U.S. patent application number 10/849411 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for adjustable cable systems device.
Invention is credited to Carter, Kenneth E..
Application Number | 20050272573 10/849411 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35449722 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050272573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carter, Kenneth E. |
December 8, 2005 |
Adjustable cable systems device
Abstract
An adjustable cable system enables an exerciser to selectably
choose handle positioning for overhead handle engagement. An
adjustable framework generally stands upwardly, but generally not
vertically, away from a base and seat that supports an exerciser.
The framework extends out partially over the exerciser and has
generally two angled supports which angle toward each other.
Selectable handle systems are selectably engageable and lockable
along the length of each angled upright or portion thereof enabling
positioning of the handles for easy engagement by the exerciser. By
providing the adjustable cable system, the handles are more readily
and conveniently available to the exerciser and may enable greater
focus, attention, and/or development of exercise on certain muscles
or muscle groups.
Inventors: |
Carter, Kenneth E.;
(Clermont, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
35449722 |
Appl. No.: |
10/849411 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 ;
482/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/03516 20130101;
A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 21/15 20130101; A63B 2225/102 20130101;
A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 21/156 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 23/0355 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/099 ;
482/094 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/06; A63B
021/062 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device comprising the combination of a seat for
accommodating a seated user, a support structure operatively
associated with said seat and including two spaced apart, angled
and forwardly inclined, with respect to said seat, upright
supports, said supports being further apart at their bottom than
their top with each of said angled upright supports having an
operatively connected hand grippable handle member coupled to an
adjustable weight load, each of said hand grippable handle members
being adjustable along a length of said angled, forwardly inclined
upright supports.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising said upright
supports being generally coplanar and disposed at an angle with one
another in the range of approximately ten degrees to forty degrees
(10.degree.-40.degree.).
3. The exercise device of claim 2 further comprising said upright
supports being generally disposed at an angle with one another of
approximately twenty-three degrees (23.degree.).
4. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising said upright
supports being forwardly inclined at an angle in the range of
approximately forty-five to eighty degrees
(45.degree.-80.degree.).
5. The exercise device of claim 4 further comprising said upright
supports being forwardly inclined at an angle of approximately
sixty-eight degrees (68.degree.).
6. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising said upright
supports being selectably pivotable with respect to a base.
7. The exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said seat
has a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism coupled to said adjustable
weight load.
8. The exercise device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
support structure includes a central post coupled to said seat and
supporting and retaining an upper end of said upright supports.
9. The exercise device as set forth in claim 1 further comprising
an abdominal exercise system operatively coupled to said adjustable
weight load.
10. The exercise device as set forth in claim 9 wherein said
abdominal exercise system is a handled neck cowling.
11. An exercise device comprising the combination of a seat for
accommodating a seated user having a pivoting leg-engaging
mechanism and an abdominal exercise system operatively coupled an
adjustable weight load, a support structure operatively associated
with said seat and including two spaced apart, angled and forwardly
inclined, with respect to said seat, upright supports, said
supports being further apart at their bottom than their top, said
upright supports being generally coplanar and disposed at an angle
with one another in the range of approximately ten degrees to forty
degrees (10.degree.-40.degree.), said upright supports being
forwardly inclined at an angle in the range of approximately
forty-five to eighty degrees (45.degree.-80.degree.) with respect
to a base or similar horizontal, a central post coupled to said
seat supporting and retaining an upper end of said upright
supports, each of said angled upright supports having an
operatively connected hand grippable handle member coupled to said
adjustable weight load, each of said hand grippable handle members
being adjustable along a length of said angled, forwardly inclined
upright supports.
12. An exercise device as set forth in claim 11 further comprising
said upright supports being generally disposed at an angle with one
another of approximately twenty-three degrees (23.degree.).
13. An exercise device as set forth in claim 11 further comprising
said upright supports being generally forwardly inclined at an
angle of approximately sixty-eight degrees (68.degree.).
14. An exercise device as set forth in claim 11 further comprising
said upright supports being selectably pivotable with respect to
said base.
15. An exercise device as set forth in claim 11 wherein said
abdominal exercise system is a handled neck cowling.
Description
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
[0001] Portions of the disclosure of this patent document may
contain material which is subject to copyright and/or mask work
protection. The copyright and/or mask work owner has no objection
to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
and/or mask work rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to exercise machines and more
particularly to an adjustable cable system device enabling easier
manual engagement of handles for cable-linked weight systems and
the like.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Over the past several years, people have become more
interested in maintaining good physical health by deliberately
engaging in exercise and other physical activities. Weightlifting,
running, and swimming are but three of the several types of
exercise that people choose in order to maintain fitness. Rowing,
aerobic activity, as well as other forms of exercise are also used
in order to maintain fitness and provide some aerobic challenge to
a person's system so that they may maintain better health. The link
between physical activity and physical health is generally well
recognized although there may not be directly quantifiable results
arising from specific forms and durations of physical
activities.
[0006] Weight lifting is a specifically-chosen activity by many
people due to the ability to select and specifically focus on
physical activity for certain muscle groups. Consequently, through
weight lifting, an individual can focus actively on his or her
biceps, triceps, calves, thighs, gluteals, abdominals, etc. In so
doing, an individual may not only engage in aerobic activity, but
one that specifically strengthens a chosen muscle or group of
muscles.
[0007] Many weight systems such as those using cables linked to
weights and the like provide access to the resisting weights by
means of handles and the like disposed in a generally vertical
manner. Such vertical disposition of handles or other devices that
allow engagement of the weights by the exerciser may be
inconveniently positioned for certain activities. In some cases,
this is remedied by having a "spotter" in the form of another
person who aids the exerciser in engaging the weights. Such a
spotter can also aid when the exerciser chooses to disengage the
weights.
[0008] Many weight machines are specifically designed to help
provide exercise for the arms and chest as having broad shoulders
and good posture is desirable among many of those who exercise. In
such circumstances, a vertically disposed exercise system may
present a challenge to individuals who choose to use such a
machine. As a result, the handles or other devices for the weights
may be inconveniently located and require inconvenient grasping and
engagement techniques by the exerciser.
[0009] It would be advantageous to provide a system where the
machine accommodates the individual so that the handles or other
devices used to provide engagement with the weights are more
conveniently disposed or located so that the individual can focus
on the physical exertion of the exercise activity rather than
accommodating a poorly designed or inadvantageously designed weight
machine structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the foregoing and other known disadvantages
inherent in the known types of weight machines and handle and cable
systems now present in the prior art, the present invention
provides a new adjustable cable system wherein the same can be used
for advantageously providing convenient access to the handles or
other weight-engagement devices for convenient exercise by an
exerciser.
[0011] The general purpose of the present invention, described
below in greater detail, is to provide better access and more
convenient means by which handles or other devices for weight
machine systems and the like are made available for the exerciser.
Such a system which is set forth herein which is not anticipated,
rendered obvious, suggested, taught, or even implied by any of the
prior art weight cable systems, either alone or in any combination
thereof.
[0012] The present cable systems device allows easier access to
handles used to exercise against an adjustable weight load. By
providing a support structure that is angled forward and by
allowing the handles to selectably and adjustably slide along a
length of the support structure, an exerciser can position the
handles so that they are conveniently disposed for grasping and
situated so that resulting exercise focuses on desired muscle
groups.
[0013] The support structure has two upright supports that are
angled both forwardly and towards each other. In this way, travel
of the handles along the supports brings them closer together,
higher, and towards the exerciser as they travel up the supports.
The reverse is also true so that when the handles travel down the
supports they are separated more, lower, and disposed more behind
the exerciser. In one embodiment, the support structure makes an
angle of approximately twenty-one degrees (21.degree.) with the
vertical while the individual upright supports incline towards each
other at an angle of approximately twenty-three degrees
(23.degree.).
[0014] In one embodiment, the exercise device has a seat for
accommodating a seated user and a support structure operatively
associated with said seat. The support structure has two spaced
apart, angled and forwardly inclined, with respect to said seat,
upright supports with the supports being further apart at their
bottom than their top. Each of said angled upright supports has an
operatively connected hand grippable handle member coupled to an
adjustable weight load and each of the hand grippable handle
members are adjustable along a length of the angled, forwardly
inclined upright supports.
[0015] In another embodiment, the exercise device has a seat for
accommodating a seated user that has a pivoting leg-engaging
mechanism and an abdominal exercise system operatively coupled an
adjustable weight load. A support structure operatively associated
with the seat includes two spaced apart, angled and forwardly
inclined, with respect to the seat, upright supports. The supports
are further apart at their bottom than their top and the upright
supports are generally coplanar and disposed at an angle with one
another in the range of approximately ten degrees to forty degrees
(10.degree.-40.degree.). The upright supports are forwardly
inclined at an angle in the range of approximately forty-five to
eighty degrees (45.degree.-80.degree.) with respect to a base or
similar horizontal. A central post coupled to the seat supports and
retains an upper end of the upright supports with each of the
angled upright supports having an operatively connected hand
grippable handle member coupled to the adjustable weight load. Each
of the hand grippable handle members are adjustable along a length
of the angled, forwardly inclined upright supports.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide more
convenient access to handles for weight lifting or the like.
[0017] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
more convenient access to adjustable weightlifting handles in a
unique cable system for weightlifting.
[0018] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
more convenient access to a weightlifting cable system that is
convenient to use and easily understood without the need for
complicated instructions.
[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a support structure system for weightlifting handles that is easy
to manufacture.
[0020] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from a review of the following
specification and accompanying drawings. The foregoing objects are
some of but a few of the goals sought to be attained by the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a left side perspective view of a weightlifting
machine incorporating the adjustable cable system set forth herein
with an individual exerciser being shown in phantom.
[0022] FIG. 2 shows the weightlifting machine with the cable system
with the exerciser facing the opposite direction.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a left side perspective view of a cable system
used in the weightlifting machine of FIG. 1 and 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0024] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0025] Referring to the drawings where like numerals of reference
designate like elements throughout it will be noted that the
exercise machine 100 generally has a flat base 102 which in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is in the "T" shape so as to give it
stability in the plane of the floor. An optional housing 104 may be
in one or more portions and generally covers the cable system (FIG.
3) and the weights 106. The housing may allow access to the weights
106 so that they may provide a source of adjustable resistance for
the exerciser E.
[0026] As used herein, the masculine pronoun is used to refer to
exerciser E and is intended to reflect all exercisers of any
gender, the male pronoun being used for convenience only.
[0027] The exerciser E generally sits on a seat 120 having a back
support 122 and a hip support 124. As shown in FIG. 1, the
exerciser E is shown in phantom seated on the seat 120 with his
elbows engaging elbow or thigh pads 126 and his lower extremities
engaged in opposite sides by a knee pad or cushion 128, a foot
cushion 130, an extension 140, a seat 120 projects upwardly in an
angle from a distal end of the seat 120 in order to pivotally
engage an arm member 142 attached to the foot cushion 130. The
pivot or hinge 144 enables the arm member 142 with respect to the
extension 140 and enables the exerciser E to exercise his legs by
raising the footpads 130 against the resistance of the weights 106.
Coupling of the footpads 130 and arm member 142 to the weights 106
arises by means of the foot-head cable 146. A cable guide 148
guides the foot-head cable 146 as it travels through the foot-head
cable system about which more is set forth in detail below.
[0028] Via the arm member 142, the exerciser E is able to exercise
his legs particularly the knees and thigh by lifting the footpad
130 with whatever selected number of plates 106 are coupled to the
foot-head cable 146. The cowling 150 with its handles 152, 154 are
also coupled to the foot-head cable 146. By grasping the handles
152, 154 and pulling the cowling 150 about the neck, the exerciser
E is able to engage in abdominal or other exercises by bending
forward against the resistance of the weights 106.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an angled upright support system
160 provides a support means for selectably positionable handle
systems 162, 164. The angled upright support system 160 has two
angled uprights 166, 168 which are secured to the base 102 and at
the top to a cross member 170. The cross member 170 is also
attached to a central support post 172 which may be coupled to the
back support 122 extending to the base 102. A top portion of the
central support post 172 may be curved to the top portion 174
engage the cross member 170. The angled uprights 166, 168 may be
selectably pivotable with respect to their attachment to the base
102 and/or the top with respect to their attachment to the cross
member 170. Alternatively, a fixed connection may be established
between these members.
[0030] The angled uprights 166, 168 of the support system 160 are
generally angled forwardly and towards each other in a manner that
makes it easier for the exerciser E to engage the handles 162, 164.
If the angled uprights, 166, 168 were disposed vertically, the
exerciser E would generally have to reach behind his or her head in
an awkward and inconvenient manner in order to obtain his or her
grasp of the handles 162, 164.
[0031] The angled uprights 166, 168 make two important angles: the
angle of the angled uprights with respect to the vertical or
horizontal (the two are complementary) and the angle the uprights
make with themselves as they converge on the cross member 170.
[0032] Generally, each of the angled uprights, 166, 168 makes an
angle of approximately 68.5.degree. with respect to the horizontal,
such as the horizontal plain in which the base 102 rests. In a
complementary fashion, the angled uprights 166, 168 are shown in
the Figures and make an angle of approximately 21.5.degree. with
the vertical (generally at right angles to the base 102). These
angles for the vertical disposition of the angled uprights 166, 168
of the upright support system 160 are variable and possibly
selectable depending upon the permanency of the attachment point
the bottom of the angled uprights 166, 168 make with the base 102,
central support post 172 or other structure. Such an angle may vary
from 45.degree. to 80.degree. and possibly even enjoy a greater
degree of angular latitude with respect to the horizontal and/or
vertical.
[0033] The greater the departure of the upright support system 160
with the angled uprights 166, 168 makes from the vertical, the more
the selectably adjustable handle systems 162, 164 hang over the
exerciser E. Generally, the handle systems 162, 164 are positioned
such that the exerciser merely has to lift his hands over his head
in order to grasp the handles of the handle systems 162, 164. This
positioning generally varies according to the exerciser and the
handle systems 162, 164 are adjustable along the length of each of
the angled uprights 166, 168 as by a pin and hole mechanism as
shown in the Figures or otherwise. In this way, the exerciser is
able to engage the handles in a convenient manner. As shown in FIG.
2, when the exerciser E (shown in phantom) faces the opposite
direction as that shown in FIG. 1, the handles are again easily
grasped as they would be even if the exerciser E were facing the
direction shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] The central support post 172 may allow for adjustment for
the back support 122 and serves to hold the angled upright support
system 160 in place. As the vertical support delivered by the
central support post 172 may need adjustment if the angled uprights
166, 168 are adjustable with respect to their angle to the
vertical, certain accommodations can be made in order to maintain
the central support post 172 as well as the angular adjustability
of the angled uprights.
[0035] With respect to the angle between the two angled uprights
166, 168, the embodiments shown in the figures generally indicate
an angle of approximately 78.degree. that each angled upright 166,
168 makes with respect to the base 102 taken in the plane shared by
the two angled uprights 166, 168. Projection of the linear axes of
the angled uprights 166, 168 past the central support post 172
generally indicates an angle of approximately 23.degree. between
the two angled uprights 166, 168. These angles may be adjusted such
that the increase in the top acute angle whose projection would be
near the cross member 170 correspondingly leads to a decrease of
the angle between the angled uprights 166, 168 and the base 102
taken in the plane of the two angled uprights and vice-versa.
[0036] For purposes of discussion, the angle shared between the two
angled uprights 166, 168 is indicated as the top angle and as
indicated above has an indicated magnitude of approximately
23.degree. in one embodiment. This top angle may be adjusted or
selected generally according to the shoulder width and the
dispositions of the exerciser E. If the connections of the angled
uprights 166, 168 and the cross member 170 as well as the base 102
are all adjustable, the top angle as well as the two collateral
upright angles may be selectably adjusted to accommodate the
exerciser E. For those individual with longer arms, a possibly
wider top angle may be convenient whereas those with shorter arms
or narrower shoulders may prefer a narrower top angle. By providing
adjustment for the angles of the upright support system 160,
exerciser E can configure the exercise machine 100 according to
their preferences.
[0037] In operation, the weights 106 are generally engaged by a
pulley system in a manner generally known in the art but applied
specifically herein in a possibly unique way. The weights are
generally engaged by a pulley system, for example, for the
foot-head cable 146 enable the weights 106 to be disposed generally
in the center of the cable system and subject to pulling from the
exerciser E from either or both ends of the foot-head cable 146.
Close inspection of FIG. 3 indicates the travel of each of the
cables and each of the cable systems of which there are three: one
for the right hand handle 162, one for the foot-head cable system
146 and one for the left hand handle system 164. For purposes of
convenience, the cable system shown in FIG. 3 have each of their
pulleys numbered according to the handle or cable with which they
are associated. For the left hand adjustable handle system 162, the
pulleys are all labeled in sequence from 162a-162h. The front
coupling 180 of the right hand handle system 162 and its associated
cable 182 terminate at a cable end 184 which may be attached to a
fixed point in order to secure the lifting of the weights 106. The
same is similarly true for the left hand handle system with its
coupling 190, cable system 192, and its cable end 194. The pulleys
for the left hand adjustable handle system are all labeled in
sequence from 164a-164h. The foot-head cable has a foot coupling
200 and a head coupling 202 between which its several pulleys
enable the weights 106 to be lifted and exert tension when tension
is exerted sufficiently at either or both ends. The pulleys for the
foot-head cable 146 are all labeled in sequence from 146a-146q.
[0038] While the present invention has been described with regards
to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional
variations of the present invention may be devised without
departing from the inventive concept.
* * * * *