U.S. patent application number 11/492515 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-24 for mechanism for adjustable arms and seat pad apparatus and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to TuffStuff Fitness Equipment Inc.. Invention is credited to Sherman Grider.
Application Number | 20080096735 11/492515 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39318642 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080096735 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grider; Sherman |
April 24, 2008 |
Mechanism for adjustable arms and seat pad apparatus and method
Abstract
An apparatus and a method for an exercise machine (1) having a
support frame (100); a resisting structure (200) for providing a
resistance; a seat (300) for accommodating an exerciser; a
structure for adjusting the seat (400), the seat (300) being
operatively coupled to the seat adjusting a (400) structure, and
the seat adjusting structure (400) being mechanically coupled to
the support frame (100); left and right arms (500) being
operatively coupled to the resisting structure (200); and a
structure for simultaneously adjusting each arm (600), each arm
(500) being operatively coupled to the arm adjusting structure
(600), and the arm adjusting structure (600) being mechanically
coupled to the support frame (100), the exercise machine (1) being
engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at
a plurality of angles under the resistance.
Inventors: |
Grider; Sherman; (Pomona,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cislo & Thomas LLP
1333 2nd Street, Suite #500
Santa Monica
CA
90401-4110
US
|
Assignee: |
TuffStuff Fitness Equipment
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39318642 |
Appl. No.: |
11/492515 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 ; 29/468;
482/138; 482/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 23/03566 20130101; A63B 21/00047 20130101; A63B 23/03516
20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 21/156 20130101; A63B 21/4043
20151001; A63B 21/0628 20151001; Y10T 29/49902 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/99 ; 482/138;
482/148; 29/468 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: a support frame; means for
resisting a force, whereby a resistance is provided; a seat for
accommodating an exerciser; means for adjusting the seat, the seat
being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting means, and the seat
adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support frame;
left and right arms, each arm having proximal and distal ends, and
each arm being operatively coupled to the resisting means; and
means for simultaneously adjusting the arms, a certain one arm of
the left and right arms being operatively coupled to the
simultaneously adjusting means, and the simultaneously adjusting
means being mechanically coupled to the support frame, wherein the
simultaneously adjusting means being coupled to the certain one arm
also actuates the other arm into a symmetric position, the exercise
machine being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality
of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.
2. A machine, as recited in claim 1, wherein the resisting means
comprises a weight stack.
3. A machine, as recited in claim 1, wherein the seat comprises: a
seat pad; and a back pad.
4. A machine, as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cable
system, wherein each arm comprises: a stirrup being disposed at its
distal end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser; and a
rotatable pulley for accommodating a cable of the cable system and
for rotating about a longitudinal axis of the arm, wherein the
cable is operatively coupled to the resisting means and to the
stirrup.
5. A machine, as recited in claim 1, wherein the seat adjusting
means comprises: a telescoping member being mechanically coupled to
the seat and to the support structure; means for springing being
disposed in the telescoping member; and means for releasing the
seat.
6. A machine, as recited in claim 5, wherein the telescoping member
comprises: an outer telescoping member; and an inner telescoping
member being slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member, the
inner telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat,
the outer telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the
support frame, the springing means providing a spring force to the
inner telescoping member, the seat releasing means being
mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer
and inner telescoping members each having a respective plurality of
tap holes formed therethrough for facilitating a registration.
7. A machine, as recited in claim 6, wherein the seat releasing
means comprises: a seat release handle having proximal and distal
ends; a seat release bar having proximal and distal ends and being
mechanically coupled to the seat release handle; and a seat release
spring being operatively coupled to the seat release bar, the seat
release bar being actuated by the seat release handle via the seat
release spring, the seat release bar having a curved portion
disposed at its distal end, the seat release bar curved portion
being disposed through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the
plurality of outer telescoping member tap holes and an inner
telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping
member tap holes, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby
the seat is adjusted.
8. A machine, as recited in claim 1, wherein the simultaneous arm
adjusting means comprises: right and left barrel members; and means
for releasing the arms being mechanically coupled to a certain one
arm.
9. A machine, as recited in claim 8, wherein each barrel member
comprises: an outer barrel member; and an inner barrel member being
disposed in the outer barrel member, each arm being rotationally
coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being
mechanically coupled to the support frame, each inner barrel member
having a periphery, a certain one inner barrel member having a
plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a
registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding
to the certain one arm.
10. A machine, as recited in claim 9, wherein the arm releasing
means comprises: an arm release handle having proximal and distal
ends; an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being
mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and an arm release
spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm
release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm
release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion
disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion
being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the
registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.
11. An exercise machine comprising: a support frame; means for
resisting a force, whereby a resistance is provided; a seat for
accommodating an exerciser; means for adjusting the seat, the seat
being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting means, and the seat
adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support frame;
left and right arms, each arm having proximal and distal ends, and
each arm being operatively coupled to the resisting means; means
for simultaneously adjusting the arms, a certain one arm of the
left and right arms being operatively coupled to the simultaneously
adjusting means, and the simultaneously adjusting means being
mechanically coupled to the support frame, wherein the
simultaneously adjusting means being coupled to the certain one arm
also actuates the other arm into a symmetric position; and a cable
system, the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for
performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under
the resistance, wherein the resisting means comprises a weight
stack, wherein the seat comprises a seat pad and a back pad,
wherein each arm comprises: a stirrup being disposed at its distal
end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser; and a
rotatable pulley for accommodating a cable of the cable system and
for rotating about a longitudinal axis of the arm, wherein the
cable is operatively coupled to the resisting means and to the
stirrup, wherein the seat adjusting means comprises: a telescoping
member being mechanically coupled to the seat and to the support
structure; means for springing being disposed in the telescoping
member; and means for releasing the seat, wherein the telescoping
member comprises: an outer telescoping member; and an inner
telescoping member being slidably disposed in the outer telescoping
member, the inner telescoping member being mechanically coupled to
the seat, the outer telescoping member being mechanically coupled
to the support frame, the springing means providing a spring force
to the inner telescoping member, the seat releasing means being
mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer
and inner telescoping members each having a respective plurality of
tap holes formed therethrough for facilitating a registration,
wherein the seat releasing means comprises: a seat release handle
having proximal and distal ends; a seat release bar having proximal
and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the seat release
handle; and a seat release spring being operatively coupled to the
seat release bar, the seat release bar being actuated by the seat
release handle via the seat release spring, the seat release bar
having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the seat
release bar curved portion being disposed through an outer
telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescoping
member tap holes and an inner telescoping member tap hole of the
plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes, whereby the
registration is effected, and whereby the seat is adjusted, wherein
the arm adjusting means comprises: right and left barrel members;
and means for releasing each arm being mechanically coupled each
arm, wherein each barrel member comprises: an outer barrel member;
and an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel
member, each arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel
member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the
support frame, the arm releasing means being mechanically coupled
to each arm, and each inner barrel member having a periphery and a
plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a
registration, wherein the arm releasing means comprises: an arm
release handle having proximal and distal ends; an arm release bar
having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to
the arm release handle; and an arm release spring being operatively
coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar being actuated
by the arm release handle via the arm release spring, the arm
release bar having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the
arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an inner barrel
member detent, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby
the arm is adjusted.
12-14. (canceled)
15. A device for adjusting a pair of arms, comprising: right and
left barrel members; and means for simultaneously releasing the
arms being mechanically coupled a certain one arm of the pair of
arms, wherein the simultaneously releasing means being coupled to
the certain one arm also releases the other arm.
16. A device, as recited in claim 15, wherein each barrel member
comprises: an outer barrel member; and an inner barrel member being
disposed in the outer barrel member, the arm being rotationally
coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer barrel member being
mechanically coupled to the support frame, each inner barrel member
having a periphery, a certain one inner barrel member having a
plurality of detents formed thereon for facilitating a
registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding
to the certain one arm.
17. A device, as recited in claim 16, wherein the arm releasing
means comprises: an arm release handle having proximal and distal
ends; an arm release bar having proximal and distal ends and being
mechanically coupled to the arm release handle; and an arm release
spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm
release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm
release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion
disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion
being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the
registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.
18. A method of fabricating an exercise machine comprising the
steps of: providing a support frame; providing means for resisting
a force, whereby a resistance is provided; providing a seat for
accommodating an exerciser; providing means for adjusting the seat,
the seat being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting means, and
the seat adjusting means being mechanically coupled to the support
frame; providing left and right arms, each arm having proximal and
distal ends, and each arm being operatively coupled to the
resisting means; and providing means for simultaneously adjusting
the arms, the simultaneously adjusting means providing step
comprising operatively coupling a certain one arm of the left and
right arms to the simultaneously adjusting means and mechanically
coupling the simultaneously adjusting means to the support frame,
whereby the simultaneously adjusting means, being coupled to the
certain one arm, also actuates the other arm into a symmetric
position, the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for
performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under
the resistance.
19. A method, as recited in claim 18, wherein the resisting means
providing step comprises providing a weight stack.
20. A method, as recited in claim 18, wherein the seat providing
step comprises providing a seat pad and providing a back pad.
21. A method, as recited in claim 18, further comprising the step
of providing a cable system, wherein the arms providing step
comprises: providing each arm with a stirrup being disposed at its
distal end for facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser; and
providing each arm with a rotatable pulley for accommodating a
cable of the cable system and for rotating about a longitudinal
axis of the arm, and wherein the cable providing step comprises
operatively coupling the cable to the resisting means and to the
stirrup.
22. A method, as recited in claim 18, wherein the seat adjusting
means providing step comprises: providing a telescoping member
being mechanically coupled to the seat and to the support
structure; providing means for springing being disposed in the
telescoping member; and providing means for releasing the seat.
23. A method, as recited in claim 22, wherein the telescoping
member providing step comprises: providing an outer telescoping
member; and providing an inner telescoping member being slidably
disposed in the outer telescoping member, the inner telescoping
member being mechanically coupled to the seat, the outer
telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the support frame,
the springing means providing a spring force to the inner
telescoping member, the seat releasing means being mechanically
coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer and inner
telescoping members each having a respective plurality of tap holes
formed therethrough for facilitating a registration.
24. A method, as recited in claim 23, wherein the seat releasing
means providing step comprises: providing a seat release handle
having proximal and distal ends; providing a seat release bar
having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to
the seat release handle; and providing a seat release spring being
operatively coupled to the seat release bar, the seat release bar
being actuated by the seat release handle via the seat release
spring, the seat release bar having a curved portion disposed at
its distal end, the seat release bar curved portion being disposed
through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of
outer telescoping member tap holes and an inner telescoping member
tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes,
whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the seat is
adjusted.
25. A method, as recited in claim 18, wherein the arm adjusting
means providing step comprises: providing right and left barrel
members; and providing means for releasing each arm being
mechanically coupled each arm.
26. A method, as recited in claim 25, wherein the barrel members
providing step comprises: providing each barrel member with an
outer barrel member; and providing each barrel member with an inner
barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel member, each arm
being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel member, each outer
barrel member being mechanically coupled to the support frame, the
arm releasing means being mechanically coupled to each arm, and
each inner barrel member having a periphery and a plurality of
detents formed thereon for facilitating registration.
27. A method, as recited in claim 26, wherein the arm releasing
means providing step comprises: providing an arm release handle
having proximal and distal ends; providing an arm release bar
having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to
the arm release handle; and providing an arm release spring being
operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar
being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release
spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its
distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an
inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected,
and whereby the arm is adjusted.
28. A method, as recited in claim 18, wherein the cable system
providing step comprises providing a cable being operatively
coupled to the resisting means and to the stirrup, wherein the seat
adjusting means providing step comprises: providing a telescoping
member being mechanically coupled to the seat and to the support
structure; providing means for springing being disposed in the
telescoping member; and providing means for releasing the seat,
wherein the telescoping member providing step comprises: providing
an outer telescoping member; and providing an inner telescoping
member being slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member, the
inner telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the seat,
the outer telescoping member being mechanically coupled to the
support frame, the springing means providing a spring force to the
inner telescoping member, the seat releasing means being
mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member, and the outer
and inner telescoping members each having a respective plurality of
tap holes formed therethrough for facilitating a registration,
wherein the seat releasing means providing step comprises:
providing a seat release handle having proximal and distal ends;
providing a seat release bar having proximal and distal ends and
being mechanically coupled to the seat release handle; and
providing a seat release spring being operatively coupled to the
seat release bar, the seat release bar being actuated by the seat
release handle via the seat release spring, the seat release bar
having a curved portion disposed at its distal end, the seat
release bar curved portion being disposed through an outer
telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer telescoping
member tap holes and an inner telescoping member tap hole of the
plurality of inner telescoping member tap holes, whereby the
registration is effected, and whereby the seat is adjusted, wherein
the arm adjusting means providing step comprises: providing right
and left barrel members; and providing means for releasing each arm
being mechanically coupled each arm, wherein each barrel member
providing step comprises: providing an outer barrel member; and
providing an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel
member, each arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel
member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the
support frame, each inner barrel member having a periphery, a
certain one inner barrel member having a plurality of detents
formed thereon for facilitating a registration, and the certain one
inner barrel member corresponding to the certain one arm. wherein
the arm releasing means providing step comprises: providing an arm
release handle having proximal and distal ends; providing an arm
release bar having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically
coupled to the arm release handle; and providing an arm release
spring being operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm
release bar being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm
release spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion
disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar curved portion
being disposed in an inner barrel member detent, whereby the
registration is effected, and whereby the arm is adjusted.
29-31. (canceled)
32. A method of fabricating a device for simultaneously adjusting a
pair of arms, comprising: providing right and left barrel members;
and providing means for simultaneously releasing the arms being
mechanically coupled to a certain one arm, wherein the
simultaneously releasing means providing step comprises coupling
the simultaneously releasing means to the certain one arm for also
releasing the other arm.
33. A method, as recited in claim 32, wherein each barrel member
providing step comprises: providing an outer barrel member; and
providing an inner barrel member being disposed in the outer barrel
member, the arm being rotationally coupled to each inner barrel
member, each outer barrel member being mechanically coupled to the
support frame, each inner barrel member having a periphery, a
certain one inner barrel member having a plurality of detents
formed thereon for facilitating a registration, and the certain one
inner barrel member corresponding to the certain one arm.
34. A method, as recited in claim 33, wherein the arm releasing
means providing step comprises: providing an arm release handle
having proximal and distal ends; providing an arm release bar
having proximal and distal ends and being mechanically coupled to
the arm release handle; and providing an arm release spring being
operatively coupled to the arm release bar, the arm release bar
being actuated by the arm release handle via the arm release
spring, the arm release bar having a curved portion disposed at its
distal end, the arm release bar curved portion being disposed in an
inner barrel member detent, whereby the registration is effected,
and whereby the arm is adjusted.
35. A device for simultaneously adjusting a pair of arms,
comprising: right and left barrel members; and means for
simultaneously releasing the arms being mechanically coupled a
certain one arm of the pair of arms, wherein the simultaneously
releasing means providing step comprises coupling the
simultaneously releasing means to the certain one arm for also
releasing the other arm.
36. A device, as recited in claim 35, wherein the right and left
barrel members comprise a pair of grooved reels, each grooved reel
comprising at least one groove for accommodating a pair of belts,
the pair of belts being disposed in a general "figure-eight"
configuration within the at least one groove, and wherein the pair
of grooved reels comprises a certain one reel, the certain one reel
comprising a feature for accommodating a sleeve disposed around a
pin portion.
37. A device, as recited in claim 36, wherein the right and left
barrel members comprise a certain one inner barrel member, the
certain one inner barrel member comprising a registration structure
having a plurality of registration features therein formed, the
registration structure being stationary in relation to the pair of
grooved reels.
38. A device, as recited in claim 37, wherein the pair of grooved
reels mechanically cooperate with one another via the pair of belts
being disposed within the at least one groove.
39. A device, as recited in claim 38, wherein each belt of the pair
of belts comprises a pair of terminal portions, wherein each
terminal portion of each belt is disposed in an opposing reel,
whereby the actuation of a certain one inner barrel member actuates
the certain one reel, whereby the other reel is simultaneously
actuated, and whereby the pair of arms are simultaneously
adjusted.
40. A device, as recited in claim 35, wherein the right and left
barrel members comprise a pair of gears, each gear of the pair of
gears being in mechanical cooperation with the other gear, wherein
the pair of gears comprises a certain one gear, the certain one
gear comprising a feature for accommodating a sleeve disposed
around a pin portion.
41. A device, as recited in claim 40, wherein the right and left
barrel members comprise a certain one inner barrel member, the
certain one inner barrel member comprising a registration structure
having a plurality of registration features therein formed, the
registration structure being stationary in relation to the pair of
gears.
42. A device, as recited in claim 41, wherein each gear of the pair
of grooved gears mechanically cooperates with the other gear via
each gear having cooperating teeth.
43. A device, as recited in claim 42, whereby the actuation of the
certain one inner barrel member actuates the certain one gear, and
whereby the other reel is simultaneously actuated, and whereby the
pair of arms are simultaneously adjusted.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to exercise machines. More
particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine
providing a number of distinct exercise movements which are
performable on the same machine without having to attach or remove
additional hardware elements. Even more particularly, the present
invention relates to an exercise machine which provides
adjustability for arm exercises as well as for height and physique
of an exerciser.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] 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
is but one of the many types of exercise that people choose in
order to maintain fitness. Swimming, running, rowing, aerobic
activity, as well as other forms of exercise are also used in order
to maintain physical fitness and to provide some aerobic challenge
to a person's physiological system so that they may maintain better
health. The link between physical activity and physical health is
well recognized.
[0003] Weightlifting is often a preferred form of physical
activity, because particular muscle groups, which may have
importance for specific sports or the like, can be targeted and
developed. Consequently, through weightlifting, an individual can
focus actively on the biceps, triceps, calves, thighs, gluteals,
abdominals, etc. In so doing, the individual may not only engage in
an aerobic activity, but also engage in an activity that
specifically strengthens a chosen muscle or group of muscles.
[0004] A significant number of exercise machines are available
which allow the individual to target particular muscles of the
upper body, including the pectorals, the biceps, the triceps, the
shoulders, the latissimus dorsi, and other back muscles.
Combination machines also exist in the current art which allow for
the individual to exercise more than one muscle group, e.g., Chu
(U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,941). Nevertheless, the machine described in
Chu is very limited in its scope of exercises available to any
individual, especially upper body exercises.
[0005] Thus, a need is seen to exist for an exercise machine that
allows for a wide variety of upper body exercises to be
accomplished by the individual without the need to attach or remove
parts from the machine and with a provision for adjusting the
machine arms as well as the seat to accommodate the height and
physique of any exerciser.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present apparatus is an exercise machine that comprises
a unique adjustable arm feature as well as a unique adjustable seat
pad feature. The present invention exercise machine also includes a
support frame, a seat, cables, pulleys, and a weight stack. In
general, the present invention exercise machine comprises a support
frame, a structure for resisting a force, whereby a resistance is
provided, a seat for accommodating an exerciser, a structure for
adjusting the seat, the seat being operatively coupled to the seat
adjusting a structure, and the seat adjusting structure being
mechanically coupled to the support frame, left and right arms,
each arm having proximal and distal ends, and each arm being
operatively coupled to the resisting structure, and a structure for
simultaneously adjusting the arms, the arms being operatively
coupled to the simultaneous arm adjusting structure, and the
simultaneous arm adjusting structure being mechanically coupled to
the support frame, the exercise machine being engaged by the
exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of
angles under the resistance.
[0007] In addition, the present invention encompasses a
corresponding method of fabricating the presently claimed
apparatus. The present method of fabricating an exercise machine
generally comprises the steps of providing a support frame,
providing a structure for resisting a force, whereby a resistance
is provided, providing a seat for accommodating an exerciser,
providing a structure for adjusting the seat, the seat being
operatively coupled to the seat adjusting structure, and the seat
adjusting structure being mechanically coupled to the support
frame, providing left and right arms, each arm having proximal and
distal ends, and each arm being operatively coupled to the
resisting structure, and providing a structure for simultaneously
adjusting the arms, the arms being operatively coupled to the
simultaneous arm adjusting structure, and the simultaneous arm
adjusting structure being mechanically coupled to the support
frame, the exercise machine being engaged by the exerciser for
performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under
the resistance.
[0008] Advantages of the present invention include, but are not
limited to, the provision of an exercise machine which permits a
variety of exercise movements at a variety of angles without
attaching or removing any parts and the accommodation of any
exerciser, regardless of height and physique. These and other
objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent
from the modes for carrying out the invention and the accompanying
drawing(s), described, infra.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawings.
Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the
present invention throughout the several figures of the
Drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a frontal perspective view of an exercise machine
having a seat adjusting structure and a simultaneous arm adjusting
structure, in accordance with the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a frontal perspective view of a seat adjusting
structure and a simultaneous arm adjusting structure, in accordance
with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure, in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of a simultaneous arm adjusting
structure, in accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary
first position, in accordance with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary
second position, in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary
third position, in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is an internal perspective view of a simultaneous
arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an
exemplary second position, in accordance with a first alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is an internal top perspective view of a
simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented
in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the first
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 14 is an internal front view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary
second position, in accordance with the first alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 15 is an internal frontal perspective view of a
simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented
in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the first
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 16 is an internal frontal perspective view of a
simultaneous arm adjusting structure with the arms being oriented
in an exemplary second position, in accordance with a second
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 17 is an internal front view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure with the arms being oriented in an exemplary
second position, in accordance with the second alternative
embodiment of the present invention.
MODE(S) FOR CARRYING-OUT THE INVENTION
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates, in a frontal perspective view, an
exercise machine 1, in accordance with the present invention. The
present invention exercise machine 1 generally comprises a support
frame 100, a structure for resisting 200 a force, whereby a
resistance is provided, a seat 300 for accommodating an exerciser,
a structure for adjusting the seat 400, the seat 300 being
operatively coupled to the seat adjusting structure 400, and the
seat adjusting structure 400 being mechanically coupled to the
support frame 100, left and right arms 500, each arm 500 having
proximal and distal ends, and each arm 500 being operatively
coupled to the resisting structure 200, a structure 600 for
simultaneously adjusting the arms 500, the arms 500 being
operatively coupled to the simultaneous arm adjusting structure
600, and the simultaneous arm adjusting structure 600 being
mechanically coupled to the support frame 100, and a cable system
700, the exercise machine 1 being engaged by the exerciser for
performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under
the resistance.
[0028] Also referring to FIG. 1, the resisting structure 200
comprises a weight stack 210. The seat 300 comprises a seat pad 310
and a back pad 320 (FIG. 8). Each arm 500 comprises a stirrup 510,
being disposed at its distal end for facilitating manual grasping
by the exerciser, and a rotatable pulley 520 for accommodating a
cable 710 of the cable system 700 and for rotating about a
longitudinal axis of the arm 500. The cable 710 is operatively
coupled to the resisting structure 200 and to the stirrup 510.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a seat 300 and a seat adjusting structure
400, in accordance with the present invention. The seat adjusting
structure 400 comprises a telescoping member 410 being mechanically
coupled to the seat 300 and to the support structure 100, a
structure for springing 420 being disposed in the telescoping
member 410, and a structure for releasing the seat 430. The
telescoping member 410 comprises an outer telescoping member 440
and an inner telescoping member 450 being slidably disposed in the
outer telescoping member 440, the inner telescoping member 450
being mechanically coupled to the seat 300, the outer telescoping
member 440 being mechanically coupled to the support frame 100, the
springing structure 420 providing a spring force to the inner
telescoping member 450, the seat releasing structure 430 being
mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping member 440, and the
outer and inner telescoping members 440, 450 each having a
respective plurality of tap holes 441, 451 formed therethrough for
facilitating a registration.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 2, the seat releasing structure 430
comprises a seat release handle 460 having proximal and distal
ends, a seat release bar 470 having proximal and distal ends and
being mechanically coupled to the seat release handle 460, a seat
release spring 480 being operatively coupled to the seat release
bar 470, the seat release bar 470 being actuated by the seat
release handle 460 via the seat release spring 480, the seat
release bar 470 having a curved portion 471 disposed at its distal
end, the seat release bar curved portion 471 being disposed through
an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of outer
telescoping member tap holes 441 as well as through an inner
telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping
member tap holes 451, whereby the registration is effected, and
whereby the seat 300 is adjusted.
[0031] FIGS. 3-8, illustrate the simultaneous arm adjusting
structure 600, in accordance with the present invention. The
simultaneous arm adjusting structure 600 comprises right and left
barrel members 610 and a structure for releasing each arm 500 being
mechanically coupled to a certain one arm 500, e.g., the right arm
by example only. Each barrel member 610 comprises an outer barrel
member 620 and an inner barrel member 630 being disposed in the
outer barrel member 620, each arm 500 being rotationally coupled to
each inner barrel member 630, each outer barrel member 620 being
mechanically coupled to the support frame 100, each inner barrel
member 630 having a periphery, a certain one inner barrel member
630 having a plurality of detents 640 thereon formed for
facilitating a registration, and the certain one inner barrel
member 630 corresponding to the certain one arm 500 having the
releasing structure.
[0032] Alternatively, the outer barrel members 620 are integrally
formed and configured to permit the inner barrel members 630 to
mechanically cooperate with one another. The inner barrel members
630 alternatively comprise at least one rotatable component for
facilitating their mechanical cooperation. The certain one inner
barrel 630 alternatively comprises at least one stationary
component, e.g., a fixed plate and a fixed disk, for accommodating
the registration features. The registration features, e.g., the
plurality of detents 640, alternatively comprises any configuration
or structure for facilitating registration, e.g., a plurality of
recesses and a plurality of tap holes. The structures for
facilitating registration are alternatively formed in the at least
one stationary component.
[0033] Still referring to FIGS. 3-8, the simultaneous arm releasing
structure comprises an arm release handle 650 having proximal and
distal ends, an arm release bar 660 having proximal and distal ends
and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle 650, and
an arm release spring 670 being operatively coupled to the arm
release bar 660, the arm release bar 660 being actuated by the arm
release handle 650 via the arm release spring 670, the arm release
bar 660 having a pin portion 661 disposed at its distal end, the
arm release bar pin portion 661 being disposed in a detent of the
plurality of inner barrel detents 640 (of the certain inner barrel
member), whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the arms
500 are simultaneously adjusted.
[0034] The present invention method M of fabricating an exercise
machine 1 comprises the steps of providing a support frame 100,
providing structure for resisting a force 200, whereby a resistance
is provided, providing a seat 300 for accommodating an exerciser,
providing structure for adjusting the seat 400, the seat 300 being
operatively coupled to the seat adjusting structure 400, and the
seat adjusting structure 400 being mechanically coupled to the
support frame 100, providing left and right arms 500, each arm 500
having proximal and distal ends, and each arm 500 being operatively
coupled to the resisting structure 200, and providing a structure
600 for simultaneously adjusting the arms 500, the arms 500 being
operatively coupled to the simultaneous arm adjusting structure
600, and the simultaneous arm adjusting structure 600 being
mechanically coupled to the support frame 100, the exercise machine
1 being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of
movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.
[0035] The arms 500 providing step comprises providing each arm 500
with a stirrup 510, being disposed at its distal end for
facilitating manual grasping by the exerciser, and providing each
arm 500 with a rotatable pulley 520 for accommodating a cable 710
of the cable system 700 and for rotating about a longitudinal axis
of the arm 500. The cable system 700 providing step also comprises
providing a cable 710 being operatively coupled to the resisting
structure 200 and to the stirrup 510.
[0036] The seat adjusting structure 400 providing step comprises
providing a telescoping member 410 being mechanically coupled to
the seat 300 and to the support structure 100 providing a structure
for springing 420 being disposed in the telescoping member 410, and
providing a structure for releasing the seat 430. The telescoping
member 410 providing step comprises providing an outer telescoping
member 440 and providing an inner telescoping member 450 being
slidably disposed in the outer telescoping member 440, the inner
telescoping member 450 being mechanically coupled to the seat 300,
the outer telescoping member 440 being mechanically coupled to the
support frame 100, the springing structure 420 providing a spring
force to the inner telescoping member 450, the seat releasing
structure 450 being mechanically coupled to the outer telescoping
member 440, and the outer and inner telescoping members 440, 450
each having a respective plurality of tap holes 441, 451 formed
therethrough for facilitating a registration.
[0037] The seat releasing structure 430 providing step comprises
providing a seat release handle 460 having proximal and distal
ends, providing a seat release bar 470 having proximal and distal
ends and being mechanically coupled to the seat release handle 460,
providing a seat release spring 480 being operatively coupled to
the seat release bar 470, the seat release bar 470 being actuated
by the seat release handle 460 via the seat release spring 480, the
seat release bar 470 having a curved portion 471 disposed at its
distal end, the seat release bar curved portion 471 being disposed
through an outer telescoping member tap hole of the plurality of
outer telescoping member tap holes 441 and an inner telescoping
member tap hole of the plurality of inner telescoping member tap
holes 451, whereby the registration is effected, and whereby the
seat 300 is adjusted.
[0038] The simultaneous arm adjusting structure 600 providing step
comprises providing right and left barrel members 610 and providing
a structure for releasing the arms 500 being mechanically coupled
to a certain one arm. The barrel member 610 providing step
comprises providing an outer barrel member 620 and providing an
inner barrel member 630 being disposed in the outer barrel member
620, the arms 500 being rotationally coupled to the respective
inner barrel members 630, each outer barrel member 620 being
mechanically coupled to the support frame 100, each inner barrel
member 630 having a periphery, i.e., a stationary component, a
certain one inner barrel member having a plurality of detents 640
or other registration feature thereon formed for facilitating a
registration, and the certain one inner barrel member corresponding
to the certain one arm. The arm releasing structure providing step
comprises providing an arm release handle 650 having proximal and
distal ends, providing an arm release bar 660 having proximal and
distal ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release
handle 650 providing an arm release spring 670 being operatively
coupled to the arm release bar 660, the arm release bar 660 being
actuated by the arm release handle 650 via the arm release spring
670, the arm release bar 660 having a pin portion 661 disposed at
its distal end, the arm release bar pin portion 661 being disposed
in an inner barrel member detent 640, whereby the registration is
effected, and whereby the arms 500 are simultaneously adjusted.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being oriented in an
exemplary first position, e.g., downwardly disposed, in accordance
with the present invention. The simultaneous arm adjusting
structure 600 is mounted on the support frame 100 and is shown in
relation to the resisting structure 200 and the weight stack
210.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being oriented in an
exemplary second position, e.g., outwardly disposed, in accordance
with the present invention. The simultaneous arm adjusting
structure 600 is mounted on the support frame 100 and is shown in
relation to the weight stack 210.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a frontal perspective view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being oriented in an
exemplary third position, e.g., upwardly disposed, in accordance
with the present invention. The simultaneous arm adjusting
structure 600 is mounted on the support frame 100 and is shown in
relation to the resisting structure 200 and the weight stack
210.
[0042] FIG. 12 is an internal perspective view of a simultaneous
arm adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being oriented in an
exemplary second position, e.g., outwardly disposed, in accordance
with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention. In
this first alternative embodiment, a pair of alternative inner
barrel members comprise a pair of grooved reels 631, wherein the
grooves 631a are configured to accommodate a pair of belts 633, and
wherein the belts 633 is disposed in a general "figure-eight"
within the grooves 631a as shown. A certain one alternative inner
barrel member comprises a registration plate or a registration disc
632 having a plurality of registration features, e.g., a plurality
of detents 640, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality tap holes.
The registration plate or registration disc 632 is stationary in
relation to the pair of grooved reels 631 (the reels 631 being
rotatable). A certain one reel, corresponding to a certain one
inner barrel member and to the registration disc 632, comprises a
feature 631b for accommodating a sleeve 661a disposed around the
pin portion 661.
[0043] Still referring to FIG. 12, the simultaneous arm releasing
structure also comprises an arm release handle 650 having proximal
and distal ends, an arm release bar 660 having proximal and distal
ends and being mechanically coupled to the arm release handle 650,
and an arm release spring 670 (not shown) being operatively coupled
to the arm release bar 660 (not shown), the arm release bar 660
being actuated by the arm release handle 650 via the arm release
spring 670, the arm release bar 660 having a pin portion 661
disposed at its distal end, the arm release bar pin portion 661
being disposed in a registration feature of the plurality of
registration features (of the certain inner barrel member), e.g., a
detent of the plurality of inner barrel detents 640, whereby the
registration is effected, and whereby the arms 500 are
simultaneously adjusted.
[0044] FIG. 13 is an internal top perspective view of a
simultaneous arm adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being
oriented in an exemplary second position, as shown in FIG. 12, in
accordance with the first alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 13, the alternative inner barrel members,
comprising the pair of grooved reels 631, are shown as being in
mechanical cooperation with one another via the belts 633 being
disposed in the general "figure-eight" within the grooves 631a. The
certain one alternative inner barrel member, comprising the
registration plate or a registration disc 632 with the plurality of
registration features is rotated by actuating the arm release
handle 650 and by selecting a registration feature for disposition
of the pin portion 661 as the registration plate or registration
disc 632 is stationary in relation to the pair of grooved reels
631.
[0045] FIG. 14 is an internal front view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being oriented in an
exemplary second position, in accordance with the first alternative
embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical cooperation of
the pair of grooved reels 631 via the belts 633 being disposed in
the general "figure-eight" is shown. Frictional forces between the
belts 633 and the grooves 631a transfer the actuation forces
initiated by actuating the arm release handle 650 and by selecting
a registration feature for disposition of the pin portion 661 in a
selected registration feature.
[0046] FIG. 15 is an internal frontal perspective view of a
simultaneous arm adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being
oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with the
first alternative embodiment of the present invention. The belts
633 each comprise a pair of terminal portions 633a, wherein each
terminal portion 633a of each belt 633 is disposed in an opposing
reel, whereby the actuation of the certain one inner barrel member
actuates the certain one reel which, in turn, simultaneously
actuates the other reel, and whereby the arms 500 are
simultaneously adjusted.
[0047] FIG. 16 is an internal frontal perspective view of a
simultaneous arm adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being
oriented in an exemplary second position, in accordance with a
second alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this
second alternative embodiment, the inner barrel members comprise a
pair of gears 635, having cooperating teeth 634 and being in
mechanical cooperation with one another, and a stationary
registration plate or a registration disc 632 as well. A certain
one gear, corresponding to a certain one inner barrel member and to
the registration disc 632, comprises a feature 635a for
accommodating a sleeve 661a disposed around the pin portion 661.
Forces are initiated by actuating the arm release handle 650 and by
selecting a registration feature for disposition of the pin portion
661 therein, whereby the actuation of the certain one inner barrel
member actuates the certain one gear which, in turn, simultaneously
actuates the other gear, and whereby the arms 500 are
simultaneously adjusted.
[0048] FIG. 17 is an internal front view of a simultaneous arm
adjusting structure 600 with the arms 500 being oriented in an
exemplary second position, in accordance with the second
alternative embodiment of the present invention. The mechanical
cooperation between the gears 635 is shown.
[0049] Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully
capable of attaining the above-described object of the invention,
the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is, thus,
representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated
by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully
encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those
skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing
other than the appended claims, wherein reference to an element in
the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural and
functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described
preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that are known to
those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the
present claims.
[0050] Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to
address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present
invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claims.
Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of
whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly
recited in the claims. However, that various changes and
modifications in form, material, and fabrication material detail
may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope of the
inventions as set forth in the appended claims, should be readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. No claim herein is
to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth
paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase
"means for."
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0051] The present invention industrially applies to exercise
machines. More particularly, the present invention industrially
applies to an exercise machine providing a number of distinct
exercise movements which are performable on the same machine
without having to attach or remove additional hardware elements.
Even more particularly, the present invention industrially applies
to an exercise machine which provides adjustability for arm
exercises as well as for height and physique of an exerciser.
* * * * *