U.S. patent application number 09/923002 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-06 for multi-exercise cable gym system.
Invention is credited to Baumler, Thomas, Cassidy, John.
Application Number | 20030027696 09/923002 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25447951 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030027696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baumler, Thomas ; et
al. |
February 6, 2003 |
Multi-exercise cable gym system
Abstract
A multi-purpose cable gym system is disclosed that incorporates
an arrangement of pulleys and cables and an exercise station having
multiple exercise handles that are continuously connected to a
single weight stack via the arrangement of pulleys and cables. The
cable gym system consists of a frame, a weight stack, an adjustable
seat with fixed back pads, a leg extension/leg curl pedestal,
multiple deep groove pulleys, multiple directional pulleys, a
composite pulley, multiple cables engaged with the pulleys, and a
separate handle associated with each deep groove pulley. The
pulleys in the preferred embodiment utilized a deeper, wider groove
than conventional pulleys allowing the cable to track smoothly
along the pulleys while being pulled at different angles and in
different directions.
Inventors: |
Baumler, Thomas; (Forest
Lake, MN) ; Cassidy, John; (Elk Rivgr, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Steven G. Steger
Mayer, Brown & Platt
P.O. Box 2828
Chicago
IL
60690
US
|
Family ID: |
25447951 |
Appl. No.: |
09/923002 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4047 20151001;
A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 23/0494
20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/4009 20151001; A63B
23/1263 20130101; A63B 23/1254 20130101; A63B 23/0405 20130101;
A63B 2225/102 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/99 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/062 |
Claims
We claim:
1. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a weight stack slidably
connected to the frame; a pulley system comprising: a plurality of
directional pulleys; and one or more deep groove pulleys; one or
more cables functionally engaged with the pulley system and the
weight stack; and one or more exercise apparatus connected with at
least one of the cables in conjunction with each of the deep groove
pulleys such that when the exercise apparatus is moved in an
exercise motion, the weight stack provides resistance to the
exercise motion.
2. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deep
groove pulleys each include a groove at least 20 percent as deep as
the diameter of the pulley.
3. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the groove
of each deep groove pulley is "V" shaped with an angle of the "V"
of less than 60 degrees.
4. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or
more exercise apparatus each comprises an exercise handle.
5. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a
seat connected with the frame and defining an exercise station.
6. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein two deep
groove high pulleys are connected with the frame above the exercise
station, and two high handles are connected with each of two ends
of a cable that is engaged with the two deep groove high
pulleys.
7. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 5, wherein two deep
groove mid pulleys are connected with the frame laterally spaced
from the exercise station, and two mid handles are connected with
each of two ends of a cable that is engaged with the two deep
groove mid pulleys.
8. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein two deep
groove mid pulleys are connected with the frame laterally spaced
from the exercise station, and two mid handles are connected with
each of two ends of a cable that is engaged with the two deep
groove mid pulleys.
9. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pulley
system further includes an equalizer pulley that creates a 1/2 to 1
weight ratio for the effective resistance of the weight stack with
respect to the high and mid handles.
10. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pulley
system further includes a composite pulley that attaches each
handle to a single weight stack.
11. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
a leg extension/leg curl pedestal pivotally connected with the
frame and connected with at least one of the cables such that when
the leg extension/leg curl pedestal is pivoted, the weight stack
provides resistance to the pivotal motion of the leg extension/leg
curl pedestal.
12. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or
more exercise apparatus each is individually selected from the
group consisting of an exercise handle, an ankle strap, a straight
bar, and an abdominal strap.
13. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a weight stack
slidably connected to the frame; a pulley system comprising: a
plurality of directional pulleys; one or more deep groove pulleys;
and a composite pulley; one or more cables functionally engaged
with the pulley system and the weight stack; one or more exercise
handles connected with at least one of the cables in conjunction
with each of the deep groove pulleys such that when the handle is
moved in an exercise motion, the weight stack provides resistance
to the exercise motion; and a leg extension/leg curl pedestal
pivotally connected with the frame and connected with at least one
of the cables such that when the leg extension/leg curl pedestal is
pivoted, the weight stack provides resistance to the pivotal motion
of the leg extension/leg curl pedestal.
14. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the deep
groove pulleys each include a groove at least 20 percent as deep as
the diameter of the pulley.
15. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 14, wherein the groove
of each deep groove pulley is "V" shaped with an angle of the "V"
of less than 60 degrees.
16. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 15, further comprising
a seat connected with the frame and defining an exercise
station.
17. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein two deep
groove high pulleys are connected with the frame above the exercise
station, and two high handles are connected with each of two ends
of a cable that is engaged with the two deep groove high
pulleys.
18. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 16, wherein two deep
groove mid pulleys are connected with the frame laterally spaced
from the exercise station, and two mid handles are connected with
each of two ends of a cable that is engaged with the two deep
groove mid pulleys.
19. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein two deep
groove mid pulleys are connected with the frame laterally spaced
from the exercise station, and two mid handles are connected with
each of two ends of a cable that is engaged with the two deep
groove mid pulleys.
20. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 19, wherein the
composite pulley attaches each handle to a single weight stack.
21. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 19, wherein the pulley
system further includes an equalizer pulley that creates a 1/2 to 1
weight ratio for the effective resistance of the weight stack with
respect to the high and mid handles.
22. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a weight stack
slidably connected to the frame; a pulley system comprising: a
plurality of directional pulleys; and one or more swivel pulleys;
one or more cables functionally engaged with the pulley system and
the weight stack; and one or more exercise apparatus connected with
at least one of the cables in conjunction with each of the swivel
pulleys such that when the exercise apparatus is moved in an
exercise motion, the weight stack provides resistance to the
exercise motion.
23. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 22, wherein the one or
more exercise apparatus each comprises an exercise handle.
24. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 23, further comprising
a seat connected with the frame and defining an exercise
station.
25. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein two high
swivel pulleys are connected with the frame above the exercise
station, and two high handles are connected with each of two ends
of a cable that is engaged with the two high swivel pulleys.
26. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein two mid
swivel pulleys are connected with the frame laterally spaced from
the exercise station, and two mid handles are connected with each
of two ends of a cable that is engaged with the two mid swivel
pulleys.
27. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 25, wherein two mid
swivel pulleys are connected with the frame laterally spaced from
the exercise station, and two mid handles are connected with each
of two ends of a cable that is engaged with the two mid swivel
pulleys.
28. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 27, wherein the pulley
system further includes a composite pulley that attaches each
handle to a single weight stack.
29. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 27, wherein the pulley
system further includes an equalizer pulley that creates a 1/2 to 1
weight ratio for the effective resistance of the weight stack with
respect to the high and mid handles.
30. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 22, further comprising
a leg extension/leg curl pedestal pivotally connected with the
frame and connected with at least one of the cables such that when
the leg extension/leg curl pedestal is pivoted, the weight stack
provides resistance to the pivotal motion of the leg extension/leg
curl pedestal.
31. The exercise machine as claimed in claim 22, wherein the one or
more exercise apparatus each is individually selected from the
group consisting of an exercise handle, an ankle strap, a straight
bar, and an abdominal strap.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1 Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise
equipment and more specifically to a multi-exercise cable gym
system for exercising the total body utilizing a single weight
stack.
[0003] 2 Description of Related Art
[0004] For the past few decades, exercise machines have evolved
into rigid machines that produce highly stabilized, fixed path,
isolated exercises. These machines are effective at isolating and
developing the muscles that create the prime movement of a
particular joint ("the prime movers"). Such previous exercise
machines achieve development of the prime movers by allowing the
user to train to failure without the concern of the stabilizer
muscles failing first. For the home environment, machines have been
developed that combine multiple fixed path exercises in a single
station. The main drawback of these machines is that if the prime
movers of a particular joint are overdeveloped in comparison to the
stabilizer muscles, that joint may become more susceptible to
injury.
[0005] Exercise with free weights is another type of training that
overcomes some of the limitations of training with rigid machines.
Dumbbells are very effective at training the stabilizer muscles
along with the prime movers. They achieve this by allowing the user
to work in multiple planes of motion, creating a much less
stabilized environment. However, this freedom of motion makes
dumbbells and other freeweights inherently more dangerous than
fixed motion machines, and often require a "spotter" to ensure
safety. Another shortcoming of exercising muscles using free
weights is the lack of a variable strength profile for the full
exercise motion. Because the resistance is created solely by
gravity, the user often does not experience a constant resistance
for exercise motions that are not strictly vertical in nature. As a
result, the muscles being exercised may not be stressed through the
full range of motion, and optimal training does not occur.
[0006] A third method of strength training that has been used in
the past utilizes an exercise machine that incorporates cables
attached to weight stacks for resistance. Such machines are often
referred to as cable cross over machines. Cable cross over machines
generally have two weight stacks located a certain distance apart,
with each weight stack having a cable attached thereto and an
adjustable pulley that the cable interacts with. Handles are
attached to the cable ends and a user standing between the two
weight stacks can perform numerous exercises against the resistance
of the weight stacks attached to the cables. This type of exercise
is effective at working both the prime movers and the stabilizer
muscles without the need for a spotter. Drawbacks of cable cross
over machines are that they are very large, require pulley
adjustments for different exercises, and the types of exercises
that can be performed are limited by the location of the handles.
Furthermore, the motions created by such machines are often not
intuitive to the user and usually require instruction from others
on how to use the machine.
[0007] More recently, exercise machines for strength training have
utilized a weight stack in conjunction with a cable and multiple
pulley system to provide resistance to an exercise motion. These
are single exercise machines that simulate the feel and
effectiveness of the cable cross over machines, with the advantage
that the machines are intuitive for the user and required minimal
or no adjustments for exercises being performed because they are
single exercise machines. Such machines allow the user to perform
exercises with personalized movement patterns and various levels of
passive stabilization based on his or her own body structure, and
goals. However, because each machine only trains one body part, a
large number of machines are required to train an entire body.
[0008] Other more recent machines combine the concept of using
multiple, specialized machines utilizing cable exercises into a
single machine that has adjustable arms to change the pulley height
and angle to allow for a number of exercises on the single machine.
Although these machines eliminate the size constraint of cable
cross over machines and the need to have multiple specialized
machines, they can be difficult to adjust, create exercises that
are not very intuitive, and require time away from training to make
adjustments to the machine.
[0009] For home use, where size limitations, cost constraints, and
complexity issues exist, it is advantageous to combine the
above-described training methods into a single machine that is
relatively simple to operate. Therefore, there exists a need for a
low cost machine requiring minimal adjustments and the ability to
train multiple body parts with weight resistance generated by a
pulley and cable system.
SUMMARY
[0010] The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in, and apparent from, the description and drawings that
follow, as well as will be learned through practice of the
invention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized
and attained by the elements of the apparatus and methods of using
the invention described herein.
[0011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an
exercise machine is provided that incorporates an arrangement of
pulleys and cables that are continuously connected to a single
weight stack and allow for multiple exercise motions. The
configuration of the pulleys and cables allow for exercises that
can be performed both bilaterally and iso-laterally. This allows
for a greater degree of exercise variety increasing the
effectiveness of exercise sessions. Most exercises can be performed
from various seated and standing positions allowing the user to
tailor the degree of involvement of his or her primary, secondary,
and stabilization muscles. This translates into less repetitive,
more beneficial exercise sessions, and improved total body
exercises from a single machine with one weight stack.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment, the exercise machine consists
of a frame, a weight stack, an adjustable seat with fixed back pad,
a leg extension/leg curl pedestal, two deep groove high pulleys,
two laterally spaced deep groove mid pulleys, multiple directional
pulleys, a composite pulley, multiple cables functionally engaged
with the pulleys, and a separate handle or other exercise apparatus
attached to the cables associated with each deep groove pulley. The
deep groove pulleys in the preferred embodiment utilize a deeper,
wider groove, allowing the cable to track smoothly along the pulley
while being pulled in different directions. These deep groove
pulleys eliminate the need for swiveling mechanisms and height
adjustment mechanisms reducing the cost and complexity of the
machine. However, it should be noted that pulleys incorporating
swiveling mechanisms can be used in place of the deep groove
pulleys in an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The
composite pulley allows all of the handles and/or other exercise
apparatus to be tied together, allowing a single weight stack to
provide resistance to the various handles and exercise
apparatus.
[0013] From a seated position facing forward, a user can grasp the
handles attached to the cables running over the laterally spaced
mid pulleys and perform chest presses, converging presses, and
chest fly exercises among other exercises. Because of the deep
groove pulleys (or the pulleys incorporating a swiveling
mechanism), the user can also perform all exercises in an infinite
number of decline and incline angles within an approximate range of
50 degrees. From this position the user can also perform leg
extensions and abdominal crunches by grabbing the handles attached
to the cables running over the high pulleys.
[0014] By turning around and facing the machine, a user can do a
number of back exercises by grasping the handles attached to the
cables running over the high pulleys. The design of the pulleys
(either deep groove or swivel) allows the user's hands to move in
virtually any path towards his or her body.
[0015] The machine does not limit the user to only seated
exercises. The handles can be grasped and used to perform arm
curls, triceps pushdowns, inner and outer shoulder rotation, or any
movement the user would like to perform, such as simulating a golf
or baseball swing. Furthermore, an exercise apparatus other than a
handle can be attached to the cable, such as an ankle strap,
straight bar, abdominal strap, or any other conventional exercise
apparatus used with cable cross over machines, allowing even
greater variety of exercise motions. Indeed, the machine allows for
virtually unlimited weight training motions at any angle, as will
be apparent from the disclosure contained herein to a person
skilled in the relevant art.
[0016] The resistance of the cables in the upper and mid pulleys
are both at 1/2 to 1 weight ratio with respect to the weight stack,
allowing smaller incremental increases in weight and decreasing
stack momentum during the exercise motions. This ratio is created
by the equalizer pulley, as discussed further below.
[0017] These and other features and advantages of the invention
will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description of the presently preferred embodiments of the
invention, taken in conjunction with the claims and appended
drawings, as well as will be learned through the practice of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective isometric view of an exercise
machine incorporating a multiple pulley system in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exercise machine incorporating a
multiple pulley system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of an exercise machine incorporating
a multiple pulley system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention (cables not shown);
[0021] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an exercise machine incorporating a
multiple pulley system in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention (cables not shown); and
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a deep groove pulley
incorporated in the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 1-4 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pulley incorporating a
swivel mechanism in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] While the invention can be embodied in many different forms,
there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in
detail, a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0025] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, various views of a
multi-exercise cable gym machine, which is designated general by
the reference character 10, are shown. In accordance with one
aspect of the invention, the cable gym machine 10 includes a frame,
an exercise station which can include a seat, a pulley system
incorporating multiple deep groove pulleys, multiple directional
pulleys, and a composite pulley, a weight stack, multiple cables
engaged with the pulley system and the weight stack, handles
attached to the cables, and a leg extension/leg curl pedestal. In
place of the multiple deep groove pulleys, shown in more detail in
FIG. 5, the cable gym machine can utilize pulleys incorporating a
swivel mechanism, as shown in FIG. 6. These components will be
described in more detail below.
[0026] The frame of the cable gym machine 10 includes an upper
frame 12, side frames 14 and 16, bottom frame 18, and exercise
station frame 20. The frame components 12-20 are bolted together in
a manner known in the art and in the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 1. The weight stack 22 incorporates multiple weight plates and
a bayonet connected to a cable to functionally connect the weight
stack to the cable gym system in a manner that is well known in the
art. The bayonet extends through the individual plates of the
weight stack 22, and the user can select the number of plates to be
lifted by inserting a pin through the weight stack 22 into the
bayonet. As a result, the bayonet, along with the selected number
of weight plates from the weight stack 22, will move upward when
exercise is performed by a machine user, providing resistance to
the exercise motion. The selected number of weight plates will move
upward along guide rods 24 and 26 during exercise. Guide rods 24
and 26 are connected between upper frame 12 and lower frame 18.
[0027] Cable 28 is connected to the weight stack 22 via the bayonet
to functionally engage a selected number of weight plates to
provide resistance to an exercise motion. Cable 28 extends upward
and engages upper directional pulleys 100 and 102 (shown in FIG.
4). Cable 28 then extends to composite pulley 104, directional
pulley 106 (shown in FIG. 2), and is fixed to equalizer pulley 108.
Composite pulley 104 is simply two pulleys that work in conjunction
with one another, as is known in the art. Composite pulley 104 ties
each exercise location together, allowing each separate exercise
location to receive resistance from the weight stack. This enables
the use of a single weight stack having a single cable attached to
the weight stack.
[0028] Cable 30 engages the equalizer pulley 108, lower directional
pulleys 110 and 112, directional pulleys 114 and 116, and laterally
spaced, deep groove mid pulleys 118 and 120. The ends of cable 30
are connected to mid handles 40 and 42. Thus, when mid handles 40
and 42 are pushed or pulled away from deep groove pulleys 118 and
120 either together or individually, cable 30 pulls downward on
equalizer pulley 108, which in turn pulls cable 28, raising the
selected number of plates in weight stack 22 to provide resistance
to an exercise motion. The equalizer pulley 108 allows the mid
handles 40 and 42 to be used either together or individually. Also,
the action of equalizer pulley 108 creates a 1/2 to 1 weight ratio
for the resistance of each mid handle 40 and 42 such that the
resistance is less than the actual resistance generated by raising
the selected number of weight plates in weight stack 22.
[0029] Cable 32 engages composite pulley 104, a bottom directional
pulley that is not shown, leg extender pulleys 122 and 124, and one
end of cable 32 is fixed to equalizer pulley 126. The other end of
cable 32 terminates at leg extender pulley 124. When leg
extension/leg curl arm 60 is extended, cable 32 pulls downward on
composite pulley 104, which in turn pulls cable 28, raising the
selected number of weight plates in weight stack 22 to provide
resistance to an exercise motion. In a further preferred
embodiment, the end of cable 32 that terminates at pulley 124
includes a mechanism to attach an additional handle to cable 32
(not shown) to allow for additional exercises performed against the
resistance of cable 32.
[0030] Finally, cable 34 engages equalizer pulley 126, upper
directional pulleys 128 and 130, and deep grooved, high pulleys 132
and 134. The ends of cable 34 are connected to high handles 44 and
46. Thus, when high handles 44 and 46 are pushed or pulled away
from deep groove pulleys 132 and 134 either together or
individually, cable 34 pulls upward on equalizer pulley 126, which
then pulls downward on composite pulley 104, which in turn pulls
cable 28, raising the selected number of plates in weight stack 22
to provide resistance to an exercise motion. The equalizer pulley
126 allows the high handles 44 and 46 to be used either together or
individually. The action of equalizer pulley 126 creates a 1/2 to 1
weight ratio for the resistance of each high handle 44 and 46 such
that the resistance is less than the actual resistance generated by
raising the selected number of weight plates in weight stack
22.
[0031] In cable gym machine 10, an exercise station is defined by
the location of the handles 40, 42, 44, and 46. In the preferred
embodiment, the exercise station includes an adjustable seat 62 and
a fixed seat back pad 64 connected to the exercise station frame
20. A leg extension/leg curl arm 60 is connected to the exercise
station frame 20 forward of the seat 62. The leg extension/leg curl
arm 60 includes ankle pads 62 and 64 and knee pads 66 and 68. The
leg extension/leg curl arm 60 is connected to, and receives
resistance from, cable 32. As the leg extension/leg curl arm 60 is
pivoted upward, cable 32 pulls downward on composite pulley 104
which in turn pulls cable 28, raising the selected number of plates
from weight stack 22 to provide resistance to an exercise
motion.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of a deep
groove pulley used in the present invention is shown. This is the
configuration of deep groove pulleys 118,120,132, and 134 discussed
with respect to FIGS. 1-4. In a preferred embodiment, the deep
groove pulley is made from nylon, and the groove is shaped in
approximately a "V" groove. The groove 200 in the deep groove
pulley is deeper than conventional pulleys so that the cable
engaging the pulley can be moved to a wide range of angles with
respect to the pulley without having the cable disengage from the
pulley. The preferred angle of the "V" groove 200 is less than 60
degrees, and more preferably is about 52 degrees, as is shown in
FIG. 5. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the depth of
groove 200 is at least 20 percent of the diameter of the pulley,
and more preferably the groove 200 is approximately one inch from
the outer edge 210 of the pulley 200 to the base 220 of the groove
200, while the diameter of the pulley is approximately 41/2
inches.
[0033] The configuration of the deep groove pulley disclosed herein
allows the cable gym machine 10 to incorporate deep groove pulleys
118, 120, 132 and 134 without swiveling or height adjustment
mechanisms. However, because cable 30 interacts with mid pulleys
118 and 120, handles 40 and 42 can be used to exercise at any angle
in approximately a 50 degree arc with respect to pulleys 118 and
120. Likewise because cable 34 interacts with high pulleys 132 and
134, handles 44 and 46 can be used to exercise at any angle in
approximately a 50 degree arc with respect to pulleys 132 and 134.
As such, one of skill in the art will understand that many
different exercises can be performed on the cable gym machine
10.
[0034] Finally, referring to FIG. 6, one aspect of an alternate
embodiment of the present invention is shown. More specifically,
rather than deep groove pulleys as shown and FIGS. 1-5, pulleys
incorporating swivel mechanisms can be used. FIG. 6 shows a
representative example of a swivel pulley generally designated 300.
The swivel pulley 300 is attached to the exercise machine via a
swivel pulley arm 302. The swivel pulley 300 incorporates a bracket
304, a pulley wheel 306 rotatably mounted on the bracket 304, a
swivel attachment 308 rotatably attached to the swivel pulley arm
302 on which the bracket 304 is fixed, a counterweight arm 310
attached to the swivel attachment 308, and a counterweight 312
attached to the counterweight arm 310. A cable 314 engages the
swivel pulley 300 and an exercise apparatus can be attached to the
end of cable 314 at the exercise apparatus attachment 316. When an
exercise apparatus is attached to the end of cable 314, exercise
can be performed in the same manner as described above with respect
to the deep groove pulleys. However, rather than the cable 314
achieving a range of motion for exercise at a variety of angles due
to the deep groove of the pulley, cable 314 in this embodiment
achieves a range of motion for exercise at a variety of angles as a
result of the swiveling ability of the swivel pulley 300.
[0035] To maintain a smooth swivel motion for the swivel pulley
300, the axis of rotation of the swivel attachment 308 should be
the same as the axis of the cable 314 that engages the swivel
pulley 300. Furthermore, by incorporating a sufficiently heavy
counterweight 312 at the end of counterweight arm 310, the swivel
motion of the swivel pulley 300 remains smooth. Thus, each deep
groove pulley described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5 can be
replaced by a swivel pulley as shown in FIG. 6 in an alternate
embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] It is to be understood that a wide range of changes and
modifications to the embodiments described above will be apparent
to those skilled in the art, and these changes and modifications
are contemplated herein. It is, therefore, intended that the
foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather
than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following
claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *