Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus including a rigid frame assembly, a selectively rotatable seat assembly coupled to the rigid frame assembly through a vertical beam, a selectively movable actuator arm assembly coupled to the rigid frame assembly by a plurality of cylindrical members, a back pad assembly coupled to the frame assembly through a plurality of beams, and a high tension cable coupled to the actuator assembly for positioning the actuator arm assembly at a predetermined height. The actuator arm assembly is further coupled to the selectively movable seat assembly, where a movement of the seat assembly in a first direction causes the actuator arm assembly to rotate in a second direction.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 12/070,485, filed Feb. 19, 2008, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to the field of exercise equipment and, more particularly, to an exercise apparatus which strengthens, tones, and stretches certain muscles of the body in both the tensile and compression modes while also reducing the risk of bodily injury. The invention also provides for a method of use of the exercise apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional exercise equipment, such as and without limitation, free weights, universal machines (i.e., an exercise machine which incorporates several exercise assemblies within one machine), and/or the like are conventionally used in order to strengthen and/or tone various muscles of a body. Oftentimes, the conventional exercise equipment necessitates a relatively large amount of athleticism and dexterity in order to utilize the equipment in a safe and designed manner.

For example and without limitation, conventional free weights require a user to lift a certain amount of weight which is attached to a bar. Typically, the user must squat down (i.e., bending at the knees and keeping a straight back), grasp the bar having the weight attached thereto, utilize the various muscles in the legs, thighs, and buttocks, as well as the shoulders, arms, hands, chest, and back to hold, support, and lift the weight off of the ground or rack while concomitantly utilizing the same muscles to maintain balance and correct form (i.e., there are many different forms to safely lift weight and, each of which are solely dependant upon the exercise) in order not to pull or tear a muscle, pinch or damage a nerve, tear or sprain a tendon or ligament, and/or even break a bone.

Yet further, other conventional universal machine typically requires a user to freely stand or sit/lay upon a seat/bench. Although sitting or lying does not require a user to squat to pickup the weight as mentioned above, the user must also utilize the abovementioned muscles to support, stabilize, and lift/pull/push the weight in a designed manner in order to tone or strengthen muscles. Substantially any exercise involving the lifting of weight places a larger than normal amount of stress (i.e., a normal amount of stress being the amount of stress upon the body while the body is not lifting weight) upon the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and the like. Therefore, lifting weights of any kind (e.g., free weights, universal machine weights, and/or the like) requires a great amount of athleticism, dexterity, and even initial strength.

Moreover, the lifting of weights or even the lifting of one's own body (i.e., push-ups, chin-ups, sit-ups, and/or the like) does not typically stretch the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and/or the like. Stretching of the muscles can only be accomplished in a tensile mode or motion, whereas lifting weights is done in a compression mode or motion (i.e., a tensile mode is a substantially opposite motion than that of a compression mode).

Lastly, a compression mode or motion, as discussed above, can be very harmful to a body if the motion is not performed correctly. This is especially true in individuals which are physically challenged or debilitated, such as and without limitation, elderly individuals or even geriatric individuals (e.g., muscle degradation, joint degradation, bone degradation, and/or the like are common influences of the aging process).

There is therefore a need for an apparatus which allows an individual to stretch, strengthen, and tone muscles in a convenient and safe manner. There is also a need for an apparatus which allows an individual of substantially any age to stretch, strengthen, and tone muscles in a tensile mode and in a convenient and safe manner, and which overcomes some or all of the previously delineated drawbacks of prior exercise apparatuses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first non-limiting object of the invention is that it provides an apparatus which allows for the selective exercise of an individual in a manner which overcomes the previously delineated drawbacks of prior exercise apparatuses.

A second non-limiting object of the invention is that it provides an apparatus which allows for the selective exercise of an individual in a manner which overcomes the previously delineated drawbacks of prior exercise apparatuses and, more particularly, allows for the exercise of an individual in a tensile mode while concomitantly supporting the individual's body in an ergonomic and comfortable seated position.

A third non-limiting object of the present invention is that it provides an apparatus which may be selectively adjusted to comfortably receive, support, and permit an individual of substantially any size, weight, height, and or the like to selectively exercise his/her body in the tensile mode.

In a first non-limiting aspect of the invention, an exercise apparatus is provided and includes a rigid frame assembly, a selectively rotatable seat assembly coupled to the rigid frame assembly through a vertical beam, a selectively movable actuator arm assembly coupled to the rigid frame assembly by a plurality of cylindrical members, a back pad assembly coupled to the frame assembly through a plurality of beams, and a high tension cable coupled to the actuator assembly for positioning the actuator arm assembly at a predetermined height. The actuator arm assembly is further coupled to the selectively movable seat assembly, where a movement of the seat assembly in a first direction causes the actuator arm assembly to rotate in a second direction.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and by reference to the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems and methods for carrying out the invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus, which is made in accordance with the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of frame assembly coupled to a back pad assembly, which were shown in FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an actuator arm assembly, which was shown in FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a seat assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4b is an exploded view of upper leg load pad assembly of seat assembly shown in FIG. 4 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of seat assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of cable adjustment assembly according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of back pad assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a half-shaft assembly shown in FIG. 3 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but which is shown with the exercise apparatus being utilized for performing a full body torsional pull exercise.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but which is shown with the exercise apparatus being utilized for performing an upper torso and arms exercise.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but which is shown with the exercise apparatus being utilized for performing an Olympic type exercise.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but which is shown with the exercise apparatus being utilized for performing a bench press exercise.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but which is shown with the exercise apparatus being utilized for performing a pull-up exercise.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1, but which is shown with the exercise apparatus being utilized for performing an alternate pull-up exercise.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, with the exercise apparatus being utilized for performing a pull-up exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention. However, techniques, systems, and operating structures in accordance with the invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the invention. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an exercise apparatus 1 which is made in accordance with the teachings of the preferred embodiment of the invention. As shown, the exercise apparatus 1 includes a frame assembly 2 coupled to a selectively movable actuator arm assembly 3, a selectively movable seat assembly 4, and a back pad assembly 5. The exercise apparatus 1 includes a locator cable assembly 8, a plurality of arm press cable assemblies 10, 11, and a connecting rod assembly 12. The exercise apparatus 1 is provided to selectively receive a plurality of weight members 6, 7 so as to increase the resistance and thus the difficulty of exercise apparatus 1 when utilizing exercise apparatus 1. The locator cable assembly 8 is provided to selectively and securely couple actuator arm assembly 3 to frame assembly 2 through the use of locator cable 9 that connects to actuator arm assembly 3 at mounting plates 308 and 336 (FIG. 3) and also connects to frame assembly 2 at stabilizing member 242, thereby preventing actuator arm assembly 3 from moving downward in a vertical position beyond a preselected position. It should be appreciated that exercise apparatus 1 allows an individual to stretch, strengthen, and tone muscles in both the tensile and compressive mode and provides the user to perform low impact dynamic core strength/flexibility type exercises suitable for, in one non-limiting embodiment, “high performance Olympic athletes” in a convenient and safe manner.

As shown in FIG. 2, frame assembly 2 includes a plurality of generally “L-shaped” and substantially similar tubular frame members 200 and 202 fixably coupled to backpad assembly 5. Particularly, frame member 200 comprises a vertical rail 204, which is generally planar and has a circular cross-section from end 206 to end 208. Vertical rail 204 terminates into a planar rail and horizontal rail 210, with rail 210 with rail having a generally circular cross-section from end 208 to end 212. Horizontal rail 210 includes a generally circular hook member 218 which is provided for receiving locator cable assembly 8 (shown in FIG. 1) and thereby coupling frame assembly 2 to actuator arm assembly 3 (shown in FIG. 1). Also, horizontal rail 210 terminates into a selectively movable first front load reaction leg member 214. First load reaction leg member 214 is tubular and generally “L-shaped” from end 217 to footrest 220 (i.e., retraction leg member 214 extends outwards as we move from end 217 to footrest 220). Further, the footrest 220 is provided to receive a foot of a user during certain exercises on exercise apparatus 1 and provides a stable platform for user to utilize exercise apparatus 2, although foot rest 220 may be provided in other non-limiting shapes. Footrest 220, in one non-limiting embodiment, may be coated with an anti-slip material on its exposed surface in order to increase friction on a user's foot thereby preventing slipping of the user's foot when placed on the footrest 220. The retraction leg member 214 is selectively coupled to a leg retraction joint assembly 216, which is provided to selectively rotate load reaction leg member 214 from an extended position (shown in FIG. 1) to a retracted position (shown in FIG. 2). The front load reaction leg member 214 being coupled to planar rail 210 prevents exercise apparatus 2 from becoming unsteady during use of the exercise apparatus.

Further and as shown in FIG. 2, frame assembly 202 comprises a vertical rail 222, which is generally planar and has a circular cross-section from end 224 to end 226. Vertical rail 222 terminates into a generally planar and horizontal rail 228, with rail 228 having a generally circular cross-section from end 226 to end 230. Horizontal rail 228 includes a generally circular hook member 232 which is provided for receiving locator cable 9 (shown in FIG. 1) in order to couple frame assembly 2 to actuator arm assembly 3 (shown in FIG. 1). Also, horizontal rail 228 terminates into a selectively movable second front load reaction leg member 234. Load reaction leg member 234 is tubular and generally “L-shaped” from end 236 to footrest 238 (i.e., reaction leg member 234 extends outwards as we move from end 236 to footrest 238). The footrest 238 is provided to receive a foot of a user during certain exercises on exercise apparatus 1 and provides a stable platform for user to utilize exercise apparatus 2, although footrest 238 may be provided in other non-limiting shapes. Footrest 238, in one non-limiting embodiment, may be coated with an anti-slip material on its exposed surface in order to increase friction on a user's foot thereby preventing slipping of the user's foot when placed on the footrest 238. The retraction leg member 234 is selectively coupled to a leg retraction joint assembly 240, which is provided to selectively rotate load reaction leg member 234 from an extended position (shown in FIG. 1) to a retracted position (shown in FIG. 2). The front load reaction leg member 234 being coupled to planar rail 228 prevents exercise apparatus 2 from becoming unsteady during use of the exercise apparatus.

Further, frame assembly 2 has a plurality of substantially similar “non-marking” anti-slip adjustable screws (not shown) coupled to apertures provided within frame rails 210 and 228. The plurality of adjustable screws (not shown) allow exercise apparatus 1 to be selectively adjusted such that the exercise apparatus 1 securely contacts with the floor surface (e.g., substantially any desired surface, such as concrete, carpet, tile, and/or like) and thus preventing exercise apparatus 1 from becoming unsteady during the repetitive motions of a user during use of the apparatus, and which will be described in detail below. Also, frame assembly 2 includes a plurality of substantially similar tubular stabilizing members 242, 244, 246, 248 and 250, 252, which are provided to reinforce the connection of tubular frame member 200 with tubular frame member 202 while also stabilizing frame assembly 2. The stabilizing member 248 also includes a housing for a plurality of half shaft assemblies, which is provided to couple actuator arm assembly 3 to frame assembly 2, and which will be shown and described below in FIG. 8.

The back pad assembly 5 is securely and fixably coupled to frame assembly 2 through a plurality of substantially similar members 254 and 256 coupled to reinforcing member 246 and also through a plurality of substantially similar members 258 and 260 coupled to cross-member 248. Also, stabilizing member 242 (or cross member 242) is coupled to a vertical tapered hole housing member 262, which is provided to couple seat assembly 4 (shown in FIG. 1) to frame assembly 2 via commercially available cylinder rod assembly while also stabilizing seat assembly 5 on exercise apparatus 1, all of which will be described below. Further, frame assembly 2 has a plurality of substantially similar “non-marking” anti-slip adjustable screws 264, 266 coupled to apertures provided within frame members 200, 202. The plurality of screws 264, 266 allow exercise apparatus 1 to be selectively adjusted such that the exercise apparatus 1 securely contacts with the floor surface (e.g., substantially any desired surface, such as concrete, carpet, tile, and/or like) and thus preventing exercise apparatus 1 from becoming unsteady during the repetitive motions of a user during use of the apparatus, and which will be described in detail below. It should be appreciated that the generally “L-shaped” frame members 200, 202 may be coupled together and to each of the members 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, and 260 by a welded connection, by screws, by bolts, or substantially any other type of connection strategy or technique.

As shown in FIG. 3, actuator arm assembly 3 includes a plurality of substantially similar actuator arms 300, 302 pivotally and fixably coupled to a horizontal frame member 304. Actuator arm 300 has a first generally tubular portion 306 coupled to a first locator cable mounting plate 308 at end 310 and is orthogonally coupled to a second generally tubular portion 312 at end 314 (i.e., tubular portion 306 forms an acute angle with tubular portion 312), although, in other non-limiting embodiments, the angle formed may be between 85 to 105 degrees. Also, end 314 includes a triangular shaped plate 316 coupled to tubular portions 300 and 312 to reinforce the connection between portions 300 and 312, with plate 316 having a through aperture 318 that is provided to receive a mounting bolt (not shown). The triangular shaped plate 316 is coupled to a “half-shaft” assembly 382 and provides a pivot point for rotating actuator arm assembly 3, which will be shown and described below in FIG. 8. Further, tubular portion 306 includes handle grip portion 390 which is provided to be utilized for grasping by a user during performing an exercise such as, in one non-limiting example, a horizontal push up exercise.

Further, tubular portion 312 terminates into a generally “L-shaped” handle assembly 320. Handle assembly 320 is selectively rotatable from an extended position (as shown) to a rotatable position at pivot point 322 by rotating handle assembly 320 utilizing arm retraction joint assembly 324, thereby reducing the footprint of the exercise assembly 1 for convenient storage. The handle assembly 320 includes a first tubular portion 326 terminating into a second tubular portion 328, with tubular portion 326 forming an obtuse angle with tubular portion 328. Tubular portion 326 is orthogonally coupled to a weight retention rod portion 330. The weight retention rod portion 330 selectively receives weight 7, causing actuator arm 300 to apply a downward force in direction 305, thereby effective to selectively increase the resistance and thus the difficulty when utilizing the exercise apparatus 1. Also, tubular portion 326 terminates into a handle member 332 for gripping by a user orthogonally coupled to tubular portion 328 and extending in direction 303. The handle member 332 is formed around a shaft (not shown) that allows handle member 332 to be freely rotatable in order to aid the user in performing certain “Olympic-type” exercises such as, in one non-limiting example, a clean and jerk exercise. Handle assembly 320 also includes an upper torso handle member 370, which is selectively coupled to mounting plate 308 through a plurality of substantially similar cables 372. The handle member 370 is selectively attached to portion 312 through a hook (not shown) and is utilized to perform upper torso exercises on exercise apparatus 1 by grasping the handle member 370 and pushing handle member 370 in a direction that causes the actuator arm assembly 3 to rotate along direction of arc 307. Also, handle assembly 320 includes an armrest assembly 374 for receiving the upper arms of a user during performance of certain exercises on exercise apparatus 1. The armrest assembly 374 is provided to receive the under-arm of a user and may be selectively adjustable along the length of tubular portion 312 in order to accommodate users of various heights.

Also as shown in FIG. 3, Actuator arm 302 has a generally tubular portion 334 coupled to a first locator cable mounting plate 336 at end 338 and is orthogonally coupled to a second generally tubular portion 340 at end 342 (i.e., tubular portion 334 forms an acute angle with tubular portion 340), although, in other non-limiting embodiments, the angle formed may be between 85 to 105 degrees. Also, end 342 includes generally triangular shaped plate 344 coupled to tubular portions 334 and 340 to reinforce the connection between portions 334 and 340, with plate 344 having a through aperture 346 that is provided to receive a mounting bolt (not shown). The triangular shaped plate 344 is coupled to a “half-shaft” assembly 384 and provides a pivot point for rotating actuator arm assembly 3, which will be shown and described below in FIG. 8. Further, tubular portion 334 includes handle grip portion 392 which is provided to be utilized for grasping by a user during performing an exercise such as, in one non-limiting example, a horizontal push up exercise

Further, tubular portion 340 terminates into a generally “L-shaped” handle assembly 348. Handle assembly 348 is selectively rotatable from an extended position (as is shown) to a rotatable position, rotating at pivot point 350 as handle assembly 348 is selectively rotated by utilizing arm retraction joint assembly 350, thereby reducing the footprint of the exercise assembly 1 for convenient storage. The handle assembly 348 includes a first tubular portion 352 terminating into a second tubular portion 354, with tubular portion 352 forming an obtuse angle with tubular portion 354. Tubular portion 352 is orthogonally coupled to a weight retention rod portion 356. The weight retention rod portion 356 selectively receives weight 6, causing actuator arm 302 to apply a downward force in direction 305, thereby effective to selectively increase the resistance and thus the difficulty when utilizing the exercise apparatus 1. Also, tubular portion 354 terminates into a rotatable grip handle member 358 orthogonally coupled to tubular portion 354 and extending in direction 301. The handle member 358 is formed around a shaft (not shown) that allows handle member 358 to be freely rotatable in order to aid the user in performing certain “Olympic-type” exercises such as, in one non-limiting example, a clean and jerk exercise. Handle assembly 348 also includes an upper torso exercise grip handle member 376, which is selectively coupled to mounting plate 336 through a plurality of substantially similar cables 380. The handle member 376 is selectively attached to portion 352 through a hook (not shown) and is utilized to perform upper torso exercises on exercise apparatus 1 by grasping the handle member 376 and pushing handle member 376 in a direction that causes the actuator arm assembly 3 to rotate along direction of arc 307. Also, handle assembly 376 includes an armrest assembly 378, which is provided to receive the under-arm of a user and may be selectively adjustable along the length of tubular portion 340 in order to accommodate users of various heights. The armrest assembly is provided to receive the arms of a user during performance of certain exercises on exercise apparatus 1. It should be appreciated that actuator arm assembly 3 is to be selectively rotatable on frame assembly 1 (shown in FIG. 2) through a pivot point located at the horizontal axis passing through apertures 318 and 346. It should also be appreciated that the locator cable mounting plates 308 and 336 are provided to be coupled to locator cable assembly 8 at a plurality of holes provided in each of the locator cable mounting plates 308, 336 and is effective to fix the “resting” position of actuator arm assembly 3 while also prevents actuator arm assembly 3 from traversing in a downward direction beyond the resting position as a user utilizes exercise apparatus 1.

Referring now to FIG. 4a, seat assembly 4 comprises a rigid seat frame member 400 coupled to a buttocks pad 402. That is, buttocks pad 402, in one non-limiting embodiment, is generally semi-circular in shape, although other shapes may be used, and bottom surface 404 of pad 402 is coupled to top surface (not shown) of seat frame 400 to provide a pad 402 which is designed to comfortably receive and support the buttocks of a user. Yet further, seat frame member 400 is selectively coupled to a first generally “L-shaped” member 406 and also coupled to a substantially similar and directly opposed second generally “L-shaped” member 408 (shown in FIG. 5), with members 406, 408 being aligned along the same axis. Also, members 406, 408 are provided to receive respective hip pressure pad assemblies 410, 412 for containing the thighs of a user. The substantially similar hip pressure pad assemblies 410, 412 have substantially similar leg pressure pads 416, 418 respectively and are generally rectangular in shape and are coupled to members 406, 408 through a bolt and screw assembly (shown in FIG. 5). The bolt and screw function to provide for orientation of hip pressure pad assemblies 410, 412 when user's thighs abut pads 416, 418, thereby abutting and restraining a user's thighs when utilizing exercise apparatus 1. Further seat frame member 400 is hingedly coupled to a upper leg support assembly 414 in order to separate a users left and right legs and restrain the users legs in position when a user is seated on buttocks pad 402 (i.e., leg separator pad 424 prevents a users left and right legs from making contact with each other and located above users knees) thereby providing a comfortable load distribution at seated position while at the same time forcing a users legs to make contact and distribute load with cushion pads 416, 418. It should be appreciated that the buttocks pad 402 may be coupled to seat frame 400 by glue, by screws, or substantially any other connection strategy or technique.

Also, upper leg support assembly 414 is selectively coupled to a plurality of thigh pads 422 and 426, and leg separator pad 424. The upper leg support assembly 414 is provided to support a user's legs during load conditions as well as preventing the users legs from moving during utilization of the exercise apparatus 1 when performing an exercise under the load condition. Thigh pad 422 is coupled to a shaft assembly 428 and thigh pad 426 is coupled to shaft assembly 430. Also, leg separator pad 424 is coupled to a shaft assembly 432. The shaft assemblies 428, 430, and 432 are coupled to upper leg support assembly 414 through swivel shafts and retainer rings as will be shown and described in FIG. 4b. Shaft assemblies 428, 430 are respectively coupled to upper leg support assembly 414 through a welded connection at welded joints 562, 564, although in other non-limiting embodiments, a screw and bolt assemblies 562, 564 may be utilized (shown in FIG. 5). Further, upper leg support assembly 414 is coupled to a latch striker assembly 440 and is provided to selectively rotate upper leg support assembly 414 from a horizontal position (i.e. where shaft assemblies 428, 430 are parallel to member 406 in an “engaged” position) to a vertical position (i.e., where shaft assemblies 428, 430 are orthogonal to member 406 in a “disengaged” position), and which will be shown and described in FIG. 5. Latch striker assembly 440 includes a generally a generally “c-shaped” plate 442 fixably coupled to seat frame 400 (also shown in FIG. 5) and having a first rectangular portion 444 terminating into a 5 degree striker ramp 446. The striker assembly 440 includes plurality of striker members, such as a generally “C-shaped” striker member 448 including a notch. The notch is aligned with a through aperture or bore 450 which resides within the notch and is provided to receive latch slider member 452 (i.e., a tubular rod) for selectively latching or unlatching the upper leg assembly from an engaged position to a disengaged position and which will be further described in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 4b, shaft assembly 428 includes a generally cylindrical and solid swivel shaft member 460 orthogonally coupled to generally planar portion 462 through a welded connection, although, a screw and bolt assembly may be utilized in other embodiments. The shaft member 460 is provided to receive tubular member 464, which has a diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of shaft member 460. The tubular member 464 is coupled to shaft member 460 so that shaft member 460 resides in the longitudinally coextensive aperture of tubular member 464 with end 466 abutting planar portion 462 while opposed end 468 receiving retainer ring 470 for securing the tubular member 464 to shaft member 460. The retainer ring 470 has an internal diameter that is slightly smaller than external diameter of shaft member 460 in order to securely and selectively couple retainer ring 470 to shaft member 460. The tubular member 464, in this position, is allowed to freely rotate on shall member 460, causing thigh pad 422 to also freely rotate on shaft member 460.

Also, shaft assembly 430 includes a generally cylindrical and solid swivel shaft member 472 orthogonally coupled to generally planar portion 474 through a welded connection, although, a screw and bolt assembly may be utilized in other embodiments. The shaft member 472 is provided to receive tubular member 476, which has a diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of shaft member 472. The tubular member 476 is coupled to shaft member 472 so that shaft member 472 resides in the longitudinally coextensive aperture of tubular member 476 with end 478 abutting planar portion 474 while opposed end 480 receiving retainer ring 482 for securing the tubular member 476 to shaft member 472. The retainer ring 482 has an internal diameter that is slightly smaller than external diameter of shaft member 480 in order to securely and selectively couple retainer ring 482 to shaft member 480. The tubular member 476, in this position, is allowed to freely rotate on shaft member 472, causing thigh pad 426 to also freely rotate on shaft member 472.

Also, shaft assembly 432 includes a generally cylindrical and solid swivel shaft member 484 orthogonally coupled to generally planar swivel release plate 532 (shown in FIG. 5) through a welded connection, although, a screw and bolt assembly may be utilized in other embodiments. The shaft member 484 is provided to receive tubular member 486, which has a diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of shaft member 484. The tubular member 486 is selectively and loosely coupled to shaft member 484 so that shaft member 484 resides in the longitudinally coextensive aperture of tubular member 486 with end 488 abutting release plate 532 while opposed end 490 receiving retainer ring 492 for securing the tubular member 486 to shaft member 484. The retainer ring 492 has an internal diameter that is slightly smaller than external diameter of shaft member 484 in order to securely and selectively couple retainer ring 492 to shaft member 484. The tubular member 486, in this position, is allowed to freely rotate on shaft member 484, causing thigh pad 424 to also freely rotate on shaft member 484.

Member 462 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally positioned apertures, so that member 462 may be coupled at various lengths along the length of the member 462. Similarly, member 474 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally positioned apertures, so that member 474 may be coupled at various lengths along the length of member 474. It should be appreciated that leg separator pad 424 is provided to separate a users left and right legs when a user is seated on buttocks pad 402 (i.e., pad 424 prevents a users left and right legs from making contact with each other above users knees) thereby providing a comfortable pressure pad torsional load distribution at seated position while at the same time forcing a users legs to distribute loads between cushion pads 422, 426.

As shown in FIG. 5, seat frame member 400 is generally elongated in shape and includes a plurality of substantially similar mounting bolts 500, 502, 504, 506, 508, and 510, which are provided to couple seat frame member 400 to bottom surface 512 of buttocks pad 402. As described above, seat frame member 400 is fixably coupled to “I-shaped” members 406, 408, which are aligned along axis 514. The members 406, 408 are coupled to hip pressure pad assemblies 410, 412 respectively through substantially similar “L-shaped” members 516, 518. Particularly, “L-shaped” member 516 has a first generally planar portion 524 which is fixably and orthogonally coupled to a second planar portion 526 (i.e., portion 524 forming a 90 degree angle with portion 526). Similarly, “L-shaped” member 518 has a first generally planar portion 528 which is fixably and orthogonally coupled to a second planar portion 530 (i.e., portion 528 forming a 90 degree angle with portion 530). Also, members 516, 518 are coupled to hip pressure pads 416, 418 and are also coupled to members 406, 408 through a plurality of substantially similar bolt and screw assemblies 520, 522.

Also, upper leg support assembly 414 includes a swivel plate 532 coupled to seat frame member 400 through a hinge pin 534. Particularly, swivel plate 532 has a plurality of substantially similar cylindrically shaped teeth, such as teeth 536, which alternate and contain a groove. The teeth 536 are provided to be received in grooves formed in seat frame member 400 through similar alternating cylindrical teeth 538 and grooves. As shown, teeth 536 are received in a directly opposed groove, while teeth 538 are received in a directly opposed groove of swivel plate 532. The swivel plate 532 is further selectively coupled to seat frame member 400 through hinge pin 534, allowing swivel plate 532 to selectively rotate along hinge pin.

Further, swivel plate 532 includes a latch striker assembly 440 to constrain swivel plate 532 horizontally or release swivel plate 532 to down vertical position therefore, turning seat assembly 4 in to a flat bench, allowing for a multitude of lay down exercises not limited only to bench press or crunch type exercise. The striker assembly 440 includes a 5 degree striker ramp 442 having a through aperture connecting the surface of the striker ramp 442. The upper leg support assembly 414 also includes a plurality of substantially mounting plates 546, 542, with each having a through aperture, which are provided to receive latch slider member 452. The mounting plates 546, 542 and the slider locator plates 448 are oriented along the same axis so that latch slider member 452 traverses the apertures in each of the mounting plates 546, 542 and the striker ramp 442. Further spring member 552 is coupled to mounting plate 546 at one end and to latch slider member 452 at a second end, thereby placing the latch slider member 452 under tension (such as through stretching a spring) in order to prevent latch slider member 452 from sliding out of each of the plates 546, 542 and the ramp 442.

Further, swivel plate 532 includes a shoulder-bolt mounting portion 554 to selectively couple connecting rod assembly 12 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 5) to actuator arm assembly 3. The shoulder-bolt mounting portion 554 is generally “semi-circular” and protrudes from seat frame 532 at anterior end 420 of seat assembly 4 (shown in FIG. 4), and is provided to be receive, in one non-limiting embodiment, a shoulder bolt and nut assembly 556 coupled to connecting rod assembly 12. Connecting rod assembly 12 includes a generally “C-shaped” connector 558 having a groove 560. The connector 558 is couple to either of the locator cable mounting plates 308, 336 in order to apply torsional force on the seat assembly 4. orthogonally coupled to member 260.

In an alternate e yet non-limiting embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, exercise apparatus 1 includes cable adjustment assembly 600 coupled to actuator arm assembly 3 (shown in FIG. 1) for selectively adjusting actuator arm assembly 3. As shown, assembly 600 includes a slider housing member 602 coupled to a hook member 604 for receiving locator cable 9 of cable assembly 8 (showing in FIG. 1), Housing member 602 has a solid body and is generally rectangular in shape and includes a plurality of through apertures for receiving each of a plurality of guide posts 606 and 608 as well as receiving a threaded member 610 terminating in a screw handle 612. The plurality of guideposts 606 and 608 are orthogonally and fixably coupled to stabilizing member 242 at a first end and is slidably held in the apertures in housing member 602. Particularly, guidepost 606 is coupled to stabilizing member 242 at end 614 and terminates into housing member 602 at end while guidepost 608 is coupled to stabilizing member 242 at end 618 and terminates into housing member 602 at end 620. Further, threaded member 610 abuts stabilizing member 242 at end 622 and terminates into screw handle 612. Threaded member 610 is secured to stabilizing member 242 through a semispherical groove that is provided in connecting member 624, which prevents end 622 from sliding out of contact with connecting member 624. Also, cable 9 loops through hook member 604, connects to connecting pins 17 and 18 FIG. 1) on stabilizing member 242 and terminates at mounting plates 308 and 336 (FIG. 3). In operation, turning screw handle 612 in a direction that causes housing member 602 to travel in direction 626 provides “slack” to the locator cable 9 and causes actuator arm assembly 3 to move vertically downwards and towards chair assembly 4 while turning screw handle 612 in a direction that causes housing member 602 to travel in direction 628 provides “tension” to the locator cable 9 and causes actuator arm assembly 3 to move vertically upwards and away from chair assembly 4 (FIG. 1).

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a partial view of back pad assembly 5 fixably coupled to substantially similar handle assemblies 710 and 712 also fixably coupled to 254,256,258,260 (shown in FIG. 2). As shown, back pad assembly 5 includes a generally rectangular and flexible back support pad 704 having a generally semi-spherical groove 708 on edge 706 with groove 708 being provided to receive the head of a user, although in other non-limiting embodiments, a user may rest his neck within groove 708 during performing certain exercises on the exercise apparatus 1 (shown in FIG. 1). Further, handle assemblies 710 and 712 include a plurality of substantially similar rail members 714, 716 coupled to a plurality of substantially similar “L-shaped” handle members 718 and 720 respectively. The rail members 714, 716 include a plurality of apertures for receiving screw members 722 and 724 respectively. The screw members 722 and 724 are selectively adjustable by cooperating with the plurality of apertures on each of the respective rail members 714 and 716 to selectively adjust the position of the respective handles 726 and 728 relative to the edge 706.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a half-shaft assembly 382 coupled to stabilizing half shaft housing member 248 (shown in FIG. 2) so as to couple actuator arm assembly 3 (shown in FIG. 1) to frame assembly 2 (shown in FIG. 1). Half-shaft assembly 382 is substantially the same as half-shaft assembly 384 (FIG. 3) and a description of half-shaft assembly 382 also provides a description of half-shaft assembly 384.

As shown, half-shaft assembly 382 includes a generally cylindrical and solid member 800 coupled to a locator flange 802. Solid member 800 is, preferably made of plastic, however, other materials may be utilized for member 800. Member 800 has a diameter, which is slightly smaller than the internal diameter of stabilizing half shaft-housing member 248 as is received in the internal aperture of stabilizing member 248. The member 800 has a first end 804, which resides in the internal aperture 808 of member 248, and a second end 806, which is fixably coupled to locator flange member 802. Locator flange member 802 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a plurality of notches 810 and 812 formed at the intersection of edges 814, 816, and 818 (i.e., notch 810 formed at the intersection of edge 814 and 816 and notch 812 formed at the intersection of edge 816 and 818). The notches 810 and 812 are provided to locate the half-shaft assembly 382 within, in one example, triangular shaped plate 316. The notches 810 and 812 are self-correcting in respect to the actuator arm assembly 3. In this respect, the actuator arm assembly 3 may be coupled to the frame assembly 2 by placing the actuator assembly 3 over the locator flange member 802 at various angles of entry, however, the locator flange member 802 self-corrects the coupling between the actuator arm assembly 3 with respect to the half-shaft assembly 382 so that the notches 810 and 812 abut the edges 820 and 822 respectively to provide a secure fit. Further, half shaft assembly 382 includes a through threaded aperture 824, which traverses member 800 and flange member 802. The threaded aperture 824 is aligned with the aperture 318 (FIG. 3) so that a screw member (not shown) may be received through aperture 318 (FIG. 3) and through threaded aperture 824 in order to selectively and rotationally couple half-shaft assembly 382 to stabilizing half shaft housing member 248. It should be appreciated that half-shaft assemblies 382, 384 (FIG. 3) being selectively and rotationally coupled to actuator arm assembly 3 provides for selective rotation of actuator assembly 3 along direction of arc 15 (FIG. 1) or along direction of arc 16 (FIG. 1).

In operation, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9-15, Exercise apparatus 1 may be utilized for performing various exercises in order to strengthen and tone the muscles of a user while also providing added stability during performance of these exercises. As shown in FIG. 9, the user 900 may pull on handle member 376 in direction 902 which causes cable assembly 11 to exert a force on cable mounting plate 336 (shown in FIG. 3) and rotate actuator arm assembly 3 clockwise along the direction of arc 904 and thereby effective to utilize the exercise apparatus 1 to perform shoulder exercises while concomitantly strengthening the associated muscles utilized for swinging a golf club through overcoming the weight of the actuator arm assembly 3. In another non-limiting embodiment, the user 900 may increase the resistance of the actuator arm assembly by adding weights 6, 7 to the weight retention rod portions 356, 330 on the actuator arm assembly 3.

As shown in FIG. 10, the user 900 may perform an upper torso exercise by resting his buttocks on buttocks pad 402 to support his/her body while positioning the users 900 legs inside thigh pads 422, 426 which further allows the user 900 to comfortably rest his/her feet on the ground (i.e., a user's soles are “lightly” touching the surface of the ground). The user 900 may grasp handle members 370 and 376 and exert a force on handle members 370 and 376 by pushing on handle members 370, 376 in direction 1000 which causes arm press cable assemblies 10, 11 to exert a force on actuator arm assembly 3 thereby strengthening the arms, chest and abdominal muscles of the user 900 by overcoming the weight of the actuator arm assembly 3. In another non-limiting embodiment, the user 900 may increase the resistance of the actuator arm assembly 3 by adding weights 6, 7 to weight retention rod portions 356, 330 on the actuator arm assembly 3.

Also as shown in FIG. 11, the user 900 may an “Olympic” type exercise, such as a clean and jerk, by grasping handle members 332, 358 and lifting the tubular portions 312, 340 in direction 1100 and causing actuator arm assembly 3 to rotate clockwise along direction of arc 1102 and overcoming the weight of actuator arm assembly 3, thereby strengthening the users core muscles including his shoulder, stomach, chest, arm muscles and legs. In another non-limiting embodiment, the user 900 may increase the resistance of the actuator arm assembly 3 by adding weights 6, 7 to weight retention rod portions 356, 330 on the actuator arm assembly 3.

As shown in FIG. 12, the user 900 may selectively rotate upper leg support assembly 414 to a “disengaged” position and support his/her body on buttocks pad 402 while positioning the users 900 legs inside tubular portions 306, 334, which further allows the user 900 to comfortably rest his/her feet on the ground (i.e., a user's soles are “lightly” touching the surface of the ground). The user 900 may grasp handle members 332, 358 and exert a force on handle members 332 and 358 in direction 1200 by pushing on handle members 332, 358 in which causes tubular portions 312, 340 to rotate actuator arm assembly 3 in a direction of arc 1200, thereby strengthening the arm and chest muscles of the user 900 by overcoming the weight of the actuator arm assembly 3. In another non-limiting embodiment, the user 900 may increase the resistance of the actuator arm assembly 3 by adding weights 6, 7 to weight retention rod portions 356, 330 on the actuator arm assembly 3.

As shown in FIGS. 13-15, the user 900 may utilize exercise apparatus 1 to perform a “pull-up” exercise by positioning his/her buttocks on buttocks pad 402 and grasping handle members 726, 728 and pulling on handle members 726, 728 in direction which causes the user 900 to lift off the buttocks pad 402 in direction 1302. The user 900 may begin the exercise with his back resting against the back support pad 704 (shown in FIGS. 14, 15) or his/her chest against the back support pad 704. By lifting himself/herself off the buttocks pad 402, the user may strengthen his arm and stomach muscles by overcoming the user's 900 weight.

It should also be understood that this invention is not limited to the disclosed features and other similar method and system may be utilized without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention. It should be appreciated that the invention is capable of being embodied in other forms without departing from its essential characteristics.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus comprising:

a rigid base frame assembly having a plurality of first and second frame assemblies;

a back pad assembly coupled to said rigid base frame assembly;

an arm assembly having a plurality of first and second arm members; and

a selectively rotatable chair assembly coupled to said rigid base frame assembly;

wherein said plurality of first and second arm members are coupled to said rigid base frame assembly at a common axis for facilitating selective rotation of said arm assembly along said common axis.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rigid connecting rod assembly coupled to said chair assembly and to said arm assembly, wherein rotating said chair assembly from a first position causes said arm assembly to pivot in a first direction and rotating said chair assembly in a second direction causes said arm assembly to pivot in a second direction.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of first and second half-shaft assemblies for facilitating moving said arm assembly along said common axis.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein said plurality of first and second half-shaft assemblies are frictionally coupled to a horizontally disposed tubular member, wherein said tubular member is coupled to said frame assembly.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of first and second half shaft assemblies includes a cylindrical portion rigidly coupled to a flange member.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein said first half-shaft assembly is frictionally coupled to a first triangular plate for positioning said actuator arm assembly on said frame assembly.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said second half-shaft assembly is frictionally coupled to a second triangular plate for positioning said actuator arm assembly on said frame assembly.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cable assembly coupled to said rotatable frame assembly and coupled to said arm assembly, wherein said cable assembly positions said arm assembly at a predetermined position.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a swivel plate assembly coupled to said chair assembly.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein said swivel plate assembly includes a plurality of first, second, and third thigh pads coupled to a selectively rotatable swivel plate member.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a striker assembly for selectively pivoting said swivel plate assembly from a first locked position to a second released position.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first armrest assembly coupled to said first arm member and also comprises a second armrest assembly coupled to said second arm member.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a first handle assembly and a second handle assembly, wherein said first and said second handle assemblies are coupled to said back pad assembly.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein said first armrest assembly and said second armrest assembly resides at a predetermined height in relation to said first and second handle assembly, wherein said predetermined height causes a first and second forearm position of a user to be at an acute angle in relation to a first and second upper arm position of said user.

15. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein said acute angle is in the range of 15 to 30 degrees.

16. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first and second selectively rotatable leg member coupled to said base frame assembly.

17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a first leg foot reaction plate coupled to an end of said first selectively rotatable leg member.

18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a second leg foot reaction plate coupled to an end of said second selectively rotatable leg member.

19. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first arm member is rotatable from a first extended position to a second retracted position.

20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein said second arm member is rotatable from a third extended position to a fourth retracted position.