Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WEIGHT STACK ISOLATOR AND
SELECTORIZED MACHINE INCORPORATING THE SAME
Field
[0001] The subject disclosure relates generally to selectorized machines, and
more
particularly to a weight stack isolator for placing under at least a portion
of a weight stack of
a selectorized machine and to a selectorized machine incorporating the weight
stack
isolator.
Background
[0002] Selectorized machines provide the benefit of selectable resistance
while exercising.
This flexibility allows a single machine to provide adjustable difficulty to
accommodate
varying user needs. A typical selectorized machine includes a frame supporting
a cable and
pulley system, guide rails and a weight stack. The weight stack travels along
the guide rails
and provides resistance, which is then transmitted by the cable and pulley
system to a user
during exercises. The weight stack will typically include a plurality of
weight plates that can
be selectively engaged with the pulley system to adjust resistance.
[0003] During exercises, the user raises and lowers the engaged weight plates
using the
cable and pulley system. However, if the weight plates are released
prematurely or lowered
abruptly, the resulting impact of the engaged weight plates on the unengaged
remainder of
the weight stack, or on the frame of the selectorized machine, can result in
significant noise
and vibration. This noise and vibration can propagate into and through the
surrounding
building structure to nearby areas such as adjacent rooms or floors, which is
often
undesirable. This noise and vibration can be particularly significant in
buildings that were not
originally designed to dampen such noise and vibration, such as in buildings
that were
retrofitted to include workout facilities. Accordingly, options for damping
weight plate
impacts in selectorized machines are generally desired.
[0004] It is therefore an object to provide a novel weight stack isolator and
selectorized
machine incorporating the same.
Summary
[0005] It should be appreciated that this summary is provided to introduce a
selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed
description.
This summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
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[0006] In one aspect there is provided a weight stack isolator for positioning
under at least a
portion of a weight stack of a selectorized machine, the weight stack isolator
comprising: an
impact damper having at least one rail void therein configured to receive at
least one guide
rail of the selectorized machine, the impact damper being shaped to at least
partially
surround a section of the at least one guide rail when received in the at
least one rail void, to
secure the weight stack isolator to the selectorized machine.
[0007] In some embodiments, the impact damper may comprise a damping layer and
an
overlying impact layer. The damping layer and the impact layer may have
similar footprints.
The impact layer may be formed of resilient rubber, may have a thickness of
generally 8 mm
and may have a weight of generally 77 kg per 9 m2. The damping layer may be
formed of a
low dynamic modulus elastomer, may have a thickness of generally 50 mm, may
have a
weight of generally 7 kg per 2 m2, and may have a durometer of generally 10.
[0008] In some embodiments, the impact damper may be shaped to completely
surround
the section of the at least one guide rail when received in the at least one
rail void. The
impact damper may have at least one slit extending from an outer perimeter of
the impact
damper to the at least one rail void. The weight stack isolator may further
comprise a
bearing plate underlying the impact damper, the bearing plate may have at
least one plate
void therein extending inwardly from an outer perimeter of the bearing plate
in alignment with
the at least one slit and the at least one rail void. The bearing plate may be
formed of steel
and may have a thickness of generally 3 mm. In some embodiments, the at least
one guide
rail may comprise a plurality of guide rails, the at least one rail void may
comprise a plurality
of rail voids, each of the rail voids being configured to receive a
corresponding one of the
guide rails, and the at least one slit may comprise a plurality of slits, each
of the slits
extending from the outer perimeter of the impact damper to a respective one of
the rail voids.
[0009] In some embodiments, the impact damper may be shaped to partially
surround the
section of the at least one guide rail when received in the at least one rail
void, the at least
one rail void may extend inwardly from an outer perimeter of the impact damper
and the at
least one rail void may be configured to removably receive the at least one
guide rail. The
weight stack isolator may further comprise a bearing plate underlying the
impact damper, the
bearing plate may have at least one plate void extending inwardly from an
outer perimeter of
the bearing plate in alignment with the at least one rail void. The bearing
plate may be
formed of steel and may have a thickness of generally 3 mm. In some
embodiments, the at
least one guide rail may comprise a plurality of guide rails and the at least
one rail void may
comprise a plurality of rail voids, each of the rail voids being configured to
receive a
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,
corresponding one of the guide rails and each of the rail voids extending
inwardly from the
outer perimeter of the impact damper.
[0010] In some embodiments, the weight stack isolator may have a generally
similar
footprint to that of the bottommost weight in the weight stack. The weight
stack isolator may
have a selector rod void therein extending at least partially therethrough for
receiving a
selector rod of the selectorized machine.
[0011] In another aspect there is provided a selectorized machine comprising:
a weight
stack; at least one guide rail for guiding the weight stack; and a weight
stack isolator, as
defined in the above summary, positioned under at least a portion of the
weight stack.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0012] Embodiments will now be described below with reference to the
accompanying
drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements and in
which:
[0013] FIG. us a perspective view of a selectorized machine with an installed
weight stack
isolator;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the selectorized machine of FIG. 1,
focusing on the
weight stack isolator and with the weight stack and selector rod omitted;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an axonometric view of the weight stack isolator;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the weight stack isolator;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an axonometric view of another weight stack isolator;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the weight stack isolator of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 7 is an axonometric view of another weight stack isolator;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the weight stack isolator of FIG. 7;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an axonometric view of another weight stack isolator;
[0022] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the weight stack isolator of FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 11 is an axonometric view of another weight stack isolator; and
[0024] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the weight stack isolator of FIG. 11.
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,
Detailed Description of Embodiments
[0025] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of
certain
embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the
appended
drawings. As used herein, an element or feature introduced in the singular and
preceded by
the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding the
plural of the
elements or features. Further, references to "one example" or "one embodiment"
are not
intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples
or
embodiments that also incorporate the described elements or features.
Moreover, unless
explicitly stated to the contrary, examples or embodiments "comprising" or
"having" or
"including" an element or feature or a plurality of elements or features
having a particular
property may include additional elements or features not having that property.
Also, it will be
appreciated that the terms "comprises", "has", "includes" means "including by
not limited to"
and the terms "comprising", "having" and "including" have equivalent meanings.
[0026] As used herein, the terms "adapted" and "configured" mean that the
element or
feature is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use
of the terms
"adapted" and "configured" should not be construed to mean that a given
element or feature
is simply "capable of' performing a given function but that the element or
feature is
specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, and/or designed for the
purpose of
performing the function. Also, elements or features that are described as
being adapted or
operative to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively
be described as
being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.
[0027] As used herein, the term "and/or" can include any and all combinations
of one or
more of the associated listed elements or features.
[0028] It will be understood that when an element or feature is referred to as
being "on",
"attached" to, "connected" to, "coupled" with, "contacting", etc. another
element or feature,
that element or feature can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled
with or
contacting the other element or feature or intervening elements may also be
present. In
contrast, when an element or feature is referred to as being, for example,
"directly on",
"directly attached" to, "directly connected" to, "directly coupled" with or
"directly contacting"
another element of feature, there are no intervening elements or features
present.
[0029] It will be understood that spatially relative terms, such as "under",
"below", "lower",
"over", "above", "upper", "front", "back" and the like, may be used herein for
ease of
description to describe the relationship of an element or feature to another
element or
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feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can
however, encompass
different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
[0030] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the
same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which the
subject disclosure pertains.
[0031] In the following, exemplary weight stack isolators and an exemplary
selectorized
machine incorporating the same are described. Broadly, the weight stack
isolators comprise
an impact damper defining at least one rail void configured to receive at
least one guide rail
of the selectorized machine. The impact damper is shaped to at least partially
surround a
section of the at least one guide rail when received in the at least one rail
void, to secure the
weight stack isolator to the selectorized machine. Particular non-limited
examples of the
weight stack isolators and a selectorized machine incorporating the same will
now be
described.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a selectorized machine generally identified by
reference character
20. The selectorized machine 20 comprises a frame 22, an exercise feature 24
(in this
embodiment, a pull-down bar), a cable and pulley system 26, a selector rod 28,
guide rails
30 and a weight stack 32. The selectorized machine also includes a seat 34 and
may
optionally comprise other accessories. A weight stack isolator 36 is installed
on the
selectorized machine 20 under the weight stack 32. The frame 22 supports the
guide rails
30, the weight stack 32, the selector rod 28 and the weight stack isolator 36
in vertical
alignment. The frame 22 further supports the exercise feature 24, the cable
and pulley
system 26 and the seat 34 in proximity to the weight stack 32. The weight
stack 32
comprises a plurality of weights in the form of plates 38, and the weight
stack isolator 36 is
positioned under the bottommost plate 38 of the weight stack 32. Each plate 38
can be
selectively coupled with the selector rod 28 by inserting a selector pin 40
through aligned
holes in the plate 38 and selector rod 28. The selector rod 28 is connected to
one end of the
cable and pulley system 26 adjacent the weight stack 32, while the opposite
end of the cable
and pulley system 26 is connected to the exercise feature 24. Accordingly, the
plates 38 in
the weight stack 32 can be selectively engaged or disengaged with the selector
rod 28 to
vary the resistance on the exercise feature 24. As will be appreciated, the
embodiment of
the selectorized machine 20 shown in FIG. 1 is intended to be illustrative and
other
selectorized machine configurations and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the
art. For example, the selectorized machine may comprise a single guide rail or
more than
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two guide rails. In some embodiments the plates 38 in the weight stack 32 may
be disks or
other shapes or configurations of weights.
[0033] During use, a user selectively engages a number of the plates 38 with
the selector
rod 28 to provide a desired amount of resistance on the exercise feature 24
and then
interacts with the exercise feature 24 to raise and lower the engaged plates
38 along the
guide rails 30 via the cable and pulley system 26 and the selector rod 28. As
the engaged
plates 38 are lowered and impact either the remaining unengaged plates 38 or
the weight
stack isolator 36 directly, the weight stack isolator 36 absorbs or dampens
the impact to
reduce noise and vibration that is transmitted into the surrounding
environment, especially
through the frame 22.
[0034] FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 better illustrate the weight stack isolator 36. The
weight stack
isolator 36 has generally planar top, bottom and side surfaces, and has a
rectangular
footprint that is generally similar to that of the bottommost plate 38 of the
weight stack 32.
The weight stack isolator 36 comprises an impact damper 42 and a bearing plate
44. The
bearing plate 44 underlies the impact damper 42 and may be adhered thereto.
During use,
the weight stack isolator 36 is positioned under the bottommost plate 38 of
the weight stack
32 and surrounds a section of the guide rails 30 to removably secure the
weight stack
isolator 36 to the selectorized machine 20 under the weight stack 32.
[0035] The impact damper 42 comprises a plurality of stacked layers that may
be adhered
together, including an impact layer 46 and a damping layer 48. The impact
layer 46 overlies
the damping layer 48 and protects the damping layer 48 from being directly
impacted by the
weight stack 32. The impact layer 46 is formed of resilient rubber, such as
recycled rubber.
The damping layer 48, which underlies the impact layer 46, absorbs or dampens
noise and
vibration caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during use. The damping
layer 48 is
formed of a resilient material with a low dynamic modulus.
[0036] The impact damper 42 has a plurality of rail voids 50 therein for
receiving the guide
rails 30 of the selectorized machine 20. Each of the rail voids 50 is a cutout
or through-hole
in the impact damper 42 that is sized to receive a corresponding one of the
guide rails 30,
and each of the rail voids 50 extends through both the impact layer 46 and the
damping
layer 48. The rail voids 50 are laterally spaced apart and cylindrically
shaped, i.e. each of
the rail voids 50 has a circular horizontal cross-section. It will however be
appreciated that in
other embodiments, each of the rail voids 50 may have an oval, square,
rectangular, oblong
or otherwise shaped horizontal cross-section. The impact damper 42 further has
a plurality
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of parallel and planar slits 52 provided therein. Each of the slits 52 extends
inwardly from
the same side of an outer perimeter of the impact damper 42 to a corresponding
one of the
rail voids 50 and extends through both the impact layer 46 and the damping
layer 48. As
further described below, the impact damper 42 is resiliently flexible to
permit the guide rails
30 to pass through the slits 52 and into the rail voids 50.
[0037] The bearing plate 44 has a similar footprint to that of the impact
damper 42 and has a
plurality of plate voids 54 therein for receiving the guide rails 30 of the
selectorized machine
20. Each of the plate voids 54 underlies and is in alignment with one of the
rail voids 50 and
one of the slits 52 in the impact damper 42. As illustrated in FIG. 4, each of
the plate voids
54 is an elongated cutout or slot extending inwardly from an outer perimeter
of the bearing
plate 44. Each of the plate voids 54 is sized to receive the corresponding
guide rail 30, and
each of the plate voids 54 has a generally rectangular footprint ending in a
semi-circular arch
opposite the outer perimeter of the bearing plate 44. The plate voids 54 are
laterally spaced
apart and extend inwardly from the same side of the outer perimeter of the
bearing plate 44.
Each of the plate voids 54 has a width greater than that of the corresponding
guide rail 30, to
permit the guide rail 30 to be received in the plate void 54. The semi-
circular arch at the end
of each of the plate voids 54 has a curvature similar to that of the
corresponding guide rail
30.
[0038] The bearing plate 44 is rigid and formed of metal, such as steel, or
other rigid
material. During use, the bearing plate 44 rest on the frame 22 of the
selectorized machine
20 and supports the impact damper 42 above it to spread impacts from the
weight stack 32
across the impact damper 42. Spreading the impact across the impact damper 42
can help
to reduce wear and tear on the impact damper 42 and can help to ensure that
the impact
damper 42 operates within a designed compression range. Operating the impact
damper 42
within the designed compression range and reducing wear and tear on the impact
damper
42 can help to ensure that the weight stack isolator 36 provides a desired
level of damping
and can help to increase the useable life of the weight stack isolator 36.
[0039] In this embodiment, the weight stack isolator 36 has a selector rod
void 56 therein for
receiving the selector rod 28 of the selectorized machine 20. The necessity,
location and
shape of the selector rod void 56 of course depends on the configuration of
the selectorized
machine with which the weight stack isolator is intended to be used. For the
selectorized
machine 20 of FIG. 1, the selector rod void 56 is located between the rail
voids 50 in the
impact damper 42 and between the plate voids 54 in the bearing plate 44. The
selector rod
void 56 is cylindrically shaped and extends through both the impact damper 42
and the
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bearing plate 44. In other embodiments, the selector rod void 56 may be
otherwise shaped
and may extend only partway through the weight stack isolator 36. As will be
appreciated,
the selector rod void 56 may only be necessary in embodiments where the weight
stack
isolator 36 underlies the selector rod 28 and the selector rod 28 extends
below the weight
stack 32, or extends below the portion of the weight stack 32 overlying the
weight stack
isolator 36. Nevertheless, the selector rod void 56 can be included in further
embodiments
to improve flexibility of the weight stack isolator 36, to facilitate mass
production and/or to
achieve a desired level of damping.
[0040] As described above, the weight stack isolator 36 is adapted for
retrofitting to an
existing selectorized machine 20. That is, the selectorized machine 20 may be
originally
assembled with limited or no noise and vibration damping and thereafter the
weight stack
isolator 36 can be installed on the selectorized machine 20 to absorb or
dampen noise and
vibration caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during use.
[0041] To install the weight stack isolator 36 on the selectorized machine 20,
the entire
weight stack 32 is engaged with the selector rod 28 and then raised using the
exercise
feature 24, the cable and pulley system 26 and the selector rod 28. Typically,
this involves
inserting the selector pin 40 through the bottommost plate 38 of the weight
stack 32 and
through the selector rod 28 and then pulling on the exercise feature 24 with
one or more
persons. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods
for selectively
engaging and raising the weight stack 32 can be used depending on the
configuration of the
selectorized machine 20.
[0042] Once the weight stack 32 has been raised, the slits 52 of the weight
stack isolator 36
are aligned with the guide rails 30 under the weight stack 32 and the weight
stack isolator 36
is forcibly pressed against the guide rails 30. As the guide rails 30 press
against the slits 52,
the impact damper 42 deforms to permit the guide rails 30 to pass through the
slits 52 and
into the rail voids 50 in the impact damper 42, as well as into the underlying
plate voids 54 in
the bearing plate 44. Receiving the guide rails 30 in the voids 50, 54 of the
weight stack
isolator 36 positions the weight stack isolator 36 under the weight stack 32.
Once the guide
rails 30 are received in the rail voids 50 and the plate voids 54, the impact
damper 42 returns
to its original shape and surrounds a section of the guide rails 30 to secure
the weight stack
isolator 36 to the selectorized machine 20 under the weight stack 32. If
necessary, the
weight stack isolator 36 can then be lowered on the guide rails 30 until it is
supported by the
frame 22, directly or indirectly, and the weight stack 32 can be lowered until
it is resting on
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the weight stack isolator 36. As will be appreciated, the weight stack
isolator 36 can be
removed from the selectorized machine 20 by reversing this procedure.
[0043] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another embodiment of a weight stack isolator
generally
identified by reference character 136. The weight stack isolator 136 is
similar to the weight
stack isolator 36 and like elements are identified by like reference
characters, incremented
by 100. Similar to weight stack isolator 36, the weight stack isolator 136 is
designed to be
retrofitted to the selectorized machine 20. In this embodiment, the weight
stack isolator 136
is configured to be forcibly rotated to install the weight stack isolator 136
on the selectorized
machine 20, as further described below.
[0044] The weight stack isolator 136 has generally planar top, bottom and side
surfaces,
and has a rectangular footprint that is generally similar to that of the
bottommost plate 38 of
the weight stack 32. The weight stack isolator 136 comprises an impact damper
142 and a
bearing plate 144. The bearing plate 144 underlies the impact damper 142 and
may be
adhered thereto. During use, the weight stack isolator 136 is positioned under
the
bottommost plate 38 of the weight stack 32 and surrounds a section of the
guide rails 30 to
removably secure the weight stack isolator 136 to the selectorized machine 20
under the
weight stack 32.
[0045] The impact damper 142 comprises a plurality of stacked layers that may
be adhered
together, including an impact layer 146 and a damping layer 148. The impact
layer 146
overlies the damping layer 148 and protects the damping layer 148 from being
directly
impacted by the weight stack 32. The impact layer 146 is formed of resilient
rubber, such as
recycled rubber. The damping layer 148, which underlines the impact layer 146,
absorbs or
dampens noise and vibration caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during
use. The
damping layer 148 is formed of a resilient material with a low dynamic
modulus.
[0046] The impact damper 142 has a plurality of rail voids 150 therein for
receiving the guide
rails 30 of the selectorized machine 20. Each of the rail voids 150 is a
cutout or through-hole
in the impact damper 142 that is sized to receive a corresponding one of the
guide rails 30
and each of the rail voids 150 extends through both the impact layer 146 and
the damping
layer 148. The rail voids 150 are laterally spaced apart and cylindrically
shaped, i.e. each of
the rail voids 150 has a circular horizontal cross-section. It will however be
appreciated that
in other embodiments, each of the rail voids 150 may have an oval, square,
rectangular,
oblong or otherwise shaped horizontal cross-section. The impact damper 142
further has a
plurality of arcuate slits 152 provided therein and extending from opposite
sides of the weight
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stack isolator 136. Each of the slits 152 extends inwardly from an outer
perimeter of the
impact damper 142 to a corresponding one of the rail voids 150 and extends
through both
the impact layer 146 and the damping layer 148. As further described below,
the impact
damper 142 is resiliently flexible to permit the guide rails 30 to pass
through the slits 152 and
into the rail voids 150.
[0047] The bearing plate 144 has a similar footprint to that of the impact
damper 142 and
has a plurality of plate voids 154 therein for receiving the guide rails 30 of
the selectorized
machine 20. Each of the plate voids 154 underlies and is in alignment with one
of the rail
voids 150 and one of the slits 152 in the impact damper 142. As illustrated in
FIG. 6, each of
the plate voids 154 is an elongated cutout or slot extending inwardly from an
outer perimeter
of the bearing plate 144. Each of the plate voids 154 is sized to receive the
corresponding
guide rail 30, and each of the plate voids 154 has a generally arcuate
footprint ending in a
semi-circular arch opposite the outer perimeter of the bearing plate 144. The
plate voids 154
are laterally spaced apart and extend at an angle from opposite sides of the
outer perimeter
of the bearing plate 144. Each of the plate voids 154 has a width greater than
that of the
corresponding guide rail 30, to permit the guide rail 30 to be received in the
plate void 154,
and each semi-circular arch at the end of the plate voids 154 has a curvature
similar to that
of the corresponding guide rail 30.
[0048] The bearing plate 144 is rigid and formed of metal, such as steel, or
other rigid
material. During use, the bearing plate 144 rest on the frame 22 of the
selectorized machine
20 and supports the impact damper 142 above it to spread impacts from the
weight stack 32
across the impact damper 142. Spreading the impact across the impact damper
142 can
help to reduce wear and tear on the impact damper 142 and can help to ensure
that the
impact damper 142 operates within a designed compression range. Operating the
impact
damper 142 within the designed compression range and reducing wear and tear on
the
impact damper 142 can help to ensure that the weight stack isolator 136
provides a desired
level of damping and can help to increase the useable life of the weight stack
isolator 136.
[0049] In this embodiment, the weight stack isolator 136 has a selector rod
void 156 therein
for receiving the selector rod 28 of the selectorized machine 20. The selector
rod void 156 is
the same as the selector rod void 56 described above.
[0050] As described above, weight stack isolator 136 is adapted for
retrofitting to an existing
selectorized machine 20. That is, the selectorized machine 20 may be
originally assembled
with limited or no noise and vibration damping and thereafter the weight stack
isolator 136
CA 3002297 2018-04-20
can be installed on the selectorized machine 20 to absorb or dampen noise and
vibration
caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during use.
[0051] To install the weight stack isolator 136 on the selectorized machine
20, the entire
weight stack 32 is engaged with the selector rod 28 and then raised using the
exercise
feature 24, the cable and pulley system 26 and the selector rod 28. Typically,
this involves
inserting the selector pin 40 through the bottommost plate 38 of the weight
stack 32 and
through the selector rod 28 and then pulling on the exercise feature 24 with
one or more
persons. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods
for selectively
engaging and raising the weight stack 32 can be used depending on the
configuration of the
selectorized machine 20.
[0052] Once the weight stack 32 has been raised, the weight stack isolator 136
is positioned
under the weight stack 32 in a first orientation intermediate the guide rails
30 of the
selectorized machine 20. In the first orientation, the slits 152 of the weight
stack isolator 136
are aligned with the guide rails 30 such that the guide rails 30 press against
the slits 152
when the weight stack isolator 136 is rotated in a generally horizontal plane.
The weight
stack isolator 136 is then forcibly rotated in the generally horizontal plane
to forcibly press
the guide rails 30 against the slits 152. As the guide rails 30 press against
the slits 152 of
the weight stack isolator 136, the impact damper 142 deforms to permit the
guide rails 30 to
pass through the slits 152 and into the rail voids 150 in the impact damper
142, as well as
into the underlying plate voids 154 in the bearing plate 144. The weight stack
isolator 136 is
forcibly rotated until the weight stack isolator 136 is positioned in a second
orientation, where
the weight stack isolator 136 bridges the guide rails 30 and where the guide
rails 30 are
received in the rail voids 150 and the plate voids 154. Once the guide rails
30 are received
in the rail voids 150 and the plate voids 154, the impact damper 142 returns
to its original
shape and surrounds a section of the guide rails 30 to removably secure the
weight stack
isolator 136 to the selectorized machine 20 under the weight stack 32. If
necessary, the
weight stack isolator 136 can then be lowered on the guide rails 30 until it
is supported by
the frame 22, directly or indirectly, and the weight stack 32 can be lowered
until it is resting
on the weight stack isolator 136. As will be appreciated, the weight stack
isolator 136 can be
removed from the selectorized machine 20 by reversing this procedure.
[0053] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of a weight stack isolator
generally
identified by reference character 236. The weight stack isolator 236 is
similar to the weight
stack isolator 36 and like elements are identified by like reference
characters, incremented
by 200. Similar to the weight stack isolator 36, the weight stack isolator 236
is designed to
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=
be retrofitted to the selectorized machine 20. In this embodiment, the weight
stack isolator
236 is configured to be rotated in a generally vertical plane to install the
weight stack isolator
236 on the selectorized machine 20, as further described below.
[0054] The weight stack isolator 236 has generally planar top, bottom and side
surfaces,
and has a rectangular footprint that is generally similar to that of the
bottommost plate 38 of
the weight stack 32. The weight stack isolator 236 comprises an impact damper
242 and a
bearing plate 244. The bearing plate 244 underlies the impact damper 242 and
may be
adhered thereto. During use, the weight stack isolator 236 is positioned under
the
bottommost plate 38 of the weight stack 32 and partially surrounds a section
of the guide
rails 30 to removably secure the weight stack isolator 236 to the selectorized
machine 20
under the weight stack 32.
[0055] The impact damper 242 comprises a plurality of layers that may be
adhered together,
including an impact layer 246 and a damping layer 248. The impact layer 246
overlies the
damping layer 248 and protects the damping layer 248 from being directly
impacted by the
weight stack 32. The impact layer 246 is formed of resilient rubber, such as
recycled rubber.
The damping layer 248 underlies the impact layer 246 and absorbs or dampens
noise and
vibrations caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during use. The damping
layer 248 is
formed of a resilient material with a low dynamic modulus.
[0056] The impact damper 242 has a plurality of rail voids 250 therein for
receiving the guide
rails 30 of the selectorized machine 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each
of the rail voids
250 is an elongated cutout or slot extending inwardly from an outer perimeter
of the impact
damper 242. Each of the rail voids 250 extends inwardly from the outer
perimeter of the
impact damper 242 and towards the center of the weight stack isolator 236.
Each of the rail
voids 250 is sized to receive a corresponding one of the guide rails 30 and
extends through
both the impact layer 246 and the damping layer 248. As illustrated in FIGS. 7
and 8, each
of the rail voids 250 has a generally rectangular footprint ending in a semi-
circular arch,
opposite the outer perimeter of the impact damper 242. The rail voids 250 are
laterally
spaced apart and extend from opposite sides of the outer perimeter of the
impact damper
242. Each of the rail voids 250 has a width greater than that of the
corresponding guide rail
30, to permit the guide rail 30 to be received in the rail void 250. The semi-
circular arch at
the end of each of the rail voids 250 has a curvature similar to that of the
corresponding
guide rail 30.
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[0057] The bearing plate 244 has a similar footprint to that of the impact
damper 242 and
has a plurality of plate voids 254 therein for receiving the guide rails 30 of
the selectorized
machine 20. Each of the plate voids 254 underlies and is in alignment with one
of the rail
voids 250 in the impact damper 242. As illustrated in FIG. 8, each of the
plate voids 254 is
an elongated cutout or slot extending inwardly from an outer perimeter of the
bearing plate
244. Each of the plate voids 254 extends inwardly from the outer perimeter of
the bearing
plate 254 and towards the center of the weight stack isolator 236, similar to
the rail voids
250. Each of the plate voids 254 is sized to receive the corresponding guide
rail 30. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, each of the plate voids 254 has a generally rectangular
footprint ending
in a semi-circular arch opposite the outer perimeter of the bearing plate 244.
The plate voids
254 are laterally spaced apart and extend from opposite sides of the outer
perimeter of the
bearing plate 244. Each of the plate voids 254 has a width greater than that
of the
corresponding guide rail 30, to permit the guide rail 30 to be received in the
plate void 254.
The semi-circular arch at the end of each of the plate voids 254 has a
curvature similar to
that of the corresponding guide rail 30.
[0058] The bearing plate 244 is rigid and formed of metal, such as steel, or
other rigid
material. During use, the bearing plate 244 rest on the frame 22 of the
selectorized machine
20 and supports the impact damper 242 above it to spread impacts from the
weight stack 32
across the impact damper 242. Spreading the impact across the impact damper
242 can
help to reduce wear and tear on the impact damper 242 and can help to ensure
that the
impact damper 242 operates within a designed compression range. Operating the
impact
damper 242 within the designed compression range and reducing wear and tear on
the
impact damper 242 can help to ensure that the weight stack isolator 236
provides a desired
level of damping and can help to increase the useable life of the weight stack
isolator 236.
[0059] In this embodiment, the weight stack isolator 236 has a selector rod
void 256 therein
for receiving the selector rod 28 of the selectorized machine 20. The selector
rod void 256 is
the same as the selector rod void 56 described.
[0060] As described above, the weight stack isolator 236 is adapted for
retrofitting to an
existing selectorized machine 20. That is, the selectorized machine 20 may be
originally
assembled with limited or no noise and vibration damping and thereafter the
weight stack
isolator 236 can be installed on the selectorized machine 20 to absorb or
dampen noise and
vibration caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during use.
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[0061] To install the weight stack isolator 236 on the selectorized machine
20, the entire
weight stack 32 is engaged with the selector rod 28 and then raised using the
exercise
feature 24, the cable and pulley system 26 and the selector rod. Typically,
this involves
inserting the selector pin 40 through the bottommost plate 38 of the weight
stack 32 and
through the selector rod 28 and then pulling on the exercise feature 24 with
one or more
persons. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods
for selectively
engaging and raising the weight stack can be used depending on the
configuration of the
selectorized machine.
[0062] Once the weight stack 32 has been raised, the weight stack isolator 236
is positioned
under the weight stack 32 in a vertical orientation between the guide rails 30
and then
rotated into a horizontal orientation, with the bearing plate 244 on the
bottom, such that the
guide rails 30 are received in the rail voids 250 in the impact damper 242 as
well as in the
underlying plate voids 254 in the bearing plate 244. When the guide rails 30
are received in
the rail voids 250 and plate voids 254, the impact damper 242 partially
surrounds a section
of the guide rails 30 to removably secure the weight stack isolator 236 to the
selectorized
machine 20 under the weight stack 32. The weight stack isolator 236 can then
be lowered
on the guide rails 30 until it is supported by the frame 22, directly or
indirectly, and the weight
stack 32 can be lowered until it is resting on the weight stack isolator 236.
As will be
appreciated, the weight stack isolator 236 can be removed from the
selectorized machine 20
by reversing this procedure.
[0063] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of a weight stack isolator
generally
identified by reference character 336. The weight stack isolator 336 is
similar to the weight
stack isolator 36 and like elements are identified by like reference
characters, incremented
by 300. In this embodiment, the weight stack isolator 336 is designed to be
installed during
assembly of the selectorized machine 20 and is fixedly secured under the
weight stack 32.
[0064] The weight stack isolator 336 has generally planar top, bottom and side
surfaces,
and has a rectangular footprint that is generally similar to that of the
bottommost plate 38 of
the weight stack 32. The weight stack isolator 336 comprises an impact damper
342 and a
bearing plate 344. The bearing plate 344 underlies the impact damper 342 and
may be
adhered thereto. During use, the weight stack isolator 336 is positioned under
the
bottommost plate 38 of the weight stack 32 and surrounds a section of the
guide rails 30 to
secure the weight stack isolator 336 to the selectorized machine 20 under the
weight stack
32.
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[0065] The impact damper 342 comprises a plurality of stacked layers that may
be adhered
together, including an impact layer 346 and a damping layer 348. The impact
layer 346
overlies the damping layer 348 and protects the damping layer 348 from being
directly
impacted by the weight stack 32. The impact layer 346 is formed of resilient
rubber, such as
recycled rubber. The damping layer 348, which underlines the impact layer 346,
absorbs or
dampens noise and vibration caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during
use. The
damping layer 348 is formed of a resilient material with a low dynamic
modulus.
[0066] The impact damper 342 has a plurality of rail voids 350 therein for
receiving the guide
rails 30 of the selectorized machine 20. Each of the rail voids 350 is a
cutout or through-hole
in the impact damper 342 that is sized to receive a corresponding one of the
guide rails 30
and each of the rail voids 350 extends through both the impact layer 346 and
the damping
layer 348. The rail voids 350 are laterally spaced apart and cylindrically
shaped, i.e. each of
the rail voids 350 has a circular horizontal cross-section. It will however be
appreciated that
in other embodiments, each of the rail voids 350 may have an oval, square,
rectangular,
oblong or otherwise shaped horizontal cross-section.
[0067] The bearing plate 344 has a similar footprint to that of the impact
damper 342 and
has a plurality of plate voids 354 therein for receiving the guide rails 30 of
the selectorized
machine 20. Each of the plate voids 354 underlies and is in alignment with one
of the rail
voids 350 in the impact damper 342. As illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the
plate voids 354 is
a cutout or through-hole that extends through the bearing plate 344. The plate
voids 354 are
laterally spaced apart and cylindrically shaped, i.e. each of the plate voids
354 has a circular
horizontal cross-section. It will however be appreciated that in other
embodiments, each of
the plate voids 354 may have an oval, square, rectangular, oblong or otherwise
shaped
horizontal cross-section. Each of the plate voids 354 is sized to receive the
corresponding
guide rail 30, and has a diameter greater than that of the corresponding guide
rail 30.
[0068] The bearing plate 344 is rigid and formed of metal, such as steel, or
other rigid
material. During use, the bearing plate 344 rest on the frame 22 of the
selectorized machine
20 and supports the impact damper 342 above it to spread impacts from the
weight stack 32
across the impact damper 342. Spreading the impact across the impact damper
342 can
help to reduce wear and tear on the impact damper 342 and can help to ensure
that the
impact damper 342 operates within a designed compression range. Operating the
impact
damper 342 within the designed compression range and reducing wear and tear on
the
impact damper 342 can help to ensure that the weight stack isolator 336
provides a desired
level of damping and can help to increase the useable life of the weight stack
isolator 336.
CA 3002297 2018-04-20
[0069] In this embodiment, the weight stack isolator 336 has a selector rod
void 356 therein
for receiving the selector rod 28 of the selectorized machine 20. The selector
rod void 356 is
the same as the selector rod void 56 described above.
[0070] As described above, the weight stack isolator 336 is adapted to be
installed during
assembly of the selectorized machine 20. During this assembly, the weight
stack isolator
336 is positioned under the bottommost plate 38 of the weight stack 32 with
the guide rails
30 received in the rail voids 350 in the impact damper 342 as well as in the
underlying plate
voids 354 in the bearing plate 344. As a result, the impact damper 342 and the
bearing plate
344 surround a section of the guide rails 30 to fixedly secure the weight
stack isolator 336
under the weight stack 32. When the selectorized machine 20 is assembled, the
weight
stack isolator 336 is supported by the frame 22, directly or indirectly, and
the weight stack 32
rests on the weight stack isolator 336.
[0071] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a weight stack
isolator generally
identified by reference character 436. The weight stack isolator 436 is
similar to the weight
stack isolator 36 and like elements are identified by like reference
characters, incremented
by 400. Similar to weight stack isolator 36, the weight stack isolator 436 is
designed to be
retrofitted to the selectorized machine 20. In this embodiment, the weight
stack isolator 436
is adapted to be removably secured to a single one of the guide rails 30 of
the selectorized
machine 20 and a weight stack isolator 436 is installed on each guide rail 30
of the
selectorized machine 20.
[0072] The weight stack isolator 436 is cylindrically shaped with generally
planar top and
bottom surfaces. The weight stack isolator 436 comprises an impact damper 442
and a
bearing plate 444. The bearing plate 444 underlies the impact damper 442 and
may be
adhered thereto. During use, the weight stack isolator 436 is positioned under
the
bottommost plate 38 of the weight stack 32 and surrounds a section of one of
the guide rails
30 to removably secure the weight stack isolator 436 to the selectorized
machine 20 under
the weight stack 32.
[0073] The impact damper 442 comprises a plurality of stacked layers that may
be adhered
together, including an impact layer 446 and a damping layer 448. The impact
layer 446
overlies the damping layer 448 and protects the damping layer 448 from being
directly
impacted by the weight stack 32. The impact layer 446 is formed of resilient
rubber, such as
recycled rubber. The damping layer 448, which underlines the impact layer 446,
absorbs or
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dampens noise and vibration caused by impacts from the weight stack 32 during
use. The
damping layer 448 is formed of a resilient material with a low dynamic
modulus.
[0074] The impact damper 442 has a rail void 450 therein for receiving one of
the guide rails
30 of the selectorized machine 20. The rail void 450 is a cutout or through-
hole in the impact
damper 442 that is sized to receive the one of the guide rails 30 and the rail
void 450
extends through both the impact layer 446 and the damping layer 448. The rail
void 150 is
cylindrically shaped, i.e. the rail void 450 has a circular horizontal cross-
section. It will
however be appreciated that in other embodiments, the rail void 450 may have
an oval,
square, rectangular, oblong or otherwise shaped horizontal cross-section. The
impact
damper 442 further has a radially extending slit 452 provided therein. The
slit 452 extends
radially from an outer perimeter of the impact damper 442 to the rail void
450. The slit 452
extends through both the impact layer 446 and the damping layer 448. As
further described
below, the impact damper 442 is resiliently flexible to permit the guide rail
30 to pass through
the slit 452 and into the rail void 450.
[0075] The bearing plate 444 has a similar footprint to that of the impact
damper 442 and
has a plate void 454 therein for receiving one of the guide rails 30 of the
selectorized
machine 20. The plate void 454 underlies and is in alignment with the rail
void 450 and the
slit 452 in the impact damper 442. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the plate void
454 is an
elongated cutout or slot extending radially inwardly from an outer perimeter
of the bearing
plate 444. The plate void 454 is sized to receive the corresponding guide rail
30, and the
plate void 454 has a generally rectangular footprint ending in a semi-circular
arch opposite
the outer perimeter of the bearing plate 444. The plate void 454 has a width
greater than
that of the corresponding guide rail 30, to permit the guide rail 30 to be
received in the plate
void 454. The semi-circular arch at the end of the plate void 454 has a
curvature similar to
that of the corresponding guide rail 30.
[0076] The bearing plate 444 is rigid and formed of metal, such as steel, or
other rigid
material. During use, the bearing plate 444 rest on the frame 22 of the
selectorized machine
20 and supports the impact damper 442 above it to spread impacts from the
weight stack 32
across the impact damper 442. Spreading the impact across the impact damper
442 can
help to reduce wear and tear on the impact damper 442 and can help to ensure
that the
impact damper 442 operates within a designed compression range. Operating the
impact
damper 442 within the designed compression range and reducing wear and tear on
the
impact damper 442 can help to ensure that the weight stack isolator 436
provides a desired
level of damping and can help to increase the useable life of the weight stack
isolator 436.
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[0077] As described above, the weight stack isolator 436 is adapted for
retrofitting to an
existing selectorized machine 20. That is, the selectorized machine 20 may be
originally
assembled with limited or no noise and vibration damping and thereafter a
plurality of the
weight stack isolators 436 can be installed (one on each of the guide rails
30) to absorb or
dampen noise and vibration caused by impacts from the weight stack 20 during
use. The
weight stack isolator 436 is installed and removed in the same way as the
weight stack
isolator 36, described above.
[0078] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that elements have
generally similar
footprints when their outer perimeters define horizontal two-dimensional areas
with the same
or nearly the same size and shape, disregarding any voids, slits or the like.
[0079] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the materials
and thicknesses of
the various layers in the weight stack isolator will depend on the intended
use and
application of the weight stack isolator. For example, a weight stack isolator
for use in heavy
weight applications may have thicker layers or may have layers formed of
stiffer or denser
materials than those of a weight stack isolator for use in light weight
applications.
Additionally, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by
adjusting the thicknesses
and materials of the various layers, the performance of the weight stack
isolator can be
modified and tailored depending on the intended use and application of the
weight stack
isolator. In some embodiments, the weight stack isolator may provide vibration
isolation
efficiencies of up to 99% and/or may provide over 40 dB of noise reduction.
[0080] In exemplary embodiments of the weight stack isolators shown and
described above,
the impact layer may have a thickness of 8 mm and may be formed of resilient
rubber, such
as recycled rubber. The material of the impact layer may have substantially
the following
properties: weight of approximately 77.1 kg per 9.3 m2, wear hardness per DIN
53577 of
approximately 4.0 MPa, Shore A hardness per DIN 53505 of 60 (+/- 5),
compression set per
DIN 53517 of approximately 15%, abrasion per DIN 53516 of maximum 200 mm3,
tensile
strength per EN ISO 1798 of approximately 1.5 N/mm2, elongation at break per
EN ISO
1798 of approximately 90%, coefficient of friction per EN 13893:2002 of p =
0.47 (safe), fire
resistance per DIN EN 13501-1 of Efi (B2), light fastness per DIN EN 105-
602:1999-09 of 2-
3, electrostatic properties per DIN EN 1815:1995-06 of 0.5kV, remaining
deformation per EN
433:1994-11 of 0.13 mm and reduction of impact sound pressure level (AL) per
DIN EN
ISO 140-8:1998-03 of 18 dB.
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CA 3002297 2018-04-20
[0081] In exemplary embodiments of the weight stack isolator shown and
described above,
the damping layer may have a thickness of 51 mm and may be formed of a low
dynamic
modulus elastomer. The material of the damping layer may have substantially
the following
properties: durometer of 10, weight of approximately 7 kg per 2 m2, mechanical
loss factor
per DIN 53513 of 0.25, static E-modulus per DIN 53513 of 0.048 N/mm2, dynamic
E-
modulus per DIN 53513 of 0.144 N/mm2, static shear modulus per DIN 53513 of
0.04
N/mm2, dynamic shear modulus per DIN 53513 of 0.09 N/mm2, elongation at break
per DIN
53455-6-4 of greater than 400%, resistance to strain of 0.011 N/mm2, residual
compression
set per DIN EN ISO 1856 of less than 5%, tensile strength per DIN 53455-6-4 of
greater than
0.35 N/mm2, tear resistance per DIN ISO 34-1/A of 0.6 N/mm, rebound elasticity
per DIN EN
ISO 8370 of 50%, operating temperature of -30 to +70 C and inflammability per
EN ISO
11925-1 of Class E/EN13501-1. The damping layer may exhibit the
characteristics set out in
Table 1, below.
Table 1: Damping Layer Characteristics (Exemplary Embodiment)
Load (N/mm2) Deflection (mm) Natural Frequency (Hz)
0.02 9.4 14.6
0.04 14.4 16.3
0.06 16.2 17.0
[0082] In exemplary embodiments of the weight stack isolator shown and
described above,
the bearing plate may have a thickness of 3 mm and may be formed of metal,
such as steel.
[0083] Although the impact damper has been shown and described as comprising a
plurality of stacked layers, including an impact layer and a damping layer. It
will be
appreciated that in some embodiments, the impact layer may be omitted. For
example, in
embodiments where the material of the damping layer is sufficiently resilient
to withstand
being directly impacted by the weight stack, the impact layer may be omitted
and the weight
stack may contact damping layer of the impact damper.
[0084] Although the weight stack isolator has been shown and described as
being
positioned under the bottommost plate of the weight stack, those skilled in
the art will
appreciate that in other embodiments the weight stack isolator may be
positioned under only
a portion of the weight stack. For example, the weight stack isolator may be
positioned
overlying the bottommost plate of the weight stack and under the remaining
portion of the
weight stack. In such embodiments, the bearing plate may be omitted from the
weight stack
19
CA 3002297 2018-04-20
isolator and the plate or plates of the weight stack underlying the weight
stack isolator may
provide support for the impact damper. It will be appreciated that only a
portion of the weight
stack needs to be raised to install the weight stack isolator in such
embodiments.
[0085] Although the weight stack isolator has been shown and described as
having a
rectangular footprint that is generally similar to that of the bottommost
plate of the weight
stack, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments the
weight stack
isolator may have a circular footprint or otherwise shaped footprint. For
example, the weight
stack isolator may have a footprint that is generally similar to an
intermediate plate of the
weight stack. Additionally, the weight stack isolator may have a footprint
that is not generally
similar any plate of the weight stack and may, for example, have a footprint
that is larger or
smaller than that of the weight stack.
[0086] Although the bearing plate has been described as having a similar
footprint to that of
the impact damper, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other
embodiments the
bearing plate may have a footprint that differs in shape to that of the impact
damper and
may, for example, have a footprint that is larger or smaller than that of the
impact damper.
Additionally, in some embodiments the bearing plate may have a footprint that
is similar to
an underlying plate of the weight stack. In yet other embodiments, the bearing
plate may be
omitted entirely, as described above.
[0087] Although the slits in the impact damper have been shown as narrow in
the
accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other
embodiments
the slits may be wider to define gaps through which the rail guides pass.
Additionally, in
some embodiments the width of the slits may be generally equal to or larger
than a width or
diameter of the rail voids in the impact damper, such that the differentiation
between the slits
and the rail voids in the impact damper becomes immaterial and the combination
of each slit
and corresponding rail void can be considered a single void extending inwardly
from the
outer perimeter of the impact damper. Although the slits have been shown and
described as
extending from either the same side or opposite sides of the weight stack
isolator, it will be
appreciated that in other embodiments the slits may extend from adjacent sides
of the
weight stack isolator or from other combinations of sides.
[0088] Although the plate voids have been shown and described as extending
from either
the same side or opposite sides of the bearing plate, it will be appreciated
that in other
embodiments the plate voids may extend from adjacent sides of the bearing
plate or from
other combinations of sides.
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[0089] Although each rail void and plate void has been shown and described as
receiving
one of the guide rails of the selectorized machine, it will be appreciated
that in other
embodiments each of the rail voids and the plate voids may be sized to receive
a plurality of
the guide rails. For example, the weight stack isolator may comprise a single
rail void in the
impact damper that is sized to simultaneously receive all of the guide rails
of the selectorized
machine.
[0090] Although embodiments have been described and are shown in the
accompanying
drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations
and modifications
may be made without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims,
and the
scope of the claims should be given the broadest interpretation consistent
with the
description and drawings as a whole.
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