US20030045406A1

US20030045406A1 - Reorientable pulley system

Info

Publication number: US20030045406A1
Application number: US09/941,167
Authority: US
Inventors: Ryan Stone
Original assignee: Icon IP Inc
Current assignee: Icon IP Inc; Free Motion Fitness Inc
Priority date: 2001-08-28
Filing date: 2001-08-28
Publication date: 2003-03-06

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing a reorientable pulley system. A tube, a first pulley and a second pulley are provided so that the second pulley may be selectively reoriented in relation to the first pulley while still maintaining an alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube and the channels of the first and second pulleys. An exercise device employing the pulley system is disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a reorientable pulley system. More specifically, the invention relates to a reorientable pulley system having an articulating arm that is particularly useful as an exercise device for exercising the arms and/or legs of a user.

2. Background and Related Art

Pulleys have traditionally been used to lift objects. A pulley includes a rotable disk that is allowed to spin on its axis and is configured to receive a cord (e.g., a rope or cable) around a portion of the peripheral disk rim. A first end of the cord is fastened to an object that is to be lifted. The opposing end of the cord is threaded around a portion of the rim of the pulley, which is typically coupled to a support above the object, and pulled to cause the cord to move about the disk rim. As the cord moves, the disk spins about its axis. Once the cord tightens, additional pulling on the cord causes the object to be lifted in the direction of the pulley.

A pulley facilitates lifting by changing the direction in which a force is required to be exerted in order to lift an object. Often the ability to pull in a downward direction rather than having to exert force in an upward direction has proven to be more convenient in lifting heavy objects. Pulleys therefore provide a mechanical advantage. Multiple pulleys may be used in a system to facilitate lifting by reducing the force that is required to lift an object.

While pulleys have been used to facilitate lifting by changing the direction of the required force and by reducing the amount of force required, a force is still required to be exerted in a given direction to lift an object. At times it is advantageous to modify the given direction of the force exerted. For example, in an exercise device having a reorientable arm, it is often desirable to initially orient the arm in one position for a first exercise (e.g., above the shoulder for arm pull downs) then reorient the arm in a second position for a second exercise (e.g., below the shoulders for arm curls).

However, a number of challenges are encountered in traditional pulley systems. For example, a change in force direction (e.g. rotation of an exercise arm) often lengthens or shortens the cable path of typical systems. For example, as a typical extension arm having a pulley system is rotated, a cord used in the pulley system is often loosened or tightened, depending on the positioning of the extension arm. As a result of the loosening or lengthening, the position of a handle mounted on the cord can change with respect to the end of the arm. In one position, the handle abuts the end of the arm, while in another position the handle droops in an unsightly, inconvenient manner away from the end of the arm.

Thus, it would be an advancement in the art to be able to modify the direction of the force exerted in a pulley system, e.g., for use in exercise equipment and in other disciplines, without affecting the length or tension of the cord path or without providing an otherwise awkward pulley system.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved pulley system.

It is another object of the invention to provide a pulley system that can be conveniently reoriented.

It is another object of the invention to provide a pulley system that allows a user to modify the direction of force without affecting the length of the cable within the pulley system.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved exercise machine.

It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise machine having an improved pulley system.

It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise machine having a pulley system wherein cord tension does not vary substantially as an extension arm of the exercise machine is rotated.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a reorientable pulley system. Implementation of this embodiment may take place in association with a system that includes two pulleys configured to receive a cord and are able to rotate on their corresponding axes. The system further includes a pivoting tube that is employed to house a portion of the cord that extends between the two pulleys, referred to as the intermediate portion of the cord.

For example, one embodiment relates to a pulley system having a tube with a first aperture corresponding to a first, fixed pulley and a second aperture corresponding to a second, rotatable pulley. As the tube is rotated with respect to a support, the rotatable pulley is reoriented from a first position (in relation to the first pulley) to a second position without significantly affecting the intermediate portion of the cord.

In a further embodiment, the tube includes a first aperture at a first end and a second aperture in a sidewall at an opposing second end. In one embodiment, the tube rotates within a portion of a support located between the first and second apertures of the tube. A first pulley is oriented in relation to the first aperture such that a channel of the rim of the first pulley is configured to receive the cord and is aligned with the hollow passageway of the tube.

A second pulley corresponds to the second aperture such that a portion of the second pulley is positioned within the second aperture to thereby align the channel of the second pulley with the hollow passageway of the tube. Thus, the channels of the first and second pulleys are aligned. In accordance with the present invention, the second pulley may be selectively reoriented in relation to the first pulley while still maintaining the alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube and the channels of the first and second pulleys.

In one embodiment, such as in an exercise machine, the second pulley is coupled to an articulating arm that is coupled to the pivoting tube. The coupling of the pulley to the arm maintains the alignment between the channel of the second pulley and the hollow passageway of the tube when the tube rotates. A cord threaded through the system may be affixed to a load (e.g., a stack of weights) at the first end and pulled at the second end (e.g., by the hand of an exerciser) to enable the lifting of the load. The direction in which the second end of the cord is pulled may be selectively modified by articulating the arm from a first to a second position. However, even after being reoriented to a second position, the second pulley maintains its alignment with the hollow passageway of the tube and the channel of the first pulley.

The intermediate portion of the cord, which extends between the first pulley and the second pulley, is essentially unaffected by the reorientation of the articulating arm since the reorientation simply rotates the second pulley and the tube about the intermediate portion of the cord. Furthermore, a reorientation of the arm does not substantially vary the effective cord tension of the pulley system. Finally, the present invention allows for the protection of the cord, provides a convenient single pivot action, and conveniently couples an extension arm directly to the rotating tube.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: [0022]
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary system that provides a suitable operating environment for the present invention, [0023]
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a pulley system used at a pivotal connection of the exemplary system of FIG. 1. [0024]
FIG. 2[0025] a demonstrates one method for rotatably securing the rotating tube within a cylindrical member.
FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the pivotal connection of FIG. 2 that further illustrates the orientation between a first pulley, a second pulley, and a tube of a reorientable pulley system. The perforated [0026] orientation disk 36 of FIG. 2 and a portion of its associated bracket 26 are not shown.
FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of the reorientable pulley system of FIG. 3 and demonstrates how an intermediate portion of a cord is essentially unaffected as the tube and corresponding pulley are reoriented from a first position to a second position. [0027]
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate pulley system used at a pivotal connection of the exemplary system of FIG. 1. [0028]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a reorientable pulley system. More particularly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a pulley system having (i) a rotating tube; and (ii) a plurality of pulleys associated therewith. A first aperture of the tube corresponds to a first pulley and a second aperture corresponds to a second, rotatable pulley. As the tube is rotated, a rotatable pulley is reoriented from a first position, in relation to the first pulley, to a second position without significantly affecting the intermediate portion of a cord extending across the pulleys. [0029]
While the present invention is particularly useful in the area of exercise equipment to couple to a resistance assembly, such as by lifting weight stacks, the systems and methods of the present invention may be used in a variety of different environments and with a variety of different system configurations for lifting a load without significantly affecting the intermediate portion of a cord. Thus, while the following discussion generally relates to an exercise device that includes a reorientable pulley system, the systems and methods of the present invention can be used in a variety of different environments and/or configurations to allow for the direction of the force exerted on a cord to be conveniently modified in a multi-pulley system. [0030]
With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary system is illustrated that provides a suitable operating environment for the present invention. In FIG. 1, an exercise device, illustrated as [0031] exercise device 10, is provided that includes a vertical support 12, a base 14, articulating extension arms 16 a-b, and handles 18 a-b. Base 14 is coupled to vertical support 12 and provides stability to exercise device 10. Handles 18 a-b extend from the distal ends of respective arms 16 a-b to allow a user to pull therefrom in order to lift a selectable weight stack (not shown) having a plurality of selectable weights located in vertical support 12. By way of example, the weight stack may be configured as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,323, entitled “Cable Crossover Exercise Apparatus,” to Simonson, which is incorporated herein by reference, or in a similar manner.
Thus, a user may select an amount of weight to lift from the weight stack, stand on [0032] base 14, and pull handle 18 a and/or handle 18 b to lift the selected weight amount as part of a weight training workout. In one embodiment, distal members 19 a and 19 b rotate with respect to respective arms 16 a and 16 b.
[0033] Exercise device 10 is designed to provide a diversity of weight training workouts that focus on various muscle groups, including upper-body muscle groups. Arms 16 a-b are pivotally coupled to vertical support 12. Pivotal connection assemblies 20 a-b secure arms 16 a and 16 b in a desired position with relation to vertical support 12 by inserting a pin 22 a and/or 22 b into a corresponding aperture or location of the available locations 24 a and 24 b. Thus, a user may independently modify the position of an arm, such as arm 16 b, by extricating pin 22 b from a current location, pivoting arm 16 b to the desired angle with respect to vertical support 12, and inserting pin 22 b in the corresponding and desired aperture location 24 b. The ability of the exercise device 10 to have one or more arms 16 a-b selectively positioned with relation to vertical support 12 enables workout diversity.
The pivoting of arms [0034] 16 a-b modifies the direction in which the handles are pulled in order to lift the weight stack. For example, when arm 16 b is positioned and secured so as to extend in an upward direction from pivotal connection assembly 20 b, a user pulls vertically downward on handle 18 b in order to lift the weight stack. Alternatively, when arm 16 b is positioned and secured so as to extend in a downward direction from connection assembly 20 b, a user pulls vertically upward on handle 18 b in order to lift the weight stack. Likewise, when arm 16 b is positioned and secured so as to extend out from pivotal connection assembly 20 b, so as to form a right angle with vertical support 12, a user may pull horizontally on handle 18 b in order to lift the weight stack. The positioning of arm 16 b to modify the direction in which the handles are pulled automatically reorients a pulley in an internal pulley system.
Arms [0035] 16 a-b and their respective connection assemblies 20 a-b and pulley systems are each examples of exercise stations that may be employed in the present invention. However, other exercise stations may be employed that include the pulley system disclosed herein.
With reference to FIG. 2, [0036] pivotal connection assembly 20 b is illustrated in an exploded and perspective diagram. Pivotal connection assembly 20 a may be configured in a similar manner, for example. FIG. 2 also discloses an example of an internal pulley system that may be employed in the present invention. As provided above, pivotal connection assembly 20 b allows arm 16 b of the exercise device to pivot and thus be conveniently, selectively positioned in relation to a vertical support.
[0037] Pivotal connection assembly 20 b comprises a tube 44 rotatably coupled at one end 46 thereof to fixed support 30. Tube 44 is affixed at an opposing end 49 thereof to arm 16. In FIG. 2, brackets 26 and 28 are mounted onto a fixed support 30, which is part of the vertical support 12 of FIG. 1. Bracket 26 includes a cylindrical portion 27 that corresponds to and extends through an aperture (not shown) within support 30. Bracket 28 receives first pulley 32 and allows pulley 32 to spin thereon about the pulley's axis. Bracket 28 is an example of means for aligning the channel of pulley 32 with the passageway of a tube 44, as will be further discussed below.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, [0038] first end 46 of tube 44 is pivotally coupled to cylindrical portion 27. According to one embodiment, first end 46 extends through perforated disk 36, first bushing 34 a, cylindrical portion 27, second bushing 34 b and securing ring 45 and pivots within first and second bushings 34 a and 34 b. The respective outer lips of bushings 34 a, 34 b abut the opposing edges of cylindrical portion 27 while the remainder of the bushings 34 a-b fit within cylindrical portion 27 (see FIG. 2A).
In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 2A, [0039] first end 46 of tube 44 is prevented from sliding out of bushing 34 b through the use of a securing ring 45 coupled to the tip of first end 46 once first end 46 is slid through first and second bushings 34 b. Securing ring 45 attaches to the tip of first end 46 and abuts bushing 34 b, thereby preventing tube from sliding past bushing 34 b and out of cylindrical portion 27. In one embodiment, the tip of first end 46 contains a groove 45 a configured to receive securing ring 45. With or without the groove, securing ring 45 can also be coupled to first end 46 through welding or adhesion, for example.
Consequently, [0040] arm 16 b coupled to tube 44 is rotatably secured to support 30. However a variety of different methods may be employed for rotatably securing tube 44 to cylindrical portion 27. For example, in one embodiment, rather than employing a securing ring 45, tube 44 is coupled to the bushings 34 a-b, e.g., through welding or adhesion, thereby retaining tube 44 in cylindrical portion. In this embodiment, the combined tube/bushing assembly rotates within cylindrical portion 27.
[0041] Perforated orientation disk 36 is mounted onto bracket 26 about the cylindrical portion by connectors, such as bolts, screws, pins, etc., illustrated as connectors 38. In the illustrated embodiment, spacers 40 are mounted on connectors 38 between bracket 26 and disk 36.
[0042] Arm 16 b includes a weighted end 42 to balance the weight of arm 16 b and thus facilitate the selective positioning of arm 16 b. As provided above, a pin 22 b extends through weighted end 42 and is selectively inserted into one of the aperture locations 24 b to selectively position and secure arm 16 b.
[0043] Second end 49 of tube 44 is coupled to arm 16 b, such as through welding. Tube 44 is a hollow tube that may be made from a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, or another rigid material, and includes a first aperture located at the first end 46 and a second aperture 48 located in a side wall at opposing second end 49. As indicated above, in the embodiment shown, the first end 46 of tube 44 is inserted through disk 36, through bushing 34 a, cylindrical portion 27, and through bushing 34 b.
A [0044] second pulley 50 is partially inserted into aperture 48 of tube 44. Pulley 50 is mounted onto arm 16 b at aperture 52 (e.g., via a pin or bolt), and allowed to rotate on arm 16 b. The insertion of a portion of the rim of pulley 50 into aperture 48 aligns the rim channel of pulley 50 with the hollow passageway of tube 44. Thus, arm 16 b is an example of a means for aligning the channel of pulley 50 with the passageway of tube 44. Similarly, the mounting of pulley 32 onto bracket 28 aligns the rim channel of pulley 32 with the hollow passageway of tube 44.
A [0045] cord 53 having a first end 54 and a second end 55 is used in the pulley system to allow a user to exert a force against a resistance assembly, e.g., by lifting a weight stack of the exercise device. First end 54 of cord 53 can be coupled to the resistance assembly, e.g., a weight stack. The cord 53 is received by the channel rim of pulley 32, which is aligned with the hollow passageway of tube 44. The cord 53 also enters the aperture of tube 44 located at the first end 46, extends along the hollow passageway of tube 44 and is received by the channel rim of pulley 46, where it exits aperture 48, extends along arm 16 b and is coupled to handle 18 b of FIG. 1. Thus, the first end 54 of the cord 53 couples to the weight stack, the second end 55 of the cord 53 couples to a handle to be gripped by a user, while an intermediate portion of the cord 53 extends between the pulleys 32 and 50.
The [0046] cord 53 represents any elongate member that may be used in a pulley system to lift a load, including a rope, cable, chain, etc., and may include such materials as nylon, leather, rubber, metal, plastic, or another material capable of withstanding the required tension experienced in a given pulley system.
With reference to FIG. 3, a perspective view is illustrated of the assembled internal pulley system of FIG. 2. As provided above, the pulley system includes [0047] pulleys 32 and 50, which are configured to receive cord 53 having first and second ends 54, 55, respectively, and are able to spin on their corresponding axes. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the two pulleys are capable of being oriented so as to be transverse in relation to each other. Tube 44 houses a portion 61 (FIGS. 2, 4) of the cord 53 that extends between the two pulleys, referred to as the intermediate portion 61 of cord 53.
As mentioned, in the illustrated embodiment, [0048] tube 44 includes a first aperture at a first end 46 and a second aperture 48 in the sidewall at opposing second end 49. First pulley 32 is coupled to bracket 28 that is affixed to support 30 and is oriented in relation to the first aperture such that channel 31 located in the rim 33 of first pulley 32 is configured to receive the cord 53, and is aligned with the internal hollow passageway of tube 44.
[0049] Second pulley 50 is oriented in relation to the second aperture 48 such that a portion of pulley 50 is positioned within second aperture 48 to thereby align the channel 51 of second pulley 50, which receives the cord 53, with the hollow passageway of tube 44.
The [0050] cord 53 can be threaded through the pulley system by placing the cord 53 in the channel 31 of the first pulley 32, extending the cord 53 through the first aperture of tube 44 and along the hollow passageway of tube 44, and placing cord 53 on the channel 51 of second pulley 50, thereby extending the cord 53 out of second aperture 48. The cord 53 may be affixed to a resistance assembly at the first end (not shown) and pulled at the second end, which is coupled to handle 18 b (FIG. 1), to enable the lifting of the load.
As provided above, the direction in which the second end of the cord is pulled may be selectively modified by rotating [0051] arm 16 b. This rotates tube 44 and correspondingly reorients pulley 50. However, during and after such reorientation, pulley 50 maintains its alignment with the hollow passageway of tube 44. Consequently, intermediate portion 61 of cord 53 is essentially unaffected by the reorientation of the tube and/or pulley and the tension in cord 53 is not significantly affected.
With reference to FIG. 4, an end view of the reorientable pulley system of FIG. 3 is illustrated to more fully demonstrate how the alignment between the channels of the pulleys and the hollow passageway of the tube is maintained and how the [0052] intermediate portion 61 of the cord 53 is essentially unaffected by the reorientation of the tube and/or pulley.
FIG. 4 illustrates the pulley system from an end view through [0053] end 49 of tube 44, and includes pulley 32 in a vertical position with the channel 31 thereof aligned with the hollow passageway 45 of tube 44. Thus, a cord 53 that is received by the channel of pulley 32 may extend into tube 44.
[0054] Pulley 50 is illustrated in a first position 60 in relation to pulley 32. The first position is a horizontal position that creates a right angle between pulleys 32 and 50. As illustrated, a portion of pulley 50 is inserted into aperture 48 to allow the channel 51 of pulley 50 to be aligned with the hollow passageway 45 of tube 44. Thus, the intermediate portion 61 of cord extends along the hollow passageway 45 of tube 44 and is received by the channel 51 of pulley 50 in order for cord 53 to extend out of aperture 48 and down arm 16 b to handle 18 b (See FIG. 1).
As provided above, a user may selectively position [0055] arm 16 b in order to participate in a particular workout. As arm 16 b rotates, tube 44 and pulley 50 move with arm 16 b since tube and pulley 50 are coupled thereto. Therefore, as a user rotates arm 16 b, the relationship between the hollow passageway 45 of tube 44 and the channel of pulley 50 is maintained. This is illustrated in FIG. 4 as arm 16 b is rotated from a first transverse position 60 to a second transverse position 62. In the second transverse position 62, the inside angle between pulley 50 and pulley 32 is increased, yet the channel 51 of pulley 50 and the hollow passageway 45 of tube 44 remain aligned.
Therefore, as [0056] arm 16 b is selectively repositioned, tube 44 and pulley 50 rotate about the intermediate portion 61 of cord 53. As such, the intermediate portion 61 of cord 53 is essentially unaffected as the angle between pulley 32 and pulley 50 is modified. Hence, the length of cord 53 is not substantially affected during reorientation of arm 16 b. Thus, the handles 18 a-b remain in a constant position with respect to respective arms 16 a-b despite the reorientation of arms 16 a-b.
The placement of a pulley (e.g., second pulley [0057] 50) partially within a tube such as tube 44, and the extension of the cord 53 out of second aperture 48, provides for the protection of cord 53, can assist to assure that the cord 53 does not slip off the pulley, and enables convenient coupling of the extension arm 16 b directly to tube 44 such that arm 16 b pivots in an uncomplicated manner along a single pivot axis.
However, embodiments of the present invention embrace a variety of system configurations that allow for and maintain an alignment between a channel of a first pulley, a channel of a second pulley, and the hollow passageway of a tube located therebetween. [0058]
For example, as shown in an exploded view in FIG. 5, in one embodiment a [0059] first pulley 32 is coupled to a first bracket 28 that is affixed to a support 30. A second pulley 50 is rotatably coupled to an arm 16 b that is in turn coupled to a tube 44 a, which includes a first aperture at a first end 46 a and a second aperture 48 a at the opposing second end 49 a. The tube 44 a extends between the two pulleys and, upon assembly, the hollow passageway of the tube 44 a is aligned with the channels of the two pulleys 32, 50. A cord 53 may therefore be received by the channel of the first pulley 32, enter the first aperture of the tube 44 a, extend along the hollow passageway of the tube 44 a, extend out of the second aperture 48 a, and be received by the channel of the second pulley 50. By way of example, the tube 44 a may be able to rotate within a sleeve 27 that is coupled, directly or indirectly, to the support 30. As the tube 44 a rotates, the second pulley 50 also rotates about the intermediate portion 53 of the cord and the alignment between the second pulley 50 and the hollow passageway of the tube 44 a is maintained since the second pulley 50 and the tube 44 a are coupled by the arm 16 b.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate pulley system used at a pivotal connection of the exemplary system of FIG. 1. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, end [0060] 49 a of tube 44 a is coupled to arm 16 b at connection point 70, such as through welding, the aperture 48 a at end 49 a is not in a sidewall, and pulley 50 is not positioned within tube 44 a, but instead remains outside during use, as shown. In one embodiment, the remaining features of FIG. 5 are the same as or similar to those discussed above with reference to FIG. 2.
Upon assembly in the embodiment of FIG. 5, there is an alignment between the hollow passageway of the [0061] tube 44 a and the respective channels of the first and second pulleys 32, 50. Furthermore, second pulley 50 may be selectively reoriented in relation to the first pulley 32 while still maintaining an alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube 44 a and the respective channels of the first and second pulleys 32, 50.
[0062] Arm 16 b is an example of a means for aligning the channel of pulley 50 with the passageway of tube 44 a. Just as a mechanism such as taught in FIG. 2 may be employed in conjunction with arm 16 a and/or 16 b, a mechanism such as taught in FIG. 5 may be employed in conjunction with arm 16 a and/or 16 b, for example, or other arms.
Thus, the systems and methods of the present invention may relate to a reorientable pulley system having a tube, a first pulley and a second pulley, wherein the second pulley may be selectively reoriented in relation to the first pulley while still maintaining an alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube and the channels of the first and second pulleys. The reorientation of the second pulley essentially does not affect the intermediate portion of the cord, which extends from the first pulley to the second pulley, since the reorientation simply rotates the second pulley and the tube about the intermediate portion of the cord. Furthermore, the effective cord tension does not vary significantly as the second pulley is reoriented. In addition, the systems and methods of the present invention allow for a modification of the direction of the force exerted in a pulley system without causing the cord to bind in the system and without having to individually adjust the pulleys. [0063]
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.[0064]

Claims

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A pulley system comprising:

a rotating tube having first and second apertures and a passageway extending within the tube, wherein the tube is configured to receive a cord therethrough;

a pulley having a channel configured to receive the cord; and

means for aligning the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the tube, wherein the means for aligning is coupled to the tube and to the pulley, such that as the tube rotates the pulley moves therewith, and wherein a portion of the channel of the pulley is positioned within the tube.

2. A pulley system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cord extending along the tube and through the first and second apertures, and wherein the second aperture is located in a sidewall of the tube.

3. A pulley system as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a second pulley having a second channel; and

means for aligning the second channel with the tube.

4. A pulley system as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for aligning the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the tube comprises an arm coupled to the tube, the pulley being rotatably mounted on the arm.

5. A pulley system comprising:

a pulley having a channel configured to receive the cord; and

an arm configured to align the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the tube, wherein the arm is coupled to the tube and to the pulley such that as the tube rotates the pulley moves therewith, and wherein a portion of the channel of the pulley is positioned within the tube.

6. A mechanism as recited in claim 5, wherein the arm is an articulating arm of an exercise device.

7. A pulley system as recited in claim 5, further comprising a cord extending along the tube and through the first and second apertures, and wherein the second aperture is located in a sidewall of the tube.

8. A pulley system, comprising:

a rotatable tube having first and second apertures, wherein the second aperture is located in a sidewall of the tube;

a cord extending through the first and second apertures;

a fixed pulley having a first channel corresponding to the first aperture such that the first channel receives the cord and a portion of the cord is located within a passageway of the tube; and

a selectively orientable pulley having a second channel configured such that the second channel receives the cord.

9. A pulley system as recited in claim 8, wherein the second pulley is selectively orientable with relation to the fixed pulley.

10. A pulley system as recited in claim 8, wherein a portion of the selectively orientable pulley is inserted into the second aperture to align the second channel with the passageway of the tube.

11. A pulley mechanism comprising:

a first pulley;

a second pulley;

a tube having first and second apertures, wherein the second aperture is located in a sidewall of the tube;

an arm coupled to the tube at one end, the other end of the tube being pivotably coupled to a support, the first pulley also being coupled to the support, such that a cord extends along the first pulley, through the first aperture of the tube, out the second aperture of the tube and along the second pulley.

12. A mechanism as recited in claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the second pulley is located within the second aperture to align a channel of the second pulley with a passageway of the tube.

13. An exercise device, comprising:

a support; and

at least one exercise station coupled to the support, wherein the exercise station includes a pulley mechanism, the pulley mechansim comprising:

a tube having a first aperture, a second aperture located in a sidewall, and a passageway extending therebetween, the tube being movably coupled to the support; and

a pulley having a first channel corresponding to the first aperture such that the first channel receives a cord and a portion of the cord is located within a passageway of the tube; and

a second pulley having a second channel corresponding to the second aperture such that the second channel receives the cord and such that the cord is essentially unaffected as the second pulley is reoriented from a first position to a second position.

14. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein the exercise station includes a plurality of selectable positions.

15. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein the mechanism includes an arm that is pivotally coupled to the support.

16. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein a first end of the cord is coupled to a load and the second end of the cord is coupled to a handle.

17. An exercise device as recited in claim 13, wherein when the tube rotates, the tension of the cord is substantially unaffected.

18. An exercise device, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a vertical support;

an exercise station movably coupled to the vertical support, the exercise station comprising:

a tube rotatably coupled to the vertical support, the tube having a first aperture, a second aperture and a passageway extending therebetween, the second aperture extending through a sidewall of the tube;

a first pulley rotatably coupled to the vertical support, the first pulley having a channel corresponding to the first aperture of the tube;

an arm rotatably coupled to the tube;

a second pulley rotatably coupled to the arm, the second pulley having a channel corresponding to the second aperture of the tube, wherein a portion of a channel of the second pulley is positioned within the second aperture; and

a cord extending through the first and second apertures, a first end of the cord being coupled to the resistance assembly, a second end of the cord being coupled to a handle configured to be grasped by a user, and an intermediate portion of the cord extending between the first and second pulleys, wherein the extension arm is selectively positioned between a first and second position.

19. A pulley system as recited in claim 18, wherein as the tube rotates, the length of the cord does not vary substantially.

20. A pulley system as recited in claim 18, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a weight stack comprising a plurality of selectable weights.

21. A pulley system comprising:

a pulley having a channel configured to receive the cord; and

means for aligning the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the tube, wherein the means for aligning is coupled to the tube and to the pulley, such that as the tube rotates the pulley moves therewith, and

wherein the means for aligning the channel of the pulley with the passageway of the tube comprises an arm coupled to the tube, the pulley being rotatably mounted on the arm.

22. A pulley mechanism comprising:

a first pulley;

a second pulley;

a tube having first and second apertures and a passageway extending through the tube;

23. An exercise device, comprising:

a support; and

a tube having a first aperture, a second aperture and a passageway extending therebetween, the tube being movably coupled to the support; and