Abstract:
A composite motion movement machine combining a moving actuating member and a moving user support, the composite motion movement machine having a support member, a frame on which the user support is located, the frame being pivotally connected to the support member, a truck in slidable engagement with the support member and the frame, an actuating member being pivotally connected to the support member and operatively connected to the truck, the actuating member being adapted to move between a first position and a second position, and a linking mechanism operatively connecting said actuating member with said truck, wherein, when the user moves the actuating member between the first position and the second position, the truck moves along rails on the support member, forcing the frame to pivot relative to the support member and causing the user to actuate a resistance weight, thus exercising, strengthening or rehabilitating certain of the user&#39;s muscles.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field. 
     This invention relates to the general technical field of exercise and physical therapy equipment and machines and to the more specific novel technical field of a mechanically operated composite motion movement machine designed to provide a more biomechanically correct motion when operated by the user. 
     2. Prior Art. 
     Exercise and physical therapy equipment and machines are available in various configurations and for various purposes. Generally, such equipment and machines can be categorized into three broad categories: free weights, mechanically operated single action resistance machines, and electrically operated resistance machines. Mechanically operated single action resistance machines can be subcategorized into three broad categories: stack weight resistance operated, free weight resistance operated, and alternative resistance operated. Mechanically operated single action resistance machines are available for exercising, strengthening and rehabilitating various individual muscles, muscle groups, combinations of muscle groups, joints, and other parts of the body. 
     Exercise and physical therapy equipment and machines are available for all of the major muscle groups. The majority of such equipment and machines, especially in the exercise field, concentrate on areas of the body such as the legs, the hips and lower torso, the chest and upper torso, the back, the shoulders and the arms. A cross-section of such equipment and machines is discussed in the following paragraphs. 
     One type of machine for exercising and strengthening the leg muscles is commonly called a leg presses. There are two typical types of leg presses, both of which are single action. By single action, it is meant that either the push plate moves or the seat moves, but not both together, during the operative movement. The first typical leg press has a push plate that can move relative to a frame supporting a stationary seat or other user supporting means. The second typical leg press has a seat or other user supporting means that can move relative to a frame supporting a stationary push plate. Both types of leg presses can operate using a weight stack, free weights, user body weight or other resistance means to supply the desired amount of resistance for exercising the desired leg muscle or muscles. 
     In the first typical leg press, when the user pushes the push plate forward, the plate either travels on a linear path or, if hinged or pivoted, an arcuate path. Both linear and arcuate paths can induce incorrect biomechanical movement of the user&#39;s muscular-skeletal system, thereby causing undesirable stress in various areas of the user&#39;s body. In the second typical leg press, when the user pushes against the push plate, the seat or other user supporting means travels in a linear path. As already discussed, such a linear path can induce incorrect biomechanical movement of the user&#39;s body, resulting in undesirable stress in various areas of the user&#39;s body. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,149,714 to Lambert, Jr. discloses a seated weight lifting leg press exercise machine having a moving push plate and a stationary seat. Lambert &#39;714 is a typical example of a mechanical leg press using weight stacks. The user sits on the seat, bends his knees and places his feet on the push plate, and pushes the push plate by straightening his legs. The push plate travels in an arcuate path and is mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. A variable radius cam causes the resistance from the weights to increase during the latter phase of the exercise. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,254 to Maag discloses a crank and slider/four-bar variable resistance carriage-type leg press machine having a stationary push plate and a moving seat. Maag &#39;254 is an atypical example of a mechanical leg press using free weights. The user stands on the push plate, bends her knees and places her back against a pad and her shoulders against shoulder pads, and pushes the shoulder pads by straightening her legs. The shoulder pads travel in a linear direction and are mechanically connected to a weight bar that can carry a desired amount of weight. A four-bar linkage causes the resistance from the weights to change during the course of the exercise. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,080 to Jones discloses a leg press exercise machine having a stationary seat and two moving push plates, one for each leg. Jones &#39;080 is a typical example of a mechanical leg press using free weights. The user sits on the seat, bends his knees and places each of his feet on one of the push plates, and pushes each push plate by straightening his respective legs. The push plates travel in arcuate paths and each comprise a weight bar that can carry a desired amount of weight. Separate push plates allow independent exercise of each leg. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,432 to Habing et al. discloses a leg press having a stationary seat and a moving push plate. Habing &#39;432 is a typical example of a mechanical leg press using a weight stack. The user sits on the seat, bends her knees and places her feet on the push plate, and pushes the push plate by straightening her legs. The push plate travels in a linear path and is mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. A pulley and cable system causes the resistance from the weights to change during the course of the exercise. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,365 to Jones et al. discloses a leg press exercise machine having a stationary seat and a moving push plate. Jones &#39;365 is another typical example of a mechanical leg press using a weight stack. The user sits on the seat, bends his knees and places his feet on the push plate, and pushes the push plate by straightening his legs. The push plate travels in an arcuate path and is mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. A parallel link system, a pair of weight stacks and a counterweight cause the need for overhead connections between the push plate and the weight stack and eliminate the slack inherent in cable systems. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,086 to Habing et al. discloses a leg press exercise apparatus having a stationary push plate and a moving seat. Habing &#39;086 is an atypical example of a mechanical leg press using a weight stack. The user sits on the seat, bends her knees and places her feet on the push plate, and pushes the seat by straightening her legs. The seat travels in an arcuate direction and is mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. The Habing &#39;086 device is intended to be an add-on feature for a multi-station exercise machine. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,090 to Jones discloses a calf exercise machine having a stationary seat and a moving push plate. Jones &#39;090 is a typical example of a mechanical calf press using free weights. The user sits on the seat, places the balls of his feet on the push plate, and pushes the push plate by contracting his calf muscles. The push plate travels in an arcuate path and is mechanically connected to hubs on which varying amounts of free weights may be placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,107 to Simonson discloses a method and apparatus for leg press exercise with counterbalance having a stationary seat and a moving push plate. Simonson &#39;107 is another typical example of a mechanical leg press using a weight stack. The user sits on the seat, bends his knees and places his feet on the push plate, and pushes the push plate by straightening his legs. The push plate travels in an arcuate path and is mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. A counterweight counterbalances the inherent resistance of the leg press machine over the range of the exercise. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,795,270 to Woods et al. discloses a semi-recumbent arm and leg press and aerobic exercise apparatus having a stationary seat and a moving push plate. Woods &#39;270 is an atypical example of a mechanical press using air resistance. The user sits on the seat, bends her knees and places her feet on the push plate, and pushes the push plate by straightening her legs. Air resistance means are mechanically coupled to the push plate and are actuated by pushing the push plate. The user continuously pushes and releases the push plate, achieving both leg press and aerobic exercise. A similar mechanism also is included for exercising the upper body. 
     Equipment and machines for exercising and strengthening the chest muscles commonly are called chest presses. There really is only one type of chest press, which is single action in that the actuating member moves relative to a frame supporting a stationary seat or other user supporting means. When the user pushes the actuating member forward, the actuating member either travels on a linear path or, if hinged or pivoted, an arcuate path. Both linear and arcuate paths can induce incorrect biomechanical movement of the user&#39;s muscular-skeletal system, thereby causing undesirable stress in various areas of the user&#39;s body. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,089 to Jones discloses a military press exercise machine having a stationary seat and moving actuating grips. Jones &#39;089 is a typical example of a machine for exercising the chest and shoulder muscles using free weights. The user sits on the seat, grasps the actuating grips, and pushes the actuating grips. The actuating grips, which can be operated independently of each other, travel in arcuate paths and are mechanically connected to hubs on which varying amounts of free weights may be placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,152 to Simonson discloses a chest press exercise machine and method of exercising having a stationary seat and moving actuator grips. Simonson &#39;152 is a typical example of a machine for exercising the chest muscles using a weight stack. The user sits on the seat, grasps the actuator grips, and pushes the actuator grips. The actuating grips travel in arcuate paths and are mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,447 to Giannelli et al. discloses a chest press apparatus for exercising regions of the upper body having a stationary seat and moving actuator grips. Giannelli &#39;447 is a typical example of a chest press using a weight stack. The user sits on the seat, grasps the actuator grips, and pushes the actuator grips. The actuating grips travel in an inward and arcuate path and are mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. 
     Equipment and machines for exercising and strengthening the back muscles commonly are called back or lat machines. There also really is only one type of back or lat pull, which is single action in that the actuating member moves relative to a frame supporting a stationary seat or other user supporting means. When the user pulls the actuating member, the actuating member either travels on a linear path or, if hinged or pivoted, an arcuate path. Both linear and arcuate paths can induce incorrect biomechanical movement of the user&#39;s muscular-skeletal system, thereby causing undesirable stress in various areas of the user&#39;s body. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,449 to Jones discloses a rowing exercise machine having a stationary seat and moving actuating grips. Jones &#39;449 is a typical example of a rowing machines for exercising the upper torso, specifically the back muscles, using free weights. The user sits on the seat, grasps the actuating grips, and pulls the actuating grips. The actuating grips, which can be operated independently of each other, travel in arcuate paths and are mechanically connected to hubs on which varying amounts of free weights may be placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,402 to Simonson discloses a rear deltoid and rowing exercise machine and method of exercising having a stationary seat and moving actuator grips. Simonson &#39;402 is a typical example of a deltoid machine for exercising the back muscles using a weight stack. The user sits on the seat, grasps the actuator grips, and pulls the actuator grips. The actuating grips travel in a combined inward and arcuate path and are mechanically connected to a weight stack that can be adjusted to a desired weight. 
     There are other machines for exercising other parts of the torso, such as the abdominal muscles, or combinations of muscles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,881 to Jones discloses a rear shoulder exercise machine having a stationary bench and moving actuating pads. Jones &#39;881 is a typical example of a machine for exercising the back muscles using free weights. The user lies on the bench, engages the actuating pads, and pushes the actuating pads. The actuating pads, which can be operated independently of each other, travel in arcuate paths and are mechanically connected to hubs on which varying amounts of free weights may be placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,084 to Jones discloses an abdominal/hip flex exercise machine having a stationary seat and moving actuator pads. Jones &#39;084 is a somewhat less typical example of an abdominal contraction machine using free weights. The user sits on the seat, engages the actuator pads with the lower arms, and pushes the actuator pads. The actuating pads travel in an arcuate path and are mechanically connected to hubs on which varying amounts of free weights may be placed. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,437 to Jones discloses a standing push/pull exercise machine having no user support and moving actuator grips. Jones &#39;437 is a somewhat less typical example of a device for exercising the chest, back and torso muscles using free weights. The user stands in the proper position before the machine, grasps the actuator grips, and initiates a push/pull motion. One actuating pad is connected to a pull exerciser, and the other actuating pad is connected to a push exerciser. To achieve symmetrical exercises, two mirror image machines are necessary. The actuating pads travel in an arcuate path and are mechanically connected to hubs on which varying amounts of free weights may be placed. 
     The previously described art comprises a general cross-section of the exercise and physical therapy equipment and machine art as it is today. As can be seen, individual apparatuses have either a stationary user support and a moving actuating member or a moving user support and a stationary actuating member, but not a combination. Further, individual apparatuses have either a linear travel path or an arcuate travel path, but not a combination or a path that more closely resembles the actual biomechanical path of the human body in motion. Individual apparatuses also either use weight stacks, free weights, user body weight or air resistance, or other single resistance sources, and only a small number of apparatuses combine weight stacks or free weights with the user&#39;s body weight. 
     Thus it can be seen that a composite motion movement machine comprising a combination moving user support and moving actuating member, an improved travel path more closely resembling the actual biomechanical path of the human body in motion, and a combination resistance using weight stacks or free weights and the user&#39;s body weight would be useful, novel and not obvious, and a significant improvement over the prior art. Such a machine can be used as the basic operative mechanism on a wide variety of exercise and physical therapy equipment and machines. It is to such a composite motion movement machine that the current invention is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a composite motion movement machine that comprises a composite motion movement in which both the user support and the actuating member move. In the preferred embodiment, the composite motion movement machine comprises both a moving user support and a moving actuating member. The user support is mounted on a frame that is pivotally connected to a support member and that rides upon a truck. The user support can be a pad or plate on which the user stands, a seat on which the user stands, sits or kneels, a recumbent seat, or a generally horizontal pad or plate on which the user lies supine or prone. The actuating member also is pivotally connected to the support member via a support bar that also is operatively coupled to the truck. The truck rides upon rails that are an integral part of the support member. The frame further may comprise or may be mechanically coupled to a supplemental weight resistance means. 
     The user support can optionally comprise adjustable shoulder pads, knee or leg braces, foot braces and/or hand grips that the user engages when operating the machine. In operation, the frame pivots generally in an arcuate path relative to the support member. Running along the length of the bottom side of the frame is one or more rail for engaging the truck. Supplemental weight resistance means can be coupled to the machine, preferably to the frame, to provide additional resistance weight. 
     The actuating member is located proximal to the frame and is pivotally coupled to the support member. Typically, the actuating member is coupled to the support member at a location proximal to where the frame is coupled to the support member. The actuating member further is operatively coupled to the truck. The actuating member pivots generally in an arcuate path relative to the support member. The actuating member can be adjustable relative to the user support based on the size of the user. 
     The support member generally is a component that lays flat on the floor or other supporting surface. The frame and actuating member are pivotally connected on or near a first side or edge of the support member. One or more rail for carrying the truck is or are located along a portion of the support member. 
     The truck is located between the frame and the support member and is slidably connected to both via the rails. The truck is a hinged component comprising a top portion pivotally hinged to a bottom portion. Top bearings located on the top portion of the truck cooperate with the rail or rails running along the bottom side of the frame, and bottom bearings located on the bottom portion of the truck cooperate with the rail or rails running along the center portion of the support member. The truck slides generally linearly along the rail or rails running along the center portion of the support member. The truck also is separately connected to the frame via a linking mechanism, such as a belt that travels through a pulley connected to the actuating member. 
     In operation, the user stands, sits, kneels or lays on the user support, and engages the actuating member. The actuating member can be adjusted to a comfortable and supportive position. Likewise, any pads and/or braces can be adjusted to a comfortable and supportive position. The user then initiates the exercise, strengthening or rehabilitative motion by moving the actuating member. For certain activities, the actuating member is moved from a first position proximal to the user to a second position distal from the user. For other activities, the actuating member is moved from a first position distal from the user to a second position proximal to the user. 
     Moving the actuating member causes the actuating member to pivot about the connection between the actuating member and the support member and to be forced either away from the frame or towards the frame. The movement of the actuating member also actuates the linkage mechanism, which in turn acts upon the truck. The truck is pulled along the rail or rails running along the support member in either the same general direction as the movement of the actuating member or in the opposite general direction as the movement of the actuating member. The movement of the truck acts like a wedge between the frame and the support member and forces the frame to pivot about the connection between the frame and the support member. The hinge between the top portion of the truck and the bottom portion of the truck allows the top bearings to maintain smooth contact with the rail or rails running along the bottom side of the frame, and allows the bottom bearings to maintain smooth contact with the rail or rails running along the center portion of the support member. 
     Weight resistance is provided by the weight of the user, the weight of the frame and the weight of any supplemental resistance weights attached to the machine. 
     The combined motion of the frame and the actuating member alters the biomechanical movement of the user&#39;s body to a composite motion somewhere between linear and a true arc, more closely resembling the accurate biomechanical motion of the human body. 
     Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a composite motion movement machine that allows the user to exercise, strengthen and/or rehabilitate certain muscles in a more biomechanically correct manner. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a composite motion movement machine that efficiently exercises, strengthens, and/or rehabilitates certain muscles. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a composite motion movement machine that causes a reduced amount of stress on certain parts of the user&#39;s body that are not the primary focus of the exercise. 
     These objects, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended figures. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of the composite motion movement machine shown in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention at the first position of the exercise movement. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of the composite motion movement machine shown in FIG. 1 at the second position of the exercise movement. 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of the composite motion movement machine shown in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention at the first position of the exercise movement. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the composite motion movement machine shown in FIG. 3 at the second position of the exercise movement. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the support truck of the composite motion movement machine shown in FIG.  1  and FIG. 3 at the first position of the exercise movement. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of the support truck of the composite motion movement machine shown in FIG.  1  and FIG. 3 at the second position of the exercise movement. 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the support truck of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of a first alternate embodiment of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 10 is a front view of a second alternate embodiment of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of a third alternate embodiment of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 12 is a front view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 13 is a front view of a fifth alternate embodiment of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 14 is a rear view of the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 15 is a view of the drive mechanism for the composite motion movement machine exercise machine shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 16 is a side view of the composite motion movement machine shown in accordance with several combined alternate embodiments of the present invention at the first position of the exercise movement. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 16, in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views, a composite motion movement machine exercise machine  10  according to a preferred embodiment is shown. Machine  10  comprises both moving user support  20  and moving actuating member  14 . User support  20  is mounted on frame  12  that is pivotally connected to support member  16  and that rides upon truck  18 . Actuating member  14  also is pivotally connected to support member  16  and also is operatively coupled to truck  18 . Truck  18  rides upon base rails  70  that are an integral part of support member  16 . Frame  12  further may comprise or may be mechanically coupled to a supplemental weight resistance means  28 . FIGS. 1 through 4 and FIG. 16 show a side view of two preferred embodiments of machine  10 , which comprises frame  12 , actuating member  14 , support member  16  and truck  18 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1,  2  and  8 , frame  12  comprises top side  30 , bottom side,  32 , left side  34 , right side  36 , back end  38  and front end  40 . Frame  12  preferably is made of a number of heavy duty steel tubing sections  42  welded or bolted together to form the desired structure. Panels  44  can be inserted between adjacent sections  42  to form the respective sides. User support  20  is located on top side  30  and is structured and oriented according to the specific type of exercise or physical therapy machine. Certain machines will have a user support  20  on which the user will stand (not shown), others on which the user will sit as shown in FIG. 1, and still others on which the user will lay as shown in FIG.  16 . 
     Frame  12  is pivotally coupled to support member  16  at front end  40  using frame rods  50  journaled into frame bearings  52 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sections  42  making up bottom side  32  can be elongated in the direction of front end  40 . As shown in more detail in FIG. 8, elongated sections  56  can provide the pivotal connection between frame  12  and support member  16  using frame rods  50  and frame bearings  52 . Frame  12  pivots relative to support member  16  from a first position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to a second position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Frame  12  travels in arcuate path F about the centerline between frame bearings  52 . 
     Running along bottom side  32  of frame  12  from proximal to back end  38  to proximal to front end  40  are frame rails  54  for engaging truck  18 . Rails  54  preferably are elongated steel cylinders securely attached to bottom side  32 . If two rails  54  are used, one rail  54  is located on bottom side  32  proximal to left side  34 , and another rail  54  is located on bottom side  32  proximal to right side  36 . 
     Supplemental weight resistance means  28  can be coupled to frame  12  preferably at back end  38 . As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, supplemental weight resistance means  28  can be free weight support rods  58  extending outwardly from back end  38 . Alternatively, free weight support rods  58  may extend outwardly from left side and right side instead of or in addition to from back end  38 . Although two free weight support rods  58  are shown, the number of free weight support rods is variable. There are many alternatives for supplemental weight resistance means  28  including linkages to weight stacks  94  as shown in FIG. 16, air resistance devices (not shown), elastomeric or tension devices (not shown), compression devices (not shown), gas cylinders (not shown), and hydraulic cylinders (not shown). 
     Actuating member  14  is located proximal to front end  40  of frame  12  and is pivotally coupled to support member  16 . Preferably, actuating member  14  is coupled to support member  16  at a location proximal to where frame  12  is coupled to support member  16 . Actuating member  14  comprises actuator  22  and support bar  24  for supporting actuator  22  on support member  16  and for coupling actuating member  14  to truck  18 . Actuating member  14  pivots generally in arcuate path P relative to support member  16 . Actuator  22  can be adjustable relative to support bar  24  based on the size of the user. As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, actuator  22  is a hand grip. As shown in FIG. 16, actuator  22  is a push plate. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, support bar  24  can be an angled component. This is for practical purposes in that the angle allows more range of motion for the exercise. Additionally, the angle in support bar  24  can provide additional room between frame  12  and actuating member  14  to accommodate both the user and the pulley system described later. Alternatively, support bar  24  can be straight or curved. 
     Actuating member  14  is pivotally coupled to support member  16  using member rods  60  journaled into member bearings  62 . As shown in more detail in FIGS. 8 through 13, the lower end of support bar  24  provides the pivotal connection between actuating member  14  and support member  16  using member rods  60  and member bearings  62 . Actuating member  14  pivots relative to support member  16  from a first position shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to a second position shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Actuating member  14  travels in arcuate path P about the centerline between member bearings  62 . 
     Actuating member  14  can be coupled to support member  16  at various locations depending on the type of exercise for which machine  10  is designed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, frame rod  52  and member rod  62  are coaxial and frame bearings  50  and member bearings  60  are coaxial. In this embodiment, frame  12  and actuating member  14  are mounted collinear and coaxial to each other. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, frame rod  52  and member rod  62  are not coaxial and frame bearings  50  and member bearings  60  are not coaxial. In this embodiment, frame  12  and actuating member  14  are not mounted collinear or coaxial to each other, with actuating member  14  being mounted on support member  16  at a position outside of elongated sections  56 . As shown in FIG. 16, frame rod  52  and member rod  62  are not coaxial and frame bearings  50  and member bearings  60  are not coaxial. In this embodiment, frame  12  and actuating member  14  are not mounted collinear or coaxial to each other, with actuating member  14  being mounted on support member  16  at a position inside of elongated sections  56 . 
     Actuator  22  is a generic term for the operative interface between machine  10  and the user. For example as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, if machine  10  is a chest press, actuator  22  would be either pads on which the user would place his or her hands, or grips  22 A that the user would grab with his or her hands and push to actuate. For another example as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, if machine  10  is a lat pull, actuator  22  would be grips  22 B that the user would grab with his or her hands and pull to actuate. For another example as shown in FIG. 16, if machine  10  is a leg press, actuator  22  would be a push plate  22 C on which the user would place his or her feet and push to actuate. For another example (not shown), if machine  10  is a leg curl, actuator  22  would be roller pads that the user would engage with his or her ankles or calves. 
     Support member  16  generally is a component that lays flat on the floor or other supporting surface. Frame  12  and actuating member  14  are pivotally connected on or near a first side or edge  64  of support member  16 . Both first side  64  and second side or edge  66  of support member  16  provide stability for the machine  10 . One or more base rail  70  for carrying truck  18  is or is located along a portion of the center portion  68  of support member  16 . Base rail preferably extends generally along the length of center portion  68  of support member  16  directly underneath frame  12 . 
     As shown in more detail in FIGS. 8 through 13, frame bearings  50  and member bearings  60  are mounted on first side  64  of support member  16 . In a preferred embodiment, the centerlines of frame bearings  50  and member bearings  60  are collinear, allowing both frame  12  and actuating member  14  to pivot about the same axis. Support member  16  also may have extension  72  extending from first side  64  collinearly with center portion  68 . As an alternative, member bearings  60  may be located on extension  72 . In this situation, the centerlines of frame bearings  50  and member bearings  60  are not collinear, and frame  12  and actuating member  14  do not pivot about the same axis. Additionally, extension  72  can comprise actuating member stop  74  for delineating the farthest extent actuating member  14  may travel. 
     FIGS. 8 through 13 also show several alternate embodiments of the structure of frame  12  and actuating member  14 , and the connections between frame  12 , actuating member  14 , and support member  16 . FIG. 8 shows a wide box-like frame  12  supported on support member  16  at two points. Each support point has its own set of frame bearings  50 A,  50 B and its own frame rod  52 A,  52 B. Actuating member  14  is supported at one point between frame  12  support points with its own member bearings  60  and member rod  62 . This embodiment is useful for machines  10  on which the user pushes actuating member  14 . The wide box-like frame  12  is preferred for machines  10  on which the user lays. FIG. 9 shows a wide box-like frame  12  supported on support member  16  at two points. Each support point has its own set of frame bearings  50 A,  50 B and its own frame rod  52 A,  52 B. Actuating member  14  has an arched base  15  and is supported at two points between frame  12  support points with its own member bearings  60 A,  60 B and member rods  62 A,  62 B. This embodiment is useful for machines  10  both on which the user pushes actuating member  14  and on which the user pulls actuating member  14  as actuating member  14  comprises an arch  15  through which belt  84  can pass. 
     FIG. 10 shows a narrow box-like frame  12  supported on support member  16  at two points. Each support point has its own frame bearing  50 . Actuating member  14  has an arched base  15  and is supported at two points outside of frame  12  support points with its own member bearing  60 . In this embodiment, frame  12  and actuating member share central bearings  61  and pivot rods  63 . This embodiment is useful for machines  10  both on which the user pushes actuating member  14  and on which the user pulls the actuating member  14  as actuating member  14  comprises an arch  15  through which belt  84  can pass. The narrow box-like frame  12  is preferred for machines  10  on which the user kneels or sits. FIG. 11 shows a narrow box-like frame  12  supported on support member  16  at two points. Each support point has its own frame bearing  50 . Actuating member  14  is supported at one point between frame  12  support points. In this embodiment, frame  12  and actuating member share central bearings  61  and a single pivot rod  63  and provide a relatively compact footprint. This embodiment is useful for machines  10  on which the user pushes actuating member  14 . 
     FIG. 12 shows a linear frame  12  supported on support member  16  at one point. The support point has its own frame bearings  50  and frame rod  52 . Actuating member  14  has an arched base  15  and is supported at two points outside of frame  12  support points with its own member bearings  60  and member rods  62 . This embodiment is useful for machines  10  on which the user pushes actuating member  14 . The linear frame  12  is preferred for machines on which the user sits. FIG. 13 shows a linear frame  12  that has an arched base  13  and is supported on support member  16  at two points. Each support point has its own frame bearing  50 . Actuating member  14  has an arched base  15  and is supported at two points outside of frame  12  support points with its own member bearing  60 . In this embodiment, frame  12  and actuating member share central bearings  61  and pivot rods  63 . This embodiment is useful for machines  10  both on which the user pushes actuating member  14  and on which the user pulls the actuating member  14  as actuating member  14  comprises an arch  15  through which belt  84  can pass. In this embodiment, actuating member  14  alternatively can be supported at two points between frame  12  support points simply by decreasing the size of arched base  15  and increasing the size of arch  13 . FIGS. 12 and 13 also show foot rests  98 . 
     Truck  18  is located between frame  12  and support member  16  and is slidably connected to frame  12  by frame rails  54  and to support member  16  by base rail  70 . As shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 through 7, truck  18  is a hinged component comprising a top portion  76  pivotally hinged to a bottom portion  78 . Frame or top bearings  80  located on top portion  76  of truck  18  cooperate with frame rails  54  running along bottom side  32  of frame  18 , and base or bottom bearings  82  located on bottom portion  78  of truck  18  cooperate with base rail  70  running along center portion  68  of support member  16 . Truck  18  slides generally linearly along path T along base rail  70  from a first position as shown in FIGS. 1,  3  and  5  to a second position as shown in FIGS. 2,  4  and  6 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a first embodiment preferred for machines  10  on which the user pushes actuating member  14 , truck  18  also is separately connected to frame  12  by a linking mechanism, such as belt  84  that travels through pulley  86  connected to support bar  24  of actuating member  14 . As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in a second preferred embodiment preferred for machines  10  on which the user pulls actuating member  14 , truck is connected to actuating member  14  by a linking mechanism, such as belt  84  that travels though pulley  86  connected to extension  72   
     As truck  18  is pulled along path T by the movement of actuating member  14 , truck  18  acts analogously to a wedge between frame  12  and support member  16 . When force is applied to actuator  22 , either by pushing or pulling, truck  18  is pulled by actuating member  14  from the first position shown in FIGS. 1,  3  and  5  to the second position shown in FIGS. 2,  4  and  6  forcing frame  12  to pivot upwards along path F. When force is removed from actuator  22 , truck  18  is forced by the weight of frame  12 , as well as the weight of the user and any resistance weights coupled with frame  12 , from the second position shown in FIGS. 2,  4  and  6  to the first position shown in FIGS. 1,  3  and  5 . As frame  12  pivots relative to support member  16 , the angle α between frame  12  and support member  16  changes. Hinge  88  allows top portion  76  to rotate relative to bottom portion  78  as truck  18  moves from the first position to the second position such that the angle between top portion  76  and bottom portion  78  matches angle α. 
     Truck  18  is operatively coupled to actuating member  14 . In a first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, truck  18  is coupled directly to frame  12  and coupled indirectly to actuating member  14 . In a second preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, truck  18  is coupled directly to actuating member  14 . The preferred coupling mechanism is shown in more detail in FIGS. 7,  9  and  15 . In the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first end of belt  84  is securely attached to truck  18 , preferably with a first clamp  90 . Belt  84  then passes over pulley  86  that is mounted on actuating member  14 , preferably on support bar  24 . A second end of belt  84  is securely attached to frame  12 , preferably with a second clamp  92 . In the second preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a first end of belt  84  is securely attached to truck  18 , preferably with a first clamp  90 . Belt  84  then passes over pulley  86  that is mounted on extension  72 . A second end of belt  84  is securely attached to actuating member  14 , preferably with a second clamp  92 . Both clamps  90 ,  92  can be pivotally connected to truck  18  and actuating member  14 , respectively, such that as machine  10  moves through its range of motion, belt  84  and clamps  90 ,  92  can pivot, reducing stress on belt  84 . 
     In the first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, moving actuating member  14  away from frame  12  causes tension in belt  84 , pulling truck  18  along path T towards actuating member  14 . Additionally, moving actuating member  14  away from frame  12  causes tension in belt  84 , pulling frame  12 . The combined pulling of truck  18  and frame  12  causes frame  12  to rotate about path F. In the second preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, moving actuating member  14  toward frame  12  causes tension in belt  84 , pulling truck  18  along path T towards actuating member  14 . The pulling of truck  18  causes frame  12  to rotate about path F. 
     Although a belt and pulley linking mechanism is described as the preferred embodiment, alternatives are suitable. For example, the belt can be of any known structure, such as steel cables, wound cables, wire, polymer tows, carbon fiber, tension devices, bar linkages, and elastomers. Likewise, the pulley can be any direction changing device, such as gears, Teflon® or other slippery material rods, and elbow-shaped components. 
     The linking mechanism also can be designed to have a variable stroke ratio between actuating member  14  and truck  18 . For example, a direct link between actuating member  14  and truck  18  typically results in an actuating member  14  to truck  18  stroke ratio of approximately 1:1 where a 1 inch movement of actuating member  14  results in a one inch movement of truck  18 . The direct link ratio may not be exactly 1:1 because actuating member  14  travels in an arcuate path while truck  18  travels in a linear path, but for example purposes a direct link will be defined as having a 1:1 stroke ratio. The use of one or more cams, pulleys, reduction gears, increases gears, and/or the like, as well as combinations of these components, can alter the stroke ratio. For example, with an actuating member  14  to truck  18  stroke ratio of 1:5, a one inch movement of actuating member  14  results in a five inch movement of truck  18 , and with an actuating member  14  to truck  18  stroke ratio of 5:1, a five inch movement of actuating member  14  results in a one inch movement of truck  18 . Varying the stroke ratio varies the force needed to complete the operative movement of machine  10 , resulting in different levels of exercise, strengthening, or rehabilitation. 
     Several alternatives for machine  10  are shown in a combined view in FIG.  16 . FIG. 16 exemplifies a leg press type of machine  10  having a supine user support  20  with shoulder pads  46  and support grips  48 . The user lays on user support  20  and places his or her feet on push plate actuator  22  to activate machine  10 . Extension  72  can have stop  74  that limits the forward travel of actuating member  14 . Frame  12  is connected to weight stack  94  by a cable and pulley system  96 . Frame  12  also is somewhat elongated compared to frame  12  shown in FIG. 1 to accommodate supine user support  20 , which typically is longer than standing, sitting or kneeling user support  20 . 
     In operation, the user stands, sits, kneels or lays on user support  20  and engages actuator  22 . Actuator  22 , if adjustable, can be adjusted relative to support bar  24  so that the user is comfortable and in the proper position for the exercise, strengthening or rehabilitation motion. Pads  46  and/or support grips  48 , if present, can be adjusted relative to user support  20  to a proper position for comfort and/or exercise, strengthening or rehabilitation motion. The user then initiates the exercise, strengthening or rehabilitation motion by applying force to actuator  22 , generally either by pushing or pulling movements, and thus moving actuating member  14  from the first position to the second position. 
     The exercise, strengthening or rehabilitation motion causes several actions. Moving actuator  22  causes actuating member  14  to pivot about the connection between support bar  24  and support member  16  and to be forced away from or toward frame  12 , as the case may be. In the first preferred embodiment, the movement of actuating member  14  also moves pulley  86 , which is attached to support bar  24 , and acts upon belt  84  connecting truck  18  to frame  12  and traveling through pulley  86 . Truck  18  is pulled along the base rail  70  running along center portion  68  of support member  16  in the same general direction T as the movement P of actuating member  14 . In the second preferred embodiment, the movement of actuating member  14  acts upon belt  84  traveling through pulley  86  and connecting truck  18  to actuating member  14 . Truck  18  is pulled along the base rail  70  running along center portion  68  of support member  16  in the opposite general direction T as the movement P of actuating member  14 . 
     In both preferred embodiments, the movement T of truck  18  acts analogously to a wedge between frame  12  and support member  16  and forces frame  12  to pivot about the connection between frame  12  and support member  16 , and back end  38  of frame  12  moves along path F. Further, in the first preferred embodiment, because belt  84  preferably is connected to frame  12 , the action of pushing actuating member  14  assists in causing frame  12  to travel in arcuate path F. Hinge  88  between top portion  76  of truck  18  and bottom portion  78  of truck  18  allows top bearings  80  to maintain smooth contact with frame rails  54  running along bottom side  32  of frame  12 , and allows bottom bearings  82  to maintain smooth contact with the base rail  70  running along center portion  68  of support member  16 . 
     Various supplemental weight resistance means  28  can be used to provide resistance weight for the machine  10 . If the user so chooses, the user does not have to add any supplemental weight resistance means  28  to the machine  10  and in this situation the resistive force will be the weight of frame  12  and the weight of the user. The user can place free weights on free weight support rods  58  to increase the resistive force. In an alternative embodiment, a weight stack  94  as shown in FIG. 16 or other supplemental weight resistance means  28  is attached to the machine  10 , by cables, linkages or other coupling means. 
     An optional locking mechanism (not shown) can be included on machine  10 . Preferably, locking mechanism holds machine at an intermediate position between the first position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 and the second position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Such a locking mechanism is for convenience reasons. By holding machine  10  in an intermediate position, ingress and egress to machine by the user is simplified, adding to the convenience of machine. 
     The combined motion, or composite motion movement, of user support  20  and actuating member  14  alters the biomechanical movement of the user&#39;s body to a composite motion somewhere between linear and a true arc, more closely resembling the accurate biomechanical motion of the human body. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth, but is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.