Patent Publication Number: US-11389689-B2

Title: Weight ratio arrangement for a weight machine

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This disclosure relates generally to exercise or weight machines and, more particularly, to a weight ratio arrangement that allows a user to vary a mechanical advantage provided by traditional pulley arrangements on the exercise or weight machines. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Various exercise machines for strength training and conditioning have been developed including machines that utilize a weight stack and pulley arrangement to provide resistance to an exercising motion by a user. A conventional exercise machine has a frame, a load, or some type of arrangement for providing resistance mounted on the frame, and multiple exercise stations that are connected to the load. Typically, pulleys and cables are used to connect the load to the exercise stations. The pulleys and cables provide a mechanical advantage to a user using the exercise station. The mechanical advantage provided can be positive, negative, or neutral. 
     A conventional cable and pulley arrangement uses a first cable connected at a first end to the load or weight stack and at a second end to a first pulley. A second cable may be connected at a first end to a first exercise station. A second end of the second cable may engage a second pulley, then engage the first pulley, then a third pulley before finally being fixed to the frame. This pulley configuration allows the user to provide a force of 50% of the load or weight stack to lift the load or weight stack. The mechanical advantage in this pulley and cable arrangement is in a ratio of 2:1. The addition or subtraction of pulleys alters the mechanical advantage experienced by the user. 
     Many exercise machines are designed for use in areas that are smaller than a traditional gym, for example, a home or apartment. With these reduced areas, it has become increasingly important to conserve space by reducing the size of exercise machines. This reduced area arrangement for exercise machines is accomplished by providing multiple cable and pulley arrangements that are operable independent of one another. Conventional cable and pulley arrangements incorporate a fixed mechanical advantage that is predetermined by the number and position of the pulleys in the system. 
     Using these conventional cable and pulley arrangements, the user is limited to changing resistance levels in fixed increments determined by how much each weight of the weight stack weighs. For example, if the cable and pulley system allows for a 2:1 ratio and each weight plate in the weight stack weighs 20 pounds, the user can change the resistance only in 10 pound increments. For an exerciser to increase the resistance by less than a full 10 pounds, for example by 5 pounds, the user must add further weight to the stack, which are often in the form of a smaller weight to attach to the weight stack. 
     Other exercise machines have been developed that allow for a plurality of weight ratios. In particular, a cable and pulley arrangement including two floating pulleys that allow for an exercise machine to contain multiple exercise stations having varying mechanical advantage ratios have been developed. Devices using this type of arrangement, however, typically require the use of different exercise stations to vary the weight ratio. Due to the need to change exercise stations, the ability of the user to choose a varied weight ratio while exercising at the same station is not provided. A weight ratio arrangement may affect the cable pull and weight ratio together. Some user exercises need short travel and a heavy load, while other user exercises need long travel and a light load. Therefore, having an effective conversion mechanism on the same exercise machine could reduce the amount of exercise machines needed to perform the various user exercises. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an exercise machine may include a support frame, at least one weight rack configured to receive added weight, a locking mechanism movable between a locked position in which only one movable pulley block is movable and an unlocked position in which the two movable pulley blocks are movable, and a weight ratio arrangement engaged with the support frame, the at least one weight rack, and a first attachment extending from the support frame, the weight ratio arrangement may include an exercise cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first attachment and the second end being connected to a portion of the exercise machine, and at least two movable pulley blocks, each movable pulley block including at least one pulley, wherein the at least one weight rack is attached to and configured to move with one of the at least two movable pulley blocks. The exercise cable may be a cable operatively connected to the at least two movable pulley blocks. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least two movable pulley blocks may include a first movable pulley block and a second movable pulley block, the at least one weight rack may be attached to and configured to move with the first movable pulley block, and the first movable pulley block may be disposed vertically above the second movable pulley block. The second movable pulley block may be configured to be locked by the locking mechanism between a locked position in which only the first movable pulley block is movable and an unlocked position in which the first and the second movable pulley blocks are movable. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, at least two throughholes may include a first through hole and a second throughhole provided on the support frame and a third throughhole provided on one of the at least two movable pulley blocks, and the third throughhole may be aligned between the first and the second throughholes in the locked position. The at least one pulley may be positioned on the support frame adjacent to the first attachment, and the at least one pulley may be configured to direct the exercise cable in a downward or upward direction. The at least one pulley may be slidably mounted on the support frame and movable in a vertical direction on the support frame. At least one guide rod may be attached to the support frame, and the at least two movable pulley blocks may be configured to move in a vertical direction along the at least one guide rod. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a stop member may be positioned between the at least two movable pulley blocks to prevent the at least two movable pulley blocks from contacting one another. At least one floating pulley may be operatively connected to the exercise cable. A second attachment and a pull-down cable may have a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the second attachment and the second end being connected to the at least one floating pulley. At least one pull-down pulley may be positioned on the support frame adjacent to the second attachment, and the at least one pull-down pulley may be configured to direct the pull-down cable downward. A weight stack arrangement may be with the support frame, including an adjustable weight stack and a weight stack cable which may have a first end and a second end, the first end may be connected to the adjustable weight stack and the second end may be connected to the at least one movable pulley block. The weight stack arrangement may include at least one weight stack pulley configured to direct the weight stack cable from the adjustable weight stack to the at least one movable pulley block. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a cable and pulley arrangement for an exercise machine may include a weight ratio pulley arrangement engaged with a support frame, the weight ratio arrangement may include a first exercise handle, a second exercise handle, at least one weight rack configured to adjustably receive added weight, and a weight ratio arrangement engaged with the support frame, the at least one weight rack, the first exercise handle, and the second exercise handle, the weight ratio arrangement may include first exercise cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first exercise handle and the second end being connected to a portion of the exercise machine, two movable pulley blocks, each movable pulley block including at least one pulley, wherein the at least one weight rack is configured to move with one of the at least two movable pulley blocks, a locking mechanism movable between a locked position in which only one movable pulley block is movable and an unlocked position in which the two movable pulley blocks are movable, at least one floating pulley, and a second exercise cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the second exercise handle and the second end being connected to the at least one floating pulley. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first exercise cable may be operatively connected to a first movable pulley block of the at least two movable pulley blocks, the first exercise cable may be operatively connected to a second movable pulley block of the at least two movable pulley blocks, the first exercise cable may be operatively connected to the at least one floating pulley, and the second movable pulley block is prevented from moving when the locking mechanism is in the locked position. The locking mechanism may include a pin and at least two through holes configured to receive the pin therethrough, at least one throughhole may be provided on the support frame and at least one throughhole is provided the second movable pulley block, and the pin may be slidably received through the at least two throughholes in the locked position. 
     According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one guide rod may be attached to the support frame, and the at least two movable pulley blocks may be configured to move in a vertical direction along the at least one guide rod. The at least one weight rack may be configured to receive plated weights thereon. The at least one weight rack may be a weight stack arrangement including and adjustable weight stack and a weight stack cable having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the adjustable weight stack and the second end connected to the at least one movable pulley block. 
     The present disclosure may be further defined by the following clauses: 
     Clause 1. An exercise machine comprising: a support frame; at least one weight rack configured to receive added weight; a weight ratio arrangement engaged with the support frame, the at least one weight rack, and a first attachment extending from the support frame, the weight ratio arrangement comprising: an exercise cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first attachment and the second end being connected to a portion of the exercise machine; and at least two movable pulley blocks, each movable pulley block including at least one pulley, wherein the at least one weight rack is attached to and configured to move with one of the at least two movable pulley blocks; and a locking mechanism movable between a locked position in which only one movable pulley block is movable and an unlocked position in which the two movable pulley blocks are movable, wherein the exercise cable is cable is operatively connected to the at least two movable pulley blocks. 
     Clause 2. The exercise machine of clause 1, wherein the at least two movable pulley blocks comprises a first movable pulley block and a second movable pulley block, wherein the at least one weight rack is attached to and configured to move with the first movable pulley, and wherein the first movable pulley block is disposed vertically above the second movable pulley block. 
     Clause 3. The exercise machine of clause 1 or 2, wherein the second movable pulley block is configured to be locked by the locking mechanism between a locked position in which only the first movable pulley block is movable and an unlocked position in which the first and the second movable pulley blocks are movable. 
     Clause 4. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pin and at least two through holes configured to receive the pin therethrough, wherein at least one throughhole is provided on the support frame and at least one throughhole is provided on one of the at least two movable pulley blocks, and wherein the pin is slidably received through the at least two throughholes in the locked position. 
     Clause 5. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-4, wherein at least two throughholes comprise a first through hole and a second throughhole provided on the support frame and a third throughhole provided on one of the at least two movable pulley blocks, and wherein the third throughhole is aligned between the first and the second throughholes in the locked position. 
     Clause 6. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-5, further comprising at least one pulley positioned on the support frame adjacent to the first attachment, wherein the at least one pulley is configured to direct the exercise cable in a downward or upward direction. 
     Clause 7. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the at least one pulley is slidably mounted on the support frame and movable in a vertical direction on the support frame. 
     Clause 8. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising at least one guide rod attached to the support frame, wherein the at least two movable pulley blocks are configured to move in a vertical direction along the at least one guide rod 
     Clause 9. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-8, further comprising a stop member positioned between the at least two movable pulley blocks to prevent the at least two movable pulley blocks from contacting one another. 
     Clause 10. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising at least one floating pulley operatively connected to the exercise cable. 
     Clause 11. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-10, further comprising a second attachment and a pull-down cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the second attachment and the second end being connected to the at least one floating pulley. 
     Clause 12. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-11, further comprising at least one pull-down pulley positioned on the support frame adjacent to the second attachment, wherein the at least one pull-down pulley is configured to direct the pull-down cable downward. 
     Clause 13. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-12, further comprising a weight stack arrangement engaged with the support frame comprising: an adjustable weight stack; and a weight stack cable having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the adjustable weight stack and the second end connected to the at least one movable pulley block. 
     Clause 14. The exercise machine of any of clauses 1-13, wherein the weight stack arrangement further comprises at least one weight stack pulley configured to direct the weight stack cable from the adjustable weight stack to the at least one movable pulley block. 
     Clause 15. A cable and pulley arrangement for an exercise machine, comprising: a weight ratio pulley arrangement engaged with a support frame, the weight ratio arrangement comprising: a first exercise handle; a second exercise handle; at least one weight rack configured to adjustably receive added weight; and a weight ratio arrangement engaged with the support frame, the at least one weight rack, the first exercise handle, and the second exercise handle, the weight ratio arrangement comprising: a first exercise cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first exercise handle and the second end being connected to a portion of the exercise machine; two movable pulley blocks, each movable pulley block including at least one pulley, wherein the at least one weight rack is configured to move with one of the at least two movable pulley blocks; a locking mechanism movable between a locked position in which only one movable pulley block is movable and an unlocked position in which the two movable pulley blocks are movable, at least one floating pulley; and a second exercise cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the second exercise handle and the second end being connected to the at least one floating pulley. 
     Clause 16. The cable and pulley arrangement of clause 15, wherein the first exercise cable is operatively connected to a first movable pulley block of the at least two movable pulley blocks, wherein the first exercise cable is operatively connected to a second movable pulley block of the at least two movable pulley blocks, wherein the first exercise cable is operatively connected to the at least one floating pulley, and wherein the second movable pulley block is prevented from moving when the locking mechanism is in the locked position. 
     Clause 17. The cable and pulley arrangement of clause 15 or 16, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pin and at least two through holes configured to receive the pin therethrough, wherein at least one throughhole is provided on the support frame and at least one throughhole is provided the second movable pulley block, and wherein the pin is slidably received through the at least two throughholes in the locked position. 
     Clause 18. The cable and pulley arrangement of any of clauses 15-17, further comprising at least one guide rod attached to the support frame, wherein the at least two movable pulley blocks are configured to move in a vertical direction along the at least one guide rod. 
     Clause 19. The cable and pulley arrangement of any of clauses 15-18, wherein the at least one weight rack is configured to receive plated weights thereon. 
     Clause 20. The cable and pulley arrangement of any of clauses 15-19, wherein the at least one weight rack is a weight stack arrangement comprising: an adjustable weight stack; and a weight stack cable having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the adjustable weight stack and the second end connected to the at least one movable pulley block. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise machine with a weight ratio arrangement applied to two high-low pulley column machines showing users using the exercise machine and the weight ratio arrangement in different exercise positions; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective, partially-transparent view of one high-low pulley column machine of the exercise machine with a weight ratio arrangement applied thereto of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of the weight ratio arrangement of the single high-low pulley column machine of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the one high-low pulley column machine of  FIG. 2  with the weight ratio arrangement in a 1:1 and 1:2 weight ratio configuration; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of the weight ratio arrangement of the single high-low pulley column machine of  FIG. 4  with the weight ratio arrangement in a 1:1 and 1:2 weight ratio configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the one high-low pulley column machine of  FIG. 2  with the weight ratio arrangement in a 1:2 and 1:4 weight ratio configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of the weight ratio arrangement of the single high-low pulley column machine of  FIG. 6  with the weight ratio arrangement in a 1:2 and 1:4 weight ratio configuration; 
         FIG. 8  a perspective view of a pulley block locking mechanism in a locked position; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a pulley block locking mechanism in an unlocked position; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of the weight ratio arrangement of  FIG. 2 , coupled to a weight stack. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the exercise machine with a weight ratio arrangement of  FIG. 1  coupled to a weight stack. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one high-low pulley column machine of the exercise machine in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as it is oriented in the figures. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary aspects of the disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the aspects disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. 
     The present disclosure is directed to, in general, an exercise or weight machine and, more particularly, to a weight ratio arrangement that allows a user to vary a mechanical advantage provided by traditional pulley arrangements on the exercise or weight machines. Certain aspects of the components of the exercise or weight machine and the weight ratio arrangement are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-11   
     With reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 11 , a non-limiting embodiment of an exercise machine  10  (also referred to a weight machine or a weightlifting machine) that includes different exercise stations is shown. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the exercise machine  10  includes a support frame  12  that houses several different components of the exercise machine  10 , including a first exercise station  14   a  and a second exercise station  14   b . Each exercise station  14   a ,  14   b  may include a lat pull-down portion with a lat bar  16   a ,  16   b  and a row portion with exercise handles  18   a ,  18   b . The user(s) may pull on the lat bars  16   a ,  16   b  and the exercise handles  18   a ,  18   b  to pull a load attached to the exercise machine  10  for exercising. Although only lat bars  16   a ,  16   b  and exercise handles  18   a ,  18   b  are shown, it is contemplated that other weight lifting handles, seats, and equipment may be used in conjunction with the exercise machine  10 . For example, a user may sit on a bench in an inclined position and perform various exercises with the lat bars  16   a ,  16   b , and/or the exercise handles  18   a ,  18   b  other than the exercises illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6 , the load attached to the exercise machine  10  may be in the form of plated weights  20 . The plated weights  20  may be slidably received on a first weight rack  102  and a second weight rack  104 . Any number of plated weights  20  being any amount of weight may be added to the first and second weight racks  102 ,  104 . As shown in  FIG. 11  and discussed in more detail below, the load may also be in the form of a weight stack  130 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a non-limiting embodiment of a weight ratio arrangement  100  for use in the exercise machine  10  is described. The weight ratio arrangement  100  is provided in the exercise machine  10  to provide resistance against a user&#39;s pulling force on the exercise handle  18   a  or lat bar  16   a . The resistance from the weight ratio arrangement  100  is provided by the weight ratio arrangement&#39;s  100  connection to the first weight rack  102  and the second weight rack  104 . First and second weight racks  102 ,  104  are located on the top movable pulley block  115 . A user may add weights of various seizes to the first and second weight racks  102 ,  104  to obtain a desired resistance. 
     The weight ratio arrangement  100  includes an exercise cable  22  and a plurality of pulleys, as described in further detail below. A first end of the exercise cable  22  is connected to the exercise handle  18   a . A second opposing end of the exercise cable  22  is connected to a pulley block  111  provided on support frame  12  of the exercise machine  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the exercise cable  22  extends from the exercise handle  18   a  through the pulley block  111  that includes the pulley  110 . The pulley block  111  may be vertically adjusted on the support frame  12  into different positions to perform different exercises for users of varying heights. The pulley block  111  may slide along the support frame  12  and engage with various portions of the support frame  12  in order to be vertically adjusted, or the pulley block  111  may include a slidable pin or removable locking mechanism  24  that is received within one or more holes  26  (only one numbered for clarity) in order to be adjusted vertically along the support frame  12 . 
     With the first end of the exercise cable  22  connected to the exercise handle  18   a  and the second end of the exercise cable  22  connected to the adjustable pulley block  111 , the exercise cable  22  also adjusts its position relative to the support frame  12  with pulley block  111  as pulley block  111  is vertically adjusted. It is contemplated that the second end of the exercise cable  22  may be attached to other portions of the support frame  12 . In such instances, pulley block  111  may be fixed to a portion of the support frame  12  in order to keep the exercise cable  22  properly routed within the weight ratio arrangement  100 . 
     The exercise cable  22  is guided through the pulley  108  downwardly to a pulley  112  fixed to a bottom portion of the support frame  12 . The exercise cable  22  is directed through another pulley  114  also fixed to a bottom portion of the support frame  12 . The exercise cable  22  is then directed upwards to pulley block  113  fixed to an upper portion of the support frame  12 . Within pulley block  113 , the exercise cable  22  is directed through a pulley  116  and further directed through a pulley  118 . It is contemplated that pulley  114  may be located upwards within pulley block  113  instead of downwards in a bottom portion of the support frame  12 . Either configuration may be appropriate for the weight ratio arrangement  100 . 
     The exercise cable  22  is then directed downward to the top movable pulley block  115 . The exercise cable  22  is directed through a pulley  120  in the top movable pulley block  115  and upwards to another pulley  122  attached to pulley block  113 . Although not shown, it is contemplated that pulley  122  may be within pulley block  113 , attached to a pulley block  119 , or within pulley block  119  so as to maintain proper spacing between the multiple pulleys described herein, so the weight ratio arrangement  100  operates properly. 
     After being directed through pulley  120  and top movable pulley block  115 , the exercise cable  22  is again directed downward to a bottom movable pulley block  117  and a pulley  124  located therein. Bottom movable pulley block  117  and pulley  124  are shown as being larger than top movable pulley block  115  and pulley  120  for clarity purposes in  FIGS. 3, 5, 7, and 10 . Bottom movable pulley block  117  and pulley  124  may be any size relative to top movable pulley block  115  and pulley  120  in practice. Top movable pulley block  115  and bottom movable pulley block  117  are both movable along a first pole  150  and a second pole  152 . Both first and second poles  150 ,  152  are mounted to a bottom portion and a top portion of the support frame  12  and portions of the top movable pulley block  115  and bottom movable pulley block  117  may receive the first and second poles  150 ,  152  thereon in order to facilitate the movement of each. 
     The exercise cable  22  is then directed upwards from pulley  124  and towards pulley block  119  where it is then directed through pulley  126  located therein. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the exercise cable  22  may also be directed through pulley  200  also located within pulley block  119 , however pulley  200  may only serve to organize the exercise cable  22  within the exercise machine  10  and may or may not be needed depending on the configuration of the other pulleys within the exercise machine  10 . The exercise cable  22  is directed downwards through a floating pulley  128  before being direct upwards again to pulley  130  also located within pulley block  119 . The exercise cable  22  is directed to pulley  132  housed in pulley block  113  and downward to be fixed to the pulley block  111 . As shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, and 11 , pulley block  113  and pulley block  119  are two halves of a pulley block unit, however it is contemplated that they may be completely separate pulley blocks used for housing their respective pulleys. 
     In the configuration described above, the exercise cable  22  interacts with bottom movable pulley block  117  and pulley  124  to change the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement  100 . Depending on which handle is used, either the lat bar  16   a  or exercise handle  18   a , and whether or not the bottom movable pulley block  117  is in the locked or unlocked position, the user may experience a 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4 weight ratio. Each of these scenarios will be described in more detail below. As the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement  100  changes, the user of the exercise machine  10  can experience three different resistance levels with the same amount of weight applied to the first and second weight racks  102 ,  104 . This is made possible by the mechanical advantage provided by the pulley system of the weight ratio arrangement  100 . As the number of movable pulleys changes, so too does the amount of resistance experienced by a user of the exercise machine  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 8  the bottom movable pulley block  117  is in the locked position. In the locked position, the bottom movable pulley block  117  and pulley  124  have no bearing on the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement  100 . As a user pulls on exercise handle  18   a , the bottom movable pulley block  117  remains connected to the support frame  12  while only the top movable pulley block  115  moves along the first and second poles  150 ,  152 . By pulling the exercise handle  18   a , the user also pulls the exercise cable  22  which in turn pulls pulley  120  of the top movable pulley block  115  upwards. In the locked position, the weight ratio arrangement  100  is set at a 1:2 weight ratio for the exercise handle  18   a . This means that the top movable pulley block  115 , the weight racks  102 ,  104 , and any plated weights  20  on the weight racks  102 ,  104  move up the poles  150 ,  152  half the distance that the user pulls the exercise handle  18   a . For example, if the user were to pull the exercise handle  18   a  sixteen (16) inches away from the support frame  12 , the top movable pulley block  115 , the weight racks  102 ,  104 , and any plated weight  20  would only move up the poles  150 ,  152  eight (8) inches. In other words, when the weight ratio arrangement  100  is set at a 1:2 weight ratio, a user exercising will displace the exercise handle  18   a  a distance twice as much as the weight racks  102 ,  104  and their associated plated weights  20  are displaced. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 , the bottom movable pulley block  117  is in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the bottom movable pulley block  117  and pulley  124  changes the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement  100  from a 1:2 weight ratio to a 1:4 weight ratio for exercise handle  18   a . As a user pulls on exercise handle  18   a  both the top movable pulley block  115  and bottom movable pulley  117  move along the first and second poles  150 ,  152 . By pulling the exercise handle  18   a , the user also pulls the exercise cable  22  which now pulls pulley  120  and pulley  124  upwards moving the top movable pulley block  115  and bottom movable pulley block  117  upwards as well. As is with the locked position, the weight racks  102 ,  104  and any plated weights  20  thereon also move with the top movable pulley block  115 . Because the exercise cable  22  moves both the top movable pulley block  115  and the bottom movable pulley block  117  upwards, the user experiences the 1:4 weight ratio mentioned above. This means if the user were to pull the exercise handle  18   a  sixteen (16) inches away from the support frame  12 , the top movable pulley block  115  and the bottom movable pulley block  117  would only move upwards four (4) inches along the first and second poles  150 ,  152 . In other words, when the weight ratio arrangement  100  is set at a 1:4 weight ratio, a user exercising will displace the exercise handle  18   a  a distance four times as much as the weight racks  102 ,  104  and their associated plated weights  20  are displaced. The varying distances required to pull the same amount of plated weights  20  depending on configuration of the weight ratio arrangement  100  allow a user to experience different exercise resistance with the same amount of equipment. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , an arrangement for a lat bar cable  30  and pulley system is described according to another non-limiting embodiment. One end of the lat bar cable  30  is connected to the lat bar  16   a  and an opposing second end of the lat bar cable  30  is fixed to the floating pulley  128 . From the lat bar  16   a , the lat bar cable  30  is directed over a first pulley  140  provided on an upper portion of the support frame  12  and over another pulley  142  provided on an opposing end of the support frame  12 . Each pulley  140 ,  142  is housed within a pulley block  141 ,  143 . The lat bar cable  30  is then directed downwards through a pulley  144  which is housed within a pulley block  145 . The lat bar cable  30  is then directed upwards where it is fixed to the floating pulley  128 . 
     Because floating pulley  128  is also connected to the pulley and cable system that includes exercise handle  18   a  and exercise cable  22 , as described above, the lat bar cable  30  and pulley system also encounters a resistance determined by the plated weight  20  added by a user to weight racks  102 ,  104  as well as the chosen weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement  100 . When bottom movable pulley block  117  is in a locked position, the bottom movable pulley block  117  has no bearing on the weight ratio of the machine. Because the lat bar cable  30  is connected to the floating pulley  128 , a user pulling the lat bar  16   a  with bottom movable pulley block  117  in the locked position experiences a 1:1 weight ratio. For example, when a user pulls the lat bar  16   a  sixteen (16) inches away from the support frame  12 , the lat bar cable  30  pulls the floating pulley  128  downwards sixteen (16) inches, which in turn pulls the exercise cable  22  causing pulley  120  to be pulled upwards thus moving the first movable pulley block  115  up the first and second poles  150 ,  152  sixteen (16) inches as well. In other words, when the weight ratio arrangement  100  is set at a 1:1 weight ratio, a user exercising will displace the lat bar  16   a  an equal distance relative to the weight racks  102 ,  104  and their associated plated weights  20 . 
     In the unlocked position, a user pulling the lat bar  16   a  experiences a 1:2 weight ratio. In the unlocked position, both the first movable pulley block  115  and the second movable pulley block  117  are moved by their respective pulleys  120 ,  124  located therein. When the lat bar cable  30  moves the floating pulley  128  which in turn moves the exercise cable  22 , the first movable pulley block  115  and the second movable pulley block  117  move up the first and second poles  150 ,  152  providing the 1:2 weight ratio. For example, when a user pulls the lat bar  16   a  sixteen (16) inches away from the support frame  12 , the first movable pulley block  115 , any plated weight  20  attached to the weight racks  102 ,  104 , and the second movable pulley block  117  move up the first and second poles  150 ,  152  eight (8) inches. 
     With reference to  FIG. 12 , it is contemplated that the exercise machine  10  may not have lat bar  16   a , lat bar cable  30 , and their associated pulleys and pulley blocks attached to the support frame  12 . With these elements removed from the exercise machine  10 , only the exercise handle  18   a , exercise cable  22 , along with the necessary pulleys and pulley blocks required to maintain the weight ratio arrangement  100  described above are connected to the support frame  12 . In other words, only the pulleys and pulley blocks required to provide the desired 1:2 or 1:4 weight ratio to an individual using exercise handle  18   a  may be attached to the support frame  12 . Floating pulley  128  and pulley  130  are removed from the exercise machine  10 . In such an arrangement, the routing of the exercise cable  22  from the exercise handle  18   a  through pulley  124  located within bottom movable pulley block  117  remains the same as described above. After being routed through pulley  124 , exercise cable  22  is directed through pulley  126  where the exercise cable  22  is then routed across the support frame  12  to pulley  132 . From pulley  132 , the exercise cable  22  is directed downwardly to movable pulley block  111  where the second end of the exercise cable  22  may be attached. Pulleys  126 ,  132  may be housed in pulley block  113  along with pulleys  116 ,  118 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the locking mechanism used to lock the bottom movable pulley block  117  will now be described. In the locked position, as shown in  FIG. 8 , locking pin  180  is inserted into receiving slots  184 ,  186 . Receiving slot  184  is connected to the bottom movable pulley block  117  and receiving slots  186   a ,  186   b  is connected to the support frame  12 . When in the locked position, the receiving slots  184 ,  186   a ,  186   b  align to accept locking pin  180 . This configuration ensures the bottom movable pulley block  117  is connected to support frame  12  and is unable to move. In the unlocked position, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the locking pin  180  is removed from the receiving slots  184 ,  186  allowing the bottom movable pulley block  117  to move freely. In order to prevent the locking pin  180  from getting lost or misplaced, connector  182  may be provided to ensure the locking pin  180  remains connected to support frame  12 . Any type of connector may be used so long as locking pin  180  is freely able to slide into and out of receiving slots  184 ,  186   a ,  186   b  and alter the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , in a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a weight stack  160  be attached the above-described exercise machine  10  in order to provide a user resistance instead of the plated weights  20  located on the weight racks  102 ,  104 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , a frame extension  13  may be used to house the weight stack  160  and other elements required to operate the weight stack  160  as will now be described. The attached weight stack  160  has a weight stack cable  162  with a first end fixed to the weight stack  160  and a second end fixed to the top movable pulley block  115  replacing the plated weights  20  and weight racks  102 ,  104 . The weight stack cable  162  runs from the first end upward through pulley  164  and further directed through pulley  166 . Both pulley  164  and pulley  166  are housed in pulley block  163 . From there, the weight stack cable  162  is directed downwards to pulley  168  and continues to run through pulley  170  where it is directed upwards to the top movable pulley block  115 . Pulley  168  is housed in pulley block  165  and pulley  170  is housed in pulley block  167 . This embodiment has the same advantages as described above for both exercise handle  18   a  users and lat bar  16   a  users, the only difference being instead of a user adding a desired amount of resistance to the weight racks  102 ,  104 , the user may choose a desired resistance from the weight stack  160 . The user chooses the resistance provided by the weight stack by means known to those having skill in the art. For example, a locking mechanism such as a receiving pin may be adjusted along the weight stack  160  to select the desired amount of weight to be applied as a resistance to the exercise machine  10 . 
     While various aspects of the exercise machines  10  and weight ratio arrangement  100  were provided in the foregoing description, those skilled in the art may make modifications and alterations to these aspects without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other aspect. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The invention described hereinabove is defined by the appended claims and all changes to the invention that fall within the meaning and the range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.