Exercise machine
An exercise machine includes manually grasped and displaced levers and includes bracket assemblies adjustable to permit the levers to engage the levers and enable each lever individually and independently to be manually pulled or pushed. An elastic operably associated with each bracket provides resistance and returns each bracket to a stored at rest position after a manual displacement force on the bracket is released.
This invention pertains to exercise machines.
More particularly, this invention pertains to an exercise machine that facilitates exercises which require one arm or leg to pull and another arm or leg to push.
In a further respect, this invention pertains to an exercise machine the facilitates the use of a machine to first perform an exercise in which the user's hands grasp a single handle in front of the user's body and to then perform an exercise in which each hand grasps a different handle on the exercise machine.
A wide variety of exercise machines are available to exercise the body. One presently preferred exercise regimen requires the user to pull with one hand (or foot) and to push with the other hand (or foot).
Consequently, it would be desirable to provide an improved exercise machine that facilitates the performance of push and pull exercises.
Therefore, it an object of the present invention to provide an improved exercise machine.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved exercise machine utilizing levers that can be readily adjusted to perform either push or pull exercises.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved exercise machine that can be readily adapted to perform exercises that require the simultaneous cooperative use of both arms on a single lever to laterally displace a lever and that require the use of each arm each on a different one of first and second levers to displace the first and second levers independently of each other in opposing directions.
These and other, further and more specific objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the following detailed description thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:
Briefly, in accordance with the invention, I provide an improved exercise machine. The machine includes a frame; a seat mounted on the frame; and, a lever assembly mounted on the frame. The lever assembly includes a base; at least one lever mounted on the base and having a distal end with a handle and a proximate end pivotally connected to the base; a stop member fixedly mounted on the base; a first bracket having a distal end with a first engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on the base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with the first engagement member contacting the stop member, and a second displaced operative position with the first engagement member spaced apart from the stop member; (v) a second bracket having a distal end with a second engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on the base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with the second engagement member contacting the stop member, and a second displaced operative position with the second engagement member spaced apart from the stop member; and, an elastic member engaging and extending between the first and second engagement members. The lever assembly also includes a slide operatively associated with the lever and movable between at least two operative positions, a first operative position engaging the proximate end of the first bracket such that displacing the distal end pivotally displaces the first bracket to move the first engagement member away from the stop and distends the elastic member to generate a force pulling the second member against the stop, and a second operative position engaging the proximate end of the second bracket such that displacing the distal end pivotally displaces the second bracket to move the second engagement member away from the stop and distends the elastic member to generate a force pulling the first member against the stop. The exercise machine can include a second lever assembly mounted on the frame. The second lever assembly comprises a base; at least one lever mounted on the base and having a distal end with a handle and a proximate end pivotally connected to the base; a second stop member fixedly mounted on the base; a third bracket having a distal end with a third engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on the base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with the third engagement member contacting the second stop member, and a second displaced operative position with the third engagement member spaced apart from the second stop member; a fourth bracket having a distal end with a fourth engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on the base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with the fourth engagement member contacting the second stop member, and a second displaced operative position with the fourth engagement member spaced apart from the second stop member; and, an elastic member engaging and extending between the first and second engagement members.
In another embodiment of the invention, I provide an improved method for performing an exercise. The method includes the step of providing an exercise machine. The machine comprises a frame; a seat mounted on the frame; and, a lever assembly mounted on the frame. The lever assembly includes a base; at least one lever mounted on the base and having a distal end with a handle and a proximate end pivotally connected to the base; a stop member fixedly mounted on the base; a first bracket having a distal end with a first engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on the base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with the first engagement member contacting the stop member, and a second displaced operative position with the first engagement member spaced apart from the stop member; (v) a second bracket having a distal end with a second engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on the base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with the second engagement member contacting the stop member, and a second displaced operative position with the second engagement member spaced apart from the stop member; and, an elastic member engaging and extending between the first and second engagement members. The lever assembly also includes a slide operatively associated with the lever and movable between at least two operative positions, a first operative position engaging the proximate end of the first bracket such that displacing the distal end pivotally displaces the first bracket to move the first engagement member away from the stop and distends the elastic member to generate a force pulling the second member against the stop, and a second operative position engaging the proximate end of the second bracket such that displacing the distal end pivotally displaces the second bracket to move the second engagement member away from the stop and distends the elastic member to generate a force pulling the first member against the stop. The method also includes the steps of moving the slide to the first operative position; and, pulling the distal end of the lever to pivotally displace the first bracket to move the first engagement member away from the stop and distend the elastic member to generate a force pulling the second member against the stop.
Turning now to the drawings, which depict the presently preferred embodiments of the invention for the purpose of illustrating the practice thereof, and not by way of limitation of the scope of the invention, and in which like characters refer to corresponding elements throughout the several views,
As indicated by arrows B in
Similarly, the position of seat 15 can be adjusted up and down along neck 11 utilizing apertures 17 formed in neck 11 and a quick release pin that removably extends through an aperture (not visible) in seat 15 and into a selected aperture 17 in neck 11. The cant of seat 15 can also be adjusted.
The position of footrest 23 on base 12 can be adjusted in the directions indicated by arrows D in
Lever assemblies 25 and 25A are removably bolted with fastening assemblies to the frame of the exercise machine. The fastening assembly that secures lever assembly 25 to base 12 includes brackets 31 and 32 (
Brackets 31A (
The position of each bracket 31, 32, 31A on base 12 or neck 11 is adjustable utilizing bolt-receiving apertures 19 and 30 formed therein. The position of brackets 31A can be adjusted up and down on neck 11 in the manner indicated by arrows A. The position of brackets 31, 32 on base 12 can be adjusted in the lateral directions indicated by arrows C by utilizing bolt—apertures 30 formed in base 12. Apertures 19 are formed in the top 37 of neck 11.
Lever assembly 25 includes levers 26 and 27. The distal end of lever 26 includes handle 28. The distal end of lever 27 includes handle 29. The proximate, or lower, ends of levers 26 and 27 are pivotally attached to a base 50 (
Lever assembly 25A is identical in construction and shape and dimension to lever assembly 25. Lever assembly includes levers 26A and 27A. The distal end of lever 26A includes handle 28A. The distal end of lever 27A includes handle 29A. The proximate, or lower, ends of levers 26A and 27A are pivotally attached to a base 50A that is fixedly held in position on the exercise machine by the afore-mentioned fastening assembly.
The lever assembly 35 includes gooseneck 88 provided with flanges 38 (
Lever assembly 40 (
Lever assembly 25 is depicted in greater detail in
Lever 26 is operatively associated with bracket arms 70 and 72.
Arm 70 includes a proximate end that is mounted on and can pivot about fixed axle 70 (
Arm 72 includes a proximate end that is mounted on and can pivot about fixed axle 70 (
Spherical handle 76 is fixedly secured to orthogonal slide 75 by neck 76A. Neck 76A extends through slot 77. Handle 76 is utilized to slidably displace slide 75 between three operative positions. Slide 75 includes distal end 75A, notch 83, and intermediate portion 75B.
The first operative position of slide 75 is illustrated in
Handle 76 and neck 76A are fixedly connected to slide 75. In
Slide 75 is displaced in the direction of arrow K in
The second operative position of slide 75 is illustrated in
The third operative position of slide 75 is illustrated in
Lever 27 is operatively associated with bracket arms 57 and 59.
Arm 57 (
Arm 59 includes a proximate end with a hollow sleeve 69 that is mounted on and pivots about axle 70 of cylindrical base 50. Pin 60 is fixedly secured in the distal end of arm 59 and extends outwardly away from the inside and outside of arm 59. In
Spherical handle 53 is fixedly secured to orthogonal slide 62 by neck 54. Neck 54 extends through slot 52. Handle 53 is utilized to slidably displace slide 62 between three operative positions. Slide 62 includes distal end 62A, notch 63, and intermediate portion 62. The shape and dimension and operation of slide 62, handle 53, elastic member 61, bracket 55, arms 57, 59, and lever 27 is equivalent to that described above for slide 75, handle 76, elastic member 74, bracket 56, arms 70 and 72, and lever 26.
Notches 67 and 68 are formed in the proximate end of arm 59 for selective engagement by slide 62. Notches 64 and 65 are formed in the proximate end of arm 57 for selective engagement by slide 62. The proximate ends of arms 57 and 59 are provided with sleeves 66 and 69, respectively with cylindrical apertures formed there through to permit arms 57 and 59 to be mounted and pivot on fixed axle 70 of base 50 in the same manner that levers 26, 27 and arms 70 and 72 pivot on axle 70.
When lever 27 is pushed in the direction of arrow G, slide 62 is positioned to engage a notch 67, 68 in arm 59 such that pin 60 is displaced away from bracket 55 when lever 27 is moved from the position shown in
When lever 27 is pulled in the direction of arrow R in
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, levers 26 and 27 can—by adjusting the position of slides 62 and 75 to engage selected ones of arms 57, 59, 70, 72—be configured such that levers 26, 27 can be pulled in the same direction, indicated in
Bracket 105 is fixedly secured to the base of upwardly extending fixed cylindrical pin 102 (
Lever 84 and arms 86, 87 are operatively associated with bracket arms 100 and 101.
Arm 100 includes a proximate end with a hollow cylindrical sleeve 113 that is slidably mounted on and can pivot about fixed pin 102. Pin 102 extends outwardly and upwardly away from goose neck 88. Pin 89 of arm 100 extends outwardly from the bottom and top of arm 100. In
Arm 101 includes a proximate end with a hollow cylindrical sleeve 112 that is slidably mounted on and can pivot about fixed pin 102. Pin 90 of arm 101 extends outwardly from the bottom and top of arm 101. In
Cylindrical sleeve 93 is slidably mounted on and can pivot about pin 102.
Hollow orthogonal sleeve 95 (
In
Even when a portion of slide 96 is inside hollow sleeve 95 and prevents arms 86 and 87 from pivoting upwardly in the direction of arrow L, lever 84 can still be grasped and moved a selected limited distance in the direction of arrow L or in a direction opposite that of arrow L. Pivot assembly 85 permits the upper end of lever 84 to pivot in assembly 85 so that lever 84 can be moved said selected distance in the direction of arrow L or in a direction opposite that of arrow L. Flat surfaces or stops in assembly 85 prevent lever 84 from being moved more than said selected limited distance in the direction of arrow L or in a direction opposite that of arrow L.
When lever 84 is, however, positioned in front of neck 11 in the first operative position illustrated in
When lever 84 is in the first operative position illustrated in
When lever 84 is in the first operative position of
When lever 84 is in the first operative position of
The following example is given by way of explanation, and not limitation, of the exercise machine of the invention.
In use of the exercise machine of
Handle 76 is utilized to move slide 75 to the position shown in
Handle 53 is utilized to move slide 62 to a position in which slide 62 engages a notch 64 in the proximate end of arm 57 to facilitate lever 27 being pulled in the direction of arrow R in
A user sits on seat 15, places his feet on footrest 23, places his head against headrest 16, grasps handle 28 with his left hand, grasps handle 29 with his right hand, and simultaneously pushes handle 28 and lever 26 and pulls handle 29 and lever 27 from their respective positions illustrated in
As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the slides 62, 75 can be positioned such that both levers 26, 27 are pushed, or pulled. Similarly, the lever assembly 40 illustrated in
When lever assembly 35 is in the position illustrated in
Claims
1. An exercise machine comprising
- (a) a frame;
- (b) a seat mounted on the frame;
- (c) a lever assembly mounted on said frame and including (i) a base, (ii) at least one lever mounted on said base and having a distal end with a handle and a proximate end pivotally connected to said base, (iii) a stop member fixedly mounted on said base, (iv) a first bracket having a distal end with a first engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on said base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with said first engagement member contacting said stop member, and a second displaced operative position with said first engagement member spaced apart from said stop member, (v) a second bracket having a distal end with a second engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on said base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with said second engagement member contacting said stop member, and a second displaced operative position with said second engagement member spaced apart from said stop member; (vi) an elastic member engaging and extending between said first and second engagement members; (vii) a slide operatively associated with said lever and movable between at least two operative positions, a first operative position engaging said proximate end of said first bracket such that displacing said distal end pivotally displaces said first bracket to move said first engagement member away from said stop and distends said elastic member to generate a force pulling said second member against said stop, and a second operative position engaging said proximate end of said second bracket such that displacing said distal end pivotally displaces said second bracket to move said second engagement member away from stop and distends said elastic member to generate a force pulling said first member against said stop.
2. A method for performing an exercise, comprising the steps of
- (a) providing an exercise machine including (i) a frame; (ii) a seat mounted on the frame; (iii) a lever assembly mounted on said frame and including a base, at least one lever mounted on said base and having a distal end with a handle and a proximate end pivotally connected to said base, a stop member fixedly mounted on said base, a first bracket having a distal end with a first engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on said base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with said first engagement member contacting said stop member, and a second displaced operative position with said first engagement member spaced apart from said stop member, a second bracket having a distal end with a second engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on said base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with said second engagement member contacting said stop member, and a second displaced operative position with said second engagement member spaced apart from said stop member; an elastic member engaging and extending between said first and second engagement members; a slide operatively associated with said lever and movable between at least two operative positions, a first operative position engaging said proximate end of said first bracket such that displacing said distal end pivotally displaces said first bracket to move said first engagement member away from said stop and distends said elastic member to generate a force pulling said second member against said stop, and a second operative position engaging said proximate end of said second bracket such that displacing said distal end pivotally displaces said second bracket to move said second engagement member away from stop and distends said elastic member to generate a force pulling said first member against said stop;
- (b) moving said slide to said first operative position; and,
- (c) pulling said distal end of said lever to pivotally displaces said first bracket to move said first engagement member away from said stop and distend said elastic member to generate a force pulling said second member against said stop.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1 including a second lever assembly mounted on said frame and including
- (i) a base,
- (ii) at least one lever mounted on said base and having a distal end with a handle and a proximate end pivotally connected to said base,
- (iii) a second stop member fixedly mounted on said base,
- (iv) a third bracket having a distal end with a third engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on said base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with said third engagement member contacting said second stop member, and a second displaced operative position with said third engagement member spaced apart from said second stop member,
- (v) a fourth bracket having a distal end with a fourth engagement member extending outwardly therefrom and a proximate end pivotally mounted on said base and movable between at least two operative positions, a first normal operative position with said fourth engagement member contacting said second stop member, and a second displaced operative position with said fourth engagement member spaced apart from said second stop member; and,
- (vi) an elastic member engaging and extending between said first and second engagement members.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 2, 2007
Publication Date: May 7, 2009
Inventors: Jayson Leisenring (New York, NY), Robert Q. Riley (Phoenix, AZ)
Application Number: 11/982,490
International Classification: A63B 21/02 (20060101);