WEIGHTLIFTING SYSTEM

A weightlifting system includes a frame with lower, middle, and upper pulley stations mounted therein. A load attachment structure is provided within the system. A cable-pulley system includes a plurality of fixed pulleys mounted to the frame, first and second moveable pulleys, and a floating load pulley mounted to the load attachment structure. A plurality of cables is collectively routed through the first and second movable pulleys, the plurality of fixed pulleys, the floating load pulley, and the lower, middle, and upper pulley stations. When a first pulling force is applied to a first cable end accessible from the lower pulley station, the first movable pulley and the load pulley translate. When a second pulling force is applied to a second cable end accessible from the upper pulley station, the second movable pulley and the load pulley translate. When a third pulling force is applied to a third cable end accessible from the middle pulley station, only the load pulley translates.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technology described herein relates to cable-pulley weightlifting systems.

BACKGROUND

A variety of exercise machines exist to train specific muscles or muscle groups. For example, leg curl machines may be used to exercise the hamstrings, while leg extension machines may be used to exercise the quadriceps. For the upper body, pull-down machines are used to exercise the latissimus dorsi, while so-called “pec decks” may be used to exercise the pectorals. Other specific machines for weight training of specific body parts are known. While systems existing to exercise multiple body parts or muscle groups, such systems often take up a large physical footprint, often with a specialized machine for performing single exercise directed to a muscle group, which may be undesirable for small home gyms where space is at a premium.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

The technology disclosed herein relates to a weightlifting system, which is built around a frame including a front post, a rear post spaced apart from and parallel to the front post, a lower crossmember connected between the front and rear posts at a base position, and an upper crossmember connected between the front and rear posts at an upper position. A load attachment structure is provided within the system. A lower pulley station is mounted on the frame and disposed proximate to the lower crossmember. An upper pulley station is mounted to the frame and disposed proximate to the upper crossmember. A middle pulley station is attached to the frame. A cable-pulley system includes a plurality of fixed pulleys mounted to the frame, a first moveable pulley, a second moveable pulley, and a floating load pulley mounted to the load attachment structure. A plurality of cables is collectively routed through the first movable pulley, the second movable pulley, the plurality of fixed pulleys, the floating load pulley, the lower pulley station, the upper pulley station, and the middle pulley station. When a first pulling force is applied to a first cable end of the plurality of cables routed through and accessible from the lower pulley station, the first movable pulley and the load pulley translate. When a second pulling force is applied to a second cable end of the plurality of cables routed through and accessible from the upper pulley station, the second movable pulley and the load pulley translate. When a third pulling force is applied to a third cable end of the plurality of cables routed through and accessible from the middle pulley station, only the floating load pulley translates.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1A-1Bdepict isometric views of a weightlifting system100, which may also be referred to herein as an exercise system, as well as components thereof.FIG.2depicts the weightlifting system100with the covers or shrouds146removed to reveal the cable-pulley system protected and hidden underneath. InFIGS.1A and1B, a frame102may be formed of steel or other robust metal tubing sized as required or desired for a particular application, e.g., 1½″, 2″, 3″ square tubing and larger. Tubing formed of 12 G, 10 G, 8 G, and larger gauge materials are contemplated. The steel tubing of the frame102can be perforated at regular intervals with openings sized to receive bolts, pins, screws, or other elongate elements that project from the various components that make up the weightlifting system100.

The frame102includes a pair of vertical members, i.e., a front post102aand a rear post102b, a lower crossmember102c, and an upper crossmember102d. Each of the ends of the lower crossmember102cthe upper crossmember102dare secured to adjacent lower and upper ends of the front post102aand the rear post102b, respectively. The various components of the weightlifting system100can be attached to the frame102or other components of the weightlifting system100with one or more of mounting plates, brackets, or receivers, depending on attachment location, required robustness, etc. Certain of the mounting plates, brackets, or receivers may be selectively movable and/or positionable. In examples, it may be advantageous to utilize bolts or pins or other removable elements to secure the mounting plates, brackets, and receivers to the frame102or other components of the weightlifting system100. Use of mechanical fasteners may enable an end user to assemble the weightlifting system on their own. Welded components may typically be more appropriate for components shipped fully assembled from a manufacturer. Regardless, the type of connection elements (mounting plate, bracket, receiver, etc.) and the type of connection to an adjacent element (bolt, weld, pin, etc.) should not be considered limiting. The weightlifting system100described herein is depicted for illustrative purposes only for certain contemplated configurations; other configurations would be apparent to a person of skill in the art.

To prevent the example implementation of the weightlifting system100from being inadvertently tipped, the weightlifting system100can include a pair of lateral support elements104, one projecting from each side of the weightlifting system100. (Note, only a single lateral support element104is visible inFIG.1A, but both lateral support elements104(oppositely disposed) are visible inFIG.1B.) In example implementations, the lateral support elements104can include a strut104aand a leg104b. The strut104aextends from the lower crossmember102c, e.g., from a location at or around a mid-point thereof. In the depicted example, the strut104amay project from a location adjacent a weight stack106(described in more detail below), which positions the strut104anear the center of mass of the weightlifting system100. The leg104bis connected to either or both of the lower crossmember102cand the rear post102band extends at an angle from the side(s) thereof. The strut104amay be secured to the leg104bto form the robust lateral support element104. In other examples, each lateral support element104may include a second leg that extends from a location at or near the front post102aand may be secured to strut104aand/or the leg104b. In still other examples, the lateral support elements may include one or more legs that extend substantially orthogonally from the lower crossmember102c. Regardless of configuration, the leg(s) may terminate at adjustable feet107that may be used to ensure a level support of the weightlifting system100.

A user may utilize the weightlifting system100at a plurality of stations, each of which may be used for a variety of exercises. A lower pulley station108aincludes a lower fixed pulley110athat is secured to or near a front end of the lower crossmember102c. An optional foot plate112can be telescopically secured to the lower member102cand may be used for certain types of exercises. To use the lower pulley station108a, a user may connect a handle, bar, or other gripping implement (not shown) to a cable stop114aat a first end of a lower cable C1of a cable-pulley system116that is disposed within the frame102. The user can pull on and allow retraction of the first end of the lower cable C1as required or desired for a particular exercise, which moves the weight stack106as resistance. Operation of the cable-pulley system116is described in more detail below. The lower pulley station108amay be used for a number of exercises including, but not limited to, seated rows (with the user's feet braced against the foot plate112), upright rows, leg abductions and adductions, etc.

An upper pulley station108bincludes an upper fixed pulley110bthat is secured to or near a front end of the upper crossmember102d. One or more optional hooks or arms118may be secured to the upper crossmember102dand may be used to position or hold a pull-down bar or other handle implement when not in use. To use the upper pulley station108b, a user may connect a handle, bar, or other gripping implement (not shown) to a cable stop114bat a first end of an upper cable C2of the cable-pulley system116to pull on and allow retraction of the first end of the upper cable C2as required or desired for a particular exercise, which moves the weight stack106as resistance. The upper pulley station108bmay be used for a number of exercises including, but not limited to, lat pulldowns, stiff arm lat pulldowns, one-arm cable flys, etc.

A middle pulley station108cincludes a pair of pulleys, i.e., upper dual pulley110cand lower dual pulley110d, or referred to herein together as a dual middle pulley110c/d, that is moveably secured to the front post102a. The dual middle pulleys110c/dare secured to a trolley or carriage120that is moveably positionable along a plurality of vertical positions the front post102a. A pin122is retractably coupled to the carriage120for selectively securing the carriage120to the front post102a. A handle124is secured to the carriage120to aid in allowing a user of the weightlifting system100in positioning the carriage120vertically along the front post102a. In the depicted configuration, the handle124and pin122are positioned on a side surface of the carriage120, but other locations are contemplated. The upper dual pulley110cand the lower dual pulley110dallow for use with any number of various exercises as the carriage120is used to reposition the middle pulley station108cin any of the plurality of vertical positions along the front post102a. To use the middle pulley station108c, once the middle pulley station108cis vertically positioned along the front post102aas desired, a user may connect a handle, bar, or other gripping implement (not shown) to a cable stop114cof a first end of a middle cable C3of the cable-pulley system116. The user can pull on and allow retraction of the first end of the middle cable C3at the middle pulley station108cas required or desired for a particular exercise, which moves the weight stack106as resistance.

The middle pulley station108cmay be used for a number of exercises, e.g., one-arm cable fies (at an angle different than that from the upper pulley station108b), tricep presses, bicep curls, etc. When positioned at or near the lower pulley station108a, the middle cable C3can be pulled upward about the upper dual pulley110dsuch that the middle pulley station108cmay also be used for exercises similar to those performed at the lower pulley station108a. Similarly, when positioned at or near the upper pulley station108b, the middle cable C3can be pulled downward along the lower dual pulley110dsuch that the middle pulley station108cmay also be used for exercises similar to those performed at the upper pulley station108b.

Resistance to exercises performed with the weightlifting system100is provided by a load attachment structure. In the example implementation of the weightlifting system100, several types of load attachment structures are provided: a weight stack106, weight posts or horns132, and resistance band pegs134, which can be used separately or in combination with each other. It is further contemplated that in other example implementations, fewer than all three load attachment structures can be provided, i.e., only one or two of the options.

The weight stack106includes a plurality of weight plates stacked on top of each other. A selectively removable pin (not shown) is provided for selecting a desired number of weight plates to provide the load for a particular exercise. The pin projects into bores in a lifting rod (not shown) that extends through the wight plates to select the weight plates above and including the plate in which the pin is inserted. A load pully126can seat on and be fixed to a lifting structure144positioned on top of the weight stack106that connects to the lifting rod. A lifting force applied to the cable-pulley system116routed around the load pulley126lifts the selected portion of the weight stack106during exercise. When lifted and lowered, the weight stack106slides along a weight stack rail system formed by a pair of weight stack rails128. The weight stack rails128span and are secured at lower ends to the lower crossmember102cand at the upper ends to the upper crossmember102dor, in this case, a support130extending therefrom.

If additional resistance, or an alternative form of resistance, for an exercise is needed or desired, one or more weight plates may be placed on plate horns132extending from opposing sides of the lifting structure144of the weight stack106. Alternatively or additionally, resistance bands may be secured to band pegs134that, in this example, are mounted to the lower crossmember102cand may be placed around the plate horns132. In some alternative implementations, the weight stack106can be eliminated and the lifting structure144can merely include weight plate horns132or, alternatively, resistance band pegs for connection of a resistance band to the lifting structure144and the resistance band pegs134on the lower crossmember102c.

As depicted inFIG.1A, covers or shrouds136may substantially shield the weight stack106, weight stack rails128, and the cable-pulley system116, depicted inFIG.1B(in which the shrouds136are removed) to prevent inadvertent contact between a user and those components during movement. As depicted inFIG.1B, the cable-pulley system116includes a plurality of cables, lower cable C1, upper cable C2, and middle cable C3routed through a plurality of fixed pulleys (i.e., fixed pulleys F1-F12) and floating or moveable pulleys (i.e., moveable pulleys M1and M2), and is described in more detail below. As used herein, the term “fixed pulley” means a pulley that is fixed in place relative to the frame102during use of the system100; the term “moveable pulley” means a pulley that moves or translates relative to the frame102during exercise use of the system100. For further illustrative context, the lower pulley110a, upper pulley110b, and dual middle pulley110care also “fixed” during use, although the dual middle pulley110cis moveable along the front post102abefore locking in place for use. The load pulley126is also “moveable” or “translatable”, as those terms are understood in the context of this application.

FIG.2depicts a schematic drawing of the cable-pulley system116and cable routing configuration for the weightlifting system100ofFIGS.1A and1B. The frame102is depicted in broken lines. The cable-pulley system116includes a cable system formed from three cables: the lower cable C1, the upper cable C2, and the middle cable C3inFIG.2. The cable-pulley system116also includes a plurality of fixed pulleys F1-F12and movable pulleys M1-M2. In example implementations, the load pulley126may also be considered a part of the cable-pulley system116. Fixed pulleys F6-F11can be mounted to a mounting plate150fixed to and extending beneath and along the upper crossmember102d. Two pairs of guide rods148a-dcan be mounted at top ends to the mounting plate150and at bottom ends to the lower cross member102c. The guide rods148a/band148c/din each pair extend in parallel and are spaced apart from each other. The first pair of guide rods8a/bis positioned in front of the weight stack106. The second pair of guide rods148c/dis positioned behind the weight stack106.

Each of the moveable pulleys M1and M2has a set of fingers138a-cthat extend from lateral side thereof. Two fingers138a/bextend from a first face of each of the moveable pulleys M1and M2and a third finger138cextends from a second face of each of the moveable pulleys M1and M2such that there is a separation distance between a first plane containing the first and second fingers138a/band a second parallel plane containing the third finger138c. All of the fingers138a-care aligned horizontally in parallel, the first and second fingers138a/bcan be spaced vertically apart from each other, and the third finger138ccan be positioned vertically between the first and second fingers138a/b. (It may be appreciated that the moveable pulleys M1and M2are identical in construction but oriented in opposing directions as depicted inFIG.1B.) The fingers138a-cextend across the width of respective pairs of the guide rods148a-dand capture the pairs of guide rods148a-dbetween the fingers138a-cof each of the moveable pulleys M1and M2, respectively.

Respective guide pucks140are mounted between the fingers138a-cof each of the moveable pulleys M1and M2and are captured between the respective pairs of the guide rods148a-d. In the example implementation, the guide pucks140are stadium-shaped, molded plastic biscuits with a low coefficient of friction. The guide pucks140as captured between the fingers138a-cand the guide rods148a-dassist in maintaining appropriate angular alignment of the moveable pulleys M1and M2and prevent rotation on a vertical axis which could cause interference and friction between the moveable pulleys M1and M2and the inner walls of the shrouds146as the moveable pulleys M1and M2travel up and down.

The lower cable C1terminates at a first end with the cable stop114a, which is restrained in a resting position by the fixed lower pulley110ain the lower pulley station108afrom which the lower cable C1is accessible by a user. The lower cable C1passes around the fixed lower pulley110aand travels downward to fixed pulley F1, which directs the lower cable C1rearward along the lower crossmember102cto fixed pulley F2. The fixed pulley F2directs the lower cable C1upward toward the first moveable pulley M1. After routing through the cable-pulley system116, the lower cable C1terminates at a second end at a cable anchor142aconnected to a base of the first movable pulley M1.

The upper cable C2terminates at a first end with the cable stop114b, which is restrained in a resting position by the fixed upper pulley110bin the upper pulley station108bfrom which the upper cable C2is accessible by a user. The upper cable C2passes around the fixed upper pulley110band travels rearward along the upper crossmember102dto fixed pulley F3. The upper cable C3is directed downward by fixed pulley F3adjacent to and parallel to the rear post102bto fixed pulley F4mounted to the lower crossmember102cat a position adjacent to the rear post102b. The fixed pulley F4directs the upper cable C2upward toward the second moveable pulley M2. After routing through the cable-pulley system116, the upper cable C2terminates at a second end at a cable anchor142bconnected to a base of the second movable pulley M2.

The middle cable C3terminates at a first end with the cable stop114c, which is restrained in a resting position by the dual middle pulleys110c/din the middle pulley station108c, from which the middle cable C3is accessible by a user. The middle cable passes around the upper dual pulley110cin the middle pulley station108cand is directed upward parallel to the front post102ato fixed pulley F5, which is mounted to the top of the front post102abeneath the upper crossmember102d. The middle cable C3is redirected rearward by fixed pulley F5parallel to the upper crossmember102dtoward fixed pulley F6, which is mounted beneath the upper crossmember102dadjacent to the rear post102b. The fixed pulley F6directs the middle cable C3downward to the second moveable pulley M2.

The middle cable wraps around the second moveable pulley M2and is redirected upward to fixed pulleys F7and F8, which adjust the middle cable C3to a position above the lifting structure144and direct it downward to the load pulley126. The middle cable C3wraps around the load pulley126and is redirected upward to fixed pulleys F9and F10mounted beneath the upper crossmember102d. The fixed pulleys F9and F10adjust the middle cable C3to a position above the first moveable pulley M1and direct it downward. The middle cable passes around the first moveable pulley M1, which redirects the middle cable upward to fixed pulley F11, which is mounted beneath the upper crossmember102d. The middle cable C3wraps around fixed pulley F11and is directed downward to fixed pulley F12, which is mounted to the lower crossmember102cadjacent to the front post102a. Fixed pulley F12redirects the middle cable3upward toward the carriage120. After routing through the cable-pulley system116, the second end of the middle cable C3terminates at and is fixed to a cable anchor142con the carriage120.

Upward movement of the carriage120along the front post102a(e.g., positioning the carriage120closer to the upper pulley station108a) causes corresponding upward movement of both the first and the second ends of the middle cable C3restrained by and secured to the carriage120, respectively. The middle cable C3thus maintains a constant length within the cable-pulley system116, regardless of the vertical position of the carriage120, and avoids the formation of any slack.

FIGS.2A-2Care schematic drawings of the cable-pulley system116and cable routing configuration ofFIG.2in different active configurations.FIG.2Adepicts the cable-pulley system116with the lower cable C1actuated by a user.FIG.2Bdepicts the cable-pulley system116with the upper cable C2actuated by a user.FIG.2Cdepicts the cable-pulley system116with the middle cable C3actuated by a user.

Beginning withFIG.2A, the cable stop114aof lower cable C1is pulled a distance D away from the lower pulley station108a. The lower cable C1is routed through the fixed lower pulley110a, fixed pulley F1, and fixed pulley F2to extend upward and attach to the cable anchor142aon the base of the moveable pulley M1. The pulling force of the user and resulting extension of the lower cable C1outward from the lower pulley station108apulls moveable pulley M1downward a distance D (i.e., the same distance D as the movement of the cable stop114aof the lower cable C1extends from the lower pulley station108a). As noted, the middle cable C3travels around the moveable pulley M1and the load pulley126. As the moveable pulley M1is pulled downward by the lower cable C1, a section of the middle cable C3is pulled downward the same distance D and the load pulley126is lifted upward the same distance D because both ends of the middle cable C3remain in fixed positions. Since the load pulley126is attached to the lifting structure144, any selected weight plates from the weight stack106(or other resistance or load attached) are also lifted upward the distance D. Thus, since the distance D pulled out at the user end of the lower cable C1moves the weight stack106the same distance D, the portion of the cable-pulley system116associated with the lower pulley station108aprovides a resistance force with respect to the load (e.g., the weight stack106) at a 1:1 ratio.

Turning toFIG.2B, the cable stop114bof upper cable C2is pulled a distance D away from the upper pulley station108b. The upper cable C2is routed through the fixed upper pulley110b, fixed pulley F3, and fixed pulley F4to extend upward and attach to the cable anchor142bon the base of the moveable pulley M2. The pulling force of the user and resulting extension of the upper cable C2outward from the upper pulley station108bpulls moveable pulley M2downward a distance D (i.e., the same distance D as the movement of the cable stop114bof the upper cable C2extends from the upper pulley station108b). As noted, the middle cable C3travels around the moveable pulley M2and the load pulley126. As the moveable pulley M2is pulled downward by the upper cable C2, a section of the middle cable C3is pulled downward the same distance D and the load pulley126is lifted upward the same distance D because both ends of the middle cable C3remain in fixed positions. Since the load pulley126is attached to the lifting structure144, any selected weight plates from the weight stack106(or other resistance or load attached) are also lifted upward the distance D. Thus, since the distance D pulled out at the user end of the upper cable C2moves the weight stack106the same distance D, the portion of the cable-pulley system116associated with the upper pulley station108bprovides a resistance force with respect to the load (e.g., the weight stack106) at a 1:1 ratio.

Turning toFIG.2C, the cable stop114cof the middle cable C3is pulled a distance D away from the middle pulley station108c. As described above, the middle cable C3travels around the first moveable pulley M1and the second moveable pulley M2. In this situation, however, the user ends of each of the lower cable C1and the upper cable C2are static of fixed in their positions as the cable stop114aengages the lower pulley station108aand the cable stop114bengages the upper pulley station108b, respectively. Therefore, the first moveable pulley M1and the second moveable pulley M2, attached to the opposite ends of the lower cable C1and the upper cable C2at cable anchors142aand142b, respectively, also remain in static positions while the middle cable C3is pulled by a user. An intermediate section of the middle cable C3thus pulls the load pulley126and attached load upward, but the distance traveled upward by the load pulley126in this situation is half the distance D (i.e., D/2) of the payout of the user end of middle cable C3from the middle pulley station108cThe combination of fixed pulleys F8and F9and the load pulley126thus provide a 2:1 mechanical advantage as middle cable3is pulled by a user, halving the actual load of the weight stack106or other resistance force attached to the lifting structure144.

As can be perceived fromFIGS.2-2C, the moveable middle pulley station108ccan be used to greatly increase the versatility and useability of the weightlifting system100. As described above, the lower pulley station108aand upper pulley station108bare configured for a 1:1 ratio with respect to the load (i.e., no mechanical advantage is provided; the pulleys merely redirect the cables). In contrast, the middle pulley station108cis configured at a 2:1 ratio with respect to the load, i.e., a 2 to 1 mechanical advantage is provided. Thus, a user performing an exercise using the middle pulley station108cwill encounter a resistance force of half the load (e.g., half the weight of the weight plates or other resistance force attached to the lifting structure144).

This configuration of the weightlifting system100allows a user to more easily exercise a particular muscle or muscle group to so-called “exhaustion.” In such an example, the user may position the middle pulley station108cin a position near to the lower pulley station108aand connect a bar (not shown) to each of the lower cable stop114aof lower cable1and the upper cable stop114cof the upper cable3of the cable-pulley system116in succession. The user may first perform an exercise (in this example, bicep curls) using the lower pulley station108aand lower cable1connected to the full selected load of the weight stack106to exhaustion (e.g., until no more repetitions may be performed due to muscular failure). At that time, the user may release the handle from the lower cable C1at the lower pulley station108aand connect the handle to the middle cable stop114cof the middle cable C3at the middle pulley station108cpositioned adjacent to the lower pulley station108a. The user can then perform additional bicep curls using the middle pulley station108cto the point of exhaustion. Since the middle pulley station108cis configured at a 2:1 ratio, the user can easily reduce (by half) the weight resistance inherent the exercise without having to adjust the weight stack106directly, enabling a faster transition between sets of exercises.

The configuration of the weightlifting system100also allows a user to more easily exercise a particular muscle or muscle group in so-called “super sets”. In such an example, a user may locate the middle pulley station108cin a position adjacent to the upper pulley station108band connect a pull-down bar (not shown) to each of the cable stop114con the middle cable C3and the cable stop114bof the upper cable C2of the cable-pulley system116in succession. The user can perform an exercise (in this example, stiff arm lat pulldowns) using the middle pulley station108cto the desired number of repetitions. At that time, the user may release the handle from the middle cable C3at the middle pulley station108cand reconnect the handle to the upper cable C2to perform lat pulldowns using the upper pulley station108b. Typically, most users are able to perform lat pulldowns with a heavier weight than stiff arm lat pulldowns. Since the middle pulley station108cis configured at a 2:1 ratio, the user can easily perform the first, lighter-weight set of stiff arm lat pulldowns before moving quickly to the second, heavier set of lat pulldowns with the full load selected (e.g., at the weight stack106), without having to adjust the weight stack106directly, enabling a faster transition between exercise types. Other variations of exercises performed with the weightlifting system100described herein would be readily understood by users of the weightlifting system100.

In view of the above specification and the related drawing figures, it can be understood that example implementations of a weightlifting system include a frame including a front post, a front post spaced apart from and parallel to the front post, a lower crossmember connected between the front and reard posts at a base position, and an upper crossmember connected between the front and rear posts at an upper position. A load attachment structure is provided within the system. A lower pulley station is mounted on the frame and disposed proximate to the lower crossmember. An upper pulley station is mounted to the frame and disposed proximate to the upper crossmember. A middle pulley station is attached to the frame. A cable-pulley system includes a plurality of fixed pulleys mounted to the frame, a first moveable pulley, a second moveable pulley, and a floating load pulley mounted to the load attachment structure. A plurality of cables is collectively routed through the first movable pulley, the second movable pulley, the plurality of fixed pulleys, the floating load pulley, the lower pulley station, the upper pulley station, and the middle pulley station. When a first pulling force is applied to a first cable end of the plurality of cables routed through and accessible from the lower pulley station, the first movable pulley and the load pulley translate. When a second pulling force is applied to a second cable end of the plurality of cables routed through and accessible from the upper pulley station, the second movable pulley and the load pulley translate. When a third pulling force is applied to a third cable end of the plurality of cables routed through and accessible from the middle pulley station, only the floating load pulley translates.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the plurality of cables can include a lower cable including the first cable end at a first end thereof and a first anchor end connected to the first moveable pulley. The plurality of cables can further include an upper cable including the second cable end at a first end thereof and a second anchor end connected to the second moveable pulley. The plurality of cables can further include a middle cable including the third cable end at a first end thereof, a third anchor end connected to the middle pulley station, and an intermediate section routed around the floating load pulley.

Other example implementations of the weightlifting system can further include a moveable carriage coupled to the front post and configured to translate up and down the front post and releasably affix to the front post at a plurality of positions along the front post. In such implementations, the middle pulley station can be connected to the carriage.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system the middle pulley station can include two pulleys mounted within a same vertical plane on parallel horizontal axes.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the first pulling force can translate the first movable pulley in a first direction and translate the floating load pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the second pulling force can translate the second movable pulley in a first direction and translate the floating load pulley in a second direction opposite the first direction.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the first pulling force can be applied to the first cable end such that the lower cable extends a distance D beyond the first pulley station. The first movable pulley also translates the same distance D and the floating load pulley translates the same distance D.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system the second pulling force can be applied to the second cable end such that the upper cable extends a distance D beyond the second pulley station. The second movable pulley also translates the same distance D and the floating load pulley translates the same distance D.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the third pulling force can be applied to the third cable end such that the middle cable extends a distance D beyond the middle pulley station. The floating load pulley translates half the distance D (D/2).

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, when a load of force W is attached to the load attachment structure, the first pulling force is equivalent to the force W, the second pulling force is equivalent to the force W, and the third pulling force is equivalent to one half the force W (W/2).

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the load attachment structure can include a weight stack composed of a plurality of selectable weight plates configured for variable load selection by a user.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the load attachment structure can include one or more posts configured to receive and support barbell weight plates.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the lower crossmember can include one or more pegs extending from a sidewall thereof configured to receive and retain a lower portion of an elastic resistance band. Similarly, the load attachment structure can include one or more posts configured to receive and retain an upper portion of the elastic resistance band.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the frame can further include a mounting plate fixed to and extending beneath the upper crossmember between the front post and the rear post. A first subset of the fixed pulleys can be mounted to the upper crossmember. A second subset of the fixed pulleys subset can be mounted to the mounting plate.

Other example implementations of the weightlifting system can further include a first guide rod positioned in front of the load attachment structure and extending vertically between and connected to the mounting plate at a first end and the lower crossmember at a second end; and also a second guide rod positioned behind the load attachment structure and extending vertically between and connected to the mounting plate at a first end and the lower crossmember at a second end. The first and second moveable pulleys can each include an attachment structure extending from a side thereof and configured to slidably engage with the first and second guide rods, respectively, as the first and second moveable pulleys move upward and downward.

In other example implementations of the weightlifting system, the attachment structure can further include a plurality of fingers that extend parallel to each other, one or more from a first face of each of the first and second moveable pulleys and one or more from second face of each of the first and second moveable pulleys. The attachments system can also include a puck that is fastened between the plurality of fingers, positioned between a first plane of the first face and a second plane of the second face, and seated on a side of the first or second guide rod opposite the first or second moveable pulley. Additionally, the first or second guide rod can be positioned between the plurality of fingers, the puck, and the first or second movable pulley, respectively.

Other example implementations of the weightlifting system can further include a third guide rod positioned in front of the first guide rod and extending vertically between and connected to the mounting plate at a first end and the lower crossmember at a second end and also a fourth guide rod positioned behind the second guide rod and extending vertically between and connected to the mounting plate at a first end and the lower crossmember at a second end. The puck associated with the first moveable pulley can be positioned between the first and third guide rods and the plurality of fingers associated with the first moveable pulley extend transversely across the third guide rod. Similarly, the puck associated with the second moveable pulley can be positioned between the second and fourth guide rods and the plurality of fingers associated with the second moveable pulley extend transversely across the fourth guide rod.

Other example implementations of the weightlifting system can further include a pair of struts extending from respective lateral sidewalls of the lower crossmember.

Other example implementations of the weightlifting system can further include a pair of legs connected at first ends to respective lateral sides of the rear post and extending at an angle with respect to the lower crossmember within a plane including the struts and connecting with respective ones of the struts at second ends.

Other example implementations of the weightlifting system can further include a foot plate connected to the frame adjacent to the lower pulley station.

In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components or separate from other components should be considered exemplary because multiple other architectures may potentially be implemented to achieve the same functionality, including incorporating all, most, and/or some elements as part of one or more unitary structures and/or separate structures.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings describes examples and does not represent the only instances that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The terms “example” and “exemplary,” when used in this description, mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.”

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, other embodiments using different combinations of elements and structures disclosed herein are contemplated, as other iterations can be determined through ordinary skill based upon the teachings of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.