Exercise machine

Abstract

An exercise machine includes a frame with a bench and/or standing platform mounted thereon. A pivotable member is pivotally mounted on the frame and rotates against a force produced by gas springs or other mechanisms each pivotally and removably connected to the frame and pivotable member at respective mounting locations. The gas springs are selectively mountable at a variety of locations in order to vary the direction and degree of force against which the user works. A handle and foot rest may be connected to the pivotable member and a cable-pulley assembly may be mounted on the pivotable member and frame for manipulation by a user. The pivotable member may be bent or curved toward the frame. A mounting structure may be slidable along the pivotable member or members of the frame to facilitate positioning of the gas springs for adjusting the degree of resistant force experienced by the user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/513,504, filed Oct. 22, 2003; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to an improved exercise machine of the sort having a bench and/or standing platform for laying, sitting or standing upon during exercise. More particularly, the invention relates to such an exercise machine having a pivotable arm upon which the user imparts a force which is reacted by a gas chamber. Specifically, the invention relates to such an exercise machine wherein gas chambers have alternate connection points on a frame upon which the bench sits and on the pivotable arm, the gas chamber being removably connected so as to move between alternate connection points and wherein the pivotable arm is curved or includes sections bent with respect to one another to facilitate a preferred feel in the operation of the exercise machine.

2. Background Information

A great deal of exercise machines have been created in the past to enhance the interaction between the user and the machine. The well-known weightlifting bench has spawned numerous related bench-type exercise machines which simulate weightlifting or other types of movements wherein the user is able to move in a variety of ways while working against a force generally created by weights. For example, there are benches connected to pulleys with cables passing thereover having weights hanging at the other end. One of the drawbacks to benches utilizing weights is the necessity of incorporating the weights into the exercise machine. Such weights not only take up space but are inherently heavy and difficult to move around, thus tending to make such exercise machines more of a permanent stationary object as opposed to one which is movable with relative ease. In addition, the related apparatus for holding the weights takes up additional space. Moreover, the use of weights creates injury risks due to dropping them on some portion of the body. Alternately, a user may incur an injury from the lifting of weights and then be at additional risk by the fact that the weight must be lowered while the user is injured. In addition, a given exercise bench is typically limited to a single type of movement or a very limited number of such movements. Another problem that arises with such benches or similar exercise machines relates to the feel of the machine during operation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an exercise machine comprising a frame adapted to sit on a floor and having a plurality of frame mounting locations; a pivotable member pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis and having at least one pivotable member mounting location; and at least one force producing mechanism mountable at the at least one pivotable member mounting location and selectively mountable at a respective one of the frame mounting locations.

The present invention further provides an exercise machine comprising a frame adapted to sit on a floor; the frame having opposed front and rear ends and at least one frame mounting location; a user support mounted on the frame; an elongated pivotable member pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis which is disposed rearwardly of the user support; the pivotable member including an elongated first portion extending from adjacent the pivot axis in a generally forward direction and an elongated second portion extending from adjacent the pivot axis in a generally rearward direction; the pivotable member having at least one pivotable member mounting location; and at least one force producing mechanism mountable at the at least one frame mounting location and mountable at the least one pivotable member mounting location.

The present invention also provides an exercise machine comprising a frame adapted to sit on a floor; the frame having opposed front and rear ends and at least one frame mounting location; a standing platform mounted on the frame; an elongated pivotable member pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis and having at least one pivotable member mounting location; the pivotable member extending forward of the pivot axis generally toward the standing platform; and at least one force producing mechanism mountable at the at least one frame mounting location and mountable at the at least one pivotable member mounting location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the exercise machine showing a person laying on the bench with retracted or bent arms.

FIG. 3 is a figure similar to FIG. 2 except with the person's arm extended and the handle of the pivotable arm moved upwardly and the gas chamber undergoing compression.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment with the gas chamber connected to the bench and the pivotable arm at different locations and a person sitting in an upright position on the bench with arms extended to the handle.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 except that the person's arms are retracted to move the handle of the pivotable arm toward the person and compress the gas chamber.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the first embodiment showing the gas chamber in yet another location with the person sitting on the bench with feet on a foot rest mounted on the pivotable arm and with knees bent.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 except that the person's legs are extended to push the foot rest outwardly and extend the gas chamber to put the gas chamber under compression.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention wherein the pivotable arm has several sections that are bent with respect to one another and wherein a support leg of the frame also has several sections bent with respect to one another.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment showing a person laying on the bench with arms retracted.

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 9 except the person's arms are extended to move the handle upwardly and to compress the gas chamber.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment with the gas chamber connected to a different point on the frame showing a person with retracted arms laying on the bench.

FIG. 12 is similar to FIG. 11 except the person has extended arms to move the handle upwardly and to retract the gas chamber.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment showing an additional gas chamber being connected between the frame and the pivotable arm and further shows a person laying down on the bench with arms in a retracted position.

FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13 except the person's arms are extended to compress the first gas chamber and extend the second gas chamber.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment with the first gas chamber removed from the configuration of FIG. 14 and with a person sitting on the bench with arms extended.

FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15 except the person's arms are retracted to pull the handle downwardly and to compress the gas chamber.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of the encircled portion of FIG. 18 and shows the adjusting sleeve.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention showing removal of the bench and the gas springs.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the third embodiment after removal of the bench and gas springs showing extension of the handle.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the securing mechanism used for securing the handle at various positions.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment showing the rotation of the handle to a raised position.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention utilizing a pulley and cable assembly and alternate location of the gas springs wherein the bench is removed.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment indicating movement of the pivotable member, the cable pull handle and the gas springs.

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment showing a first position in solid lines and a second position in phantom to illustrate the varying direction of the origin of the resistive force to the movement of the cable pull handle.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of the present invention utilizing an alternate cable and pulley assembly.

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention utilizing the cable and pulley assembly of FIG. 27 and an alternate gas spring adjustment configuration.

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention utilizing an alternate cable and pulley assembly for use with other exercise machines adapted for use with a cable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The first embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention is indicated generally at 100 and is shown particularly in FIGS. 1-2. A second embodiment is indicated generally at 200 in FIGS. 8-9. A third embodiment is indicated generally at 300 in FIGS. 17-18. A fourth embodiment is indicated generally at 500 in FIG. 28. A fifth embodiment is indicated generally at 600 in FIG. 29.

Exercise machine 100 includes a frame 102 with a user support in the form of a bench 104 sitting thereon. Frame 102 includes an inverted generally U-shaped member 106 to which bench 104 is connected. U-shaped member 106 is connected at its ends to a respective pair of horizontal feet 108 at a central location thereof. A pair of spaced angle irons 110 are situated parallel to one another and are attached to each foot 108 at respective ends of angle irons 110. The ends of angle irons 110 are connected to each foot 108 on opposite sides of U-shaped member 106. Frame 102 further includes a mounting arm 112 having a lower end disposed between and mounted to spaced angle irons 110. Mounting arm 112 is further mounted at an intermediate position to U-shaped member 106 as mounting arm 112 angles upwardly and outwardly from the lower end toward an opposed upper end 114 disposed outwardly and upwardly of bench 104. A trunnion 116 is mounted on upper end 114 of mounting arm 112 and includes a pivot pin 118 on which a pivotable member or arm 120 is pivotably mounted so that pivotable arm 120 pivots substantially in a vertical plane, although arm 120 may rotate in a different plane without departing from the spirit of the invention. Frame 102 has a length as measured in a horizontal direction which extends from the foot 108 distal mounting arm 112 (foot 108 to the left in the Figures) to upper end 114 of mounting arm 112.

Pivotable arm 120 includes a first end 122 and a second opposed end 124 defining a length extending therebetween. The length of pivotable arm 120 is roughly of the same order as the length of frame 102. The length of pivotable arm 120 far exceeds its cross sectional dimensions, as discussed later. When first end 122 is in a lowered position, it extends over bench 104. A handle 126 is connected to pivotable arm 120 at first end 122 and extends perpendicularly thereto. Similarly, a foot rest 128 is connected to pivotable arm 120 adjacent second end 124 and extends perpendicularly thereto.

In accordance with one of the main features of the present invention, a force producing mechanism in the form of a gas chamber 130 including a cylinder 132 and a piston rod 134 is pivotally connected adjacent a first end 136 of gas chamber 130 to frame 102 and further pivotally connected adjacent a second end 138 of gas chamber 130 to pivotable arm 120 adjacent second end 124 thereof. More particularly, gas chamber 130 is connected adjacent first end 136 to a mounting location in the form of a pivot mount 140 which is connected to one of feet 108. Gas chamber 130 is connected adjacent second end 138 at another mounting location in the form of a pivot mount 142 connected to pivotable arm 120. Most preferably, gas chamber 130 is a gas spring, although other force producing mechanisms may be used. Gas springs provide a resistance force which increases somewhat during compression, but the increase is substantially less than a piston-cylinder combination wherein the piston seals against the inner surface of the cylinder and thus creates a substantial pressure increase very quickly during compression. It has been found that gas springs are highly suited for use with the present invention.

In accordance with another one of the main features of the present invention, gas chamber 130 is removably mounted to pivot mounts 140 and 142 and there are a plurality of pivot mounts located on frame 102 and on pivotable arm 120 such that gas chamber 130 may be mounted at different locations to provide a different configuration suitable to different exercises which can be performed on exercise machine 100. In the embodiments shown, additional pivot mounts are shown at 144 mounted on frame 102 at the confluence of U-shaped member 106 and mounting arm 112 and also at 146 on pivotable arm 120 adjacent first end 122. With reference to FIGS. 2-7, machine 100 is shown sitting on a floor 148 with a person 150 sitting or laying atop bench 104. Person 150 has arms 152 and legs 154.

In operation, and with continued reference to FIGS. 2-7, exercise machine 100 functions as follows. FIGS. 2-3 show one option for the use of exercise machine 100. In FIG. 2, person 150 is laying on bench 104 with arms 152 retracted in preparation to manipulate handle 126. Gas chamber 130 is connected as shown in FIG. 1 and described above, and is in an extended position in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows person 150 having extended arms 152 to push handle 126 upwardly, thereby pivoting pivotable arm 120 about pivot pin 118 in the direction shown by Arrow A whereby second end 124 of pivot member 120 is moved downwardly. In turn, cylinder 132 is moved toward a retracted position in the direction shown by Arrow B in FIG. 3. During this movement, gas chamber 130 pivots adjacent pivot mounts 142 on pivotable arm 120 and pivot mount 140 on frame 102. Thus, person 150 exerts upward force which is reacted by compression of gas within cylinder 132 of gas chamber 130. This compression of gas provides resistance against which person 150 exerts force in order to exercise. This basic concept is true of all of the embodiments in this application.

FIGS. 4-5 show an alternate position for the use of gas chamber 130. In this alternate position, gas chamber 130 is connected adjacent first end 136 to pivot mount 144 on frame 102 and adjacent second end 138 and pivot mount 146 on pivotable arm 120. FIG. 4 shows person 150 sitting on bench 104 facing gas chamber 130 and pivotable arm 120 with arms 152 extended. FIG. 5 shows person 150 having retracted arms 152 toward themselves so that handle 126 is pulled downwardly and toward bench 104. Thus, pivotable arm 120 rotates about pivot pin 118 in the direction shown by Arrow C in FIG. 4, in turn compressing gas chamber 130 into a retracted position, cylinder 132 having moved in the direction of Arrow D in FIG. 4 while pivotal movement adjacent first end 136 and first end 138 has occurred as in the previous option shown in FIGS. 2-3.

FIGS. 6-7 shown a third option for the use of exercise machine 100. FIG. 6 shows person 150 sitting on bench 104 facing pivotable arm 120 with feet (not shown) resting on foot rest 128 and with legs 154 bent. FIG. 6 shows gas chamber 130 in a retracted position. FIG. 7 shows person 150 having extended legs 154 to push foot rest 128 outwardly away from bench 104, thereby rotating pivotable arm 120 about pivot pin 118 in a direction shown by Arrow E in FIG. 7. Simultaneously, gas chamber 130 is moved to an extended position with cylinder 132 moving outwardly in the direction as shown as Arrow F.

Pivot mounts may be located in a great variety of positions along pivotable arm 120 and on frame 102 to provide different options for the positioning of gas chamber 130. In addition, person 150 may move pivotable arm 130 in directions opposite to that shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 to create a resistance reaction to the movement within gas chamber 130.

With reference to FIGS. 8-16, exercise machine 200 is further detailed. Exercise machine 200 includes a frame 202 with a user support in the form of a bench 204 sitting atop a portion thereof. Frame 202 includes a generally Z-shaped member 206 having a generally horizontal middle portion 208 to which bench 204 is connected. Z-shaped member 206 further includes a lower leg 210 extending outwardly and downwardly from one end of middle portion 208 and an upper portion 212 extending upwardly and outwardly from the other end of middle portion 208, whereby lower portion 210 and upper portion 212 extend generally away from one another. Lower leg 210 is attached to a horizontal foot 214 which extends perpendicular to lower leg 210.

In accordance with another one of the main features of the present invention, frame 202 further includes a bent leg 216 having an upper section 218, an intermediate section 220 connected to and extending downwardly from upper section 218 and a lower section 222 connected to and extending downwardly from intermediate section 220. Each section 218, 220 and 222 is bent or angled with respect to one another, as at bend 224 between section 218 and 220 and bend 226 between section 220 and 222. Section 218 is connected at an upper end thereof to upper leg 212 of V-shaped member 206 and angles downwardly and outwardly somewhat therefrom. Intermediate section 220 further angles downwardly and outwardly from upper section 218 and lower section 222 further angles outwardly and downwardly from section 220. Lower section 222 is connected to a second horizontal foot 228 at a center portion thereof, section 222 being perpendicular to foot 228. Frame 202 has a length extending from first foot 214 to second foot 228.

In accordance with another one of the main features of the present invention, a bent pivotable member or arm 230 is pivotally mounted to upper leg 212 adjacent an upper end thereof via pivot pin 232. Pivotable arm 230 has a pair of opposed terminal ends defining a length therebetween. Pivotable arm includes a first section 234 adjacent one end of arm 230, a second section 236 connected to and extending from first section 234, a third section 238 connected to and extending from second section 236 and a fourth section 240 connected to and extending from third section 238. Each of these sections is bent or angled with respect to its adjacent counterpart, as at bend 242 between sections 234 and 236, bend 244 between sections 236 and 238 and bend 246 between sections 238 and 240. A handle 248 has a longitudinal axis 250 and is connected to first section 234 of arm 230 adjacent an end thereof and extends perpendicularly to first section 234. Due to its bent nature, pivotable arm 230 approximates a curve and is broadly a shallow U-shaped member with its interior opening downwardly when handle 248 is in a lowered position as shown in FIG. 9. The length of pivotable arm 230 is roughly of the same order as the length of frame 202. The length of pivotable arm 230 far exceeds its cross sectional dimensions, as discussed later.

As with the previous embodiment, exercise machine 200 includes a plurality of mounting locations in the form of pivot pins located on frame 202 and pivotable arm 230. In accordance with one of the main features of the invention, one of these pivotable pins is mounted on bent leg 216 and is shown at 252 extending from intermediate section 220. Frame 202 includes another pivot pin 254 extending from upper leg 212 of Z-shaped member 206. Pivotable arm 230 includes three pivot pins, one at 256 extending from second section 236, another at 258 extending from third section 238 and yet another at 260 extending from fourth section 240. A force producing mechanism in the form of a gas chamber 262 extends between and is pivotally mounted at either end thereof on pivot pins 252 and 258. Gas chamber 262 includes a cylinder 264 and a piston rod 266. Pivot pin 256 has a longitudinal axis 268, pivot pin 258 has a longitudinal axis 270, pivot pin 260 has a longitudinal axis 272 and pivot pin 232 has a longitudinal axis 274, all of which are parallel to one another.

In accordance with one of the main features of the present invention, a triangle perpendicular to the parallel axes is defined by axis 250 of handle 248, axis 274 of pivot pin 232, and either of axes 270 and 272 of pivot pins 258 and 260 respectively. Thus, any such axis of a pivot pin situated on pivotable arm 230 located on the other side of pivot pin 232 from handle 248 which similarly defines a triangle fits within this concept of the invention. In particular, this triangular configuration between the noted axes presents a movement pattern which is distinct from that found with three aligned axes, two of which pivot about the middle axis and are disposed on opposite sides of the middle axis. This distinct movement accounts for some of the feel associated with the use of exercise machine 200. The triangles just discussed can be created by a structure other than the bent arm structure of pivotable arm 230. For example, a plate, or a triangular shaped figure with pivot pins may be used. However, the bent section nature of arm 230 also adds its own particular benefits to the invention. First, it is a relatively lightweight construction compared to the possibilities just mentioned. In addition, in the region of handle 248, bent arm 230 provides an arch-like structure beneath which the head of person 250 can be more easily positioned than with a straight member. This adds to the safety feature by preventing inadvertent contact between the head of person 250 and arm 230. Further, bent arm 230 provides a structure which is shortened compared to a straight member offering similar angles with which gas chamber 262 is connected to pivot points 258 and 260.

In operation, and with reference to FIGS. 9-16, exercise machine 200 functions as follows. With reference to FIGS. 9-10, exercise machine 200 is used with gas chamber 262 connected as previously noted. FIG. 9 shows person 150 in a supine position on bench 204 with arms 152 in a retracted or bent position. Gas chamber 262 is in an extended position in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows person 150 having extended arms 152 so that handle 248 moves generally upwardly to cause pivotable arm 230 to rotate about pivot pin 232 in the direction indicated by Arrow G and causes gas chamber 262 to be retracted and the gas within compressed as cylinder 264 moves in a direction as indicated by Arrow H.

An alternate option is shown in FIGS. 11-12, wherein gas chamber 262 is connected at either end to respective pivot pins 254 and 260. Thus, the triangle of concern has been changed to include axis 272 of pivot pin 260, whereas in the option shown in FIGS. 9-10, the triangle included axis 270 of pivot pin 258. FIG. 11 shows person 150 laying on bench 204 with arms 152 bent or retracted with gas chamber 262 in an extended position. FIG. 12 shows person 150 having extended arms 152 to push handle 248 upwardly to rotate pivotable arm 230 about pivot pin 232 in the direction indicated by Arrow J to move gas chamber 262 toward a retracted position by moving cylinder 264 in the direction indicated by Arrow K.

FIGS. 13-14 show yet another option whereby two gas chambers 262A and 262B are used in conjunction. Gas chamber 262A is shown in the position depicted in FIGS. 9-10 and is shown in an extended position in FIG. 13. Gas chamber 262B has its ends connected at pivot pins 254 and 256 and is in a retracted position in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 further shows person 150 laying on bench 204 with arms 152 in a bent position. FIG. 14 shows person 150 having extended arms 152 to push handle 248 upwardly to rotate pivotable arm 230 about the Arrow shown at L to move gas chamber 262A toward a retracted position as cylinder 264A moves in a direction indicated by Arrow M and to move gas chamber 262B toward an extended position, moving cylinder 264B in the direction indicated by Arrow N. Thus, the force exerted by person 150 in extending arms 152 is reacted in two gas chambers whereby additional resistance to said force is created. It is noted that gas springs are configured to create a resistance force under compression and therefore the force producing mechanism at 262B in FIG. 14 would not be a gas spring if a resistance force is desired in opposition to the extension of the user's arms.

FIGS. 15-16 show yet another option wherein gas chamber 262A has been removed from exercise machine 200 in comparison to the configuration of FIGS. 13-14 so that only gas chamber 262B remains attached in the position shown in FIGS. 13-14. However, exercise machine 200 is being used in a different fashion than FIGS. 15-16. FIG. 15 shows person 150 sitting atop bench 204 facing pivotable arm 230 with arms 152 extended and gas chamber 262B in an extended position. FIG. 16 shows person 150 with arms 152 pulled downwardly to rotate pivotable arm 230 about pivot pin 232 in the direction indicated by Arrow O to move gas chamber 262B toward a retracted position by moving cylinder 264B in the direction indicated at Arrow P.

As shown in the figures, exercise machine 200 provides a great variety of options as to the positions in which a person 150 can use the machine as well as the positions of gas chamber 262 and its connections to the various pivot pins. Further, the bent nature of pivotable arm 230 as well as bent leg 216 offers an improved feel during operation of machine 200. As shown in the first embodiment, pivotable arm 230 may be provided with a foot rest to increase the options of exercise machine 200.

It is contemplated that pivotable arm 230 may have sections bent with respect to one another such that they are bent upwardly in the opposite direction shown in the figures. While such an option may offer certain advantages, it also would create an additional upward dimension to machine 200 as compared with the position as shown in FIG. 9. Such a configuration would require that gas chambers be longer than those required in the present embodiment. Such a configuration would also move handle 248 further away from person 150 and eliminate the space created below pivotable arm 230 in the area where the head of person 150 is positioned when in a supine position. The bent nature of arm 230 also reduces the overall length of machine 200 compared to a pivotable arm which is straight. Pivotable arm 230 also allows for a shorter length gas chamber 262 to be utilized between the pivot pins on pivotable arm 230 disposed opposite of pivot pin 232 from handle 248. Bent leg 216 serves another purpose. Because arm 230 serves to reduce the length of gas chamber 262 needed, it also reduces the space available to install a gas chamber between the outer end of arm 230 and bent leg 216. Thus, bent leg 216 is bent so that upper section 218 and lower section 222 extends somewhat toward the outer portion of arm 230, in particular towards third section 238 and fourth section 240. Thus, middle section 220 of bent arm 216 is disposed further away from said sections 238 and 240 of arm 230 to provide additional space for gas chamber 262.

Bent pivotable arm 230 may be an arcuate arm and thus provide similar features, although not exactly the same. Bent arm 230 also has an advantage of being capable of construction from a series of straight sections.

It is further contemplated that an exercise machine using gas chambers and/or a bent arm may be constructed without the use of a bench. For example, such a machine may be configured for exercising in a standing position. Further, the bench variety machines may be used with a person on his or her side with a pivotable arm pivoting, for example, in a horizontal plane. Such variations are within the scope of the invention.

Exercise machine 300 (FIGS. 17-18) has a front end 302 and an rear end 304 opposed thereto. Machine 300 is generally elongated along an axial direction extending between front end 302 and rear end 304. Machine 300 also has a pair of opposed sides 306 (FIG. 17) defining an axial direction extending therebetween. Machine 300 is substantially bilaterally symmetrical with respect to an imaginary vertical plane (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction and centered between sides 306 of machine 300.

Machine 300 includes a frame 308, a standing platform 310 mounted on frame 308, a bench 312 removably mounted on frame 308, a pivotable member 314 pivotally mounted on frame 308 about a pivot axis 316 (FIG. 17) and a plurality of force producing mechanisms in the form of gas springs 318.

Frame 308 has a front end 317, a rear end 319 opposed thereto and includes a base 320 adapted to lie on a floor 322. Frame 308 has a length extending from front end 317 to rear end 319. Base 320 includes an axially extending first foot 324 adjacent front end 302 and an axially extending second foot 326 spaced from first foot 324 and disposed adjacent rear end 304. A centrally located longitudinally extending member 328 is connected to first foot 324 and extends toward second foot 326 about half the distance between first and second feet 324 and 326. A longitudinally extending connecting member 330 extends from and is connected to longitudinal member 328 to second foot 326, to which member 330 is connected. A mounting arm 332 angles upwardly and rearwardly from longitudinal member 328 adjacent its connection with connecting member 330 and terminates in an upper end 334. Mounting arm 332 and longitudinal member 328 are formed as an integral one-piece member. Frame 308 further includes a leg 336 which extends from and is connected to second foot 326 and angles upwardly and rearwardly to a terminal upper end 338. Leg 336 adjacent upper end 338 thereof intersects and is connected to mounting arm 332 adjacent upper end 334 thereof. Frame 308 has a vertical height extending from its lowermost portion, for example second foot 326, to its uppermost portion atop leg 336 at upper end 338. The height of frame 308 is substantially the same as the length of leg 336 and would be so if leg 336 were vertically oriented.

A pair of pulley mounting locations 340 in the form of U-shaped loops are mounted on mounting arm 332 of frame 308. Mounting locations 340 include lower mounting location 340A and upper mounting location 340B. Lower mounting location 340A is adjacent the intersection of longitudinal member 328, mounting arm 332 and connecting member 330. Upper mounting location 340B is located approximately centrally along the length of mounting arm 332. Each mounting location 340 extends generally upwardly from mounting arm 332. A first set 342 of frame mounting locations are mounted on mounting arm 332 along the upper half of mounting arm 332. First set 342 of frame mounting locations includes a pair of spaced mounting structures 344 disposed on either side of mounting arm 332 as best seen in FIG. 17. Each mounting structure 344 is removably mounted although they may be fixedly attached if desired. Each mounting structure 344 includes an elongated bar 346 with three axially extending mounting members 348 each defining an axially extending axis 350. One of mounting members 348 on one side of mounting arm 332 cannot be seen in the Figures, but each mounting structure 344 is substantially a mirror image of the other so that each of the three mounting members 348 on each bar 346 is aligned with a respective mounting member 348 of the other mounting structure 344 such that axes 350 of the three mounting members 348 of each bar 346 are respectively coaxial. A preferred configuration of each mounting member 348 includes a generally spherical outer portion, more commonly known as a ball stud or a similar type structure, which facilitates a snap-fit connection with gas springs 318 for quick removal and replacement thereof. Preferably, this snap-fit connection is via a ball and socket connection.

A second set 352 of frame mounting locations is mounted on leg 336 of frame 308 along the lower half of leg 336 and adjacent second foot 326. Second set 352 includes a mounting structure in the form of a plurality of axially extending mounting members 354 (FIG. 20) removably connected to and extending outwardly from each side of leg 336, including a first pair of mounting members 354A and a second pair of mounting members 354B disposed upwardly of members 354A. Mounting members 354A are aligned with one another on the opposed sides of leg 336, as are mounting members 354B. Each mounting member 354 defines an axially extending axis 356 such that mounting members 354A are coaxial with one another and mounting members 354B are coaxial with one another. Each mounting member 354 has substantially the same configuration as each mounting member 348. A portion of leg 336 adjacent upper end 338 constitutes a first stop 358 for limiting rotational movement of pivotable member 314 in a first direction which is counterclockwise as viewed from the perspective of FIG. 18. Another portion of leg 336 adjacent second foot 326 defines a second stop for limiting the rotation of pivotable member 314 in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Standing platform 310 is one form of a user support for supporting the user of machine 300 during use thereof. Platform 310 is rigidly mounted on frame 308 by any suitable means known in the art. More particularly, standing platform 310 is mounted above longitudinal member 328 and first foot 324. Standing platform 310 has a front end 362 and a rear end 364 in opposed relation thereto. Front end 362 extends forward of first foot 324 and rear end 364 is disposed adjacent the intersection of longitudinal member 328, connecting member 330 and mounting arm 332.

Bench 312 is another form of a user support for supporting the user of machine 300 during use thereof. Bench 3121 is removably mounted on frame 308. In particular, bench 312 is connected to a bench mounting frame 366 which includes a longitudinally extending base structure 368 and a pair of legs 370 connected to and extending downwardly from base structure 368 adjacent front end 302 of machine 300. Base structure 368 forms a yoke 372 adjacent a front end thereof including a pair of arms 374 each defining a hole 376 for removably receiving a fastener 378 in the form of a bolt for removably connecting base structure 368 to mounting arm 332 of frame 308. In particular, fastener 378 extends through holes 376 and a hole 380 (FIG. 20) formed in mounting arm 332. Legs 370 of bench mounting frame 366 are connected to one another via a connecting rod 382 which extends axially between legs 370 adjacent a lower end thereof. When bench 312 is mounted on frame 308, connecting rod 382 is disposed atop standing platform 310 with front end 362 extending forward of legs 370 and connecting rod 382.

Pivotable member 314 is substantially centered with respect to opposed sides 306 of machine 300 and similarly substantially centered between respective opposed sides of frame 308, standing platform 310 and bench 312. Pivotable member 314 is pivotably mounted on frame 308 adjacent upper end 334 of mounting arm 332 via a pivot member 384 in the form of a bolt. Pivot member 384 extends in an axial direction with pivot axis 316 (FIG. 17) extending therethrough. Pivot member 384 and pivot axis 316 are rearwardly spaced from standing platform 310 and bench 312 in the longitudinal direction of machine 300. Pivotable member 314 is rotatable between a fully forward rotated position (FIGS. 17-18) and a fully rearward rotated position (approximated by FIGS. 24-25).

Pivotable member 314 includes a first portion 386 which extends forward from pivot axis 316 and a second portion 388 which extends rearwardly from pivot axis 316 in a direction generally opposite to that of first portion 386. Part of first portion 386 of pivotable member 314 extends over each of standing platform 310 and bench 312 directly thereabove when pivotable member 314 is in the fully forward rotated position.

First portion 386 of pivotable member 314 is extendable and retractable. In particular, first portion 386 includes a substantially straight first segment 392 and an extendable and retractable second segment 394 which is slidably received within an interior chamber 396 (FIG. 22) of first segment 392. Extendable second segment 394 has a forward end 398 which is angled downwardly in a first position as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. An axially extending handle 400 is connected to second segment 394 adjacent forward end 398 thereof and extends laterally in both directions so that second segment 394 and handle 400 form a T-shaped structure with handle 400 extending perpendicularly to second segment 394.

Second portion 388 has a terminal end 390 and is arcuate over its length from terminal end 390 to adjacent axis 316. In particular, second portion 388 forms a substantially constant arc which curves downwardly and generally toward frame 308. In particular, the arc defined by a second portion 388 is constant with respect to the upper mounting members 354B on leg 336 wherein the center of the circle of which said constant arc is a portion lies on axis 356 of members 354B when pivotable member 314 is in the fully forward rotated position (FIGS. 17-18). No part of second portion 388 of pivotable member 314 extends over platform 310 or bench 312. The length of second portion 388 is in the order of the height of frame 308.

Pivotable member 314 has a length extending from terminal end 390 to first end 398 generally in the longitudinal direction of machine 300. The length of pivotable member 314 when in the retracted position is roughly of the same order as the length of frame 308. Pivotable member 314 has a cross sectional height (FIG. 22) extending in the axial direction of machine 300 and a cross sectional width wherein the length of pivotable member 314 is substantially greater than either of the width and height thereof. The cross sectional height and width are substantially the same here as pivotable member 314 is substantially cylindrical. Thus, the length of pivotable member 314 is substantially greater than and indeed far exceeds the greatest aspect of the cross sectional dimension taken perpendicularly to the length. The ratio of the length to the cross sectional dimension of pivotable member 314 is usually in the range of 15:1 to 28:1 when in the retracted position and in the range of 25:1 to 38:1 when in the extended position. More typically, this ratio is in the range of 20:1 to 24:1 when in the retracted position and in the range of 28:1 to 34:1 when in the extended position.

The analogous ratio for pivotable member 120 of exercise machine 100 is in the order of about 50:1 and for pivotable member 230 of exercise machine 200 is in the order of about 30:1. Thus, due to the requirements of minimizing the amount of material used to form the respective pivotable members and the need for each pivotable member to extend sufficiently in either direction from the pivot axis, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, the length of the pivotable members far exceed their respective cross sectional dimensions.

A pair of pulley mounting locations 402 and 404 in the form of U-shaped loops are mounted on first portion 386 of pivotable handle 314. More particularly, mounting location 402 is connected to extendable second segment 394 adjacent forward end 398 thereof and mounting location 404 is connected to first segment 392 adjacent a forward end 406 thereof. The loops of mounting locations 402 and 404 extend generally downwardly from pivotable member 314. A removable securing mechanism 408 is positioned adjacent and spaced rearwardly from forward end 406 of first segment 392 of pivotable handle 314. Securing mechanism 408 includes a handle 410 with a rod 412 extending therefrom. Securing mechanism 408 selectively secures second segment 394 to first segment 392 of pivotable handle 314 at a desired position, as detailed later.

A first set 414 of pivotable member mounting locations is mounted on first segment 392 adjacent forward end 406 thereof and has substantially the same configuration as first set 342 of frame mounting locations and thus is described here only briefly. First set 414 includes a pair of mounting structures 416 each having a bar 418 with axially extending mounting members 420 each defining an axially extending axis 422 as described with first set 342 of frame mounting locations.

A second set 424 of pivotable member mounting locations is disposed on second portion 388 of pivotable member 314. More particularly, second set 424 includes a first pair of mounting locations 424A in the form of mounting members 426 removably connected to and extending in the axial direction laterally from opposite sides of second portion 388 of pivotable member 314. An axially extending axis 428 extends through each mounting member 426 whereby mounting members 426 are coaxial with one another. Second set 424 of pivotable member mounting locations also includes a second pair of mounting locations 424B which are movably mounted on second portion 388. More particularly, the second mounting locations 424B includes a movable mounting structure in the form of a slidably moveable sleeve 430. A pair of mounting members 432 are removably connected to and extend axially respectively from opposite sides of sleeve 430 (FIG. 24) and define a common axis 434 which extends in the axial direction. Sleeve 430 is substantially cylindrical and defines an interior through passage 436 (FIG. 19) which receives second portion 388 of pivotable member 314 whereby sleeve 430 is slidable along second portion 388. Sleeve 430 defines a threaded hole 438 (FIG. 19) which receives a locking member 440 having a threaded portion which threadably engages sleeve 430 via threaded hole 438 in order to selectively secure or lock sleeve 430 and thereby mounting locations 424B at a desired position.

First set 342 of frame mounting locations and first set 414 of pivotable member mounting locations are used in conjunction with one another for the mounting of gas springs 318 or other force producing mechanisms, as will be discussed in further detail below. Similarly, second set 352 of frame mounting locations and second set 424 of pivotable member mounting locations are used in conjunction with one another for mounting gas springs 318, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. More particularly, each gas spring 318 has a first end 442 and a second end 444 opposed thereto and is elongated between said first and second ends 442 and 444. Each gas spring 318 includes a piston 446 and cylinder 448 which slidably receives piston 446 therewithin. Regarding the positioning of gas springs 318 shown in FIGS. 17-18, the pistons 446 of a respective pair of gas springs 318 are pivotally and removably mounted adjacent respective first ends 442 thereof to a respective pair of mounting members 354A about axis 356 thereof and the respective cylinders 448 of said pair of gas springs 318 are pivotally and removably mounted adjacent respective second ends 444 thereof respectively to mounting members 426 about axis 428 thereof.

A second pair of gas springs 318 are respectively pivotally and removably mounted adjacent first ends 442 thereof to mounting members 354B on leg 336 and pivotally mounted adjacent respective second ends 444 thereof to respective mounting members 432 on sleeve 430. As shown in FIG. 18, this second pair of gas springs 318 is moveable in a direction indicated by Arrow A in accordance with the sliding movement of sleeve 430 along second portion 388 of pivotable member 314. This second pair of gas springs 318 and sleeve 430 are shown in phantom in two alternate positions indicating the selective aspect of positioning the mounting members 432 as desired. The length of second portion 388 of pivotable member 314 is sufficient to provide a suitably large range of mounting locations for gas springs 318 via sleeve 430 or another mounting structure to provide a suitable range of force variation which may be selected by the user. This length is simultaneously suited so that in the fully rearward rotated position of pivotable member 314, terminal end 390 is adjacent second foot 326 without contacting floor 322.

It is noted that, as illustrated with machine 200 if FIGS. 13-14, force producing mechanisms may be simultaneously mounted on each of the first and second portions 386 and 388 of pivotable member 314, and may include different types of force producing mechanisms so that one produces force during extension and the other produces force during retraction or compression.

The operation of exercise machine 300 is now described. With references to FIGS. 17 and 18, locking member 440 is loosened if desired to allow the adjustment of the position of sleeve 430 and thereby the position of mounting members 432 and the pair of gas springs 318 pivotally mounted thereon. Once sleeve 430 is moved to a desired position, locking member 440 is tightened to lock sleeve 430 in position in preparation for use of machine 300. The slidable nature of sleeve 430 along second portion 388 allows an infinite number of positions along second portion 388. This allows for different degrees of resistance to the movement of pivotable member 314 whereby the closer that sleeve 430 is to pivot axis 316, the less resistance will be experienced by the user of machine 300 and the farther sleeve 430 is positioned from pivot axis 316, the greater the resistance that will be experienced. Thus, the phantom position indicated at 450 in FIG. 18 is a relatively easier position while the phantom figure indicated at 452 in FIG. 18 is a relatively harder position with respect to the degree of resistance that must be overcome to rotate pivotable member 314. The constant arc of second portion 388 of pivotable member 314 detailed above allows sleeve 430 to slide smoothly without binding when pivotable member 314 is in the fully forward rotated position.

Once sleeve 430 and the gas springs 318 connected thereto are positioned as desired, the user of machine 300 may lay, sit or assume any other suitable exercise position on bench 312, such as those described with regard to the previous embodiments, in order to perform such exercises as bench presses or overhead presses and so forth. The user would thus typically grasp handle 400 and move handle 400 rotatably upwardly such that pivotable member 314 pivots about axis 316 against a resistance force produced by the gas springs 318 connected to leg 336 and second portion 388 of pivotable member 314. Any number of gas springs may be used and machine 300 may be modified in order to include additional mounting locations and additional gas springs or other force producing mechanisms for increasing the amount of force if desired. Preferably, gas springs or other force producing mechanisms are used in pairs on opposite sides of pivotable member 314 in order to minimize any binding of pivotable member 314 about pivot member 384.

As shown in FIG. 20, gas springs 318 are removed as indicated by Arrows B in preparation for use in alternate locations and may be reinstalled as desired. In addition, bench 312 along with bench mounting frame 366 is removable from frame 308 as indicated by Arrow C in FIG. 20 once bolt 378 is removed from holes 376 of yoke 372 and hole 380 of mounting arm 332. Once bench 312 is removed, standing platform 310 is exposed for use as shown in FIG. 21. In addition, securing mechanism 408 is removable and reinsertable as indicated by Arrow D in FIG. 21 in order to allow second segment 394 of pivotable handle 314 to be moved outwardly as shown by Arrow E in FIG. 21, thus extending pivotable member 314 and handle 400 outwardly to an alternate location which may be more suitable to standing exercise of machine 300. More particularly with regard to securing mechanism 408 and with reference to FIG. 22, first segment 392 of pivotable member 314 defines a pair of holes 454 and second segment 394 defines a pair of holes 456 aligned therewith for removably receiving rod 412 of securing mechanism 408 in order to allow the extension of handle 440 as previously described.

Removal and reinsertion of securing mechanism 408 as indicated by Arrow F in FIG. 23 also allows the rotational movement of second segment 394 as indicated by Arrow G in FIG. 23 to allow second segment 394 to move to a second position wherein the portion of second segment 394 adjacent end 398 angles upwardly and handle 400 is positioned upwardly relative to the first position shown in the previous figures. The rotation of second segment 394 maybe used in conjunction with bench 312 connected as shown in FIG. 23 or removed as desired to facilitate different exercises or the preference of the individual user of machine 300. Other mechanisms for adjusting handle 400 to alternate positions will be readily evident to those skilled in the art.

With references to FIGS. 24-26, some of the versatility of machine 300 is revealed. Gas springs 318, having been removed from mounting members 354, 426 and 432, are now shown mounted on respective mounting members 348 and 420. An additional pair of gas springs 318 has been added to indicate the use of a total of six gas springs in the position of machine 300 shown in FIGS. 24-26. Machine 300 may also include a cable-pulley assembly 458 which includes an upper pulley 460, a lower pulley 462 and a flexible line in the form of a cable 464 which movably engages pulleys 460 and 462 in a manner known in the art. The flexible line may also be in the form of a rope or other suitable flexible material capable of use with pulleys and having sufficient tensile strength for the intended use. Upper pulley 460 is mounted on mounting location 402 of extendable second segment 394 of pivotable member 314 and lower pulley 462 is mounted on mounting location 340B of frame 308. Cable 464 has a first end 466 which is mounted at mounting location 404 and a second end 468 on which is mounted a handle 470.

The very simple removal of gas springs and reattachment as discussed above allows machine 300 to be used in a resistance mode when pivotable handle 314 is rotated in the first direction (counterclockwise, FIG. 25) with first portion 386 thereof moving generally downwardly towards standing platform 310 or bench 312 when attached to frame 308. Thus, with or without bench 312 mounted on frame 308, the user can either pull downwardly on handle 400 against resistance provided by gas springs 318 or may pull downwardly and/or in a forward direction towards front end 302 of machine 300 on handle 470 against said resistance. The use of machine 300 in this manner may be achieved with or without extending second segment 394 of pivotable member 314. However, extending second segment 394 facilitates exercise in a standing position. It will be appreciated that second segment 394 may be adjusted to any location between a fully retracted and a fully extended position to allow for a greater variety of positions for use of machine 300. It will be appreciated in addition, that the extension and retraction of second segment 394 also affects the amount of force which must be used to overcome the resistance provided by gas springs 318 as the more extended positions provided a greater amount of leverage.

As discussed with the positioning of gas springs 318 when used with sleeve 430 and associated mounting locations, the various mounting locations 348 and 420 provide a varying degree of force, with a greater degree of force being produced by a gas spring which is mounted on mounting locations 348 and 420 which are relatively farther away from pivot axis 316 with respect to the other mounting locations 348 and 420. In addition, of course, the user may select the number of gas springs 318 that are desired to produce a suitable resistance force for that individual user. Further, one gas spring 318 may be mounted at any of the mounting locations 348 and 420 to vary the force, that is, for example, one gas spring 318 may be mounted on any one of mounting members 348 and any one of mounting members 420 and may or may not be used in conjunction with another gas spring mounted at mounting locations 348 and 420.

Referring to FIG. 25, Arrow H indicates the pivotable movement of pivotable member 314 in the first direction (counterclockwise) and the second direction (clockwise). Arrow J indicates generally the back-and-forth movement of handle 470 and cable 464 which also affects the movement of pivotable member 314. Arrow K in FIG. 25 indicates the extension and retraction of gas springs 318 in response to the movement of pivotable member 314. With reference to FIG. 26, machine 300 also provides a unique feature with regard to the use of cable-pulley assembly 458 in the configuration shown or a similar configuration. FIG. 26 shows machine 300 with second segment 394 of pivotable member 314 in a retracted position and with lower pulley 462 mounted at mounting location 340A instead of 340B.

When the user of machine 300 pulls handle 470 in the direction shown by arrow L in FIG. 26 to compress spring 318 in the direction indicated by arrow K, pivotable member 314 moves downwardly along the path of arrow H to the position shown in phantom lines. At the position shown in phantom lines, handle 470 is being pulled forward in the direction shown by arrow P, thus demonstrating a changed direction in which handle 470 is pulled and a corresponding change in the direction of the origin of force against which handle 470 is pulled. It will be appreciated that as pivotable member 314 rotates toward the fully forward rotated position shown in phantom, this direction of the origin of force changes continually throughout the pivoting movement of pivotable member 314. At any given time during the pulling of handle 470, the direction along which the resistance force is acting with respect to the user of machine 300 is defined by the linear portion of cable 464 extending from upper cable 460 to handle 470. This change in the direction of the origin of force allows the user of machine 300 to experience the exercise of various muscle groups in a continually changing fashion during the course of pulling handle 470 and/or the use of differing muscle groups due to the changing direction of the origin of force. Applicant also contemplates that this changing of the direction of origin of force will be applicable in other regards. FIG. 26 also illustrates well the use of first stop 358 and second stop 360. In particular, first stop 358 limits the rotation movement of pivotable member 318 in the first direction when pivotable member 314 contacts first stop 358 as indicated by the pivotable member 314 in phantom. Second stop 360 limits a rotation of pivotable member 314 in the second direction when terminal end 390 of pivotable member 314 contacts second stop 360, which is approximated in FIG. 26 in the solid line illustration of pivotable member 314. (An analogous stop of exercise machine 200 illustrating actual contact by pivotable member 230 is shown in FIG. 15.) The limitation of rotation by stops 358 and 360 serves in part to protect gas springs 318 from damage associated primarily with over extension thereof.

FIG. 27 illustrates the use of machine 300 with cable-pulley assembly 458 situated in a different orientation. In particular, while upper pulley 460 and lower pulley 462 are mounted in the same location as shown in FIG. 26, second segment 394 of pivotable member 314 is again in the extended position and cable 464 is connected adjacent first end 466 thereof at mounting location 340B of frame 308 so that cable 464 is looped about pulleys 460 and 462 in a fashion generally opposite to that shown in FIG. 26. More particularly, cable 464 extends from mounting location 340B upwardly and over pulley 460 and then downwardly and around lower pulley 462 so that second end 468 and handle 470 may be pulled in a generally upward direction by the user of machine 300 in order to take advantage of a different direction of the origin of force. It is noted, however, that this arrangement of cable-pulley assembly 458 does not provide the changing direction of the origin of force as a result of the pivotable movement of pivotable member 314 as discussed with regard to FIG. 26. As a result of the alternate orientation of cable-pulley assembly 458, handle 470 moves generally in the direction indicated by arrow Q to move pivotable member 314 as indicated by Arrow H and gas spring 318 as shown by Arrow M, as discussed previously.

Exercise machine 500, the fourth embodiment of the invention, is shown in FIG. 28 and is similar to machine 300 except for the use of different mounting structures mounted on mounting arm 332 and on pivotable arm 314. In particular, machine 500 includes a mounting structure 502 mounted on mounting arm 332 in a position analogous to that of mounting structure 344 of machine 300. Mounting structure 502 includes a pair of bars 504 (only one shown) mounted on opposite sides of mounting arm 332. A pair of mounting members 506A and 506B extend axially from each bar 504 such that each pair of mounting members 506A and 506B are aligned with the respective pair mounted on the other bar 504 to be aligned axially as discussed with regard to mounting members 348 of machine 300. Pivotable member mounting locations are carried by an alternate mounting structure 508 mounted on pivotable member 314. Mounting structure 508 defines an arcuate slot 510. A pair of gas springs 318 are respectively mounted on mounting members 506A and 506B adjacent respective first ends 442 thereof. Each gas spring 318 is mounted adjacent a respective second end 444 thereof to mounting structure 508. In particular, a connecting member 512 is used to connect each gas spring 318 to mounting structure 508 via slot 510 such that connecting member 512 extends through slot 510 and is selectively securable to mounting structure 508 thereby. Any suitable mechanism may be used for mounting gas springs 318 to mounting structure 508 via slot 510 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

One of gas springs 318 is mounted on mounting structure 508 in a selectively moveable manner as indicated by arrow S and is securable at any position between the positions shown in phantom lines. The other gas spring 318 is mounted in a set position although it may also be moveably mounted in a manner similar to the other gas spring 318. As discussed with regard to sleeve 430 of machine 300, the movement of gas spring 318 as indicated by arrow S in FIG. 28 similarly provides adjustability to any position along slot 510 to provide a greater or lesser degree of resistance for the user of machine 500. Once again, a lesser resistance force is created as the moveable gas spring 318 is positioned closer to axis 316 and a relatively greater force is created as gas spring 318 is moved away from axis 316.

Thus, exercise machine 300 provides a relatively compact exercise apparatus which provides resistance force for the use of exercising without the necessity of using weights or much larger machinery in order to provide a variety of exercise positions for exercising various muscle groups. Eliminating the use of weights has safety advantages and saves space, as discussed previously. It is contemplated, however, that weights may be used on a modified version of exercise machine 300 in addition to the force producing mechanism such as gas springs 318 if desired. In addition, machine 300 is a compact unit which provides a great variety of different exercises without the use of a much larger structure typically required with other exercise machinery.

A variety of changes may be made to machine 300 that are within the scope of the present invention, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, the frame of a machine such as machine 300 may be varied in a number of ways while still providing the sufficient mounting locations and adjustability aspects that are important to machine 300. Machines similar to machine 300 may be used only with a standing platform such a platform 310 or only with a bench such as 312 although the removability of bench 312 and the use of platform 310 add to the benefits of machine 300.

Various mounting structures have been described herein with regard to machine 300 which are associated with mounting of gas springs 318 or other force producing mechanisms. It is contemplated that any of these types of mounting structures may be interchanged with one another as desired to facilitate the adjustment of the force producing mechanisms in producing greater or lesser degrees of resistant force. Thus, each of the various types of mounting structures described herein, or other suitable structures, may be disposed on either frame 306 or pivotable member 314. For instance, a sleeve like sleeve 430 may be used on leg 336 of mounting arm 332; mounting structures like structures 344 and 416 may be used on leg 336 or second portion 388 of pivotable member 314; and mounting members like mounting members 354 may be used on mounting arm 332 and pivotable member 314.

Mounting members 354 may be mounted on leg 336 in various ways. For instance, they may threadably engage a threaded hole in leg 336 or may be a single rod extending all the way through leg 336 via holes therein and held in place by various retaining clips or pins. Such options permit removal of mounting members 354, although they may be fixedly mounted by welding or by another suitable manner known in the art.

As noted sleeve 430 may be removably mounted on pivotable member 314. Sleeve 430 may be formed, for example, in two pieces which are selectively removably from one another or pivotally attached to allow removal of sleeve 430 from pivotable member 314. Such a configuration is readily applicable to use of a sleeve like sleeve 430 used on leg 336 or mounting arm 332. Another example to make sleeve 430 removable is to make mounting members 426 removable to allow sleeve 430 to slide off terminal end 390 of pivotable member 314. Where are sleeve similar to sleeve 430 is mounted on frame 308, for instance on leg 336, the frame members may be removably connected to allow removal of the sleeve therefrom. Thus, for instance, leg 326 may be removably mounted on leg 336.

The preferred removable feature of the various mounting structures described allows for their replacement if damaged instead of replacing more costly structure, such as the pivotable member or portions of the frame.

Frame 308 and pivotable member 314 are formed of tubular members, but this is not necessary to the function of the exercise machine. Thus, the structural members may be solid and may be in the form of substantially flat plates where appropriate. For instance, pivotable member 314 may be formed of a metal plate as opposed to a tubular member. A host of other options is readily apparent to one skilled in the art. While it is an advantage to have an extendable handle/first portion of the pivotable member, many exercises may still be performed on machine 300 without this feature. It will be appreciated also that the extension and retraction of handle 400 may be achieved in a great variety of ways as will be evident to those skilled in the art.

As noted previously, gas springs are preferred as the force producing mechanism. However, other force producing mechanisms known in the art may be used, either alone or in combination with gas springs. Various elastic members such as rubber or other elastomers may be suitable and particularly for creating a resistance force during extension thereof, in contrast to the compression of gas springs.

Exercise machine 600, the fifth embodiment of the present invention, is shown in FIG. 29. Machine 600 is configured for use with a separate exercise apparatus 602. Machine 600 is a truncated version of machine 300 and thus more compact. As it is readily evident, machine 600 eliminates the use of a larger frame such as frame 308, a standing platform such as platform 310 and a bench such as bench 312 of machine 300. In addition, a truncated pivotable member is used. More particularly, machine 600 includes a frame 604 including a base 606 with an upright 608 extending upwardly therefrom. Frame 604 further includes a mounting arm 610 which angles generally upwardly from a rear end 612 of base 606 to intersect upright 608 adjacent an upper end 614 thereof. An axially extending foot 615 analogous to foot 326 of machine 300 is mounted adjacent the intersection of base 606 and mounting arm 610. Mounting arm 610 has an upper end 616 defining a stop 618. A pair of mounting members 620 and 622 analogous to mounting members 354A and 354B of machine 300 extend axially from either side of mounting arm 610, although only one pair is shown.

A pivotable member 624 is pivotally connected to frame 604 adjacent upper end 614 of upright 608 about an axially extending pivot member 626 whereby pivotable member 624 is rotatable about an axially extending pivot axis extending through pivot member 626. Pivotable member 624 includes a first portion 628 extending generally longitudinally in a first direction which is generally away from pivot member 626 and a second portion 630 extending generally and longitudinally in a direction generally opposite that of first portion 628 and way from pivot member 626. Second portion 630 is an arcuate member which has a constant curve as discussed with regard to second portion 388 of pivotable member 314 of machine 300. This constant arc is with regard to mounting member 622 in the same fashion as the arc of second portion 388 with respect to mounting member 354B of machine 300. Pivotable member 624 has a terminal end 632 distal first portion 628. A mounting location 634 in the form of a loop extends downwardly from pivotable member 634 adjacent terminal end 632. A pair of mounting members 636 (only one shown) extends from either side of pivotable member 624 in a position analogous to that of mounting members 426 of machine 300. Another pair of mounting locations 638 (one shown) extends from either side of sleeve 430 and is analogous to mounting member 432 of machine 300.

A pair of gas springs 318 is mounted in the same manner as described with regard to machine 300. Machine 600 includes a cable-pulley assembly 640 including a pulley 642 mounted on mounting arm 610 adjacent its intersection with base 606. Cable assembly 640 also includes a cable 644 which moveably engages pulley 642. Cable 644 has a first end 646 mounted at mounting location 634 on pivotable member 624 and a second end 648 which is adapted to mount to exercise apparatus 602. Apparatus 602 is a piece of the exercise machinery which is adapted to utilize a cable such as cable 644.

Thus, machine 600 is configured to provide the resistance force as discussed with regard to exercise machine 300 with the use of gas springs or other force producing mechanisms in conjunction with the use of sleeve 430 or a similar mechanism for adjusting the force as discussed therewith. As explained with regards to the exercise machine 300, sleeve 340 is moveable in the direction indicated by arrow T in FIG. 29. In addition, cable 644 is moveable as indicated by arrow U in FIG. 29 to move pivotable member 624 in a fashion somewhat similar to that described with regard to machine 300. Thus, machine 600 provides the advantages discussed with regard to machine 300 in using gas springs 318, sleeve 430 and so forth. As a result, exercise apparatus 602 may be adapted to utilize the resistance force provided by gas springs 318 alone or in conjunction with other force producing mechanisms associated with apparatus 602. Machine 600 is also substantially more compact than machine 300 and thus more suited to being more easily moved and positioned with regard to use with apparatus 602.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.

Claims

1. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame adapted to sit on a floor and having a plurality of frame mounting locations;

a pivotable member pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis and having at least one pivotable member mounting location; and

at least one gas spring mountable at the at least one pivotable member mounting location and selectively mountable at a respective one of the frame mounting locations.

2. The machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one pivotable member mounting location includes a plurality of mounting locations; and wherein the at least one gas spring is selectively mountable on the pivotable member at a respective one of the pivotable member mounting locations.

3. The machine of claim 2 wherein the at least one gas spring includes a plurality of gas springs each mounted at a respective one of the pivotable member mounting locations and at a respective one of the frame mounting locations.

4. The machine of claim 1 wherein the frame has a pair of opposed ends and a pair of opposed sides; and wherein the pivotable member is substantially centered between the opposed sides of the frame.

5. The machine of claim 1 further including a first stop to limit rotation of the pivotable member in a first direction and a second stop to limit rotation of the pivotable member in a second direction opposite the first direction.

6. The machine of claim 1 wherein at least one pulley is mounted on one of the pivotable member and the frame; wherein a flexible line adapted to be pulled movably engages the at least one pulley so that the pivotable member rotates about the pivot axis in response to movement of the flexible line.

7. The machine of claim 6 wherein the at least one pulley is mounted on the pivotable member whereby the pulley moves with rotation of the pivotable member so that the direction in which the flexible line is pulled varies as a result of the rotation of the pivotable member.

8. The machine of claim 1 wherein one of the at least one pivotable member mounting locations and the frame mounting locations is selectively movable and selectively securable at a desired location; and wherein the at least one gas spring is selectively positionable via the selectively movable mounting location to control the amount of force acting against pivotal movement the pivotable member.

9. The machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one gas spring includes a pair of gas springs mounting opposite one another respectively on opposite sides of the pivotable member.

10. The machine of claim 1 wherein the at least one gas spring includes a plurality of gas springs; wherein a set of a plurality of mounting locations is mounted on the pivotable member and a set of a plurality of mounting locations is mounted on the frame; wherein the sets are associated with one another such that a plurality of gas springs are each mountable on each of the sets at a respective mounting location thereof.

11. The machine of claim 1 wherein a mounting member for mounting the at least one force producing member is removably mounted on one of the frame and the pivotable member to allow removal and replacement of the mounting member if damaged.

12. The machine of claim 1 wherein the pivotable member includes a first portion extending from adjacent the pivot axis in a first direction and a second portion extending from adjacent the pivot axis in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction.

13. The machine of claim 12 wherein the at least one pivotable member mounting location includes a mounting location on each of the first and second portions of the pivotable member.

14. The machine of claim 12 wherein the frame has a front end and a rear end; wherein a user support is mounted on the frame adjacent the front end of the frame; and wherein the second portion of the pivotable member extends rearwardly beyond the rear end of the frame.

15. The machine of claim 12 wherein a user support is mounted on the frame; wherein at least part of the first portion of the pivotable member extends over the user support when the pivotable member is in a fully forward rotated position; and wherein no part of the second portion of the pivotable member extends over the user support.

16. The machine of claim 12 wherein a handle is connected to the first portion and adapted to be moved by a user to rotate the pivotable member; wherein the second portion of the pivotable member has a terminal end and is configured so that the terminal end extends downwardly when the pivotable member is in a fully forward rotated position; and wherein the at least one pivotable member mounting location includes a mounting location on the second portion of the pivotable member.

17. The machine of claim 12 wherein a handle is connected to the first portion and adapted to be moved by a user to rotate the pivotable member; wherein the second portion of the pivotable member is curved toward the frame; and wherein a mounting member is selectively movably mounted on the curved second portion to provide a plurality of pivotable member mounting locations along the curved second portion.

18. The machine of claim 17 wherein the mounting member is disposed on a sleeve defining a passage which receives the curved second portion of the pivotable member whereby the sleeve is slidably movable along the curved portion.

19. The machine of claim 12 wherein a handle is mounted on the first portion of the pivotable member and a footrest is mounted on the second portion of the pivotable member.

20. The machine of claim 12 wherein a handle is mounted on the first portion of the pivotable member to form a T-shaped structure with the first portion as the upright and the handle as the cross bar thereof.

21. The machine of claim 12 wherein one of the first and second portions of the pivotable member is curved toward the frame and has a terminal end distal the pivot axis; and wherein the curved portion adjacent the terminal end thereof abuts a stop on the frame to limit rotation of the pivotable member.

22. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame adapted to sit on a floor; the frame having opposed front and rear ends and at least one frame mounting location;

a user support mounted on the frame;

an elongated pivotable member pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis which is disposed rearwardly of the user support; the pivotable member including an elongated first portion extending from adjacent the pivot axis in a generally forward direction and an elongated second portion extending from adjacent the pivot axis in a generally rearward direction;

the pivotable member having at least one pivotable member mounting location; and

at least one gas spring mountable at the at least one frame mounting location and mountable at the least one pivotable member mounting location.

23. The machine of claim 22 wherein the at the least one pivotable member mounting location includes a mounting location along the second portion of the pivotable member.

24. The machine of claim 22 wherein the at the least one frame mounting location is disposed rearwardly of the user support.

25. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame adapted to sit on a floor; the frame having opposed front and rear ends and at least one frame mounting location;

a standing platform mounted on the frame;

an elongated pivotable member pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis and having at least one pivotable member mounting location; the pivotable member extending forward of the pivot axis generally toward the standing platform; and

at least one gas spring mountable at the at least one frame mounting location and mountable at the at least one pivotable member mounting location.

26. The machine of claim 25 wherein a bench is removably mounted on the frame over the standing platform.

27. The machine of claim 25 wherein at least one pulley is mounted on one of the pivotable member and the frame; wherein a flexible line movably engages the at least one pulley so that the pivotable member rotates about the pivot axis in response to movement of the flexible line; and wherein a handle is connected to the flexible line and is adapted to be pulled against a force produced by the at least one gas spring.