# US 9,517,379 B2 · Exercise machine with unstable user support > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,517,379 B2 - Document ID: US9517379B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/961,879 - Filed: 2015-12-07 - Published: 2016-03-24 - Granted: 2016-12-13 - Earliest claimed: 2012-04-17 - Assignees: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. - Applicants: Hoist Fitness Systems, Inc. - Inventors: Bruce Hockridge; Jeffrey O. Meredith; Thao V. Doan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9517379B2 ## CPC - A63B 22/16: Platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis {, e.g. axis through the middle of the platform}; Balancing drums; Balancing boards or the like {(exercising apparatus with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0056; other exercising apparatus for improving balance A63B26/003)} - A63B 21/4033: {Handles, pedals, bars or platforms} - A63B 21/4043: {Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance (A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence)} - A63B 22/14: Platforms for reciprocating rotating motion about a vertical axis {, e.g. axis through the middle of the platform} - A63B 23/02: for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso {muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)} - A63B 23/0216: {moving lower limbs with immobilized torso} - 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 26/003: {for improving balance or equilibrium (balance beams A63B4/00; apparatus for rope dancing A63B7/08; balancing drums, balancing boards or the like A63B22/16)} - A63B 21/4035: {for operation by hand} - 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 23/1209: {Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously} - A63B 2023/003: {by torsion of the body part around its longitudinal axis} - A63B 2208/0214: Kneeling - A63B 2208/0233: in 90/90 position, like on a chair - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract An unstable user support device designed for mounting on an exercise machine has a base or mounting bracket and an unstable user support platform configured for engagement by user and pivotally mounted on the base for pivotal movement through a limited angular range about a non-vertical pivot axis. The pivoting movement may be a side to side tilting movement. Stops between the base and the unstable user support platform control the amount of pivoting movement. This arrangement provides a degree of instability to the unstable user support platform, to provide a greater challenge to the user's core muscles in balancing the unstable user support platform while performing an exercise motion. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An unstable user support for supporting a user in a seated position while performing an exercise on an exercise machine, comprising: a base having a U-shaped base mounting bracket comprising a horizontal bottom member and two spaced apart vertical side members extending upwardly from the horizontal bottom member; an unstable user support platform configured to support the user in the seated position while performing the exercise; the unstable user support platform pivotally mounted on the U-shaped base mounting bracket for free rotational tilting movement about at least one non-vertical pivot axis in at least two opposite directions between first and second tilted end positions, the unstable user support platform having a centered support position between said first and second tilted end positions; and a stop assembly between the base and the unstable user support platform which defines the respective first and second tilted end positions and limits tilting movement from said centered support position in each direction to a predetermined angular range; and a base support member positioned a vertical distance above the base, wherein the horizontal bottom member is secured to an upper surface of the base support member so that an upper surface of the horizontal bottom member is facing the unstable user support platform. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The unstable user support of claim 1 further comprising a pivot pin which provides the pivotal connection between the base and the unstable user support platform, wherein the pivot pin extends between the two spaced apart vertical side members of the U-shaped base mounting bracket. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The unstable user support of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-vertical pivot axis is substantially parallel to the unstable user support platform. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The unstable user support of claim 3, wherein the stop assembly comprises first and second end stops defining the respective first and second tilted end positions. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The unstable user support of claim 4, wherein the first and second end stops comprise resilient bumpers mounted on one of the base and the unstable user support platform on opposite sides of the at least one non-vertical pivot axis. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The unstable user support of claim 5, wherein the resilient bumpers are mounted on the base. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The unstable user support of claim 1, wherein the unstable user support platform has at least one user support pad configured to support the user in the seated position. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The unstable user support of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-vertical pivot axis extends in a direction from a front end of the unstable user support platform to a rear end of the unstable user support platform, and the unstable user support platform is configured for side-to-side tilting movement to the right and left of the centered support position. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The unstable user support of claim 1, wherein the base support member is a base support post. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The unstable user support of claim 1, wherein the base support member is a base support strut. ### Claim 11 An unstable user support for supporting a user in a seated position while performing an exercise on an exercise machine, comprising: a base; an unstable user support platform configured to support the user in the seated position while performing the exercise; the unstable user support platform pivotally mounted on a U-shaped base mounting bracket for free rotational tilting movement about at least one non-vertical axis; and a joint which provides the pivotal connection between the base and the unstable user support platform; a stop assembly between the base and the unstable user support platform which limits tilting movement from a centered support position to a predetermined angular range; and a base support member positioned a vertical distance above the base, wherein the U-shaped base mounting bracket is secured to an upper surface of the base support member. ### Claim 12 An exercise machine, comprising: a stationary main frame having a forward end, a rear end, and opposite sides; an unstable user support assembly mounted on the main frame and adapted to support a user in a seated position during an exercise; an exercise arm assembly movably mounted relative to the main frame and having a user engaging portion which is adapted for engagement by a part of the user's body to perform the exercise when the user is supported in the seated position on the unstable user support assembly, wherein the unstable user support assembly comprises: a base having a U-shaped base mounting bracket comprising a horizontal bottom member and two spaced apart vertical side members extending upwardly from the horizontal bottom member; an unstable user support platform configured to support the user in the seated position while performing the exercise; the unstable user support platform pivotally mounted on the U-shaped base mounting bracket for free rotational tilting movement about at least one non-vertical pivot axis in at least two opposite directions between first and second tilted end positions, the unstable user support platform having a centered support position between said first and second tilted end positions; and a stop assembly between the base and the unstable user support platform which defines the respective first and second tilted end positions and limits tilting movement from said centered support position in each direction to a predetermined angular range; and wherein the base is secured to the main frame. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The exercise machine of claim 12, further comprising a connecting linkage between the unstable user support assembly and exercise arm assembly, wherein the connecting linkage links movement of the exercise arm assembly during the exercise to movement of the unstable user support assembly about a second pivot axis. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The exercise machine of claim 13, wherein the at least one non-vertical pivot axis and the second pivot axis are substantially horizontal. ### Claim 15 (depends on 13) The exercise machine of claim 13, further comprising a load which resists movement of at least one of the unstable user support assembly, the exercise arm assembly, and the connecting linkage. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the at least one non-vertical pivot axis is substantially horizontal. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the stop assembly comprises first and second end stops defining the respective first and second tilted end positions. ### Claim 18 (depends on 12) The exercise machine of claim 12 further comprising a pivot pin which provides the pivotal connection between the base and the unstable user support platform, wherein the pivot pin extends between the two spaced apart vertical side members of the U-shaped base mounting bracket. ### Claim 19 (depends on 12) The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the at least one non-vertical pivot axis is substantially parallel to the unstable user support platform. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The exercise machine of claim 19, wherein the stop assembly comprises first and second end stops defining the respective first and second tilted end positions. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The exercise machine of claim 20, wherein the first and second end stops comprise resilient bumpers mounted on one of the base and the unstable user support platform on opposite sides of the at least one non-vertical pivot axis. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The exercise machine of claim 21, wherein the resilient bumpers are mounted on the base. ### Claim 23 (depends on 12) The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the unstable user support platform has at least one user support pad configured to support the user in the seated position. ### Claim 24 (depends on 12) The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the at least one non-vertical pivot axis extends in a direction from a front end of the unstable user support platform to a rear end of the unstable user support platform, and the unstable user support platform is configured for side-to-side tilting movement to the right and left of the centered support position.