Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
EXERCISE WEIGHT SELECTION DEVICE AND METHOD
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.
15/404,109
filed January 11,2017, which is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S.
Patent Application
No. 14/633,052 filed February 26, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/945,008 filed February 26, 2014.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present device relates to exercise equipment employed for muscle
strengthening. More particularly, the disclosed device and method, relate to a
weight lifting
device configured for easy resistance adjustment through the provision of an
arched member
having an easy user-adjustable connection thereto to an underlying weight. A
plurality of
apertures are positioned across the arched member for insertion of a pin which
concurrently
adjusts a position on the curved member which communicates variable lifting
force from
mechanical advantage to the underlying weight. Operatively employing the
device herein, when
coupled with any external exercise interface such as a handle, a user may
easily initially select
and re-select a preferred weight resistance for a particular exercise, and
repetitively employ the
weight to provide resistance to their exercise with little noise or machine
wear.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[003] Body building and physical fitness equipment employ a variety of forms.
All of
which are adapted to provide resistance to user muscle exertion, exercise, and
to build muscle
tissue during an exercise regime. In recent years, weight "machines" have
become popular as
they can be configured to provide a plurality of positions and exercises at
different stations or
configurations of the machine. In each exercise, a cable running a serpentine
route communicates
resistance from weights to the component being pushed, pulled, or lifted by
the user. A plethora
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of weight selection module systems have been developed with such machines. All
in an attempt
to allow a user to variably select an aggregate weight using a group of
weights which are
operatively engaged to the distal end of the cable and are employed to provide
resistance for each
workout. Users conventionally choose a weight combination to yield the
aggregate amount of
weight resistance based on their individual strength, exercise routine, and
workout tactics.
[004] Weight lifting machines are often composed of two mating and
interchangeable
components. First, a resistance module provides the exercise load to provide
resistance to the
user movement during exercise. A second component interface provides the
operative
engagement of one or a plurality of weights with the cable and enables the
user to apply a
determinable force to the station or machine to exercise a defined muscle or
muscle group.
[005] Employing the conventional weight stack resistance module, as seen in US
Pat.
No. 7,871,357, a user typically selects their desired lifting load, by
inserting a pin through a
vertical rod, which communicates through one of multiple layers of metallic
plates. A
positioning of the pin in a particular point on the rod causes the engaged
plate to support
overhead plates when elevated and thereby determines the aggregate amount of
weight engaged
to the cable from the plurality of weight plates selected through placement of
the pin.
[006] Generally, the weight plates each contain at least one or a plurality of
bore holes
positioned to guide the plates during translation on aligned rods
communicating through the bore
holes. One through-bore hole communicates vertically through a central portion
of the thickness
of the plates between the top surface to the bottom surface. In use, this
centrally located bore
hole surrounds an inserted translating vertical rod. This rod, along with any
supported weight
plates in operative engagement, translates along a vertical path when moved by
a user gripped or
engaged exercise. The weight of the engaged weight plates, thus, provide the
resistance to
movement of the interfacing component by the user, such as a barbell type
component or the
like.
[007] Conventionally, a pair of outer through-bore holes, which lie symmetric
about the
centrally located hole in each weight plate, are slidably engaged about
vertically inclined support
bars which, during use, constrain the weight plates from rotating. An
engagement aperture
conventionally communicates horizontally through the width of each weight
plate between the
top and bottom surfaces and intersects the middle through-bore.
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[008] Rod apertures communicating into the translating vertical rod,
sequentially spaced
to be aligned with a complimentary spacing of the engagement apertures running
through each
weight plate when positioned in a stack. To choose a resistive load for use
with any particular
exercise component using the weight stack for resistance, a pin is user-
engageable through any
single engagement aperture to also engage a rod aperture in the vertical
translating rod. Thus, the
user, by engaging the bottom weight in the stack to the rod, will have a
resistance weight of all
the weights in the stack when the vertical rod translates. The resistance
weight may be adjusted
by engaging the pin through the engagement aperture of a weight plate higher
in the stack and
vice versa. However, this system has a number of shortcomings.
[009] First, as noted, the system employs a selector pin which must be moved
to
different engagement apertures of differently positioned weight plates in the
stack. As with any
loose engagement device, the selector pin is easily lost if it is not tethered
to the machine. Should
the tether fail, the selector pin, in a gym environment with many different
users, tends to become
lost or is moved to other weight stacks which also have lost selector pins.
Additionally, the pin
can become worn and hard to insert.
[010] Further, in a commercial gym environment misuse of the weight system
through
improper selector pin insertion or mis-engagement can bend the selector pin.
In either case a
damaged or lost selector pin can cripple the entire machine engaged to a
particular weight stack.
1011] Other problems can occur over time, even where the selector pin remains
proximate to a weight stack and used property. Because the translating rod
engaging the weight
stack is frequently engaged to a cable which tends to elongate over repeated
use to lift the load of
weights engaged to the rod, misalignment frequently occurs between the
engagement apertures
in the weight plates, and the translating vertical rod. Such can make it
difficult if not impossible
to properly position the selector pin through a chosen weight plate and
aperture in the translating
rod. This can disable the exercise machine engaged to the weight stack, or at
least make it
irksome and more time consuming to use.
[012] Other issues exist with conventional weight stack engaged exercise
machines
which, while not mechanically impairing the operation of the machine, can be
annoying and even
injurious to the user. During translation of the weight stack during use from
a stack-supported
position and back, the metal weight plates contact each other and cause
significant noise and
over time significant wear. Additionally, a significant risk of injury is
always present during use
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of weight stack resistance exercise machines. This is because a pinch point
exists between the
lowest weight in the plurality lifted by rod translation and the weight plate
upon which the
translating stack lands. The pinch point can cause severe injury to the user
of the exercise
machine, or more often, to a third party who places a digit between the non
moving weight and
the weight stack being lowered by translation of the rod downward.
[013] Several advancements have been made to reduce the inadequacies of the
pin and
weight stack system, such as the leverage-weight machines. Leverage weight
machines allow the
user to adjust the mechanical advantage to tune a static load, providing the
user-chosen
resistance without removable pins. This has proven much easier and safer for
users by
eliminating the use of an external pin altogether and reducing dangerous pinch
points, and
potential poor pin engagement which can cause raised stacks of weights to
release.
[014] Leverage machines are based on the principal that increasing or
decreasing the
applied moment arm through which the user lifts a given constrained weight,
increases or
decreases the work required by the body of the user and thus increases or
decreases the resistance
to movement. Thus, the force necessary to perform the exercise by the user may
be increased or
decreased.
[015] In an example of a leverage weight machine, US Pat. No 5,263,914 allows
the
user to adjust the mechanical advantage by employment of a system of pulleys
and cables which
lift a singular or static amount of weight. US patent numbers 7,537,552 and
8,323,158 employ a
similar technique by replacing the weight-based load source with biasing
sprung bands and
resistive pneumatics respectively.
[016] While these current leverage style weight machines reduce the need for a
variable
weight stack and engaging pin, such leverage systems employ a complicated
pulley arrangement
and serpentine cabling system, along with a multitude of moving parts inherent
to such
complicated designs. The employment of numerous cables, rotating pulleys, and
other moving
parts frequently renders such machines noisy, costly, difficult to maintain.
Further, the presence
of numerous cables running over numerous pulleys increases injury potential
through the
formation of numerous potential pinch points of the cables and pulleys. Unlike
weight stack
pinch points, users unfamiliar with cable and pulley operation are frequently
unaware of the
potential for injury.
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[017] As such, there is an unmet need for a resistive weight apparatus which
alleviates
the shortcomings of prior art weight resistive devices. Such a device should
be simple to
manufacture, build and maintain to thereby reduce costs and encourage
widespread sales to
encourage users to exercise. Such a system should be constructed with an
arrangement of
components which render it quiet, which would be especially helpful in a gym
environment with
multiple concurrent users of multiple exercise machines. Ideally, the
potential for injury should
be reduced by eliminating or reducing the number of potential pinch points in
the device and
system. Further, unlike the current pin and weight stack systems, which locate
the weight stack a
distance from the engaged exercise device and generally near the floor, such a
device should
include a means for user choice of resistance which is easily viewed and which
allows the user to
easily and quickly calculate, and adjust the desired resistance load yielded
for their particular
exercise routine. Further, unlike conventional cable and pulley systems and
weight stacks which
require a considerable amount of floor space due to their configuration, such
a device should
ideally allow for use in a small footprint of floor space.
[018] The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related therewith
are intended
to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not imply any limitations on
the invention
described and claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will
become apparent to those
skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the specification below
and the
accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[019] The device and system herein disclosed and described provides a solution
to the
shortcomings in prior art and achieves the above noted objects through the
provision of an
exercise resistive device and system which is engageable to exercise machines
to yield smooth
resistance to exercise movements through the employment of a weight load which
eliminates
jerking or jumping or noise upon landing. Further, as disclosed, the device is
configured with
significantly reduced appendage pinch and crush points lessening injury risks
thus providing the
user with a quiet and easily tunable workout apparatus.
[020] In accordance with one preferred mode of the device, the device employs
a
housing frame minimizing pinch points configured to bear the load of and
balance a weight or
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weights engaged thereto. The housing has sufficient height to ensure that the
engaged weight can
be displaced a sufficient distance during the exercise stroke of an engaged
exercise machine
being employed by a user. The housing is depicted in a rectangular or square
shape although this
may vary. The housing may include securement plates, which allow for
engagement to a
supporting surface for added stability. Engagement of the resistance device
herein to any
exercise machine employable by a user requiring a resistive force, is by a
cable thereby allowing
the device herein to be easily retrofitted to existing gym equipment and
easily engaged to new
equipment.
[021] A weight operatively engaged with the frame of the device is engaged
about a
pivot point or bearing which allows the weight to rotate about the pivot point
supported by the
housing frame. The axis of the body of the elongated weight running through
first and second
side surfaces, is generally operatively engaged to the frame to pivot in a
plane running normal to
the plane of the floor or the support surface, along the long axis of the
frame.
[022] At the pivot point for the weight, a bearing or aperture is engaged with
a bearing
in a pin arm. The weight itself can be composed of any heavy, safe, durable
material or
combination of materials suitable for the purposes set forth in this
disclosure. Solid metal may be
employed, or a weight formed of a metal, fiberglass, plastic, or polymeric
exterior housing which
defines an interior cavity which may be filled with a material having the mass
to yield the total
weight thereto. Such could be anything from ball bearings, to dirt, to fluid
such as water, or other
filler for the internal cavity as would occur to those skilled in the art.
[023] With the device engaged by the flexible member or cable to an exercise
component, the user may easily select a desired resistance communicated to the
particular
exercise component from the cable communicating between the exercise component
and the
weight of the device herein. Selection of a level of resistance is
accomplished by manipulating
the connection between a pin arm engaged at a first end to an arched member
and in an
engagement or operative communication at a second end to the weight. The pin
arm contains an
aforementioned bearing engaged with the weight itself at the second end, or a
secondary member
engaged with the weight. A user-engageable pin such as a selection pin is
positioned at the first
end.
[024] To select a desired resistance level communicated by the cable to the
exercise
component, a positioning of the pin to engage with one of a plurality of
apertures in an array
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thereof formed in an arched member is employed. The sequentially located
apertures
communicating into the arched member defining a selection arm, when engaged by
the pin to the
pin arm, will yield a communication of sequentially more or less resistance by
the cable to the
exercise station engaged, depending upon the individual aperture to which the
user engages the
pin.
[025] The arched member forming the resistance selection arm is engaged at a
pivoting
point, preferably with a bearing at an engagement end, to rotate about an
upper support shaft
which is operatively engaged with the housing frame. A flexible member such as
the noted cable,
or a band, or rope, or other flexible member extends along an operative path
vertically from an
engagement to the second or distal end of pin arm or resistance selection arm,
from a pivoted
engagement at a first end to the frame. This flexible member or cable runs
along a formed
pathway operatively engaged with a plurality of pulleys positioned in the
housing frame. The
load from the weight being pivoted upon a supporting arm for the weight, and
thus elevated
above the support surface, is thereby communicated to the attached exercise
equipment in
operative communication with the other end of the cable.
[026] By repositioning the pin hole or aperture or other coupling of the
pivoting pin
arm, which is centered with the arched pathway of apertures in the selection
arm, with differing
points upon the arched path on the selection arm, the user can adjust the
device's mechanical
advantage. Thus, the output resistance communicated through the cable to the
exercise device
may be adjusted by adjusting the engagement of the pin along the arched or
curved member. The
employment of the arched pathway of apertures, whether on a linear selection
arm or a curved or
arched selection arm, allows for both smoother operation and an increased
number of adjustment
points along the path of the arched member. The arched selection arm is
preferable also to the
increase in ability to form an angled engagement with the weight.
[027] At rest and in the neutral position, the resistance selection arm
preferably rests
against a padded ledge on the interior face of the housing frame. The padding
should be
composed of a durable material, preferably silicone or hard rubber, but may be
formed from one
or more of the following materials: leather, wood, hard plastic. In an
alternatively preferred
mode, a ledge component, which is made of a more durable and inelastic
material, can connect to
the housing frame through a spring designed to soften the load of a suddenly
dropped weight.
This support to the weight minimizes noise on landing.
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[028] As resistance weights are often cast in molds and, thus, inherently less
precise in
their exterior geometry, an alternate preferred mode can simplify the geometry
by replacing the
embedded bearing at a single point on the weight with two engaged shafts which
lie parallel to
the bearing. An upper linkage arm and lower linkage arm, which both include a
pivot point at
each end engaged with the weight, are employed to constrain the motion and
path of movement
of the weight relative to the frame of the device. The lower linkage arm
rotates about both the
weight's shaft and the lower frame support shaft. The upper linkage arm
rotates about a third
parallel shaft embedded within the weight and the upper frame support shaft,
whereas the pin
selection arm is still constrained to the weight as described above.
[029] As variations of the second preferred mode, the lower and upper linkage
arms can
lie on the same or opposing sides of the weight for a lower footprint or
increased stability
respectively.
[030] To reduce shipping weight and allow for a wider available resistance
range for the
user, the device can be provided without permanently engaged weights in
another preferred
mode. In this configuration, the position of the weight is replaced by a
vertical linkage arm,
which mates to the upper and lower linkage arms through two bearing shafts.
Above the bearing
shaft in the vertical linkage arm that couples with the upper linkage arm, the
vertical linkage aim
contains an engageable weight shaft adapted to engage with a conventional
barbell weight plate
in an operative engagement. The weight shaft should be no shorter or longer
than necessary to
hold the number of barbell plates whose total mass is equal to the device's
maximum load
capacity.
[031] The housing frame, linkage, pin and resistance selection arms can be
composed of
one or a combination of the following materials: steel, stainless steel,
aluminum, hard plastic or
any other materials suitable for the purposes set forth in this disclosure.
[032] In another preferred option, where very precise resistance adjustments
are desired,
which require very precise weight and mechanical advantage adjustments, a
sliding secondary
weight may be engaged to the device. The secondary weight is easily translated
short distances to
provide minute adjustments to the resistance provided by the device. Further,
in place of the
spring loaded pin, a quieter engagement component may be provided in the form
of a translating
pin which is lever-operated. In this mode, rotation of a lever engages and
disengages a coaxial
pin into the apertures provided.
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[033] With respect to the above description, before explaining at least one
preferred
embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in detail, it is to be understood
that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangement of the
components in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention herein
described is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried
out in various
ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Also, it is to be
understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[034] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception
upon which
this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing of
other structures,
methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosed device It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent
construction and
methodology insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[035] As used in the claims to describe the various inventive aspects and
embodiments,
"comprising" means including, but not limited to, whatever follows the word
"comprising".
Thus, use of the term "comprising" indicates that the listed elements are
required or mandatory,
but that other elements are optional and may or may not be present. By
"consisting of' is meant
including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase "consisting of'. Thus,
the phrase
"consisting of" indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory,
and that no other
elements may be present. By "consisting essentially of' is meant including any
elements listed
after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or
contribute to the
activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus,
the phrase "consisting
essentially of' indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory,
but that other
elements are optional and may or may not be present depending upon whether or
not they affect
the activity or action of the listed elements.
[036] It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device
yielding
uniform and adjustable resistance for weight lifting exercises.
[037] It is an additional object of this invention to create a quiet,
inexpensive, and easily
maintainable source of weight-based resistance which is safe and intuitive to
employ.
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[038] It is yet another object of the invention herein, to provide an arched
pathway of
apertures engageable with a weight-engaged pivoting arm to provide increased
selectively as to
the number of weight selections possible.
[039] It is another object of the present invention to provide a weight
lifting apparatus
which employs only rotary joints to translate the mass providing resistance
and which allows the
user to modify the applied moment aim through which the user applies load to a
single weight,
whose motion is constrained by a four bar linkage.
[040] It is a further object of this invention to provide a weight-based
resistance
exercise component which minimizes the injury hazards from pinch points and
minimizes noise.
[041] It is a further object of the invention, through the employment of an
arched lifting
component engaged to a pivoting weight or mass, to increase adjustment points
for resistance
while providing smooth even resistance from aligned force vectors on the
weight.
[042] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention, as well
as the advantages thereof over existing prior art, which will become apparent
from the
description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this
specification and
hereinafter described in the following detailed description which fully
discloses the invention,
but should not be considered as placing limitations thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
[043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part
of the
specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive examples of
embodiments and/or
features of the disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and
figures disclosed herein
are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than
limiting in any fashion. In the
drawings:
[044] FIG. 1 depicts one preferred mode of the device herein shown employing
an
arched pathway for connection of a pin arm for variable resistance selection
which is set to yield
the lowest resistance to cable movement.
[045] FIG. 2 shows the device of figure 1, wherein a pin is set to yield the
most
resistance to translation of cable movement due to lessened mechanical
advantage
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[046] FIG. 3 displays the device in another preferred mode with the weight
engaged to a
pair of linkage arms on a first side of the weight.
[047] FIG. 4 displays view of a second side of the device of figure 3 with the
linkage
aims on the opposite side of the weight.
[048] FIG. 5 depicts another preferred mode where the device includes an
arched
pathway of resistance selection apertures and is configured for engagement of
a weight.
[049] FIG. 6 shows an end view of the device of figure 5 depicting a user-
engaged
weight in dotted line.
[050] FIG. 7 is a back isometric view of the device of figure 5 showing the
engagement
post for a dumbbell style weight to be engaged on site.
[051] FIG. 8-10 depict a mode of the device which provides a secondary
translating
weight which is employable for small adjustments to resistance.
[052] FIG. 11 shows the device having a translating pin which is lever
activated for
engagement or disengagement.
[053] FIG. 12 shows a mode of the device wherein the weight stack tracks upon
one or
a plurality of vertically disposed rails.
[054] FIG. 13 depicts the rear view of the device of figure 13.
[055] FIG. 14 shows an automatically adjusting mode of the device employing a
motor
and gear providing means for adjustment of the imparted resistance by the
weight stack.
[056] FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the device of figure 15.
[057] FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the device as shown in figures 14-
15.
[058] FIG. 17 shows a front perspective view of an especially preferred mode
of the
device having an arched selection arm with a double row forming paired
apertures positioned
above a race formed into the selection arm.
[059] FIG. 18 is a rear plan view of the device as in figure 16, showing the
plurality of
paired apertures positioned to engage with pins located at the distal end of a
pin arm.
[060] FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the device of figures 16-17.
[061] FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the mode of the device of figure
16,
showing the weights removed and the mounting bars adapted to engage free
weights of choice to
provide resistance to movement.
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[062] FIG 21 is an overhead plan view of the front of the device herein of
figures 17-20
showing the two curved parallel rows of apertures with sequentially shorter
spacing as they
approach the first end of the selection arm, and with the apertures of one row
positioned in-
between pairs of apertures of the other row.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[063] The device and system herein disclosed and described in figures 1-21
provide a
solution to the shortcomings in prior art of weight stack and resistance
exercise components and
achieves the above noted goals through the provision of a device and system
providing smooth
weight resistance during use which eliminates jerking or jumping during use,
and further reduces
the risk in the present art of appendage pinch and crush risks thus providing
the user with a quiet
and easily tunable workout apparatus.
[064] In accordance with one preferred mode of the device 10, per FIG 1, there
is
operatively engaged a flexible member such as a cable 44 with any exercise
component 12 such
as handles or pedals or other user-engageable components for pulling or
pushing, to operatively
engage the device 10 to provide resistance communicated through the cable 44
to an exercise
machine. The device 10 employs a support frame 16 shown as a housing 14 to
operatively
engage the components herein and by doing so, guard against pinch points
during operation.
[065] The housing 14 is currently formed between 3 and 5 feet in height above
the
support surface, to ensure a sufficient pathway for proper weight 20
displacement and translation
distance for the cable 44, however such may change depending on the weight 20
employed and
the exercise machine to which it engages.
[066] The housing 14 can be constructed of a welded, machined or fastened
metal
members or tubes to form the rectangular frame 16. Currently the frame 16 has
a width of
approximately three feet and a height of approximately six feet respectively.
It can be formed in
a very narrow overall footprint which is only limited by the width of the
tubing and as can be
seen in figures 6, 7, and 10, which is a distinct advantage over conventional
large weight stack
devices since the device herein is easily positioned adjacent a wall or in
less floor space.
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[067] Securement plates 18 may be provided, which allow the owner to bolt the
module
to the floor or support surface for added stability. However, all of these
dimensions are infinitely
variable depending upon the size of the weight and room for placement.
[068] A weight 20 pivotally engaged with the device 10 is engaged by a member
to an
upper pivot point or weight bearing 22, which allows the weight 20 to rotate
about a linkage
shaft 24 engaged to the housing frame 16. The weight 20 in the mode of figures
12, has a pin arm
shaft 28 on which a first end of the pin arm 32 will rotate such as a pin arm
bearing 30 positioned
at a first end of the pin arm 32. Such provides a rotational engagement of a
first end of the pin
aim 32 to the weight 20. The weight 20 can be composed of any heavy, safe
durable material or
combination of materials having a mass and dimensions suitable for the
purposes set forth in this
disclosure.
[069] In operation as shown in figures 1 and 2, a user selects the desired
resistance
communicated to the cable 44 by the weight 20, between a minimum and a maximum
force, by
manipulating the connection of the second end of the pin arm 32 to an arched
pathway of
engagement of the second end of the pin arm 32 to points along the selection
arm 34 such as
apertures 35 spaced along the pin arm 32. While the pin arm 32 might be
configured in a linear
or straight fashion with the arched pathway of apertures 35 positioned
therein, such would render
the pin arm 32 more bulky and as such the arched pathway of apertures 35, is
preferably formed
along a row in a line sequentially spaced along a curved or arched member
defining the pin arm
32 as shown herein.
[070] It is this arched pathway for connection of the pin arm 32 to the
selection arm 34
such as apertures 35 which is positioned opposite the point of pivoting
engagement of the pin
arm 32 to the weight 20, or to a member engaged with the weight 20. This
arched pathway for
engagement such as the apertures 35 and the path followed during rotation of
the second end of
the pin arm 32, along the same arched pathway defined by apertures 35, allows
for significantly
increased force adjustment positions as well a much smoother operation and
mechanical
advantage of the device 10 herein and in all modes herein. The first end of
the pin arm 32 will be
in a pivoting engagement to frame or to the weight 20 or a member engaged
thereto, in a position
centered with the arched or curved pathway of engagement to the selection arm
34 such as
apertures 35, to allow for the second end of the pin arm 32, to follow the
arched pathway and
connect to any point there along such as by using apertures 35.
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[071] The pin arm 32 as depicted has a pin arm bearing 30 at a first end in a
pivoting
engagement to the pin shaft 28. The pin arm 32 is of a length to position an
aperture through
which a selection pin 36 at the second end is engaged, in operative alignment
with each of the
apertures 35 along the arched pathway of apertures 35 formed into, or engaged
with the selection
alai 34.
[072] Unlike the weight stack resistance provided by conventional machines,
where the
resistance is varied by engagement or disengagement of individual weights from
a stack, the
device 10 herein employs the curved or arched pathway of apertures 35 running
sequentially
along a curved selection arm 34 for this purpose. A pivoting engagement 38 of
a first end of the
selection aim 34 on a bearing 40, provides a rotational engagement point, of
the selection arm at
the first end to or with the frame 16.
[073] The mechanical advantage to elevate the weight 20 and thereby vary
resistance
communicated to pulling the cable 44, varies along the full length of the
selection arm 34 and
depending on the engagement point of the second end of the pin arm 32, renders
the weight 20,
easier or harder to elevate.
[074] Thus, lower resistance to movement of the weight 20 is communicated to
the
cable 44 and engaged exercise component 12 with the pin arm 32 engaged as
shown in figure 1
when the second end of the pin arm 32 is engaged to an aperture 35 closest to
the bearing 40 and
further from the engagement to the cable 44. Engagement of the pin arm 32 to
an aperture 35
along the arched pathway of apertures 35 furthest from the resistance arm
bearing 40, if selected
as in figure 2, communicates the resistance from elevating the weight 20,
directly to the engaged
cable 44 in a substantially straight line, and has little or no mechanical
advantage. This creates a
higher resistance to translation of the cable 44 which is communicated to an
engaged exercise
component 12 by the user.
[075] The selection arm 34 as can be seen in figure 4, is engaged at a first
end pivot
point preferably employing a bearing 40 which rotates about an upper support
shaft 42 engaged
with or supported by the frame 16. It was found after numerous configurations
with straight and
linear members for the selection arm 34, that a curved member to form the
selection arm 34
significantly enhanced the performance of the device 10. As noted, curving the
member forming
the selection arm is particularly preferred as it provides the most compact
manner to form the
curved pathway of apertures 35 which provide many more user selectable points
of engagement,
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as well as providing a longer selection arm 34 for increased mechanical
advantage in a smaller
area than a linear or straight configuration provides.
[076] The cable 44, which can alternatively be replaced with a band, strap or
cord, or
other flexible member, extends vertically from the resistance selection aim
34, through one or a
plurality of cable pulleys 46 in the housing frame 14, which transfers
resistance from weight 20
elevation, along the cable 44 and to the attached exercise component 12.
[077] At rest and in the neutral position, the second or distal end of the pin
arm 32 rests
against a padded ledge 63 on the interior face of the housing frame 14 as
shown in figure 1. The
padding on the ledge 63 should be composed of a durable material, preferably
hard rubber, but
may be formed from one or more of the following materials: leather, wood, or
hard plastic. The
padded ledge 63 can also be made of a hard material such as stainless or non-
stainless steel or
aluminum if the padded ledge 48 is attached to the frame 14 with a spring.
[078] In all modes of the device 10 shown, connection of the weight 20 to the
selection
arm 34 runs primarily in a line along the pivotally engaged first end of the
pin arm 32 at a central
point on the weight 20. The second end of the pin arm 32 as noted is
selectively engageable to
any aperture 35 along the arched pathway of apertures 35 positioned on or
engaged with the
selection arm 34. Such is especially desirable in that it provides a straight
line force along the
axis of the pin arm 32 between from the selection arm 34 and the weight 20 no
matter where on
arched pathway of apertures 35 engaged to the selection arm 34 the pin arm 32
is engaged.
[079] In figure 3, the upper weight bearing 22 is substituted with an upper
linkage arm
48 and lower linkage arm 50, which both contain a bearing at each end. This
mode allows for
elevation of the weight 20 as in all modes, but unlike the pivoted frame
engagement of figures 1-
2, the weight 20 follows a pathway during elevation in a center portion of the
frame 16. The
lower linkage arm 50 rotates about both the pin arm bearing 30 of the weight
20 and the lower
frame support shaft 53. Per FIG 4, the upper linkage arm 48 rotates about the
upper linkage
bearing 55, which is parallel to the upper support shaft 42.
[080] As variations in this preferred mode, the lower linkage arm 50 and upper
linkage
arm 48 can lie on the same or opposing sides of the weight 20 for a lower
footprint or increased
stability respectively.
[081] In yet another preferred mode of the device 10 herein, per figures 5-7
the device
may be constructed to reduce shipping weight and allow for a wider resistance
range by
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configuration allowing use of conventionally available weights and without
permanently
engaged weights 20. In this configuration, the weight 20 is replaced by a
vertical linkage arm 57,
which mates to the upper and lower linkage arms 48,50 through two bearing
shafts. Above the
upper linkage arm 48, the vertical linkage arm 57 contains a long weight shaft
59. The weight
shaft 59 is adapted for operative engagement with one or a plurality of
conventional barbell
weight plates 61 allowing the user increased adjustment since weight plates 61
are removably
engageable. The weight shaft 59 should be no shorter or longer than necessary
to hold the
number of barbell plates whose total mass is equal to the device's maximum
load capacity, and in
a mode to engaged barbell weight plates 61, preferably have a length and
diameter of between 6
and 12 inches, and 2 inches respectively.
[082] Shown in figures 8-10 is an optional mode of the device 10, applicable
to all
modes herein. As depicted a secondary weight or translating weight 71 is
slidably positionable
along a path on the selection arm 34, allowing for small adjustments to
resistance. A thumb
screw or pin and aperture may be used to secure the weight 71 at the desired
position for small
adjustments in resistance.
[083] In figure 11 is shown an optional mode of the device 10 for engagement
of the
second end of the pin arm 32 to any one of the apertures 35 along the arched
pathway thereof. As
shown a translating pin 73 which is lever 75 activated for engagement or
disengagement with
any of the apertures 35. The pin 73 is coaxially engaged with mating threads
in the lever 75 such
that rotation of the lever 75 one direction will project the pin 73 and in the
other direction will
retract the pin 73.
[084] Shown in figures 12 and 13 is a mode of the device 10 wherein the weight
20 is
engaged to the frame to track upon one or a plurality of vertically disposed
rails 77.
Operationally, the device 10 like other modes, employs the unique arched
pathway for
engagement of the pin arm 32 with a plurality connection points for the distal
end of the pin arm
32.
[085] Figures 14-16 depict an automatically adjusting mode of the device 10
employing
a motor 81 and operationally engaged gear 83 providing means for adjustment of
the engagement
point of the second end of the pin arm 42 along an arched pathway of the
selection arm 34. In
this mode the selection arm 34 must be formed as an arched member because the
second end of
the pin arm 32 is in a sliding engagement 85 with the selection arm 34. The
motor 81 spinning
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the gear 83 will translate the sliding engagement of the second end of the pin
arm 32 to any point
on the arched pathway formed by the arched member defining the selection arm
34. This sliding
engagement actuated by the motor 81 allows for automatic resistance adjustment
when rotation
of the motor 81 rotates the gear 83 which is threadably engaged to the sliding
engagement 85 and
which will translate along the arch of the selection arm 34 in either
direction depending on the
rotation direction of the motor 81. This mode of the device 10 allows for a
remote control and
automatic resistance adjustment to an infinite number of resistance points
along the arched
pathway of connection of the pin aim 32 to the selection arm 34. It can be
adapted to be
employed in any mode of the device 10 herein.
[086] Depicted in figure 17 is a front perspective view of an especially
preferred mode
of the device 10. Also shown is an enlarged depiction of the user employable
selector 51 which
functions to engage and disengage a pin 52 into adjacently positioned
apertures 35 formed into
an arched pattern along the curved or arched selection aim 34.
[087] In this mode of the device 10, a sliding engagement of the pin arm 32 at
or
adjacent the distal end of the pin arm 32 with the selection arm is formed. In
a preferred mode,
the sliding engagement is foimed by a race 54 which defined by the sides of a
slot 62 formed in
the arched selection arm 34 which is sized for a cooperative rolling
engagement with a roller 56
operatively connected to the pin aim 32 (Figure 16). This sliding engagement,
such as that
formed by the roller 56 positioned at the distal end of the pin arm 32 within
the race 54,
eliminates the need for a bumper or stop such as the ledge 63 (figure 1) for
the selection arm 34
as in other modes of the device shown above.
[088] Also shown in the figures 17-20, are the arched member forming the
selection
arm 34, having a double row of apertures 35 following an arched pathway upon
the selection arm
34. In experimentation constructing the device 10 in this mode, it was found
that a double row of
apertures 35, allowing for the pin 52 to concurrently engage the aperture 35
in either row of
apertures 35, that weights 20 could be accommodated by the device 10 with very
small
increments of resistance change based on the mechanical advantage change
provided by
positioning a pin 52 in an adjacent aperture 35 engagement of the pin 52.
While a single
curved row of apertures 35 could be employed for engagement of the pin 52, it
was found that
such did not perform as well because small increments of effective weight
resistance, based on
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the change in mechanical advantage, could not be provided such as the depicted
five pound
difference.
[089] By forming two curved rows of apertures 35 along the curved or arched
pathway,
and staggering the apertures 35 in each row, in-between a pair of apertures 35
in the opposing
row, very small changes in effective resistance can be accommodated due to the
small changes in
mechanical advantage. This is highly desirable to users. Further, it is
desirable to also
progressively shorten the gap between the apertures 35 of each row of
apertures 35, to maintain
the one to one lift of the weight in relation to translation of the cable 44,
and to allow for the
even and small changes in the resistance provided by small changes in
mechanical
advantage. Such small changes is, currently, a change of four to six pounds
with five pounds
being a favorite. Thus, an engagement of a pin 52 into each successive
aperture 35, along the two
rows of apertures 35, provides this even change in resistance to movement, and
concurrently
maintains the one to one ratio of cable translation to lift distance of the
weight.
[090] Still further, it is desirable to limit the distance of rise of the
weight, and the
distance of travel of the cable. This is further accomplished by forming the
lengths of the support
arms 68 and 68a substantiality equal and at a length between pivots 69 and 66,
which is 80-86
percent of the distance of the pin arm 32 running between the pin 52 and the
engagement of the
second end of the pin arm to the support arm 68a. Maintaining these ratios
will limit the
distance of travel of the cable 44 and concurrent equal distance of the rise
and lowering of the
weight 20, to substantially 18-22 inches. Currently maximizing this weight
travel and cable
translation to 20 inches is a particular favored configuration since is works
well to allow use of
the device 10 in very confined spaces.
[091] Additionally, as noted and as can be seen in figures 17-20, is the
decrease in
spacing of the apertures 35 in each of the two parallel arched rows of
apertures 35, along the
arched pathway upon the selection arm 34. As can be seen, the spacing between
adjacent
apertures 35 as they approach and become closer to the first end 58 of the
selection arm 34, in
both rows, becomes closer together than the spacing of the apertures 35 from
each other at the
second end 60 of the selection arm 34. As the apertures 35 become closer to
the first end 58 of
the selection arm 34, in each of the two arched parallel rows of apertures 35,
each aperture 35 in
a sequentially positioned arched row of apertures 35, is slightly closer the
next subsequent
aperture 35 in the sequence, from the previous aperture 35 in the sequence.
This occurs in both
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rows of apertures 35 since the apertures 35 in one row are positioned in-
between a pair of
apertures 35 in the parallel opposing row, except for the last aperture 35
closest to the first end
58.
[092] This sequentially smaller spacing between the adjacent apertures 35 in
the arched
row or rows of apertures 35, formed into the selection arm 34, as the
apertures become closer to
the first end 58 is preferred as noted. This is because the engagement between
the pin 52 and one
of apertures 35 in either row, at any position along the arched row of
apertures 35, forms a
connection to with the weight 20, such that a 1 to 1 ratio of rise of the
weight 20, to the distance
of travel of the cable 44 is maintained, and the changes in force required to
raise the weight
change in even increments.
[093] Thus, a user pulling a handle engaged to the cable 44 a distance of one
foot, will
concurrently raise the weight 20, one foot in elevation. This substantially
equal rise to travel
distance also helps maintain the force required to move the weight 20 at any
given pin 52 and
aperture 35 engagement along the sequence, equal or the same throughout a
given repetition of
the user which moves the cable 44, and in equal changed increments from
adjacent apertures 35,
no matter which individual aperture 35 is engaged by a pin 52.
[094] Shown in the enlarged portion of figure 17, is the section handle 51
which has a
curved slot 62 slidably engaged with a projecting member 64, which is
connected to the pins 52
to translate them into and out of the apertures 35 when aligned therewith. A
twist of the handle
51 will cause the projecting member 64 to move toward or away from the
selection arm 34, and
thus translate one of the pins 52 aligned with an aperture 35 into the
aperture 35. A spring (not
shown) in between both of the pins 52 and the member 64, allows the member 64
to compress
the spring on the engaging pin 52 and force it into the aperture 35 aligned,
and to concurrently
close a gap between the second pin 52 not aligned with an aperture 35 at the
time.
[095] Shown in figure 18, is a rear plan view of the device 10 as in figure
16, along with
an enlarged depiction of the sliding engagement between the distal end of the
pin arm 32 and the
race 54 defined by the slot formed into the selection arm 34. As can be seen
the roller 56 is
cooperatively engaged within the slot 55 forming the race 54. As also can be
seen, is the
sequentially smaller spacing between each aperture 35 in each row of apertures
35 running in an
arched pathway on the selection arm 34. As can be seen, the distance between
each aperture 35
decreases sequentially as the apertures 35 become closer to the first end 58
of the selection arm
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34. The same component arrangement can be seen in the rear perspective view of
the device 10
of figure 19.
[096] Shown in figure 20, is another perspective view of the mode of the
device 10 of
figure 16. As can be seen in this view, the larger weights 20 of figure 16 are
removed from the
mounting members 66 and they are employable with free weights such as those
employed on
barbells or the like, or other weights having an aperture adapted to engage
upon the mounting
members 66. These mounting members 66 are also shown in figure 16, extending
beyond the
plate weights 20 to allow smaller extra free weights 21 to be engaged if
desired, for small
increment resistance changes. Also more clearly shown in figure 19, are the
support arms 68 and
68a which are in a pivoting engagement 69 at first ends with the frame 16, and
rotate upward
with weight 20 attached when pulled by the translation of the cable 44 when
pulled by a user.
The translation of the cable 44 is communicated to at least one support arms
68a by the pin aimit
32 which is connected to the selection arm 34, which as shown connects to the
cable 44 at the
second end 60. Thus, translation of the cable 44 will move the selection arm
34 and the
connected pin arm 32 which rotate at the support arms 68 and 68a and thereby
move the weight
20 upward a distance, which is a distance equal to the translational travel of
the cable 44, no
matter which pin 52 is engaged to which aperture 35 along the two parallel
rows of apertures 35
on the arched pathway.
[097] As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be
employed
with any other configuration or component shown and described herein.
Additionally, while the
present invention has been described herein with reference to particular
embodiments thereof and
steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various
changes and substitutions
are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in
some instance some
features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be
employed without a
corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth
in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as
would occur to those
skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as
broadly defined in the
appended claims.
[098] Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable
the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the
scientists, engineers, and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or
phraseology, to
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determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the
technical disclosure of
the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention
of the application,
which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the
scope of the invention
in any way.
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