Weight training machine
A weight training machine includes a main frame, a lever carriage mechanism, an adjustment linkage and a stop mechanism. A lever carriage mechanism is pivotally connected to the main frame. The lever carriage mechanism includes a weight carrying portion adapted to carry at least one weight. An input mechanism is connected to the lever carriage mechanism. The adjustment linkage is connected between the lever carriage mechanism and the main frame and is configured to selectively adjust an arc of rotation of the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism about the main frame such that the weight carrying portion may selectively traverse each of a plurality of predefined strength curves in response to movement of the input mechanism by a user.
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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a weight training machine and, more particularly, to a weight training machine that enables a user to selectively sequence a plurality of strength curves for improved muscle training in the user's body.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Prior art weight training devices typically offer the user of the device a single range of motion, or strength curve. Consequently, each time the user operates the weight training device he or she repeats the same predefined strength curve. Using the weight training devices known in the prior art on a repetitive basis means that the user's workouts lack variety. The same muscle fibers in the user's body, such as the muscles in the user's arms or legs, are conditioned in the same manner during each workout. The person's muscles become accustomed to the training regimen which leads to training plateaus in which the person must work harder and harder with diminishing returns. To achieve increasing benefits over time, the user must either increase the number of repetitions performed or the amount of weight used in the device.
The single resistance pattern weight training devices known in the prior art do not adequately train the user's muscles for realistic physical situations. Whether in the work place, on the athletic field, or in everyday situations people are forced to respond to uncontrolled resistances that impact different ranges of movement of the human body. It is apparent that a single resistance pattern, or strength curve, does not “functionally” prepare the human body for these dynamic and unpredictable stresses.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to overcome these disadvantages in prior art weight training devices which offer the user only a single resistance pattern or strength curve. In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a weight training machine that enables the user to selectively sequence a number of strength curves for improved training of the muscles in the user's body. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a leg press or arm press machine that enables the user to selectively sequence a number of strength curves for improved training of the user's leg or arm muscles. Furthermore, it is another particular object of the present invention to provide an arm curl machine that enables the user to selectively sequence a number of strength curves for improved training of the user's upper arms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe above objects are accomplished with a weight training machine made in accordance with the present invention. The weight training machine generally includes a main frame, a lever carriage mechanism, an input mechanism and an adjustment linkage pivotally connected to the lever carriage mechanism and the main frame. The main frame includes a seat portion. The lever carriage mechanism is pivotally connected to the main frame. The lever carriage mechanism also includes a weight carrying portion that is adapted to carry at least one weight. The input mechanism is connected to the lever carriage mechanism. The adjustment linkage is configured to selectively adjust an arc of rotation of the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism about the main frame such that the weight carrying portion may selectively traverse each of a plurality of predefined strength curves in response to movement of the input mechanism by a user.
The weight training machine may further include a stop mechanism connected to the main frame. The stop mechanism is preferably configured to coact with the lever carriage mechanism such that the stop mechanism limits rotation of the lever carriage mechanism in a direction toward the seat portion of the main frame. The stop mechanism may be pivotally connected to the main frame and include an L-shaped engagement handle for manipulating the stop mechanism.
The lever carriage mechanism may include a main linkage pivotally supported on the main frame by bearings. The lever carriage mechanism may further include a weight mount lever pivotally connected to the main linkage. The weight mount lever preferably includes a weight shaft for receiving one or more removable weights onto the machine. The input mechanism may include a push platform pivotally connected to the main linkage and configured to transmit user input to the machine. The input mechanism may include a handle grip fixedly attached to the main linkage and configured to transmit user input to the machine. Furthermore, the lever carriage mechanism may include a following linkage pivotally connected to the push platform and the main frame. The following linkage may be configured to control an angle of the push platform relative to a horizontal plane as the lever carriage mechanism rotates about the main frame when the machine is operated by the user.
The weight training machine may further include a guide linkage pivotally connected to the adjustment linkage and the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism. The guide linkage may be configured to guide the weight carrying portion along the preselected strength curve when the machine is operated by a user. The weight carrying portion preferably includes a weight mount lever with a weight shaft for receiving one or more removable weights onto the machine. The guide linkage includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the guide linkage may be pivotally connected to the weight carrying portion of the weight mount lever, and the second end of the guide linkage may be pivotally connected to the adjustment linkage.
An adjustment plate may be fixed to the main frame. The adjustment plate preferably defines a plurality of adjustment holes. The adjustment linkage may define an aperture therethrough. A removable pin may cooperate with the aperture and one of the holes in the adjustment plate to set the arc of rotation of the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism and the corresponding predefined strength curve. As stated, the adjustment plate may define a plurality of adjustment holes. A first hole of the plurality of adjustment holes preferably corresponds to an overload beginning position of the adjustment linkage. A second hole of the plurality of adjustment holes preferably corresponds to an overload middle position of the adjustment linkage. A third hole of the plurality of adjustment holes preferably corresponds to an overload end position of the adjustment linkage.
The main frame may include a projecting piece. The adjustment linkage may be pivotally connected to the projecting piece. The main linkage may include a counterweight portion at one end thereof. In addition, the main linkage may further include a depending stop member at an end of the main linkage opposite from the counterweight portion. The depending stop member is preferably configured to coact with a stop mechanism connected to the main frame, with the stop mechanism limiting rotation of the lever carriage mechanism toward the seat portion.
Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings, wherein similar parts are designated with primed reference characters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to
As shown in
Referring to
The first frame portion 20 is formed adjacent and connected to the seat portion 18 and defines an open space 28. The second frame portion 22 is located at an opposite end of the main frame 12 from the seat portion 18 and is connected to the first frame portion 20. The second frame portion 22 generally extends upward from the first frame portion 20 and supports the lever carriage mechanism 16. The main frame 12 generally serves the functions of pivotally supporting the lever carriage mechanism 16 and positioning and supporting the user in a correct exercise position throughout the use of the weight training machine 10.
The stop mechanism 14 generally includes an elongated body 30 that is pivotally connected to the first frame portion 20 by a shaft or a mechanical tube 32. A U-shaped flat bar 34 is provided at one end of the elongated body 30 and is configured to engage the lever carriage mechanism 16 to limit rotation of the lever carriage mechanism 16 in a direction toward the first frame portion 20 and, in particular, toward the seat portion 18 of the main frame 12 for the safety of the user. The stop mechanism 14 further includes a user engagement handle 36 that is connected fixedly to the elongated body 30. The user engagement handle 36 is preferably formed with a 90° angle so that it is easily grasped by the user when positioned in the weight training machine 10. The stop mechanism 14 is generally positioned in the open space 28 defined by the first frame portion 20. The stop mechanism 14 is omitted in
The lever carriage mechanism 16 generally includes a main linkage 40 pivotally connected to the main frame 12, a following linkage 42 pivotally connected to the second frame portion 22, a weight mount lever 44 pivotally connected to the main linkage 40, and a guide linkage 46, also pivotally connected to the main linkage 40. The lever carriage mechanism 16 preferably further includes a push platform 50 pivotally connected to the main linkage 40 and the following linkage 42. The push platform 50 is the main input mechanism in the leg press embodiment of the weight training machine 10, whereby the user exerts his or her leg muscles in a reciprocating manner to pivot the lever carriage mechanism 16 and thus raise and lower the weight mount lever 44.
The main linkage 40 is supported on the main frame 12 by bearings 52, 54. In particular, the main linkage 40 is pivotally connected to the second frame portion 22 of the main frame 12 by bearings 52, 54. Bearings 52, 54 have flanges (not shown) to receive bolts (not shown) for securing the bearings 52, 54 to the second frame portion 22. The main linkage 40 further includes a counterweight portion 56 and a depending stop member 58 that is configured to cooperate with the U-shaped flat bar 34 of the stop mechanism 14. As stated previously, the stop mechanism 14 limits the rotation of the lever carriage mechanism 16 in the direction toward the first frame portion 20. The push platform 50 is pivotally connected to the main linkage 40 by shaft 60. The push platform 50 preferably includes a plate 62 against which the user places his or her feet to provide the input to the weight training machine 10 in the leg press machine embodiment shown. The push platform 50 preferably further includes a handle grip 64 attached to the plate 62 which is used to assist in entry and exit to and from the machine 10. The counterweight portion 56 offsets the weight of the lever carriage mechanism 16 so that the user only “feels” the force generated by the target loading portion of the lever carriage mechanism 16, which generally includes the main linkage 40, the weight mount lever 44 and the guide linkage 46.
Referring now to
The weight mount lever 44 is pivotally connected to the main linkage 40 by shaft 70. The weight mount lever 44 preferably includes two transversely extending weight mount shafts 72 that are configured to receive removable weights usually in the form of plates with central apertures, (not shown) used in connection with the weight training machine 10. Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the weight mount shafts 72 and the weight mount lever 44 are the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism 16.
The guide linkage 46 is formed as an L-shaped member and includes two ends, a first end 74 and a second end 75. The first end 74 of the guide linkage 46 is pivotally connected by shaft 76 to the weight mount lever 44. The second end 75 of the guide linkage 46 is pivotally connected by shaft 78 to an adjustment linkage 80. The first end 74 of the guide linkage 46 is connected by shaft 76 at a point on the weight mount lever 44 located between shaft 70 and weight mount shaft 72. The connection point of the guide linkage 46 to the weight mount lever 44 is about four inches away from shaft 70.
The adjustment linkage 80 includes two ends, a first end 82 and a second end 84. An adjustment handle lever 86 is preferably connected to the first end 82 of the adjustment linkage 80 and may be formed integrally therewith. The second end 84 of the adjustment linkage 80 is pivotally connected by shaft 88 to the second frame portion 22 of the main frame 12. In particular, the second end 84 of the adjustment linkage 80 is pivotally connected by shaft 88 to a projecting piece 90 connected to the second frame portion 22. The projecting piece 90 includes a mechanical tube 91 with which shaft 88 cooperates to connect the adjustment linkage 80 to the projecting piece 90.
The guide linkage 46 is rotatable relative to the adjustment linkage 80 via shaft 78, as discussed previously. In particular, the guide linkage 46 is connected at its second end 75 via shaft 78 to the adjustment linkage 80 at a point on the adjustment linkage 80 located between the first end 82 and the second end 84 of the adjustment linkage 80. Preferably, the guide linkage 46 is connected by shaft 78 at a point closer to the second end 84 of the adjustment linkage 80. The connection point of the guide linkage 46 via shaft 78 to the adjustment linkage 80 is about 5¼ inches from the second end 84 of the adjustment linkage 80. However, this relative distance for the connection point is merely an example and may be changed to place the weight mount lever 44 in different locations allowing it to rotate in a proper relation throughout the range of motion of the lever carriage mechanism 16.
The adjustment linkage 80 defines at least one aperture 92 at a point located between the adjustment handle lever 86 and shaft 78 which connects the guide linkage 46 to the adjustment linkage 80. The adjustment linkage 80 is configured to coact with an adjustment plate 100 attached to the second frame portion 22 of the main frame 12 as hereinafter discussed. As shown in
As shown in
The relative movement of the linkages of the lever carriage mechanism 16 will now be discussed with reference to
With continued reference to
Referring briefly to
As shown in
The exercise movement is completed by lowering the push platform 50 while at the same time rotating the stop mechanism 14 so that the stop member 58 connected to the main linkage 40 is placed in engagement with the U-shaped flat bar 34 of the stop mechanism 14. The stop mechanism 14 limits the downward rotation of the lever carriage mechanism 16 for ease and safety of user entry and exit from the weight training machine 10.
The above-discussed principle of operation for the leg press embodiment of the weight training machine 10 may also be applied to an arm press embodiment, such as a chest press machine, as shown in
The left and right lever carriage mechanisms 16′ each include a main linkage 40′ pivotally connected to the frame portion 22′, a weight mount lever 44′ pivotally connected to the main linkage 40′, and a guide linkage 46′ also pivotally connected to the main linkage 40′. The right side main linkage 40′ is supported and pivotally connected to the frame portion 22′ by bearings 52′, 54′, and the left side main linkage 40′ is supported and pivotally connected to the frame portion 22′ by a second set of bearings 52′, 54′. Right and left sides for the machine 10 are defined from the point of view of the user who will operate the machine 10′ in
The main linkage 40′ further includes a counterweight portion 56′ for each of the respective lever carriage mechanisms 16′ which offsets the weight of the respective lever carriage mechanisms 16′. The right and left side main linkages 40′ each have a handle grip 64′ which the user grasps to provide the input to the machine 10′ and, hence, the handle grips 64′ are the input mechanisms to the machine 10′. In operation, the user grasps the respective handle grips 64′ and pushes upward in a reciprocating manner to pivot the right and left side lever carriage mechanisms 16′ and thus raise and lower the weight mount levers 44′ attached thereto. As shown in
The respective weight mount levers 44′ are pivotally connected to the right and left side main linkages 40′ and each include a weight mount shaft 72′ adapted to receive removable weights onto the machine 10′. The weight mount shafts 72 and the weight mount levers 44′ are the weight carrying portions of the right and left side lever carriage mechanisms 16′. The weight mount levers 44′ are each pivotally connected by shaft 70′ to the respective main linkages 40′.
In the machine 10′, the guide linkages 46′ for the right and left side lever carriage mechanisms 16′ are preferably provided as bars each having a first end 74′ and a second end 75′. The first end 74′ of the respective guide linkages 46′ is pivotally connected to the respective weight mount levers 44′. The second end 75′ of the respective guide linkages 46′ is pivotally connected to respective right and left side adjustment linkages 80′. The connection point of the guide linkages 46′ to weight mount levers 44′ may be about 4½ inches away from shafts 76′ which connect the weight mount levers 44′ to the respective right and left side main linkages 40′.
The adjustment linkages 80′ each have a first end 82′ and a second end 84′. An adjustment handle lever 86′ is preferably connected to the first end 82′ of each of the adjustment linkages 80′. The second end 84′ of each of the adjustment linkages 80′ is pivotally connected by respective shafts 88′ to the upstanding frame portion 22′ of the main frame 12′. In particular, the adjustment linkages 80′ are pivotally connected to respective adjustment plates 100′ fixedly secured to the right and left sides of the machine 10′. The guide linkages 46′ are pivotal relative to the adjustment linkages 80′ via shafts 78′ extending from the respective adjustment linkages 80′. The connection point at shaft 78′ is about 5½ inches from the first end 82′ of the respective adjustment linkages 80′.
The adjustment linkages 80′ each define an aperture 92′. The adjustment plates 100′ each define a plurality of holes 102′. The arm press embodiment of the machine 10′ shown in
The arm press embodiment of the machine 10′ operates in a substantially similar manner to the leg press embodiment of the machine 10 discussed previously, and the user will experience similar load resistance percentages in the various overload positions of the machine 10′ as found in the leg press machine embodiment. The user operates the machine 10′ by pushing upward against the handle grips 64′ which causes the respective right and left side lever carriage mechanisms 16′ to pivot upward. The main linkages 40′ pivot about respective bearings 52′, 54′, and the weight mount levers 44′ rotate upward with the main linkages 40′. The weight mount shafts 72′ traverse the respective first arc 106′, second arc 108′ and third arc 110′ shown in
Referring now to
The lever carriage mechanism 16″ includes a main linkage 40″ pivotally connected to the upstanding frame portion 22″, a weight mount lever 44″ pivotally connected to the main linkage 40″, and a guide linkage 46″ also pivotally connected to the main linkage 40″. The main linkage 40″ is support and pivotally connected to the upstanding frame portion by bearing 52″. A stop member 114″ is preferably located at one end of the main linkage 40″ and is adapted to coact with the upstanding frame portion 22″ to limit the downward movement of the lever carriage mechanism 16″ toward the seat portion 18″.
The weight mount lever 44″ is pivotally connected to the main linkage 40″ by shaft 70″ and includes a weight mount shaft 72″ adapted to receive removable weights onto the machine 10″. The weight mount shaft 72″ and the weight mount lever 44″ are the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism 16″.
The guide linkage 46″ is formed as a bar having a first end 74″ and a second end 75″. The first end 74″ of the guide linkage 46″ is pivotally connected to the weight mount lever 44″ via shaft 76″. The second end 75″ of the guide linkage 46″ is pivotally connected to an adjustment linkage 80″. The adjustment linkage 80″ in the machine 10″ is preferably provided in two parts, a first portion 80a″ and a second portion 80b″. The first and second portions 80a″, 80b″ are connected by shaft 88″, which is rotatably received through mechanical tube 116 located on the upstanding frame portion 22″. The guide linkage 46″ is pivotally connected to the first portion 80a″ of the adjustment linkage 80″ via shaft 78″, which extends from the first portion 80a″. The second portion 80b″ of the adjustment linkage 80″ includes a first end 82″ and a second end 84″. An adjustment handle lever 86″ is located at the first end 82″ of the second portion 80b″. Shaft 88″ is located at the second end 84″ of the second portion 80b″. The second portion 80b″ of the adjustment linkage 80″ defines an aperture 92″. An adjustment plate 100″ is attached to the upstanding frame portion 22″ and defines a plurality of adjustment holes 102″. The adjustment plate 100″ in
The main differences between the arm press machine 10′ and the present arm curl machine 10″ are that the arm curl machine 10″ includes a handle grip lever 118 that is pivotally connected to the upstanding frame portion 22″ and pivotally connected to a conversion linkage 120. The conversion linkage 120, in turn, is pivotally connected to the lever carriage mechanism 16″, and the main linkage 40″ in particular. The handle grip lever 118 includes handle grips 64″ located at a first end 122 thereof for manipulating the handle grip lever 120. A second end 124 of the handle grip lever 118 includes two shafts, a first shaft 126 which is pivotally supported on the upstanding frame portion 22″ by bearing 54″, and a second shaft 128 pivotally connected to a first end 130 of the conversion linkage 120. A second end 132 of the conversion linkage 120 is pivotally connected by shaft 134 to the main linkage 40″ and, hence, the lever carriage mechanism 16″. The conversion linkage 120 pivotally connects the handle grip lever 118 to the lever carriage mechanism 16″. The conversion linkage 120 is adapted to convert the pivotal input movement of the handle grip lever 118 by the user to pivotal output movement of the lever carriage mechanism 16″. The conversion linkage 118 is adapted to pivot, or rotate, at a slower rate than the handle grip lever 118 which causes the lever carriage mechanism 16″ to pivot or rotate at a slower rate than the handle grip lever 118. Thus, the rotational movement, or range of movement of the lever carriage mechanism 16″ is approximately half the rotational movement, or range of motion of the handle grip lever 118, (i.e., when the handle grip lever is rotated 140° the lever carriage mechanism is rotated about 70°, for example).
In operation, the user sits on the first upholstered pad 24″, grasps the handle grips 64″ and pulls upward in a reciprocating manner to pivot the lever carriage mechanism 16″ and thus raise and lower the weight mount lever 44″ and weight shaft 72″. The user will typically rest his or her elbows on the second upholstered pad 26″. The stop member 114 attached to the main linkage 40″ limits the downward motion of the lever carriage mechanism 16″ at the conclusion of the user's movements.
As stated, the conversion linkage 120 is configured to reduce the rotational movement of the lever carriage mechanism 16″ to approximately half that of the rotational movement of the handle grip lever 118.
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention provides a weight training machine that enables the user to selectively target muscle groups in the user's body and vary his or her workout regimen. It is also envisioned that the invention is applicable to machines for physical therapy, in addition to “weight training” per se.
The present invention was described with reference to preferred embodiments, which are merely illustrative of the present invention and not restrictive thereof. Obvious modifications and alterations of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.
Claims
1-18. (Cancelled)
19. An arm press machine, comprising:
- a main frame having a seat portion and an upstanding frame portion connected to the seat portion;
- two spaced apart lever carriage mechanisms positioned on opposite sides of the arm press machine and each pivotally connected to the upstanding frame portion of the main frame, with the lever carriage mechanisms each having a weight carrying portion adapted to carry at least one weight;
- an input mechanism connected to each of the lever carriage mechanisms;
- an adjustment plate attached to the upstanding frame portion for each of the lever carriage mechanisms; and
- an adjustment linkage pivotally connected to the lever carriage mechanisms and the respective adjustment plates attached to the upstanding frame portion, with each of the adjustment linkages configured to selectively adjust an arc of rotation of the weight carrying portion of the respective lever carriage mechanisms about the upstanding frame portion such that the weight carrying portion of the respective lever carriage mechanisms may each individually and selectively traverse a plurality of predefined strength curves in response to movement of the input mechanisms by a user.
20. An arm curl machine, comprising:
- a main frame having a seat portion and an upstanding frame portion connected to the seat portion;
- a lever carriage mechanism pivotally connected to the upstanding frame portion, with the lever carriage mechanism having a weight carrying portion adapted to carry at least one weight;
- a conversion linkage having a first end and a second end, with the first end pivotally connected to the lever carriage mechanism;
- a handle grip lever pivotally connected to the upstanding frame portion and the second end of the conversion linkage; and
- an adjustment linkage pivotally connected to the lever carriage mechanism and the upstanding frame portion and configured to selectively adjust an arc of rotation of the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism about the upstanding frame portion such that the weight carrying portion may selectively traverse each of a plurality of predefined strength curves in response to movement of the handle grip lever by a user,
- wherein the conversion linkage is configured to convert pivotal movement of the handle grip lever into pivotal movement of the lever carriage mechanism such that the lever carriage mechanism pivots at a slower rate than the handle grip lever.
21-33. (Cancelled)
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 2, 2004
Publication Date: Jan 27, 2005
Applicant: Strive Enterprises, Inc. (Canonsburg, PA)
Inventor: Jerry Leipheimer (Transfer, PA)
Application Number: 10/909,826