seen that substantially the entire length of the exercise machine 100 is covered by use of a pair of side safety covers 310, with the two side safety covers 310 being positioned so as to contact each other to prevent any openings or gaps between adjacent side safety covers 310. It should be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, a single side safety cover 310 could be utilized. In other embodiments, additional side safety covers 310 could be utilized, depending on the length and type of exercise machine 100 being used.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, side safety covers 310 are only shown extending along the first side 304 of the exercise machine 100. Although not shown, it should be appreciated that the second side 304 of the exercise machine 100 is largely a mirror image of the first side 303 and may similarly include one or more side safety covers 310 connected so as to cover all or part of a gap 309 in the exercise machine 100, such as between its base 201 and upper frame 219. In some embodiments, such as when the exercise machine 100 is placed against a wall or other structure, only a single side 303, 304 of the exercise machine 100 may need side safety cover(s) 310.

FIGS. 5A-7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a side safety cover 310 for removable or fixed attachment to one or more sides 304, 305 of an exercise machine 100. As can be seen, each side safety cover 310 may comprise an elongated, flat or curved, plate-like member having an exterior surface 311 and an interior surface 312.

As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5C, and 5D, the exterior surface 311 of the side safety cover 310 faces away from the exercise machine 100 and is the portion of the side safety cover 310 which an exerciser 300 will contact in the event a limb tries to enter through the gap 309 in the exercise machine 100. The exterior surface 311 may have a handle, projections, or the like to aid in removing the side safety cover 310 from the exercise machine 100.

As shown in FIGS. 5B, 5C, and 5D, the interior surface 312 of the side safety cover 310 faces toward the exercise machine 100 and is generally removably or fixedly attached to the exercise machine 100. The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5E illustrates usage of round fasteners 313 which are connected to the interior surface 312 of the side safety covers 310. The fasteners 313 themselves may be connected within a fastener receiver 314 on the side safety cover 310 such as shown in FIG. 5F. The fasteners 313 may be adapted to engage around a structural member 106, 109 of the exercise machine 100 on its base 201 and/or frame 219.

While semi-circular fasteners 313 are shown, it should be appreciated that various other types of methods may be used to removably connect the side safety covers 310 to the exercise machine 100. For example and without limitation, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or adhesives may be utilized to connect the side safety covers 310 to the exercise machine 100. In some embodiments, the side safety covers 310 may be connected to both the upper frame 219 and the base 201 of the exercise machine 100. In other embodiments, the side safety covers 310 may be connected to only one of the upper frame 219 or base 201.

C. Platform Safety Covers

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a variation of another exemplary embodiment of an improved exercise machine 200 with platform safety covers 315. The exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine 200 comprises an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis, and a front end 302 and back end 303 located substantially on the longitudinal axis at opposite longitudinal ends of the machine 200. The exercise machine has a base 201 that rests on the ground, floor, or another support surface.

The illustrated exemplary embodiment of an exercise machine 200 also has an upper frame 219 including a track 208 that comprises a pair of parallel elongated rails 205, 206 that extend substantially the entire length of the machine 200 between the front and back ends 302, 303. A right elongated guide rail 205 is aligned with and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine 200 and a left elongated guide rail 206 is aligned with and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the machine 200. Both guide rails 205, 206 extend substantially the length of the exercise machine 200 between the front and back ends 302, 303, with the right elongated guide rail 205 being positioned at or near the first side 304 of the exercise machine 200 and the left elongated guide rail 206 being positioned at or near the second side 305 of the exercise machine 200.

A front end stationary exercise platform 202 is shown mounted on the rails 205, 206 at or near one longitudinal end 302 of the machine, and a back end stationary exercise platform 203 is mounted on the rails 205, 206 at or near the opposite longitudinal end 303 of the machine 200. A movable exercise platform 204 is supported on and slides reciprocally along substantially the length of the track 208 between the front end platform 202 and back end platform 203. The movable exercise platform 204 may be mounted on the track 208 by a plurality of trolley wheels, magnets, or the like.

The guide rails 205, 206, front and back end platforms 202, 203, and movable platform 204 of the upper frame 219 of the exercise machine 200 can be raised, lowered, and tilted. Thus, front and back lifting actuators 215, 216 are shown connected between the base 201 and the frame 219 at or near the front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 respectively. A pair of front lifting jib arms 211 is rotatably connected between the base 201 and the front lifting actuator 215 and a pair of back lifting jib arms 211 is rotatably connected between the base 201 and the back lifting actuator 216.

The front and back lifting actuators 215, 216 are obscured from view in FIG. 8, but are visible in subsequent figures and are described further below. Similarly, only one of the lifting jib arms 211 is visible in FIG. 8, but others are visible in subsequent figures and are further described below. It is noted that the actuators 215, 216 and jib arms 211 comprise movable elements of the exercise machine 200 that could cause injury to an exerciser 300 if the exerciser 300 comes in contact with them.

A resistance assembly is mounted to the underside of the sliding platform 204. The resistance assembly includes resistance biasing members 214, such as, for example springs, and resistance adjustment knobs 207 with the biasing members 214 being connected between one or more stationary components of the machine 200 and the movable platform 204. An exerciser 300 can select a resistance force to be applied to the movable platform 204 by engaging or disengaging one or more of the resistance adjustment knobs 207 from the platform 204, thereby removably affixing a corresponding biasing member 214 between a fixed component of the machine structure and the sliding platform 204. It is noted that the resistance biasing members 214, e.g., springs or cords, are operable to exert a significant amount of resistance force and thus pose a risk of injury to an exerciser 300 if the exerciser 300 comes in contact with them.

In this example embodiment, platform safety covers 315 are attached to the sides of the movable platform 204 rather than to fixed structural members of the machine 200. Thus, the platform safety covers 315 move along with the movable platform 204, close off the openings beneath the movable platform 204, and effectively enclose the interior spaces of the machine 200 that would otherwise be accessible by an exerciser 300 through the openings beneath the movable platform 204. By substantially enclosing the interior space of the machine 200 accessible from beneath the sliding platform 204, the platform safety covers 315 protect against potential injury to an exerciser 300 from coming in contact with the moving parts of the machine 200 located beneath the sliding platform 204 and the resistance biasing members 214 as described above. It will be appreciated that the platform safety covers 315 can be removably attached to the sliding platform 204 in a manner substantially similar to that described previously with respect to the side safety covers 310 and the fixed structural members of the machine 200. Alternatively, the platform safety covers 315 can be removably attached to the sliding platform 204 using different types of fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, or other suitable mechanical fasteners.

FIGS. 8-13, 17, and 18 illustrate an exemplary exercise machine 200 which includes a base 201 and an upper frame 219. The upper frame 219 includes a track 208 along which a movable platform 204 is movably connected so as to be movable between all or part of the length between the first end 302 and the second end 303 of the exercise machine 200. As best shown in FIG. 13, the space underneath the movable platform 204 is typically exposed which puts an exerciser 300 at risk of his/her fingers or other limbs becoming jammed underneath the movable platform 204 or run over by the wheels (or other movement structures) of the movable platform 204.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the space underneath the sides of the movable platform 204 may be partially or wholly covered by a platform safety cover 315. The platform safety cover 315 is attached (fixedly or removably) directly to the side of the movable platform 204 so as to cover the sides of both the bottom of the movable platform 204 and the track 208 or upper frame 219. Although the figures illustrate that the platform safety cover 315 terminates above the base 201, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the safety cover 315 may partially or fully cover the base 201 as well.

Exemplary embodiments of a platform safety cover 315 are shown in FIGS. 15A-15D. As illustrated, an exemplary embodiment of a platform safety cover 315 may comprise an exterior surface 316 which faces away from the movable platform 204 and an interior surface 316 which faces towards the movable platform 204.

The interior surface 316 of the platform safety cover 315 is attached directly to the movable platform 204 such that the platform safety cover 315 moves along with the movable platform 204. The platform safety cover 315 is not attached or connected to the exercise machine 200 so as to allow the platform safety cover 315 to move along with the movable platform 204.

The manner in which the platform safety cover 315 is connected to the movable platform 204 may vary in different embodiments. By way of example, FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary fastener 318 on the interior surface 317 of the platform safety cover 315 for engaging with a corresponding feature on the movable platform 204 itself. While the figures illustrate round female-type fasteners 318, it should be appreciated that a wide range of methods of attachment may be utilized to removably connect the platform safety cover 315 to the movable platform 204, including but not limited to clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or adhesives.

In addition to the sliding platform safety covers 315, the stationary and movable components of the front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 may be enclosed by a front end safety cover 320 and a back end safety cover 325. Although shown in FIG. 8, these are described in detail below in connection with subsequent figures.

D. Top Safety Covers

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the variation of the improved exercise machine with the previously described exercise platforms 202, 203, 204 and safety covers 315, 320, 325 removed in order to clearly illustrate an embodiment with top safety covers 212. The top safety covers 212 may comprise substantially flat planar plate structures. The top safety covers 212 extend between and for substantially the entire length of the track 208, such as a right guide rail 205 and left guide rail 206 as shown in the figures.

The plurality of top safety covers 212 provide a safety barrier between an exerciser 300 positioned on one or more of the exercise platforms 202, 203, 204 and the internal stationary and moving parts of the machine 200 through top openings in the machine 200. It should be noted that the plurality of top safety covers 212 just described may comprise one or more covers 212 of sufficient length and height so as to reliably protect the exerciser 300 from the stationary and movable members of the machine.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the variation of the improved exercise machine with the previously described exercise platforms 202, 203, 204 and safety covers 212 attached. As can be seen, the front end platform 202, back end platform 203, movable platform 204, and plurality of top safety covers 212 substantially overly and conceal the stationary and movable machine members positioned below the platforms 202, 203, 204 and safety covers 212 in the interior space of the machine 200. However, they leave exposed the resistance adjustment knobs 207 for manipulation by an exerciser 300. The positioning of the parallel right and left guide rails 205, 206 are shown for reference.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the variation of the improved exercise machine 200 with the previously described exercise platforms 202, 203, 204 and top safety covers 212 removed. With the top safety covers 212 and platforms 202, 203, 204 removed, the many stationary and movable members, elements, and components of the machine can be clearly seen. These include the right and left guide rails 205, 206, the plurality of resistance biasing members 214 attached to the corresponding plurality of resistance adjustment knobs 207 as previously described, the front and back lifting actuators 215, 216, the front and back jib arms (view obscured in this figure), and a plurality of stabilizing shock absorbers 217.

The shock absorbers 217 are connected between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 near the front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 and are arranged as mirror images. The opposite front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 can be elevated independently or together by use of the front and back lifting actuators 215, 216, the pivoting jib support arms 211, and the shock absorbers 217. The platforms 202, 203, 204 and top safety covers 212 block access to and prevent an exerciser from coming in contact with these movable members and components through top openings of the machine 200, and thus provide protection to prevent an exerciser from possibly being injured.

A plurality of transverse structural members 213 extend substantially between the guide rails 205, 206, the guide rails 205, 206 and transverse members 213 forming the basic upper frame 219. The top safety covers 212 may be mounted atop, rested upon, and supported by the structural members 213. The top safety covers 212 may be fastened to the structural members via conventional screws or nuts and bolts if desired. However, for easier disassembly and access to the internal spaces and components of the machine, the top safety covers 212 may alternatively be fastened using removable pins and sockets or other quick disconnect fasteners.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate exemplary embodiments of a top safety cover 212 for covering the area between the guide rails 205, 206 of the track 208 of the exercise machine 200. As the movable platform 204 traverses the track 208, there is always the risk that a limb such as a hand or foot will fall through the track 208 and be injured, such as by one of the components positioned underneath the track 208. To prevent such injury, the track 208 may be covered by top platform safety covers 212 such as shown in FIGS. 8-10.

Each of the top safety covers 212 may comprise a plate-like, flat member which is connected between the rails 205, 206 along the length of the exercise machine 200. As shown in FIG. 9, multiple top safety covers 212 may be utilized and connected adjacent to each other to run all or part of the span of the track 208. The number of top safety covers 212 will vary between different embodiments, and thus should not be construed as limited by the exemplary figures. More or less top safety covers 212 could be utilized.

In exercise machines 200 which utilize resistance biasing members 214 that may be selectively connected to the movable platform 204 to increase/decrease resistance to movement of the movable platform 204 along the track 208, the area of the track 208 which includes the resistance biasing members 214 may remain exposed such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In such embodiments, multiple top safety covers 212 may be utilized, with a gap between adjacent top safety covers 212 so as to expose the resistance biasing members 214.

The manner in which the top safety covers 212 are connected to the exercise machine 200 may vary in different embodiments. The top safety covers 212 may be connected to the track 208 by various methods, including the use of fasteners, clamps, bolts, nuts, screws, magnets, straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. The top safety covers 212 are generally connected between the rails 205, 206 of the track 208 such as shown in FIG. 9. More specifically, the top safety covers 212 may be connected to the respective inner edges of the rails 205, 206 such that the wheels of the movable platform 204 may still run along the outer edges of the rails 205, 206. In other embodiments, the top safety covers 212 may rest upon or be connected to transverse structural members 213 such as brackets, rods, or the like which extend between the rails 205, 206 such as shown in FIG. 11.

E. End Safety Covers

FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the improved exercise machine 200 with an exerciser 300 positioned in one of many possible positions in preparation for or during the performance of an exercise. The exerciser 300 is shown positioned on the sliding platform 204, and in practice, would be pushing and pulling the sliding platform 204 reciprocally between the front end stationary platform 202 and the back end stationary platform 203 against a biasing force such as provided by any of the resistance biasing members 214 which are affixed to the sliding platform 204.

In this exemplary embodiment, a front end safety cover 320 and a back end safety cover 325 protect the exerciser 300 against injury by preventing the exerciser 300 from coming in contact with stationary and movable components located at and near the respective front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200. Similarly, the sliding side safety covers 315 attached to the sliding platform 204 prevent the exerciser 300 from accidentally encountering the jib lifting arms 211 and other machine components that may be accessed through openings beneath the movable platform 204.

The front end safety cover 320 and back end safety cover 325 may be shaped substantially like caps and have exterior surfaces 321, 326 and interior surfaces 322, 327. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, end safety covers 320, 325 are substantially identical and each comprise a curved, C- or U-shaped configuration so as to wrap around the sides 304, 305 of the exercise machine 200 such as shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the front end safety cover 320 may include an exterior surface 321 facing away from the exercise machine 200 and an interior surface 325 which is affixed to the exercise machine 200. As shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D, the back end safety cover 325 may similarly include an exterior surface 326 facing away from the exercise machine 200 and an interior surface 325 which is affixed to the exercise machine 200. The front and back end safety covers 320, 325 are shaped to approximately match the shapes of the front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 and are sized to fit over the ends 302, 303.

The front and back end safety covers 320, 325 may be removably attachable to the front and back ends 302, 303 of the machine 200 respectively. They may be attached in any of the manners previously described herein or in any other suitable manner. Thus, for example, they may be fitted with fasteners 323, 328 on their interior sides 322, 327 that engage with and snap onto or over fixed structural members of the machine 200. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A-14D, the front end safety cover 320 includes at least one fastener 323 on its interior surface 322 and the back end safety cover 325 includes at least one fastener 328 on its interior surface 327.

Alternatively, the front and back end safety covers 320, 325 may be removably attached using straps and hooks, Velcro fasteners, adhesives or other mechanical fasteners, preferably of a quick disconnect style. Similarly to the side safety covers 310, each of the front and back end safety covers 320, 325 may be constructed as a single contiguous structure that completely encloses an end 302, 303 of the machine 200 or as multiple separate structures that approximately abut at their adjacent ends or otherwise cooperate to enclose an end 302, 303 of the machine 200. Further, the front and back end safety covers 320, 325 need not entirely enclose the ends 302, 303 of the machine 200, but suitably may enclose only the portion or portions of the ends 302, 303 with openings through which an exerciser 300 may come in contact with moving or stationary parts of the machine 200 that pose a risk of injury.

FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the variation of the improved exercise machine 200 showing the front end platform 202 elevated and the front end safety cover 320, back end safety cover 325 and sliding platform safety covers 315 removed, as indicated by the dashed lines. With the safety covers 320, 325, 315 removed, it can be clearly seen that the now exposed lifting jib arms 211, the plurality of stabilizing shock absorbers 217, and the front lifting actuator 215 of the lifting structure could cause injury if accidentally encountered by an exerciser 300. It can also be clearly seen how attachment of the various safety covers can prevent such encounters.

FIG. 17 is an end view of the variation of the improved exercise machine showing an end cover 325 attached. More specifically, the back end stationary platform 203 is shown positioned above the base 201 of the exercise machine 200 with the back end safety cover 325 attached to the machine between the two. The back end safety cover 325 closes off the openings between the structural members of the back end 303 of the machine 200 through which an exerciser 300 could come in contact with the interior spaces of the machine 200, and effectively encloses the interior spaces containing the stationary and movable members of the back end lifting structure to prevent the exerciser 200 from coming in contact with them.

FIG. 18 is another end view of the variation of the improved exercise machine 200 with the back end safety cover just described 325 having been removed to reveal the movable components of the back end lifting structure located within the interior spaces of the machine 200. For reference, the ends of the right and left guide rails 205, 206 can be clearly seen. A plurality of stabilizing shock absorbers 217 and a back end lifting actuator 216 work together when actuated by a machine operator to raise the proximal back end of the machine 200 by raising a lifting yoke 218 that is movably affixed to the lifting ends of the lifting jib arms 211 (see also FIG. 13). As can be appreciated, the exerciser 300 is prevented from encountering all of the just described machine components by the back end safety cover 209. The front end safety cover 208 is similarly attached to the front end of the machine and similarly prevents access to the stationary and moving components associated with the front lifting actuator 215 and other front lifting components best shown in FIGS. 11 and 13.

FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate exemplary embodiments of both a first end safety cover 320 and a second end safety cover 325. It should be appreciated that both of the illustrated safety covers 320, 325 are largely identical. The first end safety cover 320 includes an exterior surface 321 facing away from the exercise machine 200 and an interior surface 322 facing towards and attached to the exercise machine 200. Similarly, the second end safety cover 320 includes an exterior surface 326 facing away from the exercise machine 200 and an interior surface 322 facing towards and attached to the exercise machine 200.

The manner in which the end safety covers 320, 325 are connected to the first end 302 or second end 303 of the exercise machine 200 may vary in different embodiments. FIG. 14B illustrates a fastener 323 on the interior surface 322 of the first end safety cover 320. FIG. 14D illustrates a fastener 328 on the interior surface 326 of the second end safety cover 325. The illustrated fasteners 323, 328 are merely exemplary, as a wide range of other methods could be utilized to removably connect the end safety covers 320, 325 to the exercise machine 200, including but not limited to clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, and/or adhesives.

F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

Prior to use, the desired side safety covers 310 are removably attached as described herein to elongated structural elements 109 of the machine 100, 200 along the lateral sides 304, 305 of the machine 100 and/or to the lateral sides of the movable exercise platform 104. The desired top safety covers 212 are attached as described herein atop the transverse structural members 213 of the machine 100, 200 that extend between the elongated parallel guide rails 205, 206. The top safety covers 212 are attached to extend beneath the front and back stationary platforms 202, 203 and substantially along the entire length of the elongated guide rails 205, 206 between the front and back stationary platforms 202, 203. It is noted that it may be necessary to remove one or more of the front and back stationary platforms 202, 203 and the movable platform 204 in order to attach the top safety covers 212. The end safety covers 320, 325 are similarly attached to the front and back ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200 as desired and as described herein.

The side safety covers 310 may be connected to the sides 304, 305 of the exercise machine 100, 200 so as to cover the gap 309 between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 of the exercise machine 100, 200. The side safety covers 310 may be connected to both the base 201 and the upper frame 219, to only the base 201, or to only the upper frame 219. The fasteners 313 of the side safety covers 310 are generally connected to engage with a structural member 106, 109 of the exercise machine 100, 200 such as shown in FIG. 6.

The platform safety covers 315 may be connected to the movable platform 204 such as shown in FIG. 12 so as to cover the space between the movable platform 204 and the underlying track 208 on which it runs. The platform safety covers 315 are generally connected on either side of the movable platform 204. The platform safety covers 315 generally are connected only to the movable platform 204 such that the platform safety covers 315 move along with the movable platform 204 as it traverses the track 208. The fasteners 318 on the interior surface 317 of the platform safety covers 315 are generally connected to engage with the movable platform 204.

The end safety covers 320, 325 may be connected to the respective ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200 so as to cover the gap 309 between the base 201 and the upper frame 219 on the ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200. The end safety covers 320, 325 may be connected to both the base 201 and the upper frame 219, to only the base 201, or to only the upper frame 219. The fasteners 323, 328 of the end safety covers 320, 325 are generally connected to engage with a structural member 106, 109 of the exercise machine 100, 200.

The top safety covers 212 may be connected to the upper end of the track 208 so as to prevent access to the internal components underneath the track 208. The top safety covers 212 may be connected to the respective inner edges of the rails 205, 206 of the track 208, leaving the outer edges of the rails 205, 206 exposed so that the wheels of the movable platform 204 may move along the rails 205, 206. The top safety cover 212 may also or alternatively rest upon or be connected to one or more transverse structural members 213 extending between the rails 205, 206.

Once the desired safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 are attached, an exerciser 300 may use the exercise machine 100, 200 in the normal manner. During the exerciser's 300 use of the machine 100, 200, any attached safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 of the safety system are operable to close off openings and gaps 309 between structural components 106, 109, such as between the base 201 and the upper frame 219, of the machine 100, 200 and to enclose the interior spaces containing the various moving and other components of the exercise machine 100, 200 with which the exerciser 300 could otherwise come in contact through the openings and gaps 309 and possibly be injured. The safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 function to substantially close off openings between structural components 106, 109 in the sides 304, 305, top, and ends 302, 303 of the exercise machine 100, 200 through which the exerciser 300 could come into contact with the internal components of the machine 100, 200. By closing off the openings and gaps 309 and enclosing the internal components of the exercise machine 100, 200, the exercise machine safety system reduces the risk of injury to the exerciser 300 and enhances the exerciser's safety.

If it becomes necessary to perform maintenance or adjustments on the exercise machine 100, 200 at any time, a technician can easily and without special tools remove the desired safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 to access the necessary internal spaces and components of the machine. Upon completion, the removed safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 can be readily reattached to the machine 100, 200 as described herein without the need for any special tools and the machine 100, 200 is then ready again for normal use by exercisers 300.

The novel exercise machine and variations described above comprise various moving parts and a safety system comprising various easily attachable and removable safety covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 that provide a barrier between an exerciser 300 and the internal moving parts of the machine 100, 200. The covers may be affixed to the machine 100, 200 with various fasteners 313, 318, 323, 328 and/or latches as described herein so that special tools or equipment are not required for affixing or removing the covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325. For instance, contemplated fasteners 313, 318, 323, 328 include hook and loop fasteners, magnetic fasteners, adhesives, and/or integral resilient features positioned on the interior 312, 317, 322, 327 of the covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 that allow snapping the covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 directly to structural members 106, 109 of the machines 100, 200. However, the covers 212, 310, 315, 320, 325 also may be affixed using traditional fastening hardware such as nuts and bolts.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the safety cover, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The safety covers described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

1. An exercise machine safety system, comprising:

an exercise machine comprising a base, an upper frame, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the upper frame includes at least one track, wherein the upper frame includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one track has a longitudinal axis;

a platform moveably connected to the at least one track and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the at least one track; and

a first side safety cover connected between the base and the upper frame of the exercise machine, the first side safety cover being connected to the exercise machine so as to cover a gap between the base and the upper frame of the exercise machine.

2. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, wherein the first side safety cover is connected to the first side of the exercise machine.

3. The exercise machine safety system of claim 2, comprising a second side safety cover connected to the second side of the exercise machine.

4. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, wherein the first side safety cover comprises a fastener for connecting to the exercise machine.

5. The exercise machine safety system of claim 4, wherein the fastener is connected to the base of the exercise machine.

6. The exercise machine safety system of claim 4, wherein the fastener is connected to the upper frame of the exercise machine.

7. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, comprising a platform safety cover connected to the platform.

8. The exercise machine safety system of claim 7, wherein the platform safety cover extends downwardly from the platform to cover the at least one track underneath the platform.

9. The exercise machine safety system of claim 7, wherein the platform safety cover comprises a fastener, wherein the fastener is connected to the platform.

10. The exercise machine safety system of claim 1, comprising an end safety cover connected to the first end or the second end of the exercise machine.

11. The exercise machine safety system of claim 10, wherein the end safety cover comprises a fastener for connecting to the exercise machine.

12. The exercise machine safety system of claim 11, wherein the exercise machine comprises an end platform at or near the first end or the second end of the exercise machine, wherein the fastener is connected to the end platform.

13. The exercise machine safety system of claim 10, wherein the end safety cover comprises a U-shaped configuration so as to wrap around the first side and the second side of the exercise machine.

14. An exercise machine safety system, comprising:

an exercise machine comprising a base, an upper frame, a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the upper frame includes at least one track, wherein the upper frame includes a central longitudinal axis and wherein the at least one track has a longitudinal axis, wherein the track comprises a first rail and a second rail, wherein the first rail is parallel and distally-spaced with respect to the second rail;

a platform moveably connected to the at least one track and adapted to be moveable along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the at least one track;

a first end platform connected at or near the first end of the exercise machine;

a second end platform connected at or near the second end of the exercise machine; and

a top safety cover connected to the at least one track underneath the platform such that the platform may move over the top safety cover, the top safety cover being connected to the at least one track so as to cover a space between the first rail and the second rail of the at least one track.

15. The exercise machine safety system of claim 14, wherein the top safety cover is connected to the inner edge of the first rail and the inner edge of the second rail.

16. The exercise machine safety system of claim 14, comprising a transverse structural member connected between the first rail and the second rail, wherein the top safety cover rests on the transverse structural member.

17. The exercise machine safety system of claim 14, comprising a first side safety cover removably connected between the base and the upper frame on the first side of the exercise machine.

18. The exercise machine safety system of claim 17, comprising a second side safety cover removably connected between the base and the upper frame on the second side of the exercise machine.

19. The exercise machine safety system of claim 18, comprising a first platform safety cover removably connected to a first side of the platform and a second platform safety cover connected to a second side of the platform.

20. The exercise machine safety system of claim 19, comprising a first end safety cover removably connected to the first end platform and a second end safety cover removably connected to the second end platform.