Body building system with shrouded weight stack

Abstract

A plurality of similarly configured weight plates each with a planar face having a horizontal coupling aperture and a numerical value form a weight stack. A front cover, with a generally rectangular cutout in a central section exposing all of the numerical values and coupling apertures, and a rear cover form a cover assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shrouded weight stack for a body building system with the capability of selectively varying the weight to be lifted by a user in a safe, convenient and economical manner.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of exercise systems of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, exercise systems of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of varying resistance for exercise through known methods and apparatuses are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,139 issued Apr. 30, 1991 to Towley relates to an Assisted Dip/Chin Exercise Device and U.S. Pat. No. 4,842,271 issued Jun. 27, 1989 to Vinciguerra relates to a Leg Extension Exercise Machine with Leg Length and Exercise Motion Range Adjustment Apparatus.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a shrouded weight stack for a body building system with the capability of selectively varying the weight to be lifted by a user in a safe, convenient and economical manner.

In this respect, the body building system with a shrouded weight stack according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of shrouding a weight stack for a body building system with the capability of selectively varying the weight to be lifted by a user in a safe, convenient and economical manner.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack which can be used for selectively varying the weight to be lifted by a user in a safe, convenient and economical manner. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of exercise systems of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a body building system with a shrouded weight stack. First provided is a body building machine. The body building machine has an area. The area receives and supports a user. The body building machine has a resistive member. The resistive member is adapted to be moved by a user. The body building machine has a weight stack. The weight stack has a total height. A preselected portion of the weight stack is adapted to be lifted in response to the movement of the resistive member by a user.

A plurality of similarly configured weight plates are provided. In this manner the weight stack is formed. Each weight plate has a generally planar upper surface. Each weight plate has a generally planar lower surface. A thickness is defined between the upper and lower surfaces. Each weight plate has a generally oval shaped peripheral side wall. The side walls each have a planar face in a vertical plane. Each planar face includes a horizontal coupling aperture. Each planar face includes a numerical value. The numerical value corresponds to the weight of the weight plate on which it appears plus the weight of the weight plates there above. Each weight plate has a pair of laterally spaced vertical guide apertures. The guide apertures of each weight plate extend between the upper and lower surfaces and in vertical alignment. Each weight plate also has a vertical locking aperture. The vertical locking aperture extends between the upper and lower surfaces midway between the guide apertures.

Provided next is a pair of vertically disposed, laterally spaced guide rods. The guide rods are parallel with respect to each other. The guide rods have upper ends. The guide rods have lower ends. The guide rods slidably receive the guide apertures of the weight plates. In this manner reciprocal movement along the guide rods is facilitated.

An upper support is provided. The upper support receives and supports the upper ends of the guide rods. A lower support is provided. The lower support receives and supports the lower ends of the guide rods. Each support has a periphery radially spaced from the weight stack in a generally oval configuration. The upper support has a downwardly extending side wall. The lower support has an upwardly extending side wall. The side walls have an axial length greater than the thickness of one weight plate. The side walls have curved front faces adjacent to the horizontal coupling apertures and the numerical values. The side walls-have planar rear faces opposite from the front faces.

A coupling bar is provided next. The coupling bar extends through the locking apertures of the weight plate. The coupling bar has a lower end adjacent to a lowermost weight plate of the weight stack. The coupling bar has an upper end above an uppermost weight plate of the weight stack. The coupling bar has a horizontal coupling bore. The coupling bore is axially aligned with each coupling aperture of the weight plates. A locking pin 56 is provided. The locking pin is selectively positionable through a coupling aperture of a weight plate and an aligned coupling bore. A flexible cable is provided. The flexible cable extends upwardly from the top of the coupling bar and terminating at the resistive member. The upper support has a hole. The hole provides for the passage of the cable.

Further provided are cylindrical spaced recesses. The recesses are provided in the upper and lower supports. The recesses receive the upper and lower ends of the guide rods. A cylindrical central recess is provided. The central recess is provided in the lower support. The central recess removably receives the coupling bar.

Provided last is a cover assembly. The cover assembly has a height of between 2 and 3 times the total height of the weight stack. The cover assembly includes a front cover. The cover assembly includes a rear cover. The rear cover has a planar central section. The rear cover has curved side sections. The front cover has a curved central section. The front cover has curved side sections. The front and rear covers have upper ends. The upper ends are positioned within the side wall of the upper support with their side sections overlapping. The front and rear covers have lower ends. The lower ends are positioned within the side wall of the lower support with their side sections overlapping. The curved central section of the front cover has a generally rectangular cutout. In this manner all of the numerical values and coupling apertures are exposed. The cutout has a height between 10 percent and 20 percent greater than the total height of the weight stack. The cutout has a width between 15 and 20 percent of the height of the cutout. The front of the side wall of the upper support has laterally spaced apertures. The upper end of the front cover has laterally spaced complementary vertical slots. Fasteners couple the side wall of the upper support to the front cover.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack which has all of the advantages of the prior art exercise systems of known designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack which is of durable and reliable constructions.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such body building system with a shrouded weight stack economically available to the buying public.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a shrouded weight stack for a body building system with the capability of selectively varying the weight to be lifted by a user in a safe, convenient and economical manner.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack having a plurality of similarly configured weight plates, each with a planar face having a horizontal coupling aperture and a numerical value, forming a weight stack, and a front cover, with a generally rectangular cutout in a central section exposing all of the numerical values and coupling apertures, and a rear cover forming a cover assembly.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a body building system 10 having a shrouded weight stack.

FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5 are is front, side perspective and exploded perspective views of the shrouded weight stack.

FIG. 6, 7 and 8 are front, side and perspective illustrations of the weight stack without the shroud.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are front, side, top and perspective illustrations of the lower support.

FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E are front, side, top, perspective and exploded perspective illustrations of the upper support.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D are front, side, top and perspective illustrations of the rear cover.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D are front, side, top and perspective illustrations of the front cover.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved body building system with a shrouded weight stack embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral 10 will be described.

The present invention, the body building system with a shrouded weight stack 10 is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context include a plurality of similarly configured weight plates and a cover assembly. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

First provided is a body building machine 14. The body building machine has an area 16. The area receives and supports a user. The body building machine has a resistive member 18. The resistive member is adapted to be moved by a user. The body building machine has a weight stack 20. The weight stack has a total height. A preselected portion of the weight stack is adapted to be lifted in response to the movement of the resistive member by a user.

A plurality of similarly configured weight plates 24 are provided. In this manner the weight stack is formed. Each weight plate has a generally planar upper surface. Each weight plate has a generally planar lower surface. A thickness is defined between the upper and lower surfaces. Each weight plate has a generally oval shaped peripheral side wall. The side walls each have a planar face 26 in a vertical plane. Each planar face includes a horizontal coupling aperture 28. Each planar face includes a numerical value 30. The numerical value corresponds to the weight of the weight plate on which it appears plus the weight of the weight plates there above. Each weight plate has a pair of laterally spaced vertical guide apertures 32. The guide apertures of each weight plate extend between the upper and lower surfaces and in vertical alignment. Each weight plate also has a vertical locking aperture 34. The vertical locking aperture extends between the upper and lower surfaces midway between the guide apertures.

Provided next is a pair of vertically disposed, laterally spaced guide rods 38. The guide rods are parallel with respect to each other. The guide rods have upper ends 40. The guide rods have lower ends 42. The guide rods slidably receive the guide apertures of the weight plates. In this manner reciprocal movement along the guide rods is facilitated.

An upper support 46 is provided. The upper support receives and supports the upper ends of the guide rods. A lower support 48 is provided. The lower support receives and supports the lower ends of the guide rods. Each support has a periphery radially spaced from the weight stack in a generally oval configuration. The upper support has a downwardly extending side wall. The lower support has an upwardly extending side wall. The side walls have an axial length greater than the thickness of one weight plate. The side walls have curved front faces adjacent to the horizontal coupling apertures and the numerical values. The side walls have planar rear faces opposite from the front faces.

A coupling bar 52 is provided next. The coupling bar extends through the locking apertures of the weight plate. The coupling bar has a lower end adjacent to a lowermost weight plate of the weight stack. The coupling bar has an upper end above an uppermost weight plate of the weight stack. The coupling bar has a horizontal coupling bore 54. The coupling bore is axially aligned with each coupling aperture of the weight plates. A locking pin 56 is provided. The locking pin is selectively positionable through a coupling aperture of a weight plate and an aligned coupling bore. A flexible cable 58 is provided. The flexible cable extends upwardly from the top of the coupling bar and terminating at the resistive member. The upper support has a hole 60. The hole provides for the passage of the cable.

Further provided are cylindrical spaced recesses 64, 66. The recesses are provided in the upper and lower supports. The recesses receive the upper and lower ends of the guide rods. A cylindrical central recess 68 is provided. The central recess is provided in the lower support. The central recess removably receives the coupling bar.

Provided last is a cover assembly. The cover assembly has a height of between 2 and 3 times the total height of the weight stack. The cover assembly includes a front cover 72. The cover assembly includes a rear cover 74. The rear cover has a planar central section. The rear cover has curved side sections. The front cover has a curved central section. The front cover has curved side sections. The front and rear covers have upper ends. The upper ends are positioned within the side wall of the upper support with their side sections overlapping. The front and rear covers have lower ends. The lower ends are positioned within the side wall of the lower support with their side sections overlapping. The curved central section of the front cover has a generally rectangular cutout 76. In this manner all of the numerical values and coupling apertures are exposed. The cutout has a height between 10 percent and 20 percent greater than the total height of the weight stack. The cutout has a width between 15 and 20 percent of the height of the cutout. The front of the side wall of the upper support has laterally spaced apertures 78. The upper end of the front cover has laterally spaced complementary vertical slots 80. Fasteners couple the side wall of the upper support to the front cover.

As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A body building system having a shrouded weight stack comprising:

a plurality of similarly configured weight plates forming the weight stack with a total height, each weight plate having a planar face including a horizontal coupling aperture and a numerical value; and

a cover assembly including a front and rear cover, the front cover having a central section, a generally rectangular cutout in the lower extent of the central section of the front cover to expose all of the numerical values and coupling apertures, the cutout having a height between 10 percent and 20 percent greater than the total height of the weight stack and a width between 15 percent and 20 percent of the height of the cutout whereby the majority of the surface area of the front cover is imperforate.

2. (canceled)

3. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each weight plate is formed with a pair of laterally spaced vertical guide apertures and further including:

a pair of vertically disposed, laterally spaced guide rods with upper and lower ends, the guide rods slidably receiving the guide apertures for reciprocal movement;

an upper support receiving and supporting the upper ends of the guide rods; and

a lower support receiving and supporting the lower ends of the guide rods, the height of the guide bars being between 2 and 3 times the total height of the weight stack.

4. The system as set forth in claim 1 and further including a body building machine having an area to receive and support a user and a resistive member, the resistive member being coupled to the weight stack, a preselected portion of the weight stack adapted to be lifted in response to the movement of the resistive member by a user.

5. A body building system having a shrouded weight stack with the capability of selectively varying the weight to be lifted by a user in a safe, convenient and economical manner, the system comprising, in combination:

a body building machine having an area to receive and support a user and a resistive member adapted to be moved by a user and a weight stack having a total height, a preselected portion of the weight stack adapted to be lifted in response to the movement of the resistive member by a user;

a plurality of similarly configured weight plates forming the weight stack, each weight plate having a generally planar upper surface and a generally planar lower surface defining a thickness between the upper and lower surfaces, each weight plate having a generally oval shaped peripheral side wall, the side walls each having a planar face in a vertical plane, each planar face including a horizontal coupling aperture and a numerical value corresponding to the weight of the weight plate on which it appears plus the weight of the weight plates there above, each weight plate being formed with a pair of laterally spaced vertical guide apertures, the guide apertures of each weight plate extending between the upper and lower surfaces and in vertical alignment, each weight plate also being formed with a vertical locking aperture extending between the upper and lower surfaces midway between the guide apertures;

a pair of vertically disposed, laterally spaced guide rods, the guide rods being parallel with respect to each other with upper ends and lower ends, the guide rods slidably receiving the guide apertures of the weight plates for reciprocal movement along the guide rods;

an upper support receiving and supporting the upper ends of the guide rods, a lower support receiving and supporting the lower ends of the guide rods, each support having a periphery radially spaced from the weight stack in a generally oval configuration, the upper support having a downwardly extending side wall, the lower support having an upwardly extending side wall, the side walls having an axial length greater than the thickness of one weight plate, the side walls having curved front faces adjacent to the horizontal coupling apertures and the numerical values, the side walls having planar rear faces opposite from the front faces;

a coupling bar extending through the locking apertures of the weight plate, the coupling bar having a lower end adjacent to a lowermost weight plate of the weight stack and an upper end above an uppermost weight plate of the weight stack, a horizontal coupling bore in the coupling bar axially aligned with each coupling aperture of the weight plates, a locking pin selectively positionable through a coupling aperture of a weight plate and an aligned coupling bore, a flexible cable extending upwardly from the top of the coupling bar and terminating at the resistive member, and a hole in the upper support for the passage of the cable;

cylindrical spaced recesses in the upper and lower supports for receiving the upper and lower ends of the guide rods, a cylindrical central recess in the lower support for removably receiving the coupling bar; and

a cover assembly having a height of between 2 and 5 times the total height of the weight stack, the cover assembly including a front cover and a rear cover, the rear cover having a planar central section with curved side sections, the front cover having a curved central section with curved side sections, the front and rear covers having upper ends positioned within the side wall of the upper support with their side sections overlapping, the front and rear covers having lower ends positioned within the side wall of the lower support with their side sections overlapping, a generally rectangular cutout in the lower extent of the curved central section of the front cover to expose all of the numerical values and coupling apertures, the cutout having a height between 10 percent and 20 percent greater than the total height of the weight stack, the cutout having a width between 15 and 20 percent of the height of the cutout, the malority of the surface area of the front cover being imperforate, laterally spaced apertures in the front of the side wall of the upper support with laterally spaced complementary vertical slots in the upper end of the front cover and with fasteners coupling the side wall of the upper support to the front cover.