U.S. patent application number 11/729548 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for exercise apparatus, resistance selector for exercise apparatus and related methods.
Invention is credited to Adam P. Hubbard.
Application Number | 20080242520 11/729548 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39529384 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080242520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hubbard; Adam P. |
October 2, 2008 |
Exercise apparatus, resistance selector for exercise apparatus and
related methods
Abstract
Apparatuses having selective having selective resistance,
mechanisms and devices for selecting resistance on an exercise
apparatus, and methods to operating exercise equipment are
provided. In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus includes a frame
and at least a first guide member coupled with a portion of the
frame. A weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates, is
associated with one or more guide members and a selector rod is
disposed adjacent portions of each weight plate. A resistance
selector includes a selector pin configured to be laterally
displaced relative to the weight stack a limited distance between
an engaged position and a disengaged position. In one embodiment,
the selector pin may be biased towards the engaged position. One or
more additional guide members may be laterally displaced and
parallel to the guide members associated with the weight stack and
slidably coupled with a body portion of the resistance
selector.
Inventors: |
Hubbard; Adam P.; (Colorado
Springs, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TRASK BRITT
P.O. BOX 2550
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84110
US
|
Family ID: |
39529384 |
Appl. No.: |
11/729548 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 21/063 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/98 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/02 20060101
A63B021/02 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; at least a first
guide member coupled with a portion of the frame; a weight stack
including a plurality of weight plates associated with the at least
a first guide member; a selector rod disposed adjacent portions of
each weight plate; a resistance selector including a selector pin
configured to be laterally displaced relative to the weight stack a
limited distance between an engaged position and a disengaged
position.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least a
second guide member having at least a portion laterally spaced from
the at least a first guide member, wherein the resistance selector
includes a body portion associated with the at least a second guide
member, and wherein the selector pin is slidably coupled with the
body portion.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the selector pin
extends through at least one opening in the selector rod when in
the engaged position and wherein the selector pin is retracted from
the selector rod and the weight stack when in the disengaged
position.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least a first
guide member includes two guide members laterally spaced from one
another and extending parallel to one another.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the two guide members
extend through apertures formed in each of the plurality of weight
plates.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least a second
guide member includes two laterally spaced guide members extending
parallel to one another.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the body portion of
the resistance selector is slidably coupled with the two laterally
spaced guide members.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein, when the selector
pin is in an engaged position, the resistance selector and at least
one weight plate of the weight stack are configured to be
concurrently displaced along a path defined by the at least a
second guide member and a path defined by the at least a second
guide member, respectively.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein, when the selector
pin is in a disengaged position, the resistance selector is
configured to be displaced along the path defined by the at least a
second guide member independent of movement by any weight plate of
the weight stack.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing
member configured and positioned to bias the selector pin towards
an engaged position.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising; at least
one pulley coupled with the frame; at least one cable engaging at
least a portion of the at least one pulley and being coupled with
the selector rod; and a handle coupled with the at least one
cable.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least a
second guide member is coupled with a portion of the frame.
13. An exercise apparatus comprising: a frame; a first pair of
guide members coupled with the frame; a weight stack including a
plurality of weight plates slidably coupled with the first pair of
guide members; a selector rod configured for selective coupling
with one or more of the plurality of weight plates; at least one
pulley coupled with the frame; at least one cable engaging at least
a portion of the at least one pulley and being coupled with the
selector rod; a handle coupled with the at least one cable; a
second pair of guide members laterally spaced from the first pair
of guide members; and a resistance selector comprising: a body
portion slidably coupled with the second pair of guide members, a
selector pin slidably coupled with the body portion and limited to
displacement between an engaged position, wherein the selector pin
extends through an opening formed in the selector rod, and a
disengaged position, wherein the selector pin is retracted from the
selector rod and any weight plate of the plurality; and a biasing
member located and configured to bias the selector pin toward the
engagement position.
14. A resistance selector for selectively engaging a desired
component of an exercise apparatus, comprising: a body portion
configured for slidable coupling with at least one guide member of
the exercise apparatus; a selector pin slidably coupled with the
body portion and configured for limited displacement between an
engaged position, wherein the selector pin extends through the body
portion and a free end of the selector pin projects beyond a
surface of the body portion, and a disengaged position, wherein the
free end of the selector pin is substantially retracted within the
body portion; and a biasing member located and configured to bias
the selector pin toward the engaged position.
15. The resistance selector of claim 14, further comprising a
handle coupled to an end of the selector pin opposite the free end
of the selector pin.
16. The resistance selector of claim 15, wherein the biasing member
includes a spring.
17. The resistance selector of claim 16, wherein the spring is in a
compressed state when the selector pin is in the disengaged
position.
18. The resistance selector of claim 16, wherein the spring is in a
tensile state when the selector pin is in the disengaged
position.
19. The resistance selector of claim 14, wherein the body portion
is configured to be slidably coupled with a pair of laterally
spaced guide members.
20. A method of operating an exercise apparatus, the method
comprising: disposing a resistance selector adjacent a weight stack
of the exercise apparatus, the weight stack including a plurality
of weight plates associated with at least a first guide member;
displacing the resistance selector along a path defined by at least
a second guide member associated with the resistance selector;
engaging a first weight plate of the plurality with a selector pin
of the resistance selector; and concurrently displacing the at
least one weight plate and the resistance selector.
21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising
disengaging the selector pin from the first weight plate, further
displacing the resistance selector along the path defined by the at
least a second guide member, and engaging a second weight plate of
the plurality with the selector pin.
22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising slidably
coupling the selector pin with a body portion of the resistance
selector and slidably coupling the body portion with the at least a
second guide member.
23. The method according to claim 21, further comprising biasing
the selector pin towards engagement with at least one weight plate
of the plurality.
24. The method according to claim 23, wherein biasing the selector
pin towards engagement with at least one weight plate of the
plurality further includes positioning a spring between the body
portion and a portion of a handle coupled with the selector
pin.
25. The method according to claim 21, further comprising limiting
the distance the selector pin may be displaced between engaging the
first weight plate and disengaging the first weight plate.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to exercise
equipment and, more particularly, to exercise equipment having
selectable resistance, components for effecting the selection of a
desired amount of resistance and related methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are numerous types of apparatuses and devices
configured to help individuals exercise and maintain a desired
level of health and fitness including apparatuses that are used for
strength training. Many strength training apparatuses are
configured to provide selective resistance so that a user of the
apparatus may appropriately tailor their exercise regimen. For
example, when the apparatus is used by multiple users, each
individual using the apparatus may be at a different strength level
and need to adjust the resistance according to their specific
capabilities. Additionally, as an individual gets stronger, they
often desire to increase the resistance provided by the apparatus
so as to maintain or increase the intensity of their workout.
[0003] Additionally, many strength training apparatuses are
configured to accommodate different types of exercises so that a
user can target different muscle groups based on the selection of
exercises they participate in. For example, a strength training
apparatus may enable an individual to alternate between chest
presses, curls, pull-downs, or a variety of other exercises while
using the same basic resistance mechanism. In order to accommodate
such a variety of exercises, the resistance mechanism is typically
configured to provide selective resistance because most users do
not perform, for example, chest presses, curls and pull downs using
the same amount of resistance for each exercise.
[0004] A relatively popular type of apparatus used for strength
training includes one which employs a plurality of stacked weight
plates. Each weight plate conventionally weighs a specified
denomination (e.g., 5 pounds or 10 pounds). Thus, for example,
assuming that each weight plate is 10 pounds, selection of a single
weight plate results in a resistance of 10 pounds, while selection
of 4 weight plates results in a resistance of 40 pounds.
[0005] In these exercise devices, a cable is led through a pulley
or series of pulleys and is attached to one or more of the weight
plates. Conventionally, the free end of the cable is coupled to a
handle for engagement by a user during exercise. The pulley and
cable assembly is also coupled with a structure such as a selector
rod associated with the weight stack that enables the user to
define the level of desired resistance. The selector rod
conventionally passes through a channel that is collectively
defined by aligned apertures formed in each of the plurality of
stacked weight plates. The selector rod also conventionally has a
plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures extending transversely
through the rod that are configured to align with corresponding
channels or openings formed in each weight plate. A selector pin is
placed through a selected weight plate and engages the
corresponding aperture of the selector rod such that, when the
selector rod is displaced by the attached cable and pulley system,
the selector pin causes the engaged weight plate, as well as any
weight plates disposed thereabove, to be displaced along with the
selector rod. Thus, by inserting the selector pin in the aperture
of a specific weight plate, the desired level of resistance is
selected.
[0006] The use of selector pins with weight stacks of an exercise
apparatus has been relatively efficient and effective in terms of
enabling multiple users to use the same machine as well as enabling
individual users to use a single machine for a variety of different
exercises. In certain situations, however, the use of a selector
pin or similar structure, such as described above, may pose a
hazard to the user of the exercise apparatus. For example,
sometimes a user of the apparatus may only partially engage the
selector pin with the selector rod. In such instances, the selector
pin may become disengaged during an exercise routine causing the
weight plates to fall and essentially eliminating all resistance
instantaneously. Such a situation may potentially result in injury
to the user of the equipment, damage to the equipment itself, or
both.
[0007] Additionally, strength training apparatuses using weight
stacks and selector pin arrangements are popular in gyms and
fitness centers where multiple types and multiple brands of such
strength training apparatuses are used. Oftentimes, the selector
pins used in these various apparatuses get lost, essentially
rendering the exercise equipment useless. When a selector pin for
one piece of equipment is missing, a user may "borrow" a selector
pin from another apparatus. However, not every apparatus utilizes a
common selector pin. Thus, selector pins may vary in size, shape
and strength from one apparatus to another. While, to a user of the
exercise equipment, it may seem logical to "borrow" a selector pin
from one apparatus for use with another, the use of a selector pin
that is an improper size or shape, or which may be designed to
withstand a lesser exertion of force than will be imposed on it
when employed with a different apparatus, poses potential hazards
including those indicated above.
[0008] Thus, it would be desirable to provide an exercise apparatus
having a resistance selector mechanism that reduces or eliminates
the ability of users to interchange components of one machine with
another. It would also be desirable to provide components that
reduce or eliminate the likelihood of interchanging components of
one exercise apparatus with another in an undesirable manner. It
would also be advantageous to provide a selector mechanism which
helps to ensure that a selector pin is more fully engaged with the
desired components prior to a user operating the associated
exercise apparatus.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides exercise apparatuses having
selective resistance, mechanisms and devices for selecting
resistance on an exercise apparatus, and methods to operating
exercise equipment.
[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
and exercise apparatus is provided. The exercise apparatus includes
a frame and at least a first guide member coupled with a portion of
the frame. A weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates,
is associated with the at least a first guide member. A selector
rod is disposed adjacent portions of each weight plate. A
resistance selector includes a selector pin configured to be
laterally displaced relative to the weight stack a limited distance
between an engaged position and a disengaged position.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, another exercise apparatus is provided. The apparatus
includes a frame and a first pair of guide members coupled with the
frame. A weight stack including a plurality of weight plates is
slidably coupled with the first pair of guide members. A selector
rod is configured for selective coupling with one or more of the
plurality of weight plates. At least one pulley is coupled with the
frame and at least one cable engages at least a portion of the at
least one pulley while also being coupled with the selector rod. A
handle is also coupled with the at least one cable. A second pair
of guide members laterally spaced from the first pair of guide
members. A resistance selector includes a body portion slidably
coupled with the second pair of guide members, a selector pin and a
biasing member. The selector pin is slidably coupled with the body
portion and limited to displacement between an engaged position,
wherein the selector pin extends through an opening formed in the
selector rod, and a disengaged position, wherein the selector pin
is retracted from the selector rod and any weight plate of the
plurality. The biasing member is located and configured to bias the
selector pin toward the engagement position.
[0012] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, a resistance selector for selectively engaging a desired
component of an exercise apparatus is provided. The resistance
selector includes a body portion configured for slidable coupling
with at least one guide member of the exercise apparatus. A
selector pin is slidably coupled with the body portion and
configured for limited displacement between and engaged position,
wherein the selector pin extends through the body portion and a
free end of the selector pin projects beyond a surface of the body
portion, and a disengaged position, wherein the free end of the
selector pin is substantially retracted within the body portion. A
biasing member is located and configured to bias the selector pin
toward the engaged position.
[0013] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present
invention, a method is provided for operating an exercise
apparatus. The method includes disposing a resistance selector
adjacent a weight stack of the exercise apparatus, the weight stack
including a plurality of weight plates associated with at least a
first guide member. The resistance selector is displaced along a
path defined by at least a second guide member associated with the
resistance selector. A first weight plate of the plurality is
engaged with a selector pin of the resistance selector and the at
least one weight plate and the resistance selector are concurrently
displaced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and
upon reference to the drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is side elevational view of an exercise apparatus
according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a weight stack and
resistance selector according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of a portion of a
resistance selector in accordance with various embodiments of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a resistance selector in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention wherein
the selector is in an engaged state;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance selector
shown in FIG. 3 with the selector in a disengaged state; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a resistance selector in
accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, an exercise apparatus 100 is shown
which includes a frame 102 having a base 104 configured to support
the apparatus 100 on an underlying surface. A cable and pulley
system 106 is coupled with the frame and includes a cable coupled
to a selector rod 110. The selector rod 110 is configured to be
selectively coupled with one or more components of a selective
resistance mechanism, such as a weight stack 112, as shall be
discussed in further detail hereinbelow. The weight stack 112 may
include a plurality of individual weight members, such as plates
114, having a desired mass. For example, in one embodiment, each of
the plates. 114 may weigh approximately 10 pounds (lbs.). In
another example, each of the plates 114 may weigh approximately 5
lbs. In another embodiment, some of the plates 114 may be one
weight (e.g., 5 lbs.) while others have a different weight (e.g.,
10 lbs.).
[0022] In the embodiment shown, the cable and pulley system 106
includes a first cable 116 having a handle 118 attached to one end
thereof. The first cable 116 extends through a first pulley 120A
and is coupled with a fixed structure 122 associated with the frame
102. The first pulley 120A is coupled with a linear bearing
structure 124 positioned on a guide member 126 that is coupled to
the frame 102. A second cable 126 has a first end that is coupled
with the linear bearing structure 124, extends through additional
pulleys 120B and 120C, and has a second end coupled with the
selector rod 110. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the
selector rod 110 is disposed within a channel formed by the
alignment of individual apertures of each weight plate 114.
[0023] The weight plates 114 are each slidably coupled with one or
more guide members 130, such as guide rods, that are coupled with
the frame 104. A resistance selector mechanism 132 is configured
for selective engagement with one ore more weight plates 114 of the
weight stack 112 as well as with the selector rod 110 as shall be
discussed further hereinbelow. In one embodiment, the resistance
selector 132 is coupled to one or more guide members 134, such as
guide rods. The guide members 134 may be coupled with the frame 102
and laterally displaced relative to the guide members 130
associated with the weight stack 112. As will be apparent upon
further reading of the operation of the resistance selector 132,
when the resistance selector 132 is engaged with one or more weight
plates 114 of the weight stack 112 and with the selector rod 110,
the resistance selector 132 will be displaced along the path
defined by its guide members 134 concurrently with the displacement
of any engaged weight plates 114 along the path defined by their
associated guide members 130. However, when the resistance selector
132 is disengaged from the selector rod 110 and any weight plates
114, the resistance selector is free to move along the path defined
by its guide members 134 independent of any movement (or
nonmovement) of the various weight plates 114 in the weight stack
112.
[0024] It is noted that, in the various example embodiments, two
guide members 130 are shown and described as being associated with
the weight stack 112. However, a single guide member 130, or a
plurality of guide members 130 greater than two, may be associated
with the weight stack 112 in other embodiments of the present
invention. Similarly, while two guide members 134 are shown and
described as being associated with the resistance selector 132 in
the example embodiments, a single guide member 134, or a plurality
of guide members 134 greater than two, may be used in association
with the resistance selector 132.
[0025] During use of the apparatus 100, a user pulls on the handle
118 to actuate the cable and pulley system 106. When the handle 118
is displaced sufficiently downwardly or laterally away from the
frame 104 (or both downwardly and laterally away from the frame
104), the first cable 118 causes the linear bearing structure 124
to be downwardly displaced along its associated guide member 126.
This in turn causes the second cable 128 to be displaced causing
any weight plates 114 of the weight stack 112 that are engaged by
the resistance selector 132 to be displaced upwardly along their
associated guide members 130. Since the resistance selector 132 is
engaged with one or more weight plates 114 and the selector rod
110, it too is displaced along its associated guide members 134 in
a manner corresponding with the displaced weight plates 114.
[0026] It is noted that the apparatus 100 described with respect to
FIG. 1 is merely an example and that the present invention may be
used in conjunction with a variety of configurations, regardless of
the number of pulleys and cables or the specific arrangement of the
various components. As such, and as will be appreciated by those of
skill in the art, the apparatus 100 described with respect to FIG.
1 should not be considered limiting to the practice of the
presently disclosed invention.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a resistance
selector 132, or a resistance selection mechanism, is shown in
relationship to a weight stack 112. As previously noted, the weight
stack 112 may include a plurality of discrete plates 114 that are
slidably coupled to guide members 130. For example, two guide
members 130 may each extend through corresponding openings in the
weight plates 114. In this manner, the guide members 130 act as
linear bearings for the displacement of the weight plates 114.
[0028] The resistance selector 132 may include a body portion 140
(referred to herein simply as a body for convenience) that is
slidably coupled with associated guide members 134. The guide
members 134 associated with the resistance selector 132 and the
guide members associated with the weight plates 114 are laterally
spaced from one another and extend substantially parallel with
respect to each other. A selector pin 142 or other structure is
slidably coupled to the body 140 of the resistance selector 132. A
handle 144 may be coupled to an end of the selector pin 142 for
ease of manipulation and operation by a user of the exercise
apparatus 100. The selector pin 142 is configured to be displaced
relative to the body 140 and the weight stack 112 in a direction
that is generally transverse to the orientation of the selector rod
110.
[0029] When in an engaged position, the selector pin 142 extends
through a channel 146 formed in a selected weight plate 114 and
into a corresponding opening 148 formed in the selector rod 110. By
engaging the channel 146 of a weight plate 114 and a corresponding
opening 148 of the selector rod, the selector pin 142 becomes, in
effect, a bearing member such that the weight of the selected weigh
plate 114, and the weight of all weight plates in the weight stack
that are above the selected weight plate 114, bear on the selector
pin 142 as the selector rod 110 is displaced upward during
operation of the exercise apparatus 100.
[0030] When the selector pin 142 is disengaged from the selector
rod 110 and any of the weight plates 114, the body 140 of the
resistance selector 132 may be displaced along the guide members
134 relative to the weight stack 112 so that the selector pin 142
may be inserted into and engage a different selected weight plate
114 and effect a change in the amount of weight being coupled to
and displaced by the selector rod 110.
[0031] In one embodiment, the selector pin 142 may be limited in
its displacement relative to the body 140. In other words, a
retaining device or structure may allow the selector pin 142 to be
displaced far enough to disengage from any of the weight plates
114, but not far enough such that it disengages or is removed from
the body 140. For example, referring briefly to FIG. 3A, a
cross-sectional view is shown of a portion of the selector pin 142
as it interacts with an opening of the body 140. A shoulder portion
148 may be formed in the selector pin 142 that exhibits an
increased cross-sectional area as compared to an opening 150 in the
body through which the selector pin 142 extends. When the selector
pin 142 is in a disengaged position, such as when it is displaced
away from the weight stack 112 (FIGS. 1 and 2), the shoulder
portion 148 abuts the body portion 140 surrounding the opening 150
and limits or prevents further displacement of the selector pin 142
in that direction.
[0032] Referring briefly to FIG. 3B, in another embodiment, a
biasing member may be coupled to the selector pin 142 to bias the
selector pin 142 into engagement with a weight plate 114 and the
selector rod 110. For example, a spring 152 or other biasing member
may be disposed between or otherwise coupled to a portion of the
selector pin 142 and a portion of the body 140. In the embodiment
described with respect to FIG. 3B, the spring 152 becomes
compressed when the selector pin 142 is disengaged such that the
selector pin 142 is biased back towards its engagement
position.
[0033] By restraining the displacement of the selector pin 142
relative to the body 140, the selector pin 142 will be retained by
the body 140 and will not be removed from the exercise apparatus.
Retaining the selector pin 142 with the body 140 of the resistance
selector 132 will prevent the inappropriate use of the selector pin
142 with another, potentially incompatible exercise apparatus.
Similarly, such a configuration with prevent the selector pin 142
from becoming lost. Use of a biasing member, such as the spring
152, will also help ensure more complete engagement of the selector
pin 142 with the selected weight plate 114 and the selector rod
110. As previously discussed, failure of the selector pin 132 to
fully engage the selector rod 110 may result in damage to the
apparatus 100, injury to the user, or both.
[0034] Referring now briefly to FIGS. 4 and 5, perspective views of
a resistance selector 132 are shown with a single weight plate 114
in both an engaged state (FIG. 4) and a disengaged state (FIG. 5).
It is noted that FIG. 4 depicts a selector rod 110 in dashed lines
extending through an opening or aperture 154 of the weight plate
114 for purposes of context and clarity. The resistance selector
132 includes similar components as has been discussed hereinabove,
but shows that such components may be varied or modified if
desired. For example, the body 140' may be configured to exhibit a
different geometry than is shown in FIG. 2. Likewise, the handle
144' may be configured, for example, as an elongated handle having
certain ergonomic qualities if desired. Additionally, while the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2 included a retaining device, a biasing
device, or both, which were largely internal to the body 140 of the
resistance selector 132, FIGS. 4 and 5 show in that such features
may be incorporated while being external to the body 140' if so
desired. For example, a biasing member, shown as a spring 152' may
extend between a portion of the body 140' and a portion of the
handle 144'.
[0035] As seen in FIG. 4, when the selector pin 142 is engaged, it
extends through a channel 146 of the weight plate 114 and also
through an opening 148 formed in the selector rod 110. As has
previously been described, with the selector pin 142 engaged,
displacement of the selector rod 110 by the cable and pulley system
106 (FIG. 1) results in corresponding displacement of the weight
plate 114 that has been engaged by the selector pin 142, along with
any weight plates 114 positioned about the engaged weight plate
114, as well as corresponding displacement of the resistance
selector 132.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 5, when the handle 144' is displaced away
from the body 140', the selector pin 142 becomes disengaged from
the selector rod 110 (not shown in FIG. 5) and the weight plate 114
such that the free end of the selector pin 142 is substantially
withdrawn in the body 140 of the resistance selector 132. Thus, the
resistance selector 132 is now free to be displaced along its
associated guide members 134 independent of any of the weight
plates 114 such that it may be selectively positioned relative to
the weight stack 112 (FIGS. 1 and 2) and selectively engaged with a
desired weight plate 114 of the weight stack 112. As previously
noted, in the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5, a
spring 152' is positioned between the body 140' and the handle
144'. In such a configuration, the spring 152' becomes elongated
and in tension when the selector pin 142 is disengaged causing the
selector pin to become biased toward engagement with a weight plate
114 and selector rod 110.
[0037] It is noted that, while not specifically depicted in the
drawings, a lock or other retainer mechanism may be employed such
that, even though the selector pin 142 may be biased towards
engagement with a weight plate 114 and the selector rod 110, the
selector pin 142 may be locked temporarily in the disengaged state
to prevent potential inadvertent engagement with an undesired
weight plate 114 when resistance selector 142 being displaced
relative to the weight stack 112 along its guide members 134.
[0038] Referring briefly now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the
present invention is shown wherein the resistance selector 132 is
coupled with guide members 134' that, while having portions 160
spaced from and parallel to guide members 130 associated with the
weight stack 112, the guide members 134' are not directly coupled
to the frame 104 (FIG. 1) of the exercise apparatus 100. Rather,
the guide members 134' include portions 162 that are coupled to a
top-most plate 114 of the weight stack 112, or to some other
structure that rests atop the weight stack 112. In such an
embodiment, the guide members 134' will also become displaced with
the selected weight plates 114 and the resistance selector 142
during operation of the exercise apparatus 100.
[0039] In yet another embodiment, while not expressly shown, it is
noted that the body portion 140 of a resistance selector 132, or
some other component thereof, may be configured for coupling with
additional resistance members, in addition to coupling with the
weight plates 114. For example, free weights of a denomination less
than that of the weight plates 114 may be individually coupled with
a component of the resistance selector 132 (e.g., the body 140) to
"fine tune" the resistance provided by the exercise apparatus 100.
Thus, in one example, if the weight plates 114 each exhibited a
weight of 5 lbs, individual free weights of, for example, 1 lb may
be coupled with the body 140 of the resistance selector 132 such
that a total resistance may be selected that is not divisible by 5
without a remainder (e.g., a total resistance of 17 lbs or 32
lbs).
[0040] While the invention may be susceptible to various
modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in
detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention
is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as defined by the following appended claims.
* * * * *