U.S. patent application number 10/480253 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for multi-function exercising apparatus.
Invention is credited to Regev, Yuval.
Application Number | 20040157711 10/480253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11075518 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040157711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Regev, Yuval |
August 12, 2004 |
Multi-function exercising apparatus
Abstract
Exercising apparatus capable of enabling a user to select any
one of a plurality of different exercises to be performed by the
user for exercising different muscles or muscle groups of the
user's body. The apparatus includes a body supporting member for
supporting the body of the user in a predetermined position
according to the exercise selected to be performed; a
body-engageable member engageable by a selected part of the user's
body, when supported on the body supporting member, and
displaceable in a predetermined direction by a force applied by the
selected body part to the body-engageable member, according to the
exercise selected to be performed; and a resistance member coupled
to the body-engageable member for imposing a resistance to the
displacement of the body-engageable member when the selected part
of the user's body applies the force to the body-engageable member.
The body-engageable member is presettable with respect to the body
supporting member to enable selection of the body part to engage
the body-displaceable member, and the direction of application of
the force applied by the body part to the body-engageable member,
according to the exercise selected to be performed.
Inventors: |
Regev, Yuval; (Carmei,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Anthony Castorina
G E Ehrlich
Suite 207
2001 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
11075518 |
Appl. No.: |
10/480253 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
June 16, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL02/00465 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 ;
482/133; 482/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/157 20130101;
A63B 21/0615 20130101; A63B 21/15 20130101; A63B 23/0355 20130101;
A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 2225/09
20130101; A63B 21/0632 20151001; A63B 21/08 20130101; A63B 2225/10
20130101; A63B 21/06 20130101; A63B 23/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 ;
482/092; 482/133 |
International
Class: |
A63B 026/00; A63B
021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 18, 2001 |
IL |
143819 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Exercising apparatus capable of enabling a user to select any
one of a plurality of different exercises to be performed by the
user for exercising different muscles or muscle groups of the
user's body, said apparatus comprising: a body-engageable member
engageable by a selected part of the user's body, when supported on
a body supporting member, and displaceable in a predetermined
direction by a force applied by the selected body part to the
body-engageable member, according to the exercise selected to be
performed; and a resistance member coupled to said body-engageable
member for imposing a resistance to the displacement of said
body-engageable member when said selected part of the user's body
applies said force to the body-engageable member; said
body-engageable member being presettable with respect to the user's
body, when supported on the body supporting member, to enable
selection of the body part to engage said body-engageable member,
and the direction of application of said force applied by said body
part to the body-engageable member, according to the exercise
selected to be performed.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
further comprises a body supporting member for supporting the body
of the user in a predetermined position according to the exercise
selected to be performed.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said body supporting
member is a bench capable of supporting the user's body in a
sitting position or in a reclining position, according to the
exercise selected to be performed.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said resistance
member is coupled to said body-engageable member by a direction
selector mechanism also presettable to select the direction of
displacement of said resistance member by said body-engageable
member, according to the exercise selected to be performed.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said body-engageable
member is coupled to said direction selector mechanism to pivot
about a first pivotal axis; and said resistance member is coupled
to said direction selector mechanism to pivot about a second
pivotal axis which is parallel to said first pivotal axis.
6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said body-engageable
member is coupled to said direction selector mechanism to pivot
about a first pivotal axis; and said resistance member is coupled
to said direction selector mechanism to pivot about a second
pivotal axis which is perpendicular to said first pivotal axis.
7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said body-engageable
member is coupled to said direction selector mechanism to pivot
about a pivotal axis; and the position of said body-engageable
member is angularly presettable with respect to the direction
selector mechanism about said pivotal axis.
8. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said apparatus
further comprises a pair of vertically-extending columns on
opposite sides of said body supporting member; and a carriage,
carrying said body-engageable member and said resistance member
coupled thereto, movable vertically along said columns to preset
said body-engageable member with respect to said body supporting
member according to the exercise selected to be performed.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said carriage
includes a pivotal mounting for pivotally mounting said resistance
member, and said body-engageable member to which it is coupled, to
enable presetting both said resistance member and said
body-engageable member with respect to said body supporting member
according to the exercise selected to be performed.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said
body-engageable member is also presettable angularly about a
vertical axis with respect to said resistance member according to
the exercise selected to be performed.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
includes two of said body-engageable members engageable by two
limbs of the user's body, and two of said resistance members each
coupled to one of said body-engageable members for imposing a
resistance to its displacement.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein each of said
resistance members is coupled to its respective body-engageable
member by a direction selector mechanism also presettable to select
the direction of displacement of the respective body-engageable
member with respect to the resistance member for imposing said
resistance to the displacement of said body-engageable member
according to the exercise selected to be performed.
13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said two
body-engageable members are presettable at least vertically with
respect to said body supporting member according to the exercise
selected to be performed.
14. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said two
body-engageable members are presettable at least angularly about a
vertical axis with respect to said body supporting member according
to the exercise selected to be performed.
15. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said two
body-engageable members are presettable vertically with respect to
said body supporting member, and angularly about a vertical axis
with respect to said body supporting member, according to the
exercise selected to be performed.
16. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: said apparatus
further comprises a pair of vertically extending columns on
opposite sides of said body supporting member; and each of said
body-engageable members, and the resistance member to which it is
coupled, is carried on a carriage movable vertically along one of
said columns to vertically preset said body-engageable members with
respect to said body supporting member according to the exercise
selected to be performed.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each of said
carriages includes a pivotal mounting for pivotally mounting said
resistance member, and said body-engageable member to which it is
coupled, about a vertical axis to enable presetting both said
resistance members and said body-engageable members with respect to
said body supporting member according to the exercise selected to
be performed.
18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each of said
carriages further includes a direction selector mechanism coupling
a body-engageable member with its resistance member, said direction
selector mechanisms being presettable to select the direction of
displacement of each resistance member by its respective
body-engageable member.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each of said
body-engageable members is coupled to its direction selector
mechanism to pivot about a first pivotal axis; and each resistance
member is coupled to its direction selector mechanism to pivot
about a second pivotal axis which is parallel to said first pivotal
axis.
20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each of said
body-engageable members is coupled to its direction selector
mechanism to pivot about a first pivotal axis; and each resistance
member is coupled to its direction selector mechanism to pivot
about a second pivotal axis which is perpendicular to said first
pivotal axis.
21. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each
body-engageable member is coupled to its direction selector
mechanism to pivot about a pivotal axis; and the position of said
body-engageable member is angularly presettable with respect to the
direction selector mechanism about said pivotal axis.
22. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each of said
direction selector mechanisms includes a clutch controllable to
selectively couple its body-engageable member to its resistance
member via a first gear assembly which moves said resistance member
in the same direction as said body-engageable member, or via a
second gear assembly which moves said resistance member in the
opposite direction as said body-engageable member.
23. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each of said
columns includes a screw threadeadly received in a nut carried by
the respective carriage for vertically moving said carriages with
respect to the body supporting member by the rotation of said
screws.
24. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
includes a pair of presettable body-engageable members each coupled
to a separate resistance member.
25. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus
includes a pair of presettable body-engageable members both coupled
to the same resistance member.
26. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said resistance
member is coupled to both body-engageable members by a pulley wheel
carried by the resistance member and movable vertically by a cable
having one end coupled to one of said body-engageable members, and
the opposite end coupled to the other of said body-engageable
members.
27. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said resistance
member includes one or more weights.
28. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
body-engageable member includes a bar or pair of bars to be grasped
by the user's hand or hands, or to be engaged by the user's leg or
legs.
29. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
body-engageable member includes a pusher plate or pair of pusher
plates to be pushed by the user's hand or hands, or by the user's
leg or legs.
30. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
body-engageable member includes a roller carried by a pivotal arm,
or by each of a pair of pivotal arms, to be engaged by said
selected part of the user's body.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to multi-function exercising
apparatus, and particularly to exercising apparatus capable of
enabling a user to select any one of a plurality of different
exercises to be performed by the user for exercising different
muscles or muscle groups in the user's body.
[0002] The need to exercise various muscles and muscle groups of
the human body is well recognized, and many exercising devices have
been developed for this purpose. Most of the exercising devices
that have been developed are dedicated devices, i.e., designed to
exercise a particular muscle or muscle group, or a limited number
of muscle groups. This requires the user to use many different
exercising devices for exercising different muscles and muscle
groups.
[0003] Multi-function exercising devices have also been developed
enabling a user to selectively exercise any one of a number of
muscles or muscle groups. Such multi-function exercising devices
generally include a plurality of different body-engageable members,
such as hand grips or leg bars, and a single resistance member,
such as a set of weights, which may be selectively coupled to the
different body-engageable members to enable the user to exercise a
selected muscle or muscle group by using a selected one of the
body-engageable members. Such known multi-function exercising
devices are generally complicated, expensive and bulky, since they
usually include complicated arrangements of cables and pulleys to
enable a selected one of the different body-engageable members to
be selectively coupled to the resistance member. Examples of the
latter type of multi-function exercising devices are described, for
example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,027,433; 5,263,915; and 4,915,377, the
contents of which patents are incorporated herein by reference as
background information.
[0004] There is a need for a multi-function exercising apparatus of
a simple and compact construction and yet capable of enabling a
user to select any one of a plurality of different exercises to be
performed by the user for exercising different muscles or muscle
groups in the user's body.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided
exercising apparatus capable of enabling a user to select any one
of a plurality of different exercises to be performed by the user
for exercising different muscle groups of the user's body, the
apparatus comprising: a body-engageable member engageable by a
selected part of the user's body, when supported on a body
supporting member, and displaceable in a predetermined direction by
a force applied by the selected body part to the body-engageable
member, according to the exercise selected to be performed; and a
resistance member coupled to the body-engageable member for
imposing a resistance to the displacement of the body-engageable
member when the selected part of the user's body applies the force
to the body-engageable member; the body-engageable member being
presettable with respect to the user's body, when supported on the
body supporting member, to enable selection of the body part to
engage the body-engageable member, and the direction of application
of the force applied by the body part to the body-engageable
member, according to the exercise selected to be performed.
[0006] It will thus be seen that, whereas the above-cited prior art
of known multi-function exercising devices provides a plurality of
selectable body-engageable member (such as handle bars to gripped
by the user's hands or leg bars to be engaged by the user's legs)
selected by the user according to the exercise to be performed, the
present invention provides a presettable body-engageable member
which is presettable with respect to the body supporting member
according to the exercise selected to be performed. As will be
described more particularly below, such apparatus is therefore
capable of being constructed more compactly than the above-cited
prior art devices, thereby enabling the apparatus to be more
suitable for smaller-space locations such as private homes, as well
as for larger-space locations such as health clubs.
[0007] In the described preferred embodiments, the apparatus also
includes the body supporting member, but it is contemplated that
the invention may be implemented in apparatus using the floor
itself for supporting the user's body, e.g., in a standing, sitting
or reclining position.
[0008] According to further features in the preferred embodiments
of the invention described below, the body supporting member is a
bench capable of supporting the user's body in a sitting position
or in a reclining position, according to the exercise selected to
be performed. In addition, the body-engageable member is preferably
a limb-engageable member capable of being gripped by a user's hand
or engaged by a user's leg, according to the preset position of the
limb engageable member, and displaceable thereby in the
predetermined direction, according to the exercise selected to be
performed. However, variations are described wherein the
body-engageable members may be pusher plates to be pushed by the
user's hands, or roller members to be engaged by a selected part of
the user's body, such the user's abdomen or back, to thereby
increase the variety of exercise capable of being performed with
the apparatus.
[0009] According to still further features in two of the described
preferred embodiments, the resistance member is coupled to the
body-engageable member by a direction selector mechanism also
presettable to select the direction of displacement of the
resistance member by the body-engageable member, according to the
exercise selected to be performed.
[0010] In the described preferred embodiments, the apparatus
further comprises a pair of vertically-extending columns on
opposite sides of the body supporting member; and a carriage
carrying the body-engageable member and the resistance member
coupled thereto, the carriage being movable vertically along the
columns to preset the body-engageable member with respect to the
body supporting member according to the exercise selected to be
performed. The carriage may include a pivotal mounting for
pivotally mounting the resistance member and the body-engageable
member to which it is coupled, to enable presetting both the
resistance member and the body-engageable member with respect to
the body supporting member according to the exercise selected to be
performed. The body-engageable member may also be angularly
presettable with respect to the resistance member according to the
exercise selected to be performed.
[0011] According to still further features in two of the described
preferred embodiments, the apparatus includes two of the
body-engageable members engageable by two limbs of the user's body,
and two of the resistance members each coupled to one of the
body-engageable members for imposing a resistance to its
displacement. Each of the resistance members is coupled to its
respective body-engageable member by a direction selector mechanism
also presettable to select the direction of displacement of the
respective body-engageable member with respect to the resistance
member for imposing the resistance to the displacement of the
body-engageable member according to the exercise selected to be
performed. However, another embodiment is described including a
single resistance member and no direction selector mechanism.
[0012] As will be described more particularly below, the foregoing
features of the invention enable simple and compact multi-function
exercising apparatus to be constructed capable of enabling a user
to select any one of a wide variety of different exercises for
exercising different muscles and muscle groups of the user's body.
Such apparatus also enables adjustment of the body-engageable
members for the specific physical dimension of the individual
users.
[0013] Further features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view illustrating one form of
multi-function exercising apparatus constructed in accordance with
the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a sectional view along line II-II of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view corresponding to that of FIG. 1 but
illustrating a different presettable position of the
body-engageable members in the apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged three-dimensional views
illustrating the pivotal coupling shown in the sectional view of
FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a three-dimensional view illustrating the
direction selector mechanism in the exercising apparatus of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates the exercising apparatus of FIG. 1 preset
for use in exercising primarily arm and shoulder muscles (e.g.,
deltoids);
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates the exercising apparatus of FIG. 1 preset
for use in exercising primarily leg and thigh muscles (e.g.,
hamstrings, quadriceps and hip flexors);
[0022] FIG. 9 is illustrates the exercising apparatus of FIG. 1
preset for use in exercising primarily arm and chest muscles (e.g.,
pectorals);
[0023] FIG. 10 is illustrates a direction selector mechanism
similar to that of FIG. 6, but modified to enable the respective
body-engageable member also to be presettable with respect to the
direction selector mechanism, as well as with respect to the
resistance member to which that mechanism is coupled;
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a multi-function exercising apparatus
similar to that of FIG. 1 but including the modified direction
selector mechanism of FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 11 but in another
preset condition, generally similar to that of FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 11 preset for use
in exercising primarily the arm and shoulder muscles, similar to
the set-up illustrated in FIG. 7;
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 11 preset for use
in exercising primarily the leg and thigh muscles, similar to the
set-up illustrated in FIG. 8;
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 11 preset for
exercising primarily the arm and chest muscles, similar to the
set-up illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 11 preset to
enable the user to exercise primarily the arm and chest muscles
while in a sitting position, rather than in a reclining position as
in FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates a further embodiment of the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view of part of the apparatus of
FIG. 17; and
[0032] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate alternative body-engageable
members that may be provided in any of the above-described
constructions for increasing the variety of exercises capable of
being performed on the respective apparatus.
[0033] It is to be understood that the foregoing drawings, and the
description below, are provided primarily for purposes of
facilitating understanding the conceptual aspects of the invention
and various possible embodiments thereof, including what is
presently considered to be preferred embodiments. In the interest
of clarity and brevity, no attempt is made to provide more details
than necessary to enable one skilled in the art, using routine
skill and design, to understand and practice the described
invention. It is to be further understood that the embodiments
described are for purposes of example only, and that the invention
is capable of being embodied in other forms and applications than
those described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The present invention is described below, for purposes of
example, primarily with respect to three preferred embodiments,
namely: (1) the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9; (2) the embodiment of
FIGS. 10-16; and the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18. Also described
below, in FIGS. 19 and 20, are examples of additional types of
body-engageable members which may be provided for use with any of
the above-described embodiments to further increase the variety of
exercises capable of being performed by a user of such
apparatus.
[0035] All of the described preferred embodiments include a body
supporting member, in the form of a bench assembly, for supporting
the user's body in a predetermined position according to the
exercise selected to be performed; a body-engageable member
engageable by a selected part of the user's body, such as bars to
be gripped by the user's hands or to be engaged by the user's legs
and displaceable by a force applied by the selected body part; and
a resistance member, such as a weight stack, coupled to the
body-engageable member for imposing a resistance to the
displacement of the body-engageable member. The first two
embodiments also include a direction selector mechanism for
selecting the direction of coupling of the body-engageable member
with respect to the respective resistance member. In all of the
described embodiments, the body-engageable member is presettable by
the user with respect to the body supporting member to enable
selection of the body part to engage the body-engageable member,
and the direction of application of the force applied by the body
part to the body-engageable member to be resisted by the resistance
member, according to the exercise selected to be performed.
[0036] While in all the described embodiments, the body supporting
member is a bench assembly, the body-engageable member is a bar to
be gripped by the user's hands or to be engaged by the user's legs,
and the resistance member is a weight stack, it will be appreciated
that these are merely preferred examples of devices that could be
used for this purpose, and that the invention could be implemented
in apparatus using other types of body supporting members,
body-engageable members, and resistance members. The invention
could also be implemented in apparatus utilizing the floor itself
as the body supporting member, e.g., for supporting the user's body
in a standing, sitting or reclining position. Also described in
FIGS. 19 and 20, are examples of other types of body-engageable
members that could be provided to increase the variety of exercises
capable of being performed with the described apparatus.
[0037] The Embodiment of FIGS. 1-9
[0038] As shown particularly in FIG. 1, the multi-function
exercising apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 includes the
following main assemblies: a frame structure, generally designated
10; a bench assembly, generally designated 20 supported by the
frame structure; a pair of the body-engageable members, generally
designated 30, presettable to different positions with respect to
the bench assembly 20; a pair of resistance members 40, each
coupled to one of the body-engageable members 30, for imposing a
resistance to the displacement of the body-engageable members in
order to exercise a selected muscle or muscle group; and a drive,
generally designated 50, for vertically driving the body-engageable
members 30, as well as the resistance members 40 to which they are
coupled, to different vertical positions with respect to the bench
assembly 20. Each body-engageable member 30 is coupled to its
respective resistance member 40 by a direction selector mechanism
60, which enables selection of the direction in which a force
applied to the body-engageable member 30 is resisted by its
respective resistance member 40.
[0039] As will be described below, the body-engageable members 30
are presettable with respect to the bench assembly 20, and the
direction selector mechanism is also presettable with respect to
the body-engageable member and the resistance member, to enable
selection of the body part (e.g., arms, or legs) of the user to be
engaged by the body part, and the direction of application of the
force applied by the body part to the body-engageable member which
is to be resisted by the resistance member, according to the
exercise selected to be performed.
[0040] Frame structure 10 includes a base 11 for supporting the
apparatus on a horizontal surface, such as a floor, and a bench
mounting structure 12 which mounts the bench assembly 20 in a
manner permitting the bench assembly to be moved in the transverse
direction with respect to the base 11. Bench mounting structure 12
is of an open frame construction, including top and bottom
horizontal walls 12a, 12b, and front and rear vertical walls 12c,
12d. Bench assembly 20 may be mounted for transverse (front-back)
movement by providing channels or guides (not shown) in the top
horizontal wall 12a of the bench mounting structure 12, as well
known in bench-type exercising apparatus.
[0041] Frame structure 10 further includes a pair of
vertically-extending columns 13, 14, on opposite sides of the bench
assembly 20. As will be described more particularly below, vertical
columns 13, 14, mount the body-engageable members 30, the
resistance members 40, and the direction selector mechanisms 60.
They also mount part of the vertical drive 50 such as to permit the
body-engageable members 30 to be preset vertically and also
angularly with respect to the bench assembly 20. As shown in FIG.
1, each of the vertical columns 13, 14, includes a pair of
vertically-extending posts 15a, 15b and 16a, 16b, respectively,
bridged at their upper ends by a cross-bar 17, 18.
[0042] The bench assembly 20 includes a horizontal panel 21 which
is movable in the transverse (front-back) direction with respect to
the base 11, and another panel 22 pivotally mounted at one end to
panel 21. When the bench assembly 20 is preset in the condition to
receive the user in a sitting position, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1
and 7, horizontal panel 21 serves as a seat, and panel 22 is
pivoted upwardly to serve as a back rest. When the bench assembly
20 is in the condition to receive the user in a reclining position,
e.g., as shown in FIG. 9, horizontal panel 21 serves as a
head-rest, whereas panel 22 is pivoted to a horizontal position to
support the remainder of the user's body in a reclining
position.
[0043] The illustrated apparatus includes two body-engageable
members 31, 32. Each member 31, 32 is a bar formed with two
right-angle bends 31a, 31b and 32a, 32b, respectively. One end of
each bar 31, 32, receives a freely-rotatable sleeve 33, 34, which
serves as a hand grip (e.g. as shown in FIG. 7), or a foot-engaging
element (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8) for engaging the respective body
part according to the exercise selected to be performed. The
opposite end of each body-engageable member or bar 31, 32 is
rotatably mounted in its respective direction selector mechanism
60. As described more particularly below with respect to FIG. 6,
each direction selector mechanism 60 couples the movements of its
body-engageable member 31, 32 to the respective resistance member
40 and determines the direction of displacement of the
body-engageable member 31, 32 to be resisted by the respective
resistance member 60.
[0044] Each body-engageable member 31, 32 together with its
respective direction selector mechanism 60 and resistance member
40, is mounted on a carriage, shown at 35, 36, respectively,
movable vertically in its respective vertical column 13, 14 by the
vertical drive 50, as described more particularly below.
[0045] Each resistance member 40 is in the form of one or more
weights 41, 42, for the respective body-engageable member 31, 32.
As best seen in FIG. 3, the weights 41, 42 for each of the
body-engageable members 31, 32, are mounted on one end of an arm
43, 44, The opposite end of each arm is pivotally coupled by a
shaft 45, 46 to the direction selector mechanism 60 for the
respective body-engageable member 31, 32. As indicated earlier, and
as will be described more particularly below with respect to FIG.
6, the direction selector mechanism 60 for each body-engageable
member 31, 32, enables the user to select the direction in which
the respective body-engageable member 31, 32 is to be moved in
order to have the respective resistance member 41, 42 impose its
resistance to the displacement of the body-engageable member 31,32,
according to the exercise selected to be performed.
[0046] The vertical drive, generally designated 50, for vertically
presetting each body-engageable member 31, 32 with respect to the
bench assembly 20, is a screw type drive. It includes a screw 51,
52 rotatably mounted on an end bearing 53, 54 in the base 11. Each
screw extends vertically in its respective vertical column 13, 14
between the two posts 15a, 15b and 16a, 16b, respectively.
[0047] As shown in the sectional view of FIG. 2, each screw 51, 52
(only screw 51 being shown in FIG. 2) threadedly receives a nut,
shown at 55 in FIG. 2, carried by the respective carriage (35, 36).
Thus, rotation of the screws 51, 52 in one direction will move the
two carriages 35, 36 upwardly, whereas rotation of the screws in
the opposite direction will move the carriages downwardly.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the two screws 51, 52 are rotated by a
sprocket chain 56 driven by an electrical motor 57 in the
appropriate direction to raise or lower the two carriages 35, 36 to
the preselected elevation. Control of motor 57 may be effected in
any suitable manner, such as by a manual control unit 58 (FIGS. 7
and 8).
[0049] As shown particularly in FIG. 2, carriage 35 (and also
carriage 36) includes slide bearings 35a for receiving post 15a,
slide bearings 35b for receiving post 15b, and an opening 35c for
receiving the respective screw 51. Each carriage 35, 36, further
includes a presettable pivotal mounting including a pivot pin
(e.g., 35d) for presetting the angular position of the respective
direction selector mechanism 60, and thereby of the body-engageable
member 31, 32 coupled thereto, with respect to the carriage 35, 36.
This presetting of each direction selection mechanism 60 also
presets the resistance member 41, 42 carried by the respective
carriage 35, 36.
[0050] FIGS. 4 and 5 more particularly illustrate the structure of
the presettable pivotal mounting including pivot pin 35d. As shown
in FIG. 4, the respective carriage 35 is formed with a circular
loop 35e received within a corresponding recess (not shown) in the
portion of the respective direction selector mechanism 60 receiving
the pivot pin 35d. Loop 35e is formed with a plurality of sockets
or bores 35f about its periphery, for selectively receiving a
spring-urged pin 35g (FIG. 5) carried by the direction selector
mechanism 60, in order to preset the angular position of the
direction selector mechanism with respect to the carriage 35 (or
36). It will thus be seen that the angular position of the
direction selector mechanism 60, and thereby also of the
body-engageable member 31 or 32 coupled thereto, may be preset
about the axis of pin 35d by merely pulling-out pin 35g, rotating
the direction selector mechanism 60, and then returning the pin to
seat in the appropriate socket 35f, according to the desired
angular position.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates one of the direction selector mechanisms
60 which couples each of the body-engageable members 31, 32, to the
respective resistance member 40, namely weights 41, 42 (FIG. 3). As
shown in FIG. 6, each direction selector mechanism 60 includes a
housing 61 enclosing a plurality of gears coupling one end 31c of
the respective body-engageable member 31 to shaft 45 of the
respective resistance member 40 (e.g., weight 41). End 31c of the
body-engageable member 31 serves as a shaft which rotatable
receives a pair of gears 62, 63 freely rotatable on shaft 31c, and
a clutch plate 64 splined to the shaft so as to be rotatable
therewith. Clutch plate 64 is movable axially in either direction
on shaft 31c to engage either gear 62 or gear 63, or to a neutral,
intermediate position decoupled from both gears.
[0052] The movement of clutch plate 64 to selectively engage gears
62, 63, may be effected manually or electrically. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 6, it is effected electrically by means of an
actuator (not shown) actuated by depressing a manual switch 65
carried by the respective body-engageable member 31 so as to permit
the user to conveniently actuate the direction selector
mechanism.
[0053] Gear 63 is coupled to shaft 45 of the resistance member 41
by two gears 66, 67. When gear 63 is made effective by the
actuation of clutch plate 64 to couple the resistance member 41 to
the body-engageable member 31, shaft 45 will be driven in the same
direction as shaft 31c so that the resistance member 41 will resist
the upward movement of the body-engageable member 31. On the other
hand, when clutch plate 64 is actuated to couple gear 62 to the
body-engageable member 31, gear 62 is directly coupled to gear 68
which is directly coupled to shaft 45 of the resistance member 41,
so that shaft 45 will be driven in the opposite direction as shaft
31c, whereby the resistance member 41 will resist the downward
movement of the body-engageable member 31. Clutch plate 64 is
actuated to its neutral position, decoupled from both gears, when
presetting the respective body-engageable member.
[0054] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate three examples of set-ups of the
apparatus presettable by the user according to the particular
exercise selected to be performed.
[0055] In FIG. 7, the apparatus is preset for exercising primarily
the arm and shoulder muscles (deltoids) of the user. In this
set-up, the bench assembly 20 is preset for receiving the user in a
sitting position; and the two body-engageable members 31, 32 are
preset at a higher elevation in front of the sitting user for
gripping by the user's hands. In FIG. 7, the direction selector
mechanism 60 for each body-engageable members 31, 32, is preset to
convert the downward movements of the body-engageable members 31,
32, to upward movements of the weights 41, 42, and are therefore
resisted by the resistance members 40. It will be appreciated,
however, that by merely reversing the presetting of the direction
selector mechanism 60, the upward movements of the body-engageable
members could be resisted by the resisting member.
[0056] FIG. 8 illustrates a set-up for exercising primarily the leg
and thigh muscles (the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hip flexors). It
will be seen that in this set-up, the bench assembly 20 is again
preset for receiving the user in a sitting position; the
body-engageable members 31, 32 are preset to a lower elevational so
as to be engageable by the legs of the user; and the
direction-changing mechanisms 60 are preset such that the upward
movements of the body-engageable members 31, 32 produce upward
movements of the resistance members 40, namely the weights 41,
42.
[0057] FIG. 9 illustrates a set-up for exercising primarily the
arm, shoulder and chest muscles (deltoids and pectorals). For this
set-up, the bench assembly 20 is preset for receiving the user in a
reclining position; the body-engageable members 31, 32 are preset
at an intermediate elevation so as to be grippable by the user's
hands and movable towards and away from the user's chest; and the
direction selector mechanisms 60 are preset such that the pivotal
movement of the body-engageable members 31, 32 inwardly towards the
user's chest produces an upward movement of the weights 41, 42, so
as to be resisted by the resistance members 40 coupled to the
body-engageable members 31, 32. It will also be seen that in the
set-up illustrated in FIG. 9, the direction-changing mechanisms 60
are pivoted so as to be perpendicular to their respective carriages
35, 36; whereas in the set-ups of FIGS. 7 and 8, the direction
selector mechanisms 60 are pivoted so as to be in alignment with
their respective carriages 35, 36.
[0058] The Embodiment of FIGS. 10-16
[0059] The apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 10-16 utilizes a modified
direction selector mechanism, as compared to the direction selector
mechanism 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-9, to increase the
adaptability of the apparatus for exercising different muscles and
muscle groups. FIG. 10 more particularly illustrates the
construction of the modified direction selector mechanism, therein
generally designated 160.
[0060] Direction selector mechanism 160 illustrated in FIG. 10
performs basically the same function as direction selector
mechanism 60, illustrated in FIG. 6, of selecting the direction of
movement of the respective resistance member 40 (e.g., weight 41)
with respect to the direction of movement of the respective
body-engageable member (e.g., bar 31). The modified direction
selector mechanism 160 illustrated in FIG. 10, however, performs
the additional functions of (1) enabling the pivotal axis of the
body-engageable members 31, 32 to be perpendicular to the pivotal
axis of the resistance members 41, 42; and (2) enabling the pivotal
axis of the body-engageable member 31 to be angularly preset with
respect to the pivotal axis of the resistance members. Both
increase the possible positions to which the body-engageable
members are presettable according to the muscle or muscle group
selected to be exercised.
[0061] To facilitate understanding FIG. 10, those parts in the
modified direction selector mechanism illustrated in FIG. 10 which
are the same, or substantially the same, as the parts in the
direction selector mechanism 60 illustrated in FIG. 6, are
identified by the same reference numerals; whereas the new parts,
or the substantially changed parts, are identified by reference
numerals beginning with "160".
[0062] Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the housing, therein designated
161, for the modified direction selector mechanism 160, is
integrally formed with a mounting disc 162 rotatable receiving a
ring 163 integrally formed with a housing 164 for housing a pair of
bevel gears 165, 166. Bevel gear 165 is fixed to a shaft 167
(corresponding to shaft 31c in FIG. 6) received within housing 161.
Shaft 167 in FIG. 10 (as shaft 31c in FIG. 6) rotatably supports
the two gears 62, 63 selectively coupleable to shaft 167 by the
clutch plate 64.
[0063] Bevel gear 166 within housing 164 is coupled to a hollow
shaft 168 which receives the inner end of the respective
body-engageable bar 31. Bar 31 is fixed to hollow shaft 168 by a
pin 169.
[0064] Ring 163 integrally formed with housing 164 includes a
series of holes 170 around its outer periphery selectively
receiving a pin 171 also receivable in a hole (not shown) in
mounting disc 162. Pin 171 received within a selected hole 170 in
ring 163 thus fixes the angular position of housing 164, and
thereby of its body-engageable member 31, with respect to housing
161 of the direction selector mechanism 160.
[0065] Such an arrangement thus locates the pivotal axis of the
body-engageable member 31 (namely, hollow shaft 168)
perpendicularly (rather than parallel as in FIG. 6) to the pivotal
axis 45 of the resistance member 41. It also enables the housing
164 for the respective body-engageable member 31 to be angularly
preset with respect to the housing 161 of the direction selector
mechanism 160, and thereby enables the pivotal axis (hollow shaft
168) of the body-engageable member 31 to be angularly preset with
respect to the pivotal axis (45) of the resistance member 41.
[0066] The above described modified direction selector mechanism
160 thus permits a greater variety of preset positions to be made
with respect to the body-engageable members 31, 32 in order to
adapt the apparatus for exercising almost any selected muscle or
muscle group of the user's body. FIGS. 11-16 illustrate examples of
different apparatus set-ups using the modified direction selector
mechanism 160 of FIG. 10. Except for the modified direction
selector mechanism 160, the apparatus set-ups illustrated in FIGS.
11-16 are otherwise basically the same as described above with
respect to FIGS. 1-9, and therefore corresponding parts of the
apparatus are identified by the same reference numerals in order to
facilitate understanding.
[0067] Thus, FIG. 11 illustrates a set-up similar to that of FIG.
1, except that the modified direction selector mechanism 160 has
been pivoted so as to be perpendicular to its respective carriage
35 (or 36), rather than parallel to it as in FIG. 1. This enables
considerably more versatility in the presetting positions of the
body-engageable members 31, 32 with respect to the bench assembly
20, and thereby increases the adaptability of the apparatus, using
the same body-engageable members, for exercising any selected
muscle or muscle group.
[0068] The set-up illustrated in FIG. 12 is similar to that of FIG.
2, except that, whereas in FIG. 2 the direction selector mechanisms
60 for each of the body-engageable members 31, 32, is perpendicular
to the respective carriage 35, 36, in FIG. 12 the modified
direction selector mechanism 160 is longitudinally aligned with the
respective carriage. As described above, the modified direction
selector mechanism 160 converts the pivotal movements of the
body-engageable members 31, 32 to pivotal movements of the
resistance members 41, 42 about axes perpendicular to the pivotal
axes of the resistance members, rather than parallel to those axes
as in FIG. 2. The modified direction selector mechanism 160 also
enables the pivotal axes of the body-engageable members to be
angularly preset with respect to the pivotal axes of the resistance
members.
[0069] FIG. 13 illustrates a set-up similar to that of FIG. 7, for
exercising primarily the arm and shoulder muscles of the user.
Whereas in FIG. 7, the direction selector mechanism 60 for each of
the body-engageable members 31, 32, is in longitudinal alignment
with its respective carriage 35, 36, in the set-up illustrated in
FIG. 13 the modified direction selector mechanism 160 is preset so
as to be perpendicular to the respective carriage 35, 36. Here
also, the modified direction selector mechanism 160 converts the
pivotal movements of the body-engageable members 31, 32 to pivotal
movements of the resistance members 41, 42 about axes perpendicular
to the pivotal axes of the resistance members, rather than parallel
to those axes as in FIG. 7. The modified direction selector
mechanism 160 also enables the pivotal axes of the body-engageable
members to be angularly preset with respect to the pivotal axes of
the resistance members.
[0070] FIG. 14 illustrates a set-up similar to that of FIG. 8 for
exercising primarily the leg and thigh muscles, except that,
whereas in FIG. 8 the direction selector mechanism 60 is in
longitudinal alignment with its respective carriage 35, 36, in the
set-up illustrated in FIG. 14 the modified direction selector
mechanism 161 is preset perpendicularly to its respective carriage
35, 36. The modified direction selector mechanism 160 thus converts
the pivotal movements of the body-engageable members 31, 32 to
pivotal movements of the resistance members 41, 42 about axes
perpendicular to the pivotal axes of the resistance members, rather
than parallel to those axes as in FIG. 8. The modified direction
selector mechanism 160 also enables the pivotal axes of the
body-engageable members to be angularly preset with respect to the
pivotal axes of the resistance members.
[0071] FIG. 15 illustrates a set-up similar to that of FIG. 9 for
exercising primarily the arm, shoulder and chest muscles of the
user, except that, whereas in FIG. 9 each direction selector
mechanism 60 is preset perpendicularly to its respective carriage
35, 36, in FIG. 15 each modified direction selector mechanism 160
is preset in longitudinal alignment with its respective carriage
35, 36. The use of the modified direction selector mechanism 160 in
the set-up of FIG. 15 thus provides the same advantages as
described above with respect to the set-up of FIG. 9.
[0072] FIG. 16 illustrates how the apparatus may be set-up also to
permit exercising primarily the arm, shoulder and chest muscles of
the user when the user is in a sitting position, rather than in a
reclining position as shown in FIG. 15. In this set-up, the two
carriages 35, 36 are preset in an elevated position on their
respective columns 13, 14; the modified direction selector
mechanism 160 for each body-engageable member 31, 32 is preset
perpendicularly to its respective carriage 35, 36; and each of the
body-engageable members 31, 32 is pivoted to extend downwardly with
respect to its modified direction selector mechanism 160. Such an
arrangement is permitted by the modified direction selector
mechanism 160 since it converts the pivotal axes of the
body-engageable members 31, 32 to be parallel to the pivotal axes
of the resistance members 41, 42, and also permits the
body-engageable members 31, 32 to be angularly adjusted with
respect to their pivotal axes.
[0073] THE Embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18
[0074] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a further embodiment of the
invention in the form of an apparatus, generally designated 300,
also including a pair of presettable body-engageable members 331,
332; in this case, however, both are coupled to the same resistance
member, generally designated 340. In addition, the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 does not require a
direction-selector mechanism, corresponding to mechanism 60 (FIGS.
1-9), or 160 (FIGS. 10-16), in the earlier-described
embodiments.
[0075] Thus, the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 17 includes a frame
structure 310 also mounting a body-supporting member 320 in the
form of a bench assembly, and a pair of body-engageable members
331, 332, presettable with respect to the bench assembly 320 to
enable selection of the user's body part or parts to be engaged by
the body-engageable members, according to the exercise selected to
be performed. The body-engageable members 331, 332 are vertically
presettable along a pair of vertically extending columns 313, 314
on opposite sides of the bench assembly 320, by means of carriages
335, 336 movable by screws 351, 352 supported by the vertical
columns, in the same manner as in the previously-described
apparatus. In this case, however, the two body-engageable members
331, 332 are coupled to the same resistance member 340 via a pulley
wheel 370 carried by the resistance member 340 and receiving a
cable 371 having one end 371a coupled to body-engageable member
331, and an opposite end 371b coupled to the other body-engageable
member 332. The arrangement is such that pivoting the two
body-engageable members 331, 332 towards or away from each other or
upwardly or downwardly, raises the resistance member 340. The
resistance member 340 is guided in its vertical movements by a pair
of guide bars 372a, 372b.
[0076] The two body-engageable member 331, 332 are coupled to their
respective ends of the pulley cable 371 by similar coupling
systems. Thus, each coupling system includes a connector 374
connecting the end of the respective body-engageable member 331,
332 to a shaft 375 which is in turn connected to one end of a
right-angle gear assembly 376. As shown in FIG. 18, assembly 376
includes a gear 376a fixed to one end of shaft 375 meshing with
gear 376b fixed to a horizontal hollow shaft 377 splined to another
shaft 378 fixed to another gear 379a of another right-angle gear
assembly 379. The two shafts 377 and 378 are located within sleeves
380, 381, in telescopic relationship to each other, enabling
body-engageable member 332 to be horizontally and angularly preset
by a clamping ring 381b movable to a clamping position or a
releasing position by a pivotal handle 381a.
[0077] Gear 379a (FIG. 18) of right-angle gear assembly 379 meshes
with another gear 379b slidably splined on a shaft 382 passing
through the respective carriage 336 such that the gear assembly 379
is moved vertically with its carriage 336 (or 335) by the rotation
of its screw 352 (or 351). The two body-engageable members are
presettable angularly about the horizontal axis of sleeve 381 by a
pin 382a carried by the respective carriage 336 (or 335) receivable
within a selected hole 381b in the respective gear assembly
379.
[0078] The upper end of each shaft 382 is received within another
right-angle gear assembly 383 which includes a gear 383a (FIG. 18)
meshing with another gear 383b coupled to one end of a horizontal
shaft 384 at the upper end of the respective vertical column 314
(or 313). The opposite end of each horizontal shaft 384 receives a
disc 385a, 385b rotatable with respect to its shaft 384 and having
a plurality of openings 386. Discs 385a, 385b are normally
decoupled from their respective shafts 374 to permit
body-engageable members 331, 332 to be individually preset by
individually moving each to its desired position. After said member
331 has been individually preset, its respective shaft 384 is
coupled to its disc 385a, 385b by inserting a pin 387a, 387b, fixed
to its shaft 384, into a hole 386 in its disc. Preferably, pins
387a, 387b are electromagnetically actuated. The two ends 372a,
372b of the pulley cable 372 are fixed eccentrically to their
respective discs, 385a, 385b such that rotation of each disc in
either direction, by pivoting its respective body-engageable member
332 in either direction, will raise the respective end of the
weight 340.
[0079] It will thus be seen that the body-engageable members 331,
332 are presettable vertically by screws 351, 352. It will also be
seen that the body-engageable members 331, 332 are presettable
about the horizontal axis of sleeve 381 by releasing, and then
tightening, clamping ring 381b via its pivotal handle 381a, to
thereby fix the telescopic position of sleeve 380 within sleeve
381. It will also be seen that the body-engageable members 331, 332
are presettable angularly about the vertical axis of shaft 382 by
angularly rotating gear assembly 379 with respect to shaft 382 and
fixing its position by inserting pin 382a within a selected hole
382b.
[0080] It will also be seen that rotating either body-engageable
member 331, 332 in either direction about its respective horizontal
axis (shaft 375), or about its respective vertical axis (shaft
382), will move its respective disc 385a, 385b clockwise in one
direction of movement, and counter-clockwise in the opposite
direction of movement. Either direction of movement of the discs
will cause their respective end of the weight 340 to rise, and
therefore will be resisted by the weight. Accordingly, weight 340
applies a separate load to each of the body-engageable members 331,
332.
[0081] Examples of Additional Body-Engageable Members
[0082] FIG. 19 and 20 illustrates examples of other body-engageable
members, generally designated 430 and 530, respectively, that may
be provided in addition to, or in lieu of, the above-described
body-engageable members 31, 32 in any of the above-described
embodiments.
[0083] Thus, FIG. 19 illustrates two body-engageable members, 431,
432, having one end receivable within hollow shaft 468 of the
modified direction selector mechanism 460 illustrated at 160 in
FIG. 10, and a pusher plate 433, 434 at the opposite end. Thus,
body-engageable members 431, 432 may be preset with respect to the
bench assembly 420 so as to be pushed by the hands of the user, or
by the feet or knees of the user, in order to exercise selected
muscles or muscle groups. The direction selector mechanism 460 for
each of the body-engageable members 431, 432 would be preset so as
to cause the weight 441, 442 to be moved in the upward direction
when the pusher plates 433, 434 are pushed, to thereby resist the
displacement of the pusher plates.
[0084] The body-engageable member illustrated in FIG. 20, and
therein generally designated 530, is in the form an elongated
roller 531 carried by a pivotal arm 532. Roller 531 may be of a
length so as to extend across the abdomen or back or the user to
enable the user to exercise muscle groups in the abdomen or back.
Alternatively, there could be a pair of such rollers 531, each
carried at one end of a pivotal arm 532, for engagement with the
opposite sides of the user's abdomen or back for exercising the
muscle groups therein, for engagement by the user's feet or legs
for exercising muscle groups therein, or for grasping by the user's
hands for exercising muscle groups therein.
[0085] While the invention has been described primarily with
respect to three preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that
these are set forth merely for purposes of example, and that the
invention can be implemented with many other structures. For
example, the body supporting member could be, instead of a bench
assembly for receiving the user in a sitting or reclining position,
a platform for receiving the user in a standing position, or the
floor itself for receiving the user in a standing, sitting,
kneeling or reclining position. The body-engageable member could
be, instead of a pair of bars graspable by the user's hands or
engageable by the user's legs, a single bar extending across the
body supporting member. The resistance member could be, instead of
a stack of weights, other devices, such as electromagnetic,
hydraulic, pneumatic or frictional devices, which impose a
resistance to the displacement of the body-engageable member.
Similarly, other forms of vertical drives could be used, such as
pulley and chain drives, not only motor-operated but also manually
operated.
[0086] Many other variations, modifications and applications of the
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
* * * * *