An exercise apparatus includes a floor engaging base, a vertical stanchion, and at least one body support. Cables are interconnected between respective handles and respective pivot arms. At least one resistance device is interconnected between the pivot arms and the frame. The cables are routed about pulleys on the frame in a manner that facilitates different types of exercise motions. Adjustments to resistance may be made by repositioning at least one of the cables and the resistance device relative to the pivot arms.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as100inFIGS. 1–6. The apparatus100generally includes a frame110, a bench120, force receiving members130a–b, force transmitting members140a–b, flexible connectors133a–binterconnected between respective force receiving members130-band respective force transmitting members140a–b, and force resistance members150a–binterconnected between respective force transmitting members140a–band the frame110.

The frame110includes a floor engaging platform or base111, and a vertical post or stanchion114that extends perpendicularly upward from the platform111. The platform111is sized and configured to support the apparatus100in a vertical or upright orientation, and to support the feet of a person in a standing position.

Left and right rails113aand113bextend upward from opposite sides of the platform111and toward an intermediate portion of the stanchion114. The rails113aand113bcooperate to define a generally parabolic shape and may be described both as upwardly convergent and as inclined relative to the underlying floor surface.

The bench120includes central, L-shaped rail112having a first end that is connected to the stanchion114, between the platform111and the tops of the rails113aand113b, and an opposite, second end that is configured and arranged to rest upon the underlying floor surface. The rail112is releasably secured to the stanchion114be means of a fastener118extending through aligned holes in the rail112and a support extending outward from the stanchion114. The bench120is also pivotal about the fastener118for pivoting between a horizontal, operative position, shown in the drawing, and a vertical, storage position (not shown).

The bench120includes a back supporting member122which is mounted on the rail112and selectively movable relative thereto. A detent pin123or other suitable fastener selectively secures the back supporting member122in place relative to the rail112. As shown inFIG. 5, a brace121is pivotally mounted on the back supporting member122and folds from underneath same to selectively support the back supporting member122in an inclined orientation relative to the rail112.

The bench120also includes a seat124which is mounted on the rail112and selectively movable relative thereto. In particular, rollers are rotatably mounted on the seat123and bear against the rail112. A detent pin125or other suitable fastener is inserted through aligned holes in the seat124and the rail112in order to selectively secure the former in place relative to the latter. As shown inFIG. 6, the back supporting member122may be removed from the rail112to permit reciprocal movement of the seat124back and forth along the rail112(as suggested by the arrows).

FIG. 2shows one way to connect the force receiving members130aand130bto the force transmitting members140aand140b. With reference to the right side of the apparatus100, for example, a bracket135ais mounted on the rail113aand selectively movable relative thereto (as suggested by the arrows). A detent pin136a(shown inFIGS. 1 and 4) or other suitable fastener inserts through the bracket135aand any of several holes in the rear side of the rail113ato selectively secure the bracket135ain any of several positions along the rail113a. A first pulley137aor other suitable guide is operatively mounted on the bracket135a. A second pulley139aor other suitable guide is operatively mounted on the frame110on or near the platform114. The flexible cable133ais connected to the force receiving member130a, and then routed sequentially about the pulley137a, the pulley139a, and the pulley103a, and then routed to the force transmitting member140a. Counterpart pulleys are provided for the other flexible cable133b.

As shown in FIGS.1and3–6, the apparatus100may alternatively be constructed without the fixed pulleys139a. In any event, the pulley137amay be relocated along the rail113ato accommodate different types of exercises and/or different starting points, while the pulley139aremains fixed to minimize slack in the cable133aregardless of the location of the pulley137a. For example, when the pulleys137aand137bare positioned proximate the floor, the apparatus100is configured for providing a “dead lift” exercise. At the other extreme, the pulleys137aand137bmay be moved near the upper ends of respective rails113aand113bto facilitate a rowing exercise (with the apparatus100adjusted to the configuration shown inFIG. 6).

The upper end of the cable133ais connected to the force transmitting member140avia any of several holes143provided in same. The force transmitting member140ais pivotally mounted on the stanchion114and rotatable relative thereto about a pivot axis X. A force resisting cylinder150a, such as a gas spring or other suitable resistance mechanism, is movably interconnected between the force transmitting member140aand the stanchion114to resist rotation of the former relative to the latter. On this embodiment100, the cylinder150ais configured to change length subject to a constant resistance force. Resistance to exercise is adjusted by relocating the cable133aalong the force transmitting member140a, recognizing that the user's mechanical advantage increases as a function of distance from the pivot axis X.

A second exercise apparatus constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as200inFIGS. 7–11. The exercise apparatus200includes a frame210having a base or platform211designed to rest upon a floor surface90(seeFIG. 11), and a post or stanchion214that extends upward from the base211. The platform211is sized and configured to maintain the apparatus200in a stable position on the floor surface99, and to accommodate the feet of a standing person. Left and right rails213a–bextend upward and inward from respective sides of the platform211to an intermediate portion of the post214. The rails213a–bmay be described as inclined and/or upwardly convergent relative to the floor surface. Wheels201are rotatably mounted on the platform211and tiltable into contact with the floor surface90to facilitate movement of the apparatus200across the floor surface90.

With reference toFIG. 11, a bench220is releasably connected to the frame210and may be arranged to rest in part on the floor surface90. In this regard, C-shaped sleeves212are mounted on opposite sides of the post214, approximately midway between the platform211and a juncture defined by the rails213a–band the post214. A bracket229has left and right distal ends that are inserted through respective sleeves212and secured to the post214by means of a detent pin303or other suitable fastener. The bench220includes a rail226having a first end that is pivotally connected to an opposite end of the bracket229for pivoting about a pivot axis BP. The rail226is pivotal between a generally horizontal, operative orientation (shown inFIG. 11), and a generally vertical, storage orientation (extending parallel to the post214). A detent pin304or other suitable fastener is inserted through a respective hole (one of which is designated as292inFIG. 11) in the bracket229and an alignable hole in the rail226to secure the rail226in either orientation.

A leg227has a first end that is pivotally connected to an opposite, second end of the rail226for pivoting about a pivot axis LP. An opposite, second end of the leg227is configured to rest on the floor surface90. The leg227is pivotal between an operative position, extending generally perpendicular to the rail226(as shown inFIG. 11), and a storage position, extending generally parallel to the rail226. A detent pin307or other suitable fastener is inserted through a hole in a bracket portion of the leg227and through a respective, alignable hole in the rail226(one of which is designated as297inFIG. 11) to secure the rail226in either orientation. A slot extends through an intermediate portion of the leg227, and a pulley228is rotatably mounted within the slot for reasons discussed below.

A seat224is rollably mounted on the rail226in a manner known in the art. A detent pin306or other suitable fastener is inserted through a bracket associated with the seat224and one of several alignable holes in the rail226to selectively lock the seat224in a desired location along the rail226. The seat224is sized and configured to support the buttocks of a person in a seated position or a supine position. The seat224is selectively connected to a back support222by means of a snap button301or other suitable fastener projecting through aligned holes in respective brackets associated with the seat224and the back support222.

The back support222is sized and configured to support the back of a person in a seated position on the seat224or in a supine position with his/her buttocks on the seat224. An end of the back support222opposite the seat224is selectively connected to the rail226by means of telescoping assembly221and a relocatable bracket. The assembly221is pivotally interconnected between the back support222and the bracket, and the length of the assembly221is adjusted by means of a snap button302or other suitable fastener projecting through aligned holes in the rod and cylinder portions of the assembly221. The bracket is selectively connected to the rail226by means of a detent pin305or other suitable fastener inserted through the bracket and one of several alignable holes296in the rail226.

Right and left force transmitting members or pivot arms240a–bare pivotally mounted on the post214, proximate an upper end thereof, and are pivotal through respective paths on respective sides of the post214. One of the associated pivot axes is designated as TP inFIG. 9. Each force transmitting member240a–bmay be described in terms of a pivot end, an opposite, distal end, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween. A distal end of a respective cord233a–bor other suitable flexible connector is connected to the distal end of a respective force transmitting member240a–bby means of a respective carabiner243or other suitable fastener.

Right and left resistance mechanisms260a–bare interconnected between the post214and the intermediate portions of respective force transmitting members240a–b. On this embodiment200, each resistance mechanism260a–bincludes a first link251a–bhaving a first end pivotally connected to the post214for pivoting about a respective pivot axis RP, and an opposite, second end pivotally connected to a lower end of a respective second link252a–b. An opposite, upper end of each second link252a–bis pivotally connected to the intermediate portion of a respective force transmitting member240a–b. As further explained below, the upper ends of the second links252a–bare selectively adjustable along respective force transmitting members240a–b. Each resistance mechanism260a–balso includes a gas spring250a–bor other suitable resilient device having a lower end pivotally connected to the post214for pivoting about a respective pivot axis SP, and an opposite, upper end pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of a respective first link251a–b. The pivot axes SP are located just beneath the junctures between the rails213a–band the post214.

The resistance mechanisms260a–bare configured and arranged to provide a desirable strength curve, and the components are shown to scale and in proper relation to one another inFIGS. 8–9. The gas springs250a–bare designed to resist compression and/or to bias respective force transmitting members240a–btoward the positions shown inFIGS. 8–9. The magnitude of the bias or resistance is a function of the effective connection locations between the second links252a–band respective force transmitting members240a–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 mechanisms260a–b).

The preferred means for adjusting resistance is shown in somewhat greater detail inFIGS. 13–14. With reference to the right side of the machine shown inFIG. 13, a bracket254is movably mounted on the force transmitting member240a′, and pivotally connected to the upper end of the second link252a. A first stud255or other bearing member is mounted on an upper end of the bracket254and extends through a slot245in the force transmitting member240a′. Also, second and third studs (one of which is designated as257) are mounted on an opposite, lower end of the bracket254and bear against a lower edge of the force transmitting member240a′. A plurality of holes246extend through the force transmitting member240a′ beneath the slot245, and a spring-biased plunger256or other suitable fastener is inserted through the bracket254and an aligned one of the holes246to lock the bracket254in place relative to the force transmitting member240a′. To reposition the bracket254along the force transmitting member240a′, a person simply pulls on the plunger256, slides the bracket254toward the desired location, and releases the plunger256for entry into the desired hole246. Indicia is preferably provided in relation to the holes246to indicate the selected level of resistance.

FIG. 13also shows a secondary means for adjusting resistance in the form of supplemental weights280a–b. Each weight280a–bis provided with an internal spring clip that is designed to snap about a rod208on the frame214′, and alternatively, to snap into an opening248on a respective force transmitting member240a–b′. Each rod208is preferably U-shaped with opposite distal ends secured to the post214′. The weight280ais shown in a storage position on the frame, and the weight280bis shown in an operative position on the force transmitting member240b′. When positioned as shown on the respective force transmitting member240b′, the weight280breduces the amount of force required to move the force transmitting member240b′ downward (particularly at the beginning of the exercise stroke, where the force of gravity is acting generally perpendicular to the pivot axis TP).

FIG. 14shows an alternative supplemental weight arrangement, wherein supplemental weights282a–bare movable between respective operative positions proximate the distal ends of respective force transmitting members240a–b″, and respective storage positions proximate the pivot ends of respective force transmitting members240a–b″. In this arrangement, the weights282a–bare slidably mounted on respective force transmitting members240a–b″ by means of respective rails or lips284. As in the other arrangement, each weight282a–bis provided with an internal spring clip. In this case, each clip is designed to snap into engagement with a notch286or288in a respective force transmitting member240a–b″ in order to lock the associated weight282a–bin a desired position.

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 holes246. For example, if each hole246is 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).

An alternative adjustment arrangement for the primary resistance mechanisms260a–bis shown somewhat diagrammatically inFIGS. 15a–15c. The force transmitting member240ais shown with holes A–D, which are a subset of the holes246. A bracket254′ is secured to the force transmitting member240ain much the same manner as the bracket254described above. First and second plungers341and342are inserted through respective holes in a handle340, and through respective holes in the bracket254′. Each plunger341and342has a lead end that is rounded and an opposite end that terminates in a relatively larger diameter head. A respective spring343is movably mounted on an intermediate portion of each plunger341and342, and a respective nut344or other suitable fastener is fixably mounted on each plunger341and342to maintain a respective spring343in compression between a respective nut344and the bracket254′. Additional guides or bushings may be provided on the bracket254′ to maintain the plungers341and342in proper alignment.

FIG. 15ashows the first plunger341engaged with the hole B in the force transmitting member240a, and the second plunger342disposed between holes C and D.FIG. 15bshows the handle340pulled outward to remove the first plunger341from the hole B, and to maintain both plungers341and342out of engagement with the holes A–D.FIG. 15cshows the handle340moved to the right relative to the force transmitting member240aand released by the user, thereby allowing the second plunger342to engage the hole D in the force transmitting member240a, and leaving the first plunger341disposed between holes B and C. As suggested by the foregoing description, the spacing between the plungers341and342is one and one-half times the spacing between adjacent holes246. As a result, the adjustment arrangement shown inFIGS. 15a–15cprovides approximately twice as many resistance positions as there are holes246in the force transmitting member240a, thereby providing relatively finer increments of resistance adjustment are available within a fixed amount of space.

With reference back toFIGS. 7–11, each cord233a–bextends from an upper distal end to a respective pulley234on the frame210. As shown inFIG. 7, the pulleys234are rotatably mounted on respective sides of the post214and are disposed behind a shroud202that extends between the upper ends of the rails213a–b. The cords233a–bare routed from respective pulleys234to respective pulleys236a–bon respective rails213a–b. The pulleys236a–bare rotatably mounted on respective collars235a–b, which in turn, are slidably mounted on respective rails213a–b. A detent pin309or other suitable fastener is inserted through a respective collar235a–band one of several alignable holes216a–bin a respective rails213a–bto lock the respective collar235a–bin a desired position along a respective rail213a–b.FIGS. 7–12show the collars235a–bin solid lines at respective positions proximate the base211, and respositioned collars235a–b′ in dashed lines at respective positions proximate the upper ends of respective rails213a–band above the bench220.

Each cord233a–bextends from a respective pulley236a–bto a distal end that is connected to a respective handle230a–bor other suitable force receiving member, preferably by means of a carabiner or other suitable fastener. The handles230a–bare shown supported on respective pegs203a–bthat project outward from respective sides of the post214. Additional pegs204a–bare disposed beneath the pegs203a–band similarly project outward from respective sides of the post214.

The handles230a–bmay be pulled or pushed away from respective pulleys236a–bto place respective cords233a–bin tension and, if the tension is sufficient, to pivot respective force transmitting members240a–bdownward. By selectively repositioning the pulleys236a–brelative to respective rails213a–b, a person can person a variety of exercises on the apparatus200. For example, with the collars235a–bpositioned as shown inFIGS. 7–12, a person can lie on the bench220and perform bench presses. Alternatively, a person can remove the bench220from the post214, and perform dead lift exercises while standing on the platform211. A person can also leave the rail226in place, remove the back support222, unlock the seat224, and adjust the collars235a–bupward, preferably to the position of the collars235a–b′ shown in dashed lines, in order to perform rowing exercises (in which case, the person can rest his/her feet on the pegs203a–bor the pegs204a–b). Numerous other exercises can be performed, as well.

Even more exercises can be facilitated by adding attachments to the apparatus200shown inFIGS. 7–11. For example,FIG. 12shows a modified apparatus200′ that includes the apparatus200and two optional attachments. A first attachment is designated as310and may be removably attached to the end of the rail226to facilitate traditional leg extensions and leg curls. The attachment310includes a stationary member that supports a stationary support319, 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 supports311and312(also preferably foam covered cylinders) are mounted on respective distal ends of the L-shaped member. A cord or other flexible connector313is routed through the slot in the leg227, and a first distal end of the cord313is connected to the L-shaped member proximate the padded support312. A carabiner315or other suitable fastener is connected to an opposite, second distal end of the cord313to facilitate attachment of the cords233a–bthereto (thereby selectively linking the leg attachment310to one or both of the resistance mechanisms260a–b). As noted above, the handles230a–bare preferably releasably connected to the distal ends of respective cords233a–bby means of respective carabiners to accommodate removal of the handles230a–b, as desired.

The second attachment is designated as320and may be removably attached to the top of the post214to facilitate traditional pull down and/or press down exercises. The second attachment320includes a stationary member having an upper distal end that rotatably supports a pulley328. A cord or other flexible connector323is routed about the pulley328, and a first distal end of the cord323is connected to a force receiving member321, which is shown as a bar having left and right hand grips, but alternatively could be the handles230a–b. Another carabiner325or other suitable fastener is connected to an opposite, second distal end of the cord323to facilitate attachment of the cords233a–bthereto (thereby selectively linking the overhead attachment320to one or both of the resistance mechanisms260a–b). As noted above, the handles230a–bare preferably releasably connected to the distal ends of respective cords233a–bby means of respective carabiners to accommodate removal and/or relocation of the handles230a–b, as desired.

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.