Patent Description:
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 <NUM>% 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 <NUM>:<NUM>. 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 <NUM>:<NUM> ratio and each weight plate in the weight stack weighs <NUM> (<NUM> pounds), the user can change the resistance only in <NUM> (<NUM> pound) increments. For an exerciser to increase the resistance by less than a full <NUM> (<NUM> pounds), for example by <NUM> (<NUM> 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. In the context of the present invention, reference is made in particular to the international patent application <CIT>, which relates to exercise machines wherein cable and pulley arrangements are used, and which is considered to be relevant prior art to the present invention, as it discloses an exercise machine comprising all the technical features set out in the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The present invention relates to an exercise machine according to the appended claim <NUM>. The present invention may be further defined by any of the dependent claims.

According to a 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.

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 <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a non-limiting embodiment of an exercise machine <NUM> (also referred to a weight machine or a weightlifting machine) that includes different exercise stations is shown. As shown in <FIG>, the exercise machine <NUM> includes a support frame <NUM> that houses several different components of the exercise machine <NUM>, including a first exercise station 14a and a second exercise station 14b. Each exercise station 14a, 14b may include a lat pull-down portion with a lat bar 16a, 16b and a row portion with exercise handles 18a, 18b. The user(s) may pull on the lat bars 16a, 16b and the exercise handles 18a, 18b to pull a load attached to the exercise machine <NUM> for exercising. Although only lat bars 16a, 16b and exercise handles 18a, 18b are shown, it is contemplated that other weight lifting handles, seats, and equipment may be used in conjunction with the exercise machine <NUM>. For example, a user may sit on a bench in an inclined position and perform various exercises with the lat bars 16a, 16b, and/or the exercise handles 18a, 18b other than the exercises illustrated in <FIG>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the load attached to the exercise machine <NUM> may be in the form of plated weights <NUM>. The plated weights <NUM> may be slidably received on a first weight rack <NUM> and a second weight rack <NUM>. Any number of plated weights <NUM> being any amount of weight may be added to the first and second weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and discussed in more detail below, the load may also be in the form of a weight stack <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a non-limiting embodiment of a weight ratio arrangement <NUM> for use in the exercise machine <NUM> is described. The weight ratio arrangement <NUM> is provided in the exercise machine <NUM> to provide resistance against a user's pulling force on the exercise handle 18a or lat bar 16a. The resistance from the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> is provided by the weight ratio arrangement's <NUM> connection to the first weight rack <NUM> and the second weight rack <NUM>. First and second weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> are located on the top movable pulley block <NUM>. A user may add weights of various seizes to the first and second weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> to obtain a desired resistance.

The weight ratio arrangement <NUM> includes an exercise cable <NUM> and a plurality of pulleys, as described in further detail below. A first end of the exercise cable <NUM> is connected to the exercise handle 18a. A second opposing end of the exercise cable <NUM> is connected to a pulley block <NUM> provided on support frame <NUM> of the exercise machine <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exercise cable <NUM> extends from the exercise handle 18a through the pulley block <NUM> that includes the pulley <NUM>. The pulley block <NUM> may be vertically adjusted on the support frame <NUM> into different positions to perform different exercises for users of varying heights. The pulley block <NUM> may slide along the support frame <NUM> and engage with various portions of the support frame <NUM> in order to be vertically adjusted, or the pulley block <NUM> may include a slidable pin or removable locking mechanism <NUM> that is received within one or more holes <NUM> (only one numbered for clarity) in order to be adjusted vertically along the support frame <NUM>.

With the first end of the exercise cable <NUM> connected to the exercise handle 18a and the second end of the exercise cable <NUM> connected to the adjustable pulley block <NUM>, the exercise cable <NUM> also adjusts its position relative to the support frame <NUM> with pulley block <NUM> as pulley block <NUM> is vertically adjusted. It is contemplated that the second end of the exercise cable <NUM> may be attached to other portions of the support frame <NUM>. In such instances, pulley block <NUM> may be fixed to a portion of the support frame <NUM> in order to keep the exercise cable <NUM> properly routed within the weight ratio arrangement <NUM>.

The exercise cable <NUM> is guided through the pulley <NUM> downwardly to a pulley <NUM> fixed to a bottom portion of the support frame <NUM>. The exercise cable <NUM> is directed through another pulley <NUM> also fixed to a bottom portion of the support frame <NUM>. The exercise cable <NUM> is then directed upwards to pulley block <NUM> fixed to an upper portion of the support frame <NUM>. Within pulley block <NUM>, the exercise cable <NUM> is directed through a pulley <NUM> and further directed through a pulley <NUM>. It is contemplated that pulley <NUM> may be located upwards within pulley block <NUM> instead of downwards in a bottom portion of the support frame <NUM>. Either configuration may be appropriate for the weight ratio arrangement <NUM>.

The exercise cable <NUM> is then directed downward to the top movable pulley block <NUM>. The exercise cable <NUM> is directed through a pulley <NUM> in the top movable pulley block <NUM> and upwards to another pulley <NUM> attached to pulley block <NUM>. Although not shown, it is contemplated that pulley <NUM> may be within pulley block <NUM>, attached to a pulley block <NUM>, or within pulley block <NUM> so as to maintain proper spacing between the multiple pulleys described herein, so the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> operates properly.

After being directed through pulley <NUM> and top movable pulley block <NUM>, the exercise cable <NUM> is again directed downward to a bottom movable pulley block <NUM> and a pulley <NUM> located therein. Bottom movable pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> are shown as being larger than top movable pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> for clarity purposes in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Bottom movable pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> may be any size relative to top movable pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> in practice. Top movable pulley block <NUM> and bottom movable pulley block <NUM> are both movable along a first pole <NUM> and a second pole <NUM>. Both first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to a bottom portion and a top portion of the support frame <NUM> and portions of the top movable pulley block <NUM> and bottom movable pulley block <NUM> may receive the first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM> thereon in order to facilitate the movement of each.

The exercise cable <NUM> is then directed upwards from pulley <NUM> and towards pulley block <NUM> where it is then directed through pulley <NUM> located therein. As shown in <FIG>, the exercise cable <NUM> may also be directed through pulley <NUM> also located within pulley block <NUM>, however pulley <NUM> may only serve to organize the exercise cable <NUM> within the exercise machine <NUM> and may or may not be needed depending on the configuration of the other pulleys within the exercise machine <NUM>. The exercise cable <NUM> is directed downwards through a floating pulley <NUM> before being direct upwards again to pulley <NUM> also located within pulley block <NUM>. The exercise cable <NUM> is directed to pulley <NUM> housed in pulley block <NUM> and downward to be fixed to the pulley block <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, pulley block <NUM> and pulley block <NUM> 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 <NUM> interacts with bottom movable pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> to change the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM>. Depending on which handle is used, either the lat bar 16a or exercise handle 18a, and whether or not the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> is in the locked or unlocked position, the user may experience a <NUM>:<NUM>, <NUM>:<NUM>, or <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio. Each of these scenarios will be described in more detail below. As the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> changes, the user of the exercise machine <NUM> can experience three different resistance levels with the same amount of weight applied to the first and second weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>. This is made possible by the mechanical advantage provided by the pulley system of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM>. As the number of movable pulleys changes, so too does the amount of resistance experienced by a user of the exercise machine <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> is in the locked position. In the locked position, the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> have no bearing on the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM>. As a user pulls on exercise handle 18a, the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> remains connected to the support frame <NUM> while only the top movable pulley block <NUM> moves along the first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM>. By pulling the exercise handle 18a, the user also pulls the exercise cable <NUM> which in turn pulls pulley <NUM> of the top movable pulley block <NUM> upwards. In the locked position, the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> is set at a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio for the exercise handle 18a. This means that the top movable pulley block <NUM>, the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and any plated weights <NUM> on the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> move up the poles <NUM>, <NUM> half the distance that the user pulls the exercise handle 18a. For example, if the user were to pull the exercise handle 18a <NUM> (sixteen (<NUM>) inches) away from the support frame <NUM>, he top movable pulley block <NUM>, the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and any plated weight <NUM> would only move up the poles <NUM>, <NUM> <NUM> (eight (<NUM>) inches). In other words, when the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> is set at a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio, a user exercising will displace the exercise handle 18a a distance twice as much as the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> and their associated plated weights <NUM> are displaced.

Referring now to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> is in the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> changes the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> from a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio to a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio for exercise handle 18a. As a user pulls on exercise handle 18a both the top movable pulley block <NUM> and bottom movable pulley <NUM> move along the first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM>. By pulling the exercise handle 18a, the user also pulls the exercise cable <NUM> which now pulls pulley <NUM> and pulley <NUM> upwards moving the top movable pulley block <NUM> and bottom movable pulley block <NUM> upwards as well. As is with the locked position, the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> and any plated weights <NUM> thereon also move with the top movable pulley block <NUM>. Because the exercise cable <NUM> moves both the top movable pulley block <NUM> and the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> upwards, the user experiences the <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio mentioned above. This means if the user were to pull the exercise handle 18a <NUM> (sixteen (<NUM>) inches) away from the support frame <NUM>, the top movable pulley block <NUM> and the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> would only move upwards <NUM> (four (<NUM>) inches) along the first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, when the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> is set at a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio, a user exercising will displace the exercise handle 18a a distance four times as much as the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> and their associated plated weights <NUM> are displaced. The varying distances required to pull the same amount of plated weights <NUM> depending on configuration of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> allow a user to experience different exercise resistance with the same amount of equipment.

With further reference to <FIG>, an arrangement for a lat bar cable <NUM> and pulley system is described according to another non-limiting embodiment. One end of the lat bar cable <NUM> is connected to the lat bar 16a and an opposing second end of the lat bar cable <NUM> is fixed to the floating pulley <NUM>. From the lat bar 16a, the lat bar cable <NUM> is directed over a first pulley <NUM> provided on an upper portion of the support frame <NUM> and over another pulley <NUM> provided on an opposing end of the support frame <NUM>. Each pulley <NUM>, <NUM> is housed within a pulley block <NUM>, <NUM>. The lat bar cable <NUM> is then directed downwards through a pulley <NUM> which is housed within a pulley block <NUM>. The lat bar cable <NUM> is then directed upwards where it is fixed to the floating pulley <NUM>.

Because floating pulley <NUM> is also connected to the pulley and cable system that includes exercise handle 18a and exercise cable <NUM>, as described above, the lat bar cable <NUM> and pulley system also encounters a resistance determined by the plated weight <NUM> added by a user to weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> as well as the chosen weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM>. When bottom movable pulley block <NUM> is in a locked position, the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> has no bearing on the weight ratio of the machine. Because the lat bar cable <NUM> is connected to the floating pulley <NUM>, a user pulling the lat bar 16a with bottom movable pulley block <NUM> in the locked position experiences a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio. For example, when a user pulls the lat bar 16a <NUM> (sixteen (<NUM>) inches) away from the support frame <NUM>, the lat bar cable <NUM> pulls the floating pulley <NUM> downwards <NUM> (sixteen (<NUM>) inches), which in turn pulls the exercise cable <NUM> causing pulley <NUM> to be pulled upwards thus moving the first movable pulley block <NUM> up the first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM> <NUM> (sixteen (<NUM>) inches) as well. In other words, when the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> is set at a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio, a user exercising will displace the lat bar 16a an equal distance relative to the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM> and their associated plated weights <NUM>.

In the unlocked position, a user pulling the lat bar 16a experiences a <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio. In the unlocked position, both the first movable pulley block <NUM> and the second movable pulley block <NUM> are moved by their respective pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> located therein. When the lat bar cable <NUM> moves the floating pulley <NUM> which in turn moves the exercise cable <NUM>, the first movable pulley block <NUM> and the second movable pulley block <NUM> move up the first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM> providing the <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio. For example, when a user pulls the lat bar 16a <NUM> (sixteen (<NUM>) inches) away from the support frame <NUM>, the first movable pulley block <NUM>, any plated weight <NUM> attached to the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>, and the second movable pulley block <NUM> move up the first and second poles <NUM>, <NUM><NUM> cm (eight (<NUM>) inches).

With reference to <FIG>, it is contemplated that the exercise machine <NUM> may not have lat bar 16a, lat bar cable <NUM>, and their associated pulleys and pulley blocks attached to the support frame <NUM>. With these elements removed from the exercise machine <NUM>, only the exercise handle 18a, exercise cable <NUM>, along with the necessary pulleys and pulley blocks required to maintain the weight ratio arrangement <NUM> described above are connected to the support frame <NUM>. In other words, only the pulleys and pulley blocks required to provide the desired <NUM>:<NUM> or <NUM>:<NUM> weight ratio to an individual using exercise handle 18a may be attached to the support frame <NUM>. Floating pulley <NUM> and pulley <NUM> are removed from the exercise machine <NUM>. In such an arrangement, the routing of the exercise cable <NUM> from the exercise handle 18a through pulley <NUM> located within bottom movable pulley block <NUM> remains the same as described above. After being routed through pulley <NUM>, exercise cable <NUM> is directed through pulley <NUM> where the exercise cable <NUM> is then routed across the support frame <NUM> to pulley <NUM>. From pulley <NUM>, the exercise cable <NUM> is directed downwardly to movable pulley block <NUM> where the second end of the exercise cable <NUM> may be attached. Pulleys <NUM>, <NUM> may be housed in pulley block <NUM> along with pulleys <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking mechanism used to lock the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> will now be described. In the locked position, as shown in <FIG>, locking pin <NUM> is inserted into receiving slots <NUM>, <NUM>. Receiving slot <NUM> is connected to the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> and receiving slots 186a, 186b is connected to the support frame <NUM>. When in the locked position, the receiving slots <NUM>, 186a, 186b align to accept locking pin <NUM>. This configuration ensures the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> is connected to support frame <NUM> and is unable to move. In the unlocked position, as shown in <FIG>, the locking pin <NUM> is removed from the receiving slots <NUM>, <NUM> allowing the bottom movable pulley block <NUM> to move freely. In order to prevent the locking pin <NUM> from getting lost or misplaced, connector <NUM> may be provided to ensure the locking pin <NUM> remains connected to support frame <NUM>. Any type of connector may be used so long as locking pin <NUM> is freely able to slide into and out of receiving slots <NUM>, 186a, 186b and alter the weight ratio of the weight ratio arrangement <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, in a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a weight stack <NUM> be attached the above-described exercise machine <NUM> in order to provide a user resistance instead of the plated weights <NUM> located on the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a frame extension <NUM> may be used to house the weight stack <NUM> and other elements required to operate the weight stack <NUM> as will now be described. The attached weight stack <NUM> has a weight stack cable <NUM> with a first end fixed to the weight stack <NUM> and a second end fixed to the top movable pulley block <NUM> replacing the plated weights <NUM> and weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>. The weight stack cable <NUM> runs from the first end upward through pulley <NUM> and further directed through pulley <NUM>. Both pulley <NUM> and pulley <NUM> are housed in pulley block <NUM>. From there, the weight stack cable <NUM> is directed downwards to pulley <NUM> and continues to run through pulley <NUM> where it is directed upwards to the top movable pulley block <NUM>. Pulley <NUM> is housed in pulley block <NUM> and pulley <NUM> is housed in pulley block <NUM>. This embodiment has the same advantages as described above for both exercise handle 18a users and lat bar 16a users, the only difference being instead of a user adding a desired amount of resistance to the weight racks <NUM>, <NUM>, the user may choose a desired resistance from the weight stack <NUM>. 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 <NUM> to select the desired amount of weight to be applied as a resistance to the exercise machine <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An exercise machine (<NUM>), comprising:
a support frame (<NUM>);
at least one weight rack (<NUM>) configured to receive added weight;
a weight ratio arrangement (<NUM>) engaged with the support frame (<NUM>), the at least one weight rack (<NUM>), and a first attachment (18a) extending from the support frame, the weight ratio arrangement (<NUM>) comprising:
a first exercise cable (<NUM>) having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the first attachment (18a) and the second end being connected to a portion of the exercise machine (<NUM>);
at least two movable pulley blocks (<NUM>,<NUM>), comprising a top movable pulley block (<NUM>) and a bottom movable pulley block (<NUM>) each movable pulley block including at least one pulley (<NUM>,<NUM>), wherein the at least one weight rack (<NUM>) is attached to and configured to move with the top movable pulley block (<NUM>); and
a locking mechanism movable between a locked position in which only the top movable pulley block (<NUM>) is movable and an unlocked position in which the two movable pulley blocks (<NUM>,<NUM>) are movable,
wherein the first exercise cable (<NUM>) is operatively connected to the at least two movable pulley blocks (<NUM>,<NUM>),
characterized in that the at least one weight rack (<NUM>) is located on the top movable pulley block (<NUM>) in order to move with the top movable pulley block (<NUM>).