U.S. patent application number 11/204578 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-16 for attachment and mounting assembly for an exercise bench.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nautilus, Inc.. Invention is credited to Eric D. Golesh, Kelly O'Neal Frazier.
Application Number | 20060035772 11/204578 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35800697 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060035772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golesh; Eric D. ; et
al. |
February 16, 2006 |
Attachment and mounting assembly for an exercise bench
Abstract
The present invention provides attachment and mounting
assemblies that allow a user to releasably connect various
accessories with an exercise device, such as an exercise bench. As
such, a user use a plurality of different exercise accessories with
a single exercise bench. Some attachment assemblies can include a
mounting bracket connected with an exercise accessory and
configured to releasably connect with different components of the
exercise bench. The mounting bracket can be configured with one or
more hooks adapted to engage one or more bosses or studs on an
accessory support member connected with the exercise bench. In
addition, a removable pin can be inserted through corresponding
apertures in the support member and mounting bracket to help secure
the exercise accessory to the exercise bench.
Inventors: |
Golesh; Eric D.; (Arvada,
CO) ; O'Neal Frazier; Kelly; (Westminster,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
370 SEVENTEENTH STREET
SUITE 4700
DENVER
CO
80202-5647
US
|
Assignee: |
Nautilus, Inc.
Vancouver
WA
|
Family ID: |
35800697 |
Appl. No.: |
11/204578 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60602247 |
Aug 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4031 20151001;
A63B 21/0615 20130101; A63B 21/4029 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Claims
1. An attachment assembly for releasably connecting an exercise
accessory with an exercise device, the attachment assembly
comprising: a support member having at least one first aperture; at
least one boss connected with the accessory support member; a
bracket having at least one hook adapted to engage the at least one
boss and having at least one second aperture; a pin adapted to be
inserted through the at least one first aperture and the at least
one second aperture; and wherein the at least one second aperture
in the mounting bracket is adapted to align with the at least one
first aperture in the accessory support member when the at least
one hook engages the at least one boss.
2. The attachment assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
exercise device connected with the support member.
3. The attachment assembly of claim 2, wherein the exercise device
comprises an exercise bench.
4. The attachment assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
exercise accessory connected with the bracket.
5. The attachment assembly of claim 4, wherein the exercise
accessory comprises a leg hold-down accessory.
6. The attachment assembly of claim 4, wherein the exercise
accessory comprises a leg developer accessory.
7. The attachment assembly of claim 4, wherein the exercise
accessory comprises a preacher curl accessory.
8. The attachment assembly of claim 4, wherein the exercise
accessory comprises a first member coupled with the bracket.
9. The attachment assembly of claim 8, the exercise accessory
further comprising: a support tube connected with the bracket; and
wherein the support tube is adapted to receive a portion of the
first member.
10. The attachment assembly of claim 9, the exercise accessory
further comprising: a plurality of apertures on the first member;
and a pop-pin connected with the support tube and adapted to
selectively engage the plurality of apertures on the first
member.
11. The attachment assembly of claim 1, wherein the bracket defines
a U-shaped cross section having a first side and a second side
connected with and separated by a base side.
12. The attachment assembly of claim 11, wherein the at least one
hook comprises a first hook defined in the first side of the
bracket and a second hook defined in the second side of the
bracket.
13. An exercise device comprising: a frame; a user support coupled
with the frame; a support member connected with the frame; at least
one boss connected with the support member and having at least one
first aperture; an exercise accessory; a bracket connected with the
exercise accessory, the bracket having at least one hook adapted to
engage the at least one boss and having at least one second
aperture; a pin adapted to be inserted through the at least one
first aperture and the at least one second aperture; and wherein
the at least one second aperture in the mounting bracket is adapted
to align with the at least one first aperture in the accessory
support member when the at least one hook engages the at least one
boss.
14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a leg hold-down accessory.
15. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a leg developer accessory.
16. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a preacher curl accessory.
17. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a first member coupled with the bracket.
18. The exercise device of claim 17, wherein the exercise accessory
further comprises a support tube connected with the bracket, and
wherein the support tube is adapted to receive a portion of the
first member.
19. The exercise device of claim 18, the exercise accessory further
comprising: a plurality of apertures in the first member; and a
pop-pin connected with the support tube and adapted to selectively
engage the plurality of apertures on the first member.
20. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein the bracket defines a
U-shaped cross section having a first side and a second side
connected with and separated by a base side.
21. The exercise device of claim 20, wherein the at least one hook
comprises a first hook defined in the first side of the bracket and
a second hook defined in the second side of the bracket.
22. An exercise device comprising: a frame; a user support coupled
with the frame; an accessory support member connected with the
frame, the accessory support member having at least one aperture;
and at least one boss connected with the accessory support
member.
23. The exercise device of claim 22, further comprising an exercise
accessory adapted to releasably connect with the accessory support
member.
24. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a leg hold-down accessory.
25. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a leg developer accessory.
26. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a preacher curl accessory.
27. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises first member coupled with a bracket, and wherein the
bracket defines at least one hook adapted to engage the at least
one boss.
28. The exercise device of claim 27, wherein the exercise accessory
further comprises a support tube connected with the bracket, the
support tube adapted to receive a portion of the first member.
29. The exercise device of claim 28, the exercise accessory further
comprising: a plurality of apertures on the first member; and a
pop-pin connected with the support tube and adapted to selectively
engage the plurality of apertures on the first member.
30. The exercise device of claim 22, wherein the exercise accessory
comprises a bracket connected with a first member, and wherein the
bracket includes at least one aperture.
31. The exercise device of claim 30, further comprising a pin
adapted to be inserted through the at least one aperture in the
bracket and the at least one aperture in the accessory support
member.
32. The exercise device of claim 31, wherein the at least one
aperture in the mounting bracket is adapted to align with the at
least one aperture in the accessory support member when the at
least one hook is engaged with the at least one boss.
33. The exercise device of claim 30, wherein the bracket defines a
U-shaped cross section having a first side and a second side
connected with and separated by a base side.
34. The exercise device of claim 33, wherein the at least one hook
comprises a first hook defined in the first side of the bracket and
a second hook defined in the second side of the bracket.
35. An exercise device comprising: a frame; a user support operably
coupled with the frame; an exercise accessory; and a means for
connecting the exercise accessory with the frame.
36. The exercise device of claim 35, further comprising a means for
selectively adjusting the position of the exercise accessory
relative to the frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/602,247 filed on Aug. 16, 2004 and entitled
"Attachment and Mounting Assembly For an Exercise Bench", which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of the Invention
[0003] Aspects of this invention relate to exercise devices, some
more particular aspects involve attachment and mounting assemblies
for releasably coupling various exercise accessories with an
exercise bench.
[0004] b. Background Art
[0005] Many currently available exercise benches provide a frame
with a user support upon which a user can place his body while
performing various exercises. For example, a user can lift free
weights or interface with another exercise device, such as a
universal-type gym exercise system, while being supported on a
exercise bench. Some exercise benches can also include an exercise
accessory connected therewith that allows a user to perform
additional exercises, such as leg curls while seated on the
exercise bench. However, many of these exercise accessories are
permanently attached to the exercise benches. As such, a user
cannot easily remove the exercise accessory and/or swap it out with
another accessory in order to perform a different exercise. For
example, a user cannot easily reconfigure such an exercise bench
with a leg curl accessory to one with a preacher curl accessory. As
such, a user of such an exercise bench may be limited to a
relatively small number of different exercises that can be
performed with the exercise bench and/or may need access to more
than one exercise bench in order to perform a larger variety of
different exercises.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention provides attachment and mounting
assemblies that allow a user to releasably connect various
accessories with an exercise device, such as an exercise bench. As
such, a user can use a plurality of different exercise accessories
with a Express Mail Label No. EV 680 426 365 US Docket No.
34772[US/2 single exercise bench. Examples of such accessories
include leg hold-down accessories, leg developer accessories, and
preacher curl accessories. With the aforementioned examples, one
exercise bench can be selectively configured for leg extension
exercises, leg curl exercises, and/or curl exercises. In other
applications, accessories can be connected with the exercise bench
to allow a user to interface with other exercise devices. For
example, a leg hold-down accessory can be connected with the
exercise bench that allows a user to maintain his position on the
exercise bench when performing pull-down exercises with a lat
tower. Some attachment assemblies can include a mounting bracket
connected with various exercise accessories and configured to
releasably connect with different components on the exercise bench.
In some embodiments, the brackets are configured to releasably
connect directly with a bench frame. In other embodiments, the
brackets are configured to releasably connect with an accessory
support member connected with a bench frame. The mounting bracket
can be configured with one or more hooks adapted to engage one or
more bosses or studs on the accessory support member. In addition,
the attachment assembly can include a removable pin adapted to be
inserted through corresponding apertures in the support member and
mounting bracket to help secure the exercise accessory to the
exercise bench. It is to be appreciated that the attachment and
mounting configurations should not be construed to be limited to
use with only the exercise bench and accessories depicted and
described herein.
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, an attachment
assembly for releasably connecting an exercise accessory with an
exercise device includes: a support member having at least one
first aperture; at least one boss connected with the accessory
support member; a bracket having at least one hook adapted to
engage the at least one boss and having at least one second
aperture; and a pin adapted to be inserted through the at least one
first aperture and the at least one second aperture. The at least
one second aperture in the mounting bracket is adapted to align
with the at least one first aperture in the accessory support
member when the at least one hook engages the at least one
boss.
[0008] In another form of the present invention, an exercise device
includes: a frame; a user support coupled with the frame; a support
member connected with the frame; at least one boss connected with
the support member and having at least one first aperture; an
exercise accessory; a bracket connected with the exercise
accessory, the bracket having at least one hook adapted to engage
the at least one boss and having at least one second aperture; and
a pin adapted to be inserted through the at least one first
aperture and the at least one second aperture. The at least one
second aperture in the mounting bracket is adapted to align with
the at least one first aperture in the accessory support member
when the at least one hook engages the at least one boss.
[0009] In yet another form of the present invention, an exercise
device includes: a frame; a user support coupled with the frame; an
accessory support member connected with the frame, the accessory
support member having at least one aperture; and at least one boss
connected with the accessory support member.
[0010] In still another form of the present invention, an exercise
device includes: a frame; a user support operably coupled with the
frame; an exercise accessory; and a means for connecting the
exercise accessory with the frame.
[0011] The features, utilities, and advantages of various
embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following
more particular description of embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise bench with a leg
hold-down accessory connected therewith.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the exercise bench shown in
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the exercise bench shown in
FIG. 1 with the leg hold-down accessory removed.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a detailed view of an accessory support member of
the exercise bench shown in FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the exercise bench
depicted in FIG. 3, taken along line 5A-5A.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the exercise bench
depicted in FIG. 2, taken along line 5B-5B.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the exercise bench and leg
hold-down accessory shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the exercise bench and leg
hold-down accessory shown in FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8A is an isometric view of a mounting bracket.
[0021] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket
depicted in FIG. 8A, taken along line 8A-8A.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a right side view of an exercise bench with a leg
developer accessory connected therewith.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a detailed isometric view of the leg developer
accessory and exercise bench shown in FIG. 9.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the leg developer accessory
and exercise bench shown in FIG. 10.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a right side view of an exercise bench with a
preacher curl accessory connected therewith.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a detailed isometric view of the preacher curl
accessory and exercise bench shown in FIG. 12.
[0027] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the preacher curl accessory
and exercise bench shown in FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 15A is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
mounting bracket.
[0029] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket
depicted in FIG. 15A, taken along line 15B-15B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention provide attachment and
mounting assemblies that allow a user to easily and reliably
connect and disconnect various accessories with an exercise device,
such as an exercise bench. As discussed in more detail below,
attachment and mounting assemblies according to aspects of the
present invention can be configured to releasably couple various
exercise accessories with an exercise bench. As such, a user can
use a single exercise bench to perform different exercises with
different exercise accessories. Examples of such accessories
include leg hold-down accessories, leg developer accessories, and
preacher curl accessories. With the aforementioned accessories, one
exercise bench can be selectively configured to perform leg
extension exercises, leg curl exercises, and/or curl exercises. In
another example, a leg hold-down accessory can be connected with
the exercise bench to allow a user to more easily interface with
other exercise devices, so as to perform pull-down exercises with a
lat tower for example.
[0031] As described below in more detail, attachment and mounting
assemblies can include various components adapted to releasably
connect various exercise accessories with an exercise bench. In
some embodiments, the attachment assemblies are configured to
releasably connect the exercise accessories directly with a bench
frame. In other embodiments, the attachment assemblies are
configured to releasably connect the accessories with an accessory
support member, which in turn, is connected with a bench frame. As
described below, attachment assemblies can include a mounting
bracket having one or more hooks adapted to engage one or more
bosses or studs on the accessory support member. In addition, the
attachment assemblies can include a removable pin adapted to be
inserted through corresponding apertures in the mounting bracket
and accessory support member. As such, the mounting bracket can be
connected with the accessory support member by first engaging the
hooks with the bosses and then inserting the removable pin through
the corresponding apertures in the support member and mounting
bracket. It is to be appreciated that the attachment and mounting
configurations described and depicted herein can be used with
various types and styles of exercise devices, exercise benches, and
exercise accessories and should not be construed to be limited to
those depicted and described herein.
[0032] FIGS. 1-6 and others show one example of an exercise device
in the form of an exercise bench 100 with an attachment assembly
101 to releasably connect various exercise accessories 102 with the
exercise bench. As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 6, the exercise bench 100
includes a user support 104 having a front seat 106 and a back rest
108, which are both adjustably supported on a bench frame 110. The
frame 110 includes an arcuate center support member 112 connected
with a front base member 114 and a rear base member 116, both of
which are adapted to stably support the exercise bench on a support
surface, such as a floor or a ground surface. The arcuate center
support member 112 defines a front support portion 118 extending
rearward and upward from the front base member 114, and a rear
support portion 120 extending forward and upward from the rear base
member 116. A user can lift and drag the exercise bench from one
location to another by grasping a handle 130 connected with the
front support portion 118 of the arcuate center support member 112.
Right and left seat support brackets 122, 124 are connected with
opposing sides of the arcuate center support member 112 near an
apex 126 of the curved shape of the center support member. As
described in more detail below, the user support 104 is pivotally
connected with a seat axle 128 extending between the seat support
brackets 122, 124.
[0033] The exercise bench can be configured with various types of
user supports having various features to support a user in
different positions. For example, the incline of the back rest 108
of the exercise bench 100 depicted in FIGS. 1-6 and others can be
configured with an adjustable incline. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and
6, the back rest 108 of the user support is connected with right
and left rear seat support members 132, 134. The rear support
members, in turn, are pivotally connected with the seat axle 128
extending between the seat support brackets 122, 124. As such, the
incline of the back rest 108 of the user support 104 can be
adjusted by pivoting the back rest up and down about the seat axle
128 (directions A and B, respectively, in FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0034] The exercise bench can also be configured to allow a user to
selectively maintain the back rest portion in a desired level of
incline. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, the exercise bench 100
includes a rear seat adjustment member 136 pivotally connected with
the back rest 108 of the user support 104. A first end portion 138
of a rear seat adjustment member 136 is pivotally connected with a
rear axle 140 extending between the two rear seat support members
132, 134. As such, the rear seat adjustment member 136 can pivot
forward and rearward (directions A' and B', respectively, in FIGS.
2 and 3). A second end portion 142 of the rear seat adjustment
member is adapted to engage a plurality of stop brackets 144
connected with the rear support portion 120 of the arcuate center
support 112. As best shown in FIG. 6, each stop bracket includes a
rear side 146 extending upward from a top surface 148 of the rear
support portion 120 of the arcuate center support member 112.
Although the exercise bench is depicted with six stop brackets, it
is to be appreciated that the exercise bench can include more or
less than six stop brackets. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 6, when
the second end portion 142 of the rear seat adjustment member 136
is engaged with the rear side 146 of one of the stop brackets 144,
the back rest 108 of the user support 104 prevented from pivoting
downward (direction B in FIGS. 2 and 3). As such, the incline of
the back rest portion can be selectively adjusted by engaging the
second end portion of the rear seat adjustment member with a
particular stop bracket.
[0035] When increasing the incline of the back rest 108 of the user
support 104, the user first pivots the back rest 108 upward
(direction B in FIG. 2), which disengages the second end portion
142 of the rear seat adjustment member 136 of from the stop
brackets 144. As the user continues to pivot the back rest 108
upward, the rear seat adjustment member 136 is pivoted forward
(direction B' in FIGS. 2 and 3). The second end portion 142 of the
rear seat adjustment member 136 can then be placed in engagement
with a different stop bracket 144, such as shown in FIG. 3. When
decreasing the incline of the back rest 108 of the user support
104, the user pivots the back rest 108 upward (direction A in FIG.
3) enough to disengage the second end portion 142 of the rear seat
adjustment member 136 from the stop bracket 144. The user can then
pivot the rear seat adjustment member 136 rearward (direction B' in
FIGS. 2 and 3) while at the same time pivoting the back rest 108
downward (direction B in FIGS. 2 and 3). The second end portion 136
of the rear seat adjustment member 136 can then be placed in
engagement with another stop bracket 144, such as shown in FIG.
2.
[0036] The front seat 106 of the exercise bench 100 depicted in
FIGS. 1-6 and others can also be configured an adjustable incline.
As shown in FIGS. 2-5A, the front seat 106 of the user support 104
is connected with right and left front seat support members 150,
152, which are pivotally connected with the seat axle 128. As such,
the incline of the front seat 106 of the user support 104 can be
adjusted by pivoting the front seat up and down about the seat axle
(directions C and D, respectively, in FIGS. 2 and 3). The exercise
bench 100 can also be configured to allow a user to selectively
maintain the front seat 106 in a desired level of incline. As shown
in FIG. 2, 3, and 5A, the exercise bench includes right and left
front seat adjustment members 154, 156 pivotally connected with the
front seat 106 of the user support 104. First end portions 158 of
the front seat adjustment members 154, 156 are pivotally connected
with the front seat support members 150, 152 at a forward pivot
160. As such, the front seat adjustment members 154, 156 can pivot
rearward and forward (directions C' and. D', respectively, in FIGS.
2 and 3). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, second end portions 112 of
the front seat adjustment members are connected with a cross member
164. The cross member 164 extends through corresponding slots 166
extending along a portion of opposing sides of a front extension
member 168. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front extension member
168 extends forward from the front support portion 118 of the
arcuate center support 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the slots 166 in
the opposing sides of the front extension member 168 include a
downwardly extending first end portion 170 intersecting a
longitudinally extending second end portion 172 defining a stop
ledge 174 therebetween. Pivoting the front seat 106 up or down
while at the same time positioning the cross member 164 in the
first or second end portions 170, 172 of the slot 166 allows a user
to select between two incline positions for the front seat.
[0037] When the cross member 164 is positioned in the first end
portion of the slots 166, the cross member is in an abutting
relationship with stop ledge 174, as shown in FIG. 2. As such, the
front seat 106 of the user support 104 is prevented from pivoting
downward (direction D in FIG. 2). When decreasing the incline of
the front seat of the user support, the user initially pivots the
front seat upward (direction C in FIG. 2), which positions the
cross member 164 above the stop ledge 174, allowing the cross
member to slide forward toward the second end portions 172 the
slots 166. Once the cross member is lifted above the stop ledge
174, the user pivots the front seat 106 downward while at the same
time pivoting the front seat adjustment members 154, 156 forward
(direction C' in FIGS. 2 and 3) until the cross member 164 engages
the second end portion 172 of the slots 164 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0038] When increasing the incline of the front seat 106 of the
user support 106, the user first pivots the front seat upward
(direction C in FIG. 3). As the front seat pivots upward, the front
seat adjustment members 154, 156 pivot rearward (direction C' in
FIGS. 2 and 3), which moves the cross member 164 rearward toward
the intersection of the first and second end portions 170, 172 of
the slots 164. Above the stop ledge 174. Once the cross member 164
is positioned above the stop ledge 174, the user pivots the front
seat 106 downward (direction D in FIG. 2). As the front seat pivots
downward, the cross member also moves downward and is placed into
an abutting relationship with the stop ledge, as shown in FIG.
2.
[0039] As previously mentioned, the exercise bench 100 and exercise
accessory 102 shown in FIGS. 1-6 and others are configured with an
attachment assembly 101 to releasably connect the exercise
accessory 102 with the exercise bench. The attachment assembly 101
can include an accessory support member 176 connected with the
exercise bench 100 adapted to releasably connect with and support
various types of exercise accessories 102. As shown in FIGS. 1-6
and others, the accessory support member 176 extends upward and
forward from the front support portion 118 of the arcuate center
support 112. It is to be appreciated that various embodiments of
exercise benches can include different accessory support members.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5B, the accessory support
member 176 defines a generally square cross-section and is fitted
with a cap 178 at the upper end portion thereof. In other
embodiments, the accessory support member defines differently
shaped cross sections, such as a circular cross-section and can be
constructed from various types of materials, such as metal tubing.
As previously mentioned, other embodiments of attachment assemblies
need not include a separate accessory support member, and as such,
various exercise accessories can be releasably connected directly
with various bench frame components, such as the arcuate center
support member 112.
[0040] As previously mentioned, the attachment assembly 101 can
include a mounting bracket 180 connected with the exercise
accessory and adapted to connect with the accessory support member
176. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5B, 6, and others, hooks 184 defined
on the mounting bracket 180 are adapted to engage studs or bosses
182 extending from opposing sides of the accessory support member.
As shown in FIG. 5B, a single member 183 extending through opposing
sides of the accessory support member 176 can be used to form the
bosses 182. In other embodiments, the bosses can be formed by
connecting two separate studs with opposing sides of the accessory
support member. As discussed in more detail below, the bosses 182
assist the user in positioning the mounting bracket 180 on the
accessory support member 176 as well as holding the mounting
bracket in a fixed position relative to the accessory support
member. In addition, the attachment assembly 101 can include a pin
188 adapted to be inserted through in pin apertures 186 in the
accessory support member 176 to help connect the mounting bracket
180 with the accessory support member 176.
[0041] FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7 show one example of an exercise
accessory 102 in the form of a leg hold-down accessory 190 with the
attachment assembly 101 adapted to releasably connect with the
accessory support member 176. As shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the
leg hold-down accessory 190 includes a pair of roller pads 192 and
mounting bracket 180 connected with opposing end portions of a
first member 194. The pair of roller pads 192 are rotatably
supported on right and left pad support members 196, 198 extending
outward from opposing sides of the first member 194. The roller
pads 192 are adapted to engage a user's legs when performing
exercises so as to help maintain the user's position on the
exercise bench 100. For example, a user can position his legs
behind the roller pads 192 to help maintain his position on the
front seat 106 when performing pulldown exercises when the exercise
bench is used in conjunction with a lat tower (not shown).
[0042] As previously mentioned, the mounting bracket 180 is adapted
to engage and releasably connect with the accessory support member
176. It is to be appreciated that embodiments of mounting bracket
can be configured in different ways so as to properly engage the
accessory support member. For example, the mounting bracket 180
shown in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B is U-shaped and defines a first side
200 and a second side 202 connected with and separated by a base
side 204. The first side 200 and the second side 202 are
substantially mirror images of each other. Although the mounting
bracket is depicted as a unitary piece, it is to be appreciated
that the mounting bracket could be constructed from a plurality of
pieces. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8B, the hooks 184 are defined in a
bottom edge 206 of the first and second sides 200, 202 of the
mounting bracket 180. As shown in FIG. 8B, the bottom edges 206 of
the first and second sides 200, 202 of the mounting bracket extend
upward from a bottom edge 208 of the base side 204 to a concave
portion 210. From the concave portion, the bottom edges extend
outward from the base side and intersects with arcuate forward
portions 212. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A, pin apertures 214 are
located in the first and second sides 200, 202 directly across from
each other. As discussed in more detail below, the pin apertures
214 are spaced a sufficient distance from the base side 204 such
that when the mounting bracket 180 is engaged with the accessory
support member 176, the pin apertures 214 on the mounting bracket
176 align with the pin apertures 186 on the accessory support
member 176.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the leg hold-down accessory 190 can be
connected with the accessory support member 176 by first placing
the hooks 184 on the mounting bracket 180 into engagement with the
bosses 182 extending from the accessory support member. The
mounting bracket 180 is then rotated about the bosses 182 until the
base side 204 of the mounting bracket 180 is adjacent to and in
contact with a front side 216 of the accessory support member 176.
At this point, the pin apertures 214 in the mounting bracket 180
are aligned with the pin apertures 186 in the support member 176.
The pin 188 can then be inserted through the apertures 186, 214 to
secure the mounting bracket 180 and the leg hold-down accessory 190
to the accessory support member 176. The engagement of the hooks
184 with the bosses 182 extending from the accessory support member
176 help prevent the mounting bracket 180 from disengaging from the
accessory support member 176 when forces are applied to the leg
hold-down accessory 190, such as may occur during exercise. In
addition, when the leg hold-down accessory 190 is connected with
the forward support member 176, forces applied to the leg hold-down
accessory in the forward and rearward directions are resisted
through the engagement of the hooks 184 and pin 188 with accessory
support member 176. To disconnect the leg hold-down accessory from
the forward support member, the pin is removed from the pin
apertures, and the leg hold-down accessory is lift upward and away
from the accessory support member to disengage the hooks from the
bosses.
[0044] The attachment assembly may also include various pin
configurations used to connect the mounting bracket 180 with the
accessory support member 176. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 5B
and 7, the pin 188 may be an elongated member having a generally
circular cross-section. It is to be appreciated that other
cross-sectional shapes can be used, such as oval, square,
rectangular, multisided, or other conventional shapes, preferably
shaped to fit within the pin aperture. The pin 188 may also include
a spring-loaded locking mechanism or depressable protrusion 218 to
help prevent unintended axial movement and/or disengagement of the
pin from the pin apertures 186, 214. For example, as shown in FIG.
5B, the locking mechanism 218 can include a spring-loaded ball
bearing 220 located near a distal end portion 222 of the pin 188. A
relatively small outer portion 224 of the ball bearing 220 extends
outwardly from the outer circumferential surface of the pin 188 to
engage sidewalls of the pin apertures 186, 214, thus requiring an
increased force to move the distal end portion 222 of the pin 188
through the apertures. For example, as the pin 188 is inserted
through the pin apertures, the small outer portion 224 of the ball
bearing 220 engages the sidewalls of the apertures and is forced
inward against a spring 226, allowing the pin to pass through the
apertures. Once the ball bearing passes through the apertures, the
spring 226 forces the small outer portion 224 of the ball bearing
220 outward again. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5B, 7, and
others, a proximate end portion 228 of the pin may be connected
with or otherwise secured to the accessory support member 176 or
other portion of the exercise bench 100 or equipment. For example,
a coil, cable, tether, or other attachment member 230 can be used
to connect the pin 188 with the accessory support member 176 so
that the pin is not lost or misplaced when disengaged from the
accessory support member.
[0045] FIGS. 9-11 show an exercise accessory 102' in the form of a
leg developer accessory 232 with an attachment assembly 101'
adapted to releasably connect the leg developer accessory with the
exercise bench 100. The attachment assembly includes a mounting
bracket 180' connected with the first member 194'. The mounting
bracket 180' is substantially similar to the mounting bracket 180
described above with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. The leg
developer accessory 232 provides the user with the ability to
perform leg extension exercises while seated on the user support
104 as well as leg curl exercises while lying on the user support.
As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the leg developer accessory 232 includes a
pivot member 234 connected with a first member 194'. The pivot
member 234 is pivotally connected with an upper end portion 236 of
the first member at a first pivot 237. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,
the front seat 106 includes a notched area 239 adapted to receive a
portion of the first member 194', which places the leg developer
accessory in closer proximity to a user seated on the exercise
bench. As shown in FIG. 9, the pivot member 234 is L-shaped and is
defined by a leg extension portion 238 connected with a leg curl
portion 240. A weight support post 242 extends outward from the leg
extension portion of the pivot member. The weight support post is
adapted to receive and support weight plates to allow a user to
selective adjust the exercise resistance.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 9-11, the leg developer accessory 232
includes a pair of upper roller pads 244 rotatably supported on
right and left upper pad support members 246, 248 extending
outwardly from the leg curl portion 240 of the pivot member 234.
The upper roller pads 244 are adapted to engage a user's legs when
performing leg curl exercises. Still referring to FIGS. 9-11, the
leg developer accessory also includes a pair of lower roller pads
250 rotatably supported on right and left lower pad support members
252, 254 extending outwardly from the leg extension portion 238 of
the pivot member 234. The lower roller pads 250 are adapted to
engage a user's legs when performing leg extension exercises.
[0047] As previously mentioned, the mounting bracket 180' shown in
FIGS. 9-11 is substantially the same mounting bracket 180 as
described above with reference to the attachment assembly 101. As
such, the mounting bracket 180' includes hooks 184' and pin
apertures 214' adapted to engage the accessory support member 176
to releasably connect the leg developer accessory with the exercise
bench 100. As shown in FIG. 11, the leg developer accessory 232 can
be connected with the accessory support member 176 by first placing
the hooks 184' on the mounting bracket 180' into engagement with
the bosses 182 extending from the accessory support member. The
mounting bracket is then rotated about the bosses 182 until the
base side 204' of the mounting bracket is adjacent to and in
contact with the front side 216 of the accessory support member
176. At this point, the pin apertures 214' in the mounting bracket
180' are aligned with the pin apertures 186 in the support member
176. The pin 188 can then be inserted through the apertures 186,
214' to secure the mounting bracket 180' to the accessory support
member 176. As described above, the engagement of the hooks 184'
with the bosses 182 on the accessory support member help prevent
the mounting bracket from disengaging from the accessory support
member when forces are applied to the leg developer accessory, such
as may occur during exercise. In addition, when the leg developer
accessory is connected with the forward support member, forces
applied to the leg developer accessory in the forward and rearward
directions are resisted through the engagement of the hooks and pin
with accessory support member. To disconnect the leg developer
accessory 232 from the forward support member 176, the pin 188 is
removed from the pin apertures 186, 214', and leg developer
accessory is lift upward and away from the accessory support member
to disengage the hooks from the bosses.
[0048] FIGS. 12-14 show an exercise accessory 102'' in the form of
a preacher curl accessory 256 with an attachment assembly 101''
adapted to releasably connect with the exercise bench. The preacher
curl accessory 256 provides the user with the ability to perform
arm curl exercises while seated on the user support 104. As shown
in FIG. 12, the preacher curl accessory 256 includes a V-shaped arm
support 258 connected with an upper end portion 260 of a first
member 194''. The attachment assembly 101'' also includes a
mounting bracket 180''. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 155B, the
mounting bracket 180'' is similar to the mounting bracket 180
described above with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, and as such,
includes hooks 184'' and pin apertures 214''. However, unlike the
mounting bracket shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first and second
sides 200'', 202'' of the mounting bracket 180'' shown in FIGS. 15A
and 15B have curved upper portions 262 that extend upward and
rearward to connect with the base side 204''.
[0049] As shown in FIGS. 12-14, the mounting bracket 180'' is
coupled with the first member 194'' through a support tube 264 and
pop-pin 266 arrangement that allows a user to selectively adjust
the height of the arm support 258. More particularly, the mounting
bracket 180'' is connected with the support tube 264. The support
tube 264, in turn, is adapted to telescopically receive the first
member 194'' therein, and the first member is selectively connected
with the support tube through the pop-pin assembly 266. As shown in
FIG. 12, the pop-pin assembly 266 is adapted to selectively engage
a plurality of apertures 268 extending along a portion of the
length of the first member 194. Although the first member of the
preacher curl accessory is coupled with the support bracket through
the support tube and pop-pin, it is to be appreciated that in other
embodiments of the preacher curl accessory, the first member is
directly connected with the mounting bracket.
[0050] The preacher curl accessory 256 is releasably connected with
the accessory support member 176 in substantially the same manner
as described above with reference to the leg hold-down accessory
190 and leg developer accessory 232. As shown in FIG. 12, the
preacher curl accessory 256 can be connected with the accessory
support member 176 by first placing the hooks 184'' on the mounting
bracket 180'' into engagement with the bosses 182 extending from
the accessory support member 176. The mounting bracket 180'' is
then rotated about the bosses until the base side 204'' of the
mounting bracket is adjacent to and in contact with the front side
216 of the accessory support member 176. At this point, the pin
apertures 214'' in the mounting bracket 180'' are aligned with the
pin apertures 182 in the support member 176. The pin 188 can then
be inserted through the apertures 186, 214'' to secure the mounting
bracket 180'' and the preacher curl accessory 256 to the accessory
support member 176. As described above, the engagement of the hooks
184'' with the bosses 182 extending from the accessory support
member help prevent the mounting bracket from disengaging from the
accessory support member when forces are applied to the preacher
accessory, such as may occur during exercise. In addition, when the
preacher curl accessory is connected with the forward support
member, forces applied to the exercise accessory in the forward and
rearward directions are resisted through the engagement of the
hooks and pin with accessory support member. To disconnect the
preacher curl accessory from the forward support member, the pin
188 is removed from the pin apertures 186, 214'', and the preacher
curl accessory is lifted upward and away from the accessory support
member to disengage the hooks from the bosses.
[0051] It will be appreciated from the above noted description of
various arrangements and embodiments of the present invention that
attachment and mounting assemblies adapted to releasably connect
various exercise accessories with an exercise device have been
described. It will also be appreciated that the features described
in connection with each arrangement and embodiment of the
attachment assemblies, exercise accessories, and exercise devices
are interchangeable to some degree so that many variations beyond
those specifically described are possible. For example, the leg
hold-down and leg developer accessories can be configured to be
coupled with a mounting bracket through a support tube and pop-pin
arrangement similar that described with reference to the preacher
curl accessory.
[0052] Although various representative embodiments of this
invention have been described above with a certain degree of
particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous
alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the
spirit or scope of the inventive subject matter set forth in the
specification and claims. All directional references (e.g., upper,
lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top,
bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and
counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid
the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present
invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the
position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically
set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached,
coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and
may include intermediate members between a connection of elements
and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references
do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected
and in fixed relation to each other.
[0053] In some instances, components are described with reference
to "ends" having a particular characteristic and/or being connected
with another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the present invention is not limited to components which
terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other
parts. Thus, the term "end" should be interpreted broadly, in a
manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or
otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link,
component, part, member or the like. In methodologies directly or
indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are
described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in
the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged,
replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. It is intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and
not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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