Multi-purpose exercise apparatus

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/549,314, filed on Apr. 13, 2000 U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,610, which in turn, discloses subject matter entitled to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/129,088, filed on Apr. 13, 1999.

[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and more specifically, to a multi-purpose exercise apparatus.

[0003] Many types and variations of exercise equipment are known in the art. The “home gym” is a well recognized category of exercise equipment. Generally speaking, this type of product is intended to provide a variety of exercises on a single piece of equipment which is relatively compact and affordable.

[0004] The present invention provides a multi-purpose exercise apparatus which strikes a desirable balance between the cost of manufacture and both the quantity and quality of available exercises. Many of the features and/or advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the more detailed description that follows.

[0023] A first exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as 100 in FIGS. 1–6. The apparatus 100 generally includes a frame 110, a bench 120, force receiving members 130a–b, force transmitting members 140a–b, flexible connectors 133a–b interconnected between respective force receiving members 130-b and respective force transmitting members 140a–b, and force resistance members 150a–b interconnected between respective force transmitting members 140a–b and the frame 110.

[0024] The frame 110 includes a floor engaging platform or base 111, and a vertical post or stanchion 114 that extends perpendicularly upward from the platform 111. The platform 111 is sized and configured to support the apparatus 100 in a vertical or upright orientation, and to support the feet of a person in a standing position.

[0025] Left and right rails 113a and 113b extend upward from opposite sides of the platform 111 and toward an intermediate portion of the stanchion 114. The rails 113a and 113b cooperate to define a generally parabolic shape and may be described both as upwardly convergent and as inclined relative to the underlying floor surface.

[0026] The bench 120 includes central, L-shaped rail 112 having a first end that is connected to the stanchion 114, between the platform 111 and the tops of the rails 113a and 113b, and an opposite, second end that is configured and arranged to rest upon the underlying floor surface. The rail 112 is releasably secured to the stanchion 114 be means of a fastener 118 extending through aligned holes in the rail 112 and a support extending outward from the stanchion 114. The bench 120 is also pivotal about the fastener 118 for pivoting between a horizontal, operative position, shown in the drawing, and a vertical, storage position (not shown).

[0027] The bench 120 includes a back supporting member 122 which is mounted on the rail 112 and selectively movable relative thereto. A detent pin 123 or other suitable fastener selectively secures the back supporting member 122 in place relative to the rail 112. As shown in FIG. 5, a brace 121 is pivotally mounted on the back supporting member 122 and folds from underneath same to selectively support the back supporting member 122 in an inclined orientation relative to the rail 112.

[0028] The bench 120 also includes a seat 124 which is mounted on the rail 112 and selectively movable relative thereto. In particular, rollers are rotatably mounted on the seat 123 and bear against the rail 112. A detent pin 125 or other suitable fastener is inserted through aligned holes in the seat 124 and the rail 112 in order to selectively secure the former in place relative to the latter. As shown in FIG. 6, the back supporting member 122 may be removed from the rail 112 to permit reciprocal movement of the seat 124 back and forth along the rail 112 (as suggested by the arrows).

[0029] FIG. 2 shows one way to connect the force receiving members 130a and 130b to the force transmitting members 140a and 140b. With reference to the right side of the apparatus 100, for example, a bracket 135a is mounted on the rail 113a and selectively movable relative thereto (as suggested by the arrows). A detent pin 136a (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) or other suitable fastener inserts through the bracket 135a and any of several holes in the rear side of the rail 113a to selectively secure the bracket 135a in any of several positions along the rail 113a. A first pulley 137a or other suitable guide is operatively mounted on the bracket 135a. A second pulley 139a or other suitable guide is operatively mounted on the frame 110 on or near the platform 114. The flexible cable 133a is connected to the force receiving member 130a, and then routed sequentially about the pulley 137a, the pulley 139a, and the pulley 103a, and then routed to the force transmitting member 140a. Counterpart pulleys are provided for the other flexible cable 133b.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3–6, the apparatus 100 may alternatively be constructed without the fixed pulleys 139a. In any event, the pulley 137a may be relocated along the rail 113a to accommodate different types of exercises and/or different starting points, while the pulley 139a remains fixed to minimize slack in the cable 133a regardless of the location of the pulley 137a. For example, when the pulleys 137a and 137b are positioned proximate the floor, the apparatus 100 is configured for providing a “dead lift” exercise. At the other extreme, the pulleys 137a and 137b may be moved near the upper ends of respective rails 113a and 113b to facilitate a rowing exercise (with the apparatus 100 adjusted to the configuration shown in FIG. 6).

[0031] The upper end of the cable 133a is connected to the force transmitting member 140a via any of several holes 143 provided in same. The force transmitting member 140a is pivotally mounted on the stanchion 114 and rotatable relative thereto about a pivot axis X. A force resisting cylinder 150a, such as a gas spring or other suitable resistance mechanism, is movably interconnected between the force transmitting member 140a and the stanchion 114 to resist rotation of the former relative to the latter. On this embodiment 100, the cylinder 150a is configured to change length subject to a constant resistance force. Resistance to exercise is adjusted by relocating the cable 133a along the force transmitting member 140a, recognizing that the user's mechanical advantage increases as a function of distance from the pivot axis X.

[0032] A second exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as 200 in FIGS. 7–11. The exercise apparatus 200 includes a frame 210 having a base or platform 211 designed to rest upon a floor surface 90 (see FIG. 11), and a post or stanchion 214 that extends upward from the base 211. The platform 211 is sized and configured to maintain the apparatus 200 in a stable position on the floor surface 99, and to accommodate the feet of a standing person. Left and right rails 213a–b extend upward and inward from respective sides of the platform 211 to an intermediate portion of the post 214. The rails 213a–b may be described as inclined and/or upwardly convergent relative to the floor surface. Wheels 201 are rotatably mounted on the platform 211 and tiltable into contact with the floor surface 90 to facilitate movement of the apparatus 200 across the floor surface 90.

[0033] With reference to FIG. 11, a bench 220 is releasably connected to the frame 210 and may be arranged to rest in part on the floor surface 90. In this regard, C-shaped sleeves 212 are mounted on opposite sides of the post 214, approximately midway between the platform 211 and a juncture defined by the rails 213a–b and the post 214. A bracket 229 has left and right distal ends that are inserted through respective sleeves 212 and secured to the post 214 by means of a detent pin 303 or other suitable fastener. The bench 220 includes a rail 226 having a first end that is pivotally connected to an opposite end of the bracket 229 for pivoting about a pivot axis BP. The rail 226 is pivotal between a generally horizontal, operative orientation (shown in FIG. 11), and a generally vertical, storage orientation (extending parallel to the post 214). A detent pin 304 or other suitable fastener is inserted through a respective hole (one of which is designated as 292 in FIG. 11) in the bracket 229 and an alignable hole in the rail 226 to secure the rail 226 in either orientation.

[0034] A leg 227 has a first end that is pivotally connected to an opposite, second end of the rail 226 for pivoting about a pivot axis LP. An opposite, second end of the leg 227 is configured to rest on the floor surface 90. The leg 227 is pivotal between an operative position, extending generally perpendicular to the rail 226 (as shown in FIG. 11), and a storage position, extending generally parallel to the rail 226. A detent pin 307 or other suitable fastener is inserted through a hole in a bracket portion of the leg 227 and through a respective, alignable hole in the rail 226 (one of which is designated as 297 in FIG. 11) to secure the rail 226 in either orientation. A slot extends through an intermediate portion of the leg 227, and a pulley 228 is rotatably mounted within the slot for reasons discussed below.

[0035] A seat 224 is rollably mounted on the rail 226 in a manner known in the art. A detent pin 306 or other suitable fastener is inserted through a bracket associated with the seat 224 and one of several alignable holes in the rail 226 to selectively lock the seat 224 in a desired location along the rail 226. The seat 224 is sized and configured to support the buttocks of a person in a seated position or a supine position. The seat 224 is selectively connected to a back support 222 by means of a snap button 301 or other suitable fastener projecting through aligned holes in respective brackets associated with the seat 224 and the back support 222.

[0036] The back support 222 is sized and configured to support the back of a person in a seated position on the seat 224 or in a supine position with his/her buttocks on the seat 224. An end of the back support 222 opposite the seat 224 is selectively connected to the rail 226 by means of telescoping assembly 221 and a relocatable bracket. The assembly 221 is pivotally interconnected between the back support 222 and the bracket, and the length of the assembly 221 is adjusted by means of a snap button 302 or other suitable fastener projecting through aligned holes in the rod and cylinder portions of the assembly 221. The bracket is selectively connected to the rail 226 by means of a detent pin 305 or other suitable fastener inserted through the bracket and one of several alignable holes 296 in the rail 226.

[0037] Right and left force transmitting members or pivot arms 240a–b are pivotally mounted on the post 214, proximate an upper end thereof, and are pivotal through respective paths on respective sides of the post 214. One of the associated pivot axes is designated as TP in FIG. 9. Each force transmitting member 240a–b may be described in terms of a pivot end, an opposite, distal end, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. A distal end of a respective cord 233a–b or other suitable flexible connector is connected to the distal end of a respective force transmitting member 240a–b by means of a respective carabiner 243 or other suitable fastener.

[0038] Right and left resistance mechanisms 260a–b are interconnected between the post 214 and the intermediate portions of respective force transmitting members 240a–b. On this embodiment 200, each resistance mechanism 260a–b includes a first link 251a–b having a first end pivotally connected to the post 214 for pivoting about a respective pivot axis RP, and an opposite, second end pivotally connected to a lower end of a respective second link 252a–b. An opposite, upper end of each second link 252a–b is pivotally connected to the intermediate portion of a respective force transmitting member 240a–b. As further explained below, the upper ends of the second links 252a–b are selectively adjustable along respective force transmitting members 240a–b. Each resistance mechanism 260a–b also includes a gas spring 250a–b or other suitable resilient device having a lower end pivotally connected to the post 214 for pivoting about a respective pivot axis SP, and an opposite, upper end pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of a respective first link 251a–b. The pivot axes SP are located just beneath the junctures between the rails 213a–b and the post 214.

[0039] The resistance mechanisms 260a–b are configured and arranged to provide a desirable strength curve, and the components are shown to scale and in proper relation to one another in FIGS. 8–9. The gas springs 250a–b are designed to resist compression and/or to bias respective force transmitting members 240a–b toward the positions shown in FIGS. 8–9. The magnitude of the bias or resistance is a function of the effective connection locations between the second links 252a–b and respective force transmitting members 240a–b. More specifically, the magnitude of the bias or resistance decreases as the connection locations are moved closer to respective pivot axes TP (thereby decreasing the effective moment arms of the resistance mechanisms 260a–b).

[0040] The preferred means for adjusting resistance is shown in somewhat greater detail in FIGS. 13–14. With reference to the right side of the machine shown in FIG. 13, a bracket 254 is movably mounted on the force transmitting member 240a′, and pivotally connected to the upper end of the second link 252a. A first stud 255 or other bearing member is mounted on an upper end of the bracket 254 and extends through a slot 245 in the force transmitting member 240a′. Also, second and third studs (one of which is designated as 257) are mounted on an opposite, lower end of the bracket 254 and bear against a lower edge of the force transmitting member 240a′. A plurality of holes 246 extend through the force transmitting member 240a′ beneath the slot 245, and a spring-biased plunger 256 or other suitable fastener is inserted through the bracket 254 and an aligned one of the holes 246 to lock the bracket 254 in place relative to the force transmitting member 240a′. To reposition the bracket 254 along the force transmitting member 240a′, a person simply pulls on the plunger 256, slides the bracket 254 toward the desired location, and releases the plunger 256 for entry into the desired hole 246. Indicia is preferably provided in relation to the holes 246 to indicate the selected level of resistance.

[0041] FIG. 13 also shows a secondary means for adjusting resistance in the form of supplemental weights 280a–b. Each weight 280a–b is provided with an internal spring clip that is designed to snap about a rod 208 on the frame 214′, and alternatively, to snap into an opening 248 on a respective force transmitting member 240a–b′. Each rod 208 is preferably U-shaped with opposite distal ends secured to the post 214′. The weight 280a is shown in a storage position on the frame, and the weight 280b is shown in an operative position on the force transmitting member 240b′. When positioned as shown on the respective force transmitting member 240b′, the weight 280b reduces the amount of force required to move the force transmitting member 240b′ downward (particularly at the beginning of the exercise stroke, where the force of gravity is acting generally perpendicular to the pivot axis TP).

[0042] FIG. 14 shows an alternative supplemental weight arrangement, wherein supplemental weights 282a–b are movable between respective operative positions proximate the distal ends of respective force transmitting members 240a–b″, and respective storage positions proximate the pivot ends of respective force transmitting members 240a–b″. In this arrangement, the weights 282a–b are slidably mounted on respective force transmitting members 240a–b″ by means of respective rails or lips 284. As in the other arrangement, each weight 282a–b is provided with an internal spring clip. In this case, each clip is designed to snap into engagement with a notch 286 or 288 in a respective force transmitting member 240a–b″ in order to lock the associated weight 282a–b in a desired position.

[0043] In each of the supplemental weight arrangements described above, the supplemental weights are preferably designed to reduce exercise resistance by one-half of the incremental force difference associated with adjacent holes 246. For example, if each hole 246 is associated with a five pound adjustment in force, then the supplemental weights are preferably configured to weigh two and one-half pounds each (thereby doubling the number of available resistance increments).

[0044] An alternative adjustment arrangement for the primary resistance mechanisms 260a–b is shown somewhat diagrammatically in FIGS. 15a–15c. The force transmitting member 240a is shown with holes A–D, which are a subset of the holes 246. A bracket 254′ is secured to the force transmitting member 240a in much the same manner as the bracket 254 described above. First and second plungers 341 and 342 are inserted through respective holes in a handle 340, and through respective holes in the bracket 254′. Each plunger 341 and 342 has a lead end that is rounded and an opposite end that terminates in a relatively larger diameter head. A respective spring 343 is movably mounted on an intermediate portion of each plunger 341 and 342, and a respective nut 344 or other suitable fastener is fixably mounted on each plunger 341 and 342 to maintain a respective spring 343 in compression between a respective nut 344 and the bracket 254′. Additional guides or bushings may be provided on the bracket 254′ to maintain the plungers 341 and 342 in proper alignment.

[0045] FIG. 15a shows the first plunger 341 engaged with the hole B in the force transmitting member 240a, and the second plunger 342 disposed between holes C and D. FIG. 15b shows the handle 340 pulled outward to remove the first plunger 341 from the hole B, and to maintain both plungers 341 and 342 out of engagement with the holes A–D. FIG. 15c shows the handle 340 moved to the right relative to the force transmitting member 240a and released by the user, thereby allowing the second plunger 342 to engage the hole D in the force transmitting member 240a, and leaving the first plunger 341 disposed between holes B and C. As suggested by the foregoing description, the spacing between the plungers 341 and 342 is one and one-half times the spacing between adjacent holes 246. As a result, the adjustment arrangement shown in FIGS. 15a–15c provides approximately twice as many resistance positions as there are holes 246 in the force transmitting member 240a, thereby providing relatively finer increments of resistance adjustment are available within a fixed amount of space.

[0046] With reference back to FIGS. 7–11, each cord 233a–b extends from an upper distal end to a respective pulley 234 on the frame 210. As shown in FIG. 7, the pulleys 234 are rotatably mounted on respective sides of the post 214 and are disposed behind a shroud 202 that extends between the upper ends of the rails 213a–b. The cords 233a–b are routed from respective pulleys 234 to respective pulleys 236a–b on respective rails 213a–b. The pulleys 236a–b are rotatably mounted on respective collars 235a–b, which in turn, are slidably mounted on respective rails 213a–b. A detent pin 309 or other suitable fastener is inserted through a respective collar 235a–b and one of several alignable holes 216a–b in a respective rails 213a–b to lock the respective collar 235a–b in a desired position along a respective rail 213a–b. FIGS. 7–12 show the collars 235a–b in solid lines at respective positions proximate the base 211, and respositioned collars 235a–b′ in dashed lines at respective positions proximate the upper ends of respective rails 213a–b and above the bench 220.

[0047] Each cord 233a–b extends from a respective pulley 236a–b to a distal end that is connected to a respective handle 230a–b or other suitable force receiving member, preferably by means of a carabiner or other suitable fastener. The handles 230a–b are shown supported on respective pegs 203a–b that project outward from respective sides of the post 214. Additional pegs 204a–b are disposed beneath the pegs 203a–b and similarly project outward from respective sides of the post 214.

[0048] The handles 230a–b may be pulled or pushed away from respective pulleys 236a–b to place respective cords 233a–b in tension and, if the tension is sufficient, to pivot respective force transmitting members 240a–b downward. By selectively repositioning the pulleys 236a–b relative to respective rails 213a–b, a person can person a variety of exercises on the apparatus 200. For example, with the collars 235a–b positioned as shown in FIGS. 7–12, a person can lie on the bench 220 and perform bench presses. Alternatively, a person can remove the bench 220 from the post 214, and perform dead lift exercises while standing on the platform 211. A person can also leave the rail 226 in place, remove the back support 222, unlock the seat 224, and adjust the collars 235a–b upward, preferably to the position of the collars 235a–b′ shown in dashed lines, in order to perform rowing exercises (in which case, the person can rest his/her feet on the pegs 203a–b or the pegs 204a–b). Numerous other exercises can be performed, as well.

[0049] Even more exercises can be facilitated by adding attachments to the apparatus 200 shown in FIGS. 7–11. For example, FIG. 12 shows a modified apparatus 200′ that includes the apparatus 200 and two optional attachments. A first attachment is designated as 310 and may be removably attached to the end of the rail 226 to facilitate traditional leg extensions and leg curls. The attachment 310 includes a stationary member that supports a stationary support 319, which is preferably a foam covered cylinder. A generally L-shaped member is pivotally connected to a distal end of the stationary member, and respective moving supports 311 and 312 (also preferably foam covered cylinders) are mounted on respective distal ends of the L-shaped member. A cord or other flexible connector 313 is routed through the slot in the leg 227, and a first distal end of the cord 313 is connected to the L-shaped member proximate the padded support 312. A carabiner 315 or other suitable fastener is connected to an opposite, second distal end of the cord 313 to facilitate attachment of the cords 233a–b thereto (thereby selectively linking the leg attachment 310 to one or both of the resistance mechanisms 260a–b). As noted above, the handles 230a–b are preferably releasably connected to the distal ends of respective cords 233a–b by means of respective carabiners to accommodate removal of the handles 230a–b, as desired.

[0050] The second attachment is designated as 320 and may be removably attached to the top of the post 214 to facilitate traditional pull down and/or press down exercises. The second attachment 320 includes a stationary member having an upper distal end that rotatably supports a pulley 328. A cord or other flexible connector 323 is routed about the pulley 328, and a first distal end of the cord 323 is connected to a force receiving member 321, which is shown as a bar having left and right hand grips, but alternatively could be the handles 230a–b. Another carabiner 325 or other suitable fastener is connected to an opposite, second distal end of the cord 323 to facilitate attachment of the cords 233a–b thereto (thereby selectively linking the overhead attachment 320 to one or both of the resistance mechanisms 260a–b). As noted above, the handles 230a–b are preferably releasably connected to the distal ends of respective cords 233a–b by means of respective carabiners to accommodate removal and/or relocation of the handles 230a–b, as desired.

[0051] The foregoing description and accompanying figures disclose specific embodiments and/or particular applications of the present invention. However, this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to derive additional embodiments, variations, and/or applications. For example, different types of known resistance devices may be substituted for the gas springs without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the features of respective embodiments may be mixed and matched in various ways. For example, the number of available resistance levels may be increased by combining the methods used on the respective embodiments. Moreover, the supplemental weight arrangements may be used with other types of primary resistance mechanisms. In view of the foregoing, the scope of the present invention should be limited only to the extent of the following claims.