Abstract: An exercise machine has a pair of laterally spaced apart foot pedals, each of which is independently coupled to a frame by a respective articulated linkage. Each such linkage has a generally vertical arm that is pivotally coupled to the frame and a generally horizontal arm that is pivotally coupled to its respective foot pedal. These arms are pivotally coupled to one another such that each foot pedal is free to move with in a two-dimensional envelope of motion in a vertical plane. The linkage members are arranged so that the envelope of motion has a generally ovate shape, slightly inclined to the horizontal. The exercises performed with this apparatus may have both vertical and horizontal components of motion. The vertical arms may be interconnected by a crank assembly to relate the horizontal components of motion of the two linkages in an alternating reciprocating fashion.

Abstract: An exercising machine that has an adjustable actuator arm assembly coupled to a weight stack by a pulley/cable assembly. The actuator arm assembly includes an actuator arm that lifts the weight stack when rotated through an arc. The machine is constructed with a frame that has a vertical bar. The actuator arm is coupled to a sleeve assembly that can slide along the vertical bar, to provide a number of operating locations. The machine also has a first cable that is coupled to the actuator arm. The cable is looped around a first tension pulley, a first floating pulley and then fixed to the sleeve assembly. The first floating pulley is coupled to a second cable that loops around a second tension pulley and is attached to the weight stack. When the actuator arm is rotated, the first floating pulley is pulled in a downward direction. The movement of the first floating pulley pulls the second cable and lifts the weight stack in an upward direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine supports the user with a backrest that is slideable along a guide member. The guide member extends upwardly from the frame of the machine and is inclined to the rear so that the user is supported in a semi-recumbent position. A pair of longitudinal beams are pivotally mounted on either side of the frame. Footpads are provided at the forward ends of the beams so that a user of the apparatus can comfortably engage the beams with his feet. The beams independently pivot on the frame so that the user can operate them in an alternating reciprocating fashion. A resistance mechanism resists the downward movement of the beams and a biasing force is provided to return the beams in an upward direction. To utilize the apparatus, the user engages the footpads with his feet and then presses against the footpads to elevate the backrest along the guide member. The resistance level is then gradually reduced and the user maintains an elevated position with a striding action against the beams.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus employs a suspended weight as the primary source of resistance. A variable torque drive system is coupled to the suspended weight to selectively alter the amount of resistance experienced by the user. In one embodiment, the suspended weight is a single mass corresponding to the maximum resistance of the system. During the forward or "positive" stroke of an exercise, the drive system assists the user in lifting the mass, the amount of assistance being determined by a user selectable resistance value. During the return or "negative" stroke of the exercise, a reduced level of assistance may be provided so that increased negative resistance is experienced.

Abstract: An exercise machine having one or more exercise members connected by a cable system to a weight, such as a variable weight stack, and each movable by a user along an exercise path to perform an exercise routine against the resisting force of the weight, and a pre-stretch adjustment feature, whereby the position of each exercise member along its exercise path at which the resisting force of the weight commences to act on the member, and hence also the portion of the exercise path over which the resisting force acts on the member, are adjustable in order to vary the exercise routine performed with each exercise member.The pre-stretch adjustment may be implemented with a pulley which is selectably positioned so as to adjust the maximum amount of slack in the cable or by a free sliding pulley having a selectably positioned stop.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a plurality of exercise stations, each of which exercises particular muscle groups of the body. Each exercise station is continuously coupled to a common stack of weights, a selectable number of which provide resistance to a user's operation of a selected exercise station. At least one of the exercise stations is coupled to the weight stack through a lever arm. A plurality of lever arms may be provided and mechanically interconnected so as to couple a plurality of exercise stations to the weight stack.

Abstract: A leg press machine that provides an increasing resistance curve which approximates the strength curve of a user. The machine has a weight stack that can move relative to a frame. The machine also has a push plate that is coupled to the weight stack by a cable which is guided and held in tension by a series of pulleys. The push plate is attached to a first linkage arm which is pivotally connected to a second linkage arm and a third linkage arm. The second and third linkage arms are pivotally connected to the frame, so that the push plate can rotate between a rest position and an extended position. Attached to the third linkage arm is a first rotating pulley that moves through an arc when the push plate moves between the rest and extended positions. The cable is coupled to the first rotating pulley, so that when the push plate moves toward the extended position, the arcuate motion of the pulley pulls the cable and lifts the weight stack.

Abstract: An exercising machine that has an adjustable actuator arm assembly coupled to a weight stack by a pulley/cable assembly. The actuator arm assembly includes an actuator arm that lifts the weight stack when rotated through an arc. The machine is constructed with a frame that has a vertical bar. The actuator arm is coupled to a sleeve assembly that can slide along the vertical bar, to provide a number of operating locations. The machine also has a first cable that is coupled to the actuator arm. The cable is looped around a first tension pulley, a first floating pulley and then fixed to the sleeve assembly. The first floating pulley is coupled to a second cable that loops around a second tension pulley and is attached to the weight stack. When the actuator arm is rotated, the first floating pulley is pulled in a downward direction. The movement of the first floating pulley pulls the second cable and lifts the weight stack in an upward direction.

Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine has a movable subframe on which a user sits while performing various exercises. The subframe is pivotally attached to a stationery frame and is supported by a lever arm that is also pivotally attached to the stationery frame. The pivot arms coupling the subframe to the stationery frame bear against a carriage that is movable located on the lever arm. A cable and pulley system couples the lever arm to the various operable members of the apparatus so that a selectable ratio of the weight of the subframe, including the user, is communicated as exercise resistance. The amount of weight that is coupled to the operable members is selected by positioning the carriage along the lever arm. This adjustment also varies the height to which the subframe is lifted by the exercise stroke and hence the effort that must be exerted by the user.

Abstract: An exercising machine that has an adjustable actuator arm assembly coupled to a weight stack by a pulley/cable assembly. The actuator arm assembly includes an actuator arm that lifts the weight stack when rotated through an arc. The machine is constructed with a frame that has a vertical bar. The actuator arm is coupled to a sleeve assembly that can slide along the vertical bar, to provide a number of operating locations. The machine also has a first cable that is coupled to the actuator arm. The cable is looped around a first tension pulley, a first floating pulley and then fixed to the sleeve assembly. The first floating pulley is coupled to a second cable that loops around a second tension pulley and is attached to the weight stack. When the actuator arm is rotated, the first floating pulley is pulled in a downward direction. The movement of the first floating pulley pulls the second cable and lifts the weight stack in an upward direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a pair of laterally spaced apart foot pedals, each of which is independently coupled to a frame by a respective articulated linkage. Each such linkage has a generally vertical arm that is pivotally coupled to the frame and a generally horizontal arm that is pivotally coupled to its respective foot pedal. These arms are pivotally coupled to one another such that each foot pedal is free to move with in a two-dimensional envelope of motion in a vertical plane. The linkage members are arranged so that the envelope of motion has a generally ovate shape, slightly inclined to the horizontal. The exercises performed with this apparatus may have both vertical and horizontal components of motion.

Abstract: An exercise method having one or more exercise members connected by a cable system to a weight, such as a variable weight stack, and each movable by a user along an exercise path to perform an exercise routine against the resisting force of the weight, and a pre-stretch adjustment feature, whereby the position of each exercise member along its exercise path at which the resisting force of the weight commences to act on the member, and hence also the portion of the exercise path over which the resisting force acts on the member, are adustable in order to vary the exercise routine performed with each exercise member.

Abstract: A longitudinal frame supports a seat whose longitudinal position on the frame is adjustable. A pair of footbeams are mounted on either side of the forward end of the frame near the floor and extend generally upwardly. The footbeams independently pivot on the frame so that the user can operate them in an alternating reciprocating fashion. Pivotal movement of the footbeams by the user is resisted, thereby requiring the user to expend energy in operating the device. The footbeams are preferably interconnected so that their respective movements are coordinated. In alternative embodiments, the footbeams pivot about a point just below the seat. The seat can also be adapted to recline. The footbeams can also be replaced by a crank with footpedals that are used to drive a flywheel and a generator.

Abstract: A top weight adapted for vertical adjustment when disposed at the top of a weight stack in a suspended weight exercise machine having guide rods on which the weight stack slides, and a central pick-up rod which engages the weight stack for suspension thereof. The top weight includes a plurality of cavities open at the bottom to permit installation of insert weight plates therein. A slot opening extending through the entire width of the top weight permits vertical adjustment of the central pick-up rod when the top weight is mounted thereto along a vertical direction. This vertical adjustment accommodates manufacturing tolerances in the weight stack which would otherwise prevent a selector pin from interconnecting the weight stack to the central pick-up rod.

Abstract: An exercise device for performing both sit-up and hyperextension exercises has a frame with front and rear base members and front and rear inclined portions that extend downwardly from an apex toward the front and rear base members, respectively. A back pad is pivotally mounted to the rear inclined portion of the frame and is adjustable over a range of declination angles. The front inclined portion of the frame includes a slideable member that is telescopically adjustable. A cushioned pad is transversely disposed at the upper end of the slideable member and serve as both a knee support for performing abdominal exercises and an upper thigh support for performing hyperextensions. Below this cushioned pad, a similar cushioned pad is pivotally attached to the slideable member to serve as a foot restraint when performing abdominal exercises. This same cushioned pad may be rotated against the first such pad to provide additional support for the operator's upper thighs when performing hyperextensions.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a plurality of exercise stations, each of which exercises particular muscle groups of the body. Each exercise station is continuously coupled to a common stack of weights, a selectable number of which provide resistance to a user's operation of a selected exercise station. At least one of the exercise stations is coupled to the weight stack through a lever arm. A plurality of lever arms may be provided and mechanically interconnected so as to couple a plurality of exercise stations to the weight stack.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing a variety of exercises, including chest and incline shoulder press exercises during which the user sits on a seat with a backrest which is adjustably secured in upright and forwardly inclined positions for supporting the user's upper body in the proper positions for these exercises. The exercises all utilize the same weight stack or other device for resisting the exercise motions of the user. The apparatus has a plurality of exercise members mounted on a frame for different prescribed exercise movements by the user, a resisting force producing arrangement, and a cable for selectively connecting the resisting force to the different exercise members. The cable is guided and supported by pulleys, one of which is adjustable from one position to another to accommodate the different exercises.