Patent Publication Number: US-7591770-B2

Title: Press station with add-on weights

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,126 titled “Press Station with Adjustable, Various Path Feature” filed on Jun. 18, 2003 and issued on Aug. 15, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,623. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention related generally to the field of exercise and physical rehabilitation equipment, and more particularly, to exercise apparatuses for exercising the muscles of a user. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The benefits of muscle exercises of a user are well known. For example, press exercises directed at the strengthening of the muscles of the upper torso after injury or surgery are well known in their ability to strengthen the muscles, to prevent atrophy of the muscles, and return the muscles to normal operation. Further, press exercises are well known for their ability to increase performance, strength, and/or enhance the appearance of one&#39;s body. Various press exercises have been developed to exercise the muscles of the upper torso, most of which involve contracting and/or extending one&#39;s arms against a resistant force, the resistant force provided by an exercise apparatus. 
   Although previously developed press exercise apparatuses are effective, they are not without drawbacks. In a typical embodiment of prior art press exercise apparatuses, a pair of press arms is coupled to a load-bearing assembly, such as a stack of weights. In operation, the user grasps a handle of each press arm and presses the handles outward from the chest of the user to exercise the muscles of the upper torso. Inasmuch as the press arms are restricted to paths extending perpendicularly outward from the chest, the press exercise apparatus does not allow the user&#39;s hands to move inward toward one another during the exercise, in a more natural motion. 
   A few of the previously developed press exercise apparatuses have addressed this limitation by permitting inward movement of the press arms along a single selected, predetermined path. However, these press exercise apparatuses are not without drawbacks. For instance, although the press exercise apparatuses allow inward movement, they do not allow the user to configure the press exercise apparatus such that press arms will follow a specific predetermined path selected from a multitude of different predetermined paths. Thus, the user is unable to choose a specific predetermined path that provides optimum comfort, a desired focus of the exercise upon a specific muscle or portion of a muscle, or an optimum orientation of the predetermined path relative to the specific body size of the user. 
   Prior art press exercise apparatuses often permit a user to adjust a position of a seat in relation to a rest position of the press arms. Further, prior art press exercise apparatuses permit the adjustment of the positions of the rest position of the press arms. In some of these devices, however, a user must separately adjust the position of the seat and the rest position of the press arms, resulting in an iterative adjustment process. More specifically, when a user adjusts the position of the seat, the user&#39;s orientation relative to the rest position of the press arms is changed, thereby necessitating the user to readjust the rest position of the press arms. Once the rest position of the press arms is changed, the readjustment of the seat position may be necessary. Thus, such adjustment can be an iterative process that can be awkward, time consuming, and frustrating for a user. 
   Prior art exercise apparatuses often utilize adjustment mechanisms for adjusting a separation distance between a first part of the apparatus and a second part of the apparatus, to adjust some aspect of the operation of the press exercise apparatus. While permitting a separation distance between a first part and a second part to be varied, prior art adjustment mechanisms permit the distance to be varied even when the adjustment mechanism is under a load. Thus, when a user manipulates the adjustment mechanism to alter the separation distance, the load can be suddenly and undesirably released. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/465,126 titled “Press Station with Adjustable, Various Path Feature” filed on Jun. 18, 2003 addresses these drawbacks. 
   Additionally, prior art exercise apparatuses often provide for the addition of add-on weights having weight increments between the weight increments provided for by the exercise apparatus. For example, it is typical for the weights of such exercise apparatus to incorporate fairly large weights, for example 10 lb weight increments. Add-on weights that are not integrally incorporated with the exercise apparatus can be provided having intermediary increments of, for example, 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, and 7.5 lbs. Thus, the user is not restricted to choosing weight increments of, in this example, 10 lbs. 
   One drawback of prior art exercise apparatuses is that the add-on weights on prior art apparatuses are not intended to be stored in a rack but typically lie loosely on the floor, requiring the user to take the time to find the correct weight, pick up the weights from the floor, and install them on the device. Another drawback of prior art exercise apparatuses is that the add-on weights on prior art apparatus were loosely added without sufficient support and therefore were prone to movement or dislocation during the exercise routine and were easily lost. An additional drawback of prior art exercise apparatuses is that the add-on weights on prior art apparatus upset of the balance of the weights of such exercise apparatus with respect to the mechanisms that connect the weights to the user. One attempt to address these drawbacks has been the use of guided add-on weights that are guided in a track. The drawbacks of this type of approach include complication of structure, additional of costs, and the possibility that the frictional engagement of the guide tracks will alter the applied weight to the user. 
   What would thus be desirable is for an exercise apparatus that provide a mechanism for add-on weights. Such add-on weight mechanism should be convenient to use. Such add-on weight mechanism should be added with sufficient support to minimize movement during the exercise routine and preclude lost weights. Such add-on weight mechanism should not upset the balance of the weights of such exercise apparatus with respect to the mechanisms that connect the weights to the user. Such add-on weight mechanism should avoid the use of add-on weights that are guided in a track. Such add-on weight mechanism should be provided with a simplicity of structure, little addition of costs, and avoid the possibility that the frictional engagement of the add-on weights will alter the applied weight to the user. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   An exercise apparatus in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides a mechanism for add-on weights. A mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention is convenient to use. A mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention does not upset the balance of the weights of such exercise apparatus with respect to the mechanisms that connect the weights to the user. A mechanism for add-on weights of the present invention avoids the use of add-on weights that are guided in a track. A mechanism for add-on weights of the present invention provides simplicity of structure, has little addition of costs, and avoids the possibility that the frictional engagement of the add-on weights will alter the applied weight to the user. 
   In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an exercise apparatus for performing press exercises is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a frame and a support assembly adjustably coupled to the frame. A first press arm is coupled to the support assembly and is pivotal about a first pivot axis between a rest position and an extended position. A mechanism for add-on weights is further provided. The mechanism for add-on weights includes at least one add-on weight having a first region of contact and a second region of contact. The first region of contact can be defined by a selector pinhole in the add-on weight adapted to receive a selector pin. The selector pin engages the add-on weight approximately in line with the center of gravity of the add-on weight. The second region of contact can be provided by a stabilization bracket defining an aperture into which a stabilization pin on the add-on weight extends. The mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the present invention provides add-on weights without a guide track that adds-on at least one additional load. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise apparatus in accordance with present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of aspects of the press assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the press assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the rest position assembly and a rest position adjustment assembly partially depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of the rest position adjustment assembly depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic front view of paths taken by two different pairs of press arms as they move from a rest position to an extended position. 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the press assembly shown in  FIG. 1  and the rest position assembly and rest position adjustment assembly depicted in  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the exercise apparatus depicted in  FIG. 6 , the press arms being in a first rest position where the handles are suspended at the first elevation above the seat. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the exercise apparatus in which the press arms are in a second rest position, the handles being suspended at the second elevation above the seat. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the back of the exercise apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1  showing a mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is an elevated view of the mechanism for add-on weights of  FIG. 10 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of an exercise apparatus  100  formed in accordance with the present invention is seen. The exercise apparatus  100  is adjustable to provide a plurality of exercises for strengthening and toning muscles of a user. The exercise apparatus  100  includes a frame  102  with a press assembly  104  and a seat  106  mounted thereto. The press assembly  104  includes a first press arm  108  and a second press arm  110 , both pivotally coupled to the frame  102 . 
   The press arms  108 ,  110  each include a handle  112 ,  114 . A user may grasp the handles  112 ,  114  while sitting in the seat  106  and press upwardly and/or outward on the handles  112 ,  114 , thereby rotating the press arms  108 ,  110  relative to the frame  102 . A load-bearing assembly  116 , such as weights  276 ,  278 , is coupled to the press arms  108 ,  110  to provide resistance to the user&#39;s rotation of the press arms  108 ,  110 . Although a specific a load-bearing assembly  116  is shown in the illustrated embodiment, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternate load-bearing sources, such as resistance sources based on electricity, friction, air movement, elastic forces, spring forces, magnets, or other resistance sources known in the art are suitable for use with and within the scope of the present invention. The weights  276 ,  278  are coupled to the press arms  108 ,  110  to provide resistance to the user&#39;s rotation of the press arms  108  through a series of cables and pulleys as know in the art. The weights  276 ,  278  are vertically stacked and are movably mounted to the frame  102  of the exercise apparatus  100  by guiding apparatus, such as for example, a pair of guide rods  281 ,  283 . Bushings  285   a ,  285   b  can be mounted on the first weight to encourage proper alignment of the first weight and the additional weights on the guide rods  281 ,  283 . As will be explained in more detail, below, the amount of weight is selected by use of a plurality of selector members. In the preferred embodiment, the selector members are selector pins  282 ,  284 ,  286 . 
   The seat  106  and press assembly  104  are adjustable to allow the user to perform a variety of exercises, especially for strengthening the upper torso. For instance, the user may adjust the seat  106  and the press assembly  104  to perform a decline press, bench press, incline press, military press, shoulder press or other exercises known in the art. Further, the press assembly  104  is adjustable to allow the user to alter the rest position of the press arms  108 ,  110 , which in the illustrated embodiment involves adjusting the resting height of the handles  112 ,  114  relative to the floor, seat or frame. For instance, the user may adjust the press arms  108 ,  110  from the rest position shown in  FIG. 8  to the rest position shown in  FIG. 9 . Further, the press assembly  104  is adjustable to allow the user to alter the predetermined path that the arms handles  112 ,  114  will scribe when rotated, such as between predetermined paths  300 A,  300 B and predetermined paths  302 A,  302 B depicted in  FIG. 6 . 
     FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the press assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  shows an exploded perspective view of the press assembly depicted in  FIG. 1 . The press assembly  104  includes first and second press arms  108 ,  110 , a support assembly  118 , and a rest position assembly  120 . In this embodiment, the second press arm  110  is a curved, tubular strut  122  extending between a bearing tube  124 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , the bearing tube  124  is designed to house a pair of press arm pivot bearings  126  which rotatingly receive a press arm pivot axle  128 . Retaining rings  130  are placed on the outward facing sides of each press arm pivot bearing  126  to retain the bearing in place. The first press arm  108  is substantially similar in construction to the second press arm  110 ; therefore, the description above of the second press arm  110  shall be understood as also referring to the first press arm  108 . 
   The press arms  108 ,  110  are pivotally coupled to the support assembly  118 . More specifically, the press arms  108 ,  110  are pivotally coupled to a weldment  132  that forms part of the support assembly  118 . The press arms  108 ,  110  are coupled to the weldment  132  by fastening the press arm pivot axles  128  to spaced-apart, opposing mounting brackets  134 ,  136  with fasteners  138  such as a screw. The press arm pivot axles  128  each define a press arm pivot axis  140 A,  140 B. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot axes  140 A,  140 B are separated by a separation angle  142  from one another as measured in a plane containing both pivot axes  140 A,  140 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the separation angle is about 90 degrees. Although the pivot axes  140 A,  140 B are described in the illustrated embodiment as having a specific separation angle  142 , other separation angles  142  are suitable for use with and within the scope of the present invention. 
   The separation angle  142  controls the amount of inward and outward motion that will be experienced by the distal ends of the press arms as they follow their predetermined paths. In the embodiment shown, the separation angle  142  is a fixed amount; however, in an alternative embodiment the angle  142  is adjustable. Increasing the separation angle  142  has the effect of bringing their respective axes toward a more parallel relationship, which effectively decreases the overall lateral distance experienced by the arm ends during use. Decreasing the separation angle  142  has the opposite effect. 
   In general, the support assembly uses a pin to engage one of a series of adjustment holes, or apertures, in order to orient the support assembly with respect to the rest position assembly. More specifically, the support assembly  118  is pivotally coupled to the rest position assembly  120  about a pivot axis  144 . The pivot axis  144  is defined by a pair of stub shafts  146  extending in opposite directions from the weldment  132 . The stub shafts  146  are engaged by the rest position assembly  120  via a pair of bearings  148  adapted to rotatingly receive the stub shafts  146 . Once the stub shafts  146  are received by the bearings  148 , the support assembly  118  is able to rotate about the support assembly pivot axis  144 . The bearings  148  are housed within a pair of bearing covers  150  retained in position by fasteners such as screws. 
   A support assembly adjustment mechanism  152  adjusts the inclination of the support assembly  118  relative to the rest position assembly  120 . The support assembly adjustment mechanism  152  includes a linkage group  154 , a first locking pin  156 , and an adjustment rack  158 . The linkage group  154  includes a handle  160 , a connecting link  162 , a locking pin capture nut  164 , and a second locking pin  166 , all of which are coupled to the weldment  132 . The handle  160  passes through a first support tube  168  coupled to the support assembly  118  and connects to the connecting link  162  at a first mounting aperture  170 . The connecting link  162  pivots about its second mounting aperture  172 , which is pivotally coupled to a mounting bracket  176  coupled to the support assembly  118 . A third mounting aperture  174  of the connecting link  162  is coupled to the second locking pin  166 , which is in turn coupled to the first locking pin  156 . The first locking pin  156  passes through a second support tube  178  coupled to the support assembly  118 . A distal end of the first locking pin  156  selectively engages a plurality of apertures  180  in the adjustment rack  158 , which is coupled to the rest position assembly  120 . 
   In operation, the handle  160  is pulled, thereby pivoting the connecting link  162  about its second mounting aperture  172 . As the connecting link  162  is pivoted, the second locking pin  166  is pulled upward, thereby pulling the attached first locking pin  156  upward such that the distal end of the first locking pin  156  disengages from one of the apertures  180  in the adjustment rack  158 . Once the first locking pin  156  is disengaged from the adjustment rack  158 , the support assembly  118  is free to rotate about the support assembly pivot axis  144 . Once the support assembly  118  is rotated to a selected inclination relative to the rest position assembly  120 , the handle  160  is released such that the distal end of the first locking pin  156  engages one of the apertures  180  of the adjustment rack  158 , thereby impeding further rotation of the support assembly  118  relative to the rest position assembly  120 . Rotating the support assembly  118  permits a user to adjust the path the handles  112 ,  114  will scribe when rotated from the rest to the extended positions, as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
   Turning now to the rest position assembly  120 , the rest position assembly  120  includes a press yoke  182 . The press yoke  182  includes a pair of upwardly extending arms  184  upon which the previously described bearings  148  and bearing covers  150  are mounted. This provides the pivotal attachment of the support assembly  118  relative to the rest position assembly  120 . A bearing tube  186  is coupled to the press yoke  182 . The bearing tube  186  is designed to house a pair of pivot bearings  188 , which rotatingly receive a pivot axle  190 . Retaining rings  192  are placed on the outward facing side of each pivot bearing  188 . The pivot axle  190  is coupled to a mounting bracket  194  (see  FIG. 1 ) that is attached to the frame  102 , thereby permitting the combination of the rest position assembly  120  and attached support assembly  118  to pivot about a rest position pivot axis  196 . Of note, the support assembly pivot axis  144  is oriented substantially parallel with the rest position assembly pivot axis  196 . Rotating the rest position assembly  120  permits a user to adjust the location of the rest position of the press arms  108 ,  110 , as will be discussed in greater detail below. 
   A pair of limit stops  198  are mounted on the press yoke  182 . The limit stops  198  of the illustrated embodiment may be made from a resilient material, a few suitable examples being rubber and polyurethane; however, other materials, including nonresilient materials, may be suitably used in the formation of the limit stops, such as metals, woods, springs, air cushions, etc. The limit stops  198  are positioned upon the press yoke  182  so as to bear against the undersides of the press arms  108 ,  110 , to impede the press arms  108 ,  110  from rotating past a selected position. 
     FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the rest position assembly and a rest position adjustment assembly partially depicted in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, a telescoping strut is used to control the angular orientation of the rest position assembly. The adjustment mechanism  202  is coupled between the exercise apparatus frame  102  (see  FIG. 1 ) and a clevis  204  carried by the press yoke  182  of the rest position assembly  120 . The rest position adjustment mechanism  202  includes a strut  206  that is adjustable in length. Adjusting the length of the strut  206  causes the rest position assembly  120  to rotate about its rest position assembly pivot axis  196  to adjust the starting height of the handles  112 ,  114  of the press arms  108 ,  110  when the press arms are in the rest position. 
   The strut  206  includes a first end connector  208 , a threaded rod  210 , a receiver tube  212 , and a second end connector  214 . The first end connector  208  is attached to a distal (upper) end of the rod  210 , and is used to couple the rod  210  to the clevis  204 . The rod  210  includes an engagement portion  216  including a plurality of engagement members. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement members are a plurality of protrusions, and more specifically ACME threads; however, the engagement portion  216  may be formed in alternate manners, e.g., using teeth, dimples, roughened surfaces, holes, pins, recesses, or other such structures that allow a first part to grip or couple to a second part. The rod  210  is slidably receivable within the receiver tube  212  with the aid of a pair of bushings  218 . The second end connector  214  is attached to a distal end of the receiver tube  212 , and is used to couple the bottom of the receiver tube  212  to the exercise apparatus frame  102 . 
     FIG. 5  is a partially exploded perspective view of the rest position adjustment assembly depicted in  FIG. 4 . The rest position adjustment mechanism  202  includes a locking member  220  such as for example a half nut pinned to a locking member positioning system  222 . The locking member  220  may include an engagement portion  224  having a plurality of engagement members adapted to cooperatively engage the engagement portion  216  of the rod  210 . In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion  224  includes a plurality of protrusions comprising ACME threads; however, the engagement portion  224  may be formed in alternate manners, such as a textured surface which may include teeth, dimples, a roughened surface, holes, a pin or pins, recesses, or other such structures that allow a first part to grip or couple to a second part. 
   The locking member  220  is pivotally coupled to the locking member positioning system  222  by pins  226  protruding outwardly from the ends of the locking member  220  to engage within slots  227  formed in a locking member bracket  228 . The bracket  228  is pivotally coupled to a release bracket  230  by a cross pin  232 . The cross pin  232  is also used to couple the locking member positioning system  222  to the strut  206 . A biasing device  234 , such as a torsion spring, may be engaged over the pin  232  to rotationally bias the locking member bracket  228  away from the release bracket  230 . The locking member bracket  228  and the release bracket  230  are disposed relative to each other at a selected separation angle  270 . The locking member bracket  228  is impeded from rotating past the separation angle  270 , depicted in  FIG. 5 , by engagement of a lip portion  236  of the locking member bracket  228  with a top edge  238  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the release bracket  230 ; however, the release bracket  230  is free to rotate toward the locking member bracket  228 , i.e., to decrease the separation angle  270 , when the biasing force exerted by the biasing device  234  is overcome. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a distal end  242  of the release bracket  230  is pivotally coupled to a control assembly  240  by a cross pin  244 . The control assembly  240  includes a first cable  246 , the distal end of which is anchored to an actuation mechanism  248 . The actuation mechanism  248  may be any mechanism operable to impart movement to the first cable  246 , such as a handle, solenoid, etc. In the illustrated embodiment and in reference to  FIG. 1 , a release lever  266  is utilized as the actuation mechanism  248 . The release lever  266  is rotatingly mounted upon one of the press arms  108  or  110  such that a user can operate the release lever  266  while gripping its respective handle. The first cable  246  is coupled to the release lever  266 , such that when the release lever  266  is actuated by the user, the cable  246  moves in the direction of arrow  251 . 
   When the first cable  246  moves in the direction of arrow  251 , the release bracket  230  is rotated toward the locking member bracket  228  so as to decrease the separation angle  270 . Due to the biasing device  234 , a rotational force is applied to the locking member bracket  228 , which applies a disengagement force upon the locking member  220 . If the strut  206  is in a substantially nonloaded state, the disengagement force will be sufficient to force the locking member  220  to disengage from the rod  210 . However, if the strut  206  is in a loaded state, the disengagement force will be insufficient to overcome the friction forces present between the locking member  220  and the strut  206 . More specifically, when the strut  206  is in a loaded condition, either the upper surface  250  or the lower surface  252  (depending on whether the strut is in tension or compression) of the locking member  220  and a locking member receiving bracket  254 , coupled to the receiver tube  212 , will be loaded against each other, thereby creating friction forces impeding the movement of the locking member  220  away from the strut  206 . This system has the benefit of preventing disengagement of the strut while under load, thereby protecting both the user and the machine. 
   A seat release system  258  is also coupled to the actuation system  248 . The seat release system  258  includes an actuation cable  260  and a well-known seat adjustment  262 . The seat adjustment mechanism  262  may be actuated by the actuation cable  260  between a locked and unlocked state. When the seat adjustment mechanism  262  is in a locked state, the seat  106  is held in a fixed location. When the seat adjustment mechanism  262  is in an unlocked state, the seat is released and may be moved to another location. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, when the actuation system  248  is actuated, cable  246  is placed in tension, moving pin  244  in the direction of arrow  251 , thereby actuating the release bracket  230  as discussed above. Inasmuch as cable  260  is also coupled to the pin  244 , cable  260  is also placed in tension and thereby moved in the direction of arrow  251 . Movement of cable  260  in the direction of arrow  251  allows a user to thereby move the location of the seat. Although the seat  106  is shown in different longitudinal positions in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the seat  106  may be adjusted in any number of ways, such as by changing the inclination of the back rest  264  of the seat  106 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the effect of the rotation of the support assembly  118  upon the path of the handles  112 ,  114  will now be explained. During use, the rotation of the press arms results in the handles following arcuate paths in space. Since the angle  142  between the first press arm pivot axis  140 A and the second press arm pivot axis  140 B is less than 180 degrees, the combined paths of the press arms result in a shape that is similar to the outline of an orange peel segment, i.e., two arcs touching end to end, though formed in separate planes. During use, the user takes advantage of only a portion of these arcs. Rotation of the support assembly  118  relative to the frame  102  controls which portion is used. 
     FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic front view of paths taken by two different pairs of press arms as they move from a rest position to an extended position When the support assembly  118  is at a first inclination, the press arms  108 ,  110  each scribe a first predetermined path  300 A,  300 B, respectively, when they are rotated about their respective pivot axes  140 A,  140 B. Also shown in  FIG. 6  in phantom lines is the path taken by the arms when the support assembly  118  is rotated downward to a second inclination and the rest position is kept the same as that used for the first inclination. As shown, the resulting paths are the upper regions of the total arcuate paths available. 
   In selecting which portion of the arcuate paths will be utilized, the user is also deciding how much lateral movement they want to experience during their workout. Thus, by altering the inclination of the support assembly  118  from the first inclination orientation to the second inclination orientation, a user can adjust the path that the press arms  108 ,  110  will take when rotated, and thereby adjust the exercise to the specific needs of the user. 
   The rest position assembly  120  controls the starting height of the press arms  108 ,  110  when in their respective rest positions by controlling the point at which the press arms  108 ,  110  are engaged by the limit stops  198 . As stated above, the limit stops  198 , through engagement of the press arms  108 ,  110 , prevent further downward rotation of the press arms  108 ,  110 . By rotating the rest position assembly  120 , the selected angle relative to the frame  102  at which the limit stops  198  engage the press arms  108 ,  110  can adjusted, thereby adjusting the height at which the handles  112 ,  114  of the press arms  108 ,  110  are suspended above the floor when in their respective rest positions. 
   Although a first and a second inclination orientation are described in reference to the rest position assembly  120  of the illustrated embodiment, the rest position assembly  120  may be configured into any number of inclination orientations to provide any number of starting heights when the press arms  108 ,  110  are in their respective rest positions. Further, although a first and a second predetermined path are described in reference to the illustrated embodiment, the exercise apparatus may be configured into any number of predetermined paths. 
     FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the back of the exercise apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1  showing a mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  FIG. 11  is an elevated view of the mechanism for add-on weights of  FIG. 10 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the load-bearing assembly  116  ( FIG. 1 ) comprises a first weight  276  and plurality of additional weights  278 . While the weights  276 ,  278  are preferably shown as stacked vertically herein, other orientations are considered within the principles of the present invention. 
   A combination of the first weight  276  and selected additional weights  278  can be used together in order to provide for different amounts of resistance to the user&#39;s rotation of the press arms  108 . The weights  276 ,  278  can be generally rectangular shaped and can define a pair of cooperating vertically oriented apertures (not seen) through which the guide rods  281 ,  283  extend. While the shape of the weights  276 ,  278  described herein are generally rectangular, other shapes are considered to be within the principles of the present invention. The additional weights  278  further can define a third vertically oriented, centrally located aperture that includes a horizontally extending branch  325  that extends from front to back of the weight. 
   The stack of weights  276 ,  278  are coupled to the press arms  108 ,  110  ( FIG. 1 ) to provide resistance to the user&#39;s rotation of the press arms  108 ,  110  through a series of cables and pulleys as known in the art. The weights  276 ,  278  are vertically stacked and are movably mounted to the frame  102  of the exercise apparatus  100  by guiding apparatus, such as for example, the pair of guide rods  281 ,  283 . Bushings  285   a ,  285   b  can be mounted on the first weight  276  to encourage proper alignment of the stack of weights  276 ,  278  on the guide rods  281 ,  283 . Alterative bushings can also be employed. 
   A lifting post  277  extends downwardly from the first weight  276  through the vertically oriented, centrally located aperture of the additional weights  278 . The lifting post  277  defines a plurality of apertures  279  aligned with the additional weights  278 . Thus, the additional weights are accessible from the front of the exercise apparatus via the horizontally extending branch  325 . The varying combinations of weights  276 ,  278  can be selected by the user as known in the art, for example by placing the selector pin  282  ( FIG. 1 ) through the desired branch  325  and the desired aperture  279  to engage the lifting post  277  and thus selecting all of the weights above the selector pin  282 . Pin  282  preferably includes at least first and second detents to help to releasably secure the pin into engaged and disengaged positions. 
   The first weight  276  further includes a cable attachment  288  on the upper surface that connects the first weight  276  to the series of cables and pulleys and thus to the press arms  108 ,  110 . Alternatively, the cable can be coupled to the weights by other means, such as for example directly connected to the upper surface of the weight. As best seen in  FIG. 11 , in one embodiment the cable attachment  288  on the upper surface of the first weight  276  is attached to a pulley  287  contained in the series of cables and pulleys. 
   While the embodiment described herein utilizes the selector pin/lifting post arrangement known in the art to select combinations of the first weight and additional weights, various other apparatus can be utilized and be within the scope of the present invention. 
   As is seen, the first weight  276  and the plurality of additional weights  278  comprise relatively large weights in order to provide a range of flexibility in the amount of weight that can be selected. For example, it is typical for the weights of such exercise apparatus to incorporate 10 lb weight increments. Depending on the particular exercise and user, it is often desirable to select a weight increment that falls between the relatively large weight mass of these weights. Thus, it is known to provide for the addition of add-on weights having weight increments between the weight increments provided for by the exercise apparatus. For example, add-on weights can be provided having increments of, for example, 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, and 7.5 lbs. Thus, the user is not restricted to choosing weight increments of, in this example, 10 lbs. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a mechanism for add-on weights  280  is provided. 
     FIG. 11  is an elevated view of the mechanism for add-on weights  280  of  FIG. 10  with the add-on weights  298 ,  300  depicted in the non-selected position. The mechanism for add-on weights  280  includes an add-on weight support bracket  292  that is secured to the frame  102  of the exercise apparatus  100 . The add-on weight bracket  292  defines two weight slots  294 ,  295 . For example, the mechanism for add-on weights  280  of  FIG. 10  defines a partially generally U-shaped bracket defining two weight slots  294 ,  295 . Preferably, the add-on weights  298 ,  300  weigh less than the weight of the weights  276 ,  278  of such exercise apparatus. For example, in the mechanism for add-on weights  280  of  FIG. 10 , the weights of such exercise apparatus incorporate 10 lb weight, one add-on weight is 5 lbs, and the second add-on weight is 2.5 lbs. Alternative embodiments cannot only utilize different weights, but also can utilize additional numbers of add-on weights. 
   Each add-on weight  298 ,  300  defines an add-on weight selector pinhole  303 ,  304  as seen in  FIG. 11 . The first weight  276  further defines a pair of front-to-back oriented apertures (not seen) that extend from front to back of the weight in alignment with each add-on weight selector pinhole  303 ,  304 . Thus, each add-on weight  298 ,  300  can be added by the user by inserting second and/or third selector pins  284 ,  286  ( FIG. 1 ) through the front-to-back oriented apertures into alignment with the add-on weight selector pinholes  303 ,  304 , respectively. Like pin  282 , pins  284 ,  286  preferably include detents to help to releasably secure the pins into engaged and disengaged positions. In addition, in the embodiment described herein utilizing two add-on weight  298 ,  300 , the user can select from three additional weight settings by (1) selecting the first add-on weight  298 ; (2) selecting the second add-on weight  300 , or (3) selecting both the add-on weights  298 ,  300 . For example, in the mechanism for add-on weights  280  described herein the user can add 2.5 lbs. (setting (2)), 5 lbs. (setting (1)), or, by selecting both add-on weights  298 ,  300 ,  7 . 5  lbs. (setting (3)). 
   Thus, if the user desires to use the add-on weights  298 ,  300 , the user utilizes one or both of the add-on weight selector pins  284 ,  286  to select one or both of the add-on weights  298 ,  300 . The add-on weight selector pins  284 ,  286  are advantageously positioned to secure the add-on weights  298 ,  300  at or near their center of gravity. This positioning minimizes swinging and movement of the weights off of its intended path of travel. This positioning is also important because the add-on weights  298 ,  300  are not always positioned within or under a portion of the add-on weight support bracket  292 ; when the add-on weights  298 ,  300  are at the highest position, the add-on weights  298 ,  300  are not contacting or covered by the bracket  292 . Therefore, it is important that the weight remain relatively stable such that it does not bind or otherwise contact the bracket  292  upon its descent back under or within the bracket  292 . 
   The user can thereby add on one or both of the add-on weights  298 ,  300  without leaving the exercise bench, or lifting and adjusting extra weights. If so selected, an upper periphery of the add-on weights  298 ,  300  are engaged with add-on weight stabilization brackets  306 ,  307 . The add-on weight stabilization brackets  306 ,  307  preferably are attached to the first weight  276 . The add-on weight stabilization brackets  306 ,  307  define over add-on weights  298 ,  300  an upper peripheral aperture  311 ,  313 , respectively. The add-on weight stabilization brackets  306 ,  307  also inhibit movement of each add-on weight  298 ,  300  outside of its intended path during use. Specifically, the add-on weight stabilization brackets  306 ,  307  prevent the lateral and fore and aft movement of each add-on weight  298 ,  300  relative to the weight stack or frame. Each add-on weight  298 ,  300  includes extending upwardly therefrom a cooperating add-on weight stabilization member. In the preferred embodiment, the add-on weight stabilization members are add-on weight stabilization pins  315 ,  316 ; however, in alternative embodiments, add-on weight stabilization pins  315 ,  316  can have different shapes, can include more than one pin, or can be removed entirely and replaced by the top portion of the add-on weight having a tapered or narrowed shape that would still engage the stabilization brackets  306 ,  307 . 
   In addition, each add-on weight  298 ,  300  defines extending outwardly therefrom a pair of add-on weight support studs  319 ,  320 . The pair of add-on weight support studs  319 ,  320  act with a pair of generally U-shaped slots  322 ,  324  defined in the add-on weight support bracket  292  to support the add-on weights  298 ,  300  when not selected, as shown in  FIG. 11 . Other stabilizing arrangements are within the principles of the present invention. 
   Thus, if an add-on weight  298  is selected, the weight selector pin  284  captures the add-on weight  298  in the add-on weight stabilization bracket  306 . With the cooperating weight slot  294 , the add-on weight stabilization bracket  306  acts to cradle the weight in a secure orientation. The add-on weight stabilization pin  315  extends upwardly from the add-on weight  298  into the cooperating upper peripheral aperture  311  defined in the add-on weight stabilization bracket  306 . This adds a second region of contact for the add-on weight  298  that keeps the add-on weight  298  from moving front-to-back and side-to-side. The second add-on weight  300  is likewise secured when selected by the user. In addition, both add-on weights  298 ,  300  can be likewise secured if selected by the user. 
   While the embodiment described herein utilizes the selector pin/lifting post arrangement known in the art to select combinations of the add-on weights, various other apparatus can be utilized and be within the scope of the present invention. 
   Thus, a mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention adds weight with sufficient support to minimize movement during the exercise routine and preclude lost weights. A mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention does not upset of the balance of the weights of such exercise apparatus with respect to the mechanisms that connect the weights to the user. In addition, a mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention does not use add-on weights that are guided in a track that can alter the applied weight to the user. Still further, a mechanism for add-on weights in accordance with the principles of the present invention achieves these advantages without use of costly, complicated structure. 
   Referring back to  FIGS. 1 ,  8  and  9 , during use of the exercise apparatus  100 , a person sits on seat  106  and activates the control assembly  240  to position the user a comfortable distance from the handles. Simultaneously, the person rotates the rest position assembly and thereby positions the handles at a comfortable height. Should the user desire a different amount of lateral movement, the user can adjust the support assembly by repositioning the first locking pin  156  in a different aperture  180 . The user can then move one or both arms to perform the desired workout. Resistance is provided in each arm by a cable  400  that attaches to the load-bearing assembly  116 .  FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the press assembly shown in  FIG. 1  and the rest position assembly and rest position adjustment assembly depicted in  FIG. 4 . The cable  400  is connected to the lower surface of arm  110  by a shackle  404 . This connection can preferably be positioned at a location in line with the rest position assembly pivot axis  196 . Doing so allows the rest position to be adjusted without affecting the required length of the cable. A similar arrangement is provided for arm  108 . 
   While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, while the embodiment described herein was a press station, the principles of the present invention encompass other type of exercise equipment as well. Accordingly, it will be intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.