US20060116249A1 - Exercise device - Google Patents

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device configurable to allow a user to perform various exercises. The exercise devices include an adjustable bench assembly connected with a frame supporting adjustable arm and cable-pulley assemblies providing a user interface with a resistance system. In some embodiments of the invention, the adjustable bench assembly includes a bench seat and a pivotal back support supported on an adjustable bench frame. The exercise devices also utilize various configurations of adjustable arm assemblies that are selectively positionable for numerous exercises and to suit a user's particular body size and shape. Other embodiments of the exercise devices include a resistance system with a transmission supporting a plurality of resistance packs. The transmission allows a user to conveniently engage any number of resistance packs to change the resistance level for a particular exercise.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/249,119, filed on Oct. 11, 2005 with Express Mail Label No.EV 680 426 860 US, further identified by Attorney Docket No. 34512/US/4, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/618,131, filed Oct. 12, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/644,110, filed Jan. 14, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/662,808, filed on Mar. 15, 2005, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
• U.S. Patent Application No. 29/225,514, titled “Exercise Device,” filed on Mar. 15, 2005; U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,511, titled “Adjustable Resilient Reel Exerciser,” filed on Jan. 23, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,461, titled “Elastomeric Torsional Spring Having Tangential Spokes With Varying Elastic Response,” filed on Jun. 12, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,580, titled “Resistance Exercise Machine With Series Connected Resistance Packs,” filed on Aug. 7, 1998; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,044, titled “Resistance Mechanism With Series Connected Resistance Packs,” filed on Aug. 1, 2000, are all hereby incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• a. Field of the Invention
• Aspects of this invention relate to exercise devices, some more particular aspects involve exercise devices utilizing an adjustable bench, a user interface with adjustable arms including a multi-axis release locking mechanism, a resistance system employing one or more non-linear force curves, a resistance system transmission, and a cable-pulley assembly.
• b. Background Art
• A variety of exercise devices provide a user with the ability to perform various different exercises in different positions. Some of these exercise devices include a bench and a resistance system connected with a frame. With some exercise devices, the user exercises by applying force to the resistance system through a cable and pulley system. The bench and resistance system may be adjustable to permit the user to sit in different positions and allow the user to select different levels of resistance. Portions of the frame as well as the cable and pulley system may also be adjustable to allow the user to adjust the exercise device to better conform with the user's size.
• However, on some of these exercise devices, the range of positions for the frame, bench, and cable and pulley system may be limited. Thus, these exercise devices confine the range of positions available for performing various exercises. In addition, many of the exercise devices may require the user to perform numerous steps in order to reposition the adjustable components. Further, these exercise devices only provide the user with the ability to change the level of resistance and do not allow a user to vary the force curve.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device configurable to allow a user to perform various exercises. The exercise devices described and depicted herein include an adjustable bench assembly connected with a frame supporting adjustable arm and cable-pulley assemblies providing a user interface with a resistance system. The exercise devices can include various types of resistance systems and/or resistance packs. Some embodiments of the exercise devices also include a resistance system with a transmission supporting a plurality of resistance packs. The transmission allows a user to conveniently engage any number of resistance packs to change the resistance level for a particular exercise. In addition to being able to select the level of resistance, some embodiments of the exercise devices allow a user to select from a plurality of force curves. The exercise devices can also utilize various configurations of adjustable arm assemblies that are selectively positionable for numerous exercises and to suit a user's particular body size and shape. One embodiment includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows the user to simultaneously maneuver an adjustable arm assembly in more than one range of motion.
• In one aspect of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; an arm bi-directionally coupled with the frame through a first axle and a second axle; a first securing mechanism adapted to secure the arm in a first position relative to the first axle; a second securing mechanism adapted to secure the arm in a second position relative to the second axle; and a release mechanism operably coupled with the first and second securing mechanisms and adapted to simultaneously activate the securing mechanisms to move the arm about the first and second axles.
• In another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a resistance system supported on the frame; a first arm assembly operably coupled with the resistance system and rotatably supported by the frame, the first arm selectively positionable about a first axis of rotation; and a second arm assembly operably coupled with the resistance system and rotatably supported by the frame, the second arm selectively positionable about a second axis of rotation.
• In yet another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a resistance system supported by the frame; an actuation device operably coupled with the resistance system; a first cam operably coupled with the resistance system; a second cam operably coupled with the resistance system; and a selector mechanism operably coupled with the first and second cams, the selector mechanism configured to operably couple the first and second cams with the actuation device to change the resistance forces from the resistance system exerted on the actuation device as the actuation device is displaced.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a resistance structure including a plurality of resistance packs; and a selector mechanism including a plate supporting a plurality of pins, the pins operable to selectively connect at least one of the plurality of resistance packs with the selector mechanism.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a resistance system; an actuation device; a first pulley rotatably; a first cable operably coupling the actuation device with the first pulley; a second pulley; a second cable operably coupling the resistance system with the second pulley; and a locking member connected with the second pulley and operable to selectively connect the second pulley with the first pulley for simultaneous rotation of the first and second pulleys and to selectively disconnect the second pulley from the first pulley for independent rotation of the first and second pulleys.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a rail extending from the frame; a seat movably supported on the rail; at least one pulley rotatably connected with the seat; a resistance system supported on the frame; at least one cable defining a first end portion adapted to connect with the frame and a second end portion operably coupled with the resistance system; wherein the at least one cable extends from the first end portion, around the at least one pulley, and to the second end portion.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a rail extending from the frame; and a seat movably connected with the rail such that the seat can move along the length of the rail and pivot relative to the rail.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a rail defining a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion pivotally connected with the frame; a seat supported by the rail; a support assembly pivotally connected with the second end portion of the rail and adapted to support the second end portion of the rail at least at a first height and a second height relative to a support surface.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a first rail defining a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion pivotally connected with the frame; a seat supported by the first rail; a second rail defining a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the second rail pivotally connected with the frame below the first end portion of the first rail; a support assembly pivotally connected with the second end portion of the first rail and pivotally connected with second end portion of the second rail, the support assembly adapted to support the first end portion of the first rail above a support surface; and wherein when the first rail is pivoted upward from a first position to a second position toward the frame, the relative motion between the second end portion of the second rail and the second end portion of the first rail causes the support assembly to pivot toward the second rail.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a leg exercise assembly pivotally coupled with the frame through an axle; the leg exercise assembly including: a resistance arm pivotally connected with the axle, the resistance arm including an arm portion extending from an arcuate pivot portion, the pivot portion including a plurality of apertures; a first member pivotally connected with the axle adjacent a first side of the resistance arm; a second member pivotally connected with the axle adjacent a second side of the resistance arm; a pop-pin supported between the first member and the second member and adapted to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of apertures to connected the first and second members with the resistance arm; and a housing slidingly connected with the first member and second member and adapted to selectively disengage the pop-pin from the at least one of the plurality of apertures to disconnect the first and second members from the resistance arm.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame including at least one upright member; at least one hook connected with the at least one upright member; and a selectively removable foot plate assembly having a main body defining a channel adapted to receive a portion of the at least one upright member and including a handle bar adapted to support the foot plate assembly from the at least one hook.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a rail extending from the frame; a seat movably supported on the rail, the seat including a plurality of studs; and a removable seat back adapted to connect with the seat, the removable seat back including two rails each having at least two hooks adapted to connect with the plurality of studs on the seat.
• In still another form of the present invention, an exercise device includes: a frame; a resistance structure including an axle supported on the frame; a transmission assembly coupled with the resistance structure; and a plurality of resistance packs adapted to receive the axle, each one of the plurality of resistance packs including a housing adapted to connect with the transmission assembly and another one of the plurality of resistance packs.
• The features, utilities, and advantages of various embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1A is a front right side isometric view of a first embodiment of an exercise device according to the present invention.
• FIG. 1B is a rear right side isometric view of the exercise device ofFIG. 1A.
• FIG. 1C is a front left side isometric view of the exercise device ofFIG. 1A.
• FIG. 1D is a rear left side isometric view of the exercise device ofFIG. 1A.
• FIG. 2A is a view of the exercise device configured for leg extension exercises.
• FIG. 2B is a view of the exercise device configured for leg curl exercises.
• FIG. 2C is a view of the exercise device configured for leg press exercises.
• FIG. 2D is a view of the exercise device configured for pull-down exercises.
• FIG. 2E is a view of the exercise device configured for bench press exercise.
• FIG. 2F is a view of the exercise device configured for inclined bench press exercises.
• FIG. 2G is a view of the exercise device configured for preacher curl exercises.
• FIG. 2H is a view of the exercise device configured in a storage configuration.
• FIG. 3A is a right rear isometric view of an upright portion of a main frame of the exercise device.
• FIG. 3B is a bottom isometric view of the base structure of the main frame.
• FIG. 3C is a partial view of a bench support portion of the main frame.
• FIG. 4A is a detailed view of bench frame connected with a bench support portion of a main frame.
• FIG. 4B is a detailed view of a pivotal connection between the bench frame and the bench support portion of the main frame.
• FIG. 4C is a detailed right isometric view of a forward bench support.
• FIG. 4D is a detailed left isometric view of the forward bench support.
• FIG. 5 is a detailed right side view of a seat rail and a forward bench support.
• FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the forward bench support depicted inFIG. 5, taken alongline5A-5A.
• FIG. 5AA1 is a cross-sectional view of the forward bench support depicted inFIG. 5A, taken along line5AA-5AA showing the forward bench support in an upright position.
• FIG. 5AA2 is a cross-sectional view of the forward bench support depicted inFIG. 5A, taken along line5AA-5AA showing the forward bench support in a rear pivot position.
• FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the seat rail and wheel car assembly depicted inFIG. 5, taken alongline5B-5B.
• FIG. 5BB is a cross-sectional view of the seat rail and wheel car assembly depicted inFIG. 5B, taken along line5BB-5BB.
• FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the seat rail and wheel car assembly depicted inFIG. 5, taken alongline5C-5C.
• FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of a back support pop-pin depicted inFIG. 5, taken alongline5D-5D.
• FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of a leg developer assembly depicted inFIG. 5, taken alongline5E-5E.
• FIG. 5EE is a cross-sectional view of the leg developer assembly depicted inFIG. 5E, taken along line5EE-5EE.
• FIG. 5F is a cross-sectional view of a support member and support post depicted inFIG. 5, taken alongline5F-5F.
• FIG. 6A shows an alternative embodiment of a forward bench support pivotal connection structure.
• FIG. 6B shows the alternative embodiment of the forward bench support pivotal connection structure with the forward bench support in a tilted position.
• FIG. 6C is a left side view of the alternative embodiment of the forward bench support pivotal connection structure.
• FIG. 6D is a is a cross-sectional view of the forward bench support pivotal connection structure depicted inFIG. 6C, taken alongline6D-6D.
• FIG. 6E is a detailed view of the alternative embodiment of the forward bench support pivotal connection structure being placed in a storage configuration.
• FIG. 6F is a detailed view of the alternative embodiment of the forward bench support pivotal connection structure in a storage configuration.
• FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the wheel car assembly and the seat rail.
• FIG. 7B is a detailed view of a swivel pop-pin engaged with a right aperture.
• FIG. 7C is a detailed view of the swivel pop-pin in position to engage a left aperture.
• FIG. 8A is a front isometric view of a resistance arm assembly.
• FIG. 8B is a rear isometric view of the resistance arm assembly.
• FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a left arm assembly.
• FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a right arm assembly.
• FIG.10A1 is a cross-sectional view of the right arm assembly depicted inFIG. 10, taken alongline10A-10A showing a slider pop-pin engaged with an upright member.
• FIG. 10A2 is a cross-sectional view of the bench assembly depicted inFIG. 10, taken alongline10A-10A showing the slider pop-pin disengaged from the upright member.
• FIG. 11 is a second detailed view of the right arm assembly.
• FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the right arm assembly depicted inFIG. 11, taken alongline11A-11A.
• FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the right arm assembly depicted inFIG. 11, taken alongline11B-11B.
• FIG. 12A is a view of the right arm assembly in a first position.
• FIG. 12B is a view of the right arm assembly in a second position.
• FIG. 12C is a view of the right arm assembly in a third position.
• FIG. 13A is a detailed view of a first embodiment of a multi-axis release mechanism.
• FIG. 13B is a detailed view of a second embodiment of a multi-axis release mechanism.
• FIG. 13C is a detailed view of a third embodiment of a multi-axis release mechanism.
• FIG. 14 is a detailed view of a right and left cable-pulley assemblies of the exercise device.
• FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a transmission assembly.
• FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly depicted inFIG. 15, taken alongline15A-15A.
• FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly depicted inFIG. 15, taken alongline15B-15B.
• FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly depicted inFIG. 15, taken alongline15C-15C.
• FIG. 15D is a cross-sectional view of the transmission assembly depicted inFIG. 15, taken alongline15D-15D.
• FIG. 15E is an exploded view of the transmission assembly ofFIG. 15.
• FIG. 16A is a detailed view of the transmission assembly with a first cam aligned with a third resistance cable.
• FIG. 16B is a detailed view of the transmission assembly with a second cam aligned with the third resistance cable.
• FIG. 16C is a detailed view of the transmission assembly with a third cam aligned with the third resistance cable.
• FIG. 16D is a side view of the transmission assembly with a cam selector mechanism removed.
• FIG. 17A shows one embodiment of the first cam.
• FIG. 17B shows one embodiment of the second cam.
• FIG. 17C shows one embodiment of the third cam.
• FIG. 18A is detailed view of the transmission assembly showing the third resistance cable wrapped onto the first cam.
• FIG. 18B is a side view of the third cable and first cam shown inFIG. 18A.
• FIG. 18C is detailed view of the transmission assembly showing the third resistance cable wrapped onto the second cam.
• FIG. 18D is a side view of the third cable and second cam shown inFIG. 18C.
• FIG. 18E is detailed view of the transmission assembly showing the third resistance cable wrapped onto the third cam.
• FIG. 18F is a side view of the third cable and third cam shown inFIG. 18F.
• FIG. 19A is a front view of a transmission assembly and a resistance assembly of the right resistance system.
• FIG. 19B is a right isometric view of the transmission assembly and resistance assembly ofFIG. 19A.
• FIG. 19C is a left isometric view of the transmission assembly and resistance assembly ofFIG. 19A.
• FIG. 20A is an isometric view of a first side of a resistance pack.
• FIG. 20B is a view of the resistance pack inFIG. 20A with the first side removed.
• FIG. 20C is an isometric view of a second side of the resistance pack ofFIG. 20A.
• FIG. 20D is a view of the resistance pack inFIG. 20C with the second side removed.
• FIG. 20E is an isometric view of a resistance element.
• FIG. 21A is an isometric view of a resistance assembly.
• FIG. 21B is an isometric view of a resistance assembly.
• FIG. 21C is a detailed view showing a resistance pack mounted on a splined portion of a resistance axle.
• FIG. 21D is a cross-sectional view of the resistance assembly depicted inFIG. 21A, taken alongline21D-21D.
• FIG. 21E is a view of the resistance assembly shown inFIG. 21D with a stop rod removed.
• FIG. 22A is an isometric view of an alternative exercise device.
• FIG. 22B is an exploded view of a shroud cover of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A.
• FIG. 22C is an isometric view of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A with a back support configured as a flat bench.
• FIG. 22D is an isometric view of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A with the back support in an inclined position.
• FIG. 22E is an isometric view of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A configured for leg press exercises with a removable seat back support.
• FIG. 22F is an isometric view of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A configured for preacher curl exercises.
• FIG. 22G is a right side view of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A in a storage configuration.
• FIG. 23A is a right side isometric view of a main frame of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A.
• FIG. 23B is a left bottom side isometric view of the main frame of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A.
• FIG. 23C is a detailed view of a lower foot plate assembly connected with a main frame of the exercise device ofFIG. 22A.
• FIG. 24A is an exploded view of a forward bench support.
• FIG. 24B is a left side detailed isometric view of the forward bench support.
• FIG. 24C is a left side detailed isometric view of the forward bench support with a left support member removed.
• FIG. 25A is an isometric view of the second exercise device with an alternative embodiment of a forward bench support.
• FIG. 25B is a right side detailed view of the alternative forward bench support.
• FIG. 25C is a left side detailed view of the alternative forward bench support.
• FIG. 25D is a left side view of the second exercise device with the alternative embodiment of the forward bench support.
• FIG. 25E is a left side view of the second exercise device with the alternative embodiment of the forward bench support pivoted in a rearward direction.
• FIG. 25F is a left side view of the second exercise device with the alternative embodiment of the forward bench support pivoted in a storage configuration.
• FIG. 26A is a detailed view of a bench seat and seat rail.
• FIG. 26B is a detailed bottom view of the bench seat ofFIG. 26A.
• FIG. 27A is detailed view of a back support.
• FIG. 27B is a detailed view of a rear end portion of a back support.
• FIG. 28A is a front right isometric view of a removable foot plate assembly.
• FIG. 28B is a front left isometric view of the removable foot plate assembly.
• FIG. 28C is a rear right isometric view of the removable foot plate assembly.
• FIG. 29A is a detailed view of a bench seat with a removable leg press seat back.
• FIG. 29B is a detailed view of the removable leg press seat back removed from the bench seat.
• FIG. 29C is left side view of a resistance cable and seat pulley arrangement.
• FIG. 29D is a detailed isometric view of a bench seat having cable storage housings.
• FIG. 29E is a is a cross-sectional view of the bench seat depicted inFIG. 29D, taken alongline29E-29E.
• FIG. 29F is a detailed view of leg press cables in a stored configuration wrapped around cable storage housings on a bench seat.
• FIG. 29G is a detailed view of a cable adjustment mechanism.
• FIG. 30A is an exploded view of a leg developer assembly.
• FIG. 30B is a detailed exploded view of a leg developer pop-pin.
• FIG. 30C is a cross sectional view of the leg developer pop-pin engaged with the resistance member.
• FIG. 30D is a cross sectional view of the leg developer pop-pin disengaged from the resistance member.
• FIG. 30E is a left side view of the leg developer assembly configured for leg extension exercises.
• FIG. 30F is a left side view of the leg developer assembly configured for leg curl exercises.
• FIG. 31A is a detailed view of right and left arm assemblies.
• FIG. 31B is a detailed view of pop-pin connections for right and left arm assemblies.
• FIG. 31C is a detailed view of gas springs connected with the right and left arm assemblies.
• FIG. 31D is a right side view of an upper end portion of an arm support member.
• FIG. 31E is a front detailed view of the upper end portion of the arm support member.
• FIG. 31F is a rear detailed view of the upper end portion of the arm support member.
• FIG. 32A is a right isometric detailed view of right and left cable-pulley assemblies.
• FIG. 32B is a left isometric detailed view of right and left cable-pulley assemblies.
• FIG. 32C is a cross sectional view of a linearizing cam and belt pulley connected with a resistance belt.
• FIG. 33A is an exploded view of tensioning mechanism.
• FIG. 33B is a cross sectional view of a belt pulley.
• FIG. 33C is a cross sectional view of a locking member.
• FIG. 33D is a cross sectional view of the tensioning mechanism showing the locking member disengaged from the belt pulley.
• FIG. 33E is a cross sectional view of the tensioning mechanism showing the locking member engaged with the belt pulley.
• FIG. 34A is an isometric view of resistance pack showing a first side.
• FIG. 34B is an isometric view of the resistance pack showing a second side.
• FIG. 34C is an isometric view of the first side of the resistance pack shown in a resistance element.
• FIG. 34D is a side view of the resistance element.
• FIG. 34E is an isometric view of a resistance element having a first width.
• FIG. 34F is an isometric view of a resistance element having a second width.
• FIG. 34G is an isometric view of a resistance element having a third width.
• FIG. 35A is a detailed view of a linearizing cam and resistance axle.
• FIG. 35B is an exploded view of a linearizing cam, first resistance pack, a clam shell clamp, and resistance axle.
• FIG. 35C is a cross sectional view of the clam shell claim and resistance axle.
• FIG. 36A is a right side isometric view of a second alternative exercise device.
• FIG. 36B is a left side isometric view of a second alternative exercise device.
• FIG. 36C is right front isometric view of a cable-pulley system of the second alternative exercise device.
• FIG. 36D is left rear isometric view of a cable-pulley system of the second alternative exercise device.
• FIG. 36E is left front isometric view of a cable-pulley system of the second alternative exercise device.
• FIG. 36F is right rear isometric view of a cable-pulley system of the second alternative exercise device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device configurable to allow a user to perform various exercises. The exercise devices described and depicted herein include an adjustable bench assembly connected with a frame supporting adjustable arm and cable-pulley assemblies providing a user interface with a resistance system. As discussed below, the exercise devices can include at least one cable having a first end connected with a handle or other actuation component and a second end operably coupled with a resistance pack and/or the resistance system. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments include more than one cable to actuate a single resistance pack. In some embodiments having more than one cable, each cable is operably coupled with a separate resistance arrangement. The exercise devices can also include various types of resistance systems and/or resistance packs. For example, some exercise devices include resistance packs with torsional springs. With such an exercise device, one or more resistance packs are actuated by grasping the handles and pulling the cable such that the torsional springs are wrapped about an axis to impart resistance against the cable motion and hence against the user. Other embodiments of the exercise devices include a resistance system with a transmission supporting a plurality of resistance packs. The transmission allows a user to conveniently engage any number of resistance packs to change the resistance level for a particular exercise.
• In addition to being able to select the level of resistance, some embodiments of the exercise devices allow a user to select from a plurality of force curves. A force curve defines how resistance forces from the resistance system vary through a user's range of motion during exercise. For example, some embodiments allow a user to select an increasing resistance which is referred to as a “progressive” force curve. Other embodiments allow a user to select a decreasing resistance which is referred to as a “regressive” force curve. With a progressive force curve, the exercise resistance increases from the beginning of actuation of a resistance pack through full actuation. With a regressive force curve, the exercise resistance decreases from beginning to full actuation. Still other embodiments provide a variable force curve having an initially increasing resistance from the beginning of actuation of a resistance pack and then a decreasing resistance through full actuation. Yet other embodiments provide a variable force curve having an initially decreasing resistance from the beginning of actuation of a resistance pack and then an increasing resistance through full actuation.
• In some embodiments of the exercise device, the adjustable bench assembly includes a bench seat and a pivotal back support supported on an adjustable bench frame that allows the user to adjust the height and level of the seat and back support as well as the orientation of the bench relative to the frame. The exercise devices also utilize various configurations of adjustable arm assemblies that are selectively positionable for numerous exercises and to suit a user's particular body size and shape. One embodiment includes a releasable locking mechanism that allows the user to simultaneously maneuver an adjustable arm assembly in more than one range of motion.
• A first embodiment of anexercise device100 conforming to aspects of the present invention is shown inFIGS. 1A-1D. Aframe102 provides structural support for theexercise device100. It is to be appreciated that the frame can take on numerous different configurations depending on particular arrangements and combinations of the exercise device. Some particular frame arrangements are shown and discussed herein with reference to abench frame portion104 and amain frame portion106. Thebench frame104 includes an arrangement of frame members for supporting a seat orbench assembly108 and various user interface components. As discussed in more detail below, thebench assembly108 can be adjustable and can include abench110 with a pivoting backsupport112 and anadjustable bench seat114. In addition, thebench frame104 can include aseat rail116 with afirst end portion118 pivotally connected with themain frame106 and asecond end portion120 supported by aforward bench support122. As shown inFIGS. 1A-1D, themain frame106 supports adjustments arm assemblies124, a cable-pulley system126, aresistance system128, and other features. The adjustable arm assemblies124 and cable-pulley assembly126 provide a user interface with theresistance system128. Although embodiments of the exercise device are described and depicted has having cable-pulley systems utilizing various types of pulley arrangements, it is to be appreciated that the exercise devices are not limited to specific arrangements described and depicted herein. Further, it is contemplated that the exercise devices can utilize devices other than pulleys to guide cables, such as cylinders, rails, and various other mechanisms. In addition, it is to be appreciated that other embodiments can include movable pulleys and other similar devices that are guided along cables or tracks. As discussed in more detail below, each arm assembly124 can include a multi-axis release mechanism that allows a user to simultaneously maneuver each arm assembly in two ranges of motion. It is to be appreciated that themain frame106 can support one ormore resistance systems128. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1D, the exercise device includes aright resistance system130 and aleft resistance system132. Each resistance system can include atransmission134 and aresistance assembly136 having a plurality of selectable resistance packs138. As discussed in more detail below, embodiments of the resistance system can also include afirst selector mechanism140 operably coupled with thetransmission assembly134 that allows the user select different force curves. Asecond selector mechanism142 operably coupled with theresistance assembly136 allows the user to select a desired level of resistance.
• With particular respect to the exercise device ofFIGS. 2A-2H, to use the exercise device, a user first selects the amount of resistance and the force curve for a particular exercise. The user also connectsresistance cables144 extending from the arm assemblies124 with anactuation device146, such as a bar, a leg developer station, or a handle similar to those shown inFIGS. 2D-2H. Separate actuation devices may be arranged so that eachresistance cable144 and associatedresistance system130,132 are separately actuated by the user, or the cables coupled together, so that a user actuates both resistance systems simultaneously through one actuation device. As discussed in more detail below, theresistance cables144 are routed through the arm assemblies and cable-pulley assembly and are operably coupled with theresistance systems130,132. The user then places thebench frame104,bench assembly108, and arm assemblies124 into desired orientations for a particular exercise. Next, the user positions his body on theexercise device100 and begins exercising by exerting forces through theactuation devices146 on the resistance cables. As thecables144 are moved in a direction away from ends of the arm assemblies124, theresistance systems130,132 exert resistance forces on the cables in an opposing direction. It is to be appreciated that the order in which the previously described operations can be performed may vary and should not be construed to be limited to the order described. Some of the various exercises that can be performed with the exercise device along with associated component orientations are also illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2H, discussed below.
• Embodiments of the exercise devices are described herein with the perspective of a user seated on the bench while facing themain frame106 andresistance system128. For example, components designated as “right” are on the right side of the exercise device from the perspective of a user in the previously described position. In many instances, however, users will operate an exercise device conforming to some aspect of the invention while seated facing away from the frame and resistance system, such as shown inFIG. 2A or not seated at all. As such, aspects of the invention are not limited to the orientation of a user, and left and right references are provided merely for the convenience of the reader.
• FIGS. 2A-2H illustrate thebench frame104 in various orientations. As introduced above, theforward bench support122 is pivotally connected with theseat rail116 to allow a user to selectively adjust the level and height of the seat rail. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2A-2C, theforward bench support122 is substantially vertical with respect to the support surface, which causes thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 to be elevated relative to thefirst end portion118 of the seat rail. The orientations shown inFIGS. 2A-2C provide proper clearance for operation of various types ofactuation devices146, such as aleg developer assembly148 fitted to a forward portion of thebench frame104. The leg developer assembly can be configured to allow a user to perform leg extensions, leg curls, and other leg exercises. As shown inFIGS. 2D-2F, a bottom portion of theforward bench support122 is moved rearwardly such that the forward bench support is tilted with respect to the support surface. As such, thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 is pivoted downward from the position ofFIGS. 2A-2C to be substantially level with respect to the support surface. The orientations shown inFIGS. 2D-2F and others, provides a substantiallylevel seat rail116, which is advantageous for performing back squats, rowing, and other exercises where thebench seat114 moves along therail116 during exercise. The substantially level seat rail is also useful in exercises where the seat is stationary. Thus,FIGS. 2A-2H illustrate various use configurations of the bench.
• As discussed in more detail below, the bench frame can also be configured to allow a user to place the exercise device in a storage configuration. For example, as shown inFIG. 2H, the exercise device can be placed in a storage configuration by pivoting thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 upward toward themain frame106 until the seat rail is substantially vertical with respect to the support surface. As discussed in more detail below, theseat rail116 can also be selectively locked in the storage position.
• As previously mentioned, theback support112 and thebench seat114 can be individually and collectively adjustable. For example, thebench seat114 may be rollingly coupled with theseat rail116 such that the bench seat can roll back and forth along the length of the seat rail. Additionally, theback support112 may be selectively locked in various locations relative to the seat rail. For example,FIGS. 2A, 2E, and2F show thebench seat114 selectively locked into various positions along the length of theseat rail116. Embodiments of the exercise device also allows the user to configure thebench seat114 to roll freely back and forth along the seat rail. In addition, some embodiments of thebench seat114 can also selectively rotate or swivel with respect to the seat rail. For example, as shown inFIG. 2A, thebench seat114 is forward theback support112 so that a user may sit in a forward direction away from themain frame106. In contrast,FIG. 2L shows theseat114 rotated 180° with theback support112 forward the bench seat so that the user may sit in a rearward direction toward themain frame106. Further, as theback support112 can also be tilted or pivoted with respect to theseat rail116 andbench seat114. For example,FIGS. 2A and 2E show theback support112 locked in a position that is substantially orthogonal with respect to thebench seat114, whereasFIG. 2B shows theback support112 adjacent theseat rail116 wherein the back support and bench seat collectively define a flat bench. Detailed descriptions related to component structures of the exercise device that provide the various reconfiguration capabilities of the exercise device are provided below.
• As previously mentioned, themain frame106 of theexercise device100 supports theresistance system128, the adjustable arm assemblies124, and the cable-pulley system126. Further, themain frame106 pivotally supports thefirst end portion118 of theseat rail116. As shown inFIGS. 3A-3C and others, themain frame106 includes anupright structure150 supported by abase structure152. Thebase structure152 includes aplatform plate154 supported on a substantially rectangular-shapedbase frame156. Thebase frame156 includes front andrear cross members158,160 connected with and separated by right and leftbase members162,164. Theplatform plate154 is supported on upper surfaces of forward end portions of the right and leftbase members162,164 as well as an upper surface of thefront cross member158. Thebase frame156 also includes a platesupport cross member166 connected between the right and left base members supporting a rear end portion of theplatform plate154. Right and leftplate support members168,170 extend between thefront cross member158 and the platesupport cross member166 provide additional support to theplatform plate154.
• As shown inFIG. 3A, right and leftwheels172,174 are rotatably connected with therear cross member160 that allow a user to maneuver the exercise device along a support surface from one location to another. Although the exercise device includes wheels, it is to be appreciated that the exercise device can also include rollers, skid plates, or other components to assist with maneuvering the exercise device. When themain frame106 is supported by thebase frame156, the wheels are positioned adjacent to and slightly above the support surface. To move the exercise device from one location to another, a user can first place theexercise device100 in the storage configuration shown inFIG. 2H. Once in the storage configuration, the user can pivot themain frame106 rearward to bring thewheels172,174 into engagement with the support surface. The user can then roll theexercise device100 along the support surface to a desired location.
• As previously mentioned, theresistance system128 is connected with and supported by themain frame106. More particularly, theupright structure150 of the main frame includes aresistance support portion176 defined by an arrangement of frame members for supporting theresistance system128. As shown inFIG. 3A, theresistance support portion176 includes a rightrear upright member178 and a leftrear upright member180 connected therear cross member160 on thebase frame156. The rightrear upright member178 and the leftrear upright member180 extend upward from therear cross member160 and connect with anupper cross member182. Front andrear base plates184 are connected with front and rear surfaces of the rearupright members178,180 and therear cross member160 to provide additional strength to the connections of these members. Front and rearupper cross plates186 are connected with upper end portions of the right and left rearupright members178,180 to provide additional stability the rear upright members. Atransmission support member188 extending upward and forward from theupper cross member182 supports a lower end portion of a rear uprightpulley support member190. As discussed in more detail below, the combination of thetransmission support member188 and the right and left rearupright members178,180 support theresistance system128 as well as a portion of the cable-pulley system126.
• As shown inFIG. 3A, themain frame106 further includes right and leftupright members192,194 that support the arm assemblies. The right and leftupright members192,194 are connected with end extending upward from the right and leftbase members162,164 of thebase frame156, respectively. For additional structural stability, a pair ofright support brackets196 and a pair ofleft support brackets198 are connected with lower end portions of the right and leftupright members192,194 and thebase frame156. In addition, front and rearupper pulley plates200,202 are connected between upper end portions of the right and left upright members. As discussed in more detail below, the front and rear pulley plates rotatably support four pulleys forming a portion of the cable-pulley system126.
• As previously mentioned, thefirst end portion118 of theseat rail116 is pivotally connected with themain frame106. More particularly, theseat rail116 is pivotally connected with abench support portion204 of themain frame106, which is defined by an arrangement of frame members. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3C, thebench support portion204 includes aforward upright member206 connected with and extending upward from thebase structure152. A bottom end portion of theforward upright member206 is connected with abase connection member208, which in turn, is connected with the platesupport cross member166. Thebase connection member208 defines a substantially U-shaped cross section defined by front andrear sides210,212 connected with atop side214. When thebase connection member208 is connected with the platesupport cross member166, the front, rear, and top sides of thebase connection member208 are positioned adjacent to corresponding sides of the plate support cross member. As discussed in more detail below, thebench frame104 is pivotally connected with theforward upright member206.
• As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3C, thebench support portion204 of themain frame106 also supports right and leftfoot plates216,218. The foot plates provide platforms upon which a user can place his feet when performing various exercises, such as leg press exercises as shown inFIG. 2C. Referring toFIG. 3A, thebench support portion204 includes a forward footplate support member220 connected with an upper end portion of theforward upright member206. The forward footplate support member220 extends rearward from theforward upright member206 and is connected with a bottom end portion of a foot plateupright member222. The foot plate upright member extends upward and connects with a forward end portion of a rear footplate support member224. In turn, the rear footplate support member224 extends rearwardly from an upper end portion of the foot plateupright member222 and connects with the frontupper cross plate186 on theresistance support portion176 of themain frame106. The right and leftfoot plates216,218 are connected with and are supported by right and left footplate support members226,228 extending outward from opposing right and left sides of the rear footplate support member224. To provide additional support to the right and left foot plate support members, angle brackets230 are connected with the rear footplate support member224 and the right and left footplate support members226,228.
• As previously mentioned, thebench assembly108 andbench frame104 can be adjustable to support a user's body in different positions while performing various types of exercises. As shown inFIGS. 2A-2H, thebench assembly108 includes thebench110 with theback support112 and thebench seat114 adjustably connected with thebench frame104. The incline ofbench frame104 can be adjusted relative to the support surface, and the incline of theback support112 can be adjusted relative to thebench seat114. Thebench assembly108 further provides the user with the ability to swivel the bench seat. The user can also selectively adjust the position of the seat along the length of theseat rail116 and also configure the seat to freely roll back and forth along the seat rail.
• As previously mentioned, thefirst end portion118 of theseat rail116 is pivotally connected with theforward upright member206 and can be selectively placed in an upward storage configuration and a downward operating configuration. More particularly, theseat rail116 is pivotally connected with theforward upright member206 through a firstseat rail axle232. As shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B, right and left seatrail axle brackets236,238 extending from thefirst end portion118 of theseat rail116 include apertures adapted to receive opposing end portions of the firstseat rail axle232, which, in turn, is supported by an upper end portion of theforward upright member222. As such, the seat rail can pivot about the first rail axle to place the seat rail in the operating configuration and the storage configuration. In some embodiments of the exercise device, thebench frame104 can be selectively locked in the operating and storage configurations. For example, as shown inFIG. 4B, the exercise device includes first seat rail pop-pin234 adapted to engage theseat rail116 to lock the seat rail in the operating and storage configurations. More particularly, the first seat rail pop-pin234 is supported by the forward footplate support member220 and is adapted to selectively engage afirst aperture240 and asecond aperture242 in the left seatrail axle bracket238.
• When thebench frame104 is in the operative position, as shown inFIGS. 2D and 4B for example, the first seat rail pop-pin234 is engaged with thefirst aperture240 in the left seatrail axle bracket238. As such, theseat rail116 is a locked in a downward position that is substantially horizontal with respect to the support surface. In some embodiments that allow the seat rail incline to be adjusted while in the operating configuration, thefirst aperture240 can be elongated to allow theseat rail116 to pivot slightly to allow the seat rail incline to be adjusted. To place the bench frame in the storage configuration, as shown inFIG. 2H for example, a user disengages the first seat rail pop-pin234 from thefirst aperture240 and lifts thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 upward. As the second end portion of the seat rail is lifted upward, theseat rail116 pivots about the firstseat rail axle232 until the first seat rail pop-pin234 engages thesecond aperture242 on the left seatrail axle bracket238. Once the first seat rail pop-pin engages the second aperture, the seat rail is held in a substantially vertical position with respect to the support surface. To return the bench frame to the operative position, the first seat rail pop-pin234 is disengaged from thesecond aperture242 and thesecond end portion120 of the seat rail is lowered until the first seat rail pop-pin engages thefirst aperture240.
• As previously mentioned, the incline of the bench frame on some embodiments of the exercise device can be adjusted while in the operating configuration. For example, as shown inFIGS. 4C and 4D, theforward bench support122 of theexercise device100 is pivotally connected with and supports thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 to allow the incline of the seat rail to be adjusted. As mentioned above with respect toFIGS. 2A-2C, when theforward bench support122 is substantially vertical with respect to the support surface, thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 is elevated relative to thefirst end portion118 of the seat rail. Alternatively, as shown inFIGS. 2E-2F, when theforward bench support122 is pivoted rearwardly such that the forward bench support is tilted with respect to the support surface, thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 is pivoted downward from the position ofFIGS. 2A-2C to be substantially level with respect to the support surface.
• As shown inFIGS. 4C and 4D, theforward bench122 support includes right and leftsupport members244,246 connected with across member248. Anupper cross plate250 and alower cross plate252 are connected with front edges of lower and upper end portions, respectively, of the right and left support members. A pair ofend caps254 are connected with opposing end portions of thecross member248 and are adapted to engage the support surface. The right and leftsupport members244,246 extend upward from the cross member and are pivotally connected with thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 through a secondseat rail axle256. More particularly, thesupport members244,246 include apertures adapted to receive opposing end portions of the secondseat rail axle256. The secondseat rail axle256, in turn, is supported by anaxle support member258 extending downward from thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116. As such, the forward bench support can pivot about the second seat rail axle. As shown inFIGS. 4C and 4D, right and left leg station pulleys260,262 are rotatably supported between the right and leftsupport members244,246 of theforward bench support122. As discussed in more detail below, theresistance cables144 can extend from the arm assemblies124 and partially around the leg station pulleys to connect with various types ofactuation devices146, such as theleg developer assembly148.
• Theexercise device100 can also be configured with apivotal connection structure264 that limits the pivotal movement of theforward bench support122 as well as provide for selected pivotal positioning of the forward bench support. For example, as shown inFIGS. 4C, 4D, and5A-5AA2, thepivotal connection structure264 includes anarcuate plate266 adapted to engage theupper cross plate250 to limit the range of pivotal movement of the forward bench support. Thearcuate plate266 extends downward from theaxle support member258 between the right and leftsupport members244,246. As shown in FIGS.5AA1 and5AA2, thearcuate plate266 includes a curvedlower edge268 with aforward stop270 andrear stop272. Theforward stop270 is adapted to engage afront side274 of theupper cross plate250 when theforward bench support122 is pivoted forward as shown inFIG. 5AA1. Therear stop272 is adapted to engage arear side276 of theupper cross plate250 when the bench support is pivoted rearward, as shown inFIG. 5AA2.
• As shown in FIGS.5-5AA2, thepivotal connection structure264 includes a second seat rail pop-pin278 that provides for selected pivotal positioning of theforward bench support122. More particularly, the second seat rail pop-pin278 allows a user to selectively position thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 in an inclined position shown for example inFIG. 2C, and a substantially level position shown inFIG. 2D. The second seat rail pop-pin278 is supported by theleft support member246 and is adapted to selectively engage aforward aperture280 and arear aperture282 in thearcuate plate266.
• Referring to FIGS.2C and5AA1, when thebench frame104 is in the inclined position, the second seat rail pop-pin278 is engaged with theforward aperture280 on thearcuate plate266. In addition, theforward stop270 on thearcuate plate266 is in contact with or in close proximity with thefront side274 of theupper cross plate250. The height of the right and leftsupport members244,246 and thecross member248 elevate thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 with respect to thefirst end portion118 of theseat rail116, effectively creating an incline from the second end portion to the first end portion. To place thebench frame104 in a substantially level position as shown in FIGS.2D and5AA2, the second seat rail pop-pin is disengaged from theforward aperture280, which allows thesupport members244,246 andcross member248 to pivot rearward toward themain frame106. Movement of thecross member248 in a rearward direction causes the right and leftsupport members244,246 to pivot about the secondseat rail axle256 until the second seat rail pop-pin278 engages therear aperture282 on thearcuate plate266. Once the second seat rail pop-pin engages the rear aperture, the right and left support members are held in a tilted position with respect to the support surface. In addition, therear stop272 on thearcuate plate266 is in contact with or in close proximity with therear side276 of theupper cross plate250. The tilting of the right and leftsupport members244,246 acts to lower thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 with respect to thefirst end portion118 such that the first and second end portions are located at substantially the same height above the support surface. To return thebench frame104 to the inclined position, the second seat rail pop-pin278 is disengaged from therear aperture282 and thecross member248 is moved in a forward direction until the second seat rail pop-pin278 engages theforward aperture280 in thearcuate plate266.
• An alternative embodiment of apivotal connection structure284 between the seat rail and theforward bench support122 is shown inFIGS. 6A-6E. Thepivotal connection structure284 allows theforward bench support122 to pivot toward theseat rail116 when thebench frame104 is placed in the upward storage configuration. In addition, thepivotal connection structure284 provides for selective adjustment of the seat rail incline. Thepivotal connection structure284 includes apivot adjustment mechanism286 connected with theforward bench support122 and theseat rail116. Thepivot adjustment mechanism286 provides for selective adjustment of pivotal position of theforward bench support122 relative toseat rail116. Thepivot adjustment mechanism286 includes afirst member288 pivotally connected with asupport bracket290 extending downward from theseat rail116. Asecond member292 is pivotally connected between the right and leftsupport members244,246 below the secondseat rail axle256. Thesecond member292 is adapted to telescopically receive thefirst member288. A pop-pin294 supported on thesecond member292 is adapted to engageapertures296 along the length of thefirst member288. The pop-pin294 allows the pivotal position of theforward bench support122 to be selectively adjusted relative to theseat rail116. For example, when the pop-pin294 is disengaged from theapertures296 in thefirst member288, theforward bench support122 can pivot about the secondseat rail axle256. As theforward bench support122 pivots rearward and forward about the second seat rail axle, thefirst member288 slides into and out of, respectively, thesecond member292. When theforward bench support122 is placed in the desired pivotal position, the pop-pin294 is engaged with one of theapertures296 on thefirst member288, locking the first and second members in position relative to each other. In turn, theforward bench support122 is locked into the desired pivotal position relative to theseat rail116. It is to be appreciated that the second member can include various numbers of apertures to provide for numerous selectable pivotal forward bench support positions. In addition, as previously mentioned, the first andsecond members288,292 can also be configured to allow theforward bench support122 to pivot about the secondseat rail axle256 to limit the amount the forward bench support protrudes from theseat rail116 when the seat rail is placed in the storage configuration, as shown inFIGS. 6E and 6F. In particular,FIG. 6E shows the forward bench support being folded upward toward the seat rail andFIG. 6F shows the forward bench support folded with the seat rail in an upright storage configuration.
• As previously mentioned, thebench seat114 can be adjustably connected with thebench frame104 to allow the bench seat to move along the length of theseat rail116 as well as swivel relative to the seat rail. More particularly, thebench seat114 is movably coupled with theseat rail116 through awheel car assembly298 that allows a user to roll the bench seat back and forth along the length of the seat rail. As shown in FIGS.5B,5BB and7A, thewheel car assembly298 includes abody300 having alower portion302 connected with a flatupper portion304 through a relatively narrowmiddle portion306. Thelower portion302 defines a generally upside down U-shaped cross section with aright side308 and aleft side310 connected with and separated by atop side312. Theright side308 of thelower portion302 rotatably supports threeright side wheels314, and theleft side310 of thelower portion302 rotatably supports threeleft side wheels316. Thetop side312 of thelower portion302 rotatably supports fourcenter wheels318 having an axis of rotation that is substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the side wheels. As shown inFIG. 7A, theseat rail116 is adapted to receive the wheels on thewheel car assembly298.
• Referring toFIGS. 5B and 7A, theseat rail116 defines a generally rectangular cross section having a relatively long top andbottom sides320,322 connected with and separated by relatively short right and leftsides324,326. Aslot328 extending the length of thetop side320 theseat rail116 defines a righttop ledge330 and lefttop ledge332. Atrack member334 having a generally H-shaped cross section defined by aright side336 and aleft side338 connected with and separated by amedial side340 extends the length of thebottom side322 of therail116. Aright track342 is defined between theright side324 of theseat rail116 and theright side336 of thetrack member334 and is adapted to rollingly receive the threeright side wheels314 on thewheel car298. Correspondingly, aleft track344 is defined between theleft side326 of theseat rail116 and theleft side338 of thetrack member334 and is adapted to receive the threeleft side wheels316 of thewheel car298. In addition, acenter track346 defined between theright side336,left side338, andmedial side348 of thetrack member334 receives the fourcenter wheels318.
• Referring toFIG. 5B, the vertical distance between thebottom side322 and the righttop ledge330 and the lefttop ledge332 of theseat rail116 is greater than the diameters of the right and leftside wheels314,316. As such, as thewheel car298 moves along the length of theseat rail116, each of the six side wheels roll along either thebottom side322 or thetop side320 of theseat rail116. Thewheel car assembly298 is normally supported by the sixside wheels314,316, which, in turn, are rollingly supported by thebottom side322 of theseat rail116. However, if thewheel car assembly298 is subjected to forces that cause thebody300 of the wheel car assembly to tip backward, forward, or side-to-side, some of the side wheels can disengage thebottom side322 and engage thetop side320 of theseat rail116. As shown inFIG. 5B, the distance between the right and leftsides336,338 of thetrack member334 is larger than the diameters of the fourcenter wheels318. As such, when thewheel car298 is subjected to forces that cause the wheel car assembly to move from side-to-side, some of thecenter wheels318 can engage the right336 and/or leftsides338 of thetrack member334.
• As previously mentioned, thebench seat114 can be configured to either roll freely along the length of theseat rail116, or can be selectively locked into various positions along the length of the seat rail. More particularly, thewheel car assembly298 can include a bench seat pop-pin348 adapted to selectively engageapertures350 in theseat rail116 to selectively lock the bench seat into a desired positioned along the length of the seat rail. As shown inFIG. 5B, the narrowmiddle portion306 of thewheel car assembly298 extends upward from thelower portion302 and through theslot328 intop side320 of theseat rail116. The flatupper portion304 of thewheel car298 supports alower platform352, which includes aflange354 extending downward adjacent to theright side324 of theseat rail116. The downwardly extendingflange354 supports the bench seat pop-pin348, which is adapted to engage one of the plurality ofapertures350 located in theright side324 of theside rail116. As previously mentioned, the bench seat pop-pin allows a user to selectively lockwheel car assembly298 andbench seat114 into various positions along the length of theseat rail116. For example, the bench seat pop-pin can be disengaged from an aperture on the seat rail, which allows the bench seat to roll backward or forward to a desired position along the length of the seat rail. Once the bench seat is rolled to a desired location along the seat rail, the bench seat pop-pin be engaged with another aperture in the seat rail to lock the bench seat into the desired position.
• As shown inFIGS. 5B and 7B, the bench seat pop-pin can include a cylindrically-shaped body356 housing aspring358 operably connected with apin360. Thespring358 acts to force thepin360 against theright side324 of theseat rail116. Thepin360 can be disengaged from theseat rail116 by pulling on aring362 connected with the pin in a direction away from theright side324 of theseat rail116. When moving thebench seat114 from a first location to a second along the seat rail, a user can pull thering362 to disengage thepin360 from theseat rail116. While holding the pin in disengagement from the seat rail, thebench seat114 andwheel car assembly298 can be rolled to the second location. Once the bench seat is in the second location, thering362 can be released, which allows thespring358 to force thepin360 back into engagement with theseat rail116. If thepin360 is aligned with one of theapertures350 in the right side of the seat rail, the pin will extend into one of the apertures, locking the bench seat into the second position. If thepin360 is not aligned with one of theapertures350, the pin will be forced against theright side324 of theseat rail116. Thebench seat114 can then be rolled backward and forward until thepin360 is aligned with and forced into one of theapertures350.
• As previously mentioned, thebench seat114 can also be configured to roll freely along theseat rail116. More particularly, the bench seat pop-pin348 can be selectively configured to disable the spring-loaded feature so thepin360 is not forced against theright side324 of theseat rail116. As shown inFIG. 7B, the body356 of the bench seat pop-pin348 includes a first pair ofchannels364 and a second pair ofchannels366 extending inward from a distal end portion of the body. Thechannels364,366 are adapted to receive a portion of thering362 and act to limit the distance that thepin360 can extend from the body356 toward theseat rail116. A user can align the ring with either pair of channels by pulling thering362 outward from the body356 and turning the ring into alignment with the desired pair of channels. As shown inFIGS. 5B and 7B, when thering362 is aligned to be received within the first pair ofchannels364, the pin can extend far enough toward theseat rail116 to engage one of theapertures350, which prevents thebench seat114 from freely rolling along the seat rail. The first pair ofchannels364 are longer than the second pair ofchannels366. As such, when the ring is aligned to be received within the second pair ofchannels366, thepin360 does not extend far enough from the body to engage theseat rail116. Therefore, when the ring is received within the second pair ofchannels366, thebench seat114 can freely roll back and forth along theseat rail116 without thespring358 forcing thepin360 against theright side324 of theseat rail116 and into one of theapertures350.
• As previously mentioned, thebench seat114 can also be configured to swivel with respect to theseat rail116. As shown in FIGS.5B and5BB, thebench seat114 is connected with thelower platform352 on thewheel car assembly298 through aswivel plate368 rotatably connected with abench seat axle370. More particularly, thebench seat114 includes a paddedportion372 connected with and supported on abench seat plate374. As shown in FIGS.5B,5BB, and7B, the bench seat plate, in turn, is supported on a benchseat support structure376, which is supported by and connected with theswivel plate368. The benchseat support structure376 includes afirst seat bracket378 and asecond seat bracket380 connected with and separated by acenter plate382. The benchseat support structure376 also includes a cylindrically-shapedsleeve384 extending between and connected with theswivel plate368 and thecenter plate382. Thesleeve384 is adapted receive thebench seat axle370 and associatedbearings386. As shown inFIG. 5B, thebench seat axle370 extends upward from thelower platform352, through an aperture in theswivel plate368, and through thebearings368 inside thesleeve384 of the benchseat support structure376. The bench seat support structure is also connected with thebench seat axle370 by abolt388 extending through atop washer390 and threaded into thebench seat axle370. As such, thebench seat114,swivel plate368, andseat support structure376 are can rotate together around thebench seat axle370.
• Thebench seat114 can be configured to freely swivel around thebench seat axle370 and can also be selectively locked into a desired pivotal position. As shown inFIGS. 5B, 5C,7B, and7C, a swivel pop-pin392 mounted on theswivel plate368 is adapted to engage thelower platform352 to provide for selective adjustment of the rotational position (i.e. swivel) of thebench seat114 with respect to theseat rail116. The swivel pop-pin includes a body394 housing apin396 adapted to engage aright aperture398 and aleft aperture400 in thelower platform352. Ahandle402 connected with thepin396 can be moved up and down to disengage and engage the pin, respectively, with thelower platform352. When the swivel pop-pin392 is engaged with theleft aperture400 in thelower platform352 as shown inFIG. 7C, a user seated on thebench seat114 may be facing in a forward direction away from themain frame106 of theexercise device100, such as shown inFIG. 2A. To change the orientation of the bench seat, a user can move thehandle402 on the swivel pop-pin392 upward to disengage thepin396 from theleft aperture400 on thelower platform352, which allows thebench seat114 to rotate around thebench seat axle370. Once the bench seat is rotated to align thepin396 with theright aperture398 in thelower platform352, thehandle402 can be moved downward to insert the pin into the right aperture, locking the bench seat into position. Once the swivel pop-pin is engaged with the right aperture as shown inFIG. 7B, the user may be facing in a rearward direction toward the frame of the exercise device, such as shown inFIG. 2C. Although the lower platform is depicted and described with right and left apertures, it is to be appreciated that the lower platform can include additional apertures adapted to receive the swivel pop-pin to provide additional rotational positions of the bench seat.
• Thebench seat114 can also be configured to pivot freely about the bench seat axle without the swivel pop-pin engaging thelower platform352. More particularly, the swivel pop-pin392 can be selectively configured to maintain to the position of thehandle402 to hold thepin396 out of engagement with thelower platform352. As shown inFIG. 7C, thehandle402 extends through aslot404 in the body394 of the swivel pop-pin392. Theslot404 includes a first downward extendingchannel406 and a second downward extendingchannel408. Thechannels406,408 are adapted to support the vertical position ofhandle402 and act to limit the distance thepin396 can extend from the body394 toward thelower platform352. A user can move thehandle402 into either channel by lifting the handle upward and moving the handle along theslot404 and into alignment with the desired channel. As shown inFIG. 7B, when the handle is received within thefirst channel406, the pin can extend far enough toward thelower platform352 to engage one of theapertures398,400, which prevents thebench seat114 from freely pivoting about thebench seat axle370. Thefirst channel406 is longer than thesecond channel408. As such, when the handle is received within thesecond channel408, thepin396 does not extend far enough from the body to engage thelower platform352, as shown inFIG. 7C. Therefore, when the handle is received within the second channel, the bench seat can freely pivot about the bench seat axle without the pin engaging the lower platform and/or the right and left apertures.
• As previously mentioned, theback support112 of the bench assembly can be configured with a selectively adjustable incline relative to thebench seat114. More particularly, theback support112 is pivotally connected withbench seat114 and can include a back support pop-pin410 to selectively lock the back support into a desired inclination. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 5BB, theback support112 includes a paddedportion412 mounted on aback support rail414, which is pivotally connected with the benchseat support structure376 through a seat backaxle416. As shown in FIGS.5B and5BB, the seat backaxle416 is connected with and extends between thefirst seat bracket378 and thesecond seat bracket380. As shown inFIG. 5, the back support pop-pin is supported by anextended portion418 of thefirst seat bracket378. The back support pop-pin is adapted to engageapertures420 anarcuate plate422 extending rearwardly from theback support rail414. As such, thearcuate plate422 pivots up and down with theback support rail414. As shown inFIG. 1D, thearcuate plate414 is aligned to be received within theslot328 intop side320 of theseat rail116 as the back support is pivoted downward.
• As previously mentioned, the back support pop-pin410 provides for selective adjustment of the degree of incline of theback support112 relative to thebench seat114. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 5D, the back support pop-pin410 can include abody424 housing aspring426 operably coupled with apin428. Thespring426 acts to force thepin428 against thearcuate plate422 on theback support rail414. Thepin428 can be disengaged from thearcuate plate422 by pulling on ahandle430 connected with the pin in a direction away from thearcuate plate422. When pivoting theback support112 from a first incline to a second incline, a user can pull thehandle430 to disengage thepin428 from thearcuate plate422. While holding the pin in disengagement from the arcuate plate, theback support112 can be pivoted about the seat backaxle416 to the second incline position. Once the back support is in the second incline position, thehandle430 can be released, which allows thespring426 to force thepin428 back into engagement with thearcuate plate422. If thepin428 is aligned with one of theapertures420 in thearcuate plate422, the pin will extend into one of the apertures, locking theback support112 into the second level of incline. If the pin is not aligned with one of the apertures, the pin will be forced against thearcuate plate422. Theback support112 can then be pivoted up and down until thepin428 is aligned with and forced into one of theapertures420.
• As discussed above with reference toFIGS. 2A-2H, thebench assembly108 is shown in various positions and configurations to allow a user to perform various exercises. For example,FIGS. 2A, 2B,2E and2F show thebench seat114 andback support112 selectively locked into various positions along the length of theseat rail116. In addition,FIG. 2C shows the bench seat configured to roll freely back and forth along the seat rail to perform leg press exercises. As shown inFIG. 2C, theresistance cables144 are connected with thebench seat114. More particularly, as shown inFIGS. 2C and 7B, theresistance cables144 can be connected witheyelets432 at opposing end portions of a resistancecable connection member434 connected with and extending between the first andsecond seat brackets378,380.
• As previously mentioned, theexercise device100 may include theleg developer assembly148 shown inFIGS. 1C, 5, and others, that can be used for various types of exercises, such as leg extensions and leg curls. As shown inFIGS. 4A, 5,5E, and5EE, the leg developer assembly includes anactuation member436 and aresistance arm assembly438, both pivotally supported from thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116. Theresistance arm assembly438 and theactuation member436 are pivotally connected with aleg developer axle440 supported by right and leftaxle brackets442,444 extending from thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116. As discussed in more detail below, theactuation member436 is selectively connected with theresistance arm assembly438 through a leg developer pop-pin446. As such, the pivotal position of theactuation member436 relative to theresistance arm assembly438 can be selectively adjusted to place theleg developer assembly148 in a desired configuration for use. With the leg developer assembly in the desired configuration, theresistance cables144 are connected with theresistance arm assembly438 and the user exercises by applying forces on the leg developer assembly to reciprocatingly pivot theactuation member436. Because theactuation member436 is connected with theresistance arm assembly438 through the leg developer pop-pin446, the actuation member and the resistance arm assembly pivot together.
• As previously mentioned, theresistance cables144 can be connected with theleg developer assembly148 through theresistance arm assembly438. The resistance arm assembly is also pivotally connected with theleg developer axle440 and is selectively connected with theactuation member436 through the leg developer pop-pin446. As shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B, theresistance arm assembly438 includes apivot member448 connected with aresistance arm450. The pivot member includes anarcuate edge452 connected with a first substantiallyflat edge454 and a second substantiallyflat edge456. Thefirst edge454 is angularly offset from thesecond edge456. A portion of theresistance arm450 extends along thesecond edge456 of thepivot member448 and is connected with the pivot member throughside brackets458. Thepivot member448 includes anaxle aperture460 adapted to receive theleg developer axle440 to pivotally support theresistance arm assembly438. Thepivot member448 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedapertures462 extending into thearcuate edge452. As discussed in more detail below, the leg developer pop-pin446 is adapted to engage theapertures462 to provide for selective pivotal positioning of the actuation member relative to the resistance arm assembly. Astop plate464 connected withfirst edge454 of thepivot member448 provides a limit to the pivotal movement of the actuation member relative to the resistance arm assembly in one direction. As shown inFIG. 8B, aslot466 in arear side468 of a lower end portion of the resistance arm provides access to ashaft470 extending between right and leftsides472,474 of theresistance arm450. As discussed in more detail below, theshaft470 provides a connection location for theresistance cables144. As shown inFIG. 8B,pads476 are connected with upper and lower end portions of therear side468 of the resistance arm member. The pads are adapted to prevent direct contact between the resistance arm and the bench frame.
• As mentioned above, theactuation member436 is pivotally connected with theleg developer axle440 and is selectively connected with theresistance arm assembly438 through the leg developer pop-pin446. As shown inFIGS. 5, 5E, and5EE, and others, theactuation member436 is connected with theleg developer axle440 through first andsecond extension brackets478,480 extending from an end portion of theactuation member436 and along opposing sides of thepivot member448. The leg developer pop-pin446 is partially housed within theactuation member436. The leg developer pop-pin includes abody482 connected with and supported by anend cap484 on theactuation member436. Thebody482 houses aspring486 operably connected with apin488. Thespring486 acts to force adistal end portion490 of thepin488 against thearcuate edge452 of thepivot member448 and into theapertures462 located therein. Aproximal end portion492 of thepin488 is connected with a L-shapedbracket494. A portion of the L-shaped bracket extends through aslot496 in a rear side of theactuation member436 and is connected with aslider handle498. The slider handle498 is adapted to slide along the outer surface of the of theactuation member436. As such, thepin488 can be disengaged from theapertures462 in thepivot member448 by moving theslider handle498 in a direction away from thearcuate edge452 of thepivot member448.
• As mentioned above, the pivotal position of theactuation member436 relative to theresistance arm assembly438 can be adjusted to configure theleg developer assembly148 for various different exercises. For example, when pivoting theactuation member436 from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position relative to the resistance arm assembly, a user can move the slider handle498 to disengage thepin488 from thepivot member448 of theresistance arm assembly438. While holding the pin in disengagement from the pivot member, theactuation member436 can be pivoted about theleg developer axle440 to the second pivotal position. Once the actuation member is in the second position, the slider handle498 can be released, which allows thespring486 to force thepin488 back into engagement with thepivot member448. If thepin488 is aligned with one of theapertures462 in thearcuate edge452 of thepivot member448, the pin will extend into one of the apertures, locking theactuation member436 into the second position. If thepin488 is not aligned with one of theapertures462, the pin will be forced against thearcuate edge452 of thepivot member448. The actuation member can then be pivoted up and down until the pin is aligned with and forced into one of the apertures.
• As shown inFIGS. 4A, 4C,4D,5, and others, theleg developer assembly148 also includes a pair ofupper roller pads500 rotatably supported on right and left upper rollerpad support members502,504 extending outwardly from the right and leftaxle brackets442,444, respectively. Similarly, a pair oflower roller pads506 are rotatably supported on right and left lower rollerpad support members508,510 extending outwardly from opposing sides of theactuation member436. The roller pads are adapted to support a user's legs when performing leg extension and leg curl exercises.
• As previously mentioned, theleg developer assembly148 can be configured to perform various exercises. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the leg developer assembly is configured for leg extension and leg curl exercises, respectively. In both configurations, theresistance cables144 extending from the arm assemblies124 are routed partially around the leg station pulleys260,262 and are connected with theshaft470 in the lower end portion of theresistance arm450. As shown inFIG. 2A, a user can perform leg extension exercises by placing the back side of his knees on top of theupper roller pads500 and the front side of his ankles behind thelower roller pads506. Once in position, the user can extend his legs in upward in the direction shown inFIG. 2A. To configure the leg develop assembly for leg extension exercises, the user can move the slider handle498 to disengage the leg develop pop-pin446 from theresistance arm assembly438 and pivot theactuation member436 upward to the position shown inFIG. 2B. The user can then lie on thebench110 with the front side of his legs positioned on top ofupper roller pads500 and the rear side of ankles positioned under thelower roller pads506. Once in position, the user can then pivot his ankles upward in the direction shown inFIG. 2B.
• As previously mentioned, theexercise device100 can be configured for various types of exercises. In addition, various types of exercise accessories can be removably attached to exercise device. More particularly, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5F, the exercise device includes asupport member512 connected with and supported between the right and leftaxle brackets442,444 extending from thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116. Thesupport member512 is adapted to receivesupport posts514 connected with various types of exercise accessories, such as a preacher curl accessory as described in more detail below. A pop-pin516 connected with thesupport member512 is adapted to engage apertures in thesupport post514 to allow for vertical height adjustment of the exercise accessory.
• As previously mentioned, theexercise device100 includes adjustable arm assemblies124. More particularly, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1D and others, the exercise device includes right and left arm assemblies518,520 adjustably connected with the frame. The adjustable arm assemblies518,520 and the cable-pulley assembly126 provide a user interface with theresistance system128. In use, actuation devices can be connected resistance cables extending from the arm assemblies. As discussed in more detail below, the vertical positions of the arm assemblies can be selectively adjustable. In addition, the right and left arm assemblies can each include amulti-axis locking mechanism522 that allows a user to pivot each arm assembly in vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously. For clarity purposes, the right and left arm assemblies are depicted inFIGS. 9-12C and others without showing a multi-axis release mechanism. Embodiments of the multi-axis release mechanism as discussed in detail below with reference toFIGS. 13A-13C.
• Although the following description refers to figures depicting mainly to the components of the right arm assembly518, it is to be appreciated that the left arm assembly520 is substantially a mirror image of the right arm assembly, and as such, includes the same components as the right arm assembly, which operate in relation with each other and with the other components of the exercise device as the right arm assembly.
• As shown inFIGS. 11-11B, theresistance cables144 extend from the cable-pulley assembly126 on theframe102 and through the arm assemblies124. As such, the arm assemblies each include an arrangement of pulleys to guide the resistance cables. More particularly, the right and left arm assemblies each include adistal pulley housing524 rotatably connected with anarm member526. In turn, the arm member is rotatably connected with aproximal pulley assembly528. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, thedistal pulley housing524 can rotate relative thearm member526 in directions A and B. Rotation of the distal pulley housing helps to align the resistance cables with the actuation device, as discussed in more detail below. Thedistal pulley housing524 rotatably supports first and seconddistal pulleys530,532 that help guide theresistance cables144 through the arm assemblies124.
• As shown inFIG. 1D, 9, and10-10A2, the right and left arm assemblies518,520 are coupled with the right and leftupright members192,194, respectively, througharm slider assemblies534 that provide selective vertical positioning of the arm assemblies. More particularly, theproximal pulley assemblies528 of each arm assembly are connected withslider members536. Eachslider member536 defines a hollow cross section that is adapted to receive theupright members192,194 such that the slider members can slide up and down along the length the upright members. As shown in FIGS.10-10A2, eacharm slider assembly534 includes a slider pop-pin538 mounted on theslider member536. The slider pop-pin is adapted to selectively engage a plurality ofapertures540 on front sides542 of theupright members192,194. As such, the slider pop-pin538 allows a user to selectively adjust the vertical position of the arm assemblies518,520 along the length of theupright members192,194 by moving theslider members536 along the length the of the upright members and selectively engaging the slider pop-pin with a selected one of theapertures540 located at a desired vertical position. For example,FIG.10A1 shows theslider member536 locked into position on theright upright member192 with the slider pop-pin538 engaged with one of theapertures540.FIG. 10A2 shows the slider pop-pin538 disengaged from theapertures540 so theslider member536 is free to move up and down along theright upright member192.
• As previously mentioned and as discussed below with reference toFIGS. 10-13C, the right and left arm assemblies518,520 can each includemulti-axis locking mechanisms522 that allow a user to pivot each arm assembly in vertical and horizontal directions simultaneously. More particularly, themulti-axis locking mechanism522 is operable to allow the arm assembly124 to simultaneously pivot about afirst axis544 defined by a pivotal connection between theslider assembly534 and the proximal pulley assembly528 (for horizontal pivoting), and asecond axis546 defined by a pivotal connection between theproximal pulley assembly528 and the arm member526 (for vertical pivoting). As such, a user can operate the multi-axis locking mechanism to allow adistal end portion548 of the arm assembly124 to move right or left and up or down at the same time. In one particular implementation, thedistal pulley housing524 may be moved to various positions in an arcuate path defined by approximately 90° horizontal movement and approximately 180° vertical movement.
• As previously mentioned, theproximal pulley assembly528 is pivotally connected with theslider member536 through afirst axle550, which defines thefirst pivot axis544. As shown inFIG. 11A, thefirst axle550 is substantially vertically oriented and rotatably received within a cylindrically-shapefirst axle housing552 connected with ahorizontal selector plate554 and asupport bracket556. Both thehorizontal selector plate554 and thesupport bracket556 are connected with and extend outward from theslider member536. From theslider member536, thesupport bracket556 extends along a bottom side of thehorizontal selector plate554. Thefirst axle550 is connected with and extends along an outer edge of thesupport bracket556 and through thehorizontal selector plate554. As shown inFIGS. 10-11B, theproximal pulley assembly528 includes aproximal pulley housing558 having afirst side560 and asecond side562 rotatably supporting aproximal pulley564 therebetween. Afirst ledge566 on theproximal pulley housing558 supports anaxle plate568 connected with a bottom end portion of thefirst axle550. Asecond ledge570 on an upper portion of theproximal pulley housing558 supports a pop-pin support member572. The pop-pin support member572 is substantially C-shaped and includes alower side574 connected with thesecond ledge570 and anupper side576 extending rearward over the top of thehorizontal selector plate554. As shown inFIG. 1A, theupper side576 of the pop-pin support member572 is connected with an upper end portion of thefirst axle550. As such, theproximal pulley assembly528, and in turn, the arm assembly124 can pivot in both right and left directions about thefirst axle550.
• As shown inFIGS. 9, 10, and11-11B, each arm assembly124 includes afirst pop pin578 to select the horizontal pivotal position of the arm assembly. More particularly, the first pop-pin578 is supported on theupper side576 of the pop-pin support member572 and is adapted to engage a plurality ofapertures580 in thehorizontal selector plate554. As shown inFIG. 11 and others, theapertures580 are circumferentially spaced and are located adjacent anarcuate edge582 of thehorizontal selector plate554. As described in more detail below, the first pop-pin can be used to selectively engage theapertures580 in thehorizontal selector plate554 to lock the arm assembly124 in a desired pivotal orientation relative to the horizontal selector plate. First and second584,586 stops extending upward from thehorizontal selector plate554 are adapted to engage theupper side576 of the pop-pin support member572 to limit the range of pivotal movement of the arm assembly about thefirst axis544 in right and left directions.
• As previously mentioned, each arm assembly124 is also pivotally connected with theproximal pulley assembly528. As shown inFIGS. 10-11B, first and secondarm support members588,590 extending rearwardly from thearm member526 are pivotally connected withpins592 extending outward from the first andsecond sides560,562 of theproximal pulley housing558, defining thesecond pivot axis546. As such, the arm member, and in turn, the arm assembly can pivot up and down about the second axis.
• As shown inFIGS. 9 and 11A-11B, each arm assembly124 includes asecond pop pin594 to select the vertical pivotal position of each arm assembly. The second pop-pin594 is supported on the firstarm support member588 and is adapted to selectively engageapertures596 in thefirst side560 of theproximal pulley housing558. As described in more detail below, the second pop-pin can be used to selectively lock the arm assembly in a desired pivotal orientation relative to theproximal pulley housing558. Upper andlower stops598,600 extending outward from thefirst side560 of theproximal pulley housing558 are adapted to engage the firstarm support member588 to limit the range of pivotal movement of the arm assembly about the second axis in upward and downward directions.
• As previously mentioned, the arm assemblies124 can includemulti-axis release mechanisms522 that allows a user to disengage the first and second pop-pins578,594 simultaneously from theirrespective apertures580,596, which allows the arm assemblies to simultaneously pivot about the first andsecond axes544,546, as illustrated inFIGS. 12A-12C. It is to be appreciated that various embodiments of the multi-axis release mechanism can be used to disengage the first and second pop-pins. For example,FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate three alternative embodiments of a multi-axis pivot mechanism operable to disengage the first and second pop-pins from their respective apertures. It is also to be appreciated that each pop pin may be configured for individual activation. In such an arrangement, the user would likely move the arm vertically and horizontally in separate motions.
• As shown inFIG. 13A, themulti-axis release mechanism522 includes alever member602 pivotally connected with alever axle604 supported by a mountingblock606 on atop side608 of thearm member526. A discussed in more detail below, the lever member is connected with the first and second pop-pins578,594 through first and second cables610,612. The lever member can be pivoted to pull the cables, which in turn, disengages the pop-pins from respective apertures to allow the arm assembly to simultaneously pivot about the first and second axes. As shown inFIG. 13A, thelever member602 is substantially L-shaped and includes ahandle portion614 connected with apuller portion616 supporting acable connection plate618. Afirst cable conduit620, which houses the first cable610, extends from the first pop-pin578 to acable guide block622 connected with the top side of thearm member526. In addition, asecond cable conduit624, which houses the second cable612, extends from the second pop-pin to thecable guide block622.
• As shown inFIGS. 11A and 13A, the first pop-pin578 includes a cylindrically-shapedbody626 housing a spring628 operably connected with apin630. The spring628 acts to force thepin630 against thehorizontal selector plate554. A first end632 of the first cable is connected with thepin630 and extends from the first pop-pin body626 and through thefirst cable conduit620. The first cable610 exits thefirst cable conduit620 and extends through afirst aperture634 in thecable guide block622 to a second end636 connected with thecable connection plate618. As discussed in more detail below, thepin630 can be disengaged fromapertures580 in thehorizontal selector plate554 by pivoting thelever member602, which in turn, pulls on the first cable610 and thepin630 away from the horizontal selector plate, which allows the arm assembly124 to pivot about thefirst axis544.
• With reference toFIGS. 11A, 12A,12B, and13A, when moving the arm assembly124 from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position relative to thefirst axis544, a user can pivot thelever member602 to disengage thepin630 from thehorizontal selector plate554. While holding the pin in disengagement from the horizontal selector plate, the arm assembly124 can be pivoted about thefirst axis544 to the second pivotal position. Once the arm assembly is in the second pivotal position, thelever member602 can be released, which allows the spring628 to force thepin630 back into engagement with thehorizontal selector plate554. If thepin630 is aligned with one of theapertures580 in the horizontal selector plate, the pin will extend into one of the apertures, locking the arm assembly124 into the second pivotal position. If thepin630 is not aligned with one of theapertures580, the pin will be forced against thehorizontal selector plate554. The arm assembly124 can then be pivoted right and left until the pin is aligned with and forced into one of the apertures.
• As shown inFIGS. 11B and 13A, the second pop-pin594 includes a cylindrically-shapedbody638 housing aspring640 operably connected with apin642. Thespring640 acts to force thepin642 against thefirst side560 of theproximal pulley housing558. A first end644 of the second cable is connected with thepin642 and extends from the second pop-pin body638 and through thesecond cable conduit624. The second cable612 exits thesecond cable conduit624 and extends through asecond aperture646 in thecable guide block622 to a second end648 connected with thecable connection plate618. As discussed in more detail below, thepin642 can be disengaged fromapertures596 infirst side560 of theproximal pulley housing558 by pivoting thelever member602, which in turn, pulls on the second cable612 and thepin642 away from the proximal pulley housing, which allows the arm assembly124 to pivot about thesecond axis546.
• With reference toFIGS. 11B, 12B,12C, and13A, when moving the arm assembly124 from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position relative to thesecond axis546, a user can pivot thelever member602 to disengage thepin642 from theproximal pulley housing558. While holding the pin in disengagement from the proximal pulley housing, the arm assembly124 can be pivoted about thesecond axis546 to the second pivotal position. Once the arm assembly is in the second pivotal position, thelever member602 can be released, which allows thespring640 to force thepin642 back into engagement with theproximal pulley housing558. If thepin642 is aligned with one of theapertures596 in the proximal pulley housing, the pin will extend into one of the apertures, locking the arm assembly124 into the second pivotal position. If thepin642 is not aligned with one of theapertures596, the pin will be forced against theproximal pulley housing558. The arm assembly124 can then be pivoted up and down until the pin is aligned with and forced into one of the apertures.
• Referring toFIGS. 11A, 11B,12A-12C, and13A, to operate the first embodiment of themulti-axis release mechanism522, a user applies a force to thelever member602 to move thehandle portion614 toward thetop side608 of thearm member526, causing the lever member to pivot about thelever axle604. In turn, thecable connection plate618 on thepuller portion616 of thelever member602 moves away from thecable guide block622. As such, thecable connection plate618 pulls on the first ends632,644 of the first and second cables610,612, causing the first and second pop-pins to disengage from thehorizontal selector plate554 and theproximal pulley housing558, respectively. While the first and second pop-pins are disengaged, the user can pivot the arm assembly124 about the first andsecond axes544,546 at the same time. Once the arm assembly is in the desired position, thehandle portion614 of thelever member602 can be released. Thesprings628,640 in the first and second pop-pins578,596 then force thepins630,642 to engageapertures580,596 in the horizontal selector plate and the proximal pulley housing, respectively, which locks the arm assembly in the desired position. As the springs move the pins back toward the horizontal selector plate and proximal pulley housing, the first and second cables pull thecable connection plate618 back toward thecable guide block622, which in turn, causes thelever member602 to pivot about the lever axle, moving the handle portion upward614 from thetop side608 of thearm member526.
• A second embodiment of themulti-axis release mechanism522′ is shown inFIG. 13B. Thesecond embodiment522′ includes ahandle650 connected with anarm slider member652, as opposed to thelever member602 described above with reference to thefirst embodiment522, to operate the first and second pop-pins578,594. More particularly, thearm slider member652 defines a hollow cross section that is adapted to receive thearm member526 such that the slider member can slide back and forth along the length of the arm member. Thehandle650 defines a substantially square-shaped loop that surrounds the outer periphery of thearm slider member652 and is connected with two opposing sides of the slider member. The second ends636,648 of the first and second cables610,612 are connected with acable connection plate654 mounted on a top side656 of thearm slider member652.
• To operate the second embodiment of themulti-axis release mechanism522′, a user applies a force to thehandle650 to move thearm slider member652 along thearm member526 away from thecable guide block622. In turn, thecable connection plate654 on thearm slide member652 moves away from thecable guide block622. As such, thecable connection plate654 pulls on the first ends632,644 of the first and second cables610,612, causing the first and second pop-pins to disengage from thehorizontal selector plate554 and theproximal pulley housing558, respectively. While the first and second pop-pins are disengaged, the user can pivot the arm assembly124 about the first andsecond axes544,546 at the same time. Once the arm assembly is in the desired position, thehandle650 can be released. Thesprings628,640 in the first and second pop-pins578,594 then force thepins630,642 to engageapertures580,596 in the horizontal selector plate and the proximal pulley housing, respectively, which locks the arm assembly in the desired position. As the springs move the pins back toward the horizontal selector plate and proximal pulley housing, the first and second cables pull thecable connection plate654 back toward thecable guide member622, which in turn, pulls thearm slider member652 toward thecable guide member622. The cable guide member can also act as a stop to limit the travel of the arm slider member toward the proximal end of the arm assembly.
• FIG. 13C illustrates a third embodiment of amulti-axis release mechanism522″ that is substantially similar to thesecond embodiment522′. However, thethird embodiment522″ includes ahandle post658 connected with the top side of thisarm slider member652, as opposed to thehandle650 described above with reference to thesecond embodiment522′. As such, a user applies a force to thehandle post658 to move thearm slider member652 and operate the first and second pop-pins578,594.
• With reference toFIGS. 2A-2H, the following provides a brief description of some of the various exercises that can be performed on theexercise device100 as well as operation of various component on the exercise device in light of the previously described structural details.
• As shown inFIG. 2A, theexercise device100 is configured for leg extension exercises. Theback support112 on thebench frame104 is locked in an upright position relative to thebench seat114 with the back support pop-pin410. The arm assemblies518,520 are locked in relatively low vertical positions on the right and leftupright members192,194 with the slider pop-pins538 mounted on theslider members536. Using themulti-axis release mechanism522, the arm assemblies are oriented with thearm members526 angled downward and inward toward each other. Theresistance cables144 extend from thedistal pulley housings524 of each arm assembly518,520, around the leg station pulleys260,262, and are connected with theshaft470 on theresistance arm450. A user places his body on the exercise device as illustrated inFIG. 2A and proceeds to move his legs in the directions shown.
• As shown inFIG. 2B, theexercise device100 is configured for leg curl exercises. Theback support112 on thebench frame104 is locked in a downward position with the back support pop-pin410 parallel with thebench seat114. The arm assembly positions and resistance cable configurations are the same as described above with reference toFIG. 2A. Theactuation member436 is locked into position with the leg developer pop-pin to extend forward from theforward bench support122. A user places his body on the exercise device as illustrated inFIG. 2B and proceeds to move his legs in the directions shown.
• As shown inFIG. 2C, theexercise device100 is configured for leg press exercises. Thebench seat114 andback support112 are locked into position with the swivel pop-pin392 wherein the user is facing in a rearward direction toward themain frame106. The bench seat pop-pin348 is configured to allow the bench seat to freely roll back and forth along the length of theseat rail116. Theresistance cables144 extending from the arm assemblies518,520 are connected with theeyelets432 on thebench seat114. A user places his body on the exercise device as illustrated inFIG. 2C and proceeds to press his feet against thefoot plates212,218 to move the bench seat in the directions shown.
• As shown inFIG. 2D, theexercise device100 is configured for pull down exercises. Theback support112 on thebench frame104 is locked in a downward position parallel with thebench seat114 with the back support pop-pin410. The arm assemblies518,520 are locked in relatively high vertical positions on the right and leftupright members192,194 with the slider pop-pins538 mounted on theslider members536. Using themulti-axis release mechanism522, the arm assemblies are oriented with thearm members526 angled downward and inward toward each other. A user places his body on the exercise device as illustrated inFIG. 2D, grasps thehandles146 connected with theresistance cables144 extending from the arm assemblies, and proceeds to pull with his arms in the directions shown.
• As shown inFIGS. 2E and 2F, theexercise device100 is configured for bench press exercises. InFIG. 2E, theback support112 on thebench frame104 is locked in an upright position with the back support pop-pin410. Thebench seat114 andback support112 are locked in an orientation with the swivel pop-pin392 wherein the user is facing in a forward direction away from themain frame106. The arm assemblies518,520 are locked in intermediate vertical positions on the right and leftupright members192,194 with the slider pop-pins538 mounted on theslider members536. Using themulti-axis release mechanism522, the arm assemblies are oriented with thearm members526 angled upward and outward away from each other. A user places his body on the exercise device as illustrated inFIG. 2E, grasps thehandles146 connected with theresistance cables144 extending from the arm assemblies, and proceeds to push with his arms in the directions shown. InFIG. 2F, theexercise device100 is configured for an inclined bench press exercise. As such, theback support112 is locked in an inclined position with the back support pop-pin410. The arm assemblies518,520 are locked in a relatively low vertical position on the right and leftuprights192,194 with the slider pop-pins538.
• As shown inFIG. 2G, theexercise device100 is configured for preacher curl exercises with apreacher curl accessory660 connected with thebench frame104. More particularly, the preacher curl accessory includes an inclinedpreacher curl pad662 connected with asupport post664. Thesupport post664 is inserted into thesupport member512 supported between the right and leftaxle brackets442,444 extending from thesecond end portion120 of theseat rail116 as described above with reference toFIGS. 5 and 5F. The pop-pin516 on thesupport member512 is adapted to engage apertures in thesupport post664 to allow for selective height adjustment of thepreacher curl pad662. The arm assemblies518,520 andresistance cables144 are oriented in the same manner as described with reference toFIG. 2A, excepthandles146 are connected with the resistance cables. A user places his body on the exercise device as illustrated inFIG. 2G, grasps the handles and proceeds to pull with his arms in the directions shown.
• As shown inFIG. 2H, theexercise device100 is placed in the storage configuration with theseat rail116 held in an upright pivotal position by the first seat rail pop-pin234. As shown inFIG. 2H, when the exercise device is placed in the storage configuration, the user can stand on theplatform plate154 and perform various types of exercises, such as pull downs, curls, and shoulder exercises.
• As previously mentioned, the user actuates theresistance system128 through the cable-pulley system126. As shown inFIGS. 1B, 1D, and14, the cable-pulley system126 can include separate right and left cable-pulley systems666,668 that couple the right and leftresistance systems130,132 withresistance cables144 extending from distal end portions of the right and left arm assemblies518,520, respectively. Although the following description refers to figures depicting mainly to the components of the right cable-pulley system666, it is to be appreciated that the left cable-pulley system668 is substantially a mirror image of the right cable-pulley system, and as such, includes the same components as the cable-pulley system, which operate in relation with each other and with the frame as the right cable-pulley system.
• FIGS. 1B, 1D,11,11A and14 illustrate the cable routing from the arm assemblies518,520 to theresistance systems130,132. From afirst end670, afirst resistance cable672 extends through acable stop674 engaged with the first and seconddistal pulleys530,532 of the arm assembly124 and through the inside of thearm member526 to theproximal pulley564. The cable stop is connected with the first resistance cable and prevents the cable from being withdrawn into the arm assembly. Thefirst resistance cable672 wraps around a portion of theproximal pulley564 and extends downward to and wraps around a portion of a lowerdirectional pulley676. The lower directional pulleys are rotatably supported by the lower end portions of the right and leftupright members192,194. Thefirst resistance cable672 extends upward from the lowerdirectional pulley676 to a first upperdirectional pulley678. The first upper directional pulleys are rotatably supported between the front andrear pulley plates200,202 connected with upper end portions of the right and left upright members. The first resistance cable wraps partially around the first upperdirectional pulley678 and extends downward to a floatingpulley680. The first resistance cable wraps partially around the floating pulley and extends upward to wrap partially around a second upperdirectional pulley682. From the second upperdirectional pulley682, thefirst resistance cable672 extends outward to a third upperdirectional pulley684. The second and third upper directional pulleys are also rotatably supported between the front and rear pulley plates connected with upper end portions of the right and left upright members. Thefirst resistance cable672 wraps partially around the third upperdirectional pulley684 and extends downward, through thefirst axle housing552 connected with thearm slider assembly534. The first resistance cable extends from thefirst axle housing552 to asecond end686 connected with acable termination688. As shown inFIG. 11A, thecable termination688 abuts the bottom end portion of thefirst axle housing552 on the arm assembly. Because both ends of thefirst resistance cables672 are terminated on the arm assemblies518,520, the arm assemblies can move relative to themain frame106 without affecting the tension to the first resistance cables. As such, the position of the arm assemblies518,520 can be changed without actuating theresistance systems130,132.
• When using theexercise device100, the user applies a force to either or bothfirst resistance cables672 extending from the arm assemblies518,520, which pulls thefirst end670 of theresistance cable672 from thedistal pulley housing524. Because thesecond end686 of thefirst resistance cable672 is terminated at thefirst axle housing552, pulling thefirst end670 of the first resistance cable from thedistal pulley housing524 causes the floatingpulley680 to move upward. Movement of the floatingpulley680 in the upward direction translates forces to theresistance system128 through asecond resistance cable690 extending downward from the floating pulley. As previously mentioned, theresistance systems130,132 includetransmissions134 andresistance assemblies136 having pluralities of selectable resistance packs138. Thesecond resistance cable690 connects the floatingpulley680 with thetransmission assembly134, which in turn, is connected with theresistance assembly136 through athird resistance cable692. As such, movement of the floatingpulley680 in an upward direction causes thetransmission assembly134 to apply torsional forces to theresistance assembly136. As described in more detail below, the plurality of resistance packs138 of the resistance assembly utilize torsional springs to provide a selectable level of resistance. As such, the resistance assembly provides resistance to the torsional forces exerted thereon by the transmission assembly.
• Although the following description refers mainly to the components of the transmission assembly and resistance assembly associated with theright resistance system130, it is to be appreciated that the transmission and resistance assemblies associated with theleft resistance system132 are substantially mirror images of the transmission and resistance assemblies of the right resistance system, and as such, include the same components and operate in relation with each other and with the other components of the exercise device as the transmission and resistance assemblies of the right resistance system.
• As shown inFIGS. 15-15D, thetransmission assembly134 includes atransmission pulley694 rotatably supported by atransmission axle696 extending from thetransmission support member188 on theframe106. During exercise, as the user applies a force to thefirst resistance cable672, the floatingpulley680 moves upward, and in turn, thesecond resistance cable690 is pulled upward and unwinds from thetransmission pulley694, causing the transmission pulley to rotate around the transmission axle in a first direction. Conversely, as the user lessens the force exerted on the first resistance cable, theresistance assembly136 pulls against thetransmission pulley694 through thethird resistance cable692, causing the transmission pulley to rotate around the transmission axle in a second direction opposite the first direction. As thetransmission pulley694 rotates in the second direction, thesecond resistance cable690 pulls the floatingpulley680 downward and winds back onto the transmission pulley. In one example, pulling thefirst resistance cable672 from the right arm assembly518 pulls the floatingpulley680 of the right cable-pulley system666 upward. As such, the floating pulley pulls against thesecond resistance cable690, causing the second resistance cable to unwind from thetransmission pulley694 of theright resistance system130, which in turn, causes the transmission pulley to rotate in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device). As discussed in more detail below, rotation of the transmission pulley in the clockwise direction pulls thethird resistance cable692 and exerts torsional forces on the resistance assembly. Conversely, releasing the tension on thefirst resistance cable672 allows the right resistance system pull against thethird resistance cable692, causing thetransmission pulley694 to rotate counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device). Rotation of the transmission pulley in the counterclockwise direction pulls downward on the second resistance cable and winds the second resistance cable back onto the transmission pulley while at the same time pulling the floating pulley downward.
• As shown inFIG. 15-15B, afirst end698 of thethird resistance cable692 is connected with acable termination member700 extending outward from a side of thetransmission pulley694. As such, the as the transmission pulley rotates, thecable termination member700 also rotates around thetransmission axle696 along with thefirst end698 of thethird resistance cable692. Asecond end702 of thethird resistance cable692 is connected with a linearizingcam704 on theresistance assembly136. As discussed in more detail below, when thetransmission pulley694 rotates in a direction that pulls upward on thethird resistance cable692, the linearizingcam704 imparts a torsional force to selected resistance packs138.
• As shown inFIGS. 15-15E, thetransmission assembly134 includes cams706 connected with and adapted to rotate with thetransmission pulley694 around thetransmission axle696. The three cams706 are individually referred to herein as afirst cam708, asecond cam710, and athird cam712. Acam selector mechanism714 is connected with an end portion of thetransmission axle696 and provides the ability to selectively position the cams706 along the length of the transmission axle. More particularly, thecam selector mechanism714 allows a user to selectively position any one of the three cams706 in alignment with thethird resistance cable692 extending from thecable termination member700. When one of three cams is aligned to engage the third resistance cable, the cam is referred to as a “selected”cam716. As such, when the floatingpulley680 is pulled upward to cause thetransmission pulley694 to rotate, the selectedcam716 will rotate with the transmission pulley and engage the third resistance cable. As the selectedcam716 rotates, a portion of the third resistance cable wraps onto an outer cam surface of the cam. As discussed in more detail below, the shape of the selected cam affects the shape of the force curve.
• As previously mentioned, the three cams706 are slidingly mounted on thetransmission axle696 and as such, would not rotate with thetransmission pulley694 unless otherwise restrained. As shown inFIGS. 15 and 15E, acam retention rod718 located radially outward from thetransmission axle696 extends axially outward from thetransmission pulley694 parallel to the transmission axle. Thecam retention rod718 extends through the cams706 and forces the cams to rotate with the transmission pulley. The cams706 are connected with each other and are adapted to slide back and forth along the length of thetransmission axle696 and thecam retention rod718. Acam hub720 including afirst flange722 and asecond flange724 separated by a cylindrical center portion726 adapted to receive the transmission axle is connected with thefirst cam708. The diameter of thefirst flange722 and thesecond flange724 of the cam hub are larger than the diameter of the center cylindrical portion726, defining achannel728 between the first and second flanges. As discussed below, thecam selector mechanism714 is connected with thechannel728 on the cam hub to provide for selective axial position of the cams706 along the transmission axle.
• As shown inFIGS. 15 and 15B, thecam selector mechanism714 includes a mountingplate730 connected with an outer end portion of thetransmission axle696. The mountingplate730 supports aselector block732 having three apertures734 located therein. The three apertures734 are individually referred to herein as a first aperture736, a second aperture738, and a third aperture740. A C-shapedslider bracket742 adapted to slide back and forth along the length of theselector block732 includes atop side744 adjacent to atop side746 of theselector block732 and abottom side748 adjacent to abottom side750 of theselector block732. A cam pop-pin752 mounted on thetop side744 of theslider bracket742 is adapted to engage the three apertures734 on theselector block732. Atongue754 extending upward from thetop side744 of theslider bracket742 is connected with afirst end portion756 of atie rod758. From thefirst end portion756, thetie rod758 extends through atie rod cylinder760 connected with the mountingplate730 to asecond end portion762 connected with anengagement member764, connected with thechannel728 in thecam hub720. As such, thetie rod758 andengagement member764 connect theslider bracket742 with the three cams706 through thecam hub720. Therefore, when theslider bracket742 moves back and forth along theselector block732, thetie rod758 pushes or pulls thecam hub720 and cams706 back and forth along the length of thetransmission axle696 and thecam retention rod718.
• Theslider bracket742 theselector mechanism714 can be used to position any one of the three cams706 in alignment with thethird resistance cable692. Once the selected cam is aligned with the third resistance cable, theslider bracket742 and cams706 can be locked in position by engaging the cam pop-pin752 with a corresponding aperture734 on theselector block732. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 16A, when the cam pop-pin752 is engaged with the first aperture736 in theselector block732, thefirst cam708 is the selectedcam716. In addition, when the cam pop-pin is engaged with the second aperture738 in the selector block, thesecond cam710 is the selected cam as shown inFIG. 16B. Further, when the cam pop-pin is engaged with the third aperture740 in the selector block, thethird cam712 is the selected cam as shown inFIG. 16C.
• As previously mentioned, the shape of the outer circumferential surfaces of the cams can affect the shape of the force curve. The contour or shape of the outer surface of each cam is defined by radii of varying length extending from the center of the cam (i.e. the transmission axle) to an outer circumference of the cam. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can utilize various types of cams having differently shaped outer cam surfaces and are not limited to that which are disclosed herein. As shown inFIG. 16D, afirst radial distance766 from a centerlongitudinal axis768 of thetransmission axle796 to anouter circumference770 of thetransmission pulley694 is greater than asecond radial distance772 from the center longitudinal axis of the transmission axle to anouter circumference774 of the selectedcam716, which could be any one of the three cams shown. The difference between the first and second radial distances provides a mechanical advantage between a first force exerted on the second resistance cable690 (acting to rotate the transmission pulley) and a second force exerted on thethird resistance cable692 as the third resistance cable wraps onto the outer circumferential surface of the selected cam.
• It is to be appreciated that the mechanical advantage between forces exerted on the second andthird resistance cables690,692 can increase as thethird resistance cable692 wraps onto the outercircumferential surface774 of selectedcam716 at locations defined by a progressively decreasing radial distance from the center longitudinal axis of the transmission axle. In other words, a first force applied to the second cable acting to rotate thetransmission pulley694 will result in a second force exerted on thethird resistance cable692 that progressively increases as the third resistance cable wraps onto theouter cam circumferences774 at locations defined by a progressively decreasing radial distance from the centerlongitudinal axis768 of thetransmission axle696. Conversely, the mechanical advantage between forces exerted on the second and third resistance cables can decrease as the third resistance cable wraps onto the outer circumferential surface of selected cam at locations defined by a progressively increasing radial distance from the center longitudinal axis of the transmission axle. In other words, a first force applied to the second cable acting to rotate the transmission pulley will result in a second force exerted on the third resistance cable that progressively decreases as the third resistance cable wraps onto the outer cam surface at locations defined by a progressively increasing radial distance from the center longitudinal axis of the transmission axle. Further, the mechanical advantage between forces on the second and third resistance cables will not change as third resistance cable wraps onto the outer circumferential surface of selected cam at locations defined by a constant radial distance from the center longitudinal axis of the transmission axle.
• FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate the contours or shapes of the outer circumferential surfaces of thefirst cam708,second cam710, andthird cam712 for one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, each cam includes an arcuateouter surface776 including afirst engagement region778, asecond engagement region780, and athird engagement region782 defined by varying radial distances from the centerlongitudinal axis768 of thetransmission axle696. The three engagement regions of the outer cam surfaces are also defined below in the context of describing the rotation of thetransmission pulley694 of theright resistance system130. Thetransmission pulley694 is shown inFIGS. 18A-18F as rotating in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) in response to an upward movement of the floatingpulley680. As the transmission pulley begins to rotate in the clockwise direction, the third resistance cable first692 wraps onto the first engagement region of the selected cam surface. As the transmission pulley continues its rotation in the clockwise direction, the third resistance cable wraps onto the second engagement region of the selected cam surface. Further, as the transmission pulley nears full rotation in the clockwise direction, the third resistance cable wraps onto the third engagement region of the selected cam surface. It is to be appreciated that the references to the three engagement regions are for descriptive purposes and should not be construed to limit the sizes and shapes of the cams used with the present invention.
• As shown in FIGS.17A and18A-18B, a radial distance R from the centerlongitudinal axis768 of thetransmission axle696 to the outerarcuate surface776 of thefirst cam708 increases from thefirst engagement region778 to thesecond engagement region780. The radial distance R also increases from thesecond engagement region780 to thethird engagement region782. As shown inFIGS. 18A-18B, as thethird resistance cable692 wraps onto thefirst cam708 as the first cam rotates clockwise with thetransmission pulley694, the mechanical advantage between forces on the second andthird resistance cables690,692 will decrease, resulting in a progressive force curve. In other words, a user of the exercise device will encounter progressively greater resistance as the user pulls the first end of thefirst resistance cable672 from thedistal pulley housing524 on the arm assembly124. As shown in FIGS.17B and18C-18D, the radial distance R′ the centerlongitudinal axis768 of thetransmission axle696 to the outerarcuate surface776 of thesecond cam710 remains constant from thefirst engagement region778 to thesecond engagement region780, and from the second engagement region to thethird engagement region782. As shown inFIGS. 18C-18D, as thethird resistance cable692 wraps onto thesecond cam710 as the second cam rotates clockwise with thetransmission pulley694, the mechanical advantage between the forces on the second and third resistance cables will remain constant, resulting in a linear force curve. In other words, a user of the exercise device will encounter a substantially constant resistance as the user pulls the first end of thefirst resistance cable672 from thedistal pulley housing524 on the arm assembly124. As shown in FIGS.17C and18E-18F, the radial distance R″ the centerlongitudinal axis768 of thetransmission axle696 to the outerarcuate surface776 of thethird cam712 decreases from thefirst engagement region778 to thesecond engagement region780, and from thesecond engagement region780 to thethird engagement region782. As shown inFIGS. 18E-18F, as thethird resistance cable692 wraps onto thesecond cam710 as the second cam rotates clockwise with thetransmission pulley694, the mechanical advantage between forces on the second and third resistance cables will increase, resulting in a regressive force curve. In other words, a user of the exercise device will encounter progressively less resistance as the user pulls the first end of thefirst resistance cable672 from thedistal pulley housing524 on the arm assembly124.
• As previously mentioned, thetransmission assembly134 is connected with theresistance assembly136 through thethird resistance cable692. As shown inFIGS. 15, 15B and19A-19C, the third resistance cable extends from thefirst end698 connected with thecable termination member760 on thetransmission pulley694 to thesecond end702 connected with acable termination784 on thelinearizing cam704 on theresistance assembly136. The linearizing cam is rotatably mounted on aresistance axle786 connected with themain frame106. The resistance assembly also includes aselector mechanism788 connected with the linearizingcam704. The selector mechanism allows a user to selectively connect a desired number of resistance packs138 with the linearizing cam. As described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 20A-20E and others, the resistance packs138 includeresilient resistance elements790 that act as torisional springs enclosed within ahousing792. Theresistance elements790 are connected withcenter hubs794, which in turn, are connected with theresistance axle786. More particularly, thecenter hubs794 are connected with resistance axle through an arrangement of splines, and as such, do not rotate about the resistance axle. As discussed in more detail below, thehousings792 of the resisance packs138 can be selectively connected with theselector mechanism788. Therefore, as the linearizingcam704 and theselector mechanism788 rotate together, housings of resistance packs connected with the selector mechanism also rotate. As the housings rotate, the center hubs remain stationary, which causes the torsional springs be stretched within the housings. As the torsional springs stretch, the torisional springs exert progressively increasing resistive torsional forces on the linearizing cam, which are translated to the third resistance cable.
• As previously mentioned, eachresistance axle786 of the right and left resistance systems supports the linearizingcam704 as well as the plurality of resistance packs138. The resistance axles786 of the right and leftresistance systems130,132 are connected with and extend outward from the right and left rearupright members178,180 of theframe106 described above with reference toFIG. 3A. As shown inFIGS. 19A-19C, the linearizingcam704 is rotateably mounted on theresistance axle786 and is connected with thesecond end702 of thethird resistance cable692. The connection of thethird resistance cable692 with the linearizingcam704 provides for selective tensioning of the third resistance cable. As shown inFIGS. 15B and 19C, the linearizingcam704 includes a firstarcuate slot796 and a secondarcuate slot798. Thethird resistance cable692 extending downward from thetransmission assembly134 wraps around the outer surface of the linearizingcam704 to where thesecond end702 of thethird resistance cable692 connects with thecable termination784 inside the firstarcuate slot796. Thecable termination784 is connected with aplate800 extending between afirst bolt802 and asecond bolt804. As shown inFIG. 20C, thesecond bolt804 extends through thesecond slot798 in the linearizing cam. The combination of the first and second bolts and the plate allow the tension of the third resistance cable to be adjusted. For example, when adjusting the tension in thethird resistance cable692, the first andsecond bolts802,804 are loosened so as to allow thesecond bolt804,cable termination784, andplate800 to pivot around thefirst bolt802. Theplate800 can then be pivoted to provide the desired tension on thethird resistance cable692 through thecable termination784 connected with the plate. Once the desired tension in the third resistance cable is achieved, the first and second bolts are retightened.
• As previously mentioned, theselector mechanism788 is used to selectively connect a desired number of resistance packs138 with the linearizingcam704. Therefore, when tension is placed on thethird resistance cable692 that causes the linearizing cam to rotate around theresistance axle786, the selector plate also rotates along with thehousings792 of resistance packs138 connected with the selector mechanism. Due to the resilient construction of theresistance elements790 inside the housings of the resistance packs138, the resistance forces exerted by the resistance packs progressively increase as the linearizing cam rotates. As such, an outercircumferential surface806 of the linearizingcam704 can be shaped to offset the progressive increase in forces exerted by the resistance packs. More particularly, as thethird resistance cable692 unwinds from linearizingcam704, a radial distance R1, shown inFIG. 15B, from a centerlongitudinal axis808 of theresistance axle786 to a location where the third resistance cable separates from the outer surface of the linearizing cam increases. In other words, a first force exerted on thethird resistance cable692 that causes thelinearizing cam704 to rotate will result in a progressively increasing torque exerted on thelinearizing cam704 as the linearizing cam rotates around theresistance axle786. As such, although the resistance packs138 provide a progressively increasing resistance torque as thehousings792 are rotated relative theresistance axle786, the progressively increasing torque exerted by the third resistance cable on the linearizing cam results in a substantially linear resistance force exerted on thethird resistance cable692. It is to be appreciated that linearizing cams having different outer shapes can be used with the present invention and as such, should not be limited to the shape of the linearizing cam described and depicted herein.
• It is to be appreciated that the exercise devices described herein can include resistance systems that utilize various types of devices to provide resistance. For example,FIGS. 20A-20E show one embodiment of theresistance pack138 that can be used with theexercise device100. Theresistance pack138 is similar the resistance packs disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,511, titled “Adjustable Resilient Reel Exerciser,” filed on Jan. 23, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,461, titled “Elastomeric Torsional Spring Having Tangential Spokes with Varying Elastic Response,” filed on Jun. 12, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,580, titled “Resistance Exercise Machine with Series Connected Resistance Packs,” filed on Aug. 7, 1998; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,044, titled “Resistance Mechanism with Series Connected Resistance Packs,” filed on Aug. 1, 2000, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.
• As previously mentioned, thehousing792 of theresistance pack138 enclosesresistance elements790 that act as torsional springs. In turn, the torsional springs are connected withcenter hubs794, which are connected with theresistance axle786 through an arrangement of splines. As shown inFIGS. 20A-20E, thehousing792 includes a flat, disc-shapedbase panel810 with afirst side812 and asecond side814. A plurality of rigidtriangular frames816 extend outward from each of the sides of the base panel, eachframe816 having atab818 projecting from an outer edge thereof. Although the resistance pack shown inFIGS. 20A-20E has eight triangular frames, it is to be appreciated that the resistance pack can have more or less than eight triangular frames. Acircular rim820 is connected with and extends along the circular periphery of thebase panel810. As shown inFIGS. 20A-20D, thehousing792 also includes afirst side wall822 and asecond side wall824 connected with therim820 and thebase panel810 on opposite sides of the resistance pack. The side walls are substantially circularly-shaped with a portion of the periphery of each side wall extending beyond therim820 to form aledge826. Aconnection block828 having anaperture830 therein extends between theside walls822,824 near theledge826. As discussed in more detail below, the selector mechanism is adapted to engage theaperture830 to selectively connect thehousing792 with the linearizingcam704.
• As shown inFIGS. 20B and 20D, theresistance pack138 includes tworesistance elements790. It is to be appreciated that the resistance pack can include more or less than two resistance elements. As previously mentioned, the resistance elements act as torsional springs and may be constructed of a suitable elastomeric substance exhibiting resiliency and resistance to stretching. As shown inFIG. 20E, theresistance elements790 each include a plurality ofspokes832 connected with and extending radially outward from thecenter hub794. A plurality ofperipheral portions834 of theresistance elements790 extend between outer ends of thespokes832. Thecenter hub794 may be constructed of a rigid material which may be glued or otherwise bonded to the elastomeric inner ends of the spokes. As discussed in more detail below, thecenter hub794 also includessplines836 adapted to engagecorresponding splines838 theresistance axle786. The resistance elements are installed with the spokes extending between the adjacenttriangular frames816 and with theperipheral portions834 beneath thetabs818 extending from the triangular frames. As such, one resistance element is adjacent thefirst side812 of thebase panel810, and the other resistance element is adjacent thesecond side814. When the housing of the resistance pack containing the resistance elements is rotated relative to the center hubs of each resistance element, the spokes and the peripheral portions of the resistance elements are stretched. The resilient construction of the resistance elements resist stretching of the spokes and peripheral portions to provide a resistive force that opposes the stretching of the arms and peripheral portions. It is to appreciated that the resistive forces increases the more the resistance elements are stretched. In other words, the more the housing of the resistance pack is rotated relative to the hub, the greater the resistance force.
• As previously mentioned, theresistance axle786 supports the linearizingcam704 and the plurality of resistance packs138. As shown inFIGS. 21A-21E, the plurality of the resistance packs138 is mounted on asplined portion838 of theresistance axle786 extending outward from the linearizingcam704. Thesplined portion838 of theresistance axle786 is adapted to be received within thecenter hubs794 of eachresistance pack138. As such, thecenter hubs794 of each resistance pack do not rotate about theresistance axle786. Astop rod840 extends outward from abracket842 connected with theupper cross member182 on themain frame106, discussed above with reference toFIG. 3A. As shown inFIGS. 21A, 21B and21D, thestop rod840 extends outward from thebracket842 and along theledges826 of each resistance pack. As shown inFIG. 21A an outer portion of thestop rod840 extends radially inward to connect with adistal end portion844 of theresistance axle786. The resistance packs can be placed on the resistance axle so that the when the ledges on the resistance packs are in contact with the stop rod, the torsional spring is slightly stretched, which creates a relatively small amount of pre-load resistance. The pre-load resistance helps to hold theledges826 of the resistance packs138 against thestop rod840 and positions theapertures830 on the connection blocks828 in a desired alignment with theselector mechanism788. As shown inFIGS. 21A and 21B, afirst resistance pack846 configured with a pre-load is connected with the linearizing cam. As such, the ledges on the resistance packs abut stop rod to the maintain the linearizing cam in a constant initial starting position when not in use.
• As previously mentioned, theselector mechanism788 is used to selectively connect thehousings792 of a desired number of resistance packs138 with the linearizingcam704. As shown inFIGS. 21A and 21B, theselector mechanism788 includes aselector plate848 connected with an outer side of the linearizingcam704 and extends outward adjacent to theledges826 and connection blocks828 on the resistance packs138. Aselector plate support850 rotatably supported on thedistal end portion844 ofresistance axle786 extends radially outward from the resistance axle and connects with a distal end portion of theselector plate848. As such, the selector plate rotates about the resistance axle with the linearizing cam. As shown inFIGS. 21A, 21B,21D, and21E, theselector plate848 supports a plurality ofknobs852 havingpins854 extending therefrom. Thepins854 are adapted to engage theapertures830 in the connection blocks828 on each resistance pack. For example, moving theknobs852 toward the resistance packs138 inserts thepins854 into theapertures830 on the connection blocks828, which connects thehousings792 of the resistance packs138 with theselector plate848. Therefore, when the knob is moved to insert the pin in the connection block of a resistance pack, the housing of the selected resistance pack rotates with the selector plate and linearizing cam. As shown inFIGS. 21A and 21B, some embodiments of the present invention can include acounter weight856 extending around the plurality of resistance packs138 opposite from theselector plate848. Thecounter weight856 is connected with and rotates with theselector mechanism788 andlinearizing cam704. As such, the counter weight acts to cancel or eliminate effects from the weight of the selector mechanism as it rotates around the resistance axle.
• A description of the operation of the components associated with the cable-pulley system and resistance systems located on the right and left sides of the exercise device is provided below with reference toFIGS. 1A-21E. Descriptions of rotational directions (i.e. clockwise and counterclockwise) are from a point of reference as viewed from the right side of the exercise device.
• When using right side of the exercise device, the user applies a force to thefirst resistance cable672, pulling thefirst end670 of the resistance cable from thedistal pulley housing524 of the right arm assembly518. Because thesecond end686 of thefirst resistance cable672 is terminated in thefirst axle housing552 on the right arm assembly, pulling the first end of the first resistance cable from the right arm assembly causes the floatingpulley680 of the right cable-pulley system666 to move upward. Movement of the floating pulley in the upward direction causes thesecond resistance cable690 to unwind from thetransmission pulley694 on theright resistance system130, which rotates the transmission pulley in a clockwise direction around thetransmission axle696. The three cams706 also rotate clockwise with thetransmission pulley694. As such, the third resistance cable winds692 onto the outer cam surface of the selectedcam716. As thethird resistance cable692 winds onto the selected cam, the third resistance cable unwinds from the linearizingcam704, which causes the linearizing cam to rotate counterclockwise around theresistance axle786. Theselector mechanism788 andcounterweight856 also rotate with the linearizing cam along with thehousings792 of the resistance packs138 that have been connected with the selector mechanism. The connected resistance packs provide a resistance force to thethird resistance cable692 as the linearizing cam of the right resistance system rotates counter clockwise.
• When the user releases thefirst resistance cable672, theresistance elements790 of selected resistance packs138 on theright resistance system130 force thehousings792 of the resistance packs to rotate around theresistance axle786 with theselector mechanism788 andlinearizing cam704 in the clockwise direction until theledges826 on the housings of the resistance packs138 engage thestop rod840. Rotation of the linearizingcam704 in the clockwise direction unwinds thethird resistance692 from the selected cam, causing the three cams706 and thetransmission pulley694 to rotate counterclockwise. Rotation of thetransmission pulley694 in the counterclockwise direction winds thesecond resistance cable690 back onto the transmission pulley, which pulls the floatingpulley680 of the right cable-pulley system666 in a downward direction, which in turn, causes thefirst resistance cable672 to retract back into the right arm assembly518.
• When using left side of the exercise device, the user applies a force to thefirst resistance cable672, pulling thefirst end670 of the first resistance cable from thedistal pulley housing524 of the left arm assembly520. Because thesecond end686 of the first resistance cable is terminated in thefirst axle housing552 on the left arm assembly, pulling the first end of the first resistance cable from the left arm assembly causes the floatingpulley680 of the left cable-pulley system668 to move upward. Movement of the floating pulley in the upward direction causes thesecond resistance cable690 to unwind from thetransmission pulley694, which rotates thetransmission pulley694 in a clockwise direction around thetransmission axle696. The three cams706 also rotate clockwise with thetransmission pulley694. As such, thethird resistance cable692 winds onto the outer cam surface of the selectedcam716. As the third resistance cable winds onto the selected cam, thethird resistance cable692 unwinds from the linearizingcam704 of theleft resistance system132, which causes the linearizing cam to rotate counterclockwise around theresistance axle786. Theselector mechanism788 andcounterweight856 also rotate with the linearizingcam704 along with the resistance packs138 that have been connected with the selector mechanism. The selected resistance packs provide a resistance force to the third resistance cable as the linearizing cam of the left resistance system rotates counter clockwise.
• When the user releases thefirst resistance cable672, theresistance elements790 in the selected resistance packs138 of theleft resistance system132 force thehousings792 of the resistance packs to rotate around theresistance axle786 with theselector mechanism788 andlinearizing cam704 in the clockwise direction until theledges826 on the housings of the resistance packs engage thestop rod840. Rotation of the linearizingcam704 in the clockwise direction unwinds thethird resistance692 from the selected cam, causing the three cams706 and thetransmission pulley694 to rotate counterclockwise. Rotation of the transmission pulley in the counterclockwise direction winds thesecond resistance cable690 back onto the transmission pulley, which pulls the floatingpulley680 of the left cable-pulley system668 in the downward direction, which in turn, causes the first resistance cable to retract back into the left arm assembly520.
• FIGS. 22A-22G show an alternative exercise device858 conforming to aspects of the present invention. The exercise device allows a user to perform various exercises and includes an adjustable bench assembly860 connected with amain frame862. The main frame supportsadjustable arm assemblies864 and cable-pulley assemblies866 providing a user interface with aresistance system868, which is also supported on the main frame. Structurally, the exercise device ofFIGS. 22A-22G varies from the devices ofFIGS. 1A-1D in several ways. For example, the alternative exercise device858 does not include a multi-axis release mechanism for the arm assemblies, an adjustment mechanism to selectively adjust the force curve, and a selector mechanism to select the amount of resistance. Instead, theresistance system868 of the alternative exercise device858 includes right and leftresistance systems870,872, each utilizing a plurality of removable resistance packs874 adapted to connect with each other, enabling the user to change the amount of resistance. The resistance system is partially covered byshroud members876 supported by the main frame. Each of the right and left resistance systems also include atensioning mechanism878 to adjust the tension of a portion of the cable-pulley assembly. In addition, themain frame862 of the alternative embodiment858 is configured differently than the frame of earlier embodiments. For example, the alternative embodiment includes aforward bench support880 that automatically folds inward when the exercise device is placed in the storage configuration.
• As shown inFIGS. 22A-22G, the exercise device can be configured with various accessories to allow a user to perform various types of exercises. The exercise device858 includes abench frame882 supporting the adjustable bench assembly860 having anadjustable back support882 andbench seat884. Thebench frame882 includes aseat rail888 with afirst end portion890 pivotally connected with themain frame862 and asecond end portion892 supported by theforward bench support880. Themain frame862 also supports right and leftadjustable arm assemblies894,896 and cable-pulley assemblies898,900 that provide a user interface with the right and leftresistance systems870,872. Theadjustable arm assemblies894,896 are pivotally connected with theframe862 to provide the user with the ability to adjust the position of the arm assemblies along vertically oriented arcs. Theresistance systems870,872 are also connected with and are supported by themain frame862. Each resistance system includes atransmission assembly902 andresistance assembly904. Thetransmission assembly902 includes the previously mentionedtensioning mechanism878, but does not include a cam selector and a plurality of selectable cams as described above with reference to earlier embodiments. However, it is to be appreciated that the selectable cams described above may be utilized with the exercise device ofFIGS. 22A-22G. Theresistance assemblies870,872 utilize resistance packs874 similar to those used with earlier embodiments; however, the resistance systems do not include a selector mechanism to allow a user to select the amount of resistance. Instead, the user stacks a desired number of resistance packs874 onto aresistance axle906 to select the amount of resistance. As described below, the resistance packs have interconnecting housings. It should be appreciated, however, that the selector mechanism of earlier embodiments may be employed in the exercise device858 ofFIGS. 22A-22G.
• Similar to earlier embodiments, theforward bench support880 of the exercise device858 is pivotally connected with theseat rail888. In addition, thefirst end portion890 of theseat rail892 is pivotally connected with theframe862, which allows a user to place the exercise device858 in a storage configuration, as shown inFIG. 22G, wherein thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 is rotated upward toward the frame until the seat rail is substantially vertical with respect to the support surface. Further, theback support884 and thebench seat886 are adjustably coupled with thebench frame882. More particularly, thebench seat886 is rollingly connected with theseat rail888 such that the bench seat can roll back and forth along the length of the seat rail. As shown inFIGS. 22A-22G, the bench seat can also be selectively locked into various positions along the length of the seat rail as well as being configured to roll freely back and forth along the seat rail. As shown inFIGS. 22A, 22C, and22D, theback support884 is not fixedly connected with the exercise device858, and as such, is removable. When thebench seat886 is positioned on theseat rail888 in a rearward direction relatively close to theframe862, theback support884 can be placed in an inclined position supported between thebench seat886 theframe862, as shown inFIG. 22D.
• As previously mentioned, themain frame862 supports theresistance system868, theadjustable arm assemblies864, the cable-pulley assembly866, and thefirst end portion890 of theseat rail888. As shown inFIGS. 23A-23B, and others, themain frame862 includes anupright structure908 connected with abase structure910, which includes aplatform plate912 supported on a base frame914. The base frame914 includes right and left base members916,918 connected with and separated by a front cross member920 and first and second rear cross members922,924 to define a substantially square shape. Theplatform plate912 is connected with and is supported on upper surfaces of the members defining the base frame914. Right and left plate support members926,928 extending between the front cross member920 and the first and second rear cross members922,924 provide additional support to the platform plate.
• As shown inFIGS. 23A and 23B, right and leftwheels930,932 are rotatably connected with the front cross member920 that allow a user to maneuver the exercise device along a support surface from one location to another. Although the exercise device includes wheels, it is to be appreciated that the exercise device can also include rollers, skid plates, or other components to assist with maneuvering the exercise device. When themain frame862 is supported by the base frame, the wheels are positioned adjacent to and slightly above the support surface. To move the exercise device from one location to another, a user can place the exercise device858 in the storage configuration shown inFIG. 22G. Once in the storage configuration, the user can pivot themain frame862 forward to bring thewheels930,932 into engagement with the support surface. The user can then roll the exercise device along the support surface to a desired location.
• As shown inFIGS. 23A and 23B, the base frame914 also includes a generally L-shaped center support member934 having a base portion936 and anupright portion938. More particularly, the base portion936 of the center support member934 extends rearwardly from the front cross member920, between the first and second rear cross members924,926, and from under the base plate to the upwardly extendingupright portion938. Arear base member940 which adds lateral support to theframe862 is connected with the center support member934 throughrear support brackets942 connected with the base portion and the upright portion of the center support member.
• Referring toFIGS. 23A, 23B, and others, theupright structure908 includes anarm support member944 extending upward from the top surface of the base portion936 of the center support member934. A pair of forwardside support brackets946 and acenter support bracket948 are connected with thearm support member944 and the center support member934. Atransmission support member950 extends rearward from thearm support member944 and connects with theupright portion938 of thecenter support member948. Aresistance support member952 extends rearward from thearm support member944 above thetransmission support member950 and connects with theupright portion938 of the center support member934. As shown inFIG. 23C, alower foot plate954 assembly is connected with and extends forward from a lower portion on thearm support member944. The lowerfoot plate assembly954 includes a housing956 extending forward from thearm support member944 and is defined by right and leftside plates958,960 separated by atop side plate962. The right and left side plates are connected with right and left sides of the arm support member. Right and leftfoot plates964,966 extend outward from the right side plate and the left side plate. The foot plates provide platforms upon which a user can place his feet when performing various exercises, such as leg press exercises.
• As shown inFIGS. 22B, 22G,23C, and others, theseat rail888 is pivotally connected with and extends forward from the lowerfoot plate assembly954. More particularly, thefirst end portion890 of theseat rail888 is pivotally connected with a firstseat rail axle968 supported between the right and leftside plates958,960 of the lowerfoot plate assembly954. Thebench frame882 also includes abottom rail970 pivotally connected with the lowerfoot plate assembly954 through a firstbottom rail axle972. More particularly, the firstbottom rail axle972 is supported between the right and leftside plates958,960 of the lower foot plate assembly below and forward of the firstseat rail axle968. Thebottom rail970 is a generally elongate member with first andsecond end portions974,976, the first end portion being angled upwardly from amid portion978. Thefirst end portion974 of thebottom rail970 is pivotally connected with the firstbottom rail axle972. Thebottom rail970 is located under theseat rail888 and extends forward from the first bottom rail axle in a direction generally parallel with theseat rail888 to thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970. As discussed in more detail below, when the exercise device is placed in the storage configuration, the bottom rail acts to pull theforward bench support880 inward toward thebottom rail970 and theseat rail888.
• As shown inFIGS. 22B, 22G,24A, and others, theforward bench support880 is pivotally connected with and adjustably supports the second end portions of theseat rail888 and thebottom rail970 above the support surface. Theforward bench support880 includes across member980 having a pair ofend caps982 at opposing end portions thereof adapted to engage the support surface. Right and leftsupport members984,986 extend upward from opposing end portions of asupport bracket988 connected with thecross member980. Ahandle990 connected with and extending along a front side of thecross member980 can be used to lift the second end portions of thebottom rail970 andseat rail888 when placing the exercise device858 in the storage configuration. Theforward bench support880 can also include acollar support bracket992 connected between the right and leftsupport members984,986. It is to be appreciated that the forward bench support can include additional components for added rigidity, stability, and/or strength. For example, theforward bench support880 includes aU-shaped gusset994 connected with the support members and support bracket. Thecollar support bracket992 can be connected with an accessory support member orcollar996 adapted to receive asupport post998 connected with anexercise accessory1000, such as apreacher curl accessory1000 shown inFIGS. 22E and 22F. Theaccessory support collar996 can also include an accessory pop-pin1004 adapted to engage apertures on the exercise accessory support post for selective height adjustment of the exercise accessory. Also, aleg developer assembly1006 can be pivotally supported between the right and leftsupport members984,986.
• As shown in FIGS.22G and24A-24C, thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 is connected with thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 through the right and leftsupport members984,986 of theforward bench support880. More particularly, thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 is pivotally connected with the forward bench support through a secondseat rail axle1008, and the second end portion of the bottom rail is pivotally connected with the forward bench support through a secondbottom rail axle1010. As shown in FIGS.22G and24A-24C, and others,upper regions1012 of thesupport members984,986 adjacent to right and left sides of thesecond end portion892 ofseat rail888 are pivotally connected with opposing end portions of thesecond seat axle1008.Mid regions1014 of the support members adjacent to right and left sides of thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 are pivotally connected with opposing end portions of the secondbottom rail axle1010.
• As previously mentioned, thebottom rail970 acts on thesupport members984,986 to fold theforward bench support880 inward and upward toward thebottom rail970 when thebench frame882 is moved from the downward operative position to the upright storage position.FIG. 22B shows the exercise device858 with thebench frame882 in the downward position, andFIG. 22G shows the exercise device with the bench frame in the upright position. Thebench frame882 is placed in the upright position by pivoting theseat rail888 andbottom rail970 upward in a clockwise direction (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the first seat rail axle and the first bottom rail axle, respectively. As the seat rail and bottom rail pivot clockwise, the second end portions of theseat rail888 and thebottom rail970 move along arcs that are not parallel. More particularly, because the firstseat rail axle968 is located above and rearward of the firstbottom rail axle972, thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 and the secondbottom rail axle1010 move rearward and upward relative to thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 and the secondseat rail axle1008. The movement of thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 with respect to thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 causes the second bottom rail axle to pull on themid regions1014 of thesupport members984,986, which in turn, causes the support members to pivot counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the secondseat rail axle1008. As the support members pivot counterclockwise around the second seat rail axle,lower regions1016 of thesupport members984,986 and thecross member980 pivot toward thebottom rail970.
• Conversely, when moving thebench frame882 from the upright position (FIG. 22G) to the downward position (FIG. 22B), thebottom rail970 acts on thesupport members984,986 to extend theforward bench support880 outward and downward away from thebottom rail970. Thebench frame882 is placed in the downward position by pivoting theseat rail888 andbottom rail970 counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the firstseat rail axle968 and the firstbottom rail axle972, respectively. As theseat rail888 andbottom rail970 pivot counterclockwise, the second end portions of the seat rail and the bottom rail move along arcs that are not parallel. More particularly, thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 and the secondbottom rail axle1010 move forward and downward relative to thesecond end portion892seat rail888 and the secondseat rail axle1008. The movement of thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 with respect to thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 causes the secondbottom rail axle1010 to push on themid regions1014 of thesupport members984,986, which in turn, causes the support members to pivot clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the secondseat rail axle1008. As thesupport members984,986 pivot clockwise around the secondseat rail axle1008, thelower regions1016 of thesupport members984,986 and thecross member980 pivot away from thebottom rail970.
• The exercise device858 can also include a pop-pin1018 or similar device to selectively lock thebench frame882 in the downward and upright positions. As shown inFIGS. 24A-24C, the pop-pin1018 is connected with theleft support member986 of theforward bench support880. The pop-pin1018 is adapted to selectively connect theforward bench support880 with thebench frame882. More particularly, as shown inFIGS. 24B and 24C, right and leftextension plates1020,1022 rotatably supporting twopulleys1024 are connected with thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970. As discussed in more detail below, the twopulleys1024 are adapted to interact with the cable-pulley assembly. The pop-pin1018 is spring loaded and adapted to selectively engage apertures in theleft extension plate1022 to selectively lock thebench frame882 in the downward and/or upright positions. As shown inFIG. 24B, the pop-pin can include a body housing a spring operably connected with a pin. The spring acts to force the pin through theleft support member986 and against theleft extension plate1022. The pin can be disengaged from theleft extension plate1022 by pulling on a handle1032 connected with the pin in a direction away from the left extension plate. The pop-pin1018 is adapted to engage afirst aperture1034 and asecond aperture1036 in the left extension plate. As discussed in more detail below, when the pop-pin1018 engages thefirst aperture1034, thebench frame882 is selectively locked into the downward position. Alternatively, when the pop-pin1018 is engages thesecond aperture1036, thebench frame882 is selectively locked into the upright position. It is to be appreciated that the pop-pin1018 can be located on other locations on the exercise device, such as on theright support member984. It is also to be appreciated that the bench frame can be configured to be selectively locked in only the upright or downward positions and need not be configured to be selectively locked in both the downward and upright positions.
• FIG. 22B shows thebench frame882 locked in the downward position with the pin1030 of the pop-pin1018 engaged with thefirst aperture1034 in theleft extension plate1022. When the pop-pin1030 is engaged with thefirst aperture1034, theleft support member986 of theforward bench support880 is connected with thebottom rail970 through theleft extension plate1022 as well as the secondbottom rail axle1010. As such, theleft support member986 is selectively locked into a fixed position relative to thebottom rail970, which in turn, prevents theforward bench support880 from pivoting about the secondseat rail axle1008. As described above, relative movement between the second seat rail axle and second bottom rail axle when placing the bench frame in the upright position causes thesupport members984,986 of theforward bench support880 to pivot clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the secondseat rail axle1008. However, when the pop-pin1018 is engaged with thefirst aperture1034, the forward bench support is prevented from pivoting around the first pivot axle, locking the bench frame in the downward position.
• To place thebench frame880 in the storage position, as shown inFIG. 22G, the pop-pin1018 is first disengaged from thefirst aperture1034 of theleft extension plate1022 by pulling the handle1032 away from the left extension plate. The second end portions of theseat rail888 andbottom rail970 are then lifted and pivoted clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the firstseat rail axle968 and the firstbottom rail axle972. As described above, the movement of thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 with respect to thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 causes the forward bench support to pivot counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the secondseat rail axle1008. As the forward bench support pivots counterclockwise around the second seat rail axle, thelower regions1016 of thesupport members984,986 and thecross member980 move toward thebottom rail970. In addition, the pop-pin1018 connected with theleft support member986 moves toward thebottom rail970 until the pop-pin1018 is aligned with and engaged with thesecond aperture1036 in theleft extension plate1022, locking the bench frame in the upright position.
• FIG. 22G shows thebench frame882 locked in the upright position with the pop-pin1018 engaged with thesecond aperture1036 in theleft extension plate1022. When the pop-pin is engaged with the second aperture in the left extension plate, theleft support member986 of theforward bench support880 is connected with thebottom rail970 through theleft extension plate1022 as well as the secondbottom rail axle1010. As such, theleft support member986 is selectively locked into a fixed position relative to thebottom rail970, which in turn, prevents theforward bench support880 from pivoting about the secondseat rail axle1008. As described above, relative movement between the second seat rail axle and the second bottom rail axle when placing the bench frame in the downward position causes the forward bench support to pivot clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the second seat rail axle. However, when the pop-pin1018 is engaged with thesecond aperture1036, theforward bench support880 is prevented from pivoting around the second seat rail axle. Therefore, the bench frame is locked in the upright position when the pop-pin is received within the second aperture.
• From the storage position ofFIG. 22G, when placing thebench frame880 in the operative position shown inFIG. 22B, the pop-pin1018 is disengaged from thesecond aperture1036 of theleft extension plate1022. The second end portions of theseat rail888 andbottom rail970 are then moved downward and are pivoted counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the firstseat rail axle968 and the firstbottom rail axle972. As described above, the movement of thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 with respect to thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 causes the secondbottom rail axle976 to push on themid regions1014 of thesupport members984,986, which in turn, causes theforward bench support880 to pivot clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the secondseat rail axle1008. As the support members pivot clockwise around the second seat rail axle, thelower regions1016 of thesupport members984,986 and thecross member980 move away from thebottom rail970. In addition, the pop-pin1018 connected with theleft support member986 moves away from the bottom rail until the pop-pin is aligned with and engaged with thefirst aperture1034 in theleft extension plate1022, locking the bench frame in the downward position.
• An alternative embodiment of aforward bench support880′ is shown inFIGS. 25A-25C. As with theforward bench support880 described above, theforward bench support880′ automatically folds inward toward theseat rail970 andbottom rail888 when placing thebench frame882 in the storage configuration. However, theforward bench support880′ shown inFIGS. 25A-25C also provides for selective adjustment of the seat rail incline. The forward bench support is pivotally connected with and adjustably supports thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 above the support surface. Theforward bench support880′ includes across member980′ having a pair ofend caps982′ at opposing end portions thereof adapted to engage the support surface. Right and leftsupport members984′,986′ extending upward from thecross member980′ include apertures adapted to receive opposing end portions of a secondseat rail axle1008′. The secondseat rail axle1008′, in turn, is supported by anaxle support member1038 extending downward from thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888.
• As shown inFIGS. 25A-25C, thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 is connected with thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 through right and leftpivot plates1040,1042. The pivot plates are generally triangularly-shaped, defining afirst corner region1044, asecond corner region1046, and athird corner region1048. Thefirst corner regions1044 of thepivot plates1040,1042 are pivotally connected with opposing end portions of a firstcorner pivot axle1045. Thesecond corner regions1046 of the pivot plates are adjacent to right and leftextension plates1020′,1022′ connected with thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 and are pivotally connected with opposing end portions of a secondbottom rail axle1010′. As discussed in more detail below, a leg developer assembly can also be pivotally connected with the third corner regions of the pivot plates through a third pivot axle.
• As previously mentioned, the right and leftextension plates1020′,1022′ connect thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 with theforward bench support880′, and more particularly, with the right and leftsupport members984′,986′, respectively. As shown inFIGS. 25B and 25C the right and leftextension plates1020′,1022′ are substantially mirror images of each other, each plate defining aforward side region1050, arear side region1052, atop side region1054, and abottom side region1056. Each plate includes aslot1058 adapted to receive apin1060 extending outward from eachsupport member984′,986′. Theslot1058 includes an arcuateupper portion1062 and an arcuatelower portion1064. Thelower portion1064 of theslot1058 generally extends from therear side region1052 of the extension plate to theforward side region1050. From a forward end of the lower portion of the slot, theupper portion1062 of theslot1058 extends upward toward thetop side region1054 of the extension plate and curves toward theforward side region1050. A pop-pin1018′ supported on theleft extension plate1022′ is adapted to engage afirst aperture1066 and asecond aperture1068 on theleft support member986′ of theforward bench support880′. As discussed in greater detail below, when the forward bench support is pivoted, either for different use configurations or for the storage position, the pop-pin is disengaged and when the bench is pivoted, thepins1060 move along theslots1058.
• Theforward bench support880′ ofFIGS. 25A-25C can be pivoted around the secondseat rail axle1008′ to adjust the height and level of theseat rail888. In a configuration where theseat rail888 inclines from thefirst end portion890 to thesecond end portion892, the pop-pin1018′ on theleft extension plate1022′ is engaged with thefirst aperture1066 in theleft support member986′. In addition, thepins1060 extending from the right and leftsupport members984′,986′ are generally located where the upper andlower portions1062,1064 of theslots1058 intersect. To lower the elevation of thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888, the pop-pin1018′ is disengaged from thefirst aperture1066, and theforward bench support880′ is pivoted rearwardly around the secondseat rail axle1008′ until the pop-pin1018′ engages thesecond aperture1068. As the forward bench support pivots rearwardly, thepins1060 extending from the right and leftsupport members984′,986′ move rearward along thelower portions1064 of theslots1058 in theextension plates1020′,1022′.
• As previously mentioned, thebench frame882 having theforward bench support880′ ofFIGS. 25A-25C can also be placed in a storage configuration with theseat rail888 rotated upward toward theframe862 until the seat rail is substantially vertical with respect to the support surface. Theseat rail888 can also be selectively locked in the storage position. To place thebench frame882 in the storage configuration, the pop-pin1018′ on theleft extension plate1022′ is disengaged from either thefirst aperture1066 orsecond aperture1068. If theforward bench support880′ is in a rearward pivotal position, the forward bench support is first pivoted around the secondseat rail axle1008′ to place thepins1060 extending from the right and leftsupport members984′,986′ near the intersection of the upper andlower portions1062,1064 of therespective slots1058. Thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 is then lifted upward so the seat rail andbottom rail970 pivot clockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the firstseat rail axle968 and the firstbottom rail axle972, respectively.Handles1070 connected with the right and leftpivot plates1040,1042 can be used to lift the second end portion of the seat rail.
• As thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 pivots upward, thebottom rail970 acts on thepivot plates1040,1042 to fold theforward bench support880′ inward and upward toward thebottom rail970. As discussed above, the second end portions of theseat rail888 and thebottom rail970 move along arcs that are not parallel as the bottom rail and seat rail pivot clockwise around the first seat rail axle and the first bottom rail axle. As such, thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970 moves rearward and downward relative to thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888. The relative movement of the second end portions of the bottom rail and seat rail causes the secondbottom rail axle1010′ to pull on thesecond corner regions1046 of thepivot plates1040,1042, which in turn, causes the pivot plates to pivot counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the firstcorner pivot axle1045. Rotation of the pivot plates counterclockwise around the first corner pivot axle also moves thethird corner regions1048 of the pivot plates into general alignment with the seat rail. Further, as the pivot plates pivot counterclockwise around the second seat rail axle, thepins1060 extending from the right and leftsupport members984′,986′ move upward and forward along theupper portions1062 of the slots in theextension plates1020′,1022′, which guides the forward bench support pivotal motion counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around the firstcorner pivot axle1045 until the pop-pin1018′ engages thesecond aperture1068, which locks theseat rail888 into the storage configuration.
• As previously mentioned, thebench seat886 of the exercise device858 ofFIGS. 22A-22G is adjustably connected with thebench frame882. As shown inFIGS. 26A-26B and others, the bench seat is connected with theseat rail888 through awheel car assembly1072 that allows a user roll thebench seat886 back and forth along the length of theseat rail888. Thewheel car assembly1072 ofFIGS. 26A-26B is different than the wheel car assembly described above with reference to the first embodiments of the exercise device. Thewheel car assembly1072 includes amain body1074 defined by right and leftsides1076,1078 connected with and separated by atop side1080. Thetop side1080 supports a paddedportion1082 of thebench seat886. A bench seat pop-pin1084 is supported on theleft side1078 of thewheel car assembly1072 and is adapted to engageapertures1086 on aleft side1088 of theseat rail888. As described in more detail below, a user can selectively fix the bench seat in a desired location along the length of the seat rail and can also configure the bench seat pop-pin, so the bench seat can freely roll back and forth along the length of the seat rail.
• As shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, thewheel car assembly1072 includes a forward upper axle1090 and a rearupper axle1092 are connected with and extend through the right and leftsides1076,1078 adjacent thetop side1080 of themain body1074. Theupper axles1090,1092 each support left andright rollers1094,1096 adapted to roll along atop side1098 of theseat rail888. Each roller includes acylindrical portion1100 and aledged portion1102. Thecylindrical portion1100 defines a constant radius flat rolling surface adapted to engage thetop side1098 of theseat rail888. Theledged portion1102 defines an increasing radius rolling surface adapted to engage upper right and leftcorner regions1104,1106 of theseat rail888. Theledged portions1102 of the rollers act as thrust bearings to absorb forces exerted on thebench seat886 that have a sideway component perpendicular to thelength seat rail888. As such, the ledged portions of the rollers help to keep the wheel car assembly aligned with the seat rail as it rolls back and forth along the length of the seat rail.
• As shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, thewheel car assembly1072 also includes a forwardlower axle1108 and rearlower axle1110 connected with and extending through the right and leftsides1076,1078 of themain body1074 below theupper axles1090,1092. The lower axles each support left andright rollers1094′,1096′ adapted to roll along abottom side1112 of theseat rail888. Similar to the rollers connected with the upper axles, each roller supported by the lower axles includecylindrical portions1100′ andledged portions1102′. The cylindrical portion defines a flat rolling surface adapted to engage thebottom side1112 of theseat rail888, and the ledged portion defines an increasing radius (inside to outer edge) rolling surface adapted to engage lower right and leftcorner regions1114,1116 of theseat rail888. The combination of the rollers engaging the top and bottom sides of the seat rail act prevent thebench seat886 from tipping forward or backward or otherwise disengaging from theseat rail888.
• As previously mentioned, thebench seat886 can be configured to either roll freely along the length of theseat rail888, or can be selectively locked into various positions along the length of the seat rail. More particularly, the bench seat pop-pin1084 on theleft side1072 of thewheel car assembly1072 is adapted to selectively engageapertures1086 in theleft side1088 theseat rail888 to selectively lock thebench seat886 into a desired positioned along the length of the seat rail. For example, the bench seat pop-pin can be disengaged from an aperture on the seat rail, which allows the bench seat to roll backward or forward to a desired position along the length of the seat rail. Once the bench seat is rolled to a desired location along the seat rail, the bench seat pop-pin be engaged with another aperture in the seat rail to lock the bench seat into the desired position.
• As shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, the bench seat pop-pin1084 is spring-loaded and includes abody118 housing a spring operably connected with a pin. The spring acts to force the pin to engage the pop-pin1084 with theleft side1088 of theseat rail888. The pop-pin1084 can be disengaged from theseat rail888 by pulling on ahandle1124 connected with the pin in a direction away from theleft side1088 of theseat rail888. When moving thebench seat886 from a first location to a second along the seat rail, a user can pull thehandle1124 to disengage the pop-pin1084 from theseat rail888. While holding the pop-pin in disengagement from the seat rail, thebench seat886 can be rolled to the second location. Once the bench seat is in the second location, thehandle1124 can be released, which allows the spring to force the pop-pin1084 back into engagement with theseat rail888. If the pop-pin1084 is aligned with one of theapertures1086 in theleft side1088 of theseat rail888, the pin will extend into one of the apertures, locking thebench seat886 into the second position. If the pop-pin1084 is not aligned with one of theapertures1086, the pin will be forced against theleft side1088 of theseat rail888. Thebench seat886 can then be rolled backward and forward until the pop-pin is aligned with and engages one of the apertures.
• As previously mentioned, thebench seat886 can also be configured to roll freely along theseat rail888. More particularly, the bench seat pop-pin1084 can be selectively configured to disable the spring-loaded feature so the pop-pin does not engage theleft side1088 of theseat rail888. As shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, thebody1118 of the bench seat pop-pin1084 includes a first pair ofchannels1126 and a second pair ofchannels1128 extending inward from a distal end portion of thebody1118. Thechannels1126,1128 are adapted to receive opposing end portions of ashaft1130 extending through the pop-pin. As such, the channels act to limit the distance that the pin1122 can extend from thebody1118 toward theseat rail888. A user can align theshaft1130 with either pair of channels by pulling thehandle1124 outward from thebody1118 and turning the handle to align the shaft with the desired pair of channels. As shown inFIGS. 26A and 26B, when theshaft1130 is aligned to be received within the first pair ofchannels1126, the pin can extend far enough toward theseat rail888 to engage one of the apertures, which prevents thebench seat886 from freely rolling along theseat rail888. The second pair ofchannels1128 are shorter than the first pair ofchannels1126. As such, when the shaft is received within the second pair ofchannels1128, the pin does not extend far enough from the body to engage theseat rail888. Therefore, when the shaft is received within the second pair ofchannels1128, thebench seat886 can freely roll back and forth along theseat rail888 without the spring forcing the pop-pin into engagement with theleft side1088 of theseat rail888 and into one of theapertures1086.
• As previously mentioned, theback support884 of the bench assembly860 is adjustable and removable. More particularly, theback support884 is adapted to selectively connect withbench seat886,seat rail888, and thearm support member944. As shown inFIGS. 27A, 27B, and others, theback support884 includes forward and rearpadded portions1132,1134 mounted on right and leftback support rails1136,1138. Forward end portions of the back support rails each define bench seat hooks1140 adapted to receiveextended end portions1142 of the forward upper axle1090 extending outward from the right and leftsides1076,1078 of the wheel car assembly1072 (seeFIG. 26B). Rear end portions of theback support rails1136,1138 are connected with opposing end portions of aback support handle1144. As shown inFIGS. 27A and 27B, the rear paddedportion1134 of theback support884 is further supported by aback support member1146. Theback support member1146 defines aU-shaped channel1148 adapted to fit over theseat rail888.
• Referring toFIGS. 22C, 27A, and27B, thebench seat886 and theback support884 can be connected together on top of theseat rail888 to form aflat bench1150. To form the flat bench, thebench seat886 is locked in position near thesecond end portion892 of theseat rail888 and the bench seat hooks1140 on the back support are connected with theextended portions1142 of the forward upper axle1090 on thebench seat886. TheU-shaped channel1148 in theback support member1146 is positioned over theseat rail888. Because the U-shaped channel engages opposing sides of theseat rail888, theback support member1146 adds lateral stability to the back support which helps prevent the back support from tipping side-to-side on the seat rail. As shown inFIGS. 22D, 23A, and23B, theback support884 can also be connected between thebench seat886 andhook brackets1152 on thearm support member944 such that the back support is inclined relative to the bench seat. Thehook brackets1152 are connected with and extend forward from the front side of the arm support member. Upper portions of the hook brackets are recessed to defined arcuate channels1154 adapted to receive and support theback support handle1144. In the inclined position, thebench seat886 is locked in a position between thesecond end portion890 andfirst end portion892 of theseat rail888. The bench seat hooks1140 on theback support884 are connected with theextended portions1142 of the forward upper axle1090 on thebench seat886, and theback support handle1144 is supported by thehook brackets1152 connected with thearm support member944.
• As shown in FIGS.22E,28A-28C, and others, the exercise device858 can also include a removablefoot plate assembly1156 adapted to connect with thearm support member944. The removable foot plate assembly may be used to perform various exercises, such as squat exercises. The removablefoot plate assembly1156 includes afoot plate1158 connected with aframe1160 having right and leftsides1162,1164 connected with and separated by acenter member1166. Thecenter member1166 is generally U-shaped with first andsecond sides1168,1170 connected with and separated by abase side1172. The right and leftsides1162,1164 of theframe1160 are defined by afirst portion1174 angularly offset from asecond portion1176. Thefirst portions1174 of the right and leftsides1162,1164 are connected with the first andsecond sides1168,1170 of thecenter member1166 such that first portions extend rearward from thebase side1172 of thecenter member1166, defining a rearU-shaped channel1178 adapted to receive thearm support member944. Thefoot plate1158 is connected with forward extending edges of thesecond portions1176 of the right and leftsides1162,1164 as well as forward extending edges of the first andsecond sides1168,1170 of thecenter member1166. The foot plate defines a curved shape, and as such, the forward extending edges of the frame correspondingly curve to connect with the foot plate. The removable foot plate assembly also includes right and leftfoot pads1180,1182 connected with the foot plate.
• As shown inFIGS. 28A-28C, the removablefoot plate assembly1156 also includes ahandle bar1184 extending between the right and leftsides1162,1164 of theframe1160 near a top end portion of theU-shaped channel1178. When connected with the exercise device858, the removablefoot plate assembly1156 is supported from thehandle bar1184, which is received in the arcuate channels1154 of thehook brackets1152 on thearm support member944. Thearm support member944 is also received within theU-shaped channel1178 on the rear side of thefoot plate assembly1156. The U-shaped channel engages opposing sides of the arm support member to provide lateral stability to the foot plate assembly, which helps prevent the foot plate assembly from tipping side-to-side on the arm support member. As shown inFIGS. 28B and 28C,padding1186 can be connected with theU-shaped channel1178 to help prevent thearm support member944 being scratched or otherwise damaged from repeated removal and installation of the removable foot plate assembly. To reduce the weight of the foot plate assembly, material sections can be removed out from portions of the frame, forming awebbed structure1188 in the second portions of the right and left sides.
• As shown inFIGS. 22E, 29A, and29B, the alternative exercise device858 can include a removable leg press seat back1190. The removable leg press seat back1190 provides a surface against which a user can press with his back when sitting on thebench seat886 while performing leg press exercises. As shown inFIGS. 29A and 29B, right and leftrails1192,1194 extend downward from aback side1196 of the removable leg press seat back. The right and left rails includeupper hooks1198 andlower hooks1200 adapted to connect with the rearupper axle1092 and the rearlower axle1110, respectively, on thewheel car assembly1072. Eachupper hook1198 defines anopening1202 to anarcuate recess1204 on arear edge1206 of the connection rail adapted to receive the extended end portions1208 of the upperrear axle1092. Eachlower hook1200 defines anopening1210 to anarcuate recess1212 on abottom edge1214 of the connection rail adapted to receive the extended end portions1216 of the lowerrear axle1110. As such, when forces are applied to the seat back1190 in a forward direction (direction A inFIG. 29A), the seat back is held in position relative to thebench seat886 through the engagement of theupper hooks1198 with the rearupper axle1092 and the engagement of thelower hooks1200 with the rearlower axle1110. Because the hooks are located on bottom and rear edges of the right and leftrails1194,1196, the seat back is prevented from pivoting about the upperrear axle1092 in the clockwise direction (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device). As shown inFIGS. 29A and 29B, to disconnect the seat back1190 from thebench seat886, the seat back is pivoted counterclockwise (direction B inFIG. 29A) about the upperrear axle1092, which disengages theupper hooks1198 from the rearupper axle1092. Once the upper hooks are disengage from the rear upper axle, the seat back can be lifted upward as shown inFIG. 29B to disengage thelower hooks1200 from the rearlower axle1110. It is to be appreciated that the removable seat back can also be connected with theforward axles1090,1108 on the bench seat to place a user in a forward facing direction, such as shown inFIG. 22F.
• As previously mentioned, the removable seat back1190 can be used while performing various exercises. However, the removable seat back is particularly useful when performing leg press exercises. Referring toFIG. 22E, when performing leg press exercises, a user sits on thebench seat886 facing toward thearm support member944 with his back against the removable seat back1190. The user places his feet on the either the removablefoot plate assembly1156 or the lowerfoot plate assembly954. With the bench seat pop-pin1084 configured to allow the bench seat to roll freely back and forth along theseat rail888, the user begins pressing against the foot plate with his legs to move the bench seat back and forth along the seat rail against a selected resistance.
• As shown inFIGS. 26A-26B and29A-29B, thebench seat886 can includeleg press pulleys1218 rotatably connected with the right and leftsides1076,1078 of thewheel car assembly1072 that doubles the resistance exerted on thebench seat886 from the resistance system. As shown inFIG. 29C,leg press cables1220 are connected withresistance cables1222 extending fromarm assemblies864. The leg press cables extend around eachleg press pulley1218 and connect with acable adjustment mechanism1224 connected with thebottom rail970. As discussed below, thecable adjustment mechanism1224 can be selectively locked into various positions along the length of thebottom rail970 to adjust the leg press starting position. A portion ofresistance cable1222 extending from thearm assembly864 to theleg press pulley1218 defines afirst cable length1226, and a portion of resistance cable extending from theleg press pulley1218 to thecable adjustment mechanism1224 defines asecond cable length1228. In the illustrated configuration, the leg press pulleys1218 act as floating pulleys coupled with theresistance system868 through the first andsecond cable lengths1226,1228, effectively doubling the force exerted on the bench seat from the resistance system. Although the exercise device is illustrated herein with leg press cables, it is to be appreciated that other embodiments of the exercise device do not utilize leg press cables. For example, in other embodiments, the resistance cable is extended from the arm assembly, around the leg press pulley, and is connected with the cable adjustment mechanism. It should also be appreciated that the exercise device need not include the cable adjustment mechanism, and as such, can extend from the leg press pulley to a connection point on the main frame.
• As shown inFIG. 29C, afirst end portion1230 of theleg press cable1220 is releasably connected with theresistance cable1222 extending from theassembly864 through asnap hook1232. It is to be appreciated that theleg press cable1220 can be connected with the resistance cable in various ways and should not be limited to that which is depicted and described herein. From thefirst end portion1230, theleg press cable1220 extends to and is wrapped partially around theleg press pulley1218. From the leg press pulley, theleg press cable1220 extends to a second end portion1234 connected with thecable adjustment mechanism1224. As shown inFIG. 29G, thecable adjustment mechanism1224 includes amain body1236 having atop side1238 and abottom side1239 connected with and separating downwardly extending first andsecond sides1240,1242.Cable connection brackets1244 extend outward from the first and second sides of the main body. Thecable connection brackets1244 each include anaperture1246 to which the second end portion1234 of theleg press cable1220 can be releasably connected. It is to be appreciated that the second end portion of the leg press cable can be connected with the apertures in the main body in various ways. For example a hook connected with the second end portion of the leg press cable can be used to connect the leg press cable with the main body.
• As previously mentioned, themain body1236 of thecable adjustment mechanism1224 is connected with thebottom rail970 such that the main body can move back and forth along the length of thebottom rail970. It is to be appreciated that, themain body1236 can be configured to move along the bottom rail in various ways, such as by rolling or sliding. As shown inFIG. 29G, a spring-loaded pop-pin1248 is supported on thetop side1238 of themain body1238 of thecable adjustment mechanism1224. The pop-pin is adapted to selectively engageapertures1250 along a top side1252 of thebottom rail970. As such,cable adjustment mechanism1224 can be selectively fixed in a desired location along the length of thebottom rail970. Ahandle1254 pivotally connected with thetop side1238 of themain body1236 is connected with the pop-pin1248 to allow a user to selective disengage the pop-pin fromapertures1250 in the bottom rail. More particularly, a user can disengage the pop-pin from thebottom rail970 by pressing downward on anextended portion1256 of the handle. With the pop-pin1248 disengaged from the bottom rail, the main body can move in either direction along the length of the bottom rail.
• As previously mentioned, thecable adjustment mechanism1224 allows user to select a desired starting position when performing leg press exercises. With reference to the cable configuration shown inFIG. 29C, the closer thecable adjustment mechanism1224 is positioned toward thefirst end portion974 of thebottom rail970, the closer thebench seat886 must be located relative to thefoot plate assemblies954,1156 without causing theresistance cables1222 to pull on theresistance system868. Conversely, the closer the cable adjustment mechanism is positioned toward thesecond end portion976 of thebottom rail970, the farther the bench seat can be moved away from the foot plates without causing the resistance cable to pull on the resistance system.
• In one scenario, thecable adjustment mechanism1224 shown inFIGS. 29C and 29G is positioned relatively close to thefirst end portion974 of thebottom rail970. As such, thefirst cable length1226 dictates how far thebench seat886 can be moved away from thefoot plate assemblies954,1156 without causing theresistance cables1222 to pull against and activate theresistance system868. If a user desires a bench seat starting position located farther from the foot plates than what is shown inFIG. 29C, the user can press down on theextended portion1256 of thehandle1254 on thecable adjustment mechanism1224 to disengage the pop-pin1248 from thebottom rail970. With the pop-pin disengaged from the bottom rail, the user can move themain body1236 of thecable adjustment mechanism1224 along thebottom rail970 away from thefirst end portion974. As the main body is moved away from the first end portion of the bottom rail, thesecond cable length1228 becomes shorter and thefirst cable length1226 grows longer, allowing thebench seat886 to move along theseat rail888 further away from the foot plates without causing the resistance cable to pull against and activate the resistance system. Conversely, moving the cable adjustment mechanism back toward thefirst end portion974 of thebottom rail970 functions to lengthen thesecond cable length1228 and shorten thefirst cable length1226, which requires thebench seat886 to be located closer to the foot plates without causing the resistance cables to pull against and activate the resistance system.
• As shown inFIGS. 29E-29G,cable storage housings1258 can be connected with the right and leftsides1076,1078 of thebench seat886 outside of and adjacent to the leg press pulleys1218. Eachcable storage housing1258 includes aspool portion1260 connected with a mountingplate portion1262. The mountingplate portion1262 is connected with and extends downward from under the bench seat and supports thespool portion1260. The mountingplate1262 also provides shield to help prevent unintended contact with the leg press pulleys1218, such as by a user's hands when performing leg press exercises. When not in use, theleg press cables1220 can be stored on thespool portions1260 of thecable storage housings1258. To store theleg press cable1220, the user first disconnects thefirst end portion1230 of theleg press cable1220 from theresistance cable1222 and the second end portion1234 of the leg press cable from thecable adjustment mechanism1224. The user then pulls on either end of the leg press cable until a cable stop1264 on either end engages with the leg press pulley. The excess length of leg press cable extending from the leg press pulley can then be wound around the spool portion of the cable storage housing. The cable storage housing may also include aslot1266 to which the free end portion of the leg press cable can secured to prevent the leg press cable from unwinding from the spool portion.
• As previously mentioned, the exercise device858 can also include theleg developer assembly1006 connected with thebench frame882 shown in FIGS.22C and30A-30F. As described above, the leg developer assembly can be used for leg extension and leg curl exercises. It is to be appreciated that theleg developer assembly1006 illustrated may be used on earlier described embodiments of the exercise device, and the leg developer assembly of earlier embodiments may be used with the exercise device858 ofFIGS. 22A-22G. Moreover, components may be exchanged to define entirely different leg developer attachments.
• As shown inFIGS. 30A-30D, theleg developer assembly1006 includes right and leftactuation members1268,1270 and aresistance arm1272, all pivotally connected with aleg developer axle1274 supported between the right and leftsupport members984,986 of theforward bench support880. Theactuation members1268,1270 are selectively connected with theresistance arm1272 through a leg developer pop-pin1276. As such, the pivotal position of the actuation members relative to the resistance arm can be selectively adjusted to place theleg developer assembly1006 in a desired configuration for use. To couple theleg developer assembly1006 toresistance system868,resistance cables1222 extending from one or both of the adjustable arm assemblies are connected with theresistance arm1272. As such, the resistance cables can extend from the arm assemblies and under the twopulleys1024 supported by the right and leftextension plates1020,1022 to connect with theresistance arm1272. With the resistance cables connected and the leg developer assembly in the desired configuration, the user exercises by applying forces to reciprocatingly pivot theactuation members1268,1270. Because the actuation members are connected with the resistance arm through the leg developer pop-pin1276, the actuation member and the resistance arm pivot together.
• As previously mentioned, theresistance cables1222 can be connected with theleg developer assembly1006 through theresistance arm1272. The resistance arm is also pivotally connected with theleg developer axle1274 and is selectively connected with theactuation members1268,1270 through the leg developer pop-pin1276. As shown inFIGS. 30-30D, theresistance arm1272 includes apivot portion1278 and anarm portion1280. The pivot portion includes anarcuate edge1282 and anaxle aperture1284 adapted to receive theleg developer axle1274 to pivotally support theresistance arm1272. Thepivot portion1278 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spacedapertures1286 extending into thearcuate edge1282. As discussed in more detail below, the leg developer pop-pin1276 is adapted to engage theapertures1286 to provide for selective pivotal positioning of the actuation members relative to the resistance arm. As shown inFIG. 30A, aloop hook1288 on arear side1290 of a lower end portion of the resistance arm provides a connection location for theresistance cables1272.
• As mentioned above, theactuation members1268,1270 is pivotally connected with theleg developer axle1274 and are selectively connected with theresistance arm1222 through the leg developer pop-pin1276. As shown inFIGS. 30-30D and others, upper end portions of theactuation members1268,1270 are connected with theleg developer axle1274. The actuation members extend downward from the leg developer axle and along opposing sides of theresistance arm1272. The leg developer pop-pin1276 is supported between the actuation members. More particularly, the leg developer pop-pin1276 includes ahousing1292 partially enclosing abody1294 and apin1296 supported by anupper wall member1298 and alower wall member1300, both extending between the right and leftactuation members1268,1270. Thebody1294 of the pop-pin1276 extends through and is connected with an aperture in theupper wall member1298. Thepin1296 extends from and is slidingly supported by thebody1294 and an aperture in thelower wall member1300. Awasher1302 adapted to engage thehousing1292 surrounding the upper and lower wall members is connected with an end portion of thepin1296. Thehousing1292 includes aforward portion1304 connected with arear portion1306 that definechannels1308 adapted to receive the right and leftleg actuation members1268,1270. As such, the housing can slide up and down along the actuation members. Raised ledges on the inside of the forward andrear portions1304,1306 form acollar1310 adapted to receive thepin1296 at a location between thelower wall member1300 and thewasher1302. As shown inFIG. 30C, the leg developer pop-pin also includes aspring1312 operably connected with thepin1296 to force thepin1296 against thearcuate edge1282 of theresistance arm1272 and into theapertures1286 located therein. As shown inFIG. 30D, to disengage the leg developer pop-pin1276 from thearcuate edge1282 of theresistance arm1272, thehousing1292 is slid along theactuation members1268,1270 in a direction away from theleg developer axle1274, forcing thecollar1310 to push against thewasher1302, which in turn, moves the pin away from the apertures in the pivot portion of the resistance arm.
• As mentioned above, the pivotal position of theactuation members1268,1270 relative to theresistance arm1272 can be adjusted to configure theleg developer assembly1006 for various different exercises. For example, when pivoting the actuation members from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position relative to the resistance arm assembly, a user can move thehousing1292 to disengage the pop-pin1276 from theresistance arm1272, as shown inFIG. 30D. While holding the pop-pin in disengagement from the resistance arm, theactuation members1268,1270 can be pivoted about theleg developer axle1274 to the second pivotal position. As shown inFIG. 30C, once the actuation members are in the second position, thehousing1292 can be released, which allows thespring1312 to force thepin1296 back into engagement with theresistance arm1272. If thepin1296 is aligned with one of theapertures1286 in thearcuate edge1282 of theresistance arm1272, the pin will extend into one of the apertures, locking the actuation members into the second position. If thepin1296 is not aligned with one of theapertures1286, the pin will be forced against thearcuate edge1282 of theresistance arm1272. The actuation members can then be pivoted up and down until the pin is aligned with and forced into one of the apertures. When the pop-pin1276 is engaged with theapertures1286 in theresistance arm1272, the leg actuation members and the resistance arm rotate together about theleg developer axle1274.
• As shown inFIGS. 22C and 24A, the exercise device858 also includes roller pads adapted to support a user's legs when performing leg extension and leg curl exercises. In particular, the exercise device858 includes right and left upperroller pad assemblies1314,1316 used in conjunction with theleg developer assembly1006. As discussed in more detail below, the upperroller pad assemblies1314,1316 includeupper roller pads1318 adapted to engage a user's legs when performing leg extension and leg curl exercises. Theupper roller pads1318 have a substantially D-shaped cross section defined by a substantially flatfirst side1320 connected with an arcuatesecond side1322. It is to be appreciated that the roller pads are not limited to having a substantially flat side and an arcuate side as described and depicted herein and can include other combinations of shapes. For example, the upper roller pads can include two arcuate sides forming an oval or an elliptical cross section. In another scenario, the upper roller pads can include a single curved side that forms a circular cross section. The exercise device858 also includes a pair oflower roller pads1324 rotatably supported on a lower rollerpad support member1326 extending outwardly from opposing sides of theactuation members1268,1270 of theleg developer assembly1006.
• FIG. 30E shows theleg developer assembly1006 configured for leg extension exercises with the arcuatesecond sides1322 of theupper roller pads1318 upwardly oriented. To position himself on the exercise device858 to perform a leg extension exercise, a user places the back side of his knees on thesecond sides1322 of the upper roller pads and the front side of his ankles behind thelower roller pads1324. To configure the leg developer for leg curl exercises, the user can disengage the leg developer pop-pin1276 on theleg developer assembly1006 to allow theactuation members1268,1270 to pivot to an upward position, such as shown inFIG. 30F. Theupper roller pads1318 are then rotated to place the flatfirst sides1320 of theupper roller pads1318 in an upward orientation. To position himself on the exercise device to perform a leg curl exercise, a user lies on the bench assembly860 with the front side of his legs positioned onfirst sides1320 of theupper roller pads1318 and the rear sides of his ankles positioned under thelower roller pads1324. As described below, the upperroller pad assemblies1314,1316 are configured to position the first and second sides of the upper roller pads relative to theleg developer axle1274 to provide additional comfort to the user when performing exercises.
• As shown inFIG. 24A, the upperroller pad assemblies1314,1316 are rotatably supported on upper rollerpad support members1328 extending outwardly from theforward bench support880. Although the following description refers mainly figures showing mainly the components of the right upper roller pad assembly, it is to be appreciated that the left upper roller pad assembly is substantially a mirror image of the right upper roller pad assembly. As such, the left upper roller pad assembly includes the same components as the right upper roller pad assembly, and operates in relation with the frame and forward bench support as the right upper roller pad assembly. As previously mentioned, theupper roller pad1318 has a D-shaped cross section defined by the first substantiallyflat side1320 and the secondarcuate side1322. The upper roller pad also includes afirst end side1330 and asecond end side1332. A padsupport member aperture1334 and asupport rod aperture1336 extend through theupper roller pad1318 from thefirst end side1330 to thesecond end side1332. Afirst pin aperture1338 extends into the upper roller pad from thefirst end side1330, and asecond pin aperture1340 extends into upper roller pad from thesecond end side1332. As discussed in more detail below, aninner end plate1342 is connected adjacent to the first end side of the roller pad, and anouter end plate1344 is connected adjacent the second end side of the roller pad.
• As shown inFIGS. 24A, 30E, and30F, theinner end plate1342 includes afirst side1346 and asecond side1348 and defines a D-shaped perimeter similar to the D-shaped cross section of theupper roller pad1318. As discussed in more detail below, anaperture1350 in theinner end plate1342 is adapted to receive the upper rollerpad support members1328 connected with theforward bench support880. A stop pin1352 extends through theinner end plate1342 such that a first end portion1354 of the stop pin1352 extends from thefirst side1346 of theinner end plate1342, and asecond end portion1356 of the stop pin1352 extends from thesecond side1348 of theinner end plate1342. As discussed in more detail below, the first end portion1354 of the stop pin1352 is adapted to engage thesupport members984,986 on theforward bench support880 to limit the range of pivotal movement of theupper roller pads1318 about the upper rollerpad support members1328. Thesecond end portion1356 of the stop pin1352 is adapted to be received within thefirst pin aperture1338 in thefirst end side1330 of theupper roller pad1318. Ahollow support rod1358 having afirst end portion1360 connected with thesecond side1348 of theinner end plate1342 extends outward to asecond end portion1362. As discussed below, thesupport rod1358 is adapted to be received within thesupport rod aperture1336 in theupper roller pad1318 and thesecond end portion1362 of the support rod is adapted to connect with theouter end plate1344.
• As shown inFIG. 24A, theouter end plate1344 includes afirst side1364 and a second side1366 and defines a D-shaped perimeter similar to the D-shaped cross section of theupper roller pad1318. Theouter end plate1344 includes anaperture1368 having aside wall1370 extending inward from thefirst side1364. As discussed below, theaperture1368 is adapted to receive the upper rollerpad support members1328. The outer end plate also includes afirst pin1372 extending from thefirst side1364 that is adapted to be received within thesecond end portion1362 of thesupport rod1358 extending from thesecond side1348 of theinner end plate1342. In addition, asecond pin1374 extends from thefirst side1364 of theouter end plate1344 and is adapted to be received within thesecond pin aperture1340 in thesecond end side1332 of theupper roller pad1318.
• As previously mentioned, theupper roller pad1318 is rotatably supported on the upper rollerpad support member1328 extending from theright support member984 on theforward bench support880. More particularly, the upper roller pad support member extends through theaperture1350 in the inner end plate, the padsupport member aperture1334 in theupper roller pad1318, and theaperture1368 in theouter end plate1344. As shown inFIG. 24A, anend cap1378 is connected with the end of the upper rollerpad support member1328 to help maintain the relative axial positions of the component parts of the right upper roller pad assembly. Thesecond end portion1356 of the stop pin1352 on theinner end plate1342 is received within thefirst pin aperture1338 of thefirst end side1330 of theupper roller pad1318, andsecond pin1374 onouter end plate1344 is received within thesecond pin aperture1340 on thesecond end side1332 of the upper roller pad. As previously mentioned, thesupport rod1358 extends from theinner end plate1342 and through thesupport rod aperture1336 in theupper roller pad1318. As such, thefirst pin1372 on theouter end plate1344 is received within thesecond end portion1362 of thehollow support rod1358. Therefore, the inner end plate, the outer end plate, and the upper roller pad rotate together about the upper roller pad support member. The first end portion1354 of the stop pin1352 engages thesupport members984,986 on theforward bench support880 to limit the range of pivotal movement of theupper roller pad1318 about the upper roller pad support member.
• As previously mentioned, the right and left upperroller pad assemblies1314,1316 can be used in conjunction with theleg developer assembly1006 when performing leg extension and leg curl exercises. As shown inFIG. 30E, when configuring the exercise device858 to perform leg extension exercises, the upperroller pad assemblies1314,1316 are rotated about the upper rollerpad support members1328 so the arcuatesecond sides1322 of theupper roller pads1318 are upwardly oriented. As previously described, the user positions himself on the exercise device with the back side of his knees on the arcuate second sides of the upper roller pads and the front side of his ankles behind thelower roller pads1324. As shown in particular inFIG. 30E, the distance D between the arcuatesecond side1322 of theupper roller pads1318 and theleg developer axle1374 is such that the user's knee joints are substantially aligned with the leg developer axle, which provides additional comfort to the user when performing leg extension exercises.
• As shown inFIG. 30F, when configuring the exercise device to perform leg curl exercises, the upperroller pad assemblies1314,1316 are rotated about the upper rollerpad support members1328 so the flatfirst sides1320 of theupper roller pads1318 are upwardly oriented. As previously described, the user lies on the bench assembly860 with the front side of his legs positioned on the flatfirst sides1320 of the upper roller pads and the rear sides of his ankles positioned under thelower roller pads1324. As shown in particular inFIG. 30F the distance D′ between the flatfirst sides1320 of theupper roller pads1318 and theleg developer axle1374 is located substantially behind the user's knee joints, which provides additional comfort to the user when performing leg curl exercises.
• As described and depicted herein, the various exercise device embodiments include right and left arm assemblies adjustably coupled with the frame. Thearm assemblies894,896 of the exercise device858 ofFIGS. 22A-22G differs in many respects from earlier described embodiments. As shown inFIGS. 31A-31F, the right and left arm assemblies each include anarm member1380 having adistal end portion1382 and aproximal end portion1384. Adistal pulley housing1386 is rotatably connected with thedistal end portion1382 of thearm member1380. Thedistal pulley housing1386 rotatably supports afirst pulley1388. The distal pulley housing can also rotate relative thearm member1380 to help align theresistance cable1222 extending through the arm member. Asecond pulley1390 is rotatably connected with and partially enclosed by theproximal end portion1384 of thearm member1380. As discussed in more detail below, theproximal end portion1384 of thearm member1380 is pivotally connected with thearm support member944. In addition, each arm assembly includes a spring-loaded arm pop-pin1392 that allows a user to selectively position the arm assembly, from a substantially downward vertical position, through a plurality of positions in approximately a 180° arc, and in a substantially upward vertical position. More particularly, the arm pop-pin1392 is operable to allow the arm assembly to pivot about apivot axis1394 defined by the pivotal connection of theproximal end portion1384 of thearm member1380 with theframe862.
• As previously mentioned, thearm assemblies894,896 are pivotally connected with thearm support member944. As shown inFIGS. 31A-31F, afirst plate1396 and asecond plate1398 are connected with and extend upward from an upper end portion of thearm support member944. The first and second plates are also connected with and separated by asupport member1400 extending upward from the upper end portion of thearm support member944.Journals1402 extending from the inside of theproximal end portions1384 of thearm members1380 are pivotally connected with cylindrically-shapedbearing members1404 on first andsecond plates1396,1398. The bearingmembers1404 on the first and second plates are collinear with and definepivot axes1406 for each arm assembly. Thesecond pulleys1390 associated with eacharm assembly894,896 are rotatably connected withsecond pulley axles1408 supported by and extending between the first and second plates.
• As shown inFIGS. 31A-31F, the first plate includes a plurality ofapertures1410 that are circumferentially spaced along right and leftarcuate edges1412,1414 of thefirst plate1396. As discussed in more detail below, the arm pop-pins1392 supported on theproximal end portions1384 of the right andleft arm assemblies894,896 are adapted to engage theapertures1410 on thefirst plate1396 to selectively lock the arm assemblies in various pivotal positions. Pop-pin levers1416 on eacharm assembly894,896 are used to disengage the arm pop-pins1392 fromapertures1410 on thefirst plate1396 to allow the arm assemblies to pivot. More particularly, each pop-pin lever1416 is pivotally supported by alever axle1418 on the arm member and includes ahandle portion1420 angularly offset from abase portion1422. Thebase portion1422 of the pop-pin lever1416 is adapted engage a T-bar1424 connected with the arm pop-pin1392.
• The arm pop-pins1392 are spring-loaded and are biased into engagement withfirst plate1396. As such, the spring-loaded feature of the arm pop-pin forces the T-bar1424 against thebase portion1422 of the pop-pin lever1416, which in turn holds the base portion against the outer surface of thearm member1380. Because thebase portion1422 is angularly offset from thehandle portion1420, when the base portion is pressed against the outer surface of thearm member1380 by the arm pop-pin, the handle portion extends away from the outer surface of the arm member. When thehandle portion1420 is moved toward the outer surface of thearm member1380, the pop-pin lever1416 pivots around thelever axle1418 and thebase portion1422 is lifted away from the outer surface of the arm member. As the base portion moves away from the arm member, the base portion pulls the T-bar1424 in the same direction, causing the arm pop-pin1392 to disengage thefirst plate apertures1410. When thehandle portion1420 is released, the spring-loaded feature of the arm pop-pin1392 acts to pull thebase portion1422 through the T-bar1424 back toward the outer surface of thearm member1380. Although the arm pop-pins are shown in various figures as located on the front sides of the arm assemblies, it is to be appreciated that the arm pop-pins can be located in other locations on the arm assemblies. For example, the arm pop-pins1392 are shown inFIG. 25A as located on the rear sides of thearm assemblies894,896. Because the arm pop-pins are located on the rear sides of the arm assemblies, thefirst plate1396 is located rearward of thesecond plate1398.
• When the arm pop-pins1392 are disengaged from theapertures1410 on thefirst plate1396, thearm assemblies894,896 are free to pivot around the pivot axes1406. Depending upon the weight of the arm assemblies, it may be relatively difficult for a user to lift and pivot the arm assemblies upward to a desired position. As shown inFIG. 31C, embodiments of the present invention can includegas springs1426 with opposing end portions pivotally connected with thearm assemblies894,896 and thearm support member944. The gas springs1426 act to reduce the effects of the weight of the arm assemblies when the arm pop-pins1392 are disengaged from thefirst plate1396. More particularly, the gas springs1426 are adapted to exert forces on the arm assemblies to mitigate the gravitational forces exerted arm assemblies. It is to be appreciated that the gas springs can be configured to provide different levels of force on the arm assemblies. For example, the gas springs can be configured to the exert forces on the arm assemblies that will cause the arm assemblies to pivot relatively slowly in a downward direction when the arm pop-pins are disengaged from the first plate. In another example, the gas springs can be configured to the exert forces on the arm assemblies that will cause the arm assemblies to pivot upward when the arm pop-pins are disengaged from the first plate. In yet another example, the gas springs are configured to exert forces on the arm assemblies that will hold the arm assemblies in position when the arm pop-pins are disengaged from the rear plate until such time when the user applies a small amount of force to the arm assemblies causing them to pivot up or down around the pivot axes.
• As previously mentioned, the user actuates theresistance system868 through the cable-pulley system866. The cable-pulley system866 on the embodiment of the exercise device858 shown inFIGS. 32A and 32B includes separate right and left cable-pulley systems898,900 that connect the right and leftresistance systems870,872 with the right andleft arm assemblies894,896. Although the following description may refer to figures illustrating mainly the components of the right cable-pulley system898, it is to be appreciated that the left cable-pulley system900 is substantially a mirror image of the right cable-pulley system, and as such, includes the same components as the right cable-pulley system, which operate in relation with each other and with the frame as the right cable-pulley system.FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate the cable routing from the right andleft arm assemblies894,896 to the right and leftresistance systems870,872. From afirst end1428, theresistance cable1222 extends through acable stop1430 engaged with thefirst pulley1388 in thedistal pulley housing1386 and through the inside of thearm member1380 to thesecond pulley1390. Thecable stop1380 is connected with theresistance cable1222 and prevents the resistance cable from retracting into the arm member. Theresistance cable1222 exits theproximal end portion1384 of thearm member1380 and wraps around a portion of thesecond pulley1390 and extends downward through thearm support member944 to a lowerdirectional pulley1432. From thelower direction pulley1432, theresistance cable1222 extends to a second end connected with thetransmission assembly902 of theresistance system868.
• As previously mentioned, the right and leftresistance systems870,872 each includetransmission assemblies902 andresistance assemblies904. As shown inFIGS. 23A, 23B,32A, and32B, the transmission assembly includes atransmission pulley1436 and abelt pulley1438 rotatably connected with atransmission axle1440. The transmission axle is connected with thetransmission support member950 on themain frame862. The transmission pulley is connected with the belt pulley, and as such, rotate together. As previously mentioned, the second end of theresistance cable1222 is connected with thetransmission pulley1436. The transmission assembly is connected with the resistance assembly through aresistance belt1442. As shown inFIG. 32C, afirst end1444 of theresistance belt1442 is connected with thebelt pulley1438. Asecond end1446 of theresistance belt1442 is connected with alinearizing cam1448 on theresistance assembly904. As discussed in more detail below, forces exerted on theresistance cable1222, such as during exercise, can cause thetransmission pulley1436 to rotate. As such, when thetransmission pulley1436 rotates in a direction that pulls on theresistance belt1442, thelinearizing cam1448 imparts torsional forces to the resistance packs874 on theresistance assembly904.
• It is to be appreciated that although the exercise device858 ofFIGS. 22A-22G of the present invention is depicted and described herein with a belt pulley, other configurations of the exercise device utilize a cam in place of the belt pulley to provide a different force curve, as described above with reference to earlier embodiments. Further, configurations of the exercise device858 utilize multiple cams and a cam selector mechanism as described above with reference to the earlier embodiments.
• Thetransmission assembly902 can also include the previously mentionedtensioning mechanism878 that allows a user to adjust the tension of theresistance belt1442. More particularly, thetensioning mechanism878 allows the user to decouple thebelt pulley1438 from thetransmission pulley1436 and rotate the belt pulley relative to the transmission pulley to adjust the tension of the resistance belt between the belt pulley and thelinearizing cam1448. As discussed in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 33A-33E, thetension mechanism878 includes a spring-loadedlocking member1450 to selectively connect and disconnect thebelt pulley1438 with thetransmission pulley1436. A knob connected with the locking member allows a user to move the lockingmember1452 in a first direction to disconnect the belt pulley from the transmission pulley, which allows the belt pulley to rotate independently from the transmission pulley and adjust the tension in the resistance belt. Once the belt tension has been adjusted, a user can move the knob in an opposite second direction to reconnect the belt pulley with the transmission pulley. The tension mechanism also includes acompression spring1454 to hold the locking member in a position to maintain the connection between the belt pulley and the transmission pulley.
• As previously mentioned, theknob1452 connected with the locking member is used to move the lockingmember1452 to selectively connect and disconnect thebelt pulley1438 with thetransmission pulley1436. As shown inFIGS. 33A-33E, the lockingmember1450 includes a disc-shapedbase portion1456 having afirst side1458 and an opposingsecond side1460. Fourposts1462 are connected with and extend from thefirst side1458. As discussed in more detail below, the fourposts1462 are slidingly received within the belt pulley and are connected with the knob. A plurality ofstuds1464 extend from thesecond side1460 of the base portion of the locking member. As discussed in more detail below, thestuds1464 are adapted to engage a plurality of correspondingly spacedapertures1466 in aninner radial portion1468 of thetransmission pulley1436. Thebase portion1456 of the lockingmember1450 further includes anaxle aperture1470 adapted to receive thetransmission axle1440. When thestuds1464 are engaged with theapertures1470, the belt pulley and the transmission pulley rotate together. Alternatively, the studs are withdrawn from the apertures, the belt pulley and the transmission pulley can rotate independent of each other. A longitudinally extending wall along the outer circumference of theaxle aperture1470 defines acircular ledge portion1472 on thesecond side1460 of the lockingmember1450. As discussed in more detail below, theledge portion1472 is adapted to receive afirst end1474 of thecompression spring1454, which acts to hold the studs in engagement with the apertures.
• As shown inFIGS. 33A-33E, thebelt pulley1438 has a spool-shaped cross section defined by raisedfirst end portion1476 and asecond end portion1478 separated by a recessedmiddle portion1480. Themiddle portion1480 defines a flatouter surface1482 along its length upon which theresistance belt1442 is wrapped. Apulley aperture1484 having a varying diameter extends through the center of thebelt pulley1438. A first diameter of thepulley aperture1484 defines a first innercylindrical surface1486 extending inward from afirst end surface1488 of thebelt pulley1438. Four raisedconvex surfaces1490 extend along the length of the first innercylindrical surface1486. As discussed in more detail below, four correspondingarcuate recesses1492 in the outer circumference of thebase portion1456 of the lockingmember1450 are adapted to slidingly receive the four raisedconvex surfaces1490. A second diameter defines a second innercylindrical surface1494 extends from the first innercylindrical surface1486. The second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, which defines afirst ring surface1496 located at the transition from the first innercylindrical surface1486 to the second innercylindrical surface1494. Alongitudinally extending wall1498 on the inner diameter of thefirst ring surface1496 defines acircular ledge portion1500 adapted to be received within asecond end1502 of thecompression spring1454, discussed in more detail below. A third diameter defines a third innercylindrical surface1504 extending from the second innercylindrical surface1494. The third diameter is larger than the second diameter, defining asecond ring surface1506 at the transition from the second innercylindrical surface1494 to the third innercylindrical surface1504. A fourth diameter defines a fourth innercylindrical surface1508 extending from the third innercylindrical surface1504 to asecond end surface1510. The fourth diameter is larger than the third diameter, defining athird ring surface1512 at the transition from the third innercylindrical surface1504 to the fourth innercylindrical surface1508.
• As shown inFIGS. 33A-33E, the lockingmember1450 is connected with thebelt pulley1438 by inserting the fourposts1462 extending from thebase portion1456 through fourpost apertures1514 extending from thefirst ring surface1496 to thethird ring surface1512. Thecompression spring1454 is positioned between thesecond side1460 of thebase portion1456 of the lockingmember1450 andfirst ring surface1496 on thebelt pulley1438. As previously mentioned, thefirst end1474 of the compression spring receives theledge1472 on thesecond side1460 of the lockingmember1450, and thesecond end1502 of the compression spring receives theledge1500 on thefirst ring surface1496 in the belt pulley. The fourposts1462 are inserted into the fourpost apertures1514 until thebase portion1456 of the lockingmember1450 is received within thebelt pulley1438. More particularly, an outercircumferential edge1516 of thebase portion1456 is adjacent to the first innercylindrical surface1486 of thebelt pulley1438 with the four raisedconvex surfaces1490 extending through the fourarcuate recesses1492. The engagement between the raised convex surfaces and the arcuate recesses in combination with the posts and post apertures connects the belt pulley with the locking member such that both rotate together while at the same time allowing the locking member to slide longitudinally with respect to the belt pulley. Compression of thecompression spring1454 between the lockingmember1450 and thebelt pulley1438 forces thebase portion1456 of the lockingmember1450 away from thebelt pulley1438 and toward thetransmission pulley1436.
• As shown inFIGS. 33A-33E, thetransmission pulley1436 and thebelt pulley1438 are rotatably mounted on thetransmission axle1440. Afirst bearing1517 rotatably supports the transmission pulley on the transmission axle. A bearingsecond bearing1518 adapted to be received within thebelt pulley1438 adjacent the third innercylindrical surface1504 is connected with an end of the transmission axle through anaxle screw1520 andwasher1522 threaded into the end of the transmission axle. As such, thesecond bearing1518 presses against thesecond ring surface1506 of thebelt pulley1438 to maintain the axial positions of the belt pulley and the transmission pulley on the transmission axle. Theknob1452 includes fourpost apertures1524 adapted to receive end portions of the fourposts1462 extending through thepost apertures1514 and thethird ring surface1512 of thebelt pulley1438. Fourknob screws1526 inserted into theknob post apertures1524 are screwed into the end portions of the fourposts1462. Radially extending screw heads on the knob screws are adapted to engage internal ledges on the inner walls of the knob post apertures. Acap1528 is also connected with theknob1526 with acap screw1530.
• As shown inFIG. 33D, to disengage thebelt pulley1438 from thetransmission pulley1436, theknob1452 is moved in a direction away from the transmission pulley, which disengages thestuds1464 on the lockingmember1450 from the correspondingapertures1466 on thetransmission pulley1436. The tension of theresistance belt1442 can be adjusted by turning theknob1452 and beltpulley1438 in a desired direction. Once the resistance belt is adjusted, theknob1452 is pushed toward thetransmission pulley1436 as shown inFIG. 33E to reengage thestuds1464 on the lockingmember1450 with theapertures1466 on thetransmission pulley1436. Thecompression spring1454 presses against the locking member and the belt pulley to maintain the engagement of the studs within the corresponding apertures.
• As previously mentioned, theresistance belt1442 connects thetransmission assembly902 with theresistance assembly904. As shown inFIG. 32C, thefirst end1444 of theresistance belt1442 is connected with thebelt pulley1438. From the belt pulley, the resistance belt extends upward and is partially wrapped onto thelinearizing cam1448 on theresistance assembly904. Thesecond end1446 of theresistance belt1442 is also connected with the linearizing cam. Unlike earlier embodiments of the exercise device, theresistance assembly904 on the exercise device858 does not include a selector mechanism connected to selectively connect various numbers of resistance packs with the linearizing cam. Instead, the level of resistance is adjusted by placing a desired number of resistance packs874 on theresistance axle906, as shown inFIG. 22A. As discussed in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 34A-34D, the resistance packs874 have housings1532 that can be connected with each other and with thelinearizing cam1448. As such, to set the level of resistance on the exercise device858, a desired number of resistance packs are placed on the resistance axle and are interconnected with one another and with the linearizing cam. Forces applied to theresistance cable1222, such as during exercise, are translated to theresistance belt1442 through thetransmission assembly902. More particularly, thetransmission pulley1436 and thebelt pulley1438 rotate to unwind theresistance belt1442 from thelinearizing cam1448, causing the linearizing cam and the housings of the interconnected resistance packs to rotate.
• The resistance packs874 on the exercise device858 are similar to the resistance packs described above with reference to earlier embodiments. However, instead of having a pair of resistance elements, the housing1532 of theresistance pack874 inFIGS. 34A-34D encloses asingle resistance element1534 that acts as a torsional spring. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments of the resistance packs874 can be configured to house more than one resistance element. In turn, theresistance element1534 is connected with acenter hub1536, which is selectively connected with theresistance axle906. The housing1532 includes disc-shaped first andsecond sides1538,1540 with a circular rim extending1542 along the circular periphery of each side. As shown inFIG. 34C, a plurality of rigidtriangular frames1544 extend outward from aninner surface1546 of thefirst side1538. Although theresistance pack874 is illustrated with eight triangular frames, it is to be appreciated that the resistance pack can have more or less than eight triangular frames.
• As described above with reference to other embodiments, theresistance element1534 shown inFIGS. 34C and 34D acts as a torsional spring and may be constructed of a suitable elastomeric substance exhibiting resiliency and resistance to stretching. Theresistance element1534 includes a plurality ofspokes1548 connected with and extending radially outward from thecenter hub1536. Theresistance element1534 is installed in the housing1532 with the spokes extending between the adjacent triangular frames1544. The resistance element also includes a plurality ofperipheral portions1550 extending between outer ends of thespokes1548. As with previously described resistance packs, thecenter hub1536 may be constructed of a rigid material which may be glued or otherwise bonded to the elastomeric inner ends of the spokes. Thecenter hub1536 shown inFIGS. 34A-34D is provided with a generally hexagonally-shapedinner surface1546 adapted to receive theresistance axle906 having a correspondingly shaped cross section. More particularly, the inner surface of the hub defines five flat sides1554 and onecurved side1556. The cross section of theresistance axle906 is similarly shaped with fiveflat sides1558 and onecurved side1560, as shown inFIG. 35B. The correspondingly shaped sides of thecenter hub1536 andresistance axle906 act as a key that allows the resistance pack to be placed on the resistance axle in a particular angular orientation. As such, thecenter hub1536 is configured to receive the resistance axle such that the center hub can slide along the length of the resistance axle, but does not rotate relative to the resistance axle. When the housing1532 of theresistance pack874 containing theresistance element1534 is rotated relative to thecenter hub1536, thespokes1548 and theperipheral portions1550 of the resistance element are stretched. As describe above with reference to the other embodiments, the resilient construction of the resistance element resists stretching to provide a resistive force that opposes the stretching of the arms and peripheral portions. It is to appreciated that the resistive forces increases the more the resistance elements are stretched. In other words, the more the housing of the resistance pack is rotated relative to the hub, the greater the resistance force. It is also to be appreciated that the resistance packs can be configured with resistance elements having different shapes and sizes, which can produce different levels of resistance for the same amount of housing rotation relative to the resistance axle. For example,FIGS. 34E-34G illustrate threeresistance elements1534′,1534″, and1534′″ having three different widths, W′, W″, and W′″, respectively. Provided the three resistance elements ofFIGS. 34E-34G are constructed from material having the same elastomeric properties, the resistance elements with the progressively larger widths provide greater levels of resistance.
• As previously mentioned, the resistance packs874 are configured to selectively connect with each other. More particularly, hooks1562 on anoutside surface1564 of thefirst side1538 of one resistance pack is adapted to connect with corresponding hooks1562 on anoutside surface1566 of thesecond side1540 of another resistance pack. As shown inFIGS. 34A-34B, partial rings1568 on each side of the resistance packs874 are defined by circumferentially extending raised surfaces1570 located at various radial distances from thecenter hub1536. The intersection of a first end portion1572 of the each partial ring with theouter surfaces1564,1566 of eachside1538,1540 defines a sloped portion1574 of the partial ring. Extending from the sloped portion1574, a middle portion1576 of the partial ring defines a generally flat raised portion1578. From the middle portion1578, the partial ring1568 extends to asecond end portion1580 defining the hooks1562. As previously mentioned, the hooks1562 on thefirst side1538 of one resistance pack are adapted to connect with corresponding hooks1562 on thesecond side1540 of another resistance pack. In a particular embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 34A-34B, the first side and second sides of the resistance pack each include a firstpartial ring1582 having a first hook1584 located at a first radial distance from thecenter hub1536. A pair of secondpartial rings1586 and a pair of second hooks1588 are located at a second radial distance from thecenter hub1536. A thirdpartial ring1590 and a third hook1592 is located at a third radial distance from thecenter hub1536. A pair of fourthpartial rings1594 and a pair of fourth hooks1596 are located at a fourth radial distance from thecenter hub1536. It is to be appreciated that the resistance packs are not limited to the interconnection configurations depicted and described herein.
• As shown inFIGS. 22A, 35A,35B, and35C, theresistance axle906 extends outward from right and left sides of theresistance support member952 to support theresistance assemblies904 of the right and leftresistance systems870,872. As shown inFIGS. 35B and 35C, theresistance axle906 is connected with theresistance support member952 through aclam shell clamp1640. Theclam shell clamp1640 includes abottom side1642 connected with theresistance support member952 between right and leftlinearizing cam bearings1644. Eightbolts1646 connect atop side1648 of theclam shell clamp1640 with thebottom side1642. When installed on the exercise device, theresistance axle906 extends through linearizingcam bearings1644 and between the top andbottom sides1648,1642 of theclam shell clamp1640. The eightbolts1646 are tightened to provide clamping forces between the top and bottom sides on theresistance axle906. As shown inFIG. 35C, the top andbottom sides1648,1642 of theclam shell clamp1640 are correspondingly formed with the cross sectional shape of theresistance axle906. The clamping forces exerted on the resistance axle by the clam shell clamp in conjunction with the corresponding shapes of the top and bottom sides of clam shell act to hold the resistance axle in a fixed position and to resist torsional forces exerted on the resistance axle by the resistance packs874.
• As shown inFIGS. 35B and 35C, the exercise device can also include abolt1650 retainer that allows the exercise device to be shipped with thetop side1648 of theclam shell clamp1640 loosely bolted to thebottom side1642. As such, theresistance axle906 can be easily installed once the exercise device reaches a shipping destination. For example, in one embodiment, with thetop side1648 of theclam shell clamp1640 loosely bolted to thebottom side1642, theresistance axle906 can be slid with thecurved side1560 facing upward between the two sides of the clam shell clamp. The axial position of theresistance axle906 can be fixed by sliding the resistance axle through the clam shell clamp until aboss1652 extending downward from thetop side1648 of theclam shell clamp1640 engages a divot1654 in the curvedtop side1560 of theresistance axle906. Once the resistance axle is in position, thebolts1646 can be tightened. The sequence in which thebolts1646 are tightened can cause theclam shell clamp1640 to exert additional compressive forces on opposing sides of theresistance axle906 to further resist rotational forces exerted thereon by the resistance packs. For example, in one embodiment, a user can extend a wrench throughapertures1656 in the bolt retainer to first tighten the bolts labeled1646-1 inFIG. 35B. The bolts labeled1646-2 are tightened next, followed by the bolts labeled1646-3, and followed by the bolts labeled1646-4.
• As shown inFIGS. 22A, 35A,35B, thelinearizing cam1448 is rotatably mounted the linearizingcam bearings1644 around theresistance axle906 above thetransmission assembly902 such that theresistance belt1442 extends upward from the belt pulley to wrap around the outer surface of thelinearizing cam1448. Afirst side1598 of thelinearizing cam1448 is located adjacent theresistance support member952. A raisedsurface1600 on thefirst side1598 of thelinearizing cam1448 defines astop ledge1602 adapted to engage theresistance support member952. Afirst resistance pack1606 is bolted to asecond side1608 of the linearizing cam. The first resistance pack includes ahousing1610 partially enclosing aresistance element1612 connected with acenter hub1614. Thehousing1610,resistance element1612, andcenter hub1614 of thefirst resistance pack1606 are operably connected to resist rotation of thehousing1610 with respect to theresistance axle906 in substantially the manner as described above with reference to theresistance pack874 shown inFIGS. 34A-34D. Before connecting thefirst resistance pack1606 with thelinearizing cam1448, thehousing1610 of thefirst resistance pack1606 is slightly rotated to stretch theresistance element1612, which results in a pre-load. As such, pre-load exerted by the first resistance pack forces thestop ledge1602 on thelinearizing cam1448 to abut theresistance support member952 to the maintain the linearizing cam in a constant initial starting position when not in use. As discussed in more detail below with reference toFIG. 22A and others, anouter side1616 of thehousing1610 of thefirst resistance pack1606 can be configured with the same hooked connection structure as described above with reference to thesecond side1540 of theresistance pack874. As such, thefirst sides1538 of resistance packs874 can be connected with theouter side1616 of thefirst resistance pack1606 to selectively adjust the resistance of the exercise device.
• Referring to FIGS.22A,34A-34D, and35A-35B, when placing aresistance pack874 on theresistance axle906, the curvedinner side1556 on thecenter hub1536 of theresistance pack874 is first aligned with thecurved side1560 on theresistance axle906. Theresistance pack874 can then be slid along the length of the resistance axle until thefirst side1538 of theresistance pack874 abuts theouter side1616 of thefirst resistance pack1606 connected with thelinearizing cam1448. To connect theresistance pack874 with thefirst resistance pack1606, the housing1532 of theresistance pack874 is rotated relative to thefirst resistance pack1606 to bring the hooks1562 on theouter side1616 of the first resistance pack into engagement with corresponding hooks1562 on thefirst side1538 of theresistance pack874. In one embodiment, when connecting a resistance pack on theresistance axle906 for theright resistance system870, the resistance pack is rotated 10-15 degrees counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) to bring the hooks1562 on thefirst side1538 into engagement with the hooks1562 on theouter side1616 of thefirst resistance pack1606. The slight rotation in the counterclockwise direction stretches the resistance element in the resistance pack, which results in additional pre-loads that maintain engagement of the hooks between the resistance packs. Additional resistance packs can be placed on the resistance axle connected with adjacent resistance packs in the manner described above.
• As previously described, the level of resistance on the exercise device is can be adjusted by varying the number of interconnected resistance packs874 on theresistance axle906, which in turn are connected with thelinearizing cam1448. When tension is placed on theresistance belt1442 that causes thelinearizing cam1448 to rotate around theresistance axle906, thehousings1532,1610 of the interconnected resistance packs874,1606 on theresistance axle906 rotate along with thelinearizing cam1448. Due to the resilient construction of the resistance elements inside the resistance packs, the resistance force exerted by each resistance pack progressively increases as the linearizing cam rotates. As such, an outer circumferential surface1618 of thelinearizing cam1448 can be shaped to offset the progressive increase in forces exerted by the resistance packs874,1606. More particularly, as theresistance belt1442 unwinds from linearizingcam1448, a radial distance R1 from a center longitudinal axis1620 of theresistance axle906 to a location where the resistance belt separates from the outer surface of the linearizing cam increases. In other words, a first force exerted on theresistance belt1442 that causes thelinearizing cam1448 to rotate will result in a progressively increasing torque exerted on the linearizing cam as the linearizing cam rotates around theresistance axle906. As such, although the resistance packs provide a progressively increasing resistance torque as the housings are rotated relative the resistance axle, the progressively increasing torque exerted by the resistance belt on the linearizing cam results in a substantially linear resistance force exerted on the resistance belt. It is to be appreciated that linearizing cams having different outer shapes can be used with the present invention and as such, should not be limited to the shape of the linearizing cam described and depicted herein.
• A description of the operation of the components associated with the cable-pulley system and resistance system located on the right and left sides of the exercise device is provided below. Descriptions of rotational directions (i.e. clockwise and counterclockwise) are from a point of reference as viewed from the right side of the exercise device.
• When using right side of the exercise device858, the user applies a force to theresistance cable1222, pulling thefirst end1428 of the resistance cable from thedistal end portion1382 of theright arm assembly894. The movement of theresistance cable1222 is guided by thefirst pulley1388,second pulley1390, andlower direction pulley1432 of the right cable-pulley assembly898. Because the second end1434 of theresistance cable1222 is terminated in thetransmission pulley1436, pulling thefirst end1428 of thefirst resistance cable1222 from the right arm assembly causes thetransmission pulley1436 of theright resistance system870 to rotate counterclockwise. Rotation of the transmission pulley in the counterclockwise direction causes thebelt pulley1438 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction. As such, theresistance belt1442 winds onto thebelt pulley1438. As the resistance belt winds onto the belt pulley, the resistance belt unwinds from thelinearizing cam1448 of theright resistance system870, which causes the linearizing cam to rotate counterclockwise around theresistance axle906. Thehousing1610 offirst resistance pack1606 rotates with thelinearizing cam1448 along with the housings1532 of any additional resistance packs874 that have been interconnected with first resistance pack. As such, the resistance packs provide a resistance force to the resistance belt as the linearizing cam rotates counterclockwise.
• When the user releases theresistance cable1222, theresistance elements1534,1612 of the resistance packs874,1606 of theright resistance system870 force thehousings1532,1610 of the resistance packs to rotate around theresistance axle906 along with the linearizing cam in the clockwise direction. Rotation of the linearizing cam in the clockwise direction unwinds theresistance belt1442 from thebelt pulley1438, causing the belt pulley andtransmission pulley1436 to rotate clockwise. Rotation of thetransmission pulley1436 in the clockwise direction winds the resistance cable back onto the transmission pulley, which pulls theresistance cable1222 to retract back into theright arm assembly894.
• When using left side of the exercise device858, the user applies a force to theresistance cable1222, pulling thefirst end1428 of the resistance cable from thedistal end portion1382 of theleft arm assembly896. The movement of theresistance cable1222 is guided by thefirst pulley1388, second pulley1434, andlower direction pulley1432 of the left cable-pulley assembly900. Because the second end1434 of theresistance cable1222 is terminated in thetransmission pulley1436, pulling thefirst end1428 of thefirst resistance cable1222 from the left arm assembly causes thetransmission pulley1436 of theleft resistance system870 to rotate clockwise. Rotation of the transmission pulley in the clockwise direction causes thebelt pulley1438 to rotate in the clockwise direction. As such, theresistance belt1442 winds onto thebelt pulley1438. As the resistance belt winds onto the belt pulley, the resistance belt unwinds from thelinearizing cam1448 of theleft resistance system872, which causes the linearizing cam to rotate clockwise around theresistance axle906. Thehousing1610 offirst resistance pack1606 rotates with thelinearizing cam1448 along with the housings1532 of any additional resistance packs874 that have been interconnected with first resistance pack. As such, the resistance packs provide a resistance force to the resistance belt as the linearizing cam rotates clockwise.
• When the user releases theresistance cable1222, theresistance elements1534,1612 of the resistance packs874,1606 of theleft resistance system872 force thehousings1532,1610 of the resistance packs to rotate around theresistance axle906 along with the linearizing cam in the counterclockwise direction. Rotation of the linearizing cam in the counterclockwise direction unwinds theresistance belt1442 from thebelt pulley1438, causing the belt pulley andtransmission pulley1436 to rotate counterclockwise. Rotation of thetransmission pulley1436 in the counterclockwise direction winds the resistance cable back onto the transmission pulley, which pulls theresistance cable1222 to retract back into theleft arm assembly896.
• FIGS. 36A-36F show a secondalternative exercise device1622 conforming to the aspects of the present invention. The secondalternative exercise device1622 is similar to the first alternative exercise device858. As such, theexercise device1622 includes amain frame862′ supporting adjustable right andleft arm assemblies894′,896′ and right and left cable-pulley assemblies898′,900′ providing a user interface with right and leftresistance systems870′,872′. The level of resistance of theresistance systems870′,872′ can be adjusted in the same manner as described above with the resistance packs874 ofFIGS. 34A-34D. Also, as described above,resistance cables1222′ extend from the right andleft arm assemblies894′,896′ totransmission pulleys1436′ of the right and leftresistance systems870′,872′. Further, the right and leftresistance systems870′,872′ includeresistance belts1442′ extending frombelt pulleys1438′ to linearizingcams1448′. As shown inFIGS. 36A-36F, theresistance systems870′,872′ of the secondalternative exercise device1622 include separate right and leftresistance axles1624,1626 that are substantially vertically oriented. As such, the routing of the resistance belts of the secondalternative exercise device1622 is oriented differently from the first alternative exercise device858. More particularly, the right and left resistance systems include first and second directional belt pulleys1628,1630 guide the resistance belts from the belt pulleys1438′ to thelinearizing cams1448′.
• FIGS. 36A-36F illustrate the cable routing from theright arm assembly894′ to theright resistance system870′. Various elements of theexercise device872′ are not shown inFIGS. 36C-36F for clarity. Theresistance cable1222′ extends through theright arm assembly894′ to thesecond pulley1390′. Theresistance cable1222′ wraps around a portion of thesecond pulley1390′ and extends downward inside thearm support member944′ to the lowerdirectional pulley1432′. From thelower direction pulley1432′, theresistance cable1222′ extends rearward to wrap counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around and is terminated on thetransmission pulley1436′. Theresistance belt1442′ extends upward and rearward from thebelt pulley1438′ to the firstdirectional belt pulley1628. From the firstdirectional belt pulley1628, theresistance belt1442′ extends forward to the seconddirectional belt pulley1630. The first directional belt pulley has a substantially horizontally oriented axis of rotation and the second directional belt pulley has a substantially vertically oriented axis of rotation. The change in orientation of the axes of rotation between the first and second directional belt pulleys causes theresistance belt1442′ to twist as it extends forward from the firstdirectional belt pulley1628 and change direction as the resistance belt wraps around the seconddirectional belt pulley1630. As such, theresistance belt1442′ extends rightward from seconddirectional pulley1630 to connect with thelinearizing cam1448′ of theright resistance system870′.
• FIGS. 36A-36F illustrate the cable routing from theleft arm assembly896′ to theleft resistance system872′. As previously mentioned, various elements of theexercise device872′ are not shown inFIGS. 36C-36F for clarity. Theresistance cable1222′ extends through theleft arm assembly896′ to thesecond pulley1390′. Theresistance cable1222′ wraps around a portion of thesecond pulley1390′ and extends downward through thearm support member944′ to the lowerdirectional pulley1432′. From thelower direction pulley1432′, theresistance cable1222′ extends rearward to wrap counterclockwise (as viewed from the right side of the exercise device) around and is terminated on thetransmission pulley1436′. Theresistance belt1442′ extends upward and forward from thebelt pulley1438′ to the firstdirectional belt pulley1628. From the firstdirectional belt pulley1628, theresistance belt1442′ extends rearward to the seconddirectional belt pulley1630. The first directional belt pulley has a substantially horizontally oriented axis of rotation and the second directional belt pulley has a substantially vertically oriented axis of rotation. The change in orientation of the axes of rotation between the first and second directional belt pulleys causes theresistance belt1442′ to twist as it extends rearward from the firstdirectional belt pulley1628 and change direction as the resistance belt wraps around the seconddirectional belt pulley1630. As such, theresistance belt1442′ extends leftward from seconddirectional pulley1630 to connect with thelinearizing cam1448′ of theleft resistance system872′.
• Although the various exercise devices described and depicted herein include resistance systems that utilize resistance packs with torsional springs as the source of resistance, it is to be appreciated that the resistance systems on these exercise devices can utilizes other forms of resistance. For example, some embodiments of the exercise devices are configured resistance systems that utilize conventional weight stacks used as the source of resistance. Still other embodiments utilize linear springs or other types of resiliently flexible elements as the source of resistance.
• Although various representative embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
• In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

1. An exercise device comprising:

a frame;

an arm bi-directionally coupled with the frame through a first axle and a second axle;

a first securing mechanism adapted to secure the arm in a first position relative to the first axle;

a second securing mechanism adapted to secure the arm in a second position relative to the second axle; and

a release mechanism operably coupled with the first and second securing mechanisms and adapted to simultaneously activate the securing mechanisms to move the arm about the first and second axles.

2. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the first securing mechanism comprises a pop pin.

3. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the second securing mechanism comprises a pop pin.

4. The exercise device ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a resistance system supported on the frame; and

a cable operably coupling the arm with the resistance system.

5. The exercise device ofclaim 4, further comprising:

at least one pulley operably coupled with the cable;

a housing rotatably supporting the at least one pulley; and

wherein the housing is pivotally connected with the arm through the first axle and wherein the housing is pivotally connected with the frame through the second axle.

6. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lever pivotally connected with the arm.

7. The exercise device ofclaim 1, wherein the release mechanism comprises a handle slidingly connected with the arm.

8. The exercise device ofclaim 1, further comprising a third securing mechanism adapted to secure the arm in a third position relative to the frame.

9. The exercise device ofclaim 8, wherein the third securing mechanism comprises a pop pin.

10. An exercise device comprising:

a frame;

a resistance system supported by the frame;

an actuation device operably coupled with the resistance system;

a first cam operably coupled with the resistance system;

a second cam operably coupled with the resistance system; and

a selector mechanism operably coupled with the first and second cams, the selector mechanism configured to operably couple the first and second cams with the actuation device to change the resistance forces from the resistance system exerted on the actuation device as the actuation device is displaced.

11. The exercise device ofclaim 10, wherein the actuation device comprises at least one cable extending from a first end portion to a second end portion; and

wherein the selector mechanism operably couples the first and second cams with the at least one cable to change the resistance forces from the resistance system exerted on the at least one cable as the second end portion of the at least one cable is displaced.

12. The exercise device ofclaim 11, wherein the actuation device further comprises a handle connected the first end portion of the at least one cable.

13. The exercise device ofclaim 10, when the first cam is operably coupled with the actuation device, the resistance forces exerted by the resistance system on actuation device increase as the actuation device moves from a first position to a second position.

14. The exercise device ofclaim 10, when the first cam is operably coupled with the actuation device, the resistance forces exerted by the resistance system on actuation device decrease as the actuation device moves from a first position to a second position.

15. The exercise device ofclaim 10, when the first cam is operably coupled with the actuation device, the resistance forces exerted by the resistance system on actuation device remain constant as the actuation device moves from a first position to a second position.

16. The exercise device ofclaim 10, further comprising:

an axle connected with the frame and rotatably supporting the first cam and the second cam; and

wherein the selector mechanism is connected with the first cam to selectively position the first and second cams along the length of the axle.

17. The exercise device ofclaim 16, wherein the selector mechanism comprises:

a member connected with the axle;

a handle connected with the first cam; and

wherein the knob is adapted to selectively connect with the member to selectively secure the positions of the first and second cams along the length of the axle.

18. An exercise device comprising:

a frame;

a resistance structure including an axle supported on the frame;

a transmission assembly coupled with the resistance structure; and

a plurality of resistance packs adapted to receive the axle, each one of the plurality of resistance packs including a housing adapted to connect with the transmission assembly and another one of the plurality of resistance packs.

19. The exercise device ofclaim 18, wherein the housings of each one of the plurality of resistance packs includes at least one hook adapted to selectively connect with a corresponding hook on the housing of another one of the plurality of resistance packs.

20. The exercise device ofclaim 18, wherein the each of the plurality of resistance packs comprises:

at least one resistance element connected with the housing;

a hub connected with the at least one resistance element and with the axle; and

wherein the hub remains stationary as the housings rotate relative to the axle, causing the resistance element to stretch.

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