U.S. patent application number 11/558250 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for continous tensioning system for fitness apparatus.
Invention is credited to Michael L. Stuckey.
Application Number | 20070135272 11/558250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38140169 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070135272 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stuckey; Michael L. |
June 14, 2007 |
CONTINOUS TENSIONING SYSTEM FOR FITNESS APPARATUS
Abstract
A fitness apparatus including a frame, at least one resistance
member operatively mounted on the frame, and at least one user
interface member. A cable and pulley system operatively connects
between the at least one resistant member and the at least one
interface member. Floating pulleys engage with the a cable of the
cable and pulley system. Biasing elements are enagaged between the
frame and the floating pulleys, so that the biasing element applies
a generally perpendicular force to the cable and removes the slack
in the cable and pulley system.
Inventors: |
Stuckey; Michael L.; (Olney,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSTER, LIEDER, WOODRUFF & LUCCHESI
12412 POWERSCOURT DRIVE SUITE 200
ST. LOUIS
MO
63131-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
38140169 |
Appl. No.: |
11/558250 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60597554 |
Dec 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/98 ; 482/94;
482/99 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/154 20130101;
A63B 21/06 20130101; A63B 2225/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/098 ;
482/094; 482/099 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06; A63B 21/062 20060101 A63B021/062 |
Claims
1. A tensioning system for a fitness apparatus having a frame and a
cable and pulley assembly, comprising: at least one floating pulley
operatively engaged with at least one cable of the cable and pulley
assembly; and at least one biasing element operatively connected
between the at least one floating pulley and the frame for applying
a tensioning force to the at least one cable.
2. The tensioning system of claim 1, wherein the biasing element
forces the at least one floating pulley and at least one cable away
from a natural travel path.
3. The tensioning system of claim 1 wherein the generally
perpendicular force acts substantially along the longitudinal axis
of the at least one biasing element.
4. The tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the cable and pulley
device include a first cable and a second cable, further
comprising: a double floating pulley operatively engaged between
the first cable and the second cable; a pair of pulleys operatively
engaged with the first cable; a pair of braces connected between
the double floating pulley and the respective pair of pulleys; and
a biasing element connected between the pair of braces, said
biasing element configured to apply a biasing force to each of said
braces, whereby a tensioning force is applied to at least said
first cable.
5. The tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the cable and pulley
device include a first cable and a second cable, further
comprising: a double floating pulley operatively engaged between
the first cable and the second cable; a pair of pulleys operatively
engaged with the first cable; a pair of braces connected between
the double floating pulley and the respective of pulleys; and at
least two biasing element connected between the pair of braces and
a common junction, said biasing elements configured to apply a
biasing force to each of said braces, whereby a tensioning force is
applied to at least said first cable.
6. The tensioning device of claim 5, further comprising: a third
biasing element connected between the frame and said common
junction.
7. The tensioning device of claim 1, wherein the cable and pulley
device include a first cable and a second cable, further
comprising: a double floating pulley operatively engaged between
the first cable and the second cable; a pair of pulleys operatively
engaged with the first cable; a pair of braces connected between
the double floating pulley and the respective pair of pulleys; and
a pair of biasing elements, a first biasing element in said pair
connected between a first brace in said pair of braces and the
double floating pulley, and a second biasing element in said pair
connected between a second brace in said pair of braces and the
double floating pulley, whereby said biasing elements are
configured to apply a biasing force to each of said braces and a
tensioning force is applied to at least said first cable.
8. The tensioning device of claim 1, further comprising: at least
two pulleys operatively engaged with at least one cable of the
cable and pulley assembly; and a rigid member connected between the
at least two pulleys.
9. A fitness apparatus, comprising: a frame; at least one
resistance member operatively mounted on the frame; at least one
interface member; a cable and pulley system operatively connected
between the at least one resistance member and the at least one
interface member, said cable and pulley system having at least one
cable; at least one floating pulley engaged with said at least one
cable; and at least one biasing element engaged between said frame
and said at least one floating pulley, wherein the biasing element
applies a tensioning force to said at least one cable.
10. The tensioning system of claim 9, wherein said biasing element
is configured to displace said at least one floating pulley and
said at least one cable from a natural travel path between said at
least one resistance member and said at least one interface
member.
11. The tensioning system of claim 9 wherein said tensioning force
acts substantially along the longitudinal axis of the at least one
biasing element.
12. The tensioning device of claim 9, further comprising: a first
cable; a second cable; a double floating pulley operatively engaged
between the first cable and the second cable; a pair of floating
pulleys operatively engaged with the first cable; a pair of braces
connected between the double floating pulley and the respective
floating pulleys; and a biasing element connected between the pair
of braces, said biasing element configured to apply a biasing force
to each of said braces in said pair of braces, whereby a tensioning
force is applied to at least said first cable.
13. The tensioning device of claim 9, further comprising: a first
cable; a second cable; a double floating pulley operatively engaged
between the first cable and the second cable; a pair of floating
pulleys operatively engaged with the first cable; a pair of braces
connected between the double floating pulley and the respective
pair of floating pulleys; and at least two biasing element
connected between the pair of braces and a common junction, said
biasing elements configured to apply a biasing force to each of
said braces in said pair of braces, whereby a tensioning force is
applied to at least said first cable.
14. The tensioning device of claim 13, further comprising: a third
biasing element connected between the frame and the common
junction.
15. The tensioning device of claim 9, further comprising: a first
cable; a second cable; a double floating pulley operatively engaged
between the first cable and the second cable; a pair of floating
pulleys operatively engaged with the first cable; a pair of braces
connected between the double floating pulley and the respective
pair of floating pulleys; and at least one biasing element
connected between the pair of braces and the double floating
pulley, said biasing element is configured to apply a biasing force
to each of said braces, whereby a tensioning force is applied to at
least said first cable.
16. The tensioning device of claim 9, further comprising: at least
two pulleys operatively engaged with at least one cable of the
cable and pulley assembly; and a rigid member connected between the
at least two pulleys.
17. A fitness apparatus, comprising: a frame; at least one
resistance member operatively mounted to said frame; at least one
interface member; a cable and pulley system operatively connected
between said at least one resistance member and said at least one
interface member, said cable and pulley system having at least one
cable; at least one floating pulley engaged with said at least one
cable; and a means for biasing said at least one pulley in a
generally perpendicular direction from a longitudinal axis of said
cable to apply a tensioning force to said cable.
18. A method for maintaining cable tension in a fitness apparatus
having at least one cable operatively coupling at least one
interface member with at least one resistance member mounted on a
frame, comprising: applying a generally perpendicular biasing force
to the at least one cable, said biasing force displacing said at
least one cable from a travel path to maintain a tension in the at
least one cable.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/597,554 filed Dec. 8, 2005 from which priority
is claimed, and is hereby incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a fitness
apparatus, and more particularly, to a tensioning system for a
fitness apparatus.
[0004] Many fitness apparatus use various arrangements of cable and
pulley systems to provide weight training exercises. Generally, a
cable is engaged at one end with a resistance member, such as a
weight stack, and engaged with a user interface, such as a bar, at
the other end. The length of the cable is engaged with a set of
pulleys, which allow the cable to efficiently transmit resistance
from the resistance member to the user interface. In operation, the
user engages the user interface to repeatedly raise and lower the
resistance member by way of the cable and pulley system.
[0005] It is desirable that the cable and pulley system move
smoothly and provide a substantially constant resistance to the
user interface over the full range of motion. However, frequent use
of fitness apparatus and the high forces placed of the cable causes
the cable to stretch, which adversely affects the performance of
the fitness apparatus by introducing slack into the cable and
pulley system. As a result, the stretched cable will not work
effectively over the full range of motion of the interface. The
user may have to engage and move the interface a distance before
the cable and pulley system begin transmitting the resistance to
the interface, sometimes referred to as a "dead-spot". If allowed
to stretch enough, the cable can become loose enough that it
disengages from the pulleys. Routine maintenance must be performed
on such fitness apparatus to reduce slack in the cable and pulley
system as the cable continues to stretch.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a device that maintains tension
on the cable and pulley system to compensate for cable stretch.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the accompanying drawings which form part of the
specification:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a fitness apparatus,
which is provided with a tensioning system constructed in
accordance with and embodying the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the fitness
apparatus;
[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the tensioning
system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a first alternate
embodiment of the tensioning system;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a second alternate
embodiment of the tensioning system; and
[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a third alternate
embodiment of the tensioning system;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a fourth alternate
embodiment of the tensioning system; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged side view of the fitness
apparatus with a fifth alternate embodiment of the tensioning
system.
[0016] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The following detailed description illustrates the invention
by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description
clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the
invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations,
alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is
presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the
invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention
is not limited in its application to the details of construction
and the arrangements of components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the present
invention, generally referred to as a fitness apparatus 10, is
shown having a tensioning system 12. The fitness apparatus 10
includes a frame 14 for supporting a resistance member 16, such as
weights, and a cable and pulley system 18 that connects between the
resistance member 16 and first and second interface members 22 and
24. A user can select a desired resistance of the resistance member
16, such as by selecting the desired weight (ie. 20lb, 40 lb,
etc.), and engage either the first interface member 22 or second
interface members 24 to perform various fitness exercises. For
various reasons, there may be some slack or looseness present in
the cable and pulley system 18, such as stretching in the cables 26
and 28 due to repeated use. The tensioning system 12 mounts to the
frame 14 and engages the cable and pulley system 18 to apply a
biasing force to maintain proper tension and eliminate any slack in
the cable and pulley system 18 (FIG. 3).
[0019] The frame 14 includes a base 30 with a first leg 32
extending upwardly from a rear portion of the base 30 in a
generally vertical orientation and a second leg 34 extending
upwardly from about a middle portion of the base 30 in a generally
vertical orientation (FIG. 1). An arcuately-shaped upper portion of
the second leg 34 extends generally rearward to connect to an upper
portion of the first leg 32 for additional support. A seating arm
36 extends generally forward from a lower portion of the second leg
34 in a generally horizontal orientation to support a seat 38. The
seating arm 36 should be positioned at an appropriate height for
seating, preferably about one third of the height of the second leg
34. A backrest 39 is attached to the second leg 34 at a location
above and corresponding to the seat 38.
[0020] The resistance member 16 operatively connects to the frame
14 with a bushing 40 that slidably couples with the first leg 32.
In this way, the bushing 40 and resistance member 16 can slide up
and down along the first leg 32. However, any other appropriate
means for connecting the resistance member 16 to the frame 14 can
be used, such as bearings. Support posts 42 extend outwardly from
the bushing 40, which are capable of receiving and supporting the
resistance member 16. The resistance member 16, shown as weights,
can be added or removed incrementally so that the user can select a
desired resistance.
[0021] The first interface member 22 is a lever arm having a
proximate end 44 that is pivotally attached to a distal end 46 of
the seating arm 36. The cable and pulley system 18 attaches to a
distal end 48 of the first interface member 22, thereby operatively
connecting the resistance member 16 to the first interface member
22. Thus, the first interface member 22 can be engaged by the user
to perform leg exercises by pivoting the first interface member 22
upwardly and downwardly with his or her legs, thereby raising and
lowering the resistance member 16 via the cable and pulley system
18.
[0022] A cross member 50 attaches to the upper portion of the
second leg 34 and is positioned in a generally horizontal position
to support the second interface members 24, shown in FIGS. 1-2 as
handle straps, and the cable and pulley system 18. The cable and
pulley system 18 attaches to each second interface member 24,
thereby operatively connecting the resistance member 16 to the
second interface members 24. Thus, the second interface members 24
can be engaged by the user to perform various exercises, such as
arm exercises, by pulling and releasing the second interface
members 24, thereby raising and lowering the resistance member 14
via the cable and pulley system 18. While the first and second
interface members 22 and 24 as shown in the present embodiment,
respectively as a lever arm and handle straps, they can also
comprise any appropriate type of cable attachment member,
including, but not limited to bars, ropes, grips, and the like.
[0023] The cable and pulley system 18 includes various guide
pulleys positioned to guide a first cable 26 and second cable 28
during operation of the fitness apparatus 10 (FIG. 1). Two upper
pulleys 52 are positioned respectively at the upper portion of the
first leg 32 and the upper portion of the second leg 34. Four lower
pulleys 54 are positioned along the base 30. A guide pulley 56 is
positioned at each end of the cross member 50 (FIG. 2), such as
with a hook. A double-floating pulley 58 operatively connects the
first cable 26 to the second cable 28 (FIG. 1). The first cable
ends 60 attach respectively to the resistance member 16 and the
first interface member 22, such as with a snap-hook, with the
length of the first cable 26 engaging the upper pulleys 52 and
lower pulleys 54. The second cable ends 62 attach to the second
interface members 24, such as with a snap-hook, with the length of
the second cable 28 engaging the guide pulleys 56 and a double
floating pulley 58. Cable stops 64 attach to the second cable 28
proximate to the second cable ends 62 to prevent the second cable
ends 62 from being drawn through and disengaging from the guide
pulleys 56.
[0024] The double floating pulley 58 includes a top pulley 66 and a
bottom pulley 68 connected by a bracket 70 and positioned generally
perpendicular to each other along a longitudinal axis (FIG. 3). The
bottom pulley 68 engages the first cable 26 and the top pulley 66
engages the second cable 28, so that the double floating pulley 58
is suspended therebetween. In this way, the second cable 28 is
operatively connected and to the resistance member 16 via the first
cable 26.
[0025] The tensioning system 12 includes a pair of floating pulleys
72 operatively engaged with the second cable 28, and connected to
the frame 14 with biasing members 74, such as a helical tension
spring, and a bracket 76 (FIG. 3). The biasing members 74 are shown
in FIG. 3 as helical tension springs, but can be any other type of
biasing member, such as, a compression spring, a torsion spring, a
volute spring, a conical spring, a gas spring, a spiral spring, a
wire form, an elastic band, and the like. In addition, various
biasing members 74 can be used to increase or decrease the biasing
force. Each floating pulley 72 is pivotally mounted, such as with a
fastener 78, within a generally C-shaped housing 80. The housing 80
includes a tab 82 with a hole 84 for connecting to the biasing
member 74, such as with a pin 86. When assembled, the second cable
28 is disposed between the pulley 72 and the housing 80. In this
way, the housing 80 helps maintain engagement of the second cable
28 with the pulley 72 by shielding the area of engagement from
interference by foreign objects.
[0026] The tensioning system 12 maintains tension on the second
cable 28 by applying a generally perpendicular force to the second
cable 28 along the longitudinal axis of the biasing member 74. This
forces the second cable 28 away from its natural travel path (shown
as the dotted line in FIG. 3) between the double floating pulley 58
and the guide pulleys 56, which effectively makes the travel path
of the second cable 28 longer and removes slack. The tension
maintained on the second cable 28 is continuous during both
operation and non-operation of the apparatus 10. In this way, the
tensioning system 12 automatically adjusts the travel path of the
second cable 28 as it stretches. Therefore, no manual adjustment of
the apparatus 10 is needed to compensate for the stretching of the
second cable 28.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a first alternate embodiment of the
tensioning system 112, which include includes a pair of floating
pulleys 172 operatively engaged with the second cable 28, and
pivotally connected to the top pulley 66 of the double floating
pulley 58 with a pair of braces 176. A biasing member 174, such as
a helical compression spring, connects between the braces 176, such
as with a fastener, at about the mid-point of each brace 176 and
applies an outwardly extending force along the longitudinal axis of
the biasing member 174 to the braces 176. The biasing member 174 is
shown in FIG. 4 as a helical compression spring, but can be any
other type of biasing member, such as, a torsion spring, a volute
spring, a conical spring, a gas spring, a spiral spring, a wire
form, an elastic band, and the like. The biasing member 174 can
attach to other locations along the braces 176 to increase or
decrease the force to the braces 176. In addition, various biasing
members 174 can be used to increase or decrease the biasing force.
Each floating pulley 172 is pivotally mounted, such as with a
fastener 178, within a generally C-shaped housing 180. When
assembled, the second cable 28 is disposed between the pulley 174
and the housing 180. In this way, the housing 180 helps maintain
engagement of the second cable 28 with the pulley 174 by shielding
the area of engagement from interference by foreign objects.
[0028] The tensioning system 112 maintains tension on the second
cable 28 by applying a generally perpendicular force to the second
cable 28 along the longitudinal axis of the biasing member 174.
This forces the second cable 28 away from its natural travel path
between the double floating pulley 58 and the guide pulleys 56,
which effectively makes the travel path of the second cable 28
longer and removes slack.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a second alternate embodiment of the
tensioning system 212, which include includes a pair of floating
pulleys 272 operatively engaged with the second cable 28, and
pivotally connected to the top pulley 66 of the double floating
pulley 58 with a pair of braces 276. Three biasing members 274,
such as a helical tension spring, connect between the ends of the
braces 276 and a common junction 282. The biasing members 274 apply
an inwardly extending force towards the common junction 282 to the
braces 276. The biasing members 274 are shown in FIG. 5 as a
helical compression spring, but can be any other type of biasing
member, such as, a torsion spring, a volute spring, a conical
spring, a gas spring, a spiral spring, a wire form, an elastic
band, and the like. The biasing members 274 can attach to other
locations along the braces 276 to increase or decrease the force to
the braces 276. In addition, various biasing members 274 can be
used to increase or decrease the biasing force. Each floating
pulley 272 is pivotally mounted, such as with a fastener 278,
within a generally C-shaped housing 280. When assembled, the second
cable 28 is disposed between the pulley 272 and the housing 280. In
this way, the housing 280 helps maintain engagement of the second
cable 28 with the pulley 272 by shielding the area of engagement
from interference by foreign objects.
[0030] The tensioning system 212 maintains tension on the second
cable 28 by applying a generally perpendicular force to the second
cable 28 along towards the common junction 282. This forces the
second cable 28 away from its natural travel path between the
double floating pulley 58 and the guide pulleys 56, which
effectively makes the travel path of the second cable 28 longer and
removes slack.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a third alternate embodiment of the
tensioning system 312, which include includes a pair of floating
pulleys 372 operatively engaged with the second cable 28, and
pivotally connected to the top pulley 66 of the double floating
pulley 58 with a pair of braces 376. Three biasing members 374,
such as a helical tension spring, connect from a common junction
382 to a respective pulley 372 and the frame 14, such as with a
bracket 377. The biasing members 374 apply an inwardly extending
force towards the common junction 382 to the braces 376. The
biasing members 374 are shown in FIG. 6 as a helical tension
spring, but can be any other type of biasing member, such as, a
torsion spring, a volute spring, a conical spring, a gas spring, a
spiral spring, a wire form, an elastic band, and the like. The
biasing members 374 can attach to other locations along the braces
376 to increase or decrease the force to the braces 376. In
addition, various biasing members 374 can be used to increase or
decrease the biasing force. Each floating pulley 372 is pivotally
mounted, such as with a fastener 378, within a generally C-shaped
housing 380. When assembled, the second cable 28 is disposed
between the pulley 372 and the housing 380. In this way, the
housing 380 helps maintain engagement of the second cable 28 with
the pulley 372 by shielding the area of engagement from
interference by foreign objects.
[0032] The tensioning system 312 maintains tension on the second
cable 28 by applying a generally perpendicular force to the second
cable 28 towards the common junction 382. This forces the second
cable 28 away from its natural travel path between the double
floating pulley 372 and the guide pulleys 56, which effectively
makes the travel path of the second cable 28 longer and removes
slack.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth alternate embodiment of the
tensioning system 412, which include includes a pair of floating
pulleys 472 operatively engaged with the second cable 28, and
pivotally connected to the top pulley 66 of the double floating
pulley 58 with a pair of braces 476. Two biasing members 474, such
as a helical compression spring, connect from about the mid-point
of each brace 476, such as with a fastener, to the lower pulley 68
of the double floating pulley 58. The biasing members 474 apply an
outwardly extending force along the longitudinal axis of the
biasing member 474 to the braces 476. The biasing members 474 are
shown in FIG. 7 as a helical tension spring, but can be any other
type of biasing member, such as, a torsion spring, a volute spring,
a conical spring, a gas spring, a spiral spring, a wire form, an
elastic band, and the like. The biasing members 374 can attach to
other locations along the braces 376 to increase or decrease the
force to the braces 376. In addition, various biasing members 474
can be used to increase or decrease the biasing force. Each
floating pulley 472 is pivotally mounted, such as with a fastener
478, within a generally C-shaped housing 480. When assembled, the
second cable 28 is disposed between the pulley 472 and the housing
480. In this way, the housing 480 helps maintain engagement of the
second cable 28 with the pulley 472 by shielding the area of
engagement from interference by foreign objects.
[0034] The tensioning system 412 maintains tension on the second
cable 28 by applying a generally perpendicular force to the second
cable 28 along the longitudinal axis of the biasing member 474.
This forces the second cable 28 away from its natural travel path
between the double floating pulley 58 and the guide pulleys 56,
which effectively makes the travel path of the second cable 28
longer and removes slack.
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth alternate embodiment of the
tensioning system 512, which include includes a first floating
pulley 590 and second floating pulley 592 operatively engaged with
the first cable 26, and connected to the frame 14. A biasing member
594, such as a helical compression spring, connects from the frame
14, such as with a fastener, to the first pulley 590. The second
pulley 592 is connected to the first pulley 590 with a rigid member
596, such as a bracket. In an alternate embodiment, the rigid
member 596 can be replaced with a biasing member. The biasing
member 594 applies a force to the first and second pulley 590 and
592 along the longitudinal axis of the biasing member 594 towards
the frame 14. The biasing member 594 is shown in FIG. 8 as a
helical tension spring, but can be any other type of biasing
member, such as, a torsion spring, a volute spring, a conical
spring, a gas spring, a spiral spring, a wire form, an elastic
band, and the like. In addition, various biasing members 574 can be
used to increase or decrease the biasing force. Each floating
pulley 590 and 592 is pivotally mounted, such as with a fastener
578, within a generally C-shaped housing 580. When assembled, the
first cable 26 is disposed between the pulley 590 and 592 and
respective housing 580. In this way, the housing 580 helps maintain
engagement of the first cable 26 with the pulleys 590 and 592 by
shielding the area of engagement from interference by foreign
objects.
[0036] The tensioning system 512 maintains tension on the first
cable 26 by applying a generally perpendicular force to the first
cable 26 along the longitudinal axis of the biasing member 594.
This forces the first cable 26 away from its natural travel path
between the upper pulley 52 and the lower pulleys 54, which
effectively makes the travel path of the first cable 26 longer and
removes slack.
[0037] It will be understood that changes can be made in the above
constructions without departing from the scope of the invention,
and it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. For
example, the present invention may be utilized to provide biased
cable tension in various types of fitness apparatus having a cable
and pulley mechanisms by suitable selection and placement of
biasing elements to apply generally perpendicular loads to the
selected cables. Alternate embodiments can have fitness apparatus
with more or less engagement members, including a single engagement
member. The frame can have other arrangements, including more or
less legs to support the cable and pulley assembly and associated
resistance members. In addition, any number of arrangements of the
pulleys can be used, including more or less pulleys, and more or
less cables.
* * * * *