US20080188361A1 - Multi-function weight training apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-function weight training apparatus including a support base, a linear motion beam, a resistance adjusting carriage, a main carriage, a weight carriage and a cable. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the base. The resistance adjusting carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam, wherein the resistance adjusting carriage is selectively positionable on the linear motion beam. The main carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam. The weight carriage is mounted with respect to the support base. The cable operably connects the weight carriage to the main carriage while an intermediate portion of the cable engages the resistance adjusting carriage. Moving the main carriage with respect to the linear motion beam causes the weight carriage to move with respect to the support base.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/104,539, filed Mar. 22, 2002, pending and scheduled to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,908, and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/278,559, filed Mar. 23, 2001, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the present disclosure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates generally to a weight training apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a multi-function weight training apparatus that is adapted for use with a variety of weight training exercises.
• 2. Background of the Invention
• The general concept of using an apparatus to facilitate weight training such as disclosed in Mazman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,599, and Yatso, U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,263, has been known for a significant amount of time. These types of devices enhance the ability to perform the weight training exercises but also increase the safety of performing the weight training exercises.
• Fuhrhop, U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,782, discloses an adjustable exercise device that permits the configuration of different components to be changed to facilitate performing different exercises. The Fuhrhop device includes a series of holes along the posts that permit attachment at different locations on the posts. Similarly, Sterba et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,944, and Rasmussen, U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,369, each disclose a weight training system in which components are connected in different positions to facilitate performing different exercises.
• Yakata, U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,897, discloses an exercise device that includes a support platform and a pivot lever. The pivot lever is slidable with respect to the support platform. It is also possible to adjust the initial angular orientation of the pivot lever and a distance between the support platform and an end of the pivot lever opposite the support platform. Rotation of the pivot lever causes a weight stack to be lifted.
• Webber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,321, describes an exercise apparatus a pivotally mounted linkage mechanism. Pivoting of the linkage mechanism with respect to a support frame adjusts a height of linkage mechanism to facilitate performing a variety of exercises with the exercise apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a multi-function weight training apparatus. The multi-function weight training apparatus includes a support base and a linear motion beam. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the support base to change the angular orientation and the direction of forces that can be exerted on the multi-function weight training apparatus for performing a variety of weight training exercises with the multi-function weight training apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a front view of a multi-function weight training apparatus of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a back view of the multi-function weight training apparatus.
• FIG. 3 is a top view of a base portion of the multi-function weight training apparatus.
• FIG. 4 is an illustration of a weight carriage of the multi-function weight training apparatus.
• FIG. 5 is an illustration of a worm gear drive of the multi-function weight training apparatus.
• FIG. 6ais an illustration of a resistance adjusting carriage of the multi-function weight training apparatus.FIG. 6bis a side view of a pulley of the resistance adjusting carriage ofFIG. 6a.
• FIG. 7 is a sectional view of linear motion beam of the multi-function weight training apparatus.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of a counter weight of the linear motion beam.
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the linear motion beam.
• FIG. 10 is a back view of the linear motion beam attached to a base.
• FIG. 11 is a side view illustration of a cable path in the multi-function weight training apparatus.
• FIG. 12 is a close-up illustrating attachment of a post to the main carriage.
• FIG. 13 is a close-up view illustrating attachment of a lever arm to the main carriage.
• FIG. 14 is an illustration of adjusting the position of the lever arm with respect to the linear motion beam.
• FIG. 15 is an illustration of attachment of a protractor to the linear motion beam.
• FIG. 16 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function weight training apparatus for push-type exercises.
• FIG. 17 is a top view of the multi-function weight training apparatus for push-type exercises.
• FIG. 18 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function weight training apparatus for pull-type exercises.
• FIG. 19 is a top view of the multi-function weight training apparatus for pull-type exercises.
• FIG. 20 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function weight training apparatus for lever arm exercises.
• FIG. 21 is a top view of the multi-function weight training apparatus for lever arm exercises.
• FIG. 22 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the multi-function weight training apparatus for exercises that use handles or other attachments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• A multi-function weight training apparatus according to the present invention is most clearly illustrated at10 inFIGS. 1 and 2. The multi-functionweight training apparatus10 generally includes asupport base20 and alinear motion beam22 that is rotatably mounted with respect to thesupport base20.
• Rotating thelinear motion beam22 with respect to thesupport base20 permits a variety of weight training exercises to be performed with the multi-functionweight training apparatus10. The multi-functionweight training apparatus10 thereby reduces the number of weight training apparatuses that must be purchased to perform a large variety of weight training exercises.
• Thesupport base20 generally includes abottom section30 and amain post32 that extends from thebottom section30. Thebottom section30 stabilizes the multi-functionweight training apparatus10 such that the multi-functionweight training apparatus10 maintains a desired orientation on a ground surface during use. Thebottom section30 generally includes acentral member34 and a pair ofend members36 that are mounted at opposite ends of thecentral member34, as illustrated inFIG. 3.
• Theend members36 are preferably oriented at an angle with respect to thecentral member34 so that a distance between front ends38 of theend members36 on afront side40 of themulti-function exercise device10 is greater than a distance between back ends42 of theend members36 on aback side44 of themulti-function exercise device10. An angle a between thecentral member34 and each of theend members36 is greater than about 90 degrees, preferably between about 110 and 130 degrees and most preferably about 120 degrees.
• Attaching theend members36 to thecentral member34 in this configuration enhances the stability of themulti-function exercise device10 while minimizing the potential for theend members36 interfering with a person who is using themulti-function exercise device10.
• Themain post32 extends in a substantially vertical direction from thecentral member34, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. Thelinear motion beam22 is attached to thevertical section32 opposite thecentral member34. To stabilize thevertical section32, themulti-function exercise device10 preferably includes a pair ofoutriggers50. Each of theoutriggers50 includes avertical portion52 and ahorizontal portion54. Thevertical portions52 are attached to thecentral member34 proximate theend members36. Thehorizontal portions54 are attached to thevertical portion52 and themain post32. In addition to stabilizing themulti-function exercise device10, thevertical portions52 are also adapted to receiveweight holders56 for storingweight plates58 when the weight plates are not in use.
• Aweight carriage60 is slidably mounted to aweight support post62 that extends in a substantially vertical direction form thebottom section30, as illustrated inFIG. 4. Theweight support post62 is preferably oriented substantially parallel to themain post32. Mounting of theweight carriage60 to theweight support post62 is preferably accomplished with a pair ofshafts64. Each of theshafts64 preferably has a diameter of approximately 1 inch. Theweight carriage60 has at least onepost56 that is adapted to receiveweight plates58. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is possible to use the concepts of the present invention with alternative types of weight carriage as well as weights where the resistance is generating by bending objects, such as is used in the BOWFLEX exercise device, by stretching objects such as bungee cords, hydraulic fluids or compressed gases.
• Theweight carriage60 preferably includes tworollers66 and most preferably fourrollers66 rotatably mounted thereto, as illustrated inFIG. 4. Therollers66 preferably have a concaved outer surface68 that at least partially conforms to theshafts64. When fourrollers66 are used, there are twoupper rollers66 and twolower rollers66.
• Thelinear motion beam22 provides the ability to place the resistance anywhere along thelinear motion beam22 and provides the ability to use the resistance in a push or pull motion. Thelinear motion beam22 preferably has a length of less than about 10 feet and more preferably approximately 5 feet.
• Rotation of thelinear motion beam22 is preferably controlled by a worm gear drive70 that is attached to thelinear motion beam22, as illustrated inFIG. 5. Theworm gear drive70 includes a plurality ofteeth72 around an outer surface thereof. A hand crankwheel74 is rotatably mounted to themain post32 so that ascrew76 on the hand crankwheel74 engages theteeth72. Rotation of the hand crankwheel74 thereby causes thelinear motion beam22 to rotate with respect to themain post32.
• Rotation of thelinear motion beam22 can also be controlled by a pop-pin mechanism where theworm gear drive70 has a series of apertures (not shown) formed therein and a pin (not shown) is provided on themain post32 to seat in the apertures.
• Acover77 is preferably placed over a significant portion of theworm gear drive70, as illustrated inFIG. 5. Thecover77 protects the components of thegear drive70 and enhances the aesthetic appearance of themulti-function exercise device10.
• Thelinear motion beam22 has amain section80 along which amain carriage82 is slidable, as illustrated inFIG. 1. Thelinear motion beam22 also has aresistance adjusting carriage84 that is slidably mounted to asecondary post86 that is mounted substantially parallel to themain section80.
• While themain section80 and thesecondary post86 are both illustrated as having a substantially square profile, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other configurations may be used with the concepts of the present invention such as an I-beam shape or cylindrical shafts.
• Theresistance adjusting carriage84 has a pair ofpulleys88 that are rotatably mounted thereto, as illustrated inFIG. 6a. Thepulleys88 each have achannel90 formed in an outer surface thereof. Thechannels90 are adapted to at least partially receive acable92.
• Depending upon the location of the rotational axis on thelinear motion beam22, thelinear motion beam22 may be a counter weight (not shown) mounted therein so that thelinear motion beam22 is balanced about its rotational axis. While it is possible to configure thelinear motion beam22 with the rotational axis proximate one end of thelinear motion beam22, this configuration would preclude having thelinear motion beam22 balanced about its rotational axis.
• Theresistance adjusting carriage84 preferably has a substantially square profile that extends around thesecondary post86. Theresistance adjusting carriage84 has apin94 removably attached thereto. Thepin94 is adapted to seat inapertures96 along thesecondary post86. Engaging thepin94 in one of theaperture96 thereby retains theresistance adjusting carriage84 in a desired fixed position with respect to thesecondary post86.
• Theresistance adjusting carriage84 may also include at least onecylindrical roller98 rotatably mounted therein, as illustrated inFIGS. 6aand6b. Preferably, theresistance adjusting carriage84 includes one of thecylindrical roller98 along each side thereof proximate each end of theresistance adjusting carriage84. Thecylindrical rollers98 are preferably fabricated from a low friction material such TEFLON. As theresistance adjusting carriage84 is moved with respect to thesecondary post86, thecylindrical roller98 rolls along thesecondary post86 to thereby provide a smooth motion.
• To facilitate moving theresistance adjusting carriage84 with respect to thesecondary shaft86, theresistance adjusting carriage84 preferably has ahandle100 attached thereto.
• Thelinear motion beam22 also preferably includes acounter weight102 mounted therein, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 9. Using thecounter weight102 with thelinear motion beam22 offsets the weight of themain carriage82. Using thecounter weight102 enables the linear motion beam to remain balanced about its rotational axis as themain carriage82 is moved on the linear motion beam. Thecounter weight102 is preferably attached to themain carriage82 with a strong and flexible material such as aKEVLAR belt104 or a nylon coated cable.
• Thecounter weight102 includes amain section106 and a pair ofwheels107 mounted on opposite ends of themain sections106 so that thewheels107 extend above a surface of themain section106 as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8. Thewheels107 preferably have a concave outer surface108. Thelinear motion beam22 includes twotracks109 mounted therein. The concave outer surface108 of thewheels107 is adapted to at least partially receive thetrack109 so that thecounter weight102 can roll along the track. Thewheels107 are preferably fabricated from a urethane material.
• Thecable92 is attached to the components of the multi-functionweight training apparatus10 through a series of pulleys. The series of pulleys permit thecable92 to be easily adjusted when moving the locations of themain carriage82 and theresistance adjusting carriage84. In particular, the series of pulleys includes afirst pulley110 mounted with respect to theweight carriage60. The series of pulleys also includes a pair ofsecond pulleys112 mounted at an upper end of the weightstack support post62 as illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11. A pair ofthird pulleys114 is mounted on opposite sides of themain post32. A pair offourth pulleys116 is attached to thelinear motion beam22 proximate the intersection of thelinear motion beam22 and themain post32. A pair offifth pulleys118 is mounted at opposite ends of thelinear motion beam22.
• A first pulley of the pair of the second, third, fourth andfifth pulleys112,114,116,118 defines afirst cable path120. A second pulley of the pair of second, third, fourth, andfifth pulleys112,114,116,118 defines asecond cable path112. Thefirst cable path120 and thesecond cable path122 intersect proximate thefirst pulley110. Opposite thefirst pulley110, thefirst cable path120 terminates at theresistance adjusting carriage84. Opposite thefirst pulley110, thesecond cable path122 terminates at aloop124 that extends between the pair ofrollers88 as illustrated inFIG. 6a. To prevent theloop124 from passing between the pair ofrollers88, aball126 is attached to thecable92 proximate theloop124.
• Theloop124 provides a mechanism to removably and operably attach theweight carriage60 to themain carriage82 for performing the weight training exercises.
• To further enhance the variety of weight training exercises that may be performed using the multi-functionweight training apparatus10 of the present invention, the multi-functionweight training apparatus10 may include apost130 that extends substantially perpendicular from themain carriage82, as illustrated inFIG. 12. By applying a force to thepost130 that is substantially aligned along thelinear motion beam22, themain carriage82 is moved with respect to thelinear motion beam22. Moving themain carriage82 with respect to thelinear motion beam22 thereby causes theweight carriage60 to be lifted. Thepost130 is particularly suited for use when performing weight training exercises that utilize a linear motion such as a bench press.
• In an alternative configuration, alever arm attachment132 is mounted with respect to themain carriage82, as illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14. Thelever arm attachment132 has acircular portion134 with achannel139 that extends around an outer surface thereof. As thelever arm attachment132 is rotated with respect to themain carriage82, thecable92 at least partially seats in thechannel139. Thelever arm attachment132 is particularly suited for use with weight training exercises that utilize a rotating motion such as a leg extension.
• Anarm assembly136 is rotatably attached to thecircular portion134. Thearm assembly136 has twosections138,140 that are oriented at an approximately perpendicular configuration. Thesection140 opposite is engaged when performing the weight training exercise. To enhance the comfort of performing the weight training exercise, thesection140 is preferably covered with a foam layer.
• A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the type of foam and the thickness of the foam is selected based upon the anticipated weights that are to be lifted with the multi-functionweight training apparatus10 to ensure comfort of the person using the multi-functionweight training apparatus10.
• Thearm assembly136 includes a least onepin135 extending therefrom that is adapted to seat in at least one of a series ofapertures137 on thecircular portion134. Changing the orientation of thearm assembly126 with respect to thecircular portion122 enables the multi-functionweight training apparatus10 to be configured for performing particular exercises.
• To facilitate performing various exercises in an easily repeatable configuration, themain carriage82 preferably has aprotractor150 rotatably mounted thereto. As themain carriage82 is pivoted, theprotractor150 rotates with respect to the main section by gravity.
• In operation, a desired amount ofweight plates58 is placed on the weight carriage. Thehand crank wheel74 is then rotated to turn the linear motion beam to a desired orientation for performing the weight training exercise.
• Next, theresistance adjusting carriage84 is positioned along thesecondary post86 for the desired weight training exercise. For pushing exercises, theresistance adjusting carriage84 is moved closer to the location where the user will be standing. For pulling exercises, theresistance adjusting carriage84 is moved away from the location where the user will be standing. Thepost130 is next attached to themain carriage82.
• Thereafter, the user urges thepost130 to move along themain section80. This movement causes the loose end of thecable92 to be pulled through theresistance adjusting carriage84. Pulling of thecable92 causes theweight carriage60 to be raised to exercise the muscles of the person using theweight training apparatus10. Because thelinear motion beam22 is aligned along the direction in which thepost130 is being moved, the user is able to easily perform the exercise over a broad range of the desired muscle group's range of motion.
• When the user desires to perform a different exercise on themulti-function exercise device10, the orientation of thelinear motion beam22, the position of theresistance adjusting carriage84, theweight plates58 and thepost130 may be readily changed by the user so that the user can perform exercises that are designed to strengthen another group of muscles. Themulti-function exercise device10 thereby obviates the need to purchase a number of different exercising devices for exercising the various muscles groups on the human body.
• It is also possible to configure the multi-functionweight training apparatus210 so that the apparatus is only suitable for performing push-type exercises, as illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17. Configuring the multi-functionweight training apparatus210 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-functionweight training apparatus210 while retaining the ability of thelinear motion beam222 to rotate with respect to asupport base220 for performing a variety of push-type exercises.
• Similarly, it is also possible to configure the multi-functionweight training apparatus310 so that the apparatus is only suitable for performing pull-type exercises, as illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19. Configuring the multi-functionweight training apparatus310 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-functionweight training apparatus310 while retaining the ability of thelinear motion beam322 to rotate with respect to asupport base320 for performing a variety of pull-type exercises.
• It is further possible to configure the multi-function weight training apparatus for use only with therotating lever arm440, as illustrated inFIGS. 20 and 21. Configuring the multi-functionweight training apparatus410 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-functionweight training apparatus410 while retaining the ability of thelinear motion beam422 to pivot with respect to asupport base420 for performing a variety of rotation-type exercises.
• It is further possible to configure the multi-function weight training apparatus for use only with afree cable end524, as illustrated inFIG. 22. A handle or other attachment (not shown) is removably attached to the free cable end depending on the desired exercise. Configuring the multi-functionweight training apparatus510 in this manner reduces the complexity of the multi-functionweight training apparatus510 while retaining the ability of the linear motion beam522 to pivot with respect to asupport base520 for performing a variety of exercises.
• It is also contemplated that the concepts of the present invention can be used where the resistance is incorporated within the linear motion beam. In this configuration, the resistance would preferably be a stretchable band, hydraulic fluid or a compressed gas. By incorporating the resistance in the linear motion beam, the overall complexity of the multi-function weight training apparatus is reduced while retaining the ability to perform a variety of exercises. Such a version of the multi-function weight training apparatus is particularly suited for home use.
• It is contemplated that features disclosed in this application, as well as those described in the above applications incorporated by reference, can be mixed and matched to suit particular circumstances. Various other modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill.

Claims (7)

1. A method of performing weight training exercises, the method comprising:

rotating a linear motion beam with respect to a support base so that the linear motion beam is substantially parallel to a desired direction of movement for an exercise;

positioning an adjustment carriage on the linear motion beam to create a starting position of the exercise; and

urging a main carriage supported by the linear motion beam to move with respect to the linear motion beam against resistance provided by a weight carriage to effect exercising of a user's muscles.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the support base has a bottom section and a main post that extends from the bottom section, and wherein the linear motion beam is attached to the main post opposite the bottom section.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the linear motion beam has a main section and a secondary post that are oriented substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

moving the main carriage along the main section; and

moving the adjustment carriage along the secondary post.

4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the secondary post has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and wherein the apertures are adapted to receive a pin on the adjustment carriage for positioning the adjustment carriage at discrete locations on the secondary post.

5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the adjustment carriage has at least one pulley operably attached thereto, and wherein the pulley has a concaved outer surface that is adapted to receive the cable.

6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the step of controlling rotation of the linear motion beam with respect to the support base.

7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the step of controlling rotation is performed by a worm gear drive attached to the linear motion beam and a hand crank attached to the support base.

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