Dual back pad tilting mechanism

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to the field of exercise equipment and, more particularly, to a mechanism for adjusting the tilt angle of a back support cushion of a multi-purpose exercise machine.

[0003] 2. Background

[0004] Exercise machines for performing a variety of different exercises have become widely popular. Such multi-purpose or multi-station exercise machines are relatively compact, but permit exercises to be performed that involve virtually all of the major muscle groups of the body. Such machines typically have a single seat from which many of the exercises are performed. The seat generally comprises separate seat and back cushions, each of which may be adjustable to accommodate different physiques and to more effectively position the body for the various exercises.

[0005] The back support cushion, which may also be used a chest support cushion for certain exercises, typically requires a broad range of adjustment. Prior art exercise machines have employed a variety of adjustments for back support cushions. These include telescoping adjustment; a single pivot below and behind the cushion as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,456; a single pivot adjustment below and behind the cushion with a loose swivel pivot at the top of the cushion; and a slotted adjustment as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,682. Prior art single pivot adjustments do not provide sufficient adjustment of the back support cushion for a leg extension exercise. The range of adjustment is inherently limited by the nature of the single pivot adjustment mechanism. Back support cushions with telescopic adjustments are more difficult to adjust because of friction and have more slop in the adjustment. A slotted adjustment, such as shown in the '682 patent, is cumbersome to adjust since the entire back support cushion must be dislodged from one slot position and moved into another.

[0006] The present invention provides an adjustment mechanism for a back support cushion with two separate pivotal adjustments. One pivot is located above and behind the back support cushion and a second is located below and behind the back support cushion. A two-arm linkage system connects the back support cushion to the exercise machine at the two pivot locations.

[0009] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

[0010] FIGS. 1 and 2 are side elevation views of a multi-purpose exercise machine 10. Most of the various exercises that may be performed are done with the operator seated on seat cushion 12 and with the operator's back positioned against back support cushion 14. The back support cushion is attached to a rigid frame member 16, which is attached to sector plate 18. The back support assembly comprising cushion 14, frame member 16 and sector plate 18 are pivotally coupled to support member 20 at pivot 22. Sector plate 18 has a plurality of holes 24 so that the position of the back support cushion relative to support member 20 may be set as desired by the operator inserting a pin (not shown) through a selected one of holes 24 and into a hole in support member 20. The pin for securing the sector plate in a desired position is preferably a spring-loaded pin within a housing attached to support member 20 (on the side out of view in FIGS. 1 and 2). Such pins are widely used in the design of exercise equipment.

[0011] Support member 20 is pivotally coupled to the frame of exercise machine 10 at pivot 26. The lower end 28 of support member 20 is positioned along frame member 30, which has a plurality of holes 32. Support member 20 may be set at a desired position by the operator inserting a pin (not shown) through a hole in the lower end 28 and through a selected one of the holes 32. Here, again, the pin is preferably a spring-loaded pin of the type described above.

[0012] The dual pivotal adjustments for back support cushion 14 allow for a variety of positions, both longitudinally and with different angles of recline. Adjustment of the cushion about pivot 26, which is above and behind the cushion, primarily provides longitudinal adjustment of the cushion for exercises performed with the leg station 40 and press/row arm 42. FIG. 1 shows the position of support arm 20 adjusted to provide the most forward position of cushion 14, whereas FIG. 2 shows support arm 20 adjusted to provide the most rearward position of the cushion.

[0013] Adjustment of the back support cushion about pivot 22, which is below and behind the cushion, primarily provides adjustment of the angle of recline of the cushion for various shoulder, incline and press exercises. The combination of the two pivotal adjustments provides full longitudinal adjustment for comfortable chest support in a seated row exercise and provides numerous varied positions for back and chest positions of any exercise associated with cushion 14.

[0014] It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.