Multi-function exercise machine

Details Multi-function exercise machine Multi-function exercise machine

2000-01-31

2001-10-16

Yu, Mickey (Department: 3764)

Exercise devices

User manipulated force resisting apparatus, component...

Utilizing weight resistance

C482S100000, C482S136000, C482S138000, C482S142000, C482S908000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06302833

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THIS INVENTION
This invention relates broadly to an exercise apparatus and, more particularly, pertains to an exercise apparatus which is capable of performing a variety of exercises for different muscle groups in a single seat machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Responsive to the growing demand for exercise machines capable of performing a variety of motions, various types of multiple function exercise apparatus have been developed which have different structural arrangements of levers, pulleys and cables used in the performance of various physical exercises. Many exercise machines of the above-described type are large cumbersome machines having several individual stations positioned adjacent one another on a central framework for the execution of several different exercises. The overall size and number of elements makes them costly, inappropriate to use in certain areas, and causes their assembly and transport to be difficult. Continuous efforts are being made to reduce the size of these multi-function devices which often impairs the machine's ability to offer a thorough workout.
To optimize the weight training benefit provided by a multi-function exercise machine, it is desirable that moving parts of the machine move smoothly through a fall range of motion and preferably without inflicting stress on the exerciser's joints. It is also desirable that such an exercise machine be adjustable to accommodate physiques of different users, both in terms of body strength and size. Moreover, it is desirable that the machine be easily convertible at a single station so as to provide exercise to several different body parts. Further, it is desirable to provide an exercise device which is easy to use and cost effective to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one object of the present invention to provide a multi-function exercise machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pressing machine capable of exercising muscles of the upper torso.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a lever arm exercise apparatus equipped with a conversion arrangement for selectively altering the starting position of the lever arms so as to enable different exercise movements.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise unit which will enable full resistance over an entire range of exercise motion with minimum stress on the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a single seat station from which an exerciser can perform a shoulder press, an inclined bench press, and a lat pull-down.
In one aspect of the invention, an exercise machine includes a frame, a seat adjustably mounted on the frame and a rest attached to the frame rearwardly of the seat for supporting the upper torso of an exerciser. A lever arm assembly including a pair of lever arms is movably connected relative to the frame about at least one horizontal pivot shaft between a starting position and a finishing position. Structure is provided on the frame for resisting movement of the lever arm assembly. A conversion arrangement is connected between the frame and the lever arms for changing the starting position of the lever arms so as to provide for different exercise movements. The conversion arrangement is defined by a spring pin-actuated, movable plate, pulley and cable combination.
The conversion arrangement includes a range control plate fixed to the pivot shaft and lever assembly and having a set of slots formed therein. A resistance lever assembly is pivotably mounted on the pivot shaft adjacent the range control plate. A pin plate assembly is pivotably mounted on the pivot shaft adjacent the resistance lever assembly and includes a pin biased into engagement with one of the slots in the range control plate. A mounting plate is fixed to the lever arm assembly adjacent the pin plate assembly and has an opening through which the pivot shaft passes. With the conversion arrangement, the starting position of the lever arm assembly is established by the position of the pin in one of the slots of the range control plate. The resistance lever assembly is comprised of an upper resistance lever and a lower resistance lever. Each of the resistance lever members has a proximal end being mounted about the pivot shaft for independent movement relative to the other resistance member and having a distal end provided with a pulley rotatably mounted thereon and a cable clamp movably fixed thereto. The distal end of each upper and lower resistance lever is engageable with a stop mounted on the frame of the machine. The pin of the pin plate assembly extends through the resistance lever assembly. The exercise machine includes a floating idler pulley, a first guide pulley mounted to a lower portion of the frame, at least one second guide pulley mounted to an upper portion of the frame and a support cable connected to the idler pulley, wound about the first guide pulley and second guide pulley and joined to the resisting structure. A third guide pulley is mounted to an upper portion of the frame and a main cable is attached to the cable clamp on the upper resistance lever and wound around the pulley on the lower resistance lever, the third guide pulley, the idler pulley, and the pulley on the upper resistance lever and attached to the cable clamp on the lower resistance lever.
A motion translation arrangement is connected to the lever arms and is pivotably mounted to the frame about at least one horizontal axis and defines a pair of spaced, parallel, angularly-oriented pivot axes lying perpendicularly to the horizontal axis. A carriage is pivotally mounted to the frame about a major horizontal axis and a minor horizontal axis located substantially parallel to the major horizontal axis. The carriage defines a pair of spaced, parallel, angularly-oriented, pivot axes lying perpendicular to the major and minor horizontal axes, and having a pair of transfer linkages. Each linkage is rigidly connected at one end to one of the lever arms and is pivotally connected at another end to the frame about the minor horizontal axis. Movement of the lever arms and carriage about the major and minor horizontal axes will be translated into lateral motion of the lever arms about the pivot axes such that each lever arm moves in a curved path from one location to a second location. Each transfer linkage is comprised of a rigid mounting arm connected to one of the lever arms, and a transfer link extending rearwardly of the mounting arm and being connected between the mounting arm and the frame. The machine is constructed and arranged to selectively provide a shoulder pressing motion, an inclined bench pressing motion and a lat pull-down motion.
In another aspect of the invention, an exercise machine has a frame, a seat mounted on the frame, a rest attached to the frame rearwardly of the seat for supporting the torso of an exerciser, a pair of lever arms pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis relative to the frame between a starting position and a finishing position and structure for resisting movement of the lever arms. The invention is improved by a conversion arrangement mounted between the frame and the lever arms for selectively changing the starting position of the lever arms to provide for different exercise movements. The conversion arrangement includes a plate assembly pivotally mounted about the horizontal axis, and a pulley and cable system connected to the plate assembly. The seat and the rest are adjustably mounted on the frame. The lever arms are positionable upwardly and outwardly from an upper portion of the frame. The lever arms are also positionable downwardly and outwardly from an upper portion of the frame.
Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4621807 (1986-11-01), Stramer
patent: 4898381 (1990-02-01), Gordon
patent: 4982955 (1991-01-01), Heasley
patent: 5102121 (1992-04-01), Solow et

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