Path adjustable exercise arms

Abstract

An exercise machine comprises a frame, a resistance element to provide resistance for performing exercise, a pair of arm assemblies connected to said resistance element and pivotally mounted to the frame so as to be rotatable about respective first axes to perform exercise and respective second axes to adjust the travel path of the arm assemblies. Moveable pulleys with at least two axes of rotation connect resistance to the arm assemblies. The moveable pulleys rotate and align when travel path adjustments are made to the arm assemblies and during exercise. The moveable pulleys also bumper against guide pulley assemblies to provide the arm assemblies a rest position. The rotation of the moveable pulleys allows the connection assembly connecting the resistance element to the arm assemblies to maintain a substantially constant tension when travel path adjustments are made.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is being filed as a continuation-in-part (CIP) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/384,958 filed Mar. 20, 2006, which is filed as a continuation-in-part (CIP) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/346,528 filed Feb. 2, 2006, which is filed as a continuation-in-part (CIP) to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/254,576 filed Oct. 20, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Various types of exercise machines for strengthening and conditioning the body are known. One types of exercise machine, referred to herein as a weight machine, exercises the user's muscles by having the user push, pull, or otherwise move an exercise assembly that is connected to a resistance device, such as a stack of weights. The exercise machine may include one or more exercise assemblies, each designed to exercise a specific muscle group. Some exercise assemblies may be configured by the user to perform more than one exercise.

Common weight-lifting exercises include press and pull exercises. In press and pull exercises, the user pushes or pulls a pair of arms connected to a weight stack or other resistance device. The arms typically move along a fixed path. In recent years, some manufacturers of strength training equipment have designed and manufactured some exercise machines wherein the arms follow a converging path for pushing exercises and a diverging path for pull exercises. Some still design and manufacture exercise machines wherein the arms follow a traditional neutral path. Having to choose which machine to use or to purchase for the consumer has become difficult. This is a drawback for prior press and pull exercise machines. There are a number of reasons why a person may want alternate fixed travel paths for the arms. First, the user may want to adjust the arms to follow a path that is comfortable for the user. Second, the user may want to adjust the path of the arms to perform different exercises. For example, the user may want to perform converging pushing exercises and neutral pulling exercises. Also, the user may want to perform pushing movements using alternate fixed paths or pulling movements using alternate fixed paths to vary the muscles being used. Thus, there is a need for a press and pull exercise machine that enables the user to adjust the travel path of the arms.

Another drawback with conventional press and pull exercise machines that offer converging or diverging paths is that press and pull exercises are typically performed at different machines or at different stations on a multi-station exercise machine. Having multiple machines or stations to perform both press and pull exercise increases the cost of the exercise equipment, as well as the space needed to house the exercise equipment. Thus, it would be desirable to vary an exercise routine by performing alternate fixed path movements for both press and pull exercises at a single station on the same exercise machine.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a press/pull exercise machine with means to adjust the travel path of the arms. The press/pull exercise machine comprises a frame, a pair of arm assemblies pivotally connected to the frame for rotation about a respective first axis to perform exercise, and a resistance device and a connecting assembly operatively connecting the arm assemblies to the resistance device. In one embodiment, the resistance element comprises a stack of weights connected to the arm assemblies by a cable assembly. The connecting assembly may comprise a cable assembly, a link assembly, or a combination cable and link assembly.

The arm assemblies may comprise a lever arm which may include one or more handles for gripping by user during exercise, an arm member to adjust the angle of the lever arm, and a connection member connected to the arm member to connect resistance.

The arm assemblies are mounted to the frame in a manner that allows the user to adjust the travel path of each arm assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, each arm assembly is mounted to its own swivel assembly that allows the arm assembly to rotate about a respective second axis to adjust the travel path of the arm assemblies. Rotation of the arm assemblies about the respective second axes changes the travel path of the arm assemblies. Each swivel assembly may include a locking mechanism to lock the arm assembly in a fixed position during exercise. The user can adjust the travel path of the arm assembly by unlocking the swivel assembly, rotating the swivel assembly about the second axis to a desired position, and relocking the swivel assembly in the new position. Patent application Ser. No. 11/346,528 wherein Roger Batca is the inventor explains how the two swivel assemblies can be linked together wherein adjusting one swivel assembly will adjust the other swivel assembly in the opposite direction.

In another aspect of the invention, in one embodiment, a cable assembly connects the arms to a stack of weights. To accommodate changes in the travel path adjustments and movements of the arm assemblies, the cable assembly includes one or more pulleys pivotally connected to the frame and/or arms so as to self-align when adjustments are made to the travel path of the arms as well as the movement of the arms during exercise. In another embodiment, a link assembly or combination link and cable assembly connects the arms to a stack of weights. To accommodate changes in the travel path adjustments and movements of the arm assemblies, the link or link and cable assembly includes one or more pulleys and/or links pivotally connected to the frame and/or arms so as to self-align when adjustments are made to the travel path of the arms as well as the movement of the arms during exercise.

In another aspect of the invention, the arms include first and second sections that are pivotally connected together. The user can adjust the angle between the first and second sections.

In another aspect of the invention, one or more bumpers are included to provide a rest position for the arm assemblies during path adjustments to the arms and when not in use. In one embodiment, a moveable pulley with at least two axes of rotation is pivotally connected to a respective arm member, and bumpers against a respective guide pulley assembly attached to the frame. The guide pulley assembly may be pivotally attached. In another embodiment, the arm assemblies bumper against a frame member. In another embodiment, the arm assemblies bumper against a respective swivel assembly. All three embodiments allow the connecting assembly to maintain a substantially constant tension for all travel path adjustments of the arm assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary press/pull exercise machine according to the present invention from the back.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary press/pull exercise machine according to the present invention from the front.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating components of the exercise assembly and the connecting assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a fixed guide pulley assembly bumpering respective moveable pulley assemblies.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating bumpers attached to a respective fixed guide pulley assembly and bumpers attached to respective moveable pulley assemblies.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a swiveling guide pulley assembly, respective moveable pulley assemblies, and a frame bumper.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a fixed guide pulley assembly, respective moveable pulley assemblies, and a frame bumper.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a swiveling guide pulley assembly, respective moveable pulley assemblies, and respective bumpers on respective swivel assemblies.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a fixed guide pulley assembly, respective moveable pulley assemblies, and respective bumpers on respective swivel assemblies.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a fixed guide pulley assembly bumpering a leverage assembly which is adjustably linked to respective arm assemblies.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating components of the connecting assembly, the exercise assembly, and the leverage assembly.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a fixed guide pulley assembly, respective moveable cable tie in assemblies, and respective bumpers on respective swivel assemblies.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a press/pull exercise machine with a fixed guide pulley assembly, respective moveable cable tie in assemblies, and a frame bumper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, an exercise machine according to the present invention is shown therein and indicated generally by the numeral 10. The exercise machine 10 comprises a frame 100, a weight stack 200 or other resistance element, exercise assembly 300, and cable system 400 interconnecting the exercise assembly 300 with the weight stack 200. The exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings is for performing press and pull exercises, such as chest presses, shoulder presses, inclined presses, and mid row exercises. The exemplary embodiment may also be used to perform other exercises where two opposing arms are pushed, pulled or otherwise moved by the user.

The frame 100 provides structural support and stability to the exercise machine 10. The frame 100 includes a base 102 comprising frame members 104 and 106. Vertical frame members 108 and 110 extend upwardly from the base 102 to a top member 112. In the exemplary, the top member 112 extends generally from front to back. Vertical member 108 is disposed toward the back of the exercise machine 10. Vertical member 110 is disposed toward the front of the exercise machine 10. Frame 100 further includes an upper cross member 114 at the forward end of the top member 112. The upper cross member 114 extends generally perpendicularly to the top member 112. Cross member 114 provides an attachment point for the exercise assembly 300 as will be hereinafter described below. A pair of guide rod supports 116 is mounted on opposing sides of the top member 112 adjacent the rear end thereof. The guide rod supports 116 secure the upper ends of the guide rods 204 which guide the weight stack 200. A tee-shaped support member 118 extends rearward from the vertical member 110 and provides support for a pair of guide pulley assemblies 420. This swiveling guide pulley assembly is labeled 182. In one embodiment, a similar but fixedly attached to the frame guide pulley assembly is labeled 185.

The frame 100 further includes a seat support 120 and back support 140. The seat support 120 includes a support member 122 extending from the front vertical member 110. A support sleeve 124 is connected at the forward end of the support member 122. The support sleeve 124 receives a seat post 126 extending from the bottom of a seat 130. The seat 130 may include a cushioned pad. The seat post 126 includes a series of openings 128 that are engaged by a locking pin 132. The locking pin 132 is preferably biased to a locked position. The seat height can be adjusted by disengaging the locking pin 132, adjusting the seat 130 to the desired height, and reengaging the locking pin 132 in one of the apertures 128 in the seat post 126.

The back support 140 comprises a support sleeve 142 secured to the side of the vertical member 110. The support sleeve 142 receives a back post 144 extending from a seat back 145. The seat back 145 may have a cushioned pad. The back post 144 includes a series of apertures 146 that are engaged by a locking pin 148. The seat back 145 can be adjusted in a manner similar to the seat 130 by disengaging the locking pin 148, adjusting the seat back 145 to the desired position, and reengaging the locking pin 148 with one of the apertures 146 in the back post 144.

The weight stack 200 provides resistance to the force applied by the user to the exercise assembly 300. In the exemplary embodiment, the weight stack 200 includes a number of individual weight plates 202 that can be selectively added to and removed from the load picked-up by the user to provide variable amounts of resistance. Guide rods 204 extend through apertures in each of the weight plates 202. The bottom ends of the guide rods 204 are secured to the base 102. The top ends of the guide rods 204 are secured to respective guide post supports 116. The plates 202 slide vertically along the guide rods 204 as the user exercises. A lifting rod 206 extends through a central opening in the weight plates 202. The lifting rod 206 includes a series of apertures that align with corresponding apertures 210 in the weight plates 202. The user selects the desired number of plates 202 to be lifted by inserting a pin 212 through the aperture 210 in a selected plate 202 and engaging the pin 212 with the aperture in the lifting rod 206. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other resistance devices, such as electronic resistance devices, magnetic breaks, pneumatic cylinders or plate loaded free weights may also be used to practice the present invention.

The exercise assembly 300 comprises a pair of arm assemblies 302 that are pushed or pulled by the user to perform exercises. The arm assemblies 302 are interconnected with the weight stack 200 by the cable assembly 400. Each arm assembly 302 is pivotally mounted so as to pivot about first and second axes labeled X1 and X2, respectively. The arm assemblies 302 rotate about axes X1 when the user is exercising. The arm assemblies 302 rotate about axes X2 to change the travel path of the arm assemblies 302, as will be hereinafter described in further detail. Normally, the adjustment of the travel path is done prior to exercising and the travel path is fixed while exercising. For each arm assembly 302, the user may select a neutral path, a converging path, or a diverging path. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could be used to select multiple converging paths and/or multiple diverging paths.

A respective arm assembly 302 comprises three main components: a swivel assembly 310, an arm member 330, and a lever arm 301. A respective swivel assembly 310, shown in FIG. 3, comprises a generally U-shaped mounting bracket 314. Bracket 314 includes mounting holes 316 which are used to pivotally connect the arm member 330 to the swivel assembly 310. The mounting holes 316 lie along the first axis X1. A shaft 320 extends upward from the bracket 314 along the second axis X2. The shaft 320 extends upwardly through aligned openings in the cross member 114 and a locking plate 150 to rotatably connect the swivel assembly 310 to the frame 100. The shaft 320 is secured by a collar 315 so that the entire swivel assembly 310 pivots about the second axis X2.

Locking plate 150 is fixedly connected to the cross member 114 of the frame 100. Limit pin 322 extends upward from the bracket 314 and is received in a slot 152 in the locking plate 150. The engagement of the limit pin 322 in the slot 152 limits the angular rotation of the swivel assembly 310 as it rotates about the second axis X2. Locking pin 326 projects upwardly from the bracket 314 and engages one of a series of locking holes 154 in the locking plate 150. The user can disengage the locking pin 326 from the locking hole 154 by pulling downward on the handle. The locking pin 324 is preferably biased to a locked position as shown in FIG. 3. When the handle is released, the locking pin 326 re-engages with a selected locking hole 154 in the locking plate 150. As will be explained below, rotation of the swivel assembly 310 about axis X2 changes the path of travel of the arm 302.

A respective arm member 330, as shown in FIG. 3, comprises adjustment arm 332 which is pivotally connected at its upper end to the swivel assembly 310 so as to rotate about the first axis X1. Shaft 356 provides a pivoting mount point with an axis of rotation labeled X3 for the lever arm 301. An aperture plate 340 is attached to the adjustment arm 332 and provides locking means for the lever arm 301. A shaft (not shown) is attached on the bottom of the adjustment arm 332 and provides a connection point for a moveable pulley 440 and is labeled with an axis of rotation R1.

A respective lever arm 301 includes one or more handles 355, as shown on FIG. 2, at the lower end thereof that is gripped by the user. The lever arm 301 is pivotally connected to the adjustment arm 332 and is rotatable about axis X3. As shown in FIG. 1, collar 346 secures lever arm 301 to adjustment arm 332. The angle of the lever arm 301 relative to arm 332 can be adjusted by disengaging the locking pin 345, rotating lever arm 301 to the desired position, and re-engaging the locking pin 345 with one of the apertures 342 in the aperture plate 340. This will provide the user various positions for pressing or pulling exercises. As mentioned earlier, the user can adjust the path the arm assemblies 302 will travel by rotating the swivel assemblies 310 and locking them into the desired position. This will in turn rotate the lever arms 301 about axes X2 and provide the user with various paths of travel. A connection member is needed to rotate along with the arm member 332 when travel path adjustments are made in order to align with the connecting assembly and will be discussed further below.

The cable assembly 400 interconnects the arms 302 of the exercise assembly 300 with the weight stack 200 so that when either one of the arms 302 are pushed or pulled outward by the user during exercise, the weight stack 200 is lifted. An exemplary cable assembly 400 is described below. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a similar result could be achieved using a different configuration of pulleys and cables. Also, belts, chains, and rods with universal ends could be used instead of cables to connect exercise assembly 300 to the weight stack 200.

The exemplary cable assembly 400 includes first and second cables 402 and 404 respectively. The first cable 402 connects to the weight stack 200. The second cable 404 connects to the arms 302 of the exercise assembly 300. The cable assembly 400 further includes a double floating pulley assembly 410 interconnecting the cables 402 and 404, a pair of guide pulley assemblies 420 pivotally connected to the frame 100 and are labeled 182, a pair of movable pulley assemblies 440 mounted to respective arms 302, and fixed pulleys 406, 408, 470, and 472, which are fixedly secured to the frame 100. The guide pulley assemblies 420 have respective axes of rotation labeled S1. In an alternate embodiment, the guide pulley assemblies 420 are fixedly attached to the frame 100 and are labeled 185. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, bumpers 481 are attached to swiveling guide pulley main assembly 182 and to fixed guide pulley main assembly 185 and will be discussed in more detail further below.

The moveable pulley assemblies 440, shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, includes a respective pulley 442 and respective bumper 482 on one end, and a respective ball joint 483, with at least two axes rotation, on the other end. The ball joints 483 are attached to the lower end of respective arm members 332, secured by collars 484, and are labeled with axes of rotation labeled R1. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that ball joints have more than one axis of rotation. The moveable pulley assemblies 440 rotate to maintain cable alignment with the cable 404 when the travel paths of the arm assemblies 302 are adjusted and during movement of the arm assemblies 302. The moveable pulley assemblies 440 and the swiveling guide pulley main assembly 182, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, bumper one another and provide a rest position for the arm assemblies 302. The moveable pulley assemblies 440 rotate about at the ball joints 483 thus enabling the cable assembly 400 to maintain a substantially constant tension. The moveable pulley assemblies 440 and the fixed guide pulley main assembly 182, shown in FIG. 4, bumper one another and provide a rest position for the arm assemblies 302. The moveable pulley assemblies 440 rotate about at the ball joints 483 thus enabling the cable assembly 400 to maintain a substantially constant tension.

Cable 402 is connected at one end to the lift rod 206 and at the opposite end to the base 102. Cable 402 passes around fixed pulleys 406 and 408 and floating pulley 412 in the floating pulley assembly 410. While the cable 402 is depicted as being anchored to the base 102, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cable 402 could also be connected to another exercise assembly. Cable 404 passes around floating pulley 414 of the floating pulley assembly 410, fixed pulleys 470 and 472, guide pulleys 424, pulleys 442 of the moveable pulley assemblies 440, and guide pulleys 422. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the ends of the cable 404 could also be connected to other exercise assemblies.

In use, the user adjusts the angle of the lever arms 301 to a comfortable position depending on factors such as the user's arm length, flexibility and the exercise chosen. The user also adjusts the travel path for each arm assembly 302 by rotating each arm assembly 302 about the second axis X2 to a desired position. For each arm assembly 302, the user can select a neutral path, converging path, or diverging path. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some embodiments may provide for multiple converging and diverging paths. After the adjustments are made, the user sits on seat 130 with the user's back or chest against the seat back 145. The user grasps the handles 355 for each arm assembly 302 and pushes or pulls the arm assemblies 302 outward to lift the weight stack 200. During exercise, the arm assemblies 302 rotate about the first axis X1. Each arm assembly 302 will follow either a neutral path, converging path, or diverging path as selected by the user. The moveable assemblies 440 connected to the arm assemblies 302 will rotate to self-align with the cable 404 when the travel path of the arm assemblies 302 is adjusted and during movement of the arm assemblies 302. The user may choose to use the arms independently one at a time for some exercises.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment. The swiveling guide pulley main assembly 182 and the moveable pulley assemblies 440 are not bumpering one another. Instead, frame bumper 180 provides a rest position for the arm assemblies 302.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment. The fixed guide pulley main assembly 185 and the moveable pulley assemblies 440 are not bumpering one another. Instead, frame bumper 180 provides a rest position for the arm assemblies 302.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment. The swivel guide pulley main assembly 182 and the moveable pulley assemblies 440 are not bumpering one another. Instead, bumpers 318 attached to the swivel assemblies 310 provides a rest position for the arm assemblies 302.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment. The fixed guide pulley main assembly 185 and the moveable pulley assemblies 440 are not bumpering one another. Instead, bumpers 318 attached to the swivel assemblies 310 provides a rest position for the arm assemblies 302.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternate connecting assembly. Leverage assembly 190 is attached to frame top 112. Leverage members 193 are pivotally attached to leverage top 191 and are rotatable about respective axes labeled T1. Pulleys 442 are attached to the other end of leverage members 193. Universal links 490 attaches leverage members 193 to the arm members 330. One end of a respective universal link 490 is pivotally attached to leverage member 193 and rotatable about at least two axes of rotation. One axis of rotation is labeled B2. The other end of universal link 490 is pivotally attached to sleeve assembly 495 and rotatable about at least two axes of rotation. One axis of rotation is labeled B1. A respective sleeve assembly 495 is adjustable along a respective arm member 302 by disengaging locking pin 496, sliding sleeve assembly 495 along a respective adjustment tube 392, and re-engaging locking pin 496 into the desired aperture 497. When the sleeve assemblies 495 are adjusted to an upward position, resistance to the user is decreased and when the sleeve assemblies 495 are adjusted to a downward position, resistance is increased to the user. Resistance during pushing and pulling exercises will increase the further away from axes X1 the sleeve assemblies 495 are positioned. Arm member plates 391 fixedly secure adjustment tubes 392 into position. In use, arm members 330 pivot forward, thus causing the leverage members 193 to pivot forward, thus pulling the cable assembly and therefore lifting the weight stack. Both ends of universal links 490 pivot to accommodate travel path adjustments to the arm assemblies 302 and during exercise. Leverage members 193 bumper against fixed guide pulley main assembly 185 to provide a rest position for arm assemblies 302. In another embodiment, one end of universal links 490 can be attached directly to arm members 302 and not be adjustable up and down.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternate embodiment. A fixed guide pulley main assembly labeled 186 guides a cable 405 to respective arm members 302. A respective connecting member 498 receives a respective end of cable 405 on one end and is pivotally attached to a respective arm member 302 with at least two axes of rotation. Connecting members 498 rotate during travel path adjustments to the arm assemblies 302 and during exercise to align cable 405. Bumpers 318 on swivel assemblies 310 provide a rest position for arm assemblies 302. A swivel guide pulley main assembly could also be used for this embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment. A fixed guide pulley main assembly labeled 186 guides a cable 405 to respective arm members 302. A respective connecting member 498 receives a respective end of cable 405 on one end and is pivotally attached to a respective arm member 302 with at least two axes of rotation. Connecting members 498 rotate during travel path adjustments to the arm assemblies 302 and during exercise to align cable 405. Frame bumper 180 provides a rest position for arm assemblies 302. A swivel guide pulley main assembly could also be used for this embodiment.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

at least one resistance element to provide resistance for performing exercise;

a pair of arm assemblies pivotally mounted to the frame and connected to said resistance element, each said arm assembly rotatable about a respective first axis to perform exercise and rotatable about a respective second axis to adjust the travel path of the respective arm assembly.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising a path adjustment mechanism to adjust the travel path of said arm assemblies.

3. The exercise machine of claim 2 wherein the path adjustment mechanism comprises a pair of swivel assemblies for mounting said arm assemblies to said frame for rotation about said second axes, wherein each of said arm assemblies is pivotally connected to a respective swivel assembly about said first axes.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3 wherein said path adjustment mechanism further includes a locking mechanism for locking said arm assemblies in a desired position to prevent rotation about said respective second axes.

5. The exercise machine of claim 4 wherein said locking mechanism on at least one swivel assembly comprises a locking plate mounted to one of said frame and said swivel assembly and having a plurality of apertures, and a locking pin mounted to the other of said frame and said swivel assembly to engage a selected aperture of said locking plate to lock said arm assembly in a desired position.

6. The exercise machine of claim 3 wherein at least one swivel assembly includes means to limit rotation of said swivel assembly about each said second axis.

7. The exercise machine of claim 6 wherein said means to limit rotation comprises a pin mounted to one of said swivel assembly and said locking plate, and a slot in the other of said swivel assembly and said locking plate.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1 further including a cable assembly connecting said arm assemblies to said resistance device.

9. The exercise machine of claim 8 wherein said cable assembly comprises:

a moveable pulley assembly, having at least two axes of rotation and comprising at least one pulley, pivotally mounted to each arm assembly for rotation about a connection axis;

at least two guide pulleys connected to said frame;

a cable passing around said moveable pulley assemblies on said arm assemblies and said guide pulleys on said frame; and

wherein said moveable pulley assemblies rotate to align with guide pulleys to align said cable when the travel path of said arm assemblies is adjusted and during the travel path of exercise.

10. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein said guide pulleys are pivotally attached to said frame.

11. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein said moveable pulley assemblies bumper against said guide pulleys to provide a rest position for the said arm assemblies.

12. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein said moveable pulley assemblies bumper against said frame to provide a rest position for said arm assemblies.

13. The exercise machine of claim 8 wherein said cable assembly comprises:

a connecting member, pivotally connected to each arm assembly and rotatable about at least to axes of rotation;

at least two guide pulleys connected to said frame;

a cable passing around said guide pulleys on said frame and connecting into said connecting members; and

wherein said connecting members rotate to align with said guide pulleys to align said cable when the travel path of said arm assemblies is adjusted and during the travel path of exercise.

14. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein each arm assembly includes a lever arm and an angular adjustment mechanism to adjust the angular position of the lever arm.

15. The exercise machine of claim 14 wherein the angular adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment arm pivotally connected to said swivel assembly, said lever arm being angularly adjustable relative to said adjustment arm.

16. The exercise machine of claim 15 wherein said adjustment mechanism further comprises an aperture plate mounted to one of said adjustment arm and said lever arm and having a plurality of apertures formed therein, and a locking pin mounted to the other of said adjustment arm and said lever arm for engagement with a selected aperture of said aperture plate.

17. The exercise machine of claim 1 further including a link assembly connecting each said arm assembly to said resistance device.

18. The exercise machine of claim 17 wherein said link assembly comprises a respective link member pivotally connected with at least two axes of rotation to a respective arm assembly for rotation about a connection axis.

19. The exercise machine of claim 18 wherein the other end of each said link member is pivotally connected with at least two axes of rotation to a connection axis on a leverage mechanism wherein displacing the leverage mechanism displaces the resistance element.

20. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein said resistance element comprises a weight stack.