Weightlifting Machine

A weightlifting rack assembly includes a weightlifting machine mounted on a frame having a plurality of frame members joined together. The machine includes at least one adjustable pulley assembly mounted on the frame, a weight source mounted on the frame, and a first cable having at least one adjustable input point defined by the adjustable pulley assembly, which is engaged with the weight source. The weightlifting machine also includes at least one fixed pulley assembly mounted on the weight rack, and a second cable having at least one fixed input point defined by the fixed pulley assembly and configured as a lat pull or low row input point. The assembly uses a double peanut pulley that is engaged by both cables, such that the first cable is provided with a 2:1 mechanical advantage, and the second cable is provided with a 1:1 mechanical advantage, in lifting the weight source.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to cable-based weightlifting machines, and more specifically to a cable-based weightlifting machine that provides multiple user input points with different mechanical advantages with a single weight source.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of different weightlifting machines exist, including various cable-based weightlifting machines, in which one or more user input points are connected via a cable and pulley system to one or more weight sources. Different user input points in such a machine may be used for different exercises, based on criteria such as their location and any attachments or equipment used in connection therewith. However, existing cable-based weightlifting machines suffer from several drawbacks. Some machines require multiple different weight sources in order to use multiple user input points. Additionally, some machines do not provide the ability to achieve different mechanical advantages for different user input points. Further, some machines do not provide adequate positional adjustability of the user input points. Still further, some machines do not provide versatility in the types of exercises that may be performed.

The present disclosure is provided to address these needs and other needs in existing weightlifting machines. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a weightlifting rack assembly that includes a weight rack having a plurality of vertical frame members and a plurality of horizontal frame members joined together, and a weightlifting machine mounted on the weight rack. The weightlifting machine includes a first adjustable pulley assembly adjustably mounted on a first vertical frame member on a first side of the weight rack, a second adjustable pulley assembly adjustably mounted on a second vertical frame member on a second side of the weight rack, a weight source mounted on the weight rack and configured to provide resistance during a weightlifting exercise, and a first cable having a first adjustable input point defined by the first adjustable pulley assembly and a second adjustable input point defined by the second adjustable pulley assembly, the first cable extending from the first adjustable input point to the weight source and to the second adjustable input point. The weightlifting machine also includes a first fixed pulley assembly mounted on the weight rack, a second cable having a first fixed input point defined by the first fixed pulley assembly and configured as a lat pull input point or a low row input point, and a double-single peanut pulley having two first end pulleys arranged as a pair and a second end pulley separate from the first and second pulleys. The first cable engages the first end pulleys and the second cable engages the second end pulley to couple the first cable and the second cable, such that the first cable is provided with a 2:1 mechanical advantage in lifting the weight source for force exerted at the first adjustable input point and the second adjustable input point. The double-single peanut pulley is vertically moveable by exertion of force on the second cable at the first fixed input point, such that the second cable is provided with a 1:1 mechanical advantage in lifting the weight source for force exerted at the first fixed input point.

According to one aspect, the weight rack has a front and a rear opposite the front, such that the first side and the second side of the weight rack extend between the front and the rear. In this configuration, the first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member are located at the front of the weight rack, and the double-single peanut pulley is located at the rear of the weight rack.

According to another aspect, the weight source further includes a weight source pulley coupled to the weight source, where the first cable runs through the weight source pulley between the first end pulleys.

According to a further aspect, the weight rack includes a vertical rail, and the weight source includes a carriage moveably mounted on the vertical rail and coupled to the first cable, such that the carriage is configured to travel along the vertical rail when a force is exerted on the first cable or the second cable. In one configuration, the double-single peanut pulley is received within the vertical rail and is moveable within the vertical rail.

According to yet another aspect, the first fixed pulley assembly is located proximate to a top of the weight rack, and the first fixed input point is configured as the lat pull input point. In this configuration, the weightlifting rack assembly further includes a second fixed pulley assembly mounted on the weight rack and located proximate to a bottom of the weight rack, and the second cable further has a second fixed input point defined by the second fixed pulley assembly and configured as the low row input point. The double-single peanut pulley is further vertically moveable by exertion of force on the second cable at the second fixed input point, such that the second cable is provided with a 1:1 mechanical advantage in lifting the weight source for force exerted at the second fixed input point.

According to a still further aspect, the first adjustable pulley assembly further includes a first adjustable bracket adjustably mounted on the first vertical frame member and supporting a first pair of pulleys, and the second adjustable pulley assembly further includes a second adjustable bracket adjustably mounted on the second vertical frame member and supporting a second pair of pulleys. The weightlifting machine further includes a first tension cable having a first end fixed to the first adjustable bracket and a second end fixed to the weight rack, a first tension peanut pulley engaged by the first cable and the first tension cable, wherein the first tension peanut pulley and the first tension cable are, in combination, configured to enable adjustment of the first adjustable pulley assembly along the first vertical frame member while maintaining tension in the first cable, a second tension cable having a first end fixed to the second adjustable bracket and a second end fixed to the weight rack, and a second tension peanut pulley engaged by the second cable and the second tension cable, wherein the second tension peanut pulley and the second tension cable are, in combination, configured to enable adjustment of the second adjustable pulley assembly along the second vertical frame member while maintaining tension in the second cable.

Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to a weightlifting rack assembly that includes a frame having a plurality of vertical frame members and a plurality of horizontal frame members joined together and a weightlifting machine mounted on the frame. The weightlifting machine includes a first adjustable pulley assembly adjustably mounted on a first vertical frame member of the frame, a weight source mounted on the frame and configured to provide resistance during a weightlifting exercise, and a first cable having a first adjustable input point defined by the first adjustable pulley assembly the first cable extending from the first adjustable input point and engaged with the weight source. The weightlifting machine also includes a first fixed pulley assembly mounted on the weight rack, a second cable having a first fixed input point defined by the first fixed pulley assembly and configured as a lat pull input point or a low row input point, and a double-single peanut pulley having two first end pulleys and a second end pulley, where the first cable engages both of the two first end pulleys and the second cable engages the second end pulley to couple the first cable and the second cable, such that the first cable is provided with a 2:1 mechanical advantage in lifting the weight source for force exerted at the first adjustable input point. The double-single peanut pulley is vertically moveable by exertion of force on the second cable at the first fixed input point, such that the second cable is provided with a 1:1 mechanical advantage in lifting the weight source for force exerted at the first fixed input point.

According to one aspect, the weight source further includes a weight source pulley coupled to the weight source, wherein the first cable runs through the weight source pulley between the first end pulleys.

According to another aspect, the weight rack further includes a vertical rail, and the weight source includes a carriage moveably mounted on the vertical rail and coupled to the first cable, such that the carriage is configured to travel along the vertical rail when a force is exerted on the first cable or the second cable. In this configuration, the double-single peanut pulley is received within the vertical rail and is moveable within the vertical rail.

According to another aspect, the first fixed pulley assembly is located proximate to a top of the weight rack, and the first fixed input point is configured as the lat pull input point. The weightlifting rack assembly further includes a second fixed pulley assembly mounted on the weight rack and located proximate to a bottom of the weight rack, where the second cable further has a second fixed input point defined by the second fixed pulley assembly and configured as the low row input point. The double-single peanut pulley is further vertically moveable by exertion of force on the second cable at the second fixed input point, such that the second cable is provided with a 1:1 mechanical advantage in lifting the weight source for force exerted at the second fixed input point.

According to yet another aspect, the first adjustable pulley assembly further includes an adjustable bracket adjustably mounted on the first vertical frame member and supporting a pair of pulleys, and the first cable has a first end located at the first adjustable input point and a second end fixed to the adjustable bracket.

According to a still further aspect, the first adjustable pulley assembly further includes an adjustable bracket adjustably mounted on the first vertical frame member and supporting a pair of pulleys. The weightlifting machine further includes a first tension cable having a first end fixed to the adjustable bracket and a second end fixed to the weight rack, a first tension peanut pulley engaged by the first cable and the first tension cable, where the first tension peanut pulley and the first tension cable are, in combination, configured to enable adjustment of the first adjustable pulley assembly along the first vertical frame member while maintaining tension in the first cable.

According to an additional aspect, the weightlifting rack assembly further includes a seat assembly fixed to the first vertical frame member.

Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a weightlifting rack assembly including a weight rack comprising a plurality of vertical frame members and a plurality of horizontal frame members joined together, the weight rack further having a vertical rail, and a weightlifting machine mounted on the weight rack. The weightlifting machine includes a first adjustable pulley assembly adjustably mounted on a first vertical frame member on a first side of the weight rack, a second adjustable pulley assembly adjustably mounted on a second vertical frame member on a second side of the weight rack, a weight source including a carriage moveably mounted on the vertical rail, the weight source being configured to provide resistance during a weightlifting exercise, and a first cable having a first adjustable input point defined by the first adjustable pulley assembly and a second adjustable input point defined by the second adjustable pulley assembly, with the first cable extending from the first adjustable input point to the weight source and to the second adjustable input point, where the first cable is coupled to the carriage. The weightlifting machine further includes a first fixed pulley assembly mounted on the weight rack, a second cable having a first fixed input point defined by the first fixed pulley assembly and configured as a lat pull input point or a low row input point, and a floating peanut pulley having a first end pulley and a second end pulley, where the first cable engages the first end pulley and the second cable engages the second end pulley to couple the first cable and the second cable, such that the carriage is configured to travel along the vertical rail when a force is exerted on the first cable or the second cable, and where the floating peanut pulley is received within the vertical rail and is moveable within the vertical rail.

According to one aspect, the weight rack has a front and a rear opposite the front, such that the first side and the second side of the weight rack extend between the front and the rear, the first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member are located at the front of the weight rack, and the floating peanut pulley is located at the rear of the weight rack.

According to another aspect, the weight source further includes a weight source pulley coupled to the weight source, where the first cable runs through the weight source pulley.

According to a further aspect, the floating peanut pulley is a double-single peanut pulley having two first end pulleys, where the first cable engages the two first end pulleys, and the second cable engages the second end pulley.

According to yet another aspect, the first fixed pulley assembly is located proximate to a top of the weight rack, and the first fixed input point is configured as the lat pull input point. The weightlifting rack assembly further includes a second fixed pulley assembly mounted on the weight rack and located proximate to a bottom of the weight rack, where the second cable further has a second fixed input point defined by the second fixed pulley assembly and configured as the low row input point. In one configuration, the first cable and the second cable are configured such that exertion of force at the first fixed input point or the second fixed input point moves the floating peanut pulley vertically to move the first cable and thereby effect vertical movement of the weight source.

According to a still further aspect, the floating peanut pulley has rollers on an outer surface thereof, and the rollers are configured to engage inner surfaces of the vertical rail to facilitate movement of the floating peanut pulley within the vertical rail.

Still further aspects of the disclosure relate to a weightlifting rack assembly that includes a weight rack having a plurality of vertical frame members and a plurality of horizontal frame members joined together, and a weightlifting machine mounted on the weight rack. The weightlifting machine includes a weight source mounted on the weight rack and configured to provide resistance during a weightlifting exercise, a first cable having a first input point configured to receive input of force by a user, the first cable extending from the first input point to the weight source to permit the user to exert force on the weight source via the first cable, and a first pulley mount assembly coupled to the weight rack and extending along at least one of the horizontal frame members. The first pulley mount assembly includes a first pulley housing supporting a first rack pulley, a second pulley housing supporting a second rack pulley and spaced horizontally from the first pulley housing, and a first elongated shroud extending from the first pulley housing to the second pulley housing along the at least one horizontal frame member, wherein the first cable engages the first rack pulley and the second rack pulley, and a horizontal cable section of the first cable extends between the first rack pulley and the second rack pulley within the first elongated shroud.

According to one aspect, the horizontal cable section of the first cable is completely covered on at least three sides by the first elongated shroud.

According to another aspect, the first cable includes a first vertical cable section extending upward to the first rack pulley and a second vertical cable section extending downward from the second rack pulley.

According to a further aspect, the weightlifting machine also includes a first adjustable pulley assembly adjustably mounted on a first vertical frame member of the plurality of vertical frame members, where the first adjustable pulley assembly defines the first input point, and the first cable extends vertically from the first adjustable pulley assembly to the first rack pulley. In one configuration, the first adjustable pulley assembly further includes an adjustable bracket adjustably mounted on the first vertical frame member and supporting a pair of pulleys. In this configuration, the weightlifting machine further includes a first tension cable having a first end fixed to the adjustable bracket and a second end fixed to the weight rack, and a first peanut pulley engaged by the first cable and the first tension cable, wherein the first peanut pulley and the first tension cable are, in combination, configured to enable adjustment of the first adjustable pulley assembly along the first vertical frame member while maintaining tension in the first cable. In this configuration, the weightlifting machine may further include a second pulley mount assembly coupled to the weight rack and extending along at least one additional horizontal frame member, the second pulley mount assembly having a third pulley housing supporting a third rack pulley, a fourth pulley housing supporting a fourth rack pulley and spaced horizontally from the third pulley housing, and a second elongated shroud extending from the third pulley housing to the fourth pulley housing along the at least one additional horizontal frame member. In this configuration, the first tension cable engages the third rack pulley and the fourth rack pulley, and a horizontal tension cable section of the first tension cable extends between the third rack pulley and the fourth rack pulley within the second elongated shroud. In yet an additional potential configuration, the first pulley mount assembly may be mounted proximate to a top of the weight rack, such that the first cable extends upward from the first adjustable pulley assembly, and the horizontal cable section extends along the top of the weight rack, and the second pulley mount assembly may be mounted proximate to a bottom of the weight rack, such that the first tension cable extends downward from the first adjustable pulley assembly, and the horizontal tension cable section extends along the bottom of the weight rack.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail example embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

General aspects of the present disclosure relate to example embodiments of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 and a weightlifting machine 30 mounted on the weight rack 11, which weightlifting machine includes at least a weight source 31 and a cable system 32. The weight rack 11 includes a plurality of frame members 12 arranged to form a frame, including vertical frame members 12A extending upward from the ground surface and horizontal frame members 12B extending between the vertical frame members 12A, at right angles. In some embodiments, e.g., as in FIGS. 1-7, the weight rack 11 may be configured to have two sides 11A, 11B with various cross-members, including one or more horizontal frame members 12B or other cross-members such as a pull-up bar 13, connecting the two sides 11A, 11B. The weight rack 11 in FIGS. 1-7 is configured as a power rack, but other configurations are possible, such as a half-rack shown in FIGS. 8-9 and described further herein. The frame members 12 of the weight racks 11 in the embodiments disclosed herein are hollow steel tubes, which may have a square cross-section (e.g., 3×3 inch) or another rectangular shape (e.g., 4×3 inch), or a different shape, in various embodiments. The frame members 12 also generally have a plurality of holes 14 in some or all of the four side surfaces, which are configured for receiving fasteners or other connectors to connect the frame members 12 together, as well as to connect various implements (including the weightlifting machine 30) to the weight rack 11. It is understood that the weight rack 11 may further be configured for use in other weightlifting exercises that do not use the weightlifting machine 30. For example, at least some of the weight racks 11 disclosed herein may provide space for use of free weights (e.g., a barbell), and attachments or implements designed to facilitate the use of such equipment may be connected to the weight racks 11, such as by using the holes 14.

The frame members 12 in the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 1-7 further include two angled members 12C positioned at horizontal angles (e.g., 30-60° or approximately) 50° to the horizontal frame members 12B, and also at horizontal angles to the flat sides of the vertical frame members 12A. The angled members 12C extend at angles inward from the two sides 11A, 11B of the weight rack 11 and meet at a lateral centerline of the weight rack 11, and the frame members 12 further include a central longitudinal member 12D extending from a cross-member formed by one of the horizontal frame members 12B, along the lateral centerline of the weight rack 11, to the juncture between the two angled members 12C. The angled members 12C and the central longitudinal member 12D form a support for the weight source 31 and a support and routing system for the pulleys of the cable system 32 as described herein. The angled members 12C are each configured for having one or more pulleys 42, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 56, 61, 62, 68 mounted at least partially therein, and for having a section of the cable system 32 extend within and through the internal cavity thereof. Each angled member 12C has slots 16 in the underside for this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. The weight rack 11 also includes a horizontal support member 12E at one end to support components of the weightlifting machine 30, and a foot rest 15 connected to the horizontal support member 12E for use in a rowing exercise. The horizontal support member 12E is offset from the weight rack frame by angled portions at the ends. It is understood that the weight rack 11 may include other components, such as feet, nameplates, and various other accessories, connections, and implements, some of which are shown in the drawings.

The weightlifting machine 30 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 includes a weight source 31 in the form of a weight plate stack, a cable system 32 connected to the weight source 31, and a plurality of user input points 33 connected to the weight source 31 by the cable system 32. The weight source 31 includes a plurality of weights 38 that are slidably moveable along one or more vertical guides 39, with a base 40 at the top of the stack of weights 38 that is connected to a rod (not shown) extending down through the weights 38, which is engageable by a pin to select the number of weights 38 to be lifted, as known in the art. The weights 38 are stacked on and supported by the horizontal support member 12E. The input points 33 in this embodiment include two height-adjustable input points 33A, each on one side 11A, 11B of the weight rack 11, a low-row input point 33B, and a lat pull input point 33C. It is understood that any of the input points 33 may be used for a variety of different exercises. Each of the input points 33 is at an end of a cable of the cable system 32 and may include a connector 34 (e.g., a clip) for connection of a handle or other user engaging member (e.g., lat pull handle 35) and stop 36, such as a rubber ball. The user engaging member may be a bar, handle, grip, or other member designed for gripping by a user's hands; a strap, belt, harness, or other member designed for engaging a user's torso, or a different member designed to be engaged by a different part of the user's body (e.g., leg, foot, head, etc.) to exert force on the cable system 32 at the input point 33. The lat pull input point 33C in this embodiment may be considered an extension of the low-row input point 33B, as the lat pull input point 33C is created by a cable extension 37 releasably connected to the connector 34 of the low row input point 33B. The cable extension 37 extends from the lat pull input point 33C over two lat pull pulleys 68 mounted on either side of a cross-member formed by a horizontal frame member 12B, one of which is mounted within the central longitudinal member 12D, and down to the low-row input point 33B. The cable extension 37 can be removed when the lat pull input point 33C is not in use, or when the cable extension 37 forms an obstruction, such as when the low-row input point 33B is to be used, or when the weight rack 11 is to be used for another exercise not involving the weightlifting machine 30.

The cable system 32 includes a plurality of cables 41, 54, 60 routed through a plurality of pulleys to connect the various input points 33 to the weight source 31. The routing of the cable system 32 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 produces different mechanical advantages for different input points 33. For example, the adjustable input points 33A have a 2:1 mechanical advantage, i.e., such that the force experienced at each of the input points 33A is half of the selected weight of the weight source 31. As another example, the low-row input point 33B and the lat pull input point 33C have 1:1 mechanical advantages, such that the force experienced at the input points 33B-C is equivalent to the selected weight of the weight source 31. The weightlifting machine 30 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, and other embodiments herein, may achieve these differential mechanical advantages through the use of a double-single peanut pulley (also referred to herein as a double peanut pulley) 51 configured as a floating pulley. In this configuration, the double peanut pulley 51 includes a pair of first end pulleys or wheels 59 positioned on a first side or end of the double peanut pulley 51 and a second end pulley or wheel 63 positioned on a second (opposite) side or end of the double peanut pulley 51. The double peanut pulley 51 may include a double peanut pulley housing 94 with the first end pulleys 59 and the second end pulley 63 mounted thereon, such that the first end pulleys 59 are mounted along the same rotational axis. In the configurations shown and described herein, the first end pulleys 59 are on the top end and may be referred to as top pulleys 59, and the second end pulley 63 is on the bottom end and may be referred to as a lower pulley 63, with the understanding that the opposite configuration is possible. Numerous embodiments disclosed herein utilize a double peanut pulley 51 including some or all of the features of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, and the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 may likewise include features of other double peanut pulleys 51 disclosed herein. Additionally, the routing of the cable system 32 permits the adjustable input points 33A to be height-adjustable while using only a single weight source 31 in combination with one or more other input points 33B-C. Further, while the cables of the cable system 32 (e.g., cables 41, 54, 60) are each shown and described herein as a single, uninterrupted cable, it is understood that the term “cable” as used herein is not restricted to a single, uninterrupted section of cable. Instead, the term “cable” may encompass structures that function as a cable, for example, each such cable may be formed of separate cable pieces joined together (e.g., with appropriate connectors) to function as a single cable. It is also understood that the term “cable” may also encompass other types of functionally equivalent or similar structures, such as ropes, chains, belts, etc.

The cable system 32 includes a single input cable 41 for both of the adjustable input points 33A that runs from one of the adjustable input points 33A, through a weight source pulley 42 that exerts force directly on the weight source 31 via connection to the base 40 of the weight stack, and to the other adjustable input point 33A. Each of the adjustable input points 33A is provided at an adjustable combination pulley 53 that is a double pulley mounted on a bracket 43 that is adjustable to be fixed at a plurality of positions along the length of one of the vertical frame members 12A, such as by using a grip 45 and a releasable pin 66 (which may be a spring-loaded pop pin). The adjustable combination pulleys 53 in FIGS. 1-7 are each positioned on a vertical frame member 12A at the front 11C of the weight rack 11, on opposite sides 11A, 11B of the weight rack 11. The input cable 41 extends upward from the combination pulley 53 over two top rack pulleys 46 that redirect the input cable 41 horizontally and vertically to a peanut pulley 47. The peanut pulley 47 in this and other embodiments may alternately be referred to as a tension peanut pulley, as the peanut pulleys 47 also interact with tension cables 54 to maintain tension in the input cable 41. Each combination of two top rack pulleys 46 are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 48 that extends horizontally along the outside of the weight rack 11 in this embodiment, but separate pulley mounts may be used in another embodiment. The input cable 41 then extends from the peanut pulley 47 to a first angled pulley 49 that redirects the input cable 41 from a vertical direction to an angled horizontal direction that travels along one of the angled members 12C. In this embodiment, the input cable 41 travels within the angled member 12C through at least a portion of the journey along the angled member 12C, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 7. Second angled pulleys 50 are mounted at least partially within the angled members 12C and redirect the input cable 41 downward to one of two top pulleys 59 of the double peanut pulley 51. The input cable 41 then extends over one or two of three central pulleys 52, downward to the weight source pulley 42, and back to the central pulleys 52 for redirection back to the other top pulley 59 of the double peanut pulley 51 and to the other second angled pulley 50, then back to the other adjustable combination pulley 53 in reverse order on the opposite side of the weight rack 11. In this manner, the two adjustable input points 33A can be used independently, alone or simultaneously, to lift the weight source 31. The use of the double peanut pulley 51 provides a 2:1 mechanical advantage for each of the adjustable input points 33A as discussed herein.

Each of the adjustable combination pulleys 53 is height-adjustable while maintaining tension in the input cable 41 by use of the peanut pulleys 47 and adjustable tension cables 54, which is most clearly illustrated in FIG. 4. One end 55 of each adjustable tension cable 54 is fixed to the bracket 43 of the adjustable combination pulley 53, and the adjustable tension cable 54 extends downward from the combination pulley 53 over two bottom rack pulleys 56 that redirect the adjustable tension cable 54 horizontally and vertically to the peanut pulley 47. Each combination of two bottom rack pulleys 56 are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 57 that extends horizontally along the outside of the weight rack 11 in this embodiment, but separate pulley mounts may be used in another embodiment. The adjustable tension cable 54 then extends downward to a second end 58 that is fixed directly or indirectly to the weight rack 11. As the adjustable combination pulley 53 is adjusted for height, the adjustable tension cable 54 moves generally the same distance as the input cable 41, thereby adjusting the vertical position of the peanut pulley 47 opposite of the direction of movement of the adjustable combination pulley 53, thereby ensuring the same travel length of the input cable 41 and retaining tension in the input cable 41. It is understood that the configuration of the input cable 41 and the adjustable tension cables 54 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 is substantially as shown in FIG. 26, discussed herein.

The top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 are mounted on single, elongated pulley mount assemblies 48, 57, which each include two pulley housings 48A, 57A spaced horizontally from each other, each supporting one of the top rack pulleys 46 or the bottom rack pulleys 56, respectively. The pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 further include an elongated shroud 48B, 57B that extends between the two pulley housings 48A, 57A, such that the pulley housings 48A, 57A and the shrouds 48B, 57B combine to form the pulley mount assemblies 48, 57. The shrouds 48B, 57B each extend alongside and parallel to one of the horizontal frame members 12B, and each shroud 48B, 57B is configured to receive and protect a horizontal section of the respective cable assembly that extends longitudinally through the shroud 48B, 57B, i.e., the input cable 41 or the adjustable tension cable 54. In one embodiment, each shroud 48B, 57B may surround and/or completely cover the respective horizontal cable section on at least three sides (e.g., top, left, and right in one configuration). For example, in one configuration, the shroud 48B, 57B may have an open bottom or an open top that permits the respective cable section to pass out of the shroud 48B, 57B if desired, e.g., for maintenance, assembly, or disassembly. Additionally, while each shroud 48B, 57B may surround the respective horizontal cable section on at least three sides for the entire length of the shroud 48B, 57B in one embodiment, the shroud 48B, 57B may have gaps in one or more sides at one or more points along the length thereof in another embodiment.

The input cables 41 and the adjustable tension cables 54 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 (and other embodiments disclosed herein) are routed such that the input cables 41 extend upward from the adjustable input points 33A and horizontally at or proximate to the top of the weight rack 11, and the adjustable tension cables 54 extend downward from the adjustable input points 33A and horizontally at or proximate to the bottom of the weight rack 11. In another configuration, the arrangements of the input cables 41 and the adjustable tension cables 54 may be reversed, such that the input cables 41 extend downward from the adjustable input points 33A and horizontally at or proximate to the bottom of the weight rack 11, and the adjustable tension cables 54 extend upward from the adjustable input points 33A and horizontally at or proximate to the top of the weight rack 11. In either configuration, the input cables 41 and the adjustable tension cables 54 extend vertically from the adjustable input points 33A and then turn horizontally from the front 11C toward the rear 11D of the weight rack 11.

The cable system 32 includes a second input cable 60 for the low-row input point 33C and the lat pull input point 33B that runs from the low-row input point 33C through the double peanut pulley 51, thereby moving the double peanut pulley 51 to exert force on the weight source 31 through the input cable 41 and the weight source pulley 42. The second input cable 60 extends from the low-row input point 33C through a low row pulley 61 located at the foot rest 15 and a lower central pulley 62 that redirects the second input cable 60 through the single, lower pulley 63 of the double peanut pulley 51. The lower central pulley 62 is mounted on a pulley mount 65 that extends longitudinally outward from the horizontal support member 12E behind the weights 38. The double peanut pulley 51 directs the second input cable 60 back downward to a fixed end 64 that is fixed to the pulley mount 65. The use of this routing configuration for the second input cable 60 provides a 1:1 mechanical advantage for the low row input point 33C and the lat pull input point 33B, as discussed herein. It is understood that the configuration for the second input cable 60 in FIGS. 1-7 is similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 26, discussed herein, with the exception that the lat pull input point 33B is replaced by a fixed cable end.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a half rack, with fewer vertical frame members 12A and a shorter length from the front 11C to the rear 11D than the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 1-7, and two stabilization legs 12F extending outward from the front of the weight rack 11. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 1-7, but with a shorter overall length and thus shorter distances between the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, the top rack pulleys 46 are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 48 having two pulley housings 48A connected by a shroud 48B, and the bottom rack pulleys 56 are also mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 57 having two pulley housings 48A connected by a shroud 48B, with the pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 having shorter lengths in the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9. The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9 to refer to such common components and features.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 including a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack and a weightlifting machine 30 that include many components and features in common with the weight rack assemblies 10 in FIGS. 1-7 and 8-9. Such common components and features may not be described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 to refer to such common components and features. The weight rack 11 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 is substantially identical to the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 1-7, with the exception of the structure of the central longitudinal member 12D and the structures connecting the angled members 12C to the central longitudinal member 12D. Most significantly, the central longitudinal member 12D in FIGS. 10-14 is not configured to hold any pulleys and does not include any slots or cut-outs for receiving such pulleys.

The weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 10-14 is configured to use a different weight source 31 in the form of a carriage 70 that is configured for weight loading, such as by addition of weight plates (not shown) or resistance bands (not shown). The weightlifting machine 30 in this embodiment includes a carriage support 71, and the carriage 70 is moveably mounted on the carriage support 71, such that a user, by exerting force at one of the input points 33, pulls the weight carriage 70 upward along the carriage support 71 via the cable system 32, with the weight of the weight carriage 70 providing resistance to the user in this motion. The weight carriage 70 may be configured to provide adjustable resistance, such as by being loaded with weight plates (not shown) having various weights and/or connected to resistance bands (not shown) having various resistance levels. At least some aspects of the weight source 31 may be configured as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,058,909, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Additionally, the weightlifting machine 30 may be configured as a belt squat machine such as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,058,909, for example as in the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18.

The carriage support 71 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 includes a base 72 affixed to the horizontal support member 12E of the weight rack 11 and resting on the ground surface, and a track or guide in the form of a rail 73 that extends vertically upward from the base 72, such that the weight carriage 70 is mounted on the rail 73 and the rail 73 guides the movement of the weight carriage 70. The rail 73 in this embodiment is formed by a single upright rail. In other embodiments, the track may be formed of two or more parallel rails 73 that are engaged with the weight carriage 70 or a different structure. The rail 73 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14.

The weight carriage 70 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 is moveably mounted on the rail 73 of the carriage support 71 by one or more track-engaging structures, and has one or more weight mounts 74 to support and/or engage removable weights. The carriage 70 in FIGS. 10-14 has a weight mount 74 formed as a beam that extends horizontally outward from both sides of the carriage 70 to form supports for weight plates and/or connections for resistance bands or other weights. The track-engaging structure(s) in FIGS. 10-14 include rollers 75 that are positioned to engage the rail 73 and define a passage through the carriage 70, such that the rail 73 extends through the passage. In this configuration, the rail 73 is surrounded on all sides by the carriage 70 and is engaged on at least two sides by the carriage 70. In another embodiment, the carriage 70 may engage the rail 73 differently. The carriage 70 in FIGS. 10-14 has four total rollers 75, with two rollers 75 on each side of the passage. Each of the rollers 75 has an axle that defines an axis of rotation of the roller 75, and all of the rollers 75 in this embodiment rotate freely on parallel axes. The carriage 70 includes two plates 76 that are parallel and spaced from each other, and the rollers 75 are connected to the two plates 76 and extend between the two plates 76. The plates 76 define the lateral sides of the passage, with the rollers 75 defining the front and rear sides of the passage. The rollers 75 provide the sole points of engagement between the carriage 70 and the rail 73 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14. It is understood that the axles of the rollers 75 extend completely through each roller 75 and between the plates 76 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14. In another embodiment, the axle of each roller 75 may be defined by a pair of spindles or other rotary structure on each end of the roller 75.

In another embodiment, the weight carriage 70 may include track-engaging structures that engage the rail 73 in a different manner, and the rail 73 may include complementary structures for such engagement. For example, the rail 73 may include rails, flanges, grooves, lips, or other structures that are engaged by track-engaging structures of the carriage 70, such as rollers, wheels, clamps, etc.

The carriage 70 in FIGS. 10-14 is configured to move by translation up and down along the rail 73, and the rollers 75 roll against the outer surfaces of the rail 73 during this movement. As shown in FIG. 12, the carriage support 71 has stops 77 near the bottom of the rail 73 that prevent further downward movement of the carriage 70 when the carriage 70 contacts one of the stops 77, establishing a lowermost position of the carriage 50 in normal operation. The carriage support 71 may also be provided with an attachment 78 that extends upward to engage the weight mount 74 and/or another portion of the carriage 70, such as shown in FIG. 18. Additionally, the carriage 70 may have an engagement member 79 at the front of the carriage 70. The engagement member 79 in the example shown in FIGS. 10-14 is a bar or peg that extends between the plates 76 at the front of the carriage 70. The function of the engagement member 79 is described in greater detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18. The carriage 70 and the weight or weights engaged therewith may be considered to form a moveable weight assembly to provide resistance for a weightlifting exercise. The carriage 70 also has a connection 80 configured for connection to the cable system 32 to exert force on the carriage 70. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 10-14, the connection 80 is located at the center of the weight mount 74, but may be positioned elsewhere in other configurations.

The cable system 32 of the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 10-14 is similar or identical to the cable system 32 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 in the routing of the input cable 41 through the adjustable input points 33A, the adjustable combination pulleys 53, the top rack pulleys 46 and their pulley mount assemblies 48, the peanut pulleys 47, and the first and second angled pulleys 49, 50, as well as the adjustable tension cables 54 and the two bottom rack pulleys 56 and their pulley mount assemblies 57. The cable system 32 of the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 10-14 is also similar or identical to the cable system 32 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 in the routing of the second input cable 60 through the input points 33B, 33C, the lat pull pulleys 68, and the low row pulley 61. These portions of the weightlifting machine 30 will not be described herein in detail again, as noted above. The differences in the cable system 32 of this embodiment relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 are described in more detail.

The input cable 41 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 is routed through the first and second angled pulleys 49, 50 as described herein, and is then routed downward through one of the top pulleys 59 of the double peanut pulley 51, then upward through one of a pair of third angled pulleys 69 that directs the input cable 41 back downward. The double peanut pulley 51 in this embodiment is positioned within an elongated cavity 81 of the rail 73 and can travel vertically within the rail 73, as shown in FIG. 14. The double peanut pulley 51 may include rollers (balls, cylinders, etc.) to assist in traveling within the rail 73, such as shown in FIG. 69 and described herein. The third angled pulleys 69 extend rearward and outward from the weight rack 11 at the junction between the central longitudinal member 12D and the angled members 12C. From the third angled pulley 69, the input cable 41 is routed downward through the weight source pulley 42, then upward through the other third angled pulley 69, and back to the other adjustable combination pulley 53 in reverse order on the opposite side of the weight rack 11. The weight source pulley 42 in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 is connected to the connection 80 of the carriage 70, such that the carriage 70 directly exerts weight on the input cable 41 through the weight source pulley 42. For the routing of the second input cable 60, the lower central pulley 62 is mounted on the base 72 of the carriage support 71, partially within the cavity 81 of the rail 73, and the second input cable 60 extends from the lower central pulley 62 to the lower pulley 63 of the double peanut pulley 51. The double peanut pulley 51 directs the second input cable 60 back downward to a fixed end 64 that is fixed to the base 72 of the carriage support 71 within the cavity 81 of the rail 73. These routing configurations for the input cable 41 and the second input cable 60 provide a mechanical advantage of 2:1 for each input point 33A of the input cable 41 and a mechanical advantage of 1:1 for the input points 33B, 33C of the second input cable 60.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 including a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack and a weightlifting machine 30 that include many components and features in common with the weight rack assemblies 10 in FIGS. 1-7, 8-9, and 10-14. Such common components and features may not be described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18 to refer to such common components and features. The weight rack 11 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18 is similar to the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 1-7 and the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 10-14, with the exception of the absence of the central longitudinal member 12D and the structures connecting the angled members 12C.

The weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 15-18 is configured to use a weight source 31 in the form of a carriage 70 that is configured for weight loading, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14. The structure of the carriage 70 and the carriage support 71 (including the rail 73) in FIGS. 15-18 are similar or identical to the structure of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14, and these structures are not described again in detail for the sake of brevity. However, the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 15-18 is provided with a belt squat input point 33D, rather than a low-row input point 33B as in other embodiments. Accordingly, the weightlifting machine 30 includes a platform 82 connected to the weight rack 11 with a slot 83 for the second input cable 60 to extend through. The weightlifting machine 30 in FIGS. 15-18 is also not provided with a lat pull input point 33C, but in another embodiment, the machine 30 may include a lat pull input point 33C connected to the belt squat input point 33D by a cable extension 37. Further, the weightlifting machine 30 in FIGS. 15-18 is provided with a locking mechanism including a pivoting body 84 pivotably connected to the weight rack 11 by one or more brackets or other pivot connections, with a locking member 85 in the form of a hook that is fixedly connected to the pivoting body 84 and pivots with the pivoting body 84 about the pivot point. The locking member 85 is configured to be moved by the pivoting body 84 between a locking position where the locking member 85 engages and supports the carriage 70 in an elevated position above the lowermost position of the carriage 70, and a release position, where the locking member 85 does not engage the carriage 70 or obstruct movement of the carriage 70, and the carriage 70 is free to move below the elevated position to a lowermost position of the carriage 70. The locking member 85 in this embodiment is configured to engage the engagement member 79 at the front of the carriage 70. This configuration and the operation thereof may be as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,058,909, discussed elsewhere herein.

The cable system 32 of the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 15-18 is similar or identical to the cable system 32 of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 in the routing of the input cable 41 through the attachment points 33A, the adjustable combination pulleys 53, the top rack pulleys 46, the peanut pulleys 47, the first and second angled pulleys 49, 50, the double peanut pulley 51 (which is positioned within the cavity 81 of the rail 73), the third angled pulleys 69, and the weight source pulley 42. The cable system 32 of the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 15-18 is also similar or identical to the cable system 32 of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 in the routing of the adjustable tension cables 54 and the two bottom rack pulleys 56. The differences in the cable system 32 of this embodiment relative to the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14 are described in more detail.

The mounts for several of the pulleys, including the top rack pulleys 46, the bottom rack pulleys 56, and the first and second angled pulleys 49, 50, are different in this embodiment from the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14. The pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 for the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56 are separate, rather than being configured as a single pulley mount assembly, and the pulleys 46, 56 are positioned above the weight rack. The first and second angled pulleys 49, 50 in FIGS. 15-18 are mounted outside the angled members 12C and positioned above the top of the weight rack 11. Additionally, the routing of the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15-18 is different from that in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14. In this embodiment, the second input cable 60 is routed through a belt squat pulley 86 located below the slot 83 in the platform 82, through the lower central pulley 62 (which is mounted on the base 72 and partially within the cavity 81 of the rail 73) and extends to a fixed end 64 on the double peanut pulley 51. The double peanut pulley 51 in this embodiment does not include a bottom wheel, and instead is fixed to the second input cable 60. This routing of the second input cable 60 provides a mechanical advantage of 1:2 for the belt squat input point 33D, meaning that twice the resistance of the weight source 31 is felt at the input point 33D. The routing configurations for the input cable 41 in this embodiment provides a mechanical advantage of 2:1 for each input point 33A of the input cable 41, as described previously.

In one embodiment, the weightlifting machine 30 further includes a cable tensioner (not shown) located at the second end 58 of the adjustable tension cable 54. The cable tensioner removes slack from the adjustable tension cable 54 when the length of the path of the adjustable tension cable 54 is shortened, such as by placing the carriage 70 in the elevated position using the locking member 85. This ensures that the adjustable tension cable 54 is always kept in tension.

FIGS. 19-25 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 including a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack and a weightlifting machine 30 that include many components and features in common with the weight rack assemblies 10 in FIGS. 1-18, and in particular, to the embodiment in FIGS. 10-14. Such common components and features may not be described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25 to refer to such common components and features. The weight rack 11 in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25 is substantially identical in many ways to the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 10-14, with the several exceptions. Most significantly, the routing of the second input cable 60 and the associated structures are different in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25. Additionally, the weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 19-25 includes inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 positioned to cover the peanut pulleys 47.

The weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 19-25 includes inner shrouds 17 and outer shrouds 18 connected to the weight rack 11, such as by connection to the vertical frame members 12A and/or the horizontal frame members 12B defining a rectangular space that the peanut pulley 47 moves through or in line with. The inner shrouds 17 are generally flat panels that face inward toward the inside of the weight rack 11, and may include mounting structures for mounting various articles, as shown in FIG. 39. The outer shrouds 18 are bowed outward to provide room for the peanut pulley 47, which moves slightly outside the plane/area defined by the vertical and horizontal frame members 12A, 12B. In this configuration, the inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 define a vertically-extending space in which the peanut pulley 47 can move, which is open at both ends to permit the input cable 41 and the adjustable tension cable 54 to extend into the space.

The routing of the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25 does not require a cable extension to connect the lat pull input point 33C to the low-row input point 33B. Instead, the lat pull input point 33C and the low-row input point 33B are positioned at opposite ends of the second input cable 60. In the configuration of FIGS. 19-25, the second input cable 60 extends from the low-row input point 33B to the lower central pulley 62, which is mounted on the base 72 of the carriage support 71, and then extends from the lower central pulley 62 upward through the cavity 81 of the rail 73 to the lower pulley 63 of the double peanut pulley 51. The double peanut pulley 51 directs the second input cable 60 back downward through the cavity 81 of the rail 73 to a second lower central pulley 87, which then directs the second input cable 60 back upward behind the rail 73. The second input cable 60 extends upward from the second lower central pulley 87 to an upper central pulley 88, which directs the second input cable 60 laterally above the top surface of the central longitudinal member 12D to the lat pull input point 33D. The routing for the input cable 41 is generally the same in FIGS. 19-25 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 10-14. FIG. 26 schematically illustrates the routing configurations for the input cable 41, the adjustable tension cable 54, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25. These routing configurations for the input cable 41 and the second input cable 60 provide a mechanical advantage of 2:1 for each input point 33A of the input cable 41 and a mechanical advantage of 1:1 for the input points 33B, 33C of the second input cable 60.

FIGS. 27-31 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 including a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack and a weightlifting machine 30 that include many components and features in common with the weight rack assemblies 10 in FIGS. 1-7 and 8-9. Such common components and features may not be described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31 to refer to such common components and features. The weight rack 11 in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31 is substantially identical to the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 1-7, with the several exceptions. Most significantly, the routing of the second input cable 60 and the associated structures are different in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31. Additionally, the weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 27-31 includes inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 positioned to cover the peanut pulleys 47. The inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 in this embodiment are configured similarly to those of FIGS. 19-25, disclosed herein. The weight rack assembly 10 also has a rear shroud 19 covering a portion of the cable system 32.

The second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31 is routed similarly to the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25, and does not require a cable extension to connect the lat pull input point 33C to the low-row input point 33B. Instead, the lat pull input point 33C and the low-row input point 33B are positioned at opposite ends of the second input cable 60. In the configuration of FIGS. 27-31, the second input cable 60 extends from the low-row input point 33B to the lower central pulley 62, which is mounted on a pulley mount 65 that extends longitudinally outward from the horizontal support member 12E behind the weights 38. The second input cable 60 then extends from the lower central pulley 62 upward behind the weights 38 to the lower pulley 63 of the double peanut pulley 51. The double peanut pulley 51 directs the second input cable 60 back downward behind the weights 38 to a second lower central pulley 87 also mounted on the pulley mount 65, which then directs the second input cable 60 back upward behind the weights 38. The second input cable 60 extends upward from the second lower central pulley 87 to an upper central pulley 88, which directs the second input cable 60 laterally above the top surface of the central longitudinal member 12D to the lat pull input point 33D. The routing for the input cable 41 is generally the same in FIGS. 27-31 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. In general, the routing configurations for the input cable 41, the adjustable tension cable 54, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31 are all functionally the same as illustrated in FIG. 26. These routing configurations for the input cable 41 and the second input cable 60 provide a mechanical advantage of 2:1 for each input point 33A of the input cable 41 and a mechanical advantage of 1:1 for the input points 33B, 33C of the second input cable 60.

FIGS. 32-34 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a half rack, with fewer vertical frame members 12A than the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 27-31, and two stabilization legs 12F extending outward from the front of the weight rack 11. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 32-34 includes a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 27-31, but with a shorter overall length and thus shorter distances between the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31, the top rack pulleys 46 in FIGS. 32-34 are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 48, and the bottom rack pulleys 56 are also mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 57, with the pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 having shorter lengths in the embodiment of FIGS. 32-34. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 32-34 has inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31, but the inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 in FIGS. 32-34 only occupy a portion of the rectangular space between the proximate frame members 12, and form a shell that is closed at the forward end thereof (i.e., toward the height-adjustable input points 33A). The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 32-34 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 32-34 to refer to such common components and features. In general, the routing configurations for the input cable 41, the adjustable tension cable 54, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 32-34 are all functionally the same as illustrated in FIG. 26, including providing the same mechanical advantages for the various input points.

FIGS. 35-38 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a half rack, with fewer vertical frame members 12A than the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 19-25, and two stabilization legs 12F extending outward from the front of the weight rack 11. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 35-38 includes a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 19-25, but with a shorter overall length and thus shorter distances between the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25, the top rack pulleys 46 are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 48, and the bottom rack pulleys 56 are also mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 57, with the pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 having shorter lengths in the embodiment of FIGS. 35-38. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 35-38 has inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 as in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25, but the inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 in FIGS. 35-38 only occupy a portion of the rectangular space between the proximate frame members 12, and form a shell that is closed at the forward end thereof (i.e., toward the height-adjustable input points 33A). The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 35-38 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 35-38 to refer to such common components and features. In general, the routing configurations for the input cable 41, the adjustable tension cable 54, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 35-38 are all functionally the same as illustrated in FIG. 26, including providing the same mechanical advantages for the various input points.

FIGS. 39-42 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack with a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 27-31, but with some structural differences. In general, the structure of the weight rack 11 and structure and routing of the cable system 32 in FIGS. 39-42 is similar to that in FIGS. 27-31, except for the positioning of some of the pulleys. In the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 27-31, the vertical frame members 12A extend above the top surfaces of the horizontal frame members 12B, permitting space for the pulleys to be positioned above the tops of the horizontal frame members 12B. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31, the top rack pulleys 46 on each side are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 48, and the bottom rack pulleys 56 on each side are also mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 57, with the pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 being configured to mount the pulleys 46, 56 above the tops of the horizontal frame members 12B in the embodiment of FIGS. 39-42. Likewise, the first and second angled pulleys 49, 50 on each side are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 89, each of which is configured similar to the elongated pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 that include two pulley housings 48A, 57A spaced horizontally from each other with an elongated shroud 48B, 57B that extends between the two pulley housings 48A, 57A. Each pulley mount assembly 89 extends along the respective angled frame member 12C, such that the pulley mount assemblies 89 mount the pulleys 49, 50 above the top surfaces of the angled frame members 12C. In this configuration, the input cable 41 does not need to extend axially through the angled frame members 12C. The pulley mount assembly 89 may be connected to the pulley mount assembly 48 to form a single angled pulley mount to mount the four pulleys 46, 56, 49, 50 on each side.

The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 39-42 has inner and outer shrouds 17, 18 similar to those in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31. However, the inner shrouds 17 in FIGS. 39-42 have mounting structures, in the form of mounting holes 90, configured to engage other components or articles for use in weightlifting. For example, articles with mounting pins can be extended into the mounting holes 90, or any articles that have a hook or similar structure may be hooked onto the mounting holes. The mounting holes 90 have a “keyhole” shape in this embodiment, but may be configured differently in other configurations. It is understood that other hole shapes, and other types of mounting structures, may be used in other embodiments. Any weight rack assembly 10 disclosed herein may include an inner shroud 17 having mounting holes 90 or another mounting structure similar to that of FIGS. 39-42. The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 27-31. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 39-42 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 39-42 to refer to such common components and features.

FIGS. 43-47 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weightlifting machine 30 mounted on a single column weight rack frame 11. The weightlifting machine 30 is in the form of a single-column exercise apparatus that is configured as a stand-alone machine, but may be incorporated into the frame of a larger weight rack (e.g., a power rack or half rack) in another embodiment. The machine 30 uses a stack of weights 38 as disclosed herein for the weight source 31. The weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 43-47 includes many components and features in common with the other embodiments of weight rack assemblies 10 disclosed herein. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 43-47 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 43-47 to refer to such common components and features. The weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 43-47 includes frame members 12 that include a pair of vertical frame members 12A connected to top and bottom horizontal frame members 12B to form a rectangular structure, with stabilizing feet 91 extending outward from both sides 11A, 11B and at the front of the frame. A seat assembly 92 for a lat pull exercise is mounted at the front vertical frame member 12A, with a foot rest 15 for a low row exercise mounted beneath the seat assembly 92. The weightlifting machine 30 includes an adjustable height input point 33A, a lat pull input point 33C, and a low-row input point 33B configured similar to those of FIGS. 19-31. The adjustable height input point 33A is formed by an adjustable combination pulley 53 that is a double pulley mounted on a bracket 43 that is adjustable to be fixed at a plurality of positions along the length of one of the vertical frame members 12A. The weight rack assembly 10 may also include shrouds 19 around a portion of the frame including the double peanut pulley 51. The cable system 32 in FIGS. 43-47 includes an input cable 41 connected to the adjustable height input point 33A and a second input cable 60 connected at both ends to the low row input point 33B and the lat pull input point 33C.

The input cable 41 in FIGS. 43-47 is routed upward from the combination pulley 53 to a pair of first top rack pulleys 46A, downward through one of two top pulleys 59 of a double peanut pulley 51, and back up to a pair of second top rack pulleys 46B, then downward to the weight source pulley 42. The input cable 41 then extends upward to a pair of third top rack pulleys 46C, downward to the other top pulley 59 of the double peanut pulley 51, then upward to a fourth top rack pulley 46D. From the fourth top rack pulley 46D, the input cable 41 is routed to a bottom rack pulley 56, then upward and is fixed to the bracket 43 of the combination pulley 53. The use of the double peanut pulley 51 provides a 2:1 mechanical advantage for the adjustable input point 33A as discussed herein. It is understood that portions of the input cable 41 are not illustrated in FIGS. 43-47, and exemplary annotations showing the path of the input cable 41 are shown schematically in FIG. 44.

The second input cable 60 in FIGS. 43-47 is routed from the low row input point 33B to a first lower central pulley 62, then upward to the lower pulley 63 of the double peanut pulley 51, and then back downward to a second lower central pulley 87. From the second lower central pulley 87, the second input cable 60 is directed upward to an upper central pulley 88, and then across the top of the horizontal frame member 12B to the lat pull input point 33C. The use of this routing configuration for the second input cable 60 provides a 1:1 mechanical advantage for the low row input point 33C and the lat pull input point 33B, as discussed herein. It is understood that the upper central pulley 88 is not illustrated in FIGS. 43-47 and the two lower central pulleys 62, 87 are not visible in many views. Accordingly, exemplary positions of these pulleys 62, 87, 88 are shown schematically in FIG. 46. The second input cable 62 may extend vertically through the central vertical frame member 12A in one embodiment.

FIGS. 48-52 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack with a weightlifting machine 30 that uses two weight sources 31A,B each in the form of stacks of weights 38. The weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 48-52 includes many components and features in common with the other embodiments of weight rack assemblies 10 disclosed herein. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 48-52 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 48-52 to refer to such common components and features.

The cable system 32 in FIGS. 48-52 includes two adjustable input points 33A, with left and right input cables 41A, 41B, one for each of the adjustable input points 33A, that runs from one of the adjustable input points 33A, through a weight source pulley 42A,B that exerts force directly on the weight source 31A,B via connection to the base 40 of the weight stack, and back to the same adjustable input point 33A. In this configuration, no tension cables are used as in certain other embodiments disclosed herein. Each input cable 41A,B extends upward from the combination pulley 53 over two top rack pulleys 46 that redirect the input cable 41 horizontally and vertically to the respective weight source pulley 42A,B. The input cable 41A, B is then directed back upward to two outer angled pulleys 49A, 50A that are positioned along one of the angled frame members 12C and downward to one of two top pulleys 59 of a double peanut pulley 51. The input cable 41A,B then extends upward to two inner angled pulleys 49B, 50B that are positioned within the same angled frame member 12C and downward to a pair of lower rack pulleys 56. From the lower rack pulleys 56, the input cable 41A,B is then directed back upward and fixed to the bracket 43 for the respective adjustable input point 33A. In this embodiment, the input cable 41A,B travels within the angled member 12C through at least a portion of the journey along the angled member 12C, as disclosed herein. In this manner, the two adjustable input points 33A can be used independently, alone or simultaneously, to lift the weight source 31. The use of the double peanut pulley 51 provides a 2:1 mechanical advantage for each of the adjustable input points 33A with respect to a single weight source 31A,B, as discussed herein. The top rack pulleys 46 in the embodiment of FIGS. 48-52 are mounted on single, elongated pulley mount assemblies 48, which each include two pulley housings 48A spaced horizontally from each other, each supporting one of the top rack pulleys 46, with an elongated shroud 48B that extends between the two pulley housings 48A, as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7.

The second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 48-52 is routed similarly to the second input cable 60 in the embodiments of FIGS. 19-31, with the lat pull input point 33C and the low-row input point 33B positioned at opposite ends of the second input cable 60. In the configuration of FIGS. 48-52, the second input cable 60 extends from the low-row input point 33B upward to the lower pulley 63 of the double peanut pulley 51. The double peanut pulley 51 directs the second input cable 60 back downward to the lower central pulley 62, which is mounted at the base of a vertical frame member 12A at the rear of the weight rack 11. The second input cable 60 then extends from the lower central pulley 62 upward to an upper central pulley 88, which directs the second input cable 60 laterally above the top surface of the central longitudinal member 12D to the lat pull input point 33D. The weight rack assembly 10 also includes a shroud 19 around a portion of the frame including a rear vertical support member 93, and the shroud 19 conceals the double peanut pulley 51 and the portion of the cable running from the lower central pulley 62 to the upper central pulley 88. This routing configuration for the second input cable 60 provides a mechanical advantage of 2:1 for the input points 33B, 33C of the second input cable 60, with respect to both of the weight sources 31A,B. Thus, in this configuration, the low row input point 33B and the lat pull input point 33C each lift both stacks of weights 38 with an overall 2:1 mechanical advantage for each weight source 31A,B. FIG. 65 schematically illustrates the routing configurations for the input cables 41A,B, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 48-52.

FIGS. 53-54 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a half rack, with fewer vertical frame members 12A than the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 48-52. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 53-54 includes a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 48-52, but with a shorter overall length and thus shorter distances between the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56. The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 48-52. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 53-54 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 53-54 to refer to such common components and features. FIG. 65 schematically illustrates the routing configurations for the input cables 41A,B, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 53-54.

FIGS. 55-58 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 30 configured as a half rack, with a weightlifting machine 30 that uses two weight sources 31A,B each in the form of stacks of weights 38. The weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 55-58 includes many components and features in common with the other embodiments of weight rack assemblies 10 disclosed herein. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 55-58 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 55-58 to refer to such common components and features.

The cable system 32 in FIGS. 55-58 includes two adjustable input points 33A, with left and right input cables 41A, 41B, one for each of the adjustable input points 33A, that runs from one of the adjustable input points 33A, through a weight source pulley 42A,B that exerts force directly on the weight source 31A,B via connection to the base 40 of the weight stack, and back to the same adjustable input point 33A. The input cables 41A,B in the embodiment of FIGS. 55-58 are routed similarly to the input cables 41A,B in the embodiments of FIGS. 48-54. Each input cable 41A,B extends upward from the combination pulley 53 over two top rack pulleys 46 that redirect the input cable 41 horizontally and vertically to the respective weight source pulley 42A,B. The input cable 41A,B is then directed back upward to two rear angled pulleys 49A, 50A that are positioned along the rear side of one of the angled frame members 12C and downward to one of two top pulleys 59 of a double peanut pulley 51. The two rear angled pulleys 49A, 50A on each side of the weight rack are mounted on a single rear angled pulley mount assembly 89A that extends along the rear side of the respective angled frame member 12C. The input cable 41A,B then extends upward to two front angled pulleys 49B, 50B that are positioned along the front side of the same angled frame member 12C and downward to a lower rack pulley 56. The two front angled pulleys 49B, 50B on each side of the weight rack are mounted on a single front angled pulley mount assembly 89B that extends along the front side of the respective angled frame member 12C. One of the front angled pulleys 49B on each side is positioned below the adjacent horizontal frame member 12B, and the front angled pulley mount assembly 89B extends below the respective horizontal frame member 12B to position the front angled pulley 49B in this location. Each of the pulley mount assemblies 89A,B, each of which is configured similar to the elongated pulley mount assemblies 48, 57 that include two pulley housings 48A, 57A spaced horizontally from each other with an elongated shroud 48B, 57B that extends between the two pulley housings 48A, 57A. The routing of the cables 41A,B and the positioning of the front angled pulleys 49B, 50B in this embodiment eliminates the need for a second lower rack pulley 56 on each side, which differs from many embodiments disclosed herein. From the lower rack pulley 56, the input cable 41A,B is then directed back upward and fixed to the bracket 43 for the respective adjustable input point 33A. In this manner, the two adjustable input points 33A can be used independently, alone or simultaneously, to lift the weight source 31. The use of the double peanut pulley 51 provides a 2:1 mechanical advantage for each of the adjustable input points 33A with respect to a single weight source 31A,B as discussed herein.

The second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 55-58 is routed similarly to the second input cable 60 in the embodiments of FIGS. 19-31 and 48-54, with the lat pull input point 33C and the low-row input point 33B positioned at opposite ends of the second input cable 60. In the configuration of FIGS. 55-58, the second input cable 60 extends from the low-row input point 33B upward to the lower pulley 63 of the double peanut pulley 51. The double peanut pulley 51 directs the second input cable 60 back downward to the lower central pulley 62, which is mounted at the base of a vertical frame member 12A at the rear of the weight rack 11. The second input cable 60 then extends from the lower central pulley 62 upward to an upper central pulley 88, which directs the second input cable 60 laterally above the top surface of the central longitudinal member 12D to the lat pull input point 33D. In extending from the lower central pulley 62 to the upper central pulley 88, the second input cable 60 extends axially through a rear vertical support member 93. The weight rack assembly 10 also includes a shroud 19 around a portion of the frame including the rear vertical support member 93, and the shroud 19 conceals the double peanut pulley 51. This routing configuration for the second input cable 60 provides a mechanical advantage of 2:1 for the input points 33B, 33C of the second input cable 60, with respect to both of the weight sources 31A,B. Thus, in this configuration, the low row input point 33B and the lat pull input point 33C each lift both stacks of weights 38 with a 2:1 mechanical advantage for each weight source 31A,B. FIG. 65 schematically illustrates the routing configurations for the input cables 41A,B, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 55-58.

FIGS. 59-64 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack and having a larger length and having more vertical frame members 12A than the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 55-58. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 59-64 includes a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 55-58, but with a greater overall length and thus greater distances between the top rack pulleys 46, and including an additional bottom rack pulley 56 on each side. The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 55-58. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 59-64 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 59-64 to refer to such common components and features. One significant difference is that, in the embodiment of FIGS. 59-64, both the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56 are mounted on single, elongated pulley mount assemblies 48, 57, which each include two pulley housings 48A, 57A spaced horizontally from each other, each supporting one of the top rack pulleys 46 or the bottom rack pulleys 56, respectively, with an elongated shroud 48B, 57B that extends between the two pulley housings 48A, 57A, as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 65 schematically illustrates the routing configurations for the input cables 41A,B, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 59-64.

FIGS. 66-69 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a power rack and a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 19-25. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 19-31, the top rack pulleys 46 in FIGS. 66-69 are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 48, and the bottom rack pulleys 56 are also mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 57, which each include two pulley housings 48A, 57A spaced horizontally from each other, each supporting one of the top rack pulleys 46 or the bottom rack pulleys 56, respectively, with an elongated shroud 48B, 57B that extends between the two pulley housings 48A, 57A, as described above with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. The first and second angled pulleys 49, 50 on each side are mounted on a single, elongated pulley mount assembly 89, each of which is configured similarly to the pulley mount assemblies 48, 57, and may be connected to the ends of the pulley mount assemblies 48, 57. The pulley mount assemblies 48, 57, 89 in this embodiment are mounted to extend above the horizontal frame members 12B in this embodiment, and these pulley mount assemblies 48, 57, 89 may be at least partially mounted on and/or supported by portions of the vertical frame members 12A that extend above the tops of the horizontal frame members 12B. The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 19-25. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 66-69 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 66-69 to refer to such common components and features. In general, the routing configurations for the input cable 41, the adjustable tension cable 54, and the second input cable 60 in the embodiment of FIGS. 66-69 are all functionally the same as illustrated in FIG. 26, including providing the same mechanical advantages for the various input points.

Additionally, the embodiment of FIGS. 66-69 includes a double peanut pulley 51 that includes a double peanut pulley housing 94 with the first (or top) end pulleys 59 and the second (or bottom) end pulley 63 mounted thereon, such that the first end pulleys 59 are mounted along the same rotational axis, and the double peanut pulley housing 94 includes rollers 95 mounted thereon. The rollers 95 illustrated in FIG. 69 are in the form of free-rotating wheels that are configured to engage the inner surfaces of the rail 73 to facilitate movement of the double peanut pulley 51 through the rail 73 and reduce any friction or interference between the inner surface of the rail 73 and the double peanut pulley 51. It is understood that any double peanut pulley 51 disclosed herein may have the configuration shown in FIG. 69 or another configuration that uses rollers 95 having the same or another configuration, and in particular, any embodiments in which the double peanut pulley 51 moves within a rail 73 or other enclosed or semi-enclosed structure may benefit from such configurations.

The embodiment of FIGS. 66-69 also includes a carriage stop assembly 110 configured to form a rest for the carriage 70 and prevent further downward movement of the carriage 70 when the carriage 70 contacts the carriage stop assembly 110, establishing a lowermost position of the carriage 50 in normal operation. The carriage stop assembly 110 includes a base 111 in the form of a horizontal plate mounted near the bottom of the rail 73 and two stop members 112 supported by the base 111. The stop members 112 in this embodiment are resilient members, such as rubber, such that the stop members 112 can compress and absorb energy if the carriage 70 is dropped from a height. In this configuration, the stop members 112 can provide functions such as shock absorption and impact attenuation, thereby reducing damage to the components and noise caused by impacts. Any other embodiment disclosed herein that uses a moveable carriage 70 may utilize the stop assembly 110 illustrated in FIG. 69, and the embodiments of FIGS. 19-25 and 35-38 include similar stop assemblies 110.

FIGS. 70 and 71 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a half rack, with fewer vertical frame members 12A and a shorter length from the front 11C to the rear 11D than the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 66-69. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 70-71 includes a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 66-69, but with a shorter overall length and thus shorter distances between the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56. The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 66-69. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 70-71 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 70-71 to refer to such common components and features.

FIGS. 73-76 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack frame 11 and a weightlifting machine 30 configured as a single-column exercise apparatus in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 43-47. In this embodiment, the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 43-47. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 73-76 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 74-76 to refer to such common components and features. In general, the weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 73-76 include pulley mounts for the first top rack pulleys 46A, the second top rack pulleys 46B, the third top rack pulleys 46C, the fourth top rack pulley 46D, the bottom rack pulley 56, the first lower central pulley 62, the second lower central pulley 87, and the upper central pulley 88 are different from those of the embodiment of FIGS. 43-47. In the embodiment of FIGS. 73-76, all of the top rack pulleys 46A-D and the upper central pulley 88 are all supported by a single pulley mount assembly 96, which also supports the lat pull pulley 68. Additionally, the weight rack frame 11 in FIGS. 73-76 has a larger and more stable base than the weight rack frame 11 in FIGS. 43-47. FIG. 74 illustrates the routing configuration for the pulleys and the cable system 32 in the embodiment of FIGS. 73-76, and it is understood that the embodiment of FIGS. 43-47 uses the same or similar routing configuration. The use of the routing configuration illustrated in FIG. 74, including the use of the double peanut pulley 51, provides a 2:1 mechanical advantage for the adjustable input point 33A and a 1:1 mechanical advantage for the low row input point 33C and the lat pull input point 33B, as discussed herein.

FIGS. 75 and 76 illustrate the seat assembly 92 of the embodiment of FIGS. 73-76, which removably mounts to the weight rack frame 11 using a channel 97 that receives a vertical frame member 12A and a post 98 that extends through a hole in the vertical frame member 12A. The seat assembly 92 may further be secured by a removable pin extending transversely through the channel 97. The seat assembly 92 in this embodiment also includes an adjustable thigh restraint 100 and an adjustable seat 101, both of which are mounted on pivot arms 102, 103 pivotably connected to the frame of the seat assembly 92, and the thigh restraint 100 and the seat 101 are thereby adjustable by pivoting. The thigh restraint 100 and the seat 101 are each connected to a curved arm 104, 105 that can be locked into various positions as the thigh restraint 100 and the seat 101 are pivoted, by use of a retaining pin 106 that is received in one of a plurality of holes 107 in the curved arms 104, 105. The retaining pin 106 may be a spring loaded pop pin in one embodiment. The height of the seat assembly 92 is further adjustable by removing the seat assembly 92 from the vertical frame member 12A and reconnecting the seat assembly 92 at a different height. It is understood that the seat assembly 92 may be usable with any other embodiment disclosed herein, i.e., by connection to the weight rack 11.

FIGS. 77-78 illustrate another embodiment of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a weight rack 11 configured as a half rack, with fewer vertical frame members 12A and a shorter length from the front 11C to the rear 11D than the weight rack 11 of FIGS. 39-42. The weight rack assembly 10 of FIGS. 77-78 includes a weightlifting machine 30 configured in the same manner as the weightlifting machine 30 of FIGS. 39-42, but with a shorter overall length and thus shorter distances between the top rack pulleys 46 and the bottom rack pulleys 56. The remainder of the weight rack 11 and the weightlifting machine 30, including the cable system 32 and the various input points 33, are substantially the same as disclosed herein with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 39-42. Such common components and features are not described again in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 77-78 for the sake of brevity, and the same reference numbers are used in the description of the embodiment of FIGS. 77-78 to refer to such common components and features.

Various embodiments of weight rack assemblies, weight racks, and weightlifting machines have been described herein, which include various components and features. In other embodiments, the weight rack assemblies, weight racks, and weightlifting machines may be provided with any combination of such components and features. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and features of the weight rack assemblies, weight racks, and weightlifting machines described herein may be constructed with similar structural and functional elements having different configurations, including different ornamental appearances.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. The terms “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like, as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention, unless explicitly specified by the claims. When used in description of a method or process, the term “providing” (or variations thereof) as used herein means generally making an article available for further actions, and does not imply that the entity “providing” the article manufactured, assembled, or otherwise produced the article. The term “approximately” as used herein implies a variation of up to 10% of the nominal value modified by such term, or up to 10% of a midpoint value of a range modified by such term. “Integral joining technique,” as used herein, means a technique for joining two pieces so that the two pieces effectively become a single, integral piece, including, but not limited to, irreversible joining techniques such as welding, brazing, soldering, or the like, where separation of the joined pieces cannot be accomplished without structural damage thereto. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.