Exercising machine

Abstract

An exercising machine comprising: an upright frame providing generally vertical tracks each having two oppositely facing channels; a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along the tracks and having two vertically spaced wheels in each channel; a stack of weights carried by the frame below the carriage; an upright selector post extending between the weights and the carriage and extending through holes in the weights and provided with vertically spaced apertures; lower connecting means for connecting a selected number of the weights to the post, comprising a lower pin engageable with a selected one of the weights and insertable into a selected one of the apertures in the post; upper connecting means for connecting the carriage to the post at any one of a plurality of vertically spaced positions, comprising an upper pin engageable with the carriage and insertable into a selected one of the apertures in the post; a handlebar pivotally connected to the carriage for upward and downward pivotal movement relative thereto; and means for locking the handlebar against pivotal movement relative to the carriage in any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions.

Parent Case Text

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 355,419, filed Apr. 30, 1973, and now abandoned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a body exercising machine and, more particularly, to a machine of the type which includes an upright frame having generally vertical tracks, a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along the tracks, a stack of weights carried by the frame, means for connecting a selected number of the weights to the carriage, and an exercising means or device, such as a handlebar, connected to the carriage.

With the foregoing structure, the user of the machine can lift various weights according to his or her ability, either by lifting on the handlebar with the hands, or by pushing upwardly thereon with the feet, the user lying on his or her back in the latter event.

A prior patent disclosing a machine of the foregoing general nature is U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,472, issued Jan. 18, 1972 to Walter Marcyan.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a body exercising machine of the foregoing general character which includes various improvements over prior machines of a similar nature.

More particularly, an important object of the invention is to provide an exercising machine which includes, and the invention may be summarized as including: an upright frame providing generally vertical tracks; a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along the tracks; a stack of weights carried by the frame below the carriage; an upright selector post extending between the weights and the carriage; lower connecting means for connecting a selected number of weights to the selector post; upper connecting means for connecting the carriage to the selector post at any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions; and an exercising means or device, such as a handlebar, connected to the carriage.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercising machine having the foregoing characteristics wherein each of the tracks comprises two oppositely facing channels and wherein the carriage is provided thereon with two vertically spaced wheels in each of the channels, each such wheel being directly opposite the corresponding wheel in the adjacent channel. Thus, there are eight wheels altogether with two vertically spaced pairs on each side, the wheels of each pair being opposite each other and being disposed in the respective channels of the corresponding track. A related object is to provide such an exercising machine having two guides along which the carriage slides as it moves upwardly and downwardly, this combination of tracks and guides providing extremely stable support for the carriage.

An important object is to provide an exercising machine wherein the selector post is provided with vertically spaced apertures and extends through aligned holes in the weights, and wherein the lower connecting means comprises a lower pin engageable with a selected one of the weights and insertable into a selected one of the apertures in the post.

Another important object is to provide an exercising machine wherein the upper connector means comprises an upper pin engageable with the carriage and insertable into a selected one of the apertures in the selector post.

With the foregoing construction, not only can the number of weights connected to the selector post be regulated to match the user's ability, but the height of the carriage above the supporting surface for the machine, and thus the height of the handlebar, can be varied to match the user's height and the type of exercise he or she intends to perform, which is an important feature. Another important feature is that the selector post provides an adjustable connection between the weights and the carriage which is a very simple and direct one, requiring no auxiliary connecting elements.

Another important object is to provide means pivotally connecting the handlebar, or other exercising means, to the carriage for upward and downward pivotal movement of the exercising means relative to the carriage, and to provide means for locking the exercising means against pivotal movement relative to the carriage in any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions. A related object is to provide a locking means which includes a locking pin engageable with the exercising means and insertable into any one of a plurality of arcuately spaced apertures in a member mounted on the carriage.

The foregoing objects, features, advantages and results of the present invention, together with various other objects, advantages, features and results thereof which will be evident to those skilled in the body exercising machine art in the light of this disclosure, may be achieved with the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in detail hereinafter.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a body exercising machine which incorporates the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the machine, i.e., a view taken from the left as the machine is seen in FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are enlarged, fragmentary sectional views taken as indicated by the arrowed lines 3--3, 4--4 and 5--5 of FIG. 2 of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY

EMBODIMENT OF INVENTION

The body exercising machine of the invention is designated generally by the numeral 10 and includes as its major components the following: an upright frame 12 providing laterally spaced, generally vertical tracks 14, FIGS. 1 and 2; a carriage 16 movable upwardly and downwardly along the tracks; a stack 18 of weights 20 carried by the frame below the carriage; an upright selector post 22 extending between the weights and the carriage and extending through holes 24 in the weights; lower connecting means 26 for connecting a selected number of the weights to the post; upper connecting means 28 for connecting the carriage to the post at any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions; an exercising means or device, such as a handlebar 30, pivotally connected to the carriage for upward or downward pivotal movement of the handlebar relative to the carriage; and means 32 for locking the handlebar against pivotal movement relative to the carriage in any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions.

As best shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, each of the tracks 14 comprises two oppositely facing channels 34, such channels facing laterally upwardly away from each other in the particular construction illustrated. The carriage 16 is provided thereon with two vertically spaced wheels 36 in each of the channels 34. Thus, there are eight wheels altogether, each such wheel being directly opposite a wheel 36 in the adjacent channel 34.

The frame 12 includes laterally spaced guides 38 between and paralleling and in the same plane as the tracks 14, these guides being connected at their lower ends to a base 40 of the frame and being connected at their upper ends to the top 42 of the frame. The guides 38 extend through holes 44 in the weights 20, FIG. 5, and extend through bushings 46 in the carriage 16, FIG. 3.

The combination of the tracks 14, the carriage wheels 36, and the carriage guides 38 provides a stable and rugged structure permitting free upward and downward movement of the carriage.

The carriage guides 38 are encircled at their lower ends, below the stack 18 of weights 20, by compression coil springs 48 on which the stack 18 rests. Such springs act as cushions in the event that one or more of the weights 20 are inadvertently dropped.

As previously indicated, the selector post 22 extends upwardly through holes 24 in the weights 20. It further extends upwardly through a generally vertical bushing or sleeve 50 on the carriage 16, such sleeve being supported by vertically spaced cross bars 52 interconnecting generally vertical supports 54 for the carriage wheels 36.

The selector post 22 is provided therein with a plurality of vertically spaced apertures 56 with which the lower and upper connecting means 26 and 28 cooperate. More particularly, the lower connecting means 26 comprises a lower connecting pin 58 engageable with a selected one of the weights 20 and insertable into a selected one of the apertures 56 in the post 22, whereby to connect a selected number of the weights to the post. Still more particularly, each weight 20 is provided adjacent its forward edge and in its underside with a bayonet groove 60, FIGS. 4 and 5, which bayonet groove continues rearwardly as a straight groove 62. The lower pin 58 is provided with a straight portion inserted into the straight groove 62 in the underside of each weight 20, and is provided with an offset portion 64 insertable into the corresponding bayonet groove 60, such pin being provided at its forward end with a handle 66.

With the foregoing construction, any desired number of the weights 20 may be connected to the selector post 22 by inserting the lower connecting pin 58 into the grooves 60 and 62 in the underside of the desired weight 20, and through a selected one of the apertures 56 in the selector post 22. Thus, any desired total weight may be connected to the selector post 22 simply and easily, the weights having indicia on their front edges, as shown in FIG. 2, showing the total weight connected to the selector post for the corresponding position of the lower connecting pin 58.

The upper connecting means 28 includes an upper connecting pin 70 which is insertable through aligned holes 72 in the carriage sleeve 50 and a selected one of the apertures 56 through the selector post 22, the selected aperture depending upon the height desired for the carriage 16 for a particular individual and a particular exercise. For example, a tall person and/or one lifting only one or a few of the weights 20, and grasping the handlebar 30 with his or her hands, will require connecting the carriage 16 to the selector post 22 with the pin 70 in one of the upper apertures 56, the converse being true in the case of a short person and/or one lifting many of the weights 20, or a person exercising by lying on his or her back and engaging the handlebar with his or her feet.

It will be apparent that by interconnecting the desired number of weights 20 and the carriage 16 with the selector post 22, a very simple and direct adjustable connection is provided, which is an important feature.

As previously pointed out, the handlebar 30 is pivotally connected to the carriage 16 for upward and downward pivotal movement relative to the carriage. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this is accomplished by a pivot pin 74 extending through lugs 76 on the handlebar 30 and a bracket 78 on the carriage sleeve 50. The locking means 32 for the handlebar 30 comprises a locking pin 80 insertable into any one of a series of vertically and arcuately spaced apertures 82 in the bracket 78. Thus, the handlebar 30 can be adjusted to any desired angle, depending upon the wishes and/or needs of the user.

As an added feature, the exercising machine 10 includes a second stack 86 of weights 88 similar to the stack 18 of weights 20. The stack 86 rests on springs 90 corresponding to the springs 48 and is constrained by guides 92 corresponding to the guides 38. A selector post 94 similar to the selector post 22 extends through the stack 86 of weights 88, and any desired number of weights may be connected to the selector post 94 by a locking pin 96 similar to the locking pin 58. The upper end of the selector post 94 is connected to a cable 98 trained around pulleys 100 and 102 carried by the upper portion of the frame 12, the cable terminating in another handlebar 104. With this additional structure, the user may exercise by pulling downwardly and/or rearwardly on the handlebar 104 to lift any desired number of the weights 88.

Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been disclosed for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and substitutions may be incorporated in such embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims hereinafter appearing.

Claims

I claim as my invention:

1. In an exercising machine, the combination of:

a. an upright frame providing generally vertical tracks;

b. a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along said tracks;

c. a stack of weights carried by said frame substantially directly below said carriage;

d. an upright selector post extending substantially directly and vertically between said weights and said carriage;

e. lower connecting means for connecting a selected number of weights to said post;

f. upper connecting means for connecting said carriage to said post at any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions; and

g. exercising means connected to said carriage.

2. An exercising machine as defined in claim 1 wherein:

a. each of said tracks comprises two oppositely facing channels; and

b. said carriage is provided thereon with two vertically spaced wheels in each of said channels.

3. An exercising machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said post is provided with vertically spaced apertures and extends through aligned holes in said weights; and

b. said lower connecting means comprises a lower pin engageable with a selected one of said weights and insertable into a selected one of said apertures in said post.

4. An exercising machine according to claim 1 wherein:

a. said post is provided with vertically spaced apertures; and

b. said upper connecting means comprises an upper pin engageable with said carriage and insertable into a selected one of said apertures in said post.

5. An exercising machine as defined in claim 1 including:

a. means pivotally connecting said exercising means to said carriage for upward and downward pivotal movement of said exercising means relative to said carriage; and

b. means for locking said exercising means against pivotal movement relative to said carriage in any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions.

6. An exercising machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

a. said post is provided with vertically spaced apertures and extends through aligned holes in said weights;

b. said lower connecting means comprises a lower pin engageable with a selected one of said weights and insertable into a selected one of said apertures in said post; and

c. said upper connecting means comprises an upper pin engageable with said carriage and insertable into another selected one of said apertures in said post.

7. An exercising machine as defined in claim 6 including:

a. means pivotally connecting said exercising means to said carriage for upward and downward pivotal movement of said exercising means relative to said carriage; and

b. means for locking said exercising means against pivotal movement relative to said carriage in any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions.

8. An exercising machine according to claim 7 wherein said exercising means comprises a handlebar.

9. In an exercising machine, the combination of:

a. an upright frame providing generally vertical tracks;

b. a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along said tracks;

c. a stack of weights carried by said frame below said carriage;

d. an upright selector post extending between said weights and said carriage;

e. lower connecting means for connecting a selected number of said weights to said post;

f. upper connecting means for connecting said carriage to said post at any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions;

g. exercising means connected to said carriage;

h. each of said tracks comprising two oppositely facing channels; and

i. said carriage being provided thereon with two vertically spaced wheels in each of said channels.

10. In an exercising machine, the combination of:

an upright frame providing generally vertical tracks;

b. a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along said tracks;

c. a stack of weights carried by said frame below said carriage;

d. an upright selector post extending between said weights and said carriage;

e. lower connecting means for connecting a selected number of said weights to said post;

f. upper connecting means for connecting said carriage to said post at any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions;

g. exercising means connected to said carriage;

h. said post being provided with vertically spaced apertures; and

i. said upper connecting means comprising an upper pin engageable with said carriage and insertable into a selected one of said apertures in said post.

11. In an exercising machine, the combination of:

a. an upright frame providing generally vertical tracks;

b. a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along said tracks;

c. a stack of weights carried by said frame below said carriage;

d. an upright selector post extending between said weights and said carriage;

e. lower connecting means for connecting a selected number of said weights to said post;

f. upper connecting means for connecting said carriage to said post at any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions;

g. exercising means connected to said carriage;

h. means pivotally connecting said exercising means to said carriage for upward and downward pivotal movement of said exercising means relative to said carriage; and

i. means for locking said exercising means against pivotal movement relative to said carriage in any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions.

12. In an exercising machine, the combination of:

a. an upright frame providing generally vertical tracks;

b. a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along said tracks;

c. a stack of weights carried by said frame below said carriage;

d. an upright selector post extending between said weights and said carriage;

e. lower connecting means for connecting a selected number of said weights to said post;

f. upper connecting means for connecting said carriage to said post at any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions;

g. exercising means connected to said carriage;

h. said post being provided with vertically spaced apertures and extending through aligned holes in said weights;

i. said lower connecting means comprising a lower pin engageable with a selected one of said weights and insertable into a selected one of said apertures in said post; and

j. said upper connecting means comprising an upper pin engageable with said carriage and insertable into another selected one of said apertures in said post.

13. An exercising machine as defined in claim 12 including:

a. means pivotally connecting said exercising means to said carriage for upward and downward pivotal movement of said exercising means relative to said carriage; and

b. means for locking said exercising means against pivotal movement relative to said carriage in any of a plurality of vertically spaced positions.

14. An exercising machine according to claim 13 wherein said exercising means comprises a handlebar.