Patent Abstract:
An exercise machine has resilient elongate members for providing balanced resistance in the form of elongate resilient members oriented horizontally such that the intermediate portion of the elongate members contact a fulcrum of the exercise machine. The user adjusts the amount of resistance provided by capturing different combinations and numbers of resilient elongate members. A cable and pulley system ensures a long stroke so that the use can perform a wide variety of exercises in comfortable positions.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. The Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to exercise devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an exercise device having resilient elongate members for providing resistance against which a user can exercise.  
           [0003]    2. Background and Relevant Art  
           [0004]    Society in general is becoming more health-conscious. A result of this has been an increased demand for fitness devices that can be utilized to attain and maintain healthy levels of fitness. Multi-function exercise machines have been developed in response to this demand. Multi-function exercise machines are often adapted to be convenient to operate and store, while still providing the range of exercises necessary to provide effective all around fitness.  
           [0005]    One type of conventional multi-function exercise machine utilizes a stack of weights to provide resistance needed by users during exercise. A user repetitively raises some, or all, of the weight stack. The force of gravity provides the resistance needed to allow the user to exercise. However, due to the mass of the weights, these machines are heavy and can be difficult for a home user to move.  
           [0006]    Exercise machines that use flexible members to provide resistance have been developed as an alternative to weight stack machines. One such device available in the market incorporates two sets of flexible rods of varying resistance. The bottom end of each set of rods is attached to the base of the machine with the rods extending vertically upwards therefrom. A cable is attached to the top end of each set of rods by means of a large hook that is threaded through loops at the top end of each rod. By bundling the rods in this manner, the user can adjust the amount of resistance used during exercise. By displacing the cables, a user can utilize the resistance provided by the flexible rods to exercise various muscle groups.  
           [0007]    However, the manner in which the hook apparatus must be used to bundle the flexible rods together is awkward, requiring the use of two hands, i.e. a first hand to hold the hook and a second hand to thread the hook through the loops on the rods. Since there are two sets of rods, this process must be done twice.  
           [0008]    In addition, since there are two sets of rods, there are two independent sources of resistance, adding a level of complexity to the use of the exercise apparatus. For example, the user must carefully monitor the amount of resistance used on each side in order to maintain equilateral workout resistances for each side of the body. Moreover, the length of the user&#39;s stroke is limited to the how far the ends of the flexible rods can be displaced, whereas certain exercises require a long stroke.  
           [0009]    There is, therefore, a need for an improved exercise device that utilizes flexible members to provide resistance. There is a need for an exercise device having readily adjustable resistance that is simple and efficient. There is also a need for a device that has an efficient stroke length.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The exercise machine of the present invention has a support assembly to which are coupled a plurality of resilient elongate members, a cable and pulley system, and, optionally, a bench. The exercise machine is adapted to allow a user to exercise using the resistance provided by the flexible, resilient, elongate members. The configuration of the exercise machine provides many benefits including, for example: exercise rods positioned on a fulcrum at the intermediate portion of the rods, a capture device enabling one handed addition and removal of resistance rods, movement of both ends of the resilient elongate members when the cable is drawn, equivalent resistance on both ends of the cable independently of whether equal amounts of resistance are provided at the cable ends, a cable and pulley system providing compounding effects of the resistance, rotatable resilient elongate members allowing convenient storage of the device, and a plurality of additional features and benefits.  
           [0011]    A resilient elongate member assembly comprises a plurality of elongate members positioned on a fulcrum. In a preferred embodiment, horizontally oriented resilient elongate members of the present invention are centrally positioned on the fulcrum. The resilient elongate members flex when a force is applied to them, and are used to provide resistance for the user to exercise against. The user is able to adjust the amount of resistance used during exercise by using a pair of capture devices to add or delete resilient elongate members utilized to provide resistance. These are coupled to each end of a resilient elongate member and are adapted to allow the user to selectively capture resilient elongate members to increase or decrease the resistance. In a preferred embodiment, the capture device is adapted to allow the user to add or delete resilient elongate members using one hand.  
           [0012]    The cable and pulley system comprises a plurality of pulleys and one or more cables. The cable and pulley system is configured such that a pulley is coupled to each end of a resilient elongate member assembly. A cable is adapted to be threaded through these pulleys. Additional pulleys are used to alter the direction of the cable to accommodate traditional exercise positions. Handles and other exercise accessories are adapted to be selectively coupled to the cable and pulley system to allow a user to utilize the resistance provided by the resilient elongate members. The resilient elongate members flex downwards following the path of the cable to provide resistance. Further pulleys are cables can be coupled to the machine to enable a wide variety of exercise to be undertaken.  
           [0013]    The cable and pulley system of the present invention allows the user to take a long stroke due to the mechanical advantage provided by the cable and pulley system. The cable and pulley system also eliminates the need to capture the same amount of resistance at each end of the resilient elongate member assembly.  
           [0014]    The user can benefit from a bench as source of balance and stability when doing exercises. A leg exercise unit is attached to the bench. The leg exercise unit can be connected to the cable and pulley system, thus allowing the user to undertake a variety of leg exercises against the resistance of the resilient elongate members.  
           [0015]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective front view of an exercise machine according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 featuring cables of the cable and pulley system and having alternative pulley brackets mounted onto a lower, horizontal member of the frame;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a resilient elongate member assembly of the exercise machine the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the resilient elongate member assembly of FIG. 3A;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a capture device that is configured to capture the ends of one or more resilient elongate members according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a resilient elongate member assembly of the present invention featuring vertically stacked elongate members;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 5B illustrates a the assembly of FIG. 5A;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a vertically stacked resilient elongate member assembly;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 illustrates a resilient elongate member assembly of an exercise machine of the present invention showing the ends of multiple resilient elongate members held by one of the capture devices of the assembly;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the cable and pulley system of an exercise machine of the present invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating the exercise machine of the present invention in which the resilient elongate members and bench are in a storage position (device shown without cables);  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 illustrates a resilient elongate member assembly having a fulcrum which is rotatable, such that the resilient elongate member assembly is movable into a substantially horizontal use position or a substantially vertical storage position.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the resilient elongate member assembly of the present invention, including the rotatable fulcrum components according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]    An exercise machine  10  of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Exercise machine  10  of FIG. 1 includes a support assembly  11  comprising (i) a frame  12  and (ii) a fulcrum  30 . Support assembly  11  provides a mechanism for integrating components of the exercise machine  10 , the components including, for example, a plurality of resilient elongate members  28 , a cable and pulley system  24  (cables not shown in FIG. 1), and, optionally, a bench  26 .  
         [0031]    Frame  12  comprises a post  14 , a base member  16  which contacts a support surface (e.g., a floor or the ground), a lower horizontal member  18  and an upper horizontal member  20 . Post  14  provides a rigid upright for connecting various components of the present invention. Base member  16  is coupled to the bottom end of post  14  and may include wheels thereon for convenient moving of device  10 . Base member  16  provides a bottom support for post  14 .  
         [0032]    Lower horizontal member  18  is coupled to post  14 . Upper horizontal member  20  is coupled to the upper portion of post  14 . Frame  12  can include a variety of components combined in a variety of configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, frame  12  can be configured such that one or more of the referenced components is not present. For instance, upper horizontal member  20 , which facilitates overhead exercises, is not provided on a machine designed only for low reach exercises.  
         [0033]    In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the frame comprises another vertical surface such as a wall or pole. Thus, a cable and pulley system (e.g., system  24 ) and a fulcrum (e.g., fulcrum  30 ) may be coupled to such a surface (e.g., a pole or wall), in which case the surface forms a frame for the device. A frame of substantially horizontal orientation can also be used.  
         [0034]    A resilient elongate member assembly  22  of the present invention comprises: (i) a plurality of resilient elongate members  28 ; (ii) a fulcrum  30 ; and (iii) capture devices  32 ,  34 . The plurality of resilient elongate members  28  of the present invention are positioned on fulcrum  30 .  
         [0035]    In another embodiment, a resilient elongate member assembly of the present invention comprises a plurality of resilient elongate members coupled integrally to a fulcrum, which is coupled to the frame. In yet another embodiment, a single resilient elongate member is employed.  
         [0036]    A cable and pulley system  24  is also coupled to frame  12 . The cable(s) of the system  24  are shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 7. Cable and pulley system  24  provides a mechanism for utilizing the resistance provided by the plurality of resilient elongate members  28 . In one embodiment, the cable and pulley system  24  is selectively coupled to frame  12  and at least one of the plurality of resilient elongate members  28 .  
         [0037]    With reference now to FIG. 2, there is shown the cable and pulley system  24  of exercise machine  10  as well as additional components of exercise machine  10 . The exercise machine  10  includes a bench  26  coupled to upstanding member  14  of frame  12 . Bench  26  has an adjustable seat  106  and a leg exercise unit  108 . When performing certain exercises on the machine, the user sits on adjustable seat  106  to provide the necessary support and balance. Leg lever  110  of leg exercise unit  108  may be attached to cable and pulley system  24  by cable  114 . Cable  114  is fixed at a first end to leg lever  110 , is threaded over pulley  112 , and can be selectively coupled at its second end to first end  90   a  or second end  90   b  of cable  90 . In an alternative embodiment, the second end of cable  114  splits into or couples to dual cables, each dual cable end being coupleable to a corresponding end  90   a  or  90   b  of cable  90 . When cable  114  is coupled to cable  90 , force exerted on leg lever  110  is transmitted through cable  114  and cable  90 , causing the captured resilient elongate members to flex.  
         [0038]    A variety of components and configurations of exercise device  10  can be utilized without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, in alternative embodiments, a bench unit is not included as part of the exercise machine, or other components not previously discussed are utilized.  
         [0039]    The cable and pulley system  24  comprises pulleys  36 ,  38 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 , and  88  and cables  90 ,  96 ,  98 , and  114 . Optionally, a single cable may be substituted for cables  90 ,  96 , and  98 . Pulleys  76 ,  78 , and  80  are coupled to upstanding member  14 . Pulleys  82 ,  84  are coupled to lower horizontal member  18 . Pulleys  86 ,  88  are coupled to upper horizontal member  20 . Pulleys  36 ,  38  are coupled to resilient elongate members  28 .  
         [0040]    Cable  90  is coupled to pulleys  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  36 ,  38 . Cable  90  comprises a first end  90   a , a second end  90   b , and an intermediate portion  90   c . The intermediate portion  90   c  is the portion of cable  90  threaded through pulleys  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  36 , and  38 . Handles  92 ,  94  are shown coupled to cables  96 ,  98 , (e.g., for lat pull down exercises) but may optionally be coupled directly to opposing ends  90   a ,  90   b  of cable  90  for a variety of other exercises if desired.  
         [0041]    First end  90   a  and second end  90   b  of cable  90  allow users to exert a force on resilient elongate members  28 . When a user displaces first end  90   a  and/or second end  90   b , interaction between intermediate portion  90   c  and pulleys  36  and  38  displaces pulleys  36  and  38 .  
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the coupling of pulleys  36  and  38  to the ends of the one or more of the plurality of resilient elongate members  28 , and the associated configuration of cable  90 , is such that movement of the first end  90   a  or second end  90   b  of cable  90  causes movement of both ends of one or more of the plurality of resilient elongate members. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, movement of the first end  90   a  or second end  90   b  of cable  90  causes movement of both ends of the resilient elongate member shown as being flexed in FIG. 2.  
         [0043]    One or both ends of another resilient elongate member can be captured by one or more respective capture devices  32  shown in FIG. 2 in order to increase resistance (see FIG. 6). In other words, either one end or both ends of a resilient elongate member may be captured in order to increase resistance.  
         [0044]    Pulleys  82  and  84  of FIG. 2 may be coupled to the lower horizontal member of frame  14  through a variety of different methods, such as through the use of (i) an eyebolt coupled to the frame and (ii) a u-shaped bracket or eyebolt coupled thereto, which is in turn coupled to the respective pulley bracket. In another embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 8, the pulleys are coupled to the frame through the use of a pulley bracket coupled to a first tube (or pin), which pivots within a second tube coupled to the frame.  
         [0045]    Ballstops  91 ,  93  coupled to respective ends  90   a ,  90   b  prevent cable  90  from slipping off the pulleys of cable and pulley system  24 . Ballstops  91 ,  93  also enable a degree of tension in cable and pulley system  24 .  
         [0046]    As previously mentioned, to exercise using the machine, force is exerted on cable  90 . Cable  90  is adapted to be moved by the user against the resistance of the resilient elongate members.  
         [0047]    The first end  90   a  of cable  90  can be selectively coupled to detachable handle  92  or cable  96 . The second end  90   b  of cable  90  can be selectively coupled to detachable handle  94  or cable  98 . This selective coupling allows the user to attach detachable handle  92  to first end  90   a  and attach detachable handle  94  to second end  90   b  and then move detachable handles  92 ,  94  in a direction away from pulleys  82 ,  84 . The user can then carry out a variety of low reach exercises.  
         [0048]    Thus, the user can assemble the cable and pulley system and exercise on the device by attaching first end  96   a  of cable  96  to first end  90   a  of cable  90 ; attaching first end  98   a  of cable  98  to second end  90   b  of cable  90 ; coupling cable  96  to pulley  86 ; coupling cable  98  to pulley  88 ; attaching detachable handle  92  to second end  96   b  of cable  96 ; attaching detachable handle  94  to second end  98   b  of cable  98 ; and moving detachable handles  92 ,  94  in a direction away from pulleys  86 ,  88 . Optionally, handles  92 ,  94  may be attached directly to cable  90 . Additionally, instead of detachable handles  92 ,  94 , the user may attach an overhead bar  100  (FIG. 1) to cable  90  or to cables  96 ,  98  at second ends  96   b ,  98   b  using eyelets  102 ,  104  respectively. A variety of other mechanisms may also be employed.  
         [0049]    With reference now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, there is shown resilient elongate member assembly  22 , which comprises fulcrum  30  and resilient elongate members  28  and capture devices  34 .  
         [0050]    In one preferred embodiment, there are six flexible, resilient elongate members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 , although fewer or more flexible, resilient elongate members can be used. They are positioned to contact fulcrum  30  of support assembly  11  at their intermediate portions  42   c ,  44   c ,  46   c ,  48   c ,  50   c ,  52   c . By having intermediate portions  42   c ,  44   c ,  46   c ,  48   c ,  50   c ,  52   c  positioned in contact with support assembly  11 , downward movement of the ends of the resilient elongate members is resisted. The resilient elongate members are flexibly coupled to fulcrum  30 .  
         [0051]    As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of configurations of the resilient elongate member assembly can be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, a plurality of separate flexible resilient elongate members can be utilized.  
         [0052]    Alternatively, the resilient elongate member assembly comprises a single elongate member comprising an intermediate portion and a plurality of flexible resilient elongate fingers extending from opposing ends of the intermediate portion. In one such embodiment, the intermediate portion is integral with the fingers. For example, the resilient elongate member assembly may be molded as a single integral piece. The intermediate portion, for example, may be directly or indirectly coupled to a frame.  
         [0053]    With continued reference to FIG. 3A, in one embodiment, fulcrum  30  is coupled to post  14  of frame  12  in part through the use of baseplate  14 . In an alternative embodiment, fulcrum  30  or another fulcrum of the present invention is integrally coupled to the frame. Thus, the fulcrum of the present invention may be integrally or non-integrally coupled to the frame. The fulcrum may be immovably coupled to the frame or movably coupled to the frame.  
         [0054]    In one embodiment, fulcrum  30  is movably coupled to frame  14 . By being movably coupled, fulcrum  30  allows the plurality of resilient elongate members  28  to be rotatable between a first position (e.g., substantially horizontal) for use and a second position (e.g., substantially vertical) for storage.  
         [0055]    In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.  3 A and  8 - 10 , fulcrum  30  is movably coupled to upstanding member  14 . A locking assembly such as locking pin assembly  131  allows a user to selectively lock fulcrum  30  in a first position for use or in a second position for storage. In another embodiment, the fulcrum is immovably affixed (e.g., integrally or non-integrally) to the frame.  
         [0056]    Resilient elongate members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52  provide resistance against which the user can exercise. Each flexible, resilient elongate member  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52  has a first end  42   a ,  44   a ,  46   a ,  48   a ,  50   a ,  52   a  and a second end  42   b ,  44   b ,  46   b ,  48   b ,  50   b ,  52   b  that extend away from respective intermediate portions thereof. Each resilient elongate member is comprised of a resilient material. In a preferred embodiment, the resilient elongate member is comprised of nylon, although other materials are possible, such as wood laminates, steel leaf springs, fiberglass and/or acetal.  
         [0057]    The elongate members may further comprise a coating on the nylon material or other material employed, such as a protective coating, e.g., a polyolefin material, or a variety of other coatings which may provide a protective layer and/or an aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, such coatings are not required. In one embodiment, the elongate members comprise a gripping/wear-resistance material  27  (FIG. 3A) at the tips thereof, which may comprise an ABS plastic material, for example. A number or other indicia can be provided on the gripping/wear-resistance material  27  to identify the amount of resistance that is provided by each elongate member.  
         [0058]    In a preferred embodiment, the resilient elongate members are adapted to provide a range of different amounts of resistance. In one embodiment, the amount of resistance provided by resilient elongate members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52  corresponds with the diameter of the resilient elongate member. A variety of different diameters may be employed. For example, resilient elongate members  46 ,  44 ,  42 ,  48 ,  50 , and  52  may have diameters of ⅞ inch, 1 inch, {fraction (11/16)} inch, 1 inch, ¾ inch and ⅝ inch respectively, for example. 1⅛ inch members may be vertically stacked above such members, for example. However, in alternative embodiments other diameters can be used. Optionally, seven elongate members, or one, two, three, four, five, eight, nine, ten, or a vast number of possibilities of other members may be employed. In an alternative embodiment all the resilient elongate members have the same diameter. In yet another embodiment, different resistance amounts are provided irrespective of the diameter of the resilient elongate members, e.g., by employing different materials.  
         [0059]    Resilient elongate member  42  is shown in a flexed position in FIG. 3A. Coupled to resilient elongate member  42  at first end  42   a  is a capture device  32 , which is in turn coupled to pulley  36 . Coupled to resilient elongate member  42  at second end  42   b  is capture device  34 , which is in turn coupled to pulley  38 . In alternative embodiments, fewer or more pulleys can be coupled to the capture devices. In yet another embodiment, one or more resilient elongate members are coupled directly to resilient elongate members  28 .  
         [0060]    With reference now to FIGS. 4 and 10, there is shown capture device  32  according to one embodiment of the present invention, which may be the same as or similar to capture device  34 . Capture device  32  comprises a main body  54 , a first capture member  56  coupled to the main body  54 , a second capture member  58  coupled to the main body  54 , and a first tab  60  and a second tab  62  extending from respective capture members. Capture members  56 ,  58  are substantially horizontal in orientation. The main body  54  is coupled lengthwise to resilient elongate member  42 .  
         [0061]    Extending outwards from main body  54  are first capture member  56  and second capture member  58 . Extending downwards from first capture member  56  is first tab  62 , and extending downwards from second capture member  58  is second tab  60 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, capture devices with fewer or more capture members and tabs are possible.  
         [0062]    Main body  54  may be coupled to a resilient elongate member by means of an upper aperture  64 , into which the resilient elongate member is inserted. Pulley  36  is coupled to the main body  54  of capture device  32  by means of a pin  66  extending through the pulley bracket and a lower aperture of main body  54 . Pin  66  allows pulley  36  to pivot in its coupling with main body  54 , while the machine is being used.  
         [0063]    With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a resilient elongate member assembly  22   z . The resilient elongate assembly  22   z  comprises a fulcrum  30   z , a plurality of resilient elongate members  28   z  and two capture devices  32   z ,  34   z . In this embodiment, resilient elongate members  28   z  are arranged in two rows  29 ,  31 . There are eight resilient elongate members  42   z ,  44   z ,  45 ,  46   z ,  47 ,  48   z ,  50   z ,  52   z . In order to be able to capture row  31  of resilient elongate members  28   z , capture device  32   z  has a pair of capture members  57 ,  59  mounted on top of capture members  56   z ,  58   z . Capture device  34   z  is similarly configured. By having more resilient elongate members, the total amount of resistance that the user is able to select is increased.  
         [0064]    With reference now to FIG. 5C there is shown yet another alternative embodiment of a resilient elongate member assembly  22   y . In the embodiment, capture members  57 ,  59  are mounted on top of capture device  32   y  such that capture member  57  and capture member  59  form openings facing the same direction. The openings are configured to capture resilient elongate members  45  and  47 . Capture members  57 ,  59  are mounted on top of capture members  56   y ,  58   y . Capture device  34   y  is similarly configured. In the embodiment, resilient elongate members  45  and  47  are positioned such that resilient elongate member  45  is placed immediately above resilient elongate member  47 .  
         [0065]    With reference now to FIG. 6, there is shown how capture devices  32 ,  34  are used to capture resilient elongate members. It can be seen that resilient elongate members  44 ,  48  have been captured at their first ends  44   a ,  48   a  by capture device  32 . The capturing of resilient elongate members  44 ,  48  is accomplished by capture members  56 ,  58 . Thus, it can be seen that first end  44   a  of resilient elongate member  44  is captured underneath capture member  56  of capture device  32 . The resilient elongate members are prevented from horizontal movement by respective tabs  60 .  62 .  
         [0066]    Once captured, resilient elongate members  44 ,  48  are subject to the force applied at pulley  36  and flex as a result of the application of force. By selecting the number and configuration of resilient elongate members to capture, the user is able to select the amount of resistance with which to exercise. The more resilient elongate members that are captured, the higher the resistance provided. In one embodiment, the amount of resistance depends on the diameter of the resilient elongate members captured. In an alternative embodiment, resilient elongate members of different materials can be used in the resilient elongate member assembly, and resistance can depend on the material of the resilient elongate members captured.  
         [0067]    Capture device  32  allows a user to select and retain at least one end of resilient elongate member  44 . To capture the resilient elongate member  44 , the user presses downwards on first end  44   a  and manipulates it around tab  62  or tab  60  to position an end  44  of the resilient elongate member  44  under a capture member  56  or  58 . Once first end  44   a  is below capture device  32 , the user releases first end  44   a . By releasing first end  44   a , the resilience of the resilient elongate member biases the first end  44   a  upward and under capture device  32  such that capture device  32  retains first end  44   a . The user can then perform the same operation with the second end  44   b  of member  44  and capture device  34  if the user desires to capture both ends of resilient elongate member  44 . However, only a single end may be captured if desired.  
         [0068]    Unlike devices of the prior art, capture device  32  of the present invention is adapted to eliminate the need to thread the resilient elongate members  28  onto a hook-like device. Neither do the resilient elongate members  28  need to be configured to receive a hook-like device. The present invention merely requires that the user manipulate the end of the resilient elongate member under the capture device. In addition to simplifying adjustment of the resistance amount, the user can make such adjustments using only one hand. This allows the user to use both hands to capture two resilient elongate members at the one time, making the process of varying the resistance more efficient. Further, each hand can manipulate more than one resilient elongate member at once. In a preferred embodiment, the user can capture every resilient elongate member simultaneously using both hands. To release a resilient elongate member, the operation is performed in reverse. Again, the release of the resilient elongate members can be accomplished using only one hand.  
         [0069]    In the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3A, and  6 , since resilient elongate member  42  is always affixed to the cable and pulley system, some resistance is always provided. From this starting point, any subsequent increase in resistance can be accomplished by capturing a resilient elongate member using one hand.  
         [0070]    Once resilient elongate members  28  are captured, the resilient elongate members  28  can remain in a defined path as they flex. As a result, resilient elongate members  28  flex evenly.  
         [0071]    Fulcrum  30  comprises an assembly that covers the top and bottom surfaces of an intermediate portion of elongate members. Thus, fulcrum  30  is configured such that one or both ends of a particular elongate member may be flexed. Fulcrum may be configured as a clamshell assembly (see, e.g., FIG. 10).  
         [0072]    With reference now to FIG. 7, there is shown the cable and pulley system as illustrated in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The cable and pulley system is adapted to convey resistance provided by one or more resilient elongate members. In one embodiment, one or more cables of the cable and pulley system are adapted to be coupled to a first and second point of resistance provided by the resilient elongate members. In the illustrated embodiment, pulleys  36 ,  38  are essentially floating pulleys. By using floating pulleys, the total amount of displacement provided by the cable first and second ends is greater than the total amount of displacement provided by the first and second end of the resilient elongate member when the first end and second end of the resilient elongate member are flexed.  
         [0073]    In the present embodiment, pulleys  36 ,  38  are coupled to the resilient elongate members  28  by means of capture devices  32 ,  34 . Movement of the resilient elongate members in response to a force applied to cable  90  is approximately doubled at the first end  90   a  and second end  90   b  of cable  90 . In other words, the amount of cable displaced as the user pulls both ends of the cable is approximately twice the amount of displacement of both ends of the resilient elongate members. This means that during an exercise routine the user has more cable to manipulate, so a longer stroke can be accomplished with a smaller relative displacement of the resilient elongate members. This allows the user to assume normal, traditional, and/or comfortable positions when using the machine. Pulleys  36 ,  38  represent one example of a first and second point of resistance.  
         [0074]    When force is exerted on cable  90  at either one or both ends  90   a ,  90   b  of cable  90 , both ends of captured resilient elongate members will move. Thus, a force can be exerted on cable  90  by a first and/or second grip member adapted to permit a user to utilize a resistance conveyed by the cable and pulley system. The amount of movement depends on the amount of resistance captured. In one embodiment, the resistive force of the first end of each resilient elongate member is equal to the resistive force of the second end of the resilient elongate member. However, unequal amounts of resistance captured on each side of the machine can result from having different configurations of flexible elongate members retained by the capture devices on each side of the exercise machine. The movement of each resilient elongate member is in inverse proportion to its resistive force. Thus, the end with captured resilient elongate members providing the least amount of total resistance will be drawn downwards the farthest distance.  
         [0075]    Nevertheless, independent of the amount of resistance captured on each side, the resistance experienced at first end  90   a  of cable  90  will be the same as that experienced at second end  90   b . This is achieved because of the configuration of the pulley and cable system of the present invention.  
         [0076]    Thus, an equal amount of resistance will be provided to a first and second grip member  92 ,  94  even through an unequal amount of resistance is provided at the first and second points of resistance (e.g., pulleys  36 ,  38 ). If an equal amount of force is applied by the user to both ends  90   a ,  90   b  then the same amount of cable will be drawn at each end. This will occur despite any unevenness in the amount of movement of the first ends  42   a ,  44   a ,  46   a ,  48   a ,  50   a ,  52   a , and second ends  42   b ,  44   b ,  46   b ,  48   b ,  50   b ,  52   b  of the resilient elongate members  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 .  
         [0077]    This means that the user does not have to ensure that each capture device  32 ,  34  captures the same number and type of resilient elongate members. In short, the user need not obtain an equal amount of resistance on each capture member  32 ,  34  for each cable end  90   a ,  90   b  to obtain an equal proportion of encountered resistance during exercise. Thus, it is possible for the device to be used effectively with resilient elongate members captured only at one end, for example.  
         [0078]    When force is exerted by a user at only one end of cable  90 , the mechanical advantage provided by pulleys  36 ,  38  is approximately four fold. When force is exerted by a user at both ends of cable  90 , the mechanical advantage experienced is approximately two fold. Essentially, for any given amount of captured resistance, it is easier to pull with one hand at one end of cable  90  than with one hand at each end of cable  90 .  
         [0079]    Thus, the total resistance experienced when force is simultaneously exerted at both ends of the cable is greater than the resistance experienced at the first end of the cable when force is exerted at the first end alone. In one embodiment, the total resistance experienced when force is simultaneously exerted at both ends of the cable is approximately twice the resistance experienced at the first end of the cable when force is exerted at the first end alone. In light of the unique configuration of this device, this resistance is experienced by the user along with the balanced feel of equal resistance in the opposing ends of the cable.  
         [0080]    With reference now to FIGS.  8 - 10 , there is shown an embodiment of the exercise machine  10  illustrating the manner in which the exercise machine  10  is adapted to be placed in a storage position or a use position. In the embodiment shown, bench  26  and the plurality of resilient elongate members  28  are foldable to allow exercise machine  10  to be placed in a storage position.  
         [0081]    When exercise machine  10  is in the storage position (FIG. 8), bench  26  and the plurality of resilient elongate members  28  are positioned adjacent to, and substantially parallel with, the upper portion of post  14  in a substantially vertical orientation. In the use position, bench  28  is positioned substantially perpendicular to post  14  and is resting on the floor and the plurality of resilient elongate members  28  are positioned substantially perpendicular to post  14 . For an example of bench  26  and the plurality of resilient elongate members  28  in a use position, see FIG. 1.  
         [0082]    In the embodiment of FIGS.  8 - 10 , frame  12  comprises a pin  132  on which fulcrum  30  is rotatably coupled, such that fulcrum  30  is rotatably coupled to frame  12 . Pin  132  serves as an inner pin since it is positioned within fulcrum  30  during use.  
         [0083]    With reference now to FIG. 10, fulcrum  30  comprises outer tube  134 , bushings  136 ,  138 , end cap  139 , bottom fulcrum plate  142 , and top cover  144 . Outer tube  134  is mounted on inner pin  132  with the bushings placed therebetween. Outer tube  134  is selectively rotatable about inner pin  132  and has plate  142  coupled thereto. Locking pin assembly  131  is adapted to allow a user to selectively lock the resilient elongate members  28  in a storage position or in a use position by selectively locking outer tube  134  with respect to inner pin  132 . Locking pin assembly  131  maintains fulcrum  30  in a fixed position on frame  14 . In one embodiment, locking pin assembly  131  allows the user to select the amount of force used to secure the fulcrum  30  to frame  14 .  
         [0084]    Inner pin  132  is coupled to baseplate  40 , which is coupled to post  14  of frame  12 . Inner pin  132  provides a support around which outer tube  134  rotates. Inner pin  132  includes a plurality bores  133  (e.g., three bores) spaced radially about inner pin  132 . The bores may be placed on the sides and bottom of pin  132 , for example, such that the elongate members selectively achieve (i) a substantially horizontal position when moved above pin  132  or substantially vertical positions when moved to either side of pin  132 .  
         [0085]    Bores  133  are adapted to receive the distal end of a pin  131   a  of locking pin assembly  131 , which can extend partially through outer tube  134  and into a bore  133 . This allows the user to lock fulcrum  30  in the storage position or the use position. As indicated above, outer tube  134  is adapted to rotate around inner pin  132 . Bushings  136  and  138  are positioned between inner pin  132  and outer tube  134  to reduce the friction between inner pin  132  and outer tube  134  during rotation of outer tube  134 . End cap  139  is positioned at the end of outer tube  134  distal to baseplate  40 . End cap  139  is adapted to cover the aperture formed by outer tube  134 .  
         [0086]    In the embodiment shown, bottom fulcrum plate  142  of fulcrum  30  is coupled to outer tube  134 . A plurality of pins (e.g., six pins or any number corresponding to the number of elongate members) extend upwardly from bottom fulcrum plate  142 . The pins extending from plate  142  are adapted to be positioned in slots (not shown) formed on the underside surface of respective intermediate portions of resilient elongate members. In one embodiment, the configuration of slots in the elongate members and respective pins which fit therein allow for limited lateral movement of resilient elongate members, although the slots may be configured not to allow such lateral movement. The pins of plate  142  which fit into the slots in respective members  28  retain the intermediate portions of members  28  within fulcrum  30  even when the members  28  are moved to a storage position. Thus the members  28  do not slide out of the fulcrum  30 .  
         [0087]    Top plate  144  of fulcrum  30  is configured to be positioned over the plurality of resilient elongate members  28  and coupled to bottom plate  142  with the elongate members extending through respective slots in the top plate. Thus, resilient elongate members  28  are positioned between bottom fulcrum plate  142  and top cover  144  shown in FIG. 10 in a clamshell configuration. Bottom plate  142  may be angled downwardly on the sides thereof to accommodate the downward movement of the opposing sides of the elongate members.  
         [0088]    In another embodiment, the elongate members are positioned within slots in the fulcrum and are allowed to freely slide within the slots or have rings or pins on opposing sides of the elongate members near the fulcrum that prevent them from sliding off the fulcrum.  
         [0089]    In the embodiment of FIG. 10, locking pin assembly  131  includes a locking pin  131   a  coupled at its proximal end to a locking pin handle  131   b . The locking pin  131   a  is slidably and/or rotatably coupled within a hollow body  131   c . Hollow body  131   c  is threadedly coupled to the wall (e.g., the underside wall) of outer tube  134 . This allows the distal end of the locking pin  131   a  to be inserted into a desired bore  133  in inner pin  132  in order to lock outer tube  134  with respect to inner pin  132 . Locking pin  131   a  may be spring loaded and/or threaded at the distal end thereof such that pin  131   a  may be conveniently, selectively, removably coupled within a desired bore  133  and conveniently maintain outer tube  134  in a desired position with respect to inner pin  132 .  
         [0090]    To change the position of resilient elongate members  28 , a user uncouples locking pin  131   a  away from inner pin  132 , e.g., by unthreading pin  131   a  from a desired bore  133  (and/or pulling a springloaded pin out of the bore), then rotates outer tube  134 . Once the user rotates the outer tube  134  to a desired position, the user can then couple pin  131   a  into another bore  133 , such as by threading the distal end of pin  131   a  into bore  133  (and/or allowing a spring loaded pin to slide into the bore). Thus, in one embodiment, locking pin  131   a  is spring loaded and distal threads on locking pin  131   a  can be threaded into a bore  133  in order to affix fulcrum  30  into a tightly locked position. In yet another embodiment, a locking pin of the present invention is merely a threaded or non-threaded pin.  
         [0091]    Fulcrum  30  of FIG. 10, however, is merely one embodiment of a fulcrum of the present invention. A fulcrum of the present invention may comprise a variety of different objects or surfaces which an elongate member or members contact as one or more ends of the elongate members is flexed. For example, a pin, rod, plate, beam, member, post, assembly, mechanism, or any surface thereof may act as a fulcrum. For instance, a surface of a post (e.g., the top surface of a post or other portion of a post on which a member or members may be mounted) may serve as an integral fulcrum on which an elongate member or plurality of members may be positioned as the end or ends thereof are flexed. As another example, a pin or beam extending from a frame is another example of a fulcrum upon which an elongate member can be positioned.  
         [0092]    As a major advantage to the exercise device of the present invention, a variety of different exercises may be performed on the exercise devices of the present invention, such as leg curls, biceps curls, reverse flys, chest press, triceps press-downs, ab crunches, leg presses, leg extensions, lat pull downs, butterflys, and a variety of other exercises.  
         [0093]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0