Chest exercise machine with self-aligning pivoting user support

[0001] The present application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/633,805 filed on Aug. 4, 2003, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to exercise machines, and is particularly concerned with a chest exercise machine.

[0004] 2. Related Art

[0005] Chest exercises include exercises in which the hands travel in a straight line or an elliptical path. In a free weight bench chest press exercise, the exerciser starts with their hands slightly in front of their chest, and then pushes their hands straight outward away from their body. The user may start with their body inclined, flat, or declined, in order to perform incline, flat, or decline chest exercise movements. In a free weight pectoral (“pec”) fly exercise, the exerciser lies on a bench with their arms extended out to the side with the elbows bent, holding weights, then lifts the weights to bring them together over their body, with a slight arcing or elliptical pattern to the movement. This exercise may also be performed in an inclined, flat, or declined position in order to involve different muscles.

[0006] Chest press and pec fly exercise machines attempt to reproduce the exercise movement of the corresponding free weight exercise using a barbell or dumbbell. One problem is the unnatural and exaggerated arcing movement often found in such machines, which often do not accurately simulate the natural body movement found in a free weight exercise.

[0007] A chest exercise machine in one embodiment comprises a floor engaging main frame, a user support frame pivotally mounted relative to the main frame, a user engagement device movably mounted relative to the frames for actuating by a user in order to perform a chest exercise, and a connecting linkage which translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame. A load provides resistance to movement of the user support frame, user engagement device and/or connecting linkage. The connecting linkage, user support pivot mount, and user engagement device mount are arranged so that movement of the user engagement device results in self-aligning movement of the user support.

[0008] The user engagement device is movably mounted on the main frame, the user support frame, or the connecting linkage, and in one embodiment the user engagement device comprises one or two articulated exercise arms providing multiple pivoting movements and having handles for gripping by the user. The multiple pivots allow the user engaging handles to self-align to the movement of the user for a user-defined exercise motion.

[0009] The user support frame comprises primary and secondary supports which support spaced positions on a user's body throughout an exercise. In one embodiment, the primary support is a seat pad and the secondary support is a back pad. The user support frame may also have a supplementary stabilization means such as a foot rest, which may be mounted on, and travel with, the user support frame. Alternatively, a foot rest may be mounted on the main frame. In either case, the foot rest provides additional stabilization to the user, helping them to maintain a proper exercise position and providing additional comfort and support. The use of multiple support pads on the user support frame helps to position the exerciser properly and safely. These supports are in fixed alignment to each other and travel together, keeping the user in the same braced position throughout the entire exercise range of motion. This allows the user to focus on the exercise rather than worrying about their positioning on a moving platform or seat.

[0010] The connecting linkage translates movement of the user engagement device to movement of the user support frame, and is movably engaged with at least two of the main frame, user engagement device, and user support frame. In one embodiment, the user engagement device is movably mounted on the main frame and associated with the connecting linkage. In another embodiment, the user engagement device is movably mounted on the user support frame. The user support frame and user engagement device may both be movably mounted on the main frame, with the connecting linkage connected between them.

[0011] In one embodiment, the user support frame is pivotally mounted for rotation about a pivot axis which defines a vertical gravitational center line of the pivotal movement, and a portion of the combined weight of the user and user support is positioned on the movement side (i.e. the side the user support is pivoting towards) of the gravitational center line in the start position. This reduces the initial lifting resistance. By finishing the exercise with a portion of the combined user and user support weight on the trailing side of the center line in the movement direction, resistance “drop-off” at the end of an exercise is reduced. This distribution reduces the effect of the user's body weight on the resistance felt during the exercise. This is the opposite of most exercise devices that have moving user supports, which tend to rely on the weight of the user for resistance. Whether it is the starting or the finishing position, most prior art pivoting user supports place the majority of the user's weight on one or the other side of the pivoting mechanism's gravitational center line, resulting in either a high initial lifting resistance, or else a resistance “drop off” at the end of the exercise.

[0012] The exercise resistance or load may comprise a weight stack, weight plates mounted on pegs, or other types of resistance such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, or elastic bands, and may be associated with any of the moving parts, i.e. the user support frame, exercise arm, or connecting linkage.

[0013] The user support frame is mounted to move through a horizontal orientation between the start and end position for an exercise, either rocking rearward from an initial forward incline or rocking forward from an initial rearward incline. The seat pad is forwardly inclined in an exercise start position in one embodiment, and is moved through a horizontal orientation to a rearwardly inclined position in the exercise end position. This action takes the user through three positions throughout the exercise, encompassing the entire range of the chest or pectoral muscles, and simulates incline, flat and decline chest exercise movements between the start and end position of the exercise, for greater muscle involvement. Because the user support frame moves in conjunction with the exercise arm or user engagement device, the arcuate path of the exercise arm relative to the user support is reduced. The result is a more natural feeling exercise movement that more closely replicates the movement found in the corresponding free weight exercise.

[0021] Certain embodiments as disclosed herein provide for a chest exercise machine having a user engagement device and user support which travel in a dependent relationship. The exercise machine in the embodiments disclosed herein is designed to provide a pivoting user support which automatically aligns with movement of the user engagement device or exercise arm and which provides appropriate positioning of the user throughout the entire exercise movement.

[0022] After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation.

[0023] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a chest exercise machine 310 according to one embodiment of the invention for performing pectoral fly (“pec fly”) exercises similar to a free weight pectoral fly exercise, but without the disadvantages of a free weight exercise. In a free weight pec fly exercise, exercises are performed with the exerciser in a flat position on a flat back rest, a decline position on a downwardly reclined back rest, and in an incline position on an upwardly inclined back rest, in order to carry out flat, decline and incline pectoral fly exercises, involving different muscles. The pectoral fly machine of this embodiment is designed to combine all three pectoral fly exercises in one machine, as will be described in more detail below. FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the start position of the machine, while FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate the end position, with FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating a user 70 performing a pectoral fly exercise on the machine.

[0024] The pec fly machine 310 has a main frame comprising a base section 312, a rear upright 314, and a pivot mounting post 315 on the base section. A generally L shaped user support 316 is pivotally mounted on the pivot mounting post 315 via pivot 318. The user support 316 has a base 320 on which a seat pad 322 is mounted, and an upright 324 on which back pad 325 is mounted. A foot rest or foot plate 326 is mounted at the forward end of the base 320. An exercise resistance comprising a selectorized weight stack in housing 328 is linked to the base of the user support via a cable and pulley linkage 330, including a pulley 332 at the forward end of the base 320 adjacent the foot plate, and a cable 334 extending from an anchor on the base of the main frame, around pulley 332, around a second pulley 335 on the frame base, and then into the weight stack housing to extend around additional guide pulleys before linking to the weight stack in a conventional manner.

[0025] A pair of multi-part, articulating exercise arms 336 are rotatably mounted via pivot shafts 338 at their first ends in a pivot mount 339 on the base section 312 of the main frame for rotation about first pivot axes 390 defined by shaft 338, one on each side of the user support, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each exercise arm 336 has a first elongate part or arm portion 337 having a first end pivoted via pivot shaft 338 and a second end, and an elongated handle or second arm portion 340 which has a first end rotatably mounted via a pivot mount (341) on the second end of part 337 for rotation about a second pivot axis 342. A user-engaging grip 344 is rotatably mounted on handle 340 for rotation about a third pivot axis 345. The multiple pivotal connections in each exercise arm allow the handle or second arm portions 340 to rotate inwardly and outwardly about pivot axes 342, as indicated by arrows 346 in FIGS. 3 and 4, while the first arm portions 336 rotate about pivot axes 390, so that the combined movement of the exercise arm portions about pivot axes 390 and 342 results in forward and rearward elliptical travel paths (see arrow 347). In an alternative embodiment, different user engaging handles may be used in place of handles 340, such as flexible handles.

[0026] A resistance cam 348 is mounted on each pivot shaft 338. A cable or flexible link 350 has a first end attached to a cam 348 of a first exercise arm, and extends over a first series of pulleys 352,353,354 mounted on the rear upright of the main frame, a swivel pulley 355 pivotally mounted at the upper end of the user support frame, and then around a second series of pulleys 354,353,352 on the opposite side of the rear upright, before attaching to the cam 348 of the second exercise arm. This is the connecting link between the user support and exercise arm, and ensures that forward rotational movement of one or both exercise arms results in rearward rotational movement of the user support.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a user 70 seated on the user support with the exercise machine in the start position. The user sits on the seat in a slightly forwardly inclined position, and places their feet on foot pad 326, which rests on a support post 356 on the base of the frame in the start position. They grab the hand grips 344 and push the hand grips and associated exercise arms forward into the end position of FIGS. 2 and 4. In the start position, the user's upper body is inclined forwardly at an orientation of around 3 degrees to the gravitational centerline 358, with line 359 of FIG. 1 indicating the side centerline of the user's upper body. Gravitational centerline 358 of FIG. 1 is the perpendicular or vertical centerline through the user support pivot 318. The user's elbows are bent with the arms out to the side and the hands slightly below the shoulders in the start position, mimicking the start position of the arms for a free weight pec fly, while the body is forwardly inclined, in position for an incline pectoral fly. Pushing the exercise arms forward causes the cams 348 mounted on the exercise arm pivot shafts to rotate, which pulls the cable 350 reeved around the swivel pulley 355 mounted at the upper end of the user support. This causes the user support 316 to pivot rearward about pivot 318 against the exercise resistance linked to the forward end of the user support. This action moves the user from a forwardly inclined position to a slightly reclined position, ending with their arms extending forward in front of their body, as seen in FIG. 2. This is similar to the ending position of the arms for a free weight pec fly exercise, while the body is in a decline pec fly position.

[0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the movement of the three parts of each articulating or multi-pivoting exercise arm, comprising the first exercise arm portions 337, elongated handle or second arm portions 340, and user-engaging grips or handles 344, from the start to the end position of the exercise. The three pivot axes 390, 342 and 345 replicate the joint movement of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, respectively, when performing a free weight pectoral dumbbell fly exercise.

[0029] The user support pivot 318 is positioned directly under the user in this exercise machine. The gravitational centerline 358 extending through the user support pivot 318 runs very close to the centerline of the user's hip, allowing a balanced portion of the user support and user to be positioned on each side of the line 358 in both the start and end position. Because the user support seat rises upward as it rotates while the exercise arms remain in the same horizontal plane, the positioning of the user's hands, relative to their shoulders, will be slightly higher in the start position than the end position. This, coupled with the fact that the user is in all three pectoral fly positions (decline, flat/straight, and incline) during the exercise, allows this exercise machine to combine all three possible pectoral fly exercises in one exercise movement for greater muscle involvement. In the start position, the user is in an incline pectoral fly position, and travels through a flat or straight pec fly position during the exercise, finishing the exercise in a decline pectoral fly position. This produces an enhanced workout which saves time and money, because three machines or exercise stations providing three pec fly exercises are combined into one.

[0030] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the exercise arms 336 are pivotally mounted on the stationary frame, so that the user support travels away from the exercise arm pivot axes as it rocks rearward. FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a modified pec fly exercise machine 10 in which exercise arms 336 are instead pivotally mounted on the pivoting user support 316, as described in more detail below. Other parts of the machine 10 are identical to the previous embodiment, and like reference numbers are used for like parts as appropriate. Because the exercise arms travel with the user support in this embodiment, they stay in the same orientation to the user throughout the exercise motion, resulting in a slightly different user arm movement, as explained below.

[0031] As in the previous embodiment, exercise machine 10 has a main frame comprising a base section 312, a rear upright 314, and a pivot mounting post 315 on the base section. A generally L shaped user support 316 is pivotally mounted on the pivot mounting post 315 via pivot 318. The user support 316 has a base 320 on which a seat pad 322 is mounted, and an upright 324 on which back pad 325 is mounted. A foot rest or foot plate 326 is mounted at the forward end of the base 320. An exercise resistance comprising a selectorized weight stack in housing 328 is linked to the base of the user support via a cable and pulley linkage 330, including a pulley 332 at the forward end of the base 320 adjacent the foot plate, and a cable 334 extending from an anchor on the base of the main frame, around pulley 332, around a second pulley 335 on the frame base, and then into the weight stack housing to extend around additional guide pulleys before linking to the weight stack in a conventional manner.

[0032] In this embodiment, unlike the previous embodiment, the multi-part, articulating exercise arm 336 are rotatably mounted via pivot shafts 338 at their first ends in respective pivot tubes 12 which are secured to opposite ends of a cross bar (not visible in the drawings) which is suspended from the underside of user support frame at the rear of the frame via support strut 14 which connects to a central region of the cross bar, forming a T-shaped junction. The frame strut 15 is modified slightly to change the bend angle so that it runs parallel to upright 314, unlike the corresponding frame strut of the previous embodiment, so as to provide clearance for the strut 14 meeting the cross bar.

[0033] As in the previous embodiment, each exercise arm 336 has a first elongate part or arm portion 337 having a first end pivoted via pivot shaft 338 for rotation about first pivot axis 390, and a second end, and an elongated handle or second arm portion 340 which has a first end rotatably mounted on the second end of part 337 for rotation about pivot axis 342. A user-engaging grip 344 is rotatably mounted on the second end of handle 340 for rotation about pivot axis 345. The pivotal connections between each handle 340 and the respective first arm portion and between each first arm portion and the pivot mount on the user support allow the handles to rotate inwardly and outwardly so that the combined movement of the exercise arm portions about pivot axes 390 and 342 results in forward and rearward elliptical travel paths. As in the first embodiment, different user engaging handles may be used in place of handles 340, 344, such as flexible handles.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mounts for some parts of the cable and pulley linkage between each exercise arm and the user support are modified to allow for the different exercise arm mounting arrangement. As in the previous embodiment, a resistance cam 348 is mounted on each pivot shaft 338. However, the pulleys 352 and 353 that feed cable towards the cams in this embodiment are associated with the user support rather than the main frame, so that they travel with the user support as it rocks. A pulley support assembly for pulleys 352 and 353 is provided by a respective rearward extension on each side of the user support. Each support assembly comprises a support tube 16 extending rearwardly from the cross tube which extends between the pivot shaft support struts 12, and a bracket 18 mounted in the vicinity of the end of support tube 16. Pulley 352 is mounted on top of support tube 16, while pulley 353 is rotatably mounted on bracket 18 facing the respective side of the rear upright strut 314 of the main frame. A clearance is provided between each pulley 353 and the respective side of upright strut 314. Cable or flexible link 350 has a first end attached to a cam 348 of a first exercise arm, and extends over the first series of pulleys comprising pulleys 352, 353 associated with the user support and pulley 354 mounted on the rear upright of the main frame, then around a swivel pulley 355 pivotally mounted at the upper end of the user support frame, and around the second series of pulleys comprising pulley 354 mounted on the opposite side of the rear upright, and pulleys 353, 352 mounted on bracket 18 and tube 16 on the opposite side of the user support, before attaching to the cam 348 of the second exercise arm. This is the connecting link between the user support and exercise arm, and ensures that forward rotational movement of one or both exercise arms results in rearward rotational movement of the user support.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a user 70 seated on the user support with the exercise machine in the start position. The user sits on the seat in a slightly forwardly inclined position, and places their feet on foot pad 326, which rests on a support post 356 on the base of the frame in the start position. The user then grabs the hand grips 344 and pushes the hand grips and associated exercise arm forward into the end position of FIG. 6. In the start position, the user's upper body is inclined forwardly at an orientation of around 3 degrees to the gravitational centerline 358, similar to the start position in FIG. 1 of the previous embodiment. The user's elbows are bent with the arms out to the side and the hands slightly below the shoulders, mimicking the start position of the arms for a free weight pec fly, while the body is forwardly inclined, in position for an incline pectoral fly. Pushing the exercise arms forward causes the cams 348 mounted on the exercise arm pivot shafts to rotate, which pulls the cable 350 reeved around the swivel pulley 355 mounted at the upper end of the user support. This causes the user support 316 to pivot rearward about pivot 318 against the exercise resistance linked to the forward end of the user support. This action moves the user from a forwardly inclined position to a slightly reclined position, ending with their arms extending forward in front of their body, similar to the ending position of the arms for a free weight pec fly exercise, while the body is in a decline pec fly position.

[0036] It can be seen by comparison of the end position of FIG. 6 with that of the previous embodiment in FIG. 2 that the user's arms are not extended as far out in front of their body in the end position of FIG. 6. This is because the exercise arm pivots move with the user support in this embodiment, so that they stay in the same orientation relative to the user support throughout the exercise movement. This results in a slightly less elliptical and more circular movement pattern ending with the user's arms less extended and the hands closer in towards the user's chest. Because of the multiple pivots on the exercise arms 336, the user engaging handles self-align to the movement of the user for a user-defined exercise motion.

[0037] As in the previous embodiment, the user support pivot 318 is positioned directly under the user in this exercise machine. The gravitational centerline 358 extending through the user support pivot 318 runs very close to the centerline of the user's hip, allowing a balanced portion of the user support and user to be positioned on each side of the line 358 in both the start and end position. Due to the change in inclination of the user seat throughout the exercise, the user is in all three pectoral fly positions (decline, flat/straight, and incline) during the exercise, allowing this exercise machine to combine all three pectoral fly exercises in one exercise movement for greater muscle involvement. In the start position, the user is in an incline pectoral fly position, and travels through a flat or straight pec fly position during the exercise, finishing the exercise in a decline pectoral fly position. As in the previous embodiment, this produces an enhanced workout which saves time and money, because three machines or exercise stations providing three pec fly exercises are combined into one.

[0038] Although the exercise machines of the above embodiments are designed for performing pec fly exercises, modified articulating user engagement devices with multiple pivots may also be provided in other embodiments for performing other types of chest exercises. Use of an articulated exercise arm with multiple pivoting movements allows the user engaging handles to self-align to the movement of the user in a user-defined exercise motion. Although the user engagement device in the above embodiments has articulated exercise arms with multiple pivots, the handle and grip may be replaced by a strap handle secured to the end of the pivotally mounted first arm portion of the exercise arm in alternative embodiments.

[0039] Either of the above machines may be provided as a stand-alone machine, as an exercise station of a multi-station exercise machine, or as part of a multi-function exercise machine. The multiple user supports provide secure and safe positioning, placing the user in the proper exercise alignment from start to finish, without any adjustment required by the user. The seat and upper body support (chest pad or back pad) travel together in fixed alignment to keep the user in the same position throughout the exercise motion so that the user does not have to worry about balancing on a moving platform or pad. Additional supports or foot plates which also travel with the user support provide a rest for the user's feet during travel of the user support, for added stability.

[0040] In each case, the user support is positioned relatively low to the ground in the start and end position, making the machines quicker, easier, and safer to enter and exit. The user does not have to climb up or down in order to get into, or out of, the exercise position. The low profile also makes the machines more economical to produce and less intimidating to the user. The user's position is continuously adjusted throughout the exercise from a slight forward lean, through an upright position, and ending in a rearward lean. In one embodiment, this results in involvement of more chest muscles than would be involved in a corresponding exercise where the exerciser remained in the same position throughout the exercise. The exercise machines in both of the embodiments described above simulate incline, flat and decline chest exercise positions. The first embodiment, where the exercise arms are mounted on the main frame and do not travel with the user support, encompasses the entire range of the pectoral muscles (upper, mid, and lower). The combined exercise arm and user support movement produces an automatic and continuous self-aligning exercise motion that allows enhanced hand and wrist positioning versus free weight and free bar exercises or prior art machines for performing equivalents of such exercises.

[0041] In the exercise machines described above, operation of the exercise arms causes a rocking movement of the user support. Due to the position of the user support pivot, the movement of the user and user support has only a small effect on the exercise resistance felt by the user, and there is no high resistance to be overcome in starting the exercise, or large resistance drop-off at the end of the exercise. The rocking movement of the user support recruits core stabilizing muscles and also makes the exercise enjoyable to perform. Repetitious exercise movement can be tedious and boring. By adding motion to the user support, without any large increase or change in resistance felt during the exercise, performing the exercise is more enjoyable and the user's interest in their workout increases. This is a benefit both to the individual exerciser, who may be motivated to exercise more regularly, and the fitness facility, where retention of members is a primary objective.

[0042] It should be understood that all the different elements used in the above embodiment may be mixed and interchanged with one another and still incorporate the essence of the above embodiments. Any suitable connecting linkage may be used to link movement of the user engagement means to movement of the user support, and the connecting links could be made adjustable, and may be designed to push or pull, rotate or slide, and still force rotation of the user support. The user support and exercise arm can be designed to travel in the same or opposite directions, and the exercise arm and connecting link may travel in the same or opposite directions. The exercise resistance may be a weight stack linked to part of the apparatus by a cable and pulley arrangement, or may be weight plates mounted on pegs. Any other type of resistance known in the art may alternatively be used, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, or elastic bands, in place of the weight stack or weight plates. The resistance may be associated with any of the moving parts, i.e. the user support, the exercise arm, or the connecting link.

[0043] Different types and forms of components may be used in place of those shown in the drawings. For example, cables could be replaced with belts, ropes, chains or any type of elongate, flexible member, and pulleys may be replaced by sprockets. The back pad and/or foot plate could be mounted to adjust in position or angle. The exercise arm could be one piece (dependent) or two pieces for independent arm movement, uni-directional or bi-directional, and may be mounted on the user support, main frame, or connecting link, and the exercise arm movement may be rotational or linear.

[0044] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art.