US20080096735A1 - Mechanism for adjustable arms and seat pad apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for an exercise machine (1) having a support frame (100); a resisting structure (200) for providing a resistance; a seat (300) for accommodating an exerciser; a structure for adjusting the seat (400), the seat (300) being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting a (400) structure, and the seat adjusting structure (400) being mechanically coupled to the support frame (100); left and right arms (500) being operatively coupled to the resisting structure (200); and a structure for simultaneously adjusting each arm (600), each arm (500) being operatively coupled to the arm adjusting structure (600), and the arm adjusting structure (600) being mechanically coupled to the support frame (100), the exercise machine (1) being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine providing a number of distinct exercise movements which are performable on the same machine without having to attach or remove additional hardware elements. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine which provides adjustability for arm exercises as well as for height and physique of an exerciser.
BACKGROUND ART
• Over the past several years, people have become more interested in maintaining good physical health by deliberately engaging in exercise and other physical activities. Weightlifting is but one of the many types of exercise that people choose in order to maintain fitness. Swimming, running, rowing, aerobic activity, as well as other forms of exercise are also used in order to maintain physical fitness and to provide some aerobic challenge to a person's physiological system so that they may maintain better health. The link between physical activity and physical health is well recognized.
• Weightlifting is often a preferred form of physical activity, because particular muscle groups, which may have importance for specific sports or the like, can be targeted and developed. Consequently, through weightlifting, an individual can focus actively on the biceps, triceps, calves, thighs, gluteals, abdominals, etc. In so doing, the individual may not only engage in an aerobic activity, but also engage in an activity that specifically strengthens a chosen muscle or group of muscles.
• A significant number of exercise machines are available which allow the individual to target particular muscles of the upper body, including the pectorals, the biceps, the triceps, the shoulders, the latissimus dorsi, and other back muscles. Combination machines also exist in the current art which allow for the individual to exercise more than one muscle group, e.g., Chu (U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,941). Nevertheless, the machine described in Chu is very limited in its scope of exercises available to any individual, especially upper body exercises.
• Thus, a need is seen to exist for an exercise machine that allows for a wide variety of upper body exercises to be accomplished by the individual without the need to attach or remove parts from the machine and with a provision for adjusting the machine arms as well as the seat to accommodate the height and physique of any exerciser.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
• The present apparatus is an exercise machine that comprises a unique adjustable arm feature as well as a unique adjustable seat pad feature. The present invention exercise machine also includes a support frame, a seat, cables, pulleys, and a weight stack. In general, the present invention exercise machine comprises a support frame, a structure for resisting a force, whereby a resistance is provided, a seat for accommodating an exerciser, a structure for adjusting the seat, the seat being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting a structure, and the seat adjusting structure being mechanically coupled to the support frame, left and right arms, each arm having proximal and distal ends, and each arm being operatively coupled to the resisting structure, and a structure for simultaneously adjusting the arms, the arms being operatively coupled to the simultaneous arm adjusting structure, and the simultaneous arm adjusting structure being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.
• In addition, the present invention encompasses a corresponding method of fabricating the presently claimed apparatus. The present method of fabricating an exercise machine generally comprises the steps of providing a support frame, providing a structure for resisting a force, whereby a resistance is provided, providing a seat for accommodating an exerciser, providing a structure for adjusting the seat, the seat being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting structure, and the seat adjusting structure being mechanically coupled to the support frame, providing left and right arms, each arm having proximal and distal ends, and each arm being operatively coupled to the resisting structure, and providing a structure for simultaneously adjusting the arms, the arms being operatively coupled to the simultaneous arm adjusting structure, and the simultaneous arm adjusting structure being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.
• Advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the provision of an exercise machine which permits a variety of exercise movements at a variety of angles without attaching or removing any parts and the accommodation of any exerciser, regardless of height and physique. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the modes for carrying out the invention and the accompanying drawing(s), described, infra.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawings. Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the Drawings.
• FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of an exercise machine having a seat adjusting structure and a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of a seat adjusting structure and a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a top view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary first position, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 10 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 11 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary third position, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 12 is an internal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is an internal top perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 14 is an internal front view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 15 is an internal frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 16 is an internal frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 is an internal front view of a simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the second alternative embodiment of the present invention.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING-OUT THE INVENTION
• FIG. 1 illustrates, in a frontal perspective view, an exercise machine1, in accordance with the present invention. The present invention exercise machine1 generally comprises asupport frame100, a structure for resisting200 a force, whereby a resistance is provided, aseat300 for accommodating an exerciser, a structure for adjusting theseat400, theseat300 being operatively coupled to theseat adjusting structure400, and theseat adjusting structure400 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, left andright arms500, eacharm500 having proximal and distal ends, and eacharm500 being operatively coupled to the resistingstructure200, astructure600 for simultaneously adjusting thearms500, thearms500 being operatively coupled to the simultaneousarm adjusting structure600, and the simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, and acable system700, the exercise machine1 being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.
• Also referring toFIG. 1, the resistingstructure200 comprises aweight stack210. Theseat300 comprises aseat pad310 and a back pad320 (FIG. 8). Eacharm500 comprises astirrup510, being disposed at its distal end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser, and arotatable pulley520 for accommodating acable710 of thecable system700 and for rotating about a longitudinal axis of thearm500. Thecable710 is operatively coupled to the resistingstructure200 and to thestirrup510.
• FIG. 2 illustrates aseat300 and aseat adjusting structure400, in accordance with the present invention. Theseat adjusting structure400 comprises a telescoping member410 being mechanically coupled to theseat300 and to thesupport structure100, a structure for springing420 being disposed in the telescoping member410, and a structure for releasing theseat430. The telescoping member410 comprises anouter telescoping member440 and aninner telescoping member450 being slidably disposed in theouter telescoping member440, theinner telescoping member450 being mechanically coupled to theseat300, theouter telescoping member440 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, the springing structure420 providing a spring force to theinner telescoping member450, theseat releasing structure430 being mechanically coupled to theouter telescoping member440, and the outer andinner telescoping members440,450 each having a respective plurality oftap holes441,451 formed therethrough for facilitating a registration.
• Still referring toFIG. 2, theseat releasing structure430 comprises aseat release handle460 having proximal and distal ends, a seat release bar470 having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to theseat release handle460, a seat release spring480 being operatively coupled to the seat release bar470, the seat release bar470 being actuated by theseat release handle460 via the seat release spring480, the seat release bar470 having acurved portion471 disposed at its distal end, the seat release barcurved portion471 being disposed through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescopingmember tap holes441 as well as through an inner telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescopingmember tap holes451, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby theseat300 is adjusted.
• FIGS. 3-8, illustrate the simultaneousarm adjusting structure600, in accordance with the present invention. The simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 comprises right andleft barrel members610 and a structure for releasing eacharm500 being mechanically coupled to a certain onearm500, e.g., the right arm by example only. Eachbarrel member610 comprises anouter barrel member620 and aninner barrel member630 being disposed in theouter barrel member620, eacharm500 being rotationally coupled to eachinner barrel member630, eachouter barrel member620 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, eachinner barrel member630 having a periphery, a certain oneinner barrel member630 having a plurality ofdetents640 thereon formed for facilitating a registration, and the certain oneinner barrel member630 corresponding to the certain onearm500 having the releasing structure.
• Alternatively, theouter barrel members620 are integrally formed and configured to permit theinner barrel members630 to mechanically cooperate with one another. Theinner barrel members630 alternatively comprise at least one rotatable component for facilitating their mechanical cooperation. The certain oneinner barrel630 alternatively comprises at least one stationary component, e.g., a fixed plate and a fixed disk, for accommodating the registration features. The registration features, e.g., the plurality ofdetents640, alternatively comprises any configuration or structure for facilitating registration, e.g., a plurality of recesses and a plurality of tap holes. The structures for facilitating registration are alternatively formed in the at least one stationary component.
• Still referring toFIGS. 3-8, the simultaneous arm releasing structure comprises an arm release handle650 having proximal and distal ends, anarm release bar660 having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to thearm release handle650, and anarm release spring670 being operatively coupled to thearm release bar660, thearm release bar660 being actuated by the arm release handle650 via thearm release spring670, thearm release bar660 having apin portion661 disposed at its distal end, the arm releasebar pin portion661 being disposed in a detent of the plurality of inner barrel detents640 (of the certain inner barrel member), whereby the registration is effected, and whereby thearms500 are simultaneously adjusted.
• The present invention method M of fabricating an exercise machine1 comprises the steps of providing asupport frame100, providing structure for resisting aforce200, whereby a resistance is provided, providing aseat300 for accommodating an exerciser, providing structure for adjusting theseat400, theseat300 being operatively coupled to theseat adjusting structure400, and theseat adjusting structure400 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, providing left andright arms500, eacharm500 having proximal and distal ends, and eacharm500 being operatively coupled to the resistingstructure200, and providing astructure600 for simultaneously adjusting thearms500, thearms500 being operatively coupled to the simultaneousarm adjusting structure600, and the simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, the exercise machine1 being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.
• Thearms500 providing step comprises providing eacharm500 with astirrup510, being disposed at its distal end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser, and providing eacharm500 with arotatable pulley520 for accommodating acable710 of thecable system700 and for rotating about a longitudinal axis of thearm500. Thecable system700 providing step also comprises providing acable710 being operatively coupled to the resistingstructure200 and to thestirrup510.
• Theseat adjusting structure400 providing step comprises providing a telescoping member410 being mechanically coupled to theseat300 and to thesupport structure100 providing a structure for springing420 being disposed in the telescoping member410, and providing a structure for releasing theseat430. The telescoping member410 providing step comprises providing anouter telescoping member440 and providing aninner telescoping member450 being slidably disposed in theouter telescoping member440, theinner telescoping member450 being mechanically coupled to theseat300, theouter telescoping member440 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, the springing structure420 providing a spring force to theinner telescoping member450, theseat releasing structure450 being mechanically coupled to theouter telescoping member440, and the outer andinner telescoping members440,450 each having a respective plurality of tap holes441,451 formed therethrough for facilitating a registration.
• Theseat releasing structure430 providing step comprises providing a seat release handle460 having proximal and distal ends, providing a seat release bar470 having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to theseat release handle460, providing a seat release spring480 being operatively coupled to the seat release bar470, the seat release bar470 being actuated by the seat release handle460 via the seat release spring480, the seat release bar470 having acurved portion471 disposed at its distal end, the seat release bar curvedportion471 being disposed through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescoping member tap holes441 and an inner telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes451, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby theseat300 is adjusted.
• The simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 providing step comprises providing right and leftbarrel members610 and providing a structure for releasing thearms500 being mechanically coupled to a certain one arm. Thebarrel member610 providing step comprises providing anouter barrel member620 and providing aninner barrel member630 being disposed in theouter barrel member620, thearms500 being rotationally coupled to the respectiveinner barrel members630, eachouter barrel member620 being mechanically coupled to thesupport frame100, eachinner barrel member630 having a periphery, i.e., a stationary component, a certain one inner barrel member having a plurality ofdetents640 or other registration feature thereon formed for facilitating a registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding to the certain one arm. The arm releasing structure providing step comprises providing an arm release handle650 having proximal and distal ends, providing anarm release bar660 having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle650 providing anarm release spring670 being operatively coupled to thearm release bar660, thearm release bar660 being actuated by the arm release handle650 via thearm release spring670, thearm release bar660 having apin portion661 disposed at its distal end, the arm releasebar pin portion661 being disposed in an innerbarrel member detent640, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby thearms500 are simultaneously adjusted.
• FIG. 9 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary first position, e.g., downwardly disposed, in accordance with the present invention. The simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 is mounted on thesupport frame100 and is shown in relation to the resistingstructure200 and theweight stack210.
• FIG. 10 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary second position, e.g., outwardly disposed, in accordance with the present invention. The simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 is mounted on thesupport frame100 and is shown in relation to theweight stack210.
• FIG. 11 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary third position, e.g., upwardly disposed, in accordance with the present invention. The simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 is mounted on thesupport frame100 and is shown in relation to the resistingstructure200 and theweight stack210.
• FIG. 12 is an internal perspective view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary second position, e.g., outwardly disposed, in accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this first alternative embodiment, a pair of alternative inner barrel members comprise a pair ofgrooved reels631, wherein thegrooves631aare configured to accommodate a pair ofbelts633, and wherein thebelts633 is disposed in a general “figure-eight” within thegrooves631aas shown. A certain one alternative inner barrel member comprises a registration plate or aregistration disc632 having a plurality of registration features, e.g., a plurality ofdetents640, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality tap holes. The registration plate orregistration disc632 is stationary in relation to the pair of grooved reels631 (thereels631 being rotatable). A certain one reel, corresponding to a certain one inner barrel member and to theregistration disc632, comprises afeature631bfor accommodating asleeve661adisposed around thepin portion661.
• Still referring toFIG. 12, the simultaneous arm releasing structure also comprises an arm release handle650 having proximal and distal ends, anarm release bar660 having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to thearm release handle650, and an arm release spring670 (not shown) being operatively coupled to the arm release bar660 (not shown), thearm release bar660 being actuated by the arm release handle650 via thearm release spring670, thearm release bar660 having apin portion661 disposed at its distal end, the arm releasebar pin portion661 being disposed in a registration feature of the plurality of registration features (of the certain inner barrel member), e.g., a detent of the plurality ofinner barrel detents640, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby thearms500 are simultaneously adjusted.
• FIG. 13 is an internal top perspective view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary second position, as shown inFIG. 12, in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 13, the alternative inner barrel members, comprising the pair ofgrooved reels631, are shown as being in mechanical cooperation with one another via thebelts633 being disposed in the general “figure-eight” within thegrooves631a. The certain one alternative inner barrel member, comprising the registration plate or aregistration disc632 with the plurality of registration features is rotated by actuating thearm release handle650 and by selecting a registration feature for disposition of thepin portion661 as the registration plate orregistration disc632 is stationary in relation to the pair ofgrooved reels631.
• FIG. 14 is an internal front view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical cooperation of the pair ofgrooved reels631 via thebelts633 being disposed in the general “figure-eight” is shown. Frictional forces between thebelts633 and thegrooves631atransfer the actuation forces initiated by actuating thearm release handle650 and by selecting a registration feature for disposition of thepin portion661 in a selected registration feature.
• FIG. 15 is an internal frontal perspective view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present invention. Thebelts633 each comprise a pair ofterminal portions633a, wherein eachterminal portion633aof eachbelt633 is disposed in an opposing reel, whereby the actuation of the certain one inner barrel member actuates the certain one reel which, in turn, simultaneously actuates the other reel, and whereby thearms500 are simultaneously adjusted.
• FIG. 16 is an internal frontal perspective view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this second alternative embodiment, the inner barrel members comprise a pair ofgears635, having cooperatingteeth634 and being in mechanical cooperation with one another, and a stationary registration plate or aregistration disc632 as well. A certain one gear, corresponding to a certain one inner barrel member and to theregistration disc632, comprises afeature635afor accommodating asleeve661adisposed around thepin portion661. Forces are initiated by actuating thearm release handle650 and by selecting a registration feature for disposition of thepin portion661 therein, whereby the actuation of the certain one inner barrel member actuates the certain one gear which, in turn, simultaneously actuates the other gear, and whereby thearms500 are simultaneously adjusted.
• FIG. 17 is an internal front view of a simultaneousarm adjusting structure600 with thearms500 being oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the second alternative embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical cooperation between thegears635 is shown.
• Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the invention, the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.
• Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, that various changes and modifications in form, material, and fabrication material detail may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims, should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. No claim herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
• The present invention industrially applies to exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention industrially applies to an exercise machine providing a number of distinct exercise movements which are performable on the same machine without having to attach or remove additional hardware elements. Even more particularly, the present invention industrially applies to an exercise machine which provides adjustability for arm exercises as well as for height and physique of an exerciser.

Claims (39)

1. An exercise machine, comprising:

a support frame;

means for resisting a force, whereby a resistance is provided;

a seat for accommodating an exerciser;

means for adjusting the seat, the seat being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting means, and the seat adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support frame;

left and right arms, each arm having proximal and distal ends, and each arm being operatively coupled to the resisting means; and

means for simultaneously adjusting the arms, a certain one arm of the left and right arms being operatively coupled to the simultaneously adjusting means, and the simultaneously adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support frame, wherein the simultaneously adjusting means being coupled to the certain one arm also actuates the other arm into a symmetric position,

the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.

2. A machine, as recited inclaim 1, wherein the resisting means comprises a weight stack.

3. A machine, as recited inclaim 1, wherein the seat comprises:

a seat pad; and

a back pad.

4. A machine, as recited inclaim 1, further comprising a cable system, wherein each arm comprises:

a stirrup being disposed at its distal end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser; and

a rotatable pulley for accommodating a cable of the cable system and for rotating about a longitudinal axis of the arm, wherein the cable is operatively coupled to the resisting means and to the stirrup.

5. A machine, as recited inclaim 1, wherein the seat adjusting means comprises:

a telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat and to the support structure;

means for springing being disposed in the telescoping member; and

means for releasing the seat.

6. A machine, as recited inclaim 5, wherein the telescoping member comprises:

an outer telescoping member; and

an inner telescoping member being slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member,

the inner telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat, the outer telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the springing means providing a spring force to the inner telescoping member, the seat releasing means being mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer and inner telescoping members each having a respective plurality of tap holes formed therethrough for facilitating a registration.

7. A machine, as recited inclaim 6, wherein the seat releasing means comprises:

a seat release handle having proximal and distal ends;

a seat release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the seat release handle; and

a seat release spring being operatively coupled to the seat release bar, the seat release bar being actuated by the seat release handle via the seat release spring, the seat release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the seat release bar curved portion being disposed through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescoping member tap holes and an inner telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the seat is adjusted.

8. A machine, as recited inclaim 1, wherein the simultaneous arm adjusting means comprises:

right and left barrel members; and

means for releasing the arms being mechanically coupled to a certain one arm.

9. A machine, as recited inclaim 8, wherein each barrel member comprises:

an outer barrel member; and

an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel member, each arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, each inner barrel member having a periphery, a certain one inner barrel member having a plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding to the certain one arm.

10. A machine, as recited inclaim 9, wherein the arm releasing means comprises:

an arm release handle having proximal and distal ends;

an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and

an arm release spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.

11. An exercise machine comprising:

a support frame;

means for resisting a force, whereby a resistance is provided;

a seat for accommodating an exerciser;

means for adjusting the seat, the seat being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting means, and the seat adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support frame;

left and right arms, each arm having proximal and distal ends, and each arm being operatively coupled to the resisting means;

means for simultaneously adjusting the arms, a certain one arm of the left and right arms being operatively coupled to the simultaneously adjusting means, and the simultaneously adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support frame, wherein the simultaneously adjusting means being coupled to the certain one arm also actuates the other arm into a symmetric position; and

a cable system, the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance,

wherein the resisting means comprises a weight stack,

wherein the seat comprises a seat pad and a back pad,

wherein each arm comprises:

a stirrup being disposed at its distal end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser; and

a rotatable pulley for accommodating a cable of the cable system and for rotating about a longitudinal axis of the arm,

wherein the cable is operatively coupled to the resisting means and to the stirrup,

wherein the seat adjusting means comprises:

a telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat and to the support structure;

means for springing being disposed in the telescoping member; and

means for releasing the seat,

wherein the telescoping member comprises:

an outer telescoping member; and

an inner telescoping member being slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member, the inner telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat, the outer telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the springing means providing a spring force to the inner telescoping member, the seat releasing means being mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer and inner telescoping members each having a respective plurality of tap holes formed therethrough for facilitating a registration,

wherein the seat releasing means comprises:

a seat release handle having proximal and distal ends;

a seat release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the seat release handle; and

a seat release spring being operatively coupled to the seat release bar, the seat release bar being actuated by the seat release handle via the seat release spring, the seat release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the seat release bar curved portion being disposed through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescoping member tap holes and an inner telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the seat is adjusted,

wherein the arm adjusting means comprises:

right and left barrel members; and

means for releasing each arm being mechanically coupled each arm,

wherein each barrel member comprises:

an outer barrel member; and

an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel member, each arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the arm releasing means being mechanically coupled to each arm, and each inner barrel member having a periphery and a plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a registration,

wherein the arm releasing means comprises:

an arm release handle having proximal and distal ends;

an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and

an arm release spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.

12-14. (canceled)

15. A device for adjusting a pair of arms, comprising:

right and left barrel members; and

means for simultaneously releasing the arms being mechanically coupled a certain one arm of the pair of arms, wherein the simultaneously releasing means being coupled to the certain one arm also releases the other arm.

16. A device, as recited inclaim 15, wherein each barrel member comprises:

an outer barrel member; and

an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel member, the arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, each inner barrel member having a periphery, a certain one inner barrel member having a plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding to the certain one arm.

17. A device, as recited inclaim 16, wherein the arm releasing means comprises:

an arm release handle having proximal and distal ends;

an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and

an arm release spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.

18. A method of fabricating an exercise machine comprising the steps of:

providing a support frame;

providing means for resisting a force, whereby a resistance is provided;

providing a seat for accommodating an exerciser;

providing means for adjusting the seat, the seat being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting means, and the seat adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support frame;

providing left and right arms, each arm having proximal and distal ends, and each arm being operatively coupled to the resisting means; and

providing means for simultaneously adjusting the arms, the simultaneously adjusting means providing step comprising operatively coupling a certain one arm of the left and right arms to the simultaneously adjusting means and mechanically coupling the simultaneously adjusting means to the support frame, whereby the simultaneously adjusting means, being coupled to the certain one arm, also actuates the other arm into a symmetric position, the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.

19. A method, as recited inclaim 18, wherein the resisting means providing step comprises providing a weight stack.

20. A method, as recited inclaim 18, wherein the seat providing step comprises providing a seat pad and providing a back pad.

21. A method, as recited inclaim 18, further comprising the step of providing a cable system,

wherein the arms providing step comprises:

providing each arm with a stirrup being disposed at its distal end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser; and

providing each arm with a rotatable pulley for accommodating a cable of the cable system and for rotating about a longitudinal axis of the arm, and

wherein the cable providing step comprises operatively coupling the cable to the resisting means and to the stirrup.

22. A method, as recited inclaim 18, wherein the seat adjusting means providing step comprises:

providing a telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat and to the support structure;

providing means for springing being disposed in the telescoping member; and providing means for releasing the seat.

23. A method, as recited inclaim 22, wherein the telescoping member providing step comprises:

providing an outer telescoping member; and

providing an inner telescoping member being slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member, the inner telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat, the outer telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the springing means providing a spring force to the inner telescoping member, the seat releasing means being mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer and inner telescoping members each having a respective plurality of tap holes formed therethrough for facilitating a registration.

24. A method, as recited inclaim 23, wherein the seat releasing means providing step comprises:

providing a seat release handle having proximal and distal ends;

providing a seat release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the seat release handle; and

providing a seat release spring being operatively coupled to the seat release bar, the seat release bar being actuated by the seat release handle via the seat release spring, the seat release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the seat release bar curved portion being disposed through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescoping member tap holes and an inner telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the seat is adjusted.

25. A method, as recited inclaim 18, wherein the arm adjusting means providing step comprises:

providing right and left barrel members; and

providing means for releasing each arm being mechanically coupled each arm.

26. A method, as recited inclaim 25, wherein the barrel members providing step comprises:

providing each barrel member with an outer barrel member; and

providing each barrel member with an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel member, each arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the arm releasing means being mechanically coupled to each arm, and each inner barrel member having a periphery and a plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating registration.

27. A method, as recited inclaim 26, wherein the arm releasing means providing step comprises:

providing an arm release handle having proximal and distal ends;

providing an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and

providing an arm release spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.

28. A method, as recited inclaim 18,

wherein the cable system providing step comprises providing a cable being operatively coupled to the resisting means and to the stirrup,

wherein the seat adjusting means providing step comprises:

providing a telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat and to the support structure;

providing means for springing being disposed in the telescoping member; and

providing means for releasing the seat,

wherein the telescoping member providing step comprises:

providing an outer telescoping member; and

providing an inner telescoping member being slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member, the inner telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat, the outer telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the springing means providing a spring force to the inner telescoping member, the seat releasing means being mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer and inner telescoping members each having a respective plurality of tap holes formed therethrough for facilitating a registration,

wherein the seat releasing means providing step comprises:

providing a seat release handle having proximal and distal ends;

providing a seat release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the seat release handle; and

providing a seat release spring being operatively coupled to the seat release bar, the seat release bar being actuated by the seat release handle via the seat release spring, the seat release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the seat release bar curved portion being disposed through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescoping member tap holes and an inner telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the seat is adjusted,

wherein the arm adjusting means providing step comprises:

providing right and left barrel members; and

providing means for releasing each arm being mechanically coupled each arm,

wherein each barrel member providing step comprises:

providing an outer barrel member; and

providing an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel member, each arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, each inner barrel member having a periphery, a certain one inner barrel member having a plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding to the certain one arm.

wherein the arm releasing means providing step comprises:

providing an arm release handle having proximal and distal ends;

providing an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and

providing an arm release spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.

29-31. (canceled)

32. A method of fabricating a device for simultaneously adjusting a pair of arms, comprising:

providing right and left barrel members; and

providing means for simultaneously releasing the arms being mechanically coupled to a certain one arm, wherein the simultaneously releasing means providing step comprises coupling the simultaneously releasing means to the certain one arm for also releasing the other arm.

33. A method, as recited inclaim 32, wherein each barrel member providing step comprises:

providing an outer barrel member; and

providing an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel member, the arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, each inner barrel member having a periphery, a certain one inner barrel member having a plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding to the certain one arm.

34. A method, as recited inclaim 33, wherein the arm releasing means providing step comprises:

providing an arm release handle having proximal and distal ends;

providing an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and

providing an arm release spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.

35. A device for simultaneously adjusting a pair of arms, comprising:

right and left barrel members; and

means for simultaneously releasing the arms being mechanically coupled a certain one arm of the pair of arms, wherein the simultaneously releasing means providing step comprises coupling the simultaneously releasing means to the certain one arm for also releasing the other arm.

36. A device, as recited inclaim 35,

wherein the right and left barrel members comprise a pair of grooved reels, each grooved reel comprising at least one groove for accommodating a pair of belts, the pair of belts being disposed in a general “figure-eight” configuration within the at least one groove, and

wherein the pair of grooved reels comprises a certain one reel, the certain one reel comprising a feature for accommodating a sleeve disposed around a pin portion.

37. A device, as recited inclaim 36, wherein the right and left barrel members comprise a certain one inner barrel member, the certain one inner barrel member comprising a registration structure having a plurality of registration features therein formed, the registration structure being stationary in relation to the pair of grooved reels.

38. A device, as recited inclaim 37, wherein the pair of grooved reels mechanically cooperate with one another via the pair of belts being disposed within the at least one groove.

39. A device, as recited inclaim 38,

wherein each belt of the pair of belts comprises a pair of terminal portions,

wherein each terminal portion of each belt is disposed in an opposing reel,

whereby the actuation of a certain one inner barrel member actuates the certain one reel,

whereby the other reel is simultaneously actuated, and

whereby the pair of arms are simultaneously adjusted.

40. A device, as recited inclaim 35,

wherein the right and left barrel members comprise a pair of gears, each gear of the pair of gears being in mechanical cooperation with the other gear,

wherein the pair of gears comprises a certain one gear, the certain one gear comprising a feature for accommodating a sleeve disposed around a pin portion.

41. A device, as recited inclaim 40, wherein the right and left barrel members comprise a certain one inner barrel member, the certain one inner barrel member comprising a registration structure having a plurality of registration features therein formed, the registration structure being stationary in relation to the pair of gears.

42. A device, as recited inclaim 41, wherein each gear of the pair of grooved gears mechanically cooperates with the other gear via each gear having cooperating teeth.

43. A device, as recited inclaim 42, whereby the actuation of the certain one inner barrel member actuates the certain one gear, and whereby the other reel is simultaneously actuated, and whereby the pair of arms are simultaneously adjusted.

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