WO2001083040A1 - Exercise machine providing for natural movement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an exercise machine that simulates the natural body movements such as pulling, pushing, pushing up and pulling down. The exercise machine has a weight stack (18), a closed loop belt (53)/pulley (76) system (12) for actuating the weight stack and a base frame. The exercise machine also has two arm (12) assemblies that are rotatably connected to the base frame at an angle extending away from the base frame providing for a natural converging or diverging motion depending on the orientation of the arm assemblies. A rotatable handle (104) is also attached to the arm assemblies. The weight stack is operably connected to the arm assemblies by the belt (53)/pulley (76) system (12) which is operably connected to a pulley arm which is operably connected to the arm assemblies through a rigid force transfer link that provides for movement in three-dimensions.

Description

EXERCISE MACHINE PROVIDING FOR NATURAL MOVEMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a nonpro visional application based on U.S. Provisional

Application Serial No. 60/201,621, filed May 3, 2000, entitled "Exercise Equipment With Floating Wrist Structure and a Back Extension Invention."

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX This application includes an Appendix consisting of 14 total pages. This appendix includes four separate figures labeled as Figs. A7, A29, A43, and A53. These figures are numbered to correspond with the associated components, which is also included in the Appendix. The contents of the Appendix are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of exercise equipment, and particularly to the field of multi-position, convertible exercise equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to multi-position, convertible exercise equipment providing for natural converging or diverging motion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As society in general becomes more health conscious, the design of exercise equipment changes to reflect the need to offer more and different types of exercises. For instance, the treadmill machine has developed over the years into the elliptical motion machine in response to user's desires to have a machine that replicates running without the impact stress accompanying the use of a treadmill.

With respect to load-bearing exercise equipment, the trend has been for a while to attempt to replicate the overall benefits of free-weight exercises in a machine. The result has been the development of complex exercise equipment that is expensive to purchase and sometimes difficult to use. The results, too, when compared to free-weight exercise, are not as well rounded. There remains a gap in fitness quality between the convenience of machine-based load-bearing exercise equipment and the overall benefits (including coordination and collateral strengthening) associated with free weight exercises. In the development of machines that replicate the use of free-weights, very little attention has been paid to replicating the actions of everyday life. Exercise equipment design has focused more on replicating free-weight exercises than replicating the natural motions one makes on a daily basis, such as lifting a box up to one's torso, pushing a cart, lifting an object over one' s head, and the like. Exercise equipment that functions in a manner that replicates daily natural movements would help strengthen those oft-used muscles and help make daily living easier. The appeal of such equipment may also cross over from pure fitness buffs to those who are more practically oriented in their fitness endeavors. What is needed in the art is exercise equipment designed to more closely replicate the natural motions of the activities of daily life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the need in the art for exercise equipment designed to more closely replicate the natural motions of the activities of daily life by providing an exercise machine that simulates the natural body movements such as pulling, pushing, pushing up and pulling down.

The exercise machine generally has an arm assembly operably connected to a load such that actuation of the arm assembly in turn actuates the load. The arm assembly provides for naturally converging or diverging motion during the exercise stroke by way of its connection to the base frame at an angle extending away from the base frame. A rotatable handle is also attached to the arm assembly. The load is operably connected to the arm assemblies by the belt/pulley system which is operably connected to a pulley arm which is operably connected to the arm assemblies through a rigid force transfer link that provides for movement in three-dimensions.

In accordance with one embodiment, the exercise machine has a base frame, a load movably attached to the base frame, an arm assembly and a bar operably attached to the base frame, a load actuation system operably attached between the movable load and the bar and a force transfer link operably connected between the arm assembly and said bar. The operable connections are such that movement of the arm assembly causes said force transfer link to move, which causes said bar to move, which causes said load actuation system to move, which moves said load.

The force transfer link may have a first ball and socket joint at a first end operably connected to the arm assembly and may have a second ball and socket joint at a second end operably connected to the bar. The operable connection the arm assembly and the bar may be a direct drive connection or an indirect drive connection.

The bar may be further comprised of a short lever arm and a long lever arm, in which the second end of the force transfer link is operably connected to the short lever arm, and the long lever arm is operably connected to the load actuation system.

The present invention further provides an exercise machine wherein the bar is attached to the frame by a pivotal connection, and movement of the short lever arm by the force transfer link causes the longer lever arm to pivot about the pivotal connection to actuate said load actuation system. The pivotal connection may be at an angle to the base frame to provide for natural converging and diverging motion during the exercise stroke.

The present invention also provides a belt/pulley system for an exercise machine having a load pulley operably attached to a load; at least one pair of directing pulleys, at least one transverse stack frame pulley, at least one transition pulley and at least one setup pulley operably attached to the frame of the exercise machine; at least one end pulley operably attached to an arm assembly; and a closed loop belt extending around the load pulley, upwardly to at least one pair of directing pulleys, downwardly to at least one transverse stack frame pulley, outwardly to at least one transition pulley, over to at least one set-up pulley and upwardly to at least one end pulley. The belt terminates in an end stop connected to the base frame. The belt pulley system provides for movement of the end pulley by movement of the arm assembly, which causes the load to be applied to the arm assembly through actuation of the belt/pulley system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a pull-down exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of a pull-down exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a pull-down exercise machine in the full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a front right perspective view of a pull-down exercise machine in which the left arm assembly is in the full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a close-up view of a first pivot mechanism and a second pivot mechanism for a lateral pull-down exercise machine in which the left arm assembly is in a full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a close-up view of the belt, end attachments and end pulleys for a pull- down exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of a pull-down exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of a weight stack assembly showing an embodiment of the cable/pulley system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is an alternative embodiment of a belt/pulley system within the weight stack, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is an alternative embodiment of a belt/pulley system allowing for independent movement of each arm assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a rotatable handle assembly for use with the pull machines, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the pivot ball used in the rotatable handle assembly shown in Fig.^' 11, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a side perspective view of the pivot ball used in the rotatable handle assembly shown in Fig. 11, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative rotatable handle assembly for use with the push machines, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of the adjustable seat assembly for a seated row exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 shows a front perspective view of a seated bench press exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of a seated bench press exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a top plan view of the seated bench press exercise machine in the full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a side elevation view of an adjustable seat assembly for a seated bench press exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a side elevation view of an adjustable seat assembly for a seated row exercise machine showing the seat back in the recline position, in accordance with one . embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 21 is a side elevation view of an adjustable seat assembly for a seated bench press exercise machine showing the seat back in the upright position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 22 shows a close-up view of the seat back adjustment mechanism in the recline position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 shows a close-up view of the seat back adjustment mechanism in the over center locked upright position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 24 shows the first pivot mechanism extending at an angle back and away from the front of the T-shaped base support of a seated bench press exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 shows the first pivot mechanism extending at an angle outward and back from the T-shaped base of a seated bench press exercise machine in which the arm assembly is midway through the exercise stroke position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 26 shows a top plan view of the first pivot mechanism of a seated bench press exercise machine which extends back and out from the T-shaped base in which the left arm assembly is in a full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 27 shows a side elevation view of a pulley bar for a seated bench press exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a rear perspective view of a pulley bar for a seated bench press exercise machine in which the arm assembly is in the midway through the exercise stroke position thereby raising end pulley away from the set up pulley, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 29 is an exploded view of a seated bench press exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 30 is a front perspective view of a seated row exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 31 is a top plan view of a seated row exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 32 is a top plan view of a seated row exercise machine in the full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 33 is a right perspective view of a chest pad support bar, a sliding assembly and a latch assembly for a seat assembly used with a seated row exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 34 is a close-up view of the support rails and sliding rails of the sliding assembly for use with a seated row exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 35 is a side elevation view of the sliding assembly of a seated row exercise machine in which the latch assembly is in a first locked position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 36 is a side elevation view of a latch assembly for a seated row exercise machine in which the latch assembly is in a second unlocked position allowing for sliding of the chest pad support, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the latch mechanism of a seated row exercise machine in a closed latch position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 38 is a close-up view of a latch assembly for use with a seated row exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 39 is a top plan view of the connection of the arm assemblies to the pulley bars for a seated row exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 40 is a top plan view of a seated row exercise machine in which the arm assemblies are in the full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a side elevation view of a seated row exercise machine in the full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 42 is a front elevation view of a first pivot mechanism for a seated row exercise machine in a position midway through exercise stroke, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 43 is an exploded view of a seated row exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 44 is a front perspective view of a seated shoulder press exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 45 is a top plan view of a shoulder press exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig.46 is a top plan view of a shoulder press exercise machine in the full extension position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 47 is a front plan view of a first pivot mechanism showing the angle at which the arm assembly extends outwardly from the support mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 48 is a close-up view of the force transfer link and the pulley bar stopper arms for a shoulder press exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 49 is a front left perspective view of the left arm assembly of a shoulder press exercise machine in a full extension position thereby extending the end pulley in an upward arcuate direction away from the set up pulley, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 50 is a front left perspective view of the first pivot mechanism and second pivot mechanism of a shoulder press exercise machine in the rest position, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 51 is a close-up view of the force transfer link and the pulley bar stoppers, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 52 is a front elevation view of the end connections of the belt/pulley system attached to the support member, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 53 is an exploded view of a shoulder press exercise machine, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is directed to exercise equipment that provides for natural converging or diverging motions during use of the equipment. Examples of exercise machines in accordance with the present invention include a seated bench press machine 112 (Fig. 16), a seated row machine 234 (Fig. 30), a pull-down machine 10 (Fig. 1), and a seated military or shoulder press machine 260 (Fig. 44). Each of these machines is constructed such that the user's range of motion is either naturally converging or diverging depending on the exercise. For example, with respect to the seated bench press machine 112, the natural movement is a converging one in which the arm assemblies start a set distance apart and as the user presses the arm assemblies forward, the hands converge to a point closer together (see Figs. 17 and 18). With respect to the pull-down machine 10, the natural motion is a diverging one in which the user begins with the hands at a close distance and as the user pulls the arm assemblies 12 down, the hands diverge to a point further apart (see Figs. 31 and 32).

Initially, the machines will be described with respect to common elements and will

I be referred to generally as an exercise machine. These common elements include a weight stack 14 having a load frame 16 and a load 18, a base frame 20 having a base member 22 and a support mechanism 24, two lateral support members 26, a belt/pulley system 28, an arm assembly 12, a pulley bar 30 and a force transfer link 32. The common base frame

20 and support mechanism 24 provide a base for the attachment of elements of the machines that are specific to each type of machine. For purposes of clarity, the common elements will be described by reference to the pull-down machine 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 7. The remaining machines described in detail below all have similar features. The weight stack preferably includes a load frame 16, which has a pair of upwardly extending side members 34. An upper frame member 36 extends between and connects the upper portion of the side frame members 34, and a lower frame member 38 extends between and connects the lower portion of the side frame members, defines a base portion' 42 and has a pair of spaced apart guide posts 40, each extending upwardly from the base portion 42 and generally transverse to the floor upon which the base portion rests 42. The pair of guide posts 40are adapted to cooperate respectively with a pair of spaced apart guide rails 44.

. The load 18 is preferably a plurality of weight plates 46, which are generally oriented between the side frame members 34. Each plate 46 defines a pair of guide apertures 43 extending between a top face of the plate and a bottom face of the plate, and are adapted to cooperate with the pair of spaced apart rails 44. Each plate 46 also defines a weight selection bar aperture 50 located between the spaced apart guide apertures 48, and adapted to cooperate respectively with a weight selection bar 52. Each plate defines a weight pin aperture 54, preferably on the side of the plate that faces the user during exercise. The weight plates 46 and the gμide rails 44 are well known in the art.

The guide rails 44 extend from the base portion 42 through the guide apertures 43 of each plate to the top portion of the weight stack frame 16. The weight selection bar 52 has a plurality of pin apertures 56 adapted to correspond with the weight pin apertures 54 in each plate 46. The top of the weight selection bar 52 is connected to a U-shaped bracket 58, which is in turn connected to a load pulley 60 in the belt/pulley system 28. To engage the desired amount of weight for exercise, a weight pin 62 is inserted through the appropriate weight pin aperture 54 in the appropriate plate 46 and through the corresponding weight pin aperture 56 in the weight selection bar 52. This allows for the selected plate 46 and all plates located above the selected plate to be used in the exercise.

The plates 46 move upwardly and downwardly along the spread apart guide rails 44 during exercise. Preferably, each guide aperture 48 includes a bushing fit 64 therewithin adapted to engage the guide rails 44 and to facilitate a smooth raising and lowering of the weight stack 14.

A pair of springs 66 is provided at the bottom of the weight stack 14 that fit over the guide rails 44 and extend between the frame base 20 and the bottom plate 46 of the weight stack. The springs 66 provide a shock absorbing function in the event that the user allows the weight stack 14 to return to the downward position too vigorously. This shock absorbing function eases wear and tear on the exercise machine.

A cover member 68 is also provided for the weight stack 14 to shield the moving load 18 during use, for purposes of user safety and protection. This cover member 68 is adapted to fit within the load frame 16.

Referring still to Fig. 1, the bottom portion of the weight stack 14 is connected to a base frame 20 by two lateral support members 26. The base frame 20 has a base member

22 and a support mechanism 24, which support a seat assembly 70 and the arm assemblies 12. Additionally, a clearance bar 72 preferably connects one of the side members 34 of the load frame 16 to the support mechanism 24. This clearance bar 72 keeps people passing by the exercise machine from potentially interfering with its movement during use.

Each exercise machine uses a belt/pulley system 28, which enables the user to move the load 18 during exercise. Generally, the belt/pulley system 28 for all the machines includes a load pulley 60, a belt 74, two pair of directing pulleys 76a, 76b, a pair of transverse stack frame pulleys 78a and 78b, a pair of transition pulleys 30a and 30b, a pair of set-up pulleys 82a and 82b and a pair of end pulleys 84a and 84b..

Preferably, the belt 74 extends around the load pulley 60, upwardly to at least one pair of directing pulleys 76a and 76b, downwardly to at least one transverse stack frame pulley 76a, 76b, outwardly to at least one transition pulley 80a, 80b, then to at least one set-up pulley 82a, 82band upwardly to at, least one end pulley 84a, 84b. The belt/pulley system 28 generally is considered a closed loop system. This closed loop system is preferably achieved by passing a belt 74 through the belt pulley system 28 and attaching both open ends of the belt to a point on the support mechanism such that the ends are proximate to each other. Thus during exercise, the user never actually pulls on an end of the belt 74 unlike with typical cable pulley systems, one end of the cable is connected to the weight stack and the other end connected to the handle or actuating arm. A benefit of this closed loop system is that a user can actuate the arm assemblies 12 either individually or simultaneously.

The belt 74 is preferably a high tensile strength plastic belt but could also be a chain, wire cable, or any other type of flexible material capable of supporting the weight of the load 18 and the strain caused throughout the pulley system 28 during exercise.

As shown in Fig. 1, the belt/pulley system 28 operably connects the load 18 to a pulley arm 30, which in turn is operably connected to an arm assembly 12. Preferably, a load pulley 60 is connected to a U-shaped bracket 58, which is in turn connected to the weight selection bar 52. The belt 74 extends around the load pulley 60 and upwardly to a first and second pair of directing pulleys 76a, 76b attached to the upper frame member 36. The second pair of directing pulleys 76b are mounted to the top portion of the load frame 36 at a higher point than the first pair of directing pulleys 76a in order to keep the belt 74 spaced apart, and to prevent the belt from rubbing against itself or becoming entangled. The first and second pair of directing pulleys 76a, 76b direct the belt 74 downwardly through the rear portion of the load frame 16 to a pair of transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b. The transverse stack pulleys78a, 78b rotate or twist the belt 74 in a ninety degree angle due to their orientation with respect to the directing pulleys 76a, 76b. The belt 74 is then directed through a belt aperture 86 in the bottom portion of the weight stack frame 33 into one of the lateral support members 26.

At this point, the belt 74 is then preferably transferred through a number of pulleys including a transition pulley 80a, 80b, a set-up pulley 82a, 82b and an end pulley 84a, 84b. The belt 74 preferably terminates at a fixed point on the support mechanism 24. This attachment to the support member 24 closes the belt loop system and completes the operable belt/pulley system 28.

A number of additional pulleys may also be included between the transition pulley 80a, 80b and the set-up pulley 82a, 82b, depending on the structure and type of the exercise machine used. These additional pulleys can function as tensioning or aligning pulleys. Examples of additional pulleys and the routing of the belt pulley system 28 relating to specific machines will be provided in more detail below.

Each exercise machine also has at least one arm assembly 12 for actuating the load 18. More preferably, each exercise machine has two arm assemblies 12. As shown in Fig. 31, an arm assembly 12 is operably connected to the load 18 through a force transfer link 32, a pulley bar 30 and the belt/pulley system 28. The arm assemblies 12 and the corresponding operable connections to the belt/pulley system 28 are symmetrical with respect to the exercise machine, and therefore will be described only with respect to one arm assembly and the operable connections corresponding thereto. The arm assembly preferably 12 has a first pivot housing 88 at a first end and a handle assembly 90 rotatably connected to a second end. The arm assembly 12 is rotatably connected to the base member 22 through a first pivot mechanism 92. The first pivot mechanism 92 includes the first pivot housing 88 and a first pivot axle 94 connected to the support mechanism 24. The first pivot mechanism 92 creates an angled connection 98 between the arm assembly 12 and the base member 22, in which the arm assembly extends at an angle away from the base member. This angle provides for the natural converging or diverging exercise motions of the exercise machine.

The arm assembly 12 is operably connected to a pulley bar 30 through a force transfer link 32. The force transfer link 32 has a ball and socket joint 96a, 96b at both ends that operably connects to the arm assembly and the pulley bar. The force transfer link structure 32 allows for movement in three dimensions. -This rigid, rotatable structure 32 allows for the converging and diverging motions that are facilitated by the angled joint 98 created by the connection of the arm assembly at the first pivot housing.

The pulley bar 30 has a second pivot housing 100 and a pulley end portion. The pulley bar 30 is operably connected to a second end of the force transfer link 32, which as described above is preferably a ball and socket joint 96b. The pulley bar 30 is also connected to the end pulleys 84a, 84b at the pulley end portion 102. This operably connects the pulley bar 30 to the belt/pulley system28 and to the arm assembly 12. The rotatable handle assembly 90 has two preferred embodiments. A first embodiment is for use with pull machines, such as the pull-down machine 10 and the seated row machine 234. This handle assembly 90 is shown in Fig. 11. A second embodiment is for use with push machines, such as the seated bench press 112 and the shoulder press 260 machines. This handle assembly 90 is shown in Fig. 14. Referring first to Fig. 11, the handle assembly 90 includes a handle bracket 102 having a base member 104. The base member 104 is preferably U-shaped, with a grasping portion 106 rotatable mounted between the legs of the U-shaped base member 104. The grasping portion 106 is attached to the opposing legs of the U-shaped base member 104 by a bearing structure 108 at each end of the grasping member 106. The grasping member can be cylindrical in shape, or can be shaped to receive a person's hands and fingers for comfortable gripping and load bearing. The bottom portion of the U-shaped base 104 defines a collar 110 having a recess for receiving a first axle 94. The first axle 94 is attached in the recess by a through pin 114. The through pin 114 runs approximately parallel with the bottom portion of the U-shaped base 104. However, any known means for attaching the axle 94 with respect to the collar 110 would likely be acceptable. This recess may also take the form of a pair of flanges, and the through pin 114 could form a pivot axis to allow the handle 90 to pivot about the pivot connection formed between the flanges and the axle 94. The first axle 94 is in turn pivotally attached by a second pin 116 to a pivot ball

118. The second pin 116 preferably extends parallel to the first pin 114, but may extend in an angular orientation as desired. The second pin 116 defines a pivot axis about which the handle 90 rotates with respect to the ball 118. The pivot ball 118 is in turn attached to a second axle 120 by a pivot pin, the second pivot pin 116 defining a second pivot axis about which the ball 118 pivots with respect to the second axle 120. The end of the first axle 94 attached to the pivot ball 118 defines a pair of opposing flanges 122 that surround the sides of the pivot ball. The end of the second axle 120 that is attached to the pivot ball 118 also defines a pair of opposing flanges 124 used in conjunction with the pivot pin 116 to attach to the pivot ball 118. The pivot pins attaching the flanges 122 of the first axle 94 and the second axle 120 to the pivot ball 118 can be continuous pivot pins extending through the pivot ball, or can be separate pivot pins positioned through the flanges and partially extending into the pivot ball 118 yet still forming a pivot axis 128 for the respective set of flanges.

The pivot axis 128 formed by the pivot pins 126 attaching the first axle 94 to the pivot ball 118is the first pivot axis. The pivot axis defined by the pins 126 attaching the flanges 124 on the second axle 120 to the pivot ball 118 defines the second pivot axis 130. The first (not shown) 128 and second 130 pivot axes are positioned orthogonally with respect to one another in their attachment to the pivot ball 118. See Fig. 12. The first pivot axis 128, with respect to Fig. 11, allows the handle bracket 104 to pivot about the first pivot axis 128 into and out of the flange. In that instance, the flanges 122 on the first axle 94 pivot with respect to the pivot ball 118. The second pivot axis 130 formed between the flanges 124 on the second axle 120 formed by the connection of the flanges 122 of the first axle 94 and the pivot ball 118, allow the handle bracket 104 to pivot left and right about the second pivot axis 130 with respect to the orientation of Fig. 11. In this instance, the pivot ball 118 moves with respect to the flanges 124 of the second pivot axis 130. The second end 132 of the second axle 120 defines a recess 138, which receives an end of a third axle 136. The end of the third axle 136 is held within the recess 134 in the second end 132 of the second axle 120 by a pin 138 extending therethrough. The third axle 136 is mounted to the arm 12 of the exercise machine in a rotatable manner by two bearings 140a, 140b positioned inside of a sleeve 142, through which the third axle extends 136. The third axle 136 is held in position by a fastener 144 extending from the opposite side of the exercise arm 12 into the opposite end of the third axle 136.

Through the rotational attachment of the third axle 136 to the exercise arm 12, the first pivot axis 128, and the second pivot axis 130, the handle is allowed to articulate with respect to the exercise arm 12 about two pivot axes 128, 130 orthogonally aligned to one another. The handle 90 may also rotate with respect to the pivot arm 12 about a longitudinal axis directed along the length of the interconnected structure extending from the exercise arm 12 to the handle bracket 104. This structure allows for extreme flexibility in handle 90 positions when coupled to an exercise device. For instance, if the arm of the exercise machine moves in two or three dimensions through the stroke of the exercise machine, the handle 90 as described above allows the user to naturally position his hands and wrists to best orient his hands and wrists during the exercise. The pins 114, 138 attaching the first axle 94 to the collar 110 on the handle as well as the third axle 136 to the end of the second axle 120, given the correct structural modifications, can also act as an additional pivot axes to provide four total pivot axes and one rotational axis. In addition, the hand grip 106 rotates with respect to the handle bracket 104 to provide yet another degree of freedom in allowing the user to automatically adjust his grip during the pulling exercise. Referring to Fig. 13, the pivot ball 118 is formed of a short cylinder having beveled top 146 and bottom 148 edges transitioning from the cylindrical wall 150 to the flat top 152 and bottom 154 surfaces. Two flat spots 156a, 156b are formed in diametrically opposing positions along the outer curved sidewalls of the cylinder from the top to bottom of the cylinder. One set of flanges 122 engages the flat top 152 and bottom 154 of the cylinder and the other set of flanges 124 engages the flat sidewalls 156a, 156b of the cylinder.

Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of the handle 90 used on exercise machines where the primary motion is one of pushing as opposed to pulling. Because the handles 90 are used for pushing, the articulation of the handle with respect to the exercise arm 12 is eliminated. However, the rotation of the handle 90 with respect to the exercise arm 12 remains to allow for some adjustment of the user's hands with respect to the exercise arm during the stroke of the exercise. Fig. 14 shows a cross-section of the handle 90 of this embodiment, as well as the rotational connection of the axle 136 extending from the base of the handle bracket 104 with the exercise arm 12. The handle bracket 104 is generally

U-shaped. However, the legs 158 of the handle bracket are angled both to one side, with one leg being longer than the other leg in order to provide an angle of the gripping member 106 with respect to the base of the handle bracket 104, and also with respect to the exercise arm 12. The longer of the two legs 158 of the handle bracket 104 is on the end having the heavier and wider portion so that, when the exercise arm 12 is at rest in a relatively vertical orientation, the gripping member 106 is angled upwardly and away from the user when the user is sitting in the exercise machine. From another perspective, the gripping member 106 is angled toward the base of the handle bracket 104 from the longer leg extending from the heavy end of the base to the shorter leg extending from the opposite end of the base. In this embodiment, the hand grip portionl06 is rotatably mounted between the legs 158 of the handle bracket 104 as disclosed above.

Referring back to Fig. 1, the motion of the bar assembly 12 is discussed. During use of the exercise machine, the user actuates the arm assembly 12, which pivots about the first pivot mechanism 92. The force transfer link connection 32 between the arm assembly 12 and the pulley bar 30 causes the pulley bar to rotate about the second pivot mechanism 160, which in turn causes the end pulley 84 to move in an arcuate direction stretching the belt system 28 which in turn raises the load pulley 60. The connection of the load pulley 60 to the weight actuator bar 52 lifts the selected portion of the load 18. The exercise machine also has an adjustable seat assembly 70 connected to the support mechanism 24. The adjustable seat assembly 70 is shown generally in Fig. 15 and provides for adjustment of the seat bottom 162 up and down, and also may provide for adjustment of the seat back 164. The seat bottom adjustment assembly 166 is generally known in the art. The seat back adjustment assembly 168 and the seat bottom adjustment assembly 166 are described in more detail below. The exercise machine is described in more detail below with reference to various embodiments of the present invention. Like parts will be labeled with like reference numerals.

SEATED BENCH PRESS MACHINE

Figs. 16-29 refer to a seated bench press machine 112, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, Fig. 16 shows a front perspective view thereof.

With respect to Fig. 16, the base 20 is preferably T-shaped and has a support mechanism 24 attached thereto. The support mechanism 24 includes an upwardly extending rear support 170 and a seat mechanism support 172. The seat mechanism support 172 has an upwardly rearwardly extending member 174 and a T-shaped member 176 attached to both the base member 20 and the upwardly rearwardly extending member. An adjustable seat assembly 70 is attached to the T-shaped member 176 of the seat mechanism support 172. The seat assembly 70 provides for movement of the seat base 178 in an up and down direction and the seat back 180 in an upright and reclining direction. As shown in Fig. 16, the seat bottom 178 has a lower adjustment shaft 182, which is connected to the height adjustment mechanism 184. The height adjustment mechanism 184 is preferably a pneumatic device, which is activated through a lever 186, as known in the art. Additionally, the adjustable seat assembly 70 includes a support post 188 which extends from the seat bottom 178 through the support mechanism 172 and has a stop 190, which serves as the limit to how high the seat bottom can extend and keeps the seat from twisting appreciably, (see Fig. 19). As shown in Figs. 20-21, there is also provided a seat back adjustment assembly

168, which allows for the seat back 180 to be adjusted in two positions. In the first position (as shown in Fig. 20), the seat back 180 reclined. As shown in Fig. 21 in the second position, the seat backl80 is upright. The seat back adjustment assembly 168 is shown in more detail in Fig. 21. The seat back adjustment mechanism 168 has a first bracket 192 attached to the support mechanism 24 and a second bracket 194 attached to the back of the seat back 180. A pair of first rectangular portions 196 are rotatably attached to the first bracket 192. These first portions 196 have a rounded lower left corner 193 and a relatively flat butting edge 200 at the top left portion. A shaft 202 with a second pair of similarly shaped rectangular portions 204 is attached to the second bracket 194 which is in turn is attached to the back of the seat 180. The end of the rectangular portions 204 extending away from the shaft 202 is in a corresponding shape to the end having the rounded portion 198 and butting edge 200 attached to the first bracket 192. These two ends are rotatably connected by a third pair of rectangular members 206 with a nut and bolt assembly 208. The shape of the first 196 and second 204 rectangular members work correspondingly such that when a seat back lever 210 is lifted, an over- center relationship is created between the rectangular portions. This over-center arrangement (shown in Figs. 21 and in Fig. 23) insures that the seat back 180 will not move from one position to another during exercise. Figs. 22-23 show additional views of the seat back adjustment mechanism 168.

The arm assembly 12, as shown in Fig. 16, is generally C-shaped, having a first pivot housing 88 at a first end 212, which is pivotally attached to the main base member 22 at a non-right angle 98. The arm assembly 12 extends a short distance rearwardly away from the first pivot housing 88, then extends a relatively longer distance upwardly and rearwardly and finally extends a relatively shorter distance upwardly and forwardly to terminate in a second end 214. A handle assembly 90 is rotatably connected to the second end 214 of the arm assembly 12. The arm assembly 12 is preferably connected to, the T-shaped base member 26 through a pivot frame 216 having a pivot axle 94 that extends into the first pivot housing 88 of the arm assembly creating a first pivot mechanism 92.

Figs. 17 and 45 show the first pivot mechanism 92 in which the arm assembly 12 is rotatably connected to the T-shaped base 22 and extends at an angle 98 outwardly and forwardly from the elongated portion of the base. This angular connection 98 is such that when the arm assembly 12 is actuated the handle assembly 90 moves in a converging motion.

The converging motion is shown in Figs. 17 and 18. In Fig. 17 the arm assemblies 12 are in the rest position and the handles 90 are approximately 23.5 inches apart. Fig. 18 shows the arm assemblies 12 in a full extension position in which the handle assemblies 90 have converged to a distance approximately 2.5 inches apart. As shown in Figs. 17 and 24-26, the force transfer link 32 is connected to the arm assembly 12 and the pulley bar 30 by a first 96a and second 96b ball and socket joint, respectively. The first 96a and second 96b ball and socket joints provide for three- dimensional movement in the up/down, in/out and forward/back directions. The force transfer link 32 has a tension bar 218 with threaded ends, which is connected to the first 96a and second 96b ball and socket joints with a pair of nuts 220 as shown in Fig. 27. The second ball and socket joint 96b is in turn connected to the pulley bar 30 shown in Fig. 29. The pulley bar30 preferably has a second pivot housing 100, a short lever arm 222, a long lever arm 224 and a pulley attachment end 226. The second ball and socket joint 966 is connected to the short lever arm 222, which is displaced at approximately a sixty-five degree angle from the long lever arm 224. The pulley arm 30 is rotatably connected to the base frame through a second pivot axle 120, which is connected to the base frame thereby creating a second pivot mechanism 160.

The connection of the force transfer link 32 to the short lever arm 222 acts as an "indirect drive" when the user actuates the load 18 by moving the arm assembly 12. This indirect drive is accomplished by the user actuating the arm assembly 12, which in turn actuates the force transfer link 32, which in turn actuates the short lever arm 222 to pivot around the second pivot mechanism 160, which in turn actuates the long lever arm 224 of the pulley bar 30, which moves in an upward arcuate direction also around the second pivot mechanism. Fig. 28 shows the position of the end pulley 84 in an upward arcuate direction when the left arm assembly 12 is approximately halfway through the exercise stroke. Fig. 28 shows the extension of the belt 74 in the belt/pulley system 28 when the end pulley 84 has been extended away from the set-up pulley 82 by the arcuate movement of the pulley arm 30. The movement of the end pulley 84 causes the load pulley 60 to raise an approximately equidistant amount from its rest position at the load, thereby lifting the amount of weight selected by the user an approximately equidistant amount. This is achieved through the nature of the belt loop 28 being a closed loop. If both arm assemblies 12 are actuated, the load pulley 60 preferably moves a distance approximately equidistant to the sum of the lengths that the end pulleys 84 move. With respect to Figs. 24-26 the movement of the force transfer link 32in three dimensions is better illustrated during the use of the left arm assembly 12. As shown at the rest position in Fig. 24, the force transfer link 32 extends (from the first ball and socket joint 96a to the second ball and socket joint 96b) toward the long portion of the T- shaped base 22 and the first ball and socket joint extends in an outward and upward direction away from the T-shaped base. At approximately the mid-way position of the exercise stroke as shown in Fig. 25, the force transfer link 32 is roughly parallel with the long axis of the T-shaped base 32 and the ball and socket joint 96a extends in an approximately planar direction to the top of the T-shaped base. In Fig. 26 showing the full extension position, the force transfer link 32 now extends in a direction away from the long portion of the T-shaped base 22 and the first ball and socket mechanism 96a extends outwardly and downwardly from the long axis of the T-shaped base. Figs. 24-26 thus illustrate the ability of the force transfer link 32 to rotate and move in three dimensions. As the short lever arm 222 and end of the force transmitting link 32 move in a vertical arc aligned with the frame 22, the other end of the force transmitting link moves in a vertical arcuate motion at an angle to the frame, out of alignment with the other end of the link. This requires the link 32 to be able to rotate and twist with respect to the connection structure at either end.

The belt/pulley system 28 as shown in Fig. 29, is similar to that described generally above except that the belt 74 extends downwardly through the front portion of the load frame 16 and through an aperture 86 in the base portion near the front of the load frame. The belt 74 preferably extends around the load pulley 60, upwardly to two pair of directing pulleys 76a, 76b, downwardly to two transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b, outwardly to a pair of transition pulleys 80a, 80b, rearwardly past a pair of tensioning pulleys 228a, 228b to a pair of set-up pulleys 82a, 82b and upwardly to a pair of end pulleys 84a, 84b. The belt 74 is finally fixed to the support mechanism 24 by being pinched and secured between a pair of metal plates 230 attached thereto by four screws 232.

Between the directing pulleys 76a, 76b and the transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b, the belt 74 is rotated approximately ninety degrees. The belt 74 is rotated or twisted another ninety degrees between the pair of tensioning pulleys 228s, 228band the set-up pulleys 82a, 82b.

The effective length of the arm assembly 12, measured from the center of the first pivot housing 88 to the terminal end of the arm assembly, is approximately 37 inches. The distance from the first pivot mechanism 92 to the first ball and socket joint 96a is approximately 4 inches. The distance from the first ball and socket joint 96a to the second ball and socket joint 96b is approximately 20 inches. The distance from the second ball and socket joint 96b to the first lever arm 222 is approximately 4 inches. The distance from the first lever arm 262 to the end pulley 84 is approximately 13 inches. These general dimensions have been found to provide favorable motion and force transmission.

SEATED ROW MACHINE Figs. 30-34 show a seated row machine 234, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, Fig. 30 shows a front perspective view of the seated row machine 234, while Fig. 43 is an exploded view of the seated row machine. Referring now to Fig. 30, the base member 30 and support mechanism 24 for the seated row machine 234 are slightly different from other machines due the to the nature of the exercise. The support mechanism 24 includes an upwardly extending front support 236 and a longitudinal seat support 238 that is connected to the base member 20 by two upwardly extending rear supports 240. The upwardly extending front support 236 is located at the front of the base member 20 and the longitudinally extending rear support 238 is attached near the rear of the base member. The rear support 238 is designed to support a chest pad assembly 242 and a seat assembly 70.

The seat assembly 70 includes the adjustable seat bottom assembly 166 as discussed above for the seated bench press machine 112. The chest pad assembly 242 includes a chest pad 244, a chest pad support "bar 246, a sliding assembly 248 and a latch assembly 250. The chest pad assembly 242 is movably connected to the rear support 238 through the sliding assembly 248 as shown generally in Fig. 33.

Referring back to Figs. 30 and 43, the chest pad assembly 242 has a chest pad 244 attached to a chest pad support bar 246, which is in turn connected to a sliding assembly 248 allowing for movement of the chest assembly 242 in a longitudinal direction within the rear support 238. The sliding assembly 248 includes a pair of support rails 252 located inside the rear support 238 that extend longitudinally. A pair of concentric sliding rails 254 with a diameter greater than the support rails 252 extend over the support rails and are connected to the chest pad support bar 246 such that the chest pad support bar may slide up and down the length of the support rails for adjustment by the user. The support rails 252 and sliding rails 254 are shown in more detail in Fig. 34.

The rear support 238 has a slot 2561ocated on its top surface in which the chest pad support bar 246 extends. The slot 256 generally encloses the sliding assembly 248 within the rear support 238 and limits the distance the chest pad assembly 242can travel both forward and backward along the rear support. The chest pad assembly 242 is adjustable along the length of the slot 256 by use of a latch assembly 250. The latch assembly 250mechanism is shown in more detail in Figs. 35-38, is generally known in the art.

The arm assembly 12 for the seated row machine 234 is shown in Fig. 30. Again, the arm assembly 12 is generally C-shaped. The arm assembly 12 has a first pivot housing 88 located at a first end 212 and extends in a direction approximately parallel to the base structure 20 for a relatively short length. The arm assembly 12 then extends for a relatively longer length in a relatively upward and outward direction toward the front of the base structure 20. The arm assembly 12 then extends for a relatively shorter length rearwardly and terminates at a second end portion 214. The handle assembly 90 is rotatably attached to the second end portion 214 of the arm assembly 12. The arm assembly 12 is rotatably connected through a first pivot mechanism 92, which includes the first pivot housing 88 of the arm assembly, and a first pivot axle 94 attached to the base member 20. A second pivot axel 120 is attached opposite to the first pivot axel 94 and rotatably attached to a pulley bar 30. The pulley bar 30 has a second pivot housing

100 and a pulley attachment end 226. The pulley bar 30 is connected to the second pivot axle 120 through the second pivot housing 100, thereby creating a second pivot mechanism 160.

As shown in Figs. 39-41, the arm assembly 12 is operably connected to the pulley arm 30 through a force transfer link 32. The force transfer link 32 has a first ball and socket joint 96a connected to a point on the arm assembly 12 offset a relatively short distance from the first pivot housing 88. A second ball and socket joint 96b on the force transfer link 32 is connected to the pulley arm 30 at a point approximately halfway between the second pivot housing 150 and the end of the pulley bar 30. The end of the pulley bar 30 has a tab bracket 258, which connects to an end pulley 84. The end pulley

84 is operably connected to the belt 74 and, accordingly, with the rest of the belt/pulley system 28.

Fig. 42 shows the first pivot mechanism 92, in which the arm assembly 12 is rotatably connected to the base member 20 through the first pivot mechanism and extends at an angle 98 outwardly and rearwardly from the base member. This angular connection

98 is such that when the arm assembly 12 is actuated, the handle assembly 90 (not shown) moves in a diverging direction.

The diverging motion of the seated row machine 234 is shown in Figs. 31 and 32. In Fig. 31, the arm assemblies 12 are in the rest position and the handles 90 are approximately 10.5 inches apart. Fig. 32 shows the arm assemblies 12 in a full extension position, with the handle assemblies 90 diverged approximately 27 inches.

Figs. 39-40 show the arm assemblies 12 in a rest position and a full extension position, respectively. As shown in Fig. 40, the force transfer link 32 is connected at one end to the arm assembly 12 and at the opposite end to the pulley bar 30. The first 96a and second 96b ball and socket joints at the end of the force transfer link 32 provide for three- dimensional motion in the up/down, in/out, and forward/back directions as described above in detail with respect to the seated bench press machine 112. The first ball and socket joint 96a is connected to the arm assembly 12 at a point offset from the first housing 88 through a connection flange 258 attached to the arm assembly. The force transfer link 32 has a tension bar 218, which is connected to the first ball and socket joint 96a and attached to the second ball and socket joint 96b. The second ball and socket joint 96b is in turn connected to the pulley bar 30.

The connection of the force transfer link 32 to the pulley bar 30 acts as a "direct drive" when the user actuates the load 18 by moving the arm assembly 12. Thus, when the user activates the arm assembly 12, the force transfer link 32 directly pivots the pulley bar 30 about the second pivot mechanism 160 and thereby moves in an upward arcuate direction. Fig. 40 shows the arm assemblies 12 in full extended position in which the force transfer link 32, and consequently the end pulleys 84a, 84b. are both rotated in the upward arcuate direction.

The belt/pulley system 28 is similar to that described generally above. Referring back to Fig. 43, the belt 74 preferably extends around the load pulley 60, upwardly to two pair of directing pulleys 76a, 76b, downwardly to two transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b, outwardly to a pair of transition pulleys 80a, 80b, inwardly to a pair of tensioning pulleys 228a, 228b forwardly to a pair of set-up pulleys 82a, 82band upwardly to a pair of end pulleys 84a, 84b. The belt 74 is finally fixed to the support mechanism 24 by being pinched and secured between a pair of metal plates 230 attached thereto by four screws 232.

Between the directing pulleys 76a, 76b and the transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b the belt is rotated approximately ninety degrees. The belt is rotated or twisted another ninety degrees between the pair of transition pulleys 80a, 80b and the set-up pulleys 82a, 82b.

During use, the arm assembly 12 is actuated by pulling the handle assemblies 90 back towards the user. The arm assembly 12 pivots about the first pivot mechanism 92. The force transfer link 32 connected between the arm assembly 12 and the pulley bar 30, causes the pulley bar to rotate about the second pivot mechanism 160. Thus, rotation about the second pivot mechanism 160 causes the end pulley 84 to rotate in an upwardly arcuate direction from a rest position (as is shown in Fig. 39) to a full extension position (as is shown in Fig. 40). Fig. 41 shows a side view of the arm assemblies 12 in full extension position, and also shows the extension of the end pulleys 84a. 84b. This extension of the end pulleys 84a, 84b stretches the belt system 28 which in turn raises the load pulley 60, which in turn lifts the selected amount of weight plates 46 in the load stack 18. The effective length of the arm assembly 12 measured from the center of the first pivot housing 88 to the terminal end of the arm assembly is approximately 36 inches. The distance from the first pivot mechanism 92 to the first ball and socket joint 96a is approximately 7 inches. The distance from the first ball and socket joint 96a to the second ball and socket joint 96b is approximately 7 inches. The distance from the second ball and socket joint 96b to the second pivot mechanism 160 is approximately 6 inches.

The distance from the second pivot mechanism 160 to the end pulley 84 (the length of the pulley arm) is approximately 13.5 inches. These general dimensions have been found to provide favorable motion and force transmission.

Figs. 44-53 show a seated shoulder press machine 260, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

SEATED SHOULDER PRESS MACHINE

Specifically, Fig. 44 shows a front perspective view while Fig. 53 is an exploded view of the seated shoulder press machine 260. The base member 20 is preferably T- shaped and has a support member 24 for attaching the seat assembly 70, the arm assemblies 12 and the belt/pulley system 28. The support member 24 has a seat support assembly 172 similar to the seat support assembly described in detail for the seated bench press embodiment 112 above. The support mechanism 24 has a rear support member 170 extending upwardly perpendicular to the base member 20 and has an upwardly and rearwardly extending top portion 262.

An adjustable seat assembly 70 is again provided which allows for movement of the seat base 178 in an up/down direction, and the seat back 180 in an upright/recline direction as described in detail with respect to the seated bench press machine 112 above. As shown in Figs. 45 and 46, the arm assembly 12 is generally S-shaped, and has a first pivot housing 88 at a first end 212. The arm assembly 12 has a counterweight mechanism 264 attached to the end of the first pivot housing 88 extending in a substantially opposite direction away from the arm assembly. The arm assembly 12 has a first straight section 266 extending from the first pivot housing 88 toward the front of the base member 20 of a length approximately one-half the effective length of the arm assembly. A second generally rounded L-shaped portion 268 is connected to the first portion 266 of the arm assembly 12. The second portion 268 terminates in a relatively downwardly facing vertical end 214. The handle assembly 90 is rotatably connected to the relatively vertical end of the arm assembly 12. The arm assembly 12 is connected to a rearwardly extending vertical support member 262 through a first pivot mechanism 92. The first pivot mechanism 92 includes the first pivot housing 88 and a first pivot axle 94, which is connected to the vertical support member 262.

Fig. 47 shows the first pivot mechanism 92 in which the arm assembly 12 is rotatably connected to the vertical support member 92 and extends at an angle 98 forwardly and outwardly from the vertical support. This angular connection 98 is such that when the arm assembly 12 is actuated from the rest position to the full extension position, the handle assembly 90 moves in a converging motion as shown in Figs. 45 and 46. In Fig. 45, the arm assemblies 12 are in the rest position and the handles are approximately 23 inches apart. Fig. 46 shows the arm assemblies 12 in a full extension position, in which the handle assemblies 90 have converged to a distance approximately 6.5 inches apart.

Fig. 48 shows the force transfer link 32, which connects the left arm assembly 12 and the pulley bar 30. Again, the force transfer link 32 has a first ball and socket joint

96a connected to the arm assembly 12. The connection to the arm assembly 12 is preferably located along the first portion of the arm assembly. A Z-shaped bracket 270 is connected to the first portion of the arm assembly 12 to facilitate attachment of the force, transfer link 32. As shown in Figs. 49 and 50, the second ball and socket joint 96b is connected to the pulley bar 30. The pulley bar 30 preferably has a second pivot housing

100 and a pulley attachment end 212. The second ball and socket joint 96b is connected by a bracket 270 to the pulley bar 30 at a distance that is closer to the pulley attachment end 226. The pulley arm 30 is rotatably connected to the vertical support 262 through a second pivot axle 120, thereby creating a second pivot mechanism 160. The second pivot mechanism 160 is roughly opposite the first pivot mechanism 92.

The connection of the force transfer link 32 directly to the pulley arm 30 again acts as a direct drive when the user actuates the load by moving the arm assembly 12. This direct drive is accomplished by the user actuating the arm assembly 12, which in turn actuates the force transfer link 30, and 50 directly actuating the pulley bar 30. The pulley bar 30 thus moves in an upward arcuate direction. Fig. 49 shows the end pulley 84 in an upward arcuate position when the left arm assembly 12 is in full extension position. Fig. 50 shows the arm assemblies 12 and pulley bars 30 in a rest position, where the first portion of the arm assembly is roughly parallel to the pulley bar. Fig. 51 shows a pulley arm stop bar 272, which limits the motion of the arm assembly 12 should -the user pull down on the arm assemblies (as opposed to the intended movement of pushing up). This pulley bar stop mechanism 272 is a rectangular bar pivotally connected at a center point of the top portion of the vertical support member 262. A rubber stopper 274 is preferably present on each end, which is adapted to cushion the pulley bar 30. This pulley bar stop mechanism 272 prevents wear and tear on the exercise machine. In addition, an additional stopper 276 is connected directly to the outside of the vertical support bar 262, thereby providing an additional stop for the end of the pulley stop mechanism 272 so that the pulley stop mechanism does not rub on the vertical support member. The belt/pulley system 28 is again similar to that described generally above.

Preferably, the belt 74 extends around the load pulley 60, upwardly to two pair of directing pulleys 76a, 76b, downwardly to two transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b, outwardly to a pair of transition pulleys 80a, 80b, upwardly past two tensioning pulleys 228a, 228b to a pair of set-up pulleys 826a, 826b and upwardly and forwardly to a pair of end pulleys 84a, 84b.

Between the directing pulleys 76a, 76b and the transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b, the belt 74 is rotated approximately ninety degrees. The belt is rotated or twisted another ninety degrees between the pair of transition pulleys 80a, 80b and the set-up pulleys 82a, 82b. As shown in Fig. 52, the ends of the belt 74 are rigidly attached to the vertical support member 262 by being pinched between a pair of metal plates 230 attached, thereto by four screws 232. In this embodiment, the belt/pulley system 28 extends through an aperture 86 in the rearwardly and vertically sloping portion of the rear support 262.

During use, the arm assembly 12 is actuated by pushing the handle assemblies 90 up and away from the user causing the arm assembly to pivot about the first pivot mechanism 92. The force transfer link 32 connected between the arm assembly 12 and the pulley bar 30 causes the pulley bar to rotate about the second pivot mechanism 160. The rotation about the second pivot mechanism 160 causes the end pulley 84 to rotate in an upwardly arcuate direction from a rest position (shown in Fig. 50) to a full extension position (shown in Fig. 49) which in turn causes the extension of the end pulleys. This extension of the end pulleys 84 stretches the belt system 28, which in turn raises the load pulley 60, which in turn lifts the selected amount of weight plates 46 in the load stack 18. The effective length of the arm assembly 121 measured from the center of the first pivot housing 88 to the terminal end of the arm assembly, is approximately 39 inches.

The distance from the first pivot mechanism92 to the first ball and socket joint 96a is approximately 10.5 inches. The distance from the first ball and socket joint 96a to the second ball and socket joint 96b is approximately 5 inches. The distance from the second ball and socket joint 96b to the second pivot mechanisml60 is approximately 10 inches. The distance from the second pivot mechanism 160 to the end pulley 84 is approximately

14.5 inches. These general dimensions have been found to provide favorable motion and force transmission.

SEATED PULL-DOWN MACHINE Figs. 1-7 show a seated pull down machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 1 shows a front perspective view while Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the pull down machine. As shown in Fig. 1, the base member 20 is preferably T-shaped and has a support member 24 for attaching the seat assembly 70, the arm assemblies 12 and the belt/pulley system 28. The support member 24 has a seat support assembly 172 similar to the seat support assembly described in detail for the seated bench press embodiment 112 above.

The support member 24 also has an upwardly extending rear support member 170 perpendicular to the base member 20 and an upwardly and rearwardly extending portion 174 and a forwardly extending portion 278 at the top of the rear support member. An adjustable seat assembly 70 is again provided which provides for movement of the seat base 178 in an up/down direction and the seat back 164 in an upright/recline direction as described in detail with respect to the seated bench press machine 112 above. In addition, a seat belt assembly 280 is provided to secure the user to the seat assembly 70 during use. The seat belt assembly 280 is attached to the seat support memberl74 and is generally known in the art.

As shown in Fig. 1, the arm assembly 12 has a first portion 266 having a first pivot housing 88 at one end and a generally rounded L-shaped portion 268 attached to the first portion. The L-shaped portion 268 extends from the first portion 266 in an outward and upward direction and terminates in a relatively horizontal end. A handle assembly 90 is rotatably connected to the relatively horizontal end 266 of the arm assembly 12. Again, a counterweight 264 is attached proximate the first pivot housing 88 extending in an opposite direction from the first portion 266 of the arm assembly 12. The first pivot housing 88 is connected to the vertical support member 262 through a first pivot axle 94 thereby defining a first pivot mechanism 92.

Fig. 5 shows the first pivot mechanism 92 in which the arm assembly 12 is rotatably connected to the vertical support member 262 and extends upwardly and inwardly from the vertical support member. This angular connection 98 is such that when the arm assembly 12 is actuated the handle assembly 90 moves in a diverging motion. The diverging motion associated with this machine 10 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. in Fig.2, the arm assemblies 12 are in the rest position and the handles 90 are approximately 6.5 inches apart. Fig. 3 shows the arm assemblies 12 in a full extension position in which the handle assemblies 90 have diverged to a distance approximately 20.5 inches apart. Referring back to Fig. 1, the force transfer link 32 is connected to the arm assembly

12 at a Z-shaped bracket 270, which is connected to the first portion 262 of the arm assembly. The force transfer link 32 is additionally connected to the pulley arm 30 at a point approximately equidistant between the second pivot housing 100 and the pulley attachment end 226. The force transfer link 32 has a tension bar 218 and a first 96a and a second 96b ball and socket joint at each end. The first ball and socket joint 96a is rotatably connected to the arm assembly 12 at the Z-shaped bracket 270 and the second ball and socket joint 96b is connected to the pulley arm 30. Again, the force transfer link 32 provides for rotation in three dimensions. The pulley arm 30 is rotatably connected to a second pivot axle 120 located opposite the first pivot axle 94 of the first pivot mechanism 92 and extends through the second pivot housing 100 thereby creating a second pivot mechanism 160.

The connection of the force transfer link 32 directly to the pulley arm 30 acts as a "direct drive" when the user actuates the load 18 by moving the arm assembly 12. This direct drive is accomplished by the user actuating the arm assembly 12, which in turn actuates the force transfer link 32, which in turn actuates the pulley bar 30, which moves in a downward arcuate direction.

Fig. 4 shows the left arm assembly 12 in a full extension position in which the end pulley 84 and the force transfer link 32 have rotated in the downward arcuate direction. Fig. 4 also shows the belt/pulley system 28 where the end pulley 84 has been extended away from its rest position, which in turn causes the load pulley 60 to raise an approximately equidistant amount from its rest position at the load 18, thereby lifting the amount of weight selected by the user an approximately equidistant amount. Again, this is achieved through the nature of the belt system 28 being a closed loop. Fig. 6 shows the end connections closing the belt system 28 by attaching the belt to the vertical support member 170.

Figs. 1-3 also shows the counterweights 264 attached to the arm assemblies 12. These counterweights 264 are present to smooth out the motion of the arm assemblies 12 during use. The belt/pulley system 28 is again similar to that described generally above.

Preferably, the belt 74 extends around the load pulley 60, upwardly to two pair of directing pulleys 76a, 76b, downwardly to two transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b, outwardly to a pair of transition pulleys 80a, 80b, upwardly past two tensioning pulleys 228a, 228b to a first pair of set-up pulleys 82a, 82b, outwardly to a second pair of set-up pulleys 282a, 282b and downwardly to a pair of end pulleys 84a, 84b.

Between the directing pulleys 76a, 76b and the transverse stack frame pulleys 78a, 78b the belt 74 is rotated approximately ninety degrees. The belt 74 is rotated or twisted another ninety degrees between the pair of transition pulleys 80a, 80b and the set-up pulleys282a, 282b. Again, the belt pulley system 28 extends through an aperture 86 in the upward and rearwardly extending support member 284 and the belt ends are attached to the upright support member 278 by being pinched between two metal plates 230 attached thereto by four screws 232.

During use, the arm assembly 12 is actuated by pulling the handle assemblies 90 down toward the user causing the arm assembly to pivot about the first pivot mechanism

92. The force transfer link 32 connected between the arm assembly 12 and the pulley bar 30 causes the pulley bar to rotate about the second pivot mechanism 160. The rotation about the second pivot mechanism 160 causes the end pulley 84 to rotate in a downwardly arcuate direction from a rest position (shown in Fig. 16) to a full extension position (shown in Fig. 4), which causes the extension of the end pulleys. This extension of the end pulleys 84 stretches the belt system 28, which in turn raises the load pulley 60, which in turn lifts the selected amount of weight plates 46 in the load stack 18.

The effective length of the arm assembly 12, measured from the center of the first pivot housing 88 to the terminal end of the arm assembly, is approximately 42 inches. The distance from the first pivot mechanism 92 to the first ball and socket joint 96a is approximately 10.5 inches. The distance from the first ball and socket joint 96a to the second ball and socket joint 96b is approximately 5.5 inches. The distance from the second ball and socket joint 96b to the second pivot mechanism is approximately 10% inches. The distance from the second pivot mechanism 160 to the end pulley 60 (i.e., the length of the pulley bar 30) is approximately 18.5 inches. These general dimensions have been found to provide favorable motion and force transmission.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will realize upon reading the foregoing description various changes in structure, form, or detail, which may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the preceding description is meant by way of illustration and not limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the accompanying claims.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. An exercise machine comprising: a base frame; a load movably attached to said base frame; an arm assembly operably attached to said base frame to move in an angled direction relative to said frame; a load actuation system operably attached between said movable load and said arm assembly; wherein movement of said arm assembly causes said load actuation system to move, which moves said load.

2. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a. Said load actuation system includes a bar operably attached to said frame and a force transfer link operably attached between said arm assembly and said bar.

3. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said force transfer link has a first ball and socket joint at a first end operably connected to said arm assembly.

4. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein said force transfer link further comprises a second ball and socket joint at said second end operably connected to said bar.

5. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said operable connection between said arm assembly and said bar is a direct drive connection.

6. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said operable connection between said arm assembly and said pulley bar is an indirect drive connection.

7. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bar further comprises a short lever arm and a long lever arm, said second end of said force transfer link being operably connected to said short lever arm, and said long lever arm being operably connected to said a load actuation system.

8. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein: a. said bar is attached to said frame by a pivotal connection, and movement of said short lever arm by said force transfer link causes said longer lever arm to pivot about said pivotal connection to actuate said load actuation system.

9. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein said exercise machine replicates a bench press exercise.

10. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein said exercise machine replicates a seated rowing exercise.

11. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein said exercise machine replicates a pull-down exercise.

12. An exercise machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein said exercise machine replicates a shoulder press machine.

13. A belt/pulley system for an exercise machine having a base frame, a load and at least one arm assembly for actuating the load, said belt/pulley system comprising: a load pulley operably attached to said load; at least one pair of directing pulleys operably attached to said frame; at least one transverse stack frame pulley operably attached to said frame; at least one transition pulley operably attached to said frame; at least one set-up pulley operably attached to said frame; at least one end pulley operably attached to said arm assembly; a closed loop belt extending around said load pulley, upwardly to at least one pair of directing pulleys, downwardly to said at least one transverse stack frame pulley, outwardly to said at least one transition pulley, over to said at least one set-up pulley and upwardly to said at least one end pulley, and terminating in an end stop connected to said base frame.

14. A belt/pulley system as defined in claim 12, wherein movement of said arm assembly causes said end pulley to move and through said belt causes said load to be applied to said arm assembly.