# Patent

## Title
Weight carrier for a combined exercise/weight bench/cable station device

## Abstract

A combined exercise/weight bench/lower cable station device. The device includes a bench that is supported in a generally horizontal use position and that is pivoted so that it can be moved up to an upright stowed position and held in place in the stowed position. Also included is a cable riser with a cable running there through. The cable has a weight-carrying saddle coupled to one end, and the other end of the cable extends from the lower portion of the riser underneath the bench when the bench is in the user position. To use the lower cable station function of the device, the bench is pivoted up and out of the way to the stowed position to provide access to the user end of the cable. The weight-carrying saddle is adapted to carry one or more weight plates, dumbbells, or weighted balls, to allow the user to use existing weights.

## Background
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority of Provisional application Ser. No. 60/366,673, filed on Mar. 22, 2002, and is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/395,644 filed on Mar. 24, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,014,601.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the portable, stowable, exercise/weight bench with a lower cable station device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Weight benches are typically fixed horizontal benches that are very difficult for a homeowner to store. Lower cable station weight training devices, and upper cable station weight training devices typically are relatively large structures that carry a cable coupled on one end to an adjustable series of weight plates, or the like, with the other end adapted to be grasped by the user for the training regime. These devices are typically bulky and difficult to move and store.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention features a combined exercise/weight bench/lower cable station device. The device includes a bench that can pivot from the use position to an upright stowed position, so that the lower cable station can be accessed. There is a cable riser with the cable running through the riser and exiting the riser at its lower end underneath the bench when the bench is in the use position. The cable exits the upper end of the riser and drops down to a weight-carrying saddle coupled to its end. The saddle rides on a saddle guide rod so that it moves smoothly up and down as the lower cable station is used. The saddle is adapted to carry one or more dumbbells, weighted balls, or weight plates so that the amount of weight carried by the cable station is adjustable. This allows the user to place the device against a wall and still access the saddle (to add or remove weights) from either side of the device.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the invention with a one piece bench and a weight-carrying saddle adapted to carry dumbbells;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is another rear perspective view of the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front angle perspective view of the device of FIG. 1 with the bench in the upright stowed position, which provides access to the lower cable station;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 for an alternative embodiment showing a split bench with an adjustable angle back and a weight-carrying saddle adapted to carry plates rather than dumbbells;
FIG. 6 is a close up view of the lower rear portion of the device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a close up view of the lower portion of the stowed bench from the position shown in FIGS. 2-4, detailing the bench pivot and locking mechanism;
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the seat portion of the embodiment of FIG. 5, showing some of the seat back pivoting and seat adjustment mechanisms of the device;
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the device showing FIG. 8 detailing more of the pivoting seat back support construction for the device;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention with a different split bench design and a different weight saddle design;
FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 in the folded position for storage;
FIG. 12 is a close up view of the weight-carrying saddle of the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11;
FIG. 13 is a close up view of the pivoting seat support and the lower cable station device of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12;
FIG. 14 is a close up view of the seat back support mechanism of the embodiment of FIGS. 10-13;
FIG. 15 is a side view of another alternative embodiment adapted to store and carry weight plates;
FIG. 16 is another view of the embodiment of FIG. 15; and
FIG. 17 is rear perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention adapted to carry and use weighted balls.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
One embodiment of the device is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 1 and in several other views as described above. Device 10 comprises bench 12 supported in its horizontal use position shown in the figure at a front end by bench support leg 14, and at its rear end by bench/cable system support structure 16. Structure 16 comprises horizontal support members 17 and 19 and vertical “U” shaped portion 21. Cable riser 18 routes cable 24 from the weight carrying end having weight-carrying saddle 22, to use end 26 that is under bench 12 when the bench is in the use position shown in FIG. 1. End caps 41 and 42 can be replaced with caps with integrated wheels so that the device is easier to transport, as described below.
Cable station 20 is better understood with additional references to FIGS. 2 and 3. Saddle 22 rides up and down on saddle travel rod 102 that prevents the saddle from swinging when in use. Dumbbells 52 are held in rack 50 which comprises a number of spaced small racks 51. Saddle 22 as better shown in FIG. 6 comprises two parallel members that are spaced at about the distance between the inner portions of the enlarged ends of dumbbells 52 so that one or more dumbbells can be carried in saddle 22 without substantially bouncing or sliding in use. This saddle feature allows a variable lower cable station pull weight to be accomplished with the dumbbells that are carried in rack 50. Pulleys 60 in riser 18 prevent cable 24 from binding in the riser as it moves.
FIG. 4 helps to understand both how the device is used with the bench stowed, and how the bench is stowed. The bench can pivot about horizontal pivot axis 74 as controlled by locking member 76 that is shown in more detail in FIG. 7. Optional pivoting connector rod 32 pivots about horizontal axis 80. Bench support leg 14 may be fixed or may pivot about horizontal axis 72. Handle 30 attached to leg 14 allows the user to manipulate the bench up and down, and also can be grasped by the user while in the bench up position shown in FIG. 4, when the user is exercising and needs balance, and when the user is using the lower cable station for some types of exercises. Also it can be seen from this drawing that if end caps 41 and 42 also include wheels, the device could be grasped by handle 30 and tipped forward in the direction of arrow A to balance the device on the two wheels and thus be easily moved. This allows the device to be folded up and moved from or to a storage location.
The alternative embodiment in FIG. 5 illustrates two primary alternatives to two of the features of the other preferred embodiment. One is illustrated by weight-carrying saddle 22a which comprises a magazine that can hold a plurality of weight plates. The second is that bench 12a is split into horizontal bench seat portion 91 and adjustable angle bench back portion 92. One embodiment of an adjustment and support for bench 12a is shown in more detail in FIGS. 8 and 9. Bench back portion 92 is supported by back support structure 94 which pivots about horizontal axis 97. Seat position adjustment member 113 includes a projecting portion that can be inserted into or pulled out of openings 114 to provide locking adjustment of the position of seat portion 91. Since seat portion 92 is pivotably coupled to portion 91, adjustment of the position of portion 91 defines the seat back angle of portion 92. Portion 92 is supported by support structure 94 and adjustment support structure 95 that pivots about horizontal axis 96 to provide for the adjustable back angle.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show in more detail as described above, saddle 22, one dumbbell-supporting member 51 of rack 50, and the pivoting and locking mechanism for bench 12. Saddle 22 may be constructed in the manner shown in FIG. 6 or that shown in FIG. 5, but that is not a limitation of the invention. The saddle construction shown in FIG. 6 holds one or more dumbbells that also can be held in member 51. The saddle is shown having a general “V” shape with a narrow bottom portion and flared sides defining wider upper portion. Saddle 22 is interconnected to cable 24 with quick release snap 112 that fits in an opening in upper connector member 110. Bushings 104 and 106 are attached to lower connector member 108 and wrap around rod 102 to constrain the position of saddle 22 so that it rides up and down smoothly as the lower cable station is used. Other saddle designs that accomplish the goal of holding dumbbells or weights are also contemplated herein.
FIG. 7 shows seat locking pin support cylinder 82 with pivoting ends 82a and 82b to which bench support structure 86 is coupled. Handle 84 moves the pin carried in cylinder 82, which forms part of bench lock 76, to allow the manual locking and unlocking of the bench so that it can be held in or released from the stowed position shown in FIG. 7.
Embodiment 200 shown in FIGS. 10-14 has a different bench arrangement and a different weight type and carrying saddle arrangement. Embodiment 200 includes split bench 212 with seat portion 214 and adjustable angle back portion 216 supported by back support 218 with distal end 220 that is adapted to sit against one of spaced support plates 226, 227 and 228. Bench support bar 224 is pivotably attached at point 251 to cable riser 18. Support leg 230 is pivotably attached at point 250 to the other end of support 224. Handle 232 is grasped by the user to fold and unfold the bench portion as described below.
In the folded position shown in FIG. 11, seat portion 214 is releasably coupled to cable riser 18 by use of adjustable length strap and buckle arrangement 242 and 244. From the stowed position shown FIG. 11, the bench is deployed by releasing buckle 240 and lowering the bench by use of handle 242 while at the same time pivoting support 230 about point 250 so that it extends outward to its maximum support angle to the position shown in FIG. 10. Seat back 216 can then be placed in a desired position between horizontal and vertical.
Weight-carrying saddle 22a includes vertical section 270 that is coupled to saddle travel rod 102a by sliding couplings 272 and 274 that each comprise a bushing 273 received within a metal bracket 275. In this embodiment, rod 102a has a generally rectangular cross section that is matched by bushing 273 to provide for smooth up and down movement, and to inhibit side-to-side motion of saddle 22a. Sloped section 278 and vertical rearward section 276 define a volume into which barbells or weighted balls can be placed to allow the user to place a desired amount of weight in the lower cable station device.
Shown in more detail in FIG. 13 is the preferred arrangement of the lower end of the lower cable station, showing guide pulleys 60b and 60c and cable stop enlarged portion 282 that prevents the cable from pulling all the way back into riser 18. Clip or other releasable attachment mechanism 260 allows for the quick attachment and detachment of a handle strap or other structure that is the user interface to the cable.
FIG. 14 details the adjustable seat back support of this embodiment, in which support 218 pivots about point 301 and has end 220 that sits against the upper surface of one of stops 226, 227 and 228. This holds seat back 216 at any one of three angles as desired by the user.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show an alternative arrangement that is adapted to carry weight plates rather than dumbbells or weighted balls. In this arrangement, weight-carrying saddle 310 includes a series of slightly inclined plate supports 316 that can have protrusions 317 over which the central opening in a weight plate 318 can be placed, to prevent the weight plate from moving in the saddle as the saddle moves up and down as the cable station is used. Other arrangements are contemplated, such as other saddles or baskets that can carry one or more weight plates. This embodiment also includes weight plate storage structure 312 that can take a desired form. In this embodiment, structure 312 includes a number of slots that can carry a weight plate defined between wire sections 326. Also shown are end supports 324 that can accept a small dumbbell as shown in the drawings.
FIG. 17 shows another alternative saddle arrangement 340 that is adapted to carry weighted balls such as balls 341 and 342.
Although specific features of the invention are shown in some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only as the features may be combined in other manners in accordance with the invention. Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art and are within the following claims.

## Claims

1. A weight carrier for a strength training device which comprises a cable that is moved by the user, comprising:
a mechanical saddle structure that defines a volume that is adapted to hold weights comprising at least one of dumbbells and weighted balls, to allow the user to vary the weight carried by the saddle structure;
a mechanical structure that couples the saddle structure to the cable, wherein the saddle structure hangs from the cable, so that the saddle structure and the weight carried thereby are moved when the user moves the cable up and down; and
a second mechanical structure that constrains movement of the saddle structure when the saddle structure moves up and down.

2. The weight carrier of claim 1 wherein the saddle structure is generally “U” shaped.

3. The weight carrier of claim 1 wherein the saddle structure defines a narrow bottom portion and a progressively wider higher portion.

4. The weight carrier of claim 1 wherein the saddle structure comprises a tubular frame.

5. The weight carrier of claim 1 wherein the saddle structure defines at least one sloped side.

6. The weight carrier of claim 5 wherein the saddle structure defines two sloped sides that diverge from a lowest portion of the saddle.

7. The weight carrier of claim 5 wherein the saddle structure further defines a generally vertical side.

8. The weight carrier of claim 7 wherein the sloped side and the generally vertical side meet at a lowest portion of the saddle structure.

9. The weight carrier of claim 1 wherein a dumbbell includes an inner elongated member and two enlarged ends, and wherein at least a portion of the saddle structure is more narrow than the distance between the enlarged ends, so that the dumbbell can sit on the saddle structure with the enlarged ends overhanging the saddle structure.

10. The weight carrier of claim 1 wherein the saddle structure defines a lowermost inner portion that is offset from the cable axis.

11. The weight carrier of claim 1 wherein the second mechanical structure comprises a saddle travel rod.

12. The weight carrier of claim 11 wherein the saddle travel rod has a cross-sectional shape that is not round.

13. A weight carrier for a strength training device which comprises a cable that is moved by the user, comprising:
a mechanical saddle structure that defines a volume that is adapted to hold weights comprising at least one of dumbbells and weighted balls, to allow the user to vary the weight carried by the saddle structure;
a mechanical structure that couples the saddle structure to the cable so that the saddle structure and the weight carried thereby are moved when the user moves the cable; and
a cable riser that supports the cable and from which the saddle structure hangs by the cable, where in the cable is located in part inside of the cable riser.

14. The weight carrier of claim 13 wherein the cable riser is generally “S” shaped with curved upper and lower end portions and a generally vertical intermediate section.

15. The weight carrier of claim 13 further comprising a number of cable-directing pulleys in the riser, to inhibit the cable from binding in the riser.

16. The weight carrier of claim 15 in which there are at least four such pulleys, one proximate each end of the riser to direct the cable into and out of the riser, and one proximate each of two bends in the riser, to inhibit the cable from binding on a bend.

17. The weight carrier of claim 13 wherein the cable enters the riser near the top of the riser, and exits the riser at the lower end, and between is located within the riser.

18. A method of providing an adjustable weight to the movable cable of a strength training device, the method comprising:
providing a mechanical saddle structure that defines a volume that is adapted to hold weights comprising at least one of dumbbells and weighted balls, to allow the user to vary the weight carried by the saddle structure;
placing on the mechanical structure one or more dumbbells and/or weighted balls, to vary the weight as desired by the user;
coupling the mechanical saddle structure to the cable so that the saddle structure hangs from the cable, and the saddle structure and the weight carried thereby are moved when the user moves the cable up and down; and
providing a second mechanical structure to constraint the movement of the saddle structure when the saddle structure moves up and down.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the second mechanical structure comprises a saddle travel rod.