Abstract:
Apparatuses having selective having selective resistance, mechanisms and devices for selecting resistance on an exercise apparatus, and methods to operating exercise equipment are provided. In one embodiment, an exercise apparatus includes a frame and at least a first guide member coupled with a portion of the frame. A weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates, is associated with one or more guide members and a selector rod is disposed adjacent portions of each weight plate. A resistance selector includes a selector pin configured to be laterally displaced relative to the weight stack a limited distance between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In one embodiment, the selector pin may be biased towards the engaged position. One or more additional guide members may be laterally displaced and parallel to the guide members associated with the weight stack and slidably coupled with a body portion of the resistance selector.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and, more particularly, to exercise equipment having selectable resistance, components for effecting the selection of a desired amount of resistance and related methods. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are numerous types of apparatuses and devices configured to help individuals exercise and maintain a desired level of health and fitness including apparatuses that are used for strength training. Many strength training apparatuses are configured to provide selective resistance so that a user of the apparatus may appropriately tailor their exercise regimen. For example, when the apparatus is used by multiple users, each individual using the apparatus may be at a different strength level and need to adjust the resistance according to their specific capabilities. Additionally, as an individual gets stronger, they often desire to increase the resistance provided by the apparatus so as to maintain or increase the intensity of their workout. 
         [0003]    Additionally, many strength training apparatuses are configured to accommodate different types of exercises so that a user can target different muscle groups based on the selection of exercises they participate in. For example, a strength training apparatus may enable an individual to alternate between chest presses, curls, pull-downs, or a variety of other exercises while using the same basic resistance mechanism. In order to accommodate such a variety of exercises, the resistance mechanism is typically configured to provide selective resistance because most users do not perform, for example, chest presses, curls and pull downs using the same amount of resistance for each exercise. 
         [0004]    A relatively popular type of apparatus used for strength training includes one which employs a plurality of stacked weight plates. Each weight plate conventionally weighs a specified denomination (e.g., 5 pounds or 10 pounds). Thus, for example, assuming that each weight plate is 10 pounds, selection of a single weight plate results in a resistance of 10 pounds, while selection of 4 weight plates results in a resistance of 40 pounds. 
         [0005]    In these exercise devices, a cable is led through a pulley or series of pulleys and is attached to one or more of the weight plates. Conventionally, the free end of the cable is coupled to a handle for engagement by a user during exercise. The pulley and cable assembly is also coupled with a structure such as a selector rod associated with the weight stack that enables the user to define the level of desired resistance. The selector rod conventionally passes through a channel that is collectively defined by aligned apertures formed in each of the plurality of stacked weight plates. The selector rod also conventionally has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures extending transversely through the rod that are configured to align with corresponding channels or openings formed in each weight plate. A selector pin is placed through a selected weight plate and engages the corresponding aperture of the selector rod such that, when the selector rod is displaced by the attached cable and pulley system, the selector pin causes the engaged weight plate, as well as any weight plates disposed thereabove, to be displaced along with the selector rod. Thus, by inserting the selector pin in the aperture of a specific weight plate, the desired level of resistance is selected. 
         [0006]    The use of selector pins with weight stacks of an exercise apparatus has been relatively efficient and effective in terms of enabling multiple users to use the same machine as well as enabling individual users to use a single machine for a variety of different exercises. In certain situations, however, the use of a selector pin or similar structure, such as described above, may pose a hazard to the user of the exercise apparatus. For example, sometimes a user of the apparatus may only partially engage the selector pin with the selector rod. In such instances, the selector pin may become disengaged during an exercise routine causing the weight plates to fall and essentially eliminating all resistance instantaneously. Such a situation may potentially result in injury to the user of the equipment, damage to the equipment itself, or both. 
         [0007]    Additionally, strength training apparatuses using weight stacks and selector pin arrangements are popular in gyms and fitness centers where multiple types and multiple brands of such strength training apparatuses are used. Oftentimes, the selector pins used in these various apparatuses get lost, essentially rendering the exercise equipment useless. When a selector pin for one piece of equipment is missing, a user may “borrow” a selector pin from another apparatus. However, not every apparatus utilizes a common selector pin. Thus, selector pins may vary in size, shape and strength from one apparatus to another. While, to a user of the exercise equipment, it may seem logical to “borrow” a selector pin from one apparatus for use with another, the use of a selector pin that is an improper size or shape, or which may be designed to withstand a lesser exertion of force than will be imposed on it when employed with a different apparatus, poses potential hazards including those indicated above. 
         [0008]    Thus, it would be desirable to provide an exercise apparatus having a resistance selector mechanism that reduces or eliminates the ability of users to interchange components of one machine with another. It would also be desirable to provide components that reduce or eliminate the likelihood of interchanging components of one exercise apparatus with another in an undesirable manner. It would also be advantageous to provide a selector mechanism which helps to ensure that a selector pin is more fully engaged with the desired components prior to a user operating the associated exercise apparatus. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention provides exercise apparatuses having selective resistance, mechanisms and devices for selecting resistance on an exercise apparatus, and methods to operating exercise equipment. 
         [0010]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and exercise apparatus is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a frame and at least a first guide member coupled with a portion of the frame. A weight stack, including a plurality of weight plates, is associated with the at least a first guide member. A selector rod is disposed adjacent portions of each weight plate. A resistance selector includes a selector pin configured to be laterally displaced relative to the weight stack a limited distance between an engaged position and a disengaged position. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, another exercise apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame and a first pair of guide members coupled with the frame. A weight stack including a plurality of weight plates is slidably coupled with the first pair of guide members. A selector rod is configured for selective coupling with one or more of the plurality of weight plates. At least one pulley is coupled with the frame and at least one cable engages at least a portion of the at least one pulley while also being coupled with the selector rod. A handle is also coupled with the at least one cable. A second pair of guide members laterally spaced from the first pair of guide members. A resistance selector includes a body portion slidably coupled with the second pair of guide members, a selector pin and a biasing member. The selector pin is slidably coupled with the body portion and limited to displacement between an engaged position, wherein the selector pin extends through an opening formed in the selector rod, and a disengaged position, wherein the selector pin is retracted from the selector rod and any weight plate of the plurality. The biasing member is located and configured to bias the selector pin toward the engagement position. 
         [0012]    In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a resistance selector for selectively engaging a desired component of an exercise apparatus is provided. The resistance selector includes a body portion configured for slidable coupling with at least one guide member of the exercise apparatus. A selector pin is slidably coupled with the body portion and configured for limited displacement between and engaged position, wherein the selector pin extends through the body portion and a free end of the selector pin projects beyond a surface of the body portion, and a disengaged position, wherein the free end of the selector pin is substantially retracted within the body portion. A biasing member is located and configured to bias the selector pin toward the engaged position. 
         [0013]    In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for operating an exercise apparatus. The method includes disposing a resistance selector adjacent a weight stack of the exercise apparatus, the weight stack including a plurality of weight plates associated with at least a first guide member. The resistance selector is displaced along a path defined by at least a second guide member associated with the resistance selector. A first weight plate of the plurality is engaged with a selector pin of the resistance selector and the at least one weight plate and the resistance selector are concurrently displaced. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is side elevational view of an exercise apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a weight stack and resistance selector according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are cross-sectional views of a portion of a resistance selector in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a resistance selector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention wherein the selector is in an engaged state; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the resistance selector shown in  FIG. 3  with the selector in a disengaged state; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a resistance selector in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exercise apparatus  100  is shown which includes a frame  102  having a base  104  configured to support the apparatus  100  on an underlying surface. A cable and pulley system  106  is coupled with the frame and includes a cable coupled to a selector rod  110 . The selector rod  110  is configured to be selectively coupled with one or more components of a selective resistance mechanism, such as a weight stack  112 , as shall be discussed in further detail hereinbelow. The weight stack  112  may include a plurality of individual weight members, such as plates  114 , having a desired mass. For example, in one embodiment, each of the plates.  114  may weigh approximately 10 pounds (lbs.). In another example, each of the plates  114  may weigh approximately 5 lbs. In another embodiment, some of the plates  114  may be one weight (e.g., 5 lbs.) while others have a different weight (e.g., 10 lbs.). 
         [0022]    In the embodiment shown, the cable and pulley system  106  includes a first cable  116  having a handle  118  attached to one end thereof. The first cable  116  extends through a first pulley  120 A and is coupled with a fixed structure  122  associated with the frame  102 . The first pulley  120 A is coupled with a linear bearing structure  124  positioned on a guide member  126  that is coupled to the frame  102 . A second cable  126  has a first end that is coupled with the linear bearing structure  124 , extends through additional pulleys  120 B and  120 C, and has a second end coupled with the selector rod  110 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the selector rod  110  is disposed within a channel formed by the alignment of individual apertures of each weight plate  114 . 
         [0023]    The weight plates  114  are each slidably coupled with one or more guide members  130 , such as guide rods, that are coupled with the frame  104 . A resistance selector mechanism  132  is configured for selective engagement with one ore more weight plates  114  of the weight stack  112  as well as with the selector rod  110  as shall be discussed further hereinbelow. In one embodiment, the resistance selector  132  is coupled to one or more guide members  134 , such as guide rods. The guide members  134  may be coupled with the frame  102  and laterally displaced relative to the guide members  130  associated with the weight stack  112 . As will be apparent upon further reading of the operation of the resistance selector  132 , when the resistance selector  132  is engaged with one or more weight plates  114  of the weight stack  112  and with the selector rod  110 , the resistance selector  132  will be displaced along the path defined by its guide members  134  concurrently with the displacement of any engaged weight plates  114  along the path defined by their associated guide members  130 . However, when the resistance selector  132  is disengaged from the selector rod  110  and any weight plates  114 , the resistance selector is free to move along the path defined by its guide members  134  independent of any movement (or nonmovement) of the various weight plates  114  in the weight stack  112 . 
         [0024]    It is noted that, in the various example embodiments, two guide members  130  are shown and described as being associated with the weight stack  112 . However, a single guide member  130 , or a plurality of guide members  130  greater than two, may be associated with the weight stack  112  in other embodiments of the present invention. Similarly, while two guide members  134  are shown and described as being associated with the resistance selector  132  in the example embodiments, a single guide member  134 , or a plurality of guide members  134  greater than two, may be used in association with the resistance selector  132 . 
         [0025]    During use of the apparatus  100 , a user pulls on the handle  118  to actuate the cable and pulley system  106 . When the handle  118  is displaced sufficiently downwardly or laterally away from the frame  104  (or both downwardly and laterally away from the frame  104 ), the first cable  118  causes the linear bearing structure  124  to be downwardly displaced along its associated guide member  126 . This in turn causes the second cable  128  to be displaced causing any weight plates  114  of the weight stack  112  that are engaged by the resistance selector  132  to be displaced upwardly along their associated guide members  130 . Since the resistance selector  132  is engaged with one or more weight plates  114  and the selector rod  110 , it too is displaced along its associated guide members  134  in a manner corresponding with the displaced weight plates  114 . 
         [0026]    It is noted that the apparatus  100  described with respect to  FIG. 1  is merely an example and that the present invention may be used in conjunction with a variety of configurations, regardless of the number of pulleys and cables or the specific arrangement of the various components. As such, and as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the apparatus  100  described with respect to  FIG. 1  should not be considered limiting to the practice of the presently disclosed invention. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a resistance selector  132 , or a resistance selection mechanism, is shown in relationship to a weight stack  112 . As previously noted, the weight stack  112  may include a plurality of discrete plates  114  that are slidably coupled to guide members  130 . For example, two guide members  130  may each extend through corresponding openings in the weight plates  114 . In this manner, the guide members  130  act as linear bearings for the displacement of the weight plates  114 . 
         [0028]    The resistance selector  132  may include a body portion  140  (referred to herein simply as a body for convenience) that is slidably coupled with associated guide members  134 . The guide members  134  associated with the resistance selector  132  and the guide members associated with the weight plates  114  are laterally spaced from one another and extend substantially parallel with respect to each other. A selector pin  142  or other structure is slidably coupled to the body  140  of the resistance selector  132 . A handle  144  may be coupled to an end of the selector pin  142  for ease of manipulation and operation by a user of the exercise apparatus  100 . The selector pin  142  is configured to be displaced relative to the body  140  and the weight stack  112  in a direction that is generally transverse to the orientation of the selector rod  110 . 
         [0029]    When in an engaged position, the selector pin  142  extends through a channel  146  formed in a selected weight plate  114  and into a corresponding opening  148  formed in the selector rod  110 . By engaging the channel  146  of a weight plate  114  and a corresponding opening  148  of the selector rod, the selector pin  142  becomes, in effect, a bearing member such that the weight of the selected weigh plate  114 , and the weight of all weight plates in the weight stack that are above the selected weight plate  114 , bear on the selector pin  142  as the selector rod  110  is displaced upward during operation of the exercise apparatus  100 . 
         [0030]    When the selector pin  142  is disengaged from the selector rod  110  and any of the weight plates  114 , the body  140  of the resistance selector  132  may be displaced along the guide members  134  relative to the weight stack  112  so that the selector pin  142  may be inserted into and engage a different selected weight plate  114  and effect a change in the amount of weight being coupled to and displaced by the selector rod  110 . 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the selector pin  142  may be limited in its displacement relative to the body  140 . In other words, a retaining device or structure may allow the selector pin  142  to be displaced far enough to disengage from any of the weight plates  114 , but not far enough such that it disengages or is removed from the body  140 . For example, referring briefly to  FIG. 3A , a cross-sectional view is shown of a portion of the selector pin  142  as it interacts with an opening of the body  140 . A shoulder portion  148  may be formed in the selector pin  142  that exhibits an increased cross-sectional area as compared to an opening  150  in the body through which the selector pin  142  extends. When the selector pin  142  is in a disengaged position, such as when it is displaced away from the weight stack  112  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the shoulder portion  148  abuts the body portion  140  surrounding the opening  150  and limits or prevents further displacement of the selector pin  142  in that direction. 
         [0032]    Referring briefly to  FIG. 3B , in another embodiment, a biasing member may be coupled to the selector pin  142  to bias the selector pin  142  into engagement with a weight plate  114  and the selector rod  110 . For example, a spring  152  or other biasing member may be disposed between or otherwise coupled to a portion of the selector pin  142  and a portion of the body  140 . In the embodiment described with respect to  FIG. 3B , the spring  152  becomes compressed when the selector pin  142  is disengaged such that the selector pin  142  is biased back towards its engagement position. 
         [0033]    By restraining the displacement of the selector pin  142  relative to the body  140 , the selector pin  142  will be retained by the body  140  and will not be removed from the exercise apparatus. Retaining the selector pin  142  with the body  140  of the resistance selector  132  will prevent the inappropriate use of the selector pin  142  with another, potentially incompatible exercise apparatus. Similarly, such a configuration with prevent the selector pin  142  from becoming lost. Use of a biasing member, such as the spring  152 , will also help ensure more complete engagement of the selector pin  142  with the selected weight plate  114  and the selector rod  110 . As previously discussed, failure of the selector pin  132  to fully engage the selector rod  110  may result in damage to the apparatus  100 , injury to the user, or both. 
         [0034]    Referring now briefly to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , perspective views of a resistance selector  132  are shown with a single weight plate  114  in both an engaged state ( FIG. 4 ) and a disengaged state ( FIG. 5 ). It is noted that  FIG. 4  depicts a selector rod  110  in dashed lines extending through an opening or aperture  154  of the weight plate  114  for purposes of context and clarity. The resistance selector  132  includes similar components as has been discussed hereinabove, but shows that such components may be varied or modified if desired. For example, the body  140 ′ may be configured to exhibit a different geometry than is shown in  FIG. 2 . Likewise, the handle  144 ′ may be configured, for example, as an elongated handle having certain ergonomic qualities if desired. Additionally, while the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  included a retaining device, a biasing device, or both, which were largely internal to the body  140  of the resistance selector  132 ,  FIGS. 4 and 5  show in that such features may be incorporated while being external to the body  140 ′ if so desired. For example, a biasing member, shown as a spring  152 ′ may extend between a portion of the body  140 ′ and a portion of the handle  144 ′. 
         [0035]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , when the selector pin  142  is engaged, it extends through a channel  146  of the weight plate  114  and also through an opening  148  formed in the selector rod  110 . As has previously been described, with the selector pin  142  engaged, displacement of the selector rod  110  by the cable and pulley system  106  ( FIG. 1 ) results in corresponding displacement of the weight plate  114  that has been engaged by the selector pin  142 , along with any weight plates  114  positioned about the engaged weight plate  114 , as well as corresponding displacement of the resistance selector  132 . 
         [0036]    As seen in  FIG. 5 , when the handle  144 ′ is displaced away from the body  140 ′, the selector pin  142  becomes disengaged from the selector rod  110  (not shown in  FIG. 5 ) and the weight plate  114  such that the free end of the selector pin  142  is substantially withdrawn in the body  140  of the resistance selector  132 . Thus, the resistance selector  132  is now free to be displaced along its associated guide members  134  independent of any of the weight plates  114  such that it may be selectively positioned relative to the weight stack  112  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and selectively engaged with a desired weight plate  114  of the weight stack  112 . As previously noted, in the embodiment described with respect to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a spring  152 ′ is positioned between the body  140 ′ and the handle  144 ′. In such a configuration, the spring  152 ′ becomes elongated and in tension when the selector pin  142  is disengaged causing the selector pin to become biased toward engagement with a weight plate  114  and selector rod  110 . 
         [0037]    It is noted that, while not specifically depicted in the drawings, a lock or other retainer mechanism may be employed such that, even though the selector pin  142  may be biased towards engagement with a weight plate  114  and the selector rod  110 , the selector pin  142  may be locked temporarily in the disengaged state to prevent potential inadvertent engagement with an undesired weight plate  114  when resistance selector  142  being displaced relative to the weight stack  112  along its guide members  134 . 
         [0038]    Referring briefly now to  FIG. 6 , another embodiment of the present invention is shown wherein the resistance selector  132  is coupled with guide members  134 ′ that, while having portions  160  spaced from and parallel to guide members  130  associated with the weight stack  112 , the guide members  134 ′ are not directly coupled to the frame  104  ( FIG. 1 ) of the exercise apparatus  100 . Rather, the guide members  134 ′ include portions  162  that are coupled to a top-most plate  114  of the weight stack  112 , or to some other structure that rests atop the weight stack  112 . In such an embodiment, the guide members  134 ′ will also become displaced with the selected weight plates  114  and the resistance selector  142  during operation of the exercise apparatus  100 . 
         [0039]    In yet another embodiment, while not expressly shown, it is noted that the body portion  140  of a resistance selector  132 , or some other component thereof, may be configured for coupling with additional resistance members, in addition to coupling with the weight plates  114 . For example, free weights of a denomination less than that of the weight plates  114  may be individually coupled with a component of the resistance selector  132  (e.g., the body  140 ) to “fine tune” the resistance provided by the exercise apparatus  100 . Thus, in one example, if the weight plates  114  each exhibited a weight of 5 lbs, individual free weights of, for example, 1 lb may be coupled with the body  140  of the resistance selector  132  such that a total resistance may be selected that is not divisible by 5 without a remainder (e.g., a total resistance of 17 lbs or 32 lbs). 
         [0040]    While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.