Abstract:
A multistation weight machine including a cam pivotally connected to the base on an lever axle that functions as the sole and central pivot point for a class II lever in the machine&#39;s lever system. A plurality of handles storable on the apparatus are removably insertable into a plurality of variously positioned handle receptacles operatively connected to the lever axle and provide means for performing a wide variety of exercises in a standing position. One or more foot pedals or any handle connected to the lever axle through a handle receptacle results in the smooth upward linear translation of all or a portion of a weight stack.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/229,670 filed Jul. 29, 2009 (Jul. 29, 2009). 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       THE NAMES OR PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0004]    Not applicable. 
       SEQUENCE LISTING 
       [0005]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0007]    The present invention relates generally to exercise machines, and more particularly to multistation weight machines, and still more particularly to a multistation captive stack weight system and apparatus that enables a user to achieve a full body workout, including a core workout, from a standing position exclusively, though numerous seated exercises are also possible. 
         [0008]    2. Discussion of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR §§1.97, 1.98 
         [0009]    Multistation exercise and weight machines are well known. A number of major exercise machine manufacturers make and sell commercial and residential machines either dedicated to particular exercises or a small group of exercises designed to exercise small groups of muscles or, alternatively, machines designed to enable a user to perform a number of exercises and to address a wide range of muscles and muscle groups. Typically, the systems for stack machines include the use of one or more weight stacks, each comprising a plurality of weight plates penetrated by one or two generally vertical stabilizing rods and over which a cable and pulley system is arranged so that the stack may be lifted by pulling the cable in some direction from an upper or terminal pulley and using any of a variety of apparatus—a bar held in the hands, a plate pushed by the legs and feet, a padded bar moved radially with a body bend, and so forth. The number of plates lifted is typically determined by the placement of a pin under the lowest of the plates to be lifted and inserted through an indexing hole in a post disposed vertically through the middle of all of the plates and that is elevated along with the stack. In some machines the cable extending from the terminal pulley may extend directly to an implement held or moved by the user; in other machines, the cable may be disposed over a cam connected to the cable, the cam being connected to an element engaged and moved by the user, such that resistance can be distributed more evenly throughout a range of motion. Countless variations in station configuration, arrangement, and principles of operation have been tried, but most multistation systems are either lever or cable machines, while some are a combination. 
         [0010]    Despite the maturity and the diversity that devices in the relevant technical art have now reached, no known multistation weight machine provides a user with the ability to achieve a full body workout while conducting all exercises in various standing positions. Furthermore, no system works using a plurality of handle receptacles or ports operatively connected to a single second class lever which is, in turn, connected to a single stack of weight plates and which are moved by a plurality of handles adapted for use in executing particular exercises and which are removably insertable in the handle ports. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is therefore a principal and primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved multistation weight machine that enables a user to perform a complete workout from a standing position. 
         [0012]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved weight machine in which most exercises are performed with the feet placed on the ground, thereby minimizing the risk of injury and requiring that core stabilizing and balancing muscles be recruited to perform exercises properly and smoothly. 
         [0013]    A further object or feature of the present invention is to provide a multistation exercise machine that provides means to connect variously configured handles to a single second class lever, which is in turn connected to a single stack of weight plates. 
         [0014]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a stack system with multiple stations that enable a user to get a resistance training core workout from a standing position. 
         [0015]    An even further object of the present invention is to provide a stack-based weight training apparatus for resistance training that enables users to easily and rapidly configure exercise stations for complex sport-specific exercises. 
         [0016]    Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention does not reside in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. 
         [0017]    The foregoing summary broadly sets out the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which form the subject matter of the claims filed herein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is an upper front right perspective view of the inventive multistation exercise apparatus; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an upper right rear perspective view thereof, showing the apparatus with an optional axle extension added to enable auxiliary exercise sets; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 2A-2C  show an adjustable alternative optional axle extension for auxiliary exercise sets; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is an upper front right partially exploded perspective view thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3A  is a partially exploded right side view in elevation thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic side view in elevation showing the assembled apparatus and a user poised to execute an assisted dip at the leg press/dip station; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4B  shows the same user having been lowered between the dip bar handles at the leg press/dip station; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4C  shows a user at the starting position of the assisted chin up station; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4D  shows the same user of  FIG. 4C  having executed an assisted chin up; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic side view in elevation showing a user poised to execute a complex chest press with a lunge at a multi-exercise station configured for this exercise; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5B  shows the same user of  FIG. 5A  having executed the exercise; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6A  shows a user poised to execute a row at a row/dead-lift station; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6B  shows the user of  FIG. 6A  having executed the rowing motion; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7A  shows a user prepared to execute a squat at a squat/calf-raise station; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7B  shows the user of  FIG. 7A  having executed a squat with a calf raise at the terminal phase; 
           [0034]      FIG. 8A  shows a user poised to execute a single leg press at a step/leg press station; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8B  shows the user of  FIG. 8A  having partially executed a single leg press; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9A  shows a user prepared to execute an adduction exercise using the step/leg press station; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9B  shows the user of  FIG. 9A  having partially executed the exercise; 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a partial exploded upper right rear perspective view showing the inventive apparatus with an auxiliary extension positioned for insertion into the fulcrum bar; 
           [0039]      FIG. 10A  is a schematic side view in elevation showing a user prepared to execute a hip rotation exercise using the striking/throwing station, this being a first of many exercises made possible by the addition of the auxiliary extension; 
           [0040]      FIG. 10B  shows the user of  FIG. 10A  having executed a twisting exercise; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11A  is a schematic side view in elevation showing a user poised to commence an overhead pullover; 
           [0042]      FIG. 11B  shows the user of  FIG. 11A  having executed the pullover; 
           [0043]      FIG. 12A  is a schematic side view in elevation showing a user prepared to execute an exercise at the striking/throwing station; 
           [0044]      FIG. 12  B shows the user of  FIG. 12A  having executed the exercise; 
           [0045]      FIG. 13A  is a side view in elevation showing the locking collar adapted for providing adjustable attachment to a handle (as shown in  FIG. 10  et seq.); 
           [0046]      FIG. 13B  is an exploded side view in elevation thereof; 
           [0047]      FIG. 13C  is a cross-sectional side view in elevation thereof; 
           [0048]      FIG. 14A  is a perspective view showing a neck exercise attachment for configuring a neck exercise station; 
           [0049]      FIG. 14B  is a side view in elevation thereof, showing the adjustment features of the neck station; 
           [0050]      FIG. 15A  is a schematic side view in elevation of a user poised to commence a side flexion neck exercise; 
           [0051]      FIG. 15B  shows the user having executed the exercise of  FIG. 15A ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 16A  shows a user prepared to execute the combination chest press with lunge (as shown previously in  FIGS. 5A-B ); and 
           [0053]      FIG. 16B  shows the user having executed the chest press portion of the exercise. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 16B , wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved multistation exercise apparatus, generally denominated  10  herein. 
         [0055]      FIG. 1  illustrates a first preferred embodiment of the inventive exercise apparatus, showing that in its most essential form the device includes a stable planar base  12 , preferably comprising welded elements of structural carbon steel square tubing in either a square or rectangular configuration. Other base geometries are clearly possible and may be desirable when the system includes exercise stations additional or auxiliary to those shown in the illustrations herein. In the rectangular configuration, the base includes right and left base bars,  14 ,  16 , and front and back base bars,  18 ,  20 . 
         [0056]    Extending substantially vertically from points proximate the back ends of right and left base bars are right and left rear vertical supports,  22 ,  24 . Extending either substantially vertically, or more preferably angling slightly rearwardly, are right and left front vertical supports,  26 ,  28 . Joining the right and left front and rear vertical supports are right upper and left upper horizontal side bars,  30 ,  32 , and right lower and left lower horizontal side bars  34 ,  36 . Joining right and left rear vertical supports are upper rear transverse bar  38  and lower transverse bar  40 . As will be appreciated by reference to the drawings, the side and transverse bars are preferably disposed in a generally horizontal position, though angled orientations are possible. The combination of vertical and horizontally disposed bars creates an upright frame on which are disposed further structural and functional elements that constitute exercise stations. Further, the upright frame includes the weight rack that functions as the resistance for many lifts, and includes storage racks for handles. 
         [0057]    Extending upwardly from the back ends of the right and left base bars are right and left axle supports,  42 ,  44 , each of which includes a shaft or pin  46 ,  48 . A lever axle  50  is pivotally disposed on each of the pins and operatively connects them such that they function together as the fulcrum for the single operational lever on which all resistance exercises are performed. 
         [0058]    A plurality of handle receptacles  52 ,  54 ,  56  are securely affixed to the lever axle proximate the central region of the lever axle and extend slightly rearwardly so as to provide an opening for inserting handles for configuring the system to perform myriad exercises. Operatively connected to, and extending forward from the lever axle, is a lever arm in the form of a foot pedal  58  having a step plate  60  disposed on its end. An arcuate cam  62  is disposed medially on the foot pedal and includes frame elements  64  for structural support. 
         [0059]    A pulley  66  and pulley support plate  68  are disposed on upper rear transverse bar  38 , and a weight stack  70  is supported on a weight stack base plate  72  affixed to the lower rear transverse bar  40 . The plates comprising the weight stack slide up and down on spaced apart, side-by-side rails  74  extending from the pulley support plate, through the weight stack, and to the weight stack base plate. 
         [0060]    A  76  cable extends from a front termination point  78  on the foot pedal over pulley  66  and down to the upper end of a weight selector rod (not shown) having a plurality of holes that align with holes created by grooves in adjoining weight plates, such that by inserting a pin between plates and through a hole in the weight selector rod, the number of plates to be lifted in an exercise is determined (which apparatus and method is well known in the art). As will be appreciated by those with skill in the art, by having the weight cable disposed over a cam connected to the foot pedal, which is the central lever arm in the lever system, the radial translation of the foot pedal or of any handle connected to the lever axle through a handle receptacle results in the smooth linear translation of a portion of the weight stack upwardly. 
         [0061]    Extending forward from the front of the base are right and left steps  80 ,  82 , which enable a user to step on to and mount the apparatus to use the foot pedal for leg exercises, or to ascend to the chin or dip stations (described below). Upper right and left steps  84 ,  86  further facilitate an ascent to the stations that require some elevation. 
         [0062]    Base exercises are conducted using the above-described foot pedal and handle receptacles as the operative connections to the lever axle. However, one or more auxiliary sets  88  of handle receptacles  90 ,  92 , can also be provided for exercises that involve handle movement to the side of the base (see  FIGS. 10-12B  and  FIGS. 15A-B ). 
         [0063]    Efficiency in use is substantially enhanced by the provision of a plurality of handle ports  94 ,  96 ,  98 , in which various handles may be stored when not in use. 
         [0064]    Completing the system elements that generally comprise the base system and which are installed on a substantially permanent basis, albeit adjustably installed, are a chin up station having adjustable chin up handles  100 ,  102 , and a dip station having adjustable dip station bars  104 ,  106 , each station structurally disposed on the right and left front vertical supports. 
         [0065]    The chin up handles each include a grip  108  attached to an angled support  110  which extends from a sleeve  112  that is slidably installed over its respective vertical support. The sleeve includes an interior pin (not shown) that inserts into a hole  114  in the vertical support to secure the handle at a selected height as long as the handle is either under the influence of gravity or bears a load from a user. When the handle is pushed up, the pin releases from the hole and the handle may be slid up or down to be secured at another height. 
         [0066]    The dip station bars are similarly adjustably installed on the right and left vertical supports. However, the adjustment mechanism differs slightly. In this instance, each bar includes a handle portion  116 , a collar  118 , a down tube  120 , a angled brace  122 , and a latch pin  124  rotatably installed in a pin barrel  126 . The down tube includes a locking pin (not shown) disposed on the side facing the vertical support. When the latch pin is rotated outward from the vertical support, the handle portion can be tipped upward to release the pin, and the entire bar assembly can slide up or down according to the user&#39;s preferences. The locking pin can then be secured in another through hole  128  in the vertical support. 
         [0067]    In addition to the chin up station and the dip station, other exercises and groups of exercises can be performed by configuring various body-engaging elements provided for use with the mechanical elements of the apparatus. These include a Y-shaped squat bar  130 , a rowing bar  132 , a multipurpose handle or bar  134 , and a neck exercise attachment bar  136 . The squat bar, rowing bar, and multipurpose bar each include a lower end configured to insert tightly in the handle receptacle boxes so that moving the element rotates the lever axle and raises or lowers a selected portion of the weight stack. 
         [0068]    In addition to the larger bars, there may be provided an adjustable sliding clamp or locking collar  138  and handles  140 , connected to the sliding clamp via cable, that may be used in connection with the multipurpose bar for setting up complex core exercises, such as those shown in  FIGS. 10A-12B  and  15 A- 16 B. 
         [0069]    Referring next to  FIGS. 4A through 12B , there is shown in various schematic side views a number of exercises performed with the inventive apparatus configured using the above-described multistation elements. 
         [0070]    Beginning first with  FIG. 4A , there is shown a user prepared to lower himself into position to execute an assisted dip at the standing leg press and dip station. The user holds the dip station handles and lowers himself between the handles, allowing the weight selected on the weight stack to resist his fall (clearly, the selected weight must be less than the user&#39;s weight; otherwise, it would require muscular assistance by the arms to pull the user down).  FIG. 4B  shows how the radial motion of the foot pedal translates into a slightly arcuate drop for the user. At  FIG. 4B  the user is poised to execute a forward leaning dip with the assistance of the raised portion of the weight stack, which will drop as the user raises himself using principally his triceps, lower pectoralis major, and anterior deltoids for arm extension. 
         [0071]      FIG. 4C  shows a user at the starting position of the assisted chin up station, while  FIG. 4D  shows the same user of  FIG. 4C  having executed an assisted chin up. The principle of operation is essentially identical to that of the assisted dip. 
         [0072]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the multipurpose bar inserted into one of the handle receptacles so as to enable a user to push the bar with a single arm chest press including pelvic rotation and a forward lunge. This is but one of countless complex core exercises that recruit multiple muscle groups to move the load. 
         [0073]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  show the rowing bar inserted into a handle receptacle disposed at a low angle so as to enable a user to execute a chest row at a row/dead-lift station. 
         [0074]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  show a user executing a squat and calf raise at a squat/calf-raise station. This station is configured by inserting the squat bar into one of the medially disposed handle receptacles. 
         [0075]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show a user executing a single leg press at the standing leg press station, while  FIGS. 9A and 9B  shows a user executing an adduction exercise at the same station. 
         [0076]      FIG. 10  is a partial exploded upper right rear perspective view showing how the auxiliary extension is inserted into the open end  50   a  of the lever axle  50 . 
         [0077]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a user executing a hip rotation exercise. This is made possible by configuring a striking/throwing station by inserting the multipurpose bar into one of the handle receptacles disposed on the end of the auxiliary extension  88 . This motion simulates a batting motion made by a baseball player. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  show a user executing an overhead pullover using the same striking/throwing station configuration shown in  FIGS. 10A-10B . 
         [0079]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  show a user simulating a golf swing motion at the striking/throwing station. 
         [0080]      FIGS. 13A-C  show the slidable clamp  138  or locking collar adapted for providing adjustable attachment to the multipurpose bar or similar handles. The clamp includes a cylindrical sleeve  142  slidably placed over the end of the multipurpose bar. A bracket  144  extends from the sleeve and includes a hole  145  for the pivotal attachment of a rocker  146  with a bolt or pin  148 . At its upper end, the rocker includes a cup  150  in which is disposed a compressed helical spring  152  which urges the rocker to pivot about the pin  148  and to move the upper portion outwardly from the multipurpose bar. This brings a brake shoe  154  disposed at the lower end of the rocker into contact with the multipurpose bar. Intermediate the upper and lower portions is an arm  156  that includes one or more holes  158  for the attachment of an S-hook  160 , carabiner, or other quick release device suitable for attaching cable or chain to the clamp. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 14A and 14B  show the neck station attachment  162  for the multipurpose bar. This includes a slidable collar  164  having a T-bolt for releasably securing the collar at a predetermined position along the length of the bar. A pivot bar  166  is pivotally connected to the slidable collar and includes a padded end portion  168 . As shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , as the multipurpose bar is radially translated by the user executing a neck bend or flexion, the pivot bar pivots to compensate for the collar height changes. 
         [0082]    Referring back to  FIGS. 2A-2C , there is shown an alternative adjustable axle attachment  170  for configuring the apparatus for auxiliary exercise sets. This comprises a tube  172  for insertion into connection into lever axle  50  and an end plate  174  having an index pin  176  disposed on a flat spring  178  affixed at a single point  180  to the end plate. A handle  182  is cantilevered outwardly from the flat spring and may be pulled to bend the flat spring. The index pin may thereby be selectively engaged with or disengaged from a hole in the index plate in alignment with one hole in an arcuate array of holes  184  disposed in an adjustment disc  186  rotatably mounted on the end plate. A handle receptacle  188  is affixed to and extends outwardly from the adjustment disc for insertion of an exercise set handle  190 . This permits a user to set the handle at starting positions through a range of degrees defined by the arc in the arcuate array of holes. 
         [0083]    The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 
         [0084]    Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.