Fitness equipment

Abstract

Fitness equipment for use in an outdoor prison environment which includes frame and arm assemblies manufactured from hollow steel members that are hot-dipped galvanized, both externally and internally, and are welded together and capped. The fitness equipment further includes a fixed weight stack assembly that includes control rods, weight plates slidably mounted on the control rods, a base assembly and a yoke and collar assembly which precludes removal of the weight plates. Moving parts of the fitness equipment, such as pivotal attachments or the areas where control rods slide within the yoke and collar assembly, include self-lubricating elements such as high speed bearings with grease fittings or oil-light bushings. The fitness equipment may also include a seat assembly or deck assembly. The various assemblies of the fitness equipment are designed to be manufactured as component parts which may be assembled to create various forms of fitness equipment including a bench press, an arm curl shoulder raise, a shoulder press, a squat machine, a tricep press and a lat pull down.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/229434 filed Aug. 31, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to fitness equipment which has particular application for use in outdoor exercise areas and, more specifically, within correctional facilities. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing this same fitness equipment in component and interchangeable assemblies so that different forms of fitness equipment can be assembled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to fitness equipment, and more specifically to durable equipment which is designed for outdoor use in a prison or correctional facility.

[0004] A variety of fitness equipment designs have been disclosed and have appeared on the market. In prison or correctional facilities, the use has been made of fitness equipment, primarily in outdoor areas, to provide prisoners with an outlet for constructive physical activity. Such fitness equipment has primarily involved the use of free weights. However, recent correctional facility regulations have prohibited the use of free weights because of safety concerns. Alternative forms of fitness equipment, using an adjustable stack of weight plates—such as, for example, Universal® fitness equipment—also pose safety problems because of detachable components such as cables, pulleys, chains, rods, pins, plates, etc. Present forms of fitness equipment also pose safety problems in a prison setting to the extent they have open frame or handle members in which contraband might be hidden. Further safety issues arise where fitness equipment is used outdoors in a correctional setting, insofar as weather conditions detrimentally impact both the structural members of the equipment and its moving parts. In the latter respect, lubrication is needed for the moving parts associated with fixed weight fitness equipment. However, prison regulations often prohibit or caution against the use of aerosol or hand held lubricants—again, for safety reasons. Accordingly, in the prison setting, a present need exists for fitness equipment which (i) is suitable for outdoor use, and (ii) does not pose safety problems.

[0005] It is the object of the present invention, therefore, to provide durable fitness equipment which is suitable for use within a prison or correctional facility and which (i) addresses the safety issues attendant to such use, and (ii) also is suitable for use in an outdoor environment. In general, the fitness equipment of the present invention employs a frame assembly to which an arm assembly is pivotally attached, and a fixed weight stack assembly which is attached pivotally to both the frame and arm assemblies. The component parts are designed to be manufactured separate and apart from one another and, with some variation on frame and arm assemblies, can be assembled to form at least six types of fitness equipment, including bench press, arm curl shoulder raise, shoulder press, squat machine, tricep press and lat pull down forms of fitness equipment. Other forms of fitness equipment, utilizing the elements and embodiments of this invention, are also possible.

[0006] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the need for sturdy fitness equipment, in a prison setting, to be adaptable for use in an outdoor environment is addressed through a number of elements, each of which may be used alone or in combination with other elements.

[0007] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, constituent members of the fitness equipment are constructed from weather and corrosion resistant metal. Preferably, exposed frame and seat or bench assemblies are fabricated from steel, welded together and then, as a completed assembly, are hot-dipped galvanized—both externally and internally—and are, accordingly, suitable for outdoor use. In a preferred embodiment, the hop-dip galvanizing process conforms to the requirements of ASTM A-123. Other elements of the fitness equipment of the present invention which are associated with moving parts—such as pivot and control rods associated with the arm and fixed weight stack assemblies, respectively—have a stainless steel composition which resists corrosion problems associated with outdoor use of the fitness equipment, but also allows for ease of movement along these rods.

[0008] Balancing safety concerns with the need to have fitness equipment suitable for outdoor use, the fitness equipment of the present invention also employs, in another preferred embodiment, self lubricating, oil-light, bushings in connection with fixed weight stack assemblies. Elsewhere, where pivot rods are used to pivotally attach arm and frame assemblies, and also to pivotally attach the fixed weight stack assembly to both arm and frame assemblies, high speed bearings, with grease fittings, are utilized to reduce the need for constant lubrication. Collectively, these elements of the fitness equipment of the present invention address safety concerns attendant to the use of aerosol or hand held lubricants on a constant basis.

[0009] Seat assemblies include an upper cushion surface, on which a user of the fitness equipment would sit and which are comprised of a weather-resistant and durable hard rubber. Also in deference to safety concerns, in a preferred embodiment, the hard rubber also precludes the ability of an inmate user to hide weapons or contraband in the cushion surface.

[0010] In certain forms of the fitness equipment of the present invention, where the user is standing while weight lifting, the fitness equipment may also include a deck assembly which provides a level, relatively moisture free surface for the user.

[0011] Other embodiments of the invention address the safety needs which present themselves in connection with fitness equipment that it intended for prison or correctional facility usage. These embodiments include further elements and components of the present which can be used separately or with other elements, as described below.

[0012] The fitness equipment of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, does not utilize detachable cables, pulleys, chains, rods, pins, plates or other objects. This aspect of the present invention has particular application to the fixed weight stack assembly. More specifically, control rods are bolted to the base of the fixed weight stack assembly to prevent removal, and a yoke and collar assembly at the upper end of the fixed weight stack assembly is bolted in place, through a nylon-lock nut and bolt assembly, to prevent removal of weight plates. Further, the adjusting pin, which allows different weights to be selected in the fixed weight stack assembly, is attached to this assembly by a non-removable metal cable. Similarly, the pivot rod which assists the pivotal attachment of the arm assembly to the frame assembly is bolted, through a nylon-lock nut and bolt assembly, to the arm assembly.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame and arm assemblies are comprised of hollow metal members in deference to cost and weight concerns. To prevent openings at the ends of these members from being used to hide contraband, all exposed ends of these members are capped and welded. For the same reason, seat cushions are comprised of hard rubber.

[0014] The frame and seat assemblies in a preferred embodiment of the present invention include foot plates which allow the fitness equipment to be bolted down to a surface area.

[0015] Many attachments of the members of various of the assemblies in the fitness equipment of the present invention are, in a preferred embodiment, made by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies. These assemblies can also be welded to prevent removal of portions of the fitness equipment.

[0016] As discussed above, in a preferred embodiment, moveable parts within the fitness equipment of the present invention include either self-lubricating bushings or high speed bearings, with grease fittings, which require little to no lubrication maintenance and therefore reduce the use of aerosol and hand-held lubricants.

[0017] Finally, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the fitness equipment is comprised of members, including frame assemblies, arm assemblies and the fixed weight stack assembly, which are interchangeable among the different forms of fitness equipment. As such, the fitness equipment of the present invention can be manufactured in component assemblies which can be transported to a correctional or prison setting location and assembled on site in different forms of fitness equipment. Additionally, these interchangeable component assemblies allow these parts to be reassembled to provide different forms of fitness equipment over the course of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1 is a side, elevational view of fitness equipment in the nature of a bench press according to the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side, elevational view of fitness equipment in the nature of an arm curl shoulder raise according to the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side, elevational view of fitness equipment in the form of a shoulder press according to the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side, elevational view of fitness equipment in the form of a squat machine according to the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a side, elevational view of fitness equipment in the form of a tricep press according to the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a side, elevational view of fitness equipment in the form of a lat pull down according to the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side, elevational view of a squat platform base which is depicted with the squat machine in FIG. 4.

[0025] FIG. 8 is an front, elevational view of the fixed weight stack assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a telescoping, cut away view of the fixed weight stack assembly of the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a side view of the adjustable pin which is utilized in connection with the fixed weight stack assembly of the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a side, elevational view of a frame assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 12 is a side, elevational view of a frame assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 13 is a top view of an arm assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 13A is a top view of the arm assembly depicted in FIG. 13, together with attached press handles.

[0032] FIG. 13B is a top view of the arm assembly depicted in FIG. 13, with an attached press rod.

[0033] FIG. 14 is a top view of another arm assembly of the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a front view of a pivot arm utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 16 is a side, elevational view of a bench assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 17 is a side, elevational view of a seat assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 18 is a side, elevational view of another seat assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 19 is a side, elevational view of a base assembly utilized in connection with the fitness equipment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] The novel elements of the fitness equipment of the present invention can be more readily understood in reference to FIG. 1, which depicts bench press 10 as one form of the fitness equipment of the present invention. Bench press 10 is comprised of a frame assembly 11, an arm assembly 12, a bench assembly 13 and a fixed weight stack assembly 14. Arm assembly 12 is pivotally attached to frame assembly 11 by pivot rod 15. Both frame assembly 11 and arm assembly 12 are comprised of hollow metal members. Preferably, frame assembly 11 and arm assembly 12 are formed and welded together from hollow steel members. The completed assemblies are then hot-dipped galvanized—both externally and internally. This composition provides weather and corrosion resistant qualities to the frame and arm assemblies. Exposed ends of the frame and arm assembles, such as arm assembly ends 12a and 12b, are capped and welded to preclude openings in the fitness equipment in which contraband might be hidden. In bench press 10, arm assembly 12 further includes press handles 16 which provide a user of bench press 10 with a place to grip arm assembly 12 while in use. Press handles 16 are preferably comprised of a solid rod, most preferably one inch in diameter, which also avoids any open ends. Additionally, press handles 16, which run through pre-cut holes in arm assembly 12, are welded internally to arm assembly 16 before ends 12a and 12b are capped and welded and are further welded externally to prevent the removal of press handles 16 from the fitness equipment. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13A, press handles 16 only extend internally from arm assembly 12 and toward the user.

[0040] The pivotal connection of arm assembly 12 to frame assembly 11 is facilitated by pivot rod 15, which runs internally through the length of arm assembly member 30 and passes beyond both ends of member 30. Pivot rod is preferably comprised of stainless steel, which provides weather and corrosion resistance and also assists smooth rotational movement of pivot rod 15 within flanged bearings 31a and 31b, as described further below. Pivot rod 15 is bolted to member 30 by nylon-lock nut and bolt assembly 32, which prevents easy removal of the pivot rod. The ends of pivot rod 15 insert into flanged bearings 31a and 31b, which, in turn, are attached by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies to frame assembly 11. In a preferred embodiment, flanged bearings 31a and 31b are high speed bearings with grease fittings which greatly reduce the need for any lubrication maintenance of these bearings, and, as such, address safety concerns which arise in prison settings in respect to the use of aerosol and hand-held lubricants.

[0041] Bench assembly 13 is comprised of support members 23 and 24, seat frame 17 and an upper surface cushion 18. Support members 23 and 24 and seat frame 17 are preferably constructed and assembled together from steel members and then hot-dipped galvanized. Surface cushion 18 is preferably comprised of a weather resistant, hard rubber. Surface cushion 18 is attached to seat frame 17 by a nylon-lock nut and bolt assembly, with stainless nut and bolt assemblies 33 depicted in FIG. 1. Bench assembly 13 attaches to frame assembly 11, by nut and bolt assemblies 34, at horizontal front frame members 19 and 20. Nut and bolt assemblies 34, along with other similar nut and bolt assemblies in the fitness equipment, in general, are preferably nylon-lock nuts which cannot be removed by hand. Nut and bolt assemblies can also be welded, if desired for safety reasons, or can be left in a removable state, through tool use, so that bench assembly 13 can be detached from frame assembly 11. Bench assembly 13 is depicted as a separate unit in FIG. 16.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, fixed weight stack assembly 14 is comprised of:

[0043] a. Two control rods 21a and 2lb;

[0044] b. A base assembly 35, to which control rods 21a and 21b are attached by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies. Base assembly 35 is pivotally attached, by pivot rods 37a and 37b, to pillow block bearings 38a and 38b. These pillow block bearings are, in turn, bolted, by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies, to front horizontal frame member 19 of frame assembly 11.

[0045] c. Yoke and collar assembly 90, through which control rods 21a and 21b pass. Yoke and collar assembly 90 is pivotally attached, by pivot rods 91a and 91b, to flanged bearings 92a and 92b, which, in turn, are attached by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies to arm assembly 12.

[0046] d. A plurality of adjustable weight plates 22, through which pass control rods 21a and 21b and horizontal stack member 94 of yoke and collar assembly 90.

[0047] e. Adjustable pin 96, which passes through holes in both weight plates 22 and horizontal stack member 94 in order to allow the user the adjust the weight being lifted through operation of the fitness equipment and, in particular, upward movement of arm assembly 12.

[0048] During this use of the fitness equipment (as embodied in bench press 10), and corresponding upward travel of yoke and collar assembly 90 (together with selected weight plates 22), control rods 21a and 21b are fixed vertically. However, both the base assembly 35 and the yoke and collar assembly 90 pivot as arm assembly 12 rotates upward along pivot rod 15. To assist the vertical slide of yoke and collar assembly 90 along control rods 21a and 21b, the fitness equipment of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, employs self-lubricating, oil impregnated (or oil light) bushings 97a and 97b along the internal pathways within lubricating collar 100. Bushings 97a and 97b are glued within collar 100, preferably by lock tight metal glue, and release lubrication in collar 100 when subject to heat and friction. Collar 100 is welded onto the top of yoke and collar assembly 90. Thus, like the high speed bearings, with grease fittings, which are utilized in connection with flanged bearings 31a and 31b, bushings 97a and 97b address safety issues by precluding the need for constant lubrication maintenance.

[0049] Further, for the same reasons and like flanged bearings 31a and 31b, both flanged bearings 92a and 92b and pillow block bearings 38a and 38b are also preferably comprised of high speed bearings, with grease fittings.

[0050] The fixed weight stack assembly of the present invention improves on existing art by specifically adapting the fixed weight stack assembly for use in a prison setting, where safety concerns dictate against removable parts that can be used as weapons or contraband. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the pivot rods 37a and 37b, 91a and 91b associated with base assembly 35 and yoke and collar assembly 90, respectively, are welded into hollow, metal blocks 98. Blocks 98 are, in turn, welded into base assembly 35 and yoke and collar assembly 90 so that the pivot rods 37a and 37b cannot be easily removed. Through this construction, pivot rods do not need to pass through the internal length of either base assembly 35 or yoke and collar assembly 90. Further, as discussed above, control rods 21a and 21b are bolted, by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies, to base assembly 35. In addition, horizontal stack member 94 of yoke and collar assembly 90 is bolted and welded to flanges 99 of top guide plate 100, which secures the weight plates 22 below top guide plate 100. Stem 26 is welded connected downward from top guide plate 100 and provides an internal anchor post for receipt of adjustable pin 96. Similarly, collar plate 102 encircles the top of control rods 21a and 21b. Specifically, washers 102a and 102b are welded around the tops of the control rods, so as to fix collar plate 102 within these washers. Collar plate 102 has holes within it, through which control rods 21a and 21b pass. The diameter of the holes in collar plate 102 are larger than that of control rods 21a and 21b so that the control rods can move in respect to each other as the equipment is operated. Collar plate 102 prevents users from easily bending the control rods. Further, control rods 21a and 21b are of sufficient height so that, even with a full upward movement of arm assembly 12, fixed weight stack assembly 14 will not pass beyond the control rods. Finally, adjustable pin 96 is attached by a metal cable to fixed weight assembly 14. Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, 9 and 10, adjustable pin 96 is welded to a nut 103, though which a metal cable 104 is looped and permanently fixed by a compression sleeve 106. Preferably, metal cable 104 is comprised of zinc-coated aircraft cable (aircraft cable is a nylon-coated steel cable). At the opposite end of metal cable 104, a larger loop 105 is formed from the cable, which is also permanently fixed by a compression sleeve 106. Loop 105 passes around horizontal stack member 94 before it is inserted into weight plates 22 and bolted and welded to stack plate 100; thus, securing adjustable pin 96 to the fitness equipment.

[0051] Concerns for weather and corrosion resistance are addressed, in respect to fixed weight stack assembly 14, through use of a stainless steel composition for control rods 21a and 21b, pivot rods 37a, 37b, 91a and 91b, base assembly 35 and yoke and collar assembly 90.

[0052] Safety issues can be further addressed, generally, in the fitness equipment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, through use of foot plates 27 which are welded onto the lower members of frame assembly 11 and bench assembly 18 in bench press 10 in FIG. 1. Foot plates 27 may, in turn, be bolted to a ground surface so that the fitness equipment of the present invention cannot be easily moved in its entirety.

[0053] FIG. 2 depicts the same general elements of a preferred embodiment of the fitness equipment of the present invention as employed in connection with an arm curl shoulder raise 40. Arm curl shoulder raise 40 is comprised generally of frame assembly 11 (which is the same frame assembly utilized with bench press 10; arm assembly 12 (which is also the same arm assembly utilized with bench press 10); fixed weight stack assembly 14 (also the same as the weight stack assembly employed in bench press 10); and pivot arm assembly 41.

[0054] Referring specifically to FIGS. 2 and 15, pivot arm assembly 41, which substitutes for the press handles of bench press 10, is comprised of arm rod 42 which is welded to support members 43, and support members 43 are, in turn, pivotally attached to arm assembly 12 by pivot rods 44. More specifically, pivot rods 44 are welded to support members 43, pass through openings in arm assembly 12 and are attached thereto by shaft collars 45 in such a manner that pivot rods 44 can rotate within arm assembly 12. Arm rod 42 can rotate within support members 43. Arm rod 42, in a preferred embodiment, has a external metal tube 47 around it, which is gripped by the user. Tube 47 has an internal bushing and rotates around arm rod 42 as the equipment is used. Pivot arm assembly 41 is preferably comprised of stainless steel.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, the same general elements of a preferred embodiment of the fitness equipment of the present invention are shown as utilized in the form of a shoulder press 50. Shoulder press 50 is comprised generally of frame assembly 11 (which is the same frame assembly utilized with bench press 10; arm assembly 12 (which is also the same arm assembly utilized with bench press 10); fixed weight stack assembly 14 (also the same as the weight stack assembly employed in bench press 10; and seat assembly 41. Arm assembly 12 employs the same press handles 16 which are used with bench press 10. Seat assembly 41 attaches, preferably by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies, to the front horizontal members 19 and 20 of frame assembly 11.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 17, seat assembly 41 is comprised of support members 51 and 52, seat frame 53 and an upper surface cushion 54. Like bench assembly 13, support members 51 and 52 and seat frame 53 are assembled and then subject to a hot dip galvanizing process; while surface cushion 54 is preferably comprised of a weather-resistant hard rubber. Surface cushion 54 is attached to seat frame 53 by nut and bolt assemblies 55. Seat assembly 41 attaches to frame assembly 11, by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies, at horizontal front frame members 19 and 20. These nut and bolt assemblies can be welded, if desired for safety reasons, or can be left in a tool-removable state so that seat assembly 41 can be detached from frame assembly 11.

[0057] FIG. 4 depicts a further form of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in the nature of a squat machine 60. Squat machine 60 is comprised generally of frame assembly 11 (which is the same frame assembly utilized with bench press 10; arm assembly 12 (which is also the same arm assembly utilized with bench press 10); fixed weight stack assembly 14 (also the same as the weight stack assembly employed in bench press 10; and platform assembly 61. Distinct from bench press 10, arm assembly 12 in squat machine 51 employs a handle rod 62 for the user to grip and rest across the user's shoulders (the external ends of handle rod 62 are again optional). Like press handles 16, though, handle rod is welded both internally and externally to arm assembly 12.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 7, platform assembly 61, in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of a rectangular base frame 63, an upper metal mesh surface 64, cross supports 65 and attachment assembly 66. Base frame 63, cross supports 65 and attachment assembly 66 are preferably assembled from hollow metal members and then, after attachment, by welding of mesh surface 64, are hot-dipped galvanized. Mesh surface 64 is preferably made of expanded metal mesh having a gauge measurement of ¾×9 has been found to provide suitable flat service support to a user of platform assembly, while also allowing water and moisture to pass through the mesh. Thus, where squat machine 60 is utilized in outdoor conditions and is placed directly on a ground surface, base platform 61 allows a user to stand on a flat and relatively dry surface.

[0059] Platform assembly 61 attaches to frame assembly 11 through use of nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies in tabs 67 of attachment assembly 66. Platform assembly 61 can be utilized with other forms of the fitness equipment of the present invention where a user stands while operating the equipment—such as with arm curl shoulder raise 40.

[0060] FIG. 5 depicts an additional variation of the fitness equipment of the present invention in the form of tricep press 70. Tricep press 70 is comprised of frame assembly 71 (which differs from frame assembly 11), arm assembly 72 (which differs from arm assembly 12), fixed weight stack assembly 14 and support assembly 73. In tricep press 70, arm assembly 72 pivotally attaches to the front vertical members 74 and 75 of the frame assembly 71, through a pivot rod 15 and flanged bearings 31a and 31b. At the rear of arm assembly 72, arm assembly 72 pivotally attaches to the yoke and collar assembly of fixed weight stack assembly 14 through pivot rods 91a and 91b and flanged bearings 38a and 38b (as otherwise shown in FIG. 1). These pivotal attachments of arm assembly 72 to both frame assembly 71 and fixed weight stack assembly 14 work in the same manner as those associated with bench press 10. Further, in a preferred embodiment, frame assembly 71 and arm assembly 72 have the same structure and composition as frame assembly 11 and arm assembly 12. Arm assembly 72 further comprises a pivot rod assembly 41.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 19, support assembly 73 provides support and stability to tricep press 70. Support assembly is comprised of hollow steel members which are welded together and then hot-dipped galvanized. Support assembly attaches by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies to the base of frame assembly 71. Support assembly can be used interchangeably with platform assembly 61.

[0062] FIG. 6 depicts an additional variation of the fitness equipment of the present invention in the form of lat pull down 80. Tricep press 70 is comprised of frame assembly 71 (which is the same as that used in tricep press 60), arm assembly 72 (also used in tricep press 60), fixed weight stack assembly 14 and seat assembly 81. Arm assembly 72 further includes pivot rod assembly 41. As such, lat pull down 70 is constructed and functions similar to tricep press 60.

[0063] Lat pull down 70 differs from tricep press 60 in respect to seat assembly 81. Referring to both FIGS. 6 and 18, seat assembly 81 is constructed similar to bench assembly 13. Seat assembly 81 is comprised of support members 82, 82a, 83, 84 and 85, seat frame 86 and an upper surface cushion 87. Support members 82, 83, 84 and 85 are preferably comprised hollow steel members and member 82a is a solid steel rod. After assembly of these members, they are hot-dip galvanized (internally and externally). Surface cushion 87 is preferably comprised of a weather resistant hard rubber. Surface cushion 87 is attached to seat frame 86 by a stainless nut and bolt assemblies 88. Seat assembly 81 attaches to frame assembly 71, by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies, at horizontal front frame members 89 and 90. These nut and bolt assemblies can be welded, if desired for safety reasons, or can be left in a removable state so that seat assembly 81 can be detached from frame assembly 71.

[0064] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, certain frame, arm, fixed weight stack and platform or base assemblies are designed to be interchangeable within varying forms of the fitness equipment. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a method of manufacture of fitness equipment where frame, arm, bench, seat, fixed weight stack and platform or base assemblies are manufactured as separate assemblies, subjected to a hot-dip galvanizing process and then combined, assembled and attached to one another to create different forms of fitness equipment within the embodiments of the present.

[0065] More specifically, referring generally to FIGS. 1-6 and 8, the same fixed weight stack assembly can be utilized and is interchangeable with each of the forms of the fitness equipment, including the bench press, arm curl shoulder raise, shoulder press, squat machine, tricep press and lat pull down forms of fitness equipment.

[0066] Similarly, referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 11, frame assembly 11 can be utilized and is interchangeable with the bench press, arm curl shoulder raise, shoulder press and squat machine forms of fitness equipment. Base plates 110 are welded onto frame assembly 11, with base plates providing a platform base, for attachment by nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies, of base assembly 35. Frame assembly members 19 and 20 each have two front holes, 19a and 19b and 20a and 20b, respectively, to receive bolt connections which allow for attachment of either base assembly 13, seat assembly 41, platform assembly 61 or support assembly 73. Vertical members 112 and 113 of frame assembly 11 contain holes 112a, 112b, 113a and 113b, respectively, through which flanged bearings 31a and 31b are attached, by a nylon-lock nut and bolt assembly, to frame assembly 11. Likewise, referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 12, frame assembly 71 can be utilized and is interchangeable with the tricep press and lat pull down forms of the present invention. Frame assembly 71 contains base plates 110, foot plates 27 and connecting holes 74a and 74b, 75a and 75b, 19a and 19b, and 20a and 20b in members 74, 75, 19 and 20, respectively, of frame assembly 71, which function in the same manner as similar features in frame assembly 11.

[0067] Arm assemblies in the fitness equipment of the present invention are also interchangeable. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 1-4, 13, 13A and 13B, arm assembly 12 is utilized and is interchangeable with the bench press, arm curl shoulder raise, shoulder press and squat machine forms of fitness equipment. As discussed above, the bench press 10 and shoulder press 50 utilize arm assembly 12 with press handles 16, as depicted in FIG. 13A. Alternatively, pivot rod assembly 41 may be used with arm assembly 12, as shown in arm curl shoulder raise 40. Finally, arm assembly 12 may employ a handle rod 62, as shown in FIG. 13B. In all of these applications, member 30 of arm assembly 12 contains side holes 120a and 120b, through which pivot rod 15 passes. Arm assembly 12 also contains side holes 121a and 121b, though which nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies pass to attach flanged bearings 92a and 92b. Press handles 16, pivot rod assembly 41 and handle rod 62 attach to arm assembly 12 through holes 122a and 122b.

[0068] Similarly, referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 14, arm assembly 72 may be used with tricep press 70 and lat pull down 80. In this context, pivot rod assembly 41 is preferably used with arm assembly 72 in both of these forms of the preferred embodiment of the fitness equipment of the present invention. Arm assembly 72, similar to arm assembly 12, has holes 122a and 122b which allow for attachment of pivot rod assembly 41. Additionally, arm assembly 72 has side holes 130a and 130b, through which pivot rod 15 passes. As in arm assembly 12, pivot rod 15 passes internally through cross member 131 and is bolted through hole 132. Arm assembly 72 also has side holes 133a and 133b, thought which nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies attach flanged bearings 92a and 92b to arm assembly 72.

Claims

1. Fitness equipment for use in an outdoor prison environment, said fitness equipment comprising:

a. A frame comprised of (i) hollow steel members that are hot-dipped galvanized both externally and internally and are welded together, and (ii) caps which are welded onto the exposed ends of said frame members;

b. An arm assembly comprised of (i) hollow steel members that are hot-dipped galvanized both externally and internally and are welded together and, (ii) caps which are welded onto the exposed ends of said frame members; said arm assembly connected to said frame assembly by a pivot rod bolted to said arm assembly and pivotally attached to said frame assembly through use of self-lubricating fittings; and

c. A fixed weight stack assembly comprised of (i) a plurality of stainless steel control rods, (ii) a plurality of weight plates slidably mounted on said control rods, (iii) a base assembly bolted to said control rods and pivotally attached by pivot rods to said frame assembly through use of self-lubricating fittings, (iv) a yoke and collar assembly through which said control rods pass and that is pivotally attached by pivot rods to said arm assembly through use of self-lubricating fittings, said yoke and collar assembly permanently attached to said arm assembly to prevent removal of said weight plates, and (v) a weight adjusting pin attached by a metal cable to said frame assembly.

2. The fitness equipment of claim 1, wherein said fitness equipment is further comprised of:

a. A seat assembly comprised of (i) hollow steel members that are hot-dipped galvanized both externally and internally and are welded together, and (ii) caps which are welded onto the exposed ends of said frame members; and

b. A weather-resistant and hard rubber seat cushion attached to said seat assembly.

3. The fitness equipment of claim 1, wherein said fitness equipment further comprises a deck assembly on which a user of said fitness equipment stands.

4. The fitness equipment of claim 1, wherein said fitness equipment further comprises foot plates that allow said fitness equipment to be bolted to a surface area.

5. The fitness equipment of claim 1, wherein said fixed weight stack assembly further comprises self-lubricating oil-light bushings attached within said yoke and collar assembly and around said control rods.

6. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said frame assembly, said arm assembly and said fixed weight stack assembly are manufactured as component parts and, with further attachments, can be assembled to create various forms of fitness equipment from the group consisting of a bench press, an arm curl shoulder raise, a shoulder press, a squat machine, a tricep press and a lat pull down.

7. The fitness equipment of claim 6 wherein said further attachments include a seat assembly and a deck assembly.

8. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said self-lubricating fittings are high speed bearings with grease fittings.

9. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said pivot rod is bolted to said arm assembly by a nylon-lock nut and bolt assembly.

10. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said control rods are bolted to said base assembly by nylon-lock nut and bolt assembly.

11. The fitness equipment of claim 9 and claim 10, wherein said nylon-lock nut and bolt assemblies are welded.

12. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said fixed weight stack assembly further comprises a control plate which is moveably attached to the upper ends of said control rods and prevents users of said fitness equipment from easily bending said control rods.

13. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said arm assembly further comprises press handles welded to said arm assembly.

14. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said arm assembly further comprises a pivot arm assembly which is pivotally attached to said arm assembly.

15. The fitness equipment of claim 1 wherein said arm assembly further comprises a handle rod welded to said arm assembly.