US20060128536A1 - Exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an exercising apparatus. This exercise apparatus comprises weights, cables, and pulleys; which allows an individual to perform a variety of arm exercises. The apparatus being described has a frame structure that has a selectable weight stack, a support cushion, and a handle grip for maintaining balance. Two rotational pulleys are placed; one at base of the frame and other at top of the weight stack. A cable traveling through both pulleys is connected to weight stack at one end and at the other end to the users interchangeable attachments. The support cushion is mounted vertically on the frame; keeping the elbow at a secured position. This apparatus isolates a users arm while allowing a wide range of motions. A removable cushion is placed horizontally across the frame when performing forearm exercises. The user remains in standing position during the exercise routine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• NOT APPLICABLE
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
• NOT APPLICABLE
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
• NOT APPLICABLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• A variety of exercise machines, which utilize resistance or strength training, have become very popular in recent years. Such strength machines are often used in place of conventional free weights to exercise a variety of muscles within the human body. Most strength machines are designed with the goal of optimizing resistance-training benefits to the user by combining adjustable weight resistance with ease of use, while also attempting to maintain proper biomechanical alignment of the users joints.
• While using these strength-training machines an individual has a tendency to develop an oscillatory rocking motion with the body, which tends to translate this momentum to serve as an aid in performing the exercises further decreasing the work being done.
• By exercising the arm in a fixed configuration having the elbow placed securely against a support cushion and the opposite arm secured by a handle grip; this isolates the users bicep muscles, which in return ensure correct form and maximum results.
• Forearm exercises having a cushion and frame structure support enables an individual to perform strict movements of the upper and lower forearm muscles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides an exercise apparatus in which a single weight stack machine, with appropriate attachments, can be used to exercise and develop arm and forearm muscles.
• A single weight stack is used which comprises a plurality of individual weight plates mounted on a vertically moveable frame connected to a cable which extends through a pair of pivotal pulleys. One end of the cable connected to the weight stack the other end connected to interchangeable attachments. A support cushion is mounted on a frame structure placed on opposite side from weight stack. Handle grips are placed on top of frame to stabilize and maintain balance of user. Once the users elbow is secured against support cushion the opposite hand is placed on the handle grip.
• Furthermore this invention isolates and eliminates the rocking or oscillatory motion of the user, which will result in better muscle development and increase muscle definition.
• In another aspect of this invention the cushions that are placed on top of the exercise apparatus are replaceable with a single large cushion for holding the body weight of the user when exercising forearm muscles.
• Other benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following descriptions and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a side view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus shown inFIG. 1 displaying the interchangeable forearm pad.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several drawings,reference numeral10 is directed to the exercise apparatus according to the present invention.
• Thisexercise apparatus10 preferably includes a selectively variable verticallymoveable weight stack14 connected by verticallyupstanding rod members15 to thebase structure2 and extending upwardly to where it terminates atcross member12. The amount of weight to be lifted is selected by inserting akey16 in the appropriate weight. It is understood that the weights are typically ten pounds apiece, and the user simply selects the amount of weight he wishes to lift by placing thekey16 in the appropriate hole of a weight.
• The weights are lifted and lowered by an actuating mechanism which comprises acable21 attached to the weight and that is routed through a plurality ofpulleys20 and22. Bothpivotal pulleys20 and22 can rotate in 360 degrees in either direction in return offering a wide range of motion for user.Horizontal arm19 extends outwardly overcross member12 then is attached topulley housing20 allowing correct angle forcable21 as it moves fromweight stack14 throughpulley20 then extending throughpulley22 to itsfinal destination handle23. Thepulley20 acts as a pivot for the cable permitting thepulley22 to make the relative movement thereby accommodating the varying angle of pull in an effective and efficient manner. The weight stack, pulley, and cables are activated when the user grasppivotal handle23, pulling on an upward motion against the force of gravity, causing theweight stack14 to slide vertically up and down forming resistance to the users bicep or forearm muscles.
• With continued reference to FIGS.1 and2, thehorizontal base frame6 is connected toupright members5 and9, extending upwardly and terminating atcross members12,13 and3. The frame structure is preferably constructed of a rigid material, such as steel, which can withstand the body weight of user andweight stack14. Asupport cushion8 is mounted tocross beam3 creating a support for users elbow to maintain stability and isolating bicep movement. Twoforearm cushions7 and17 are placed horizontally oncross members4 and18 to comfort and maintain balance of user. Twohandle grips1 and11 are placed vertically oncross member4 and18 in conjunction withforearm cushions7 and17 for user to sustain leverage with opposite hand placed onhandle23.
• While in a standing position the user securely places one elbow firmly againstcushion8. Then reaching down and grasping theinterchangeable handle23, which is connected tocable21 by means of a pin, with alternate hand placed onhorizontal grip1 or11, and resting forearm oncushion7 or17, the user becomes stabilized. With an upward motion of the handle against gravity, the weight stack places significant resistance on the users bicep muscles. The selectable weight stack moves vertically up and down in conjunction with the users bicep constrictions.
• Handle23 can be interchanged with a variety of different attachments including single hand or two hand options. The handles can swivel in a range of up360 degrees allowing optimal results.
• FIG.3 shows an alternate configuration of the exercise apparatus for isolating other types of exercising movements. The same basic unit can be utilized in this configuration in which forearm muscles are exercised.Support cushions7 and17 are replaced withhorizontal support cushion30. With the forearms of the user placed on the support cushion, the user has many options.
• Depending on the exercise, the user can either use one or both hands by graspinghandle23, which is connected to end ofcable21. Then user rotates wrist in an upward motion forming resistance to the users muscles. The interchangeable handles are available in different shapes and sizes and are covered in foam for user comfort.
• As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations and modifications, which may differ particularly from those that have been described in the preceding specifications and description. It should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted herein all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

Claims (8)

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a frame;

a selectively variable vertically moveable weight stack mounted on said frame for gravity force resistance;

a pivotal pulley system consisting of two pulleys capable of 360-degree rotation mounted on opposite ends of said frame;

a cable means attached directly to said selectively variable vertically moveable weight stack then routed through said pivotal pulley system;

a handle connected to said cable for grasping means;

a cushion support mounted on said frame for stabilizing and securing elbow of user while exercising;

a handle grip means mounted on said frame for balance of user.

2. An exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said selectively variable vertically moveable weight stack having individual weights weighing typically 10 lbs each, selected by inserting key in appropriate hole.

3. An exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said frame constructed of a rigid material preferably steel, which can withstand the body weight of user and weight stack.

4. An exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said pivotal pulley system having one pulley mounted on said frame above said weight stack and the other said pivotal pulley mounted on base of said frame; both said pivotal pulleys contain ball bearings for smooth rotation.

5. An exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said handle having interchangeable attachments, which are replaceable by a removable pin or clip.

6. An exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said forearm cushions mounted on said frame in conjunction with said handle grips for comfort and support of user.

7. An exercise apparatus ofclaim 6, further comprising said forearm cushion having replacement cushion which rest horizontally across said frame for isolating forearms when exercising.

8. An exercise apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising said handle grip mounted on said frame having a foam or rubber covering to ensure comfort of user.

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