# US 12,110,132 B2 · Exercise device for use in microgravity environments

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- Number: US 12,110,132 B2
- Document ID: US12110132B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/597,748
- Filed: 2020-07-20
- Published: 2022-08-25
- Granted: 2024-10-08
- Earliest claimed: 2019-07-24
- Assignees: Hifi Black Limited
- Applicants: Hifi Black Limited
- Inventors: John Kennett
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12110132B2

## CPC

- A63B 21/00065: {by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units}
- B64G 1/22: Parts of, or equipment specially adapted for fitting in or to, cosmonautic vehicles
- A63B 21/023: {Wound springs}
- A63B 21/0428: {the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation}
- A63B 21/0602: {Fluids, e.g. water}
- A63B 21/0603: {Fluid-like particles, e.g. gun shot or sand}
- A63B 21/0604: {Solid masses, e.g. concrete (A63B21/0603 takes precedence)}
- A63B 21/0618: {moving in a horizontal plane without substantial friction, i.e. using inertial forces}
- A63B 21/151: {Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains}
- A63B 21/154: {using special pulley-assemblies}
- A63B 21/4005: {to the shoulder}
- A63B 21/4007: {to the chest region, e.g. to the back chest}
- A63B 21/4031: {with parts of the bench moving against a resistance during exercise}
- A63B 21/4034: {for operation by feet}
- A63B 21/4035: {for operation by hand}
- A63B 21/4045: {Reciprocating movement along, in or on a guide (weights moving along or in guiding means A63B21/06; for cardio-training A63B22/201)}
- A63B 22/0089: {a counterforce being provided to the support (force-resisting aspects A63B21/00)}
- A63B 22/203: {in a horizontal plane}
- A63B 23/03525: {Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle (A63B21/0724 takes precedence)}
- A63B 23/03533: {With separate means driven by each limb, i.e. performing different movements}
- A63B 23/0405: {involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously (A63B23/0476 takes precedence)}
- A63B 23/1209: {Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously}
- A63B 24/0062: {Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance}
- B64G 1/60: Crew or passenger accommodations
- A63B 23/12: for upper limbs {or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles (bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06)}
- A63B 2023/0411: {Squatting exercises}
- A63B 2208/0233: in 90/90 position, like on a chair
- A63B 2208/0252: supine
- A63B 2220/40: Acceleration
- A63B 2220/833: Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
- B64G 1/228: {Damping of high-frequency vibration effects on spacecraft elements, e.g. by using acoustic vibration dampers}
- A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H)
- B64G: COSMONAUTICS; VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT THEREFOR

## Abstract

A device including a first member for supporting a user; and a second member 14, attached to the first member, including a counterbalance portion. The first member and the second member are each moveable, and operable to slide with respect to each other in opposite directions, between a first position and a second position. The device can be operable such that between the first and second positions, the combined center of mass of the device 10 and its user remains substantially fixed. This serves to reduce the extent of forces and vibrations generated by use of the device on the object to which the device is located.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A device for use in microgravity environments, the device comprising:
a first member for supporting a user;
a second member, attached to the first member, comprising a counterbalance portion;
wherein the first member and the second member are each moveable, and operable to slide with respect to each other in opposite directions, between a first position and a second position, and
wherein a mass of the counterbalance portion is variable for balancing a mass of the first member and a user with a mass of the second member.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is operable such that between the first position and the second position, a combined center of mass of the device and a user remains substantially fixed.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are operable to slide with respect to each other about a single axis of movement.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the counterbalance portion comprises a rack for storing separate masses.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one rack and pinion for controlling the sliding movement of the first member and the second member.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one biasing means for biasing the first member and the second member from the second position towards the first position.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one basing means comprises a plurality of biasing means.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the first member comprises a headrest.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the first member comprises at least one shoulder pad.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the first member comprises at least one handle for gripping by the user.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the second member comprises a footplate that is moveable between an erected position and a collapsed position.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one sensor.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor is an accelerometer.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising at least one bracket attached to the device, wherein each of the at least one bracket comprises a rope receiving means, wherein each of the at least one bracket is moveable between a first stowed position in which each of the at least one bracket is located between the first member and the second member, and a second erected position where each of the at least one bracket extends out from between the first member and the second member.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The device according to claim 14, wherein each of the at least one bracket is configured to move between the first stowed position and the second erected position by a rotational movement and a sliding movement.

### Claim 16 (depends on 1)

An assembly comprising the device according to claim 1, and a support member comprising a first end which is attached to the device, and a second end for attaching the assembly to a surface.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The assembly according to claim 16, further comprising at least one first dampening member, wherein the device is attached to the first end of the support member via the at least one first dampening member.

### Claim 18 (depends on 16)

The assembly according to claim 16, further comprising at least one second dampening member, wherein the support member comprises a pair of support legs which are connected to each other via the least one second dampening member.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The assembly according to claim 18, further comprising at least one third dampening member attached to the second end of the support member such that the assembly is attachable to the surface via the at least one third dampening member.

### Claim 20 (depends on 1)

An assembly comprising the device according to claim 1, further comprising a pole extending upwards from the first member for straddling by a user in a seated position on the first member.

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

An assembly comprising the device according to claim 1, further comprising a harness attachable to the first member for securing a user to the first member.

### Claim 22 (depends on 16)

A vehicle comprising the assembly according to claim 16, wherein the surface is a floor of the vehicle, and the assembly is attached to the floor.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.