Including Plural, Movable, Interface Elements For Multiple Exercises Patents (Class 482/138)
  • Patent number: 6338701
    Abstract: A cable and pulley assembly has a first floating pulley unit having a pulley housing and a pair of pulleys rotatably mounted side-by-side in the housing for rotation about a single pulley axis, and a second floating pulley unit having a pulley housing and at least one pulley rotatably mounted in the housing. A first cable is linked to the housing of the first floating pulley unit, and a second cable is linked to the housing of the second floating pulley unit. A third cable extends around one of the side-by-side pulleys in the first pulley unit, around the pulley of the second pulley unit, and around the other side-by-side pulley of the first pulley unit. The resistance on the first cable is then four times that on each section of the third cable, and plural pull points are provided for selective connection to exercise stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 6319178
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing exercises has a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame. An exercise arm is pivoted adjacent the forward end of the seat for swinging back and forth in front of the apparatus. A load bearing cable is linked at the forward end of the arm. A leg engaging device is adjustably or rigidly attached to the arm for engagement by an exerciser's legs while performing different exercises. A handle can be releasably attached to the cable or to the exercise arm for performing upper body exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 6315702
    Abstract: A exercise machine for providing an efficient total body work out. The exercise machine includes a base. A first vertical column attached to the middle of base. A second vertical column attached to the base. A guide column extends vertically from the base between the first and second columns. A set of foot pedals attached adjacent to the second column. A first set of two elongate bars is mounted to the first column. A second set of two elongate bars is mounted to the first column. Two solid tubes extend diametrically from a mounting and bend toward each other to a parallel position. A first pulley is attached to an apex of the second column, and the second pulley is attached to the first column. A plurality of the weights is housed on the guide column. The weights are removably coupled to the guide column. An anchor is linked to the pulleys by a cable. The anchor is made up of a first disc and a second disc. The cable is secured to the first disc and slides through the second disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Anna Ikonomopoulos
  • Patent number: 6302833
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a seat adjustably mounted on the frame, and a rest attached to the frame rearwardly of the seat for supporting the upper torso of an exerciser. A lever arm assembly includes a pair of lever arms movably connected relative to the frame about at least one horizontal pivot shaft between a starting position and a finishing position, and structure is provided on the frame for resisting movement of the lever arm assembly. A conversion arrangement is connected between the frame and the lever arms for changing the starting position of the lever arms so as to provide for different exercise movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Northland Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick D. Ellis, Fred A. Malicki
  • Publication number: 20010023221
    Abstract: A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to a cable crossover exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. The invention also relates to a functional lift exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and substantially parallel extension arms. The invention further relates to a cable type exercise apparatus employing a pulley assembly with a 4:1 load ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Roy Simonson
  • Patent number: 6238323
    Abstract: A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to a cable crossover exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. The invention also relates to a functional lift exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and substantially parallel extension arms. The invention further relates to a cable type exercise apparatus employing a pulley assembly with a 4:1 load ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: The Simonson Family Limited Partnership RLLLP
    Inventor: Roy Simonson
  • Patent number: 6234941
    Abstract: An exercise machine provides a pair of arms positionable for completing chest presses and also for doing a fly type exercise. On each arm a knuckle is hinged between two orthogonal sockets so as to enable positioning of the arms in appropriate positions for the two exercises. The exerciser may move the arms apart for fly exercise motion or to a position in front of the chest for a press exercise motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Yong Suk Chu
  • Patent number: 6193635
    Abstract: A stackable weight plate for an exercise machine weight stack has a front edge, a rear edge, opposite side edges, an upper face, a lower face, and an aperture extending between the upper and lower face for receiving a weight stack selector stem. The front and rear edges having a matching arcuate curvature with one edge being convex and the other edge being concave, and the side edges are tapered at an angle from the front edge to the rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Robson L. Splane, Ben Ton
  • Patent number: 6168554
    Abstract: An attachment is provided for interchangeably converting a ski simulating machine into a rowing machine, the ski simulating machine having a frame, a pair of skis slidably mounted on the frame to move in forward and rearward directions on the frame and means mounted on the frame for providing resistance to the pair of skis during at least one of forward and rearward movement. The attachment includes a seat mounted for guided sliding movement with respect to the frame, foot support means mounted on the frame for bracing a user's feet when the user is sitting on the seat, and means for coupling the resistance providing means for application to a user's arm movement during a rowing exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventors: Steve W. Berg, Ralph Swanson
  • Patent number: 6146316
    Abstract: In a convertible user manipulated force resisting apparatus an articulated frame includes a base and a weight carrying member supported thereon for movement between an active position wherein the weight carrying member extends upwardly, and an inactive position wherein said weight carrying member is generally horizontally disposed relative to the base. The weight carrying member can be releasably retained in the active position by a pin or other means. A plurality of discreet weights are releasably secured to the weight carrying member for reciprocal motion relative thereto. A bench is coupled to the frame adjacent to the weight carrying member for movement between a first position substantially perpendicular to the weight carrying member when in the active position, and a second position approximately parallel to the weight carrying member when in the inactive position. Various mechanisms are provided for selectively moving at least one of weights between a lowered and a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Carolus, James Richardson
  • Patent number: 6120421
    Abstract: An exercise device is composed of a bottom frame, two driving units, and two damping units. The bottom frame has a bearing seat and two frame bodies mounted on the bearing seat and provided with a placing portion. The driving units have a driving portion fastened pivotally with the frame bodies, a grip portion fastened movably with the driving portion, and a guide portion fastened with the driving portion. The damping units have a damping member fastened at one end thereof with the placing portion such that another end of the damping member is extended to the driving portion via the guide portion. The damping units further have an adjusting device fastened with the driving portion and connected with the damping member for adjusting the damping force of the damping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin Yen-Fu Kuo
  • Patent number: 6120419
    Abstract: The multifunctional exercise machine includes a pedal, handle and swivel rod linked to a pivoting seat by a cable and pulley system. The handle is pivotally fastened to a suspension frame rod which is, in turn, pivotally fastened to the frame of the machine. The pedal is pivotally mounted to the frame and the swivel rod is pivotally mounted to the pivoting seat. A cable is fastened at one end to the handle, extends in turn though pulleys on the suspension frame rod, seat suspension rod, pedal and seat suspension rod, again, and is fastened at the other end to the swivel rod. The user faces forward to use the pedal and rearward to use the swivel rod. Movement of the pedal, handle or swivel rod is resisted by the weight of the user on the seat. The machine is foldable to facilitate storage and shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: How Jing Industrial Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Chu Hsu Huang
  • Patent number: 6093135
    Abstract: A multipurpose exercising machine includes a machine base, a slide unit that can be slidably mounted on the machine base and fixed at a desired location, a height-adjustable leg bar unit pivoted to the machine base at one side for the positioning of the legs when the user exercises the motion of "sit-up", a bench unit having a fixed front end pivoted to the leg bar unit and a free rear end detachably supported on the slide unit at the machine base, a linking unit coupled between the machine base and the bench unit, two oars, two mounting assemblies which couple the oars to the middle portion of the machine base, and an elevation-adjustable foot support unit provided at the machine base at an opposite side for resting the user's legs when the user exercises the motion of "leg bending and pushing with back stretching" or the motion of "rowing".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Ming-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 6090021
    Abstract: A toy exercise bench for simulating free weight bench-press exercises together with aerobic pedaling exercises, arm lift exercises, or both. The bench has a frame on which the above-mentioned equipment is compactly mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Grebler & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny J. Flowers, David M. Grebler
  • Patent number: 6090020
    Abstract: An exercise device has a support frame and a lever arm attached to the support frame and pivotably movable between a rest position, wherein the lever arm hangs downwardly and an extended position, wherein the lever arm is pivoted relative to its rest position. A range of motion (ROM) device is rigidly attached to the lever arm, and pivots with the lever arm. The orientation of the ROM device relative to the lever arm can be selectively varied. A tackle is attached to the ROM device to provide an opposing force to motion of the lever arm from the rest position to the extended position. The tackle also includes a substantially taut cable that is connected to a mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 6027433
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus that enables a person to perform a variety of different exercises. The exercise apparatus has a frame structure that includes a plurality of vertical columns. A bench assembly is supported by at least one of the vertical columns at a variable angle of inclination. A weight holder also is coupled to at least one of the vertical columns, wherein the weight holder is free to move in a vertical direction along the length of the column. In addition to the bench assembly, at least one exercise mechanism is coupled to the frame structure. Each exercise mechanism includes an element that is pivotably coupled to the frame structure. A pulley is connected to each element at a point a predetermined distance from the pivot point. Additional pulleys are mounted on the frame structure, thereby forming an overall pulley arrangement. A cable extends through the pulley arrangement including the pulleys on the exercise mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Brian M. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6015370
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for combiningly performing four important exercises localized to the lower back with the addition of weight resistance: a) the rotation or torsion of the lower spine and the lower back muscles; b) the bending of the spine forward and the exercising of abdominal muscles; c) the bending of the spine rearward and the exercising of the lumbar and erector muscles; d) the stretching and self-postural adjustment of the spine. The user performs the four exercises in the horizontal position with both legs in raised position. A swinging member accommodates the legs and allows the swinging, side-to-side motion of the legs. A second pivotal member helps the bending of the pelvis forward and rearward. A roller support assembly supports and massages the entire back during exercises. The user's body rests on an anatomical cushion support during exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Raffaele Martini Pandozy
  • Patent number: 6010434
    Abstract: An exercise device for rehabilitating knees comprising a framework, an adjustable seat, exercise pedals and reciprocating shuttles which are mounted on supporting tracks and can be used to perform various exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel G. Hodges
  • Patent number: 5993363
    Abstract: An exercise machine includes a base having a seat fixed thereto and a backrest pivotal to a number of positions. A chest developing unit pivots with the lower portion of the backrest. The chest developing unit includes bilateral handles which are linked by a rack and pinion mechanism and resisted by an elastic band. A top exercise unit is mounted between horizontal supports extending from the top of the backrest. The top exercise unit is likewise resisted by elastic bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Chih-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 5980434
    Abstract: In a weight lifting exercise apparatus, a leg exercise station is provided. A leg exercise arm carrying leg engaging roller pads is pivotally mounted on a frame member of the support frame of the apparatus, and is linked to an exercise resistance such as a weight stack. An upper roller pad assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame member adjacent the leg exercise arm, and is freely movable between a down position engaging behind a user's knees for performing leg extension exercises, and a raised position resting on top of the user's thighs when performing leg curls or pull down exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5980437
    Abstract: A body exerciser includes an elongated base, a pulley member, a pair of swing arms and an elastic band. The base has an upright support extending upwardly therefrom. A seat is disposed on and projects forwardly of the upright support. An inverted T-shaped member has an upper upright portion and a lower horizontal portion. The upper upright portion has a top distal end connected pivotally to a top distal end of the upright support for turning forward and upward from a vertically suspended position. The pulley member is mounted on the upright support rearwardly of the lower horizontal portion and below the top distal end of the upper upright portion. The swing arms are connected pivotally and respectively to end portions of the lower horizontal portion so as to move forwardly toward one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Yen-Shuo Yang
  • Patent number: 5961428
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing exercises has a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame. An exercise arm is pivoted adjacent the forward end of the seat for swinging back and forth in front of the seat, and has a curved portion which curves forwardly in a direction away from the seat. A pulley to which a load bearing cable is secured is mounted at the curved forward end of the arm. A pair of leg engaging roller pads are adjustably or rigidly attached to the arm for engagement by an exerciser's legs while performing different exercises. A handle can be releasably attached to the cable or to the exercise arm for performing upper body exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5961427
    Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine has a movable subframe on which a user sits while performing various exercises. The subframe is pivotally attached to a stationery frame and is supported by a lever arm that is also pivotally attached to the stationery frame. The pivot arms coupling the subframe to the stationery frame bear against a carriage that is movable located on the lever arm. A cable and pulley system couples the lever arm to the various operable members of the apparatus so that a selectable ratio of the weight of the subframe, including the user, is communicated as exercise resistance. The amount of weight that is coupled to the operable members is selected by positioning the carriage along the lever arm. This adjustment also varies the height to which the subframe is lifted by the exercise stroke and hence the effort that must be exerted by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventors: Theodore J. Habing, Yong Suk Chu, Douglas J. Habing
  • Patent number: 5951445
    Abstract: A multi-station exercise apparatus for use during a leg exercise routine during which the user lies in a supine position and bends his legs at the knees and waist between extended-leg and bent-leg conditions includes a frame and a bench and utilizes two pairs of movable stirrups arranged generally above the bench at opposite ends thereof. The stirrups are adapted to accept the feet of the user as the user lies upon the bench in the supine position and to move with the feet as the legs of the user are bent at the knees and waist between extended-leg and bent-leg conditions. The frame includes two sets of guide rods disposed at each of the opposite ends of the bench for guiding the movement of the two pairs of stirrups generally upwardly and downwardly along predetermined paths as the user selectively moves either the first or second pair of the stirrups with his feet as the feet are moved between the bent-leg and extended-leg conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Larry W. Vittone, Suzanne R. Vittone
  • Patent number: 5951444
    Abstract: A cable and pulley assembly has a first floating pulley unit having a pulley housing and a pair of pulleys rotatably mounted side-by-side in the housing for rotation about a single pulley axis, and a second floating pulley unit having a pulley housing and at least one pulley rotatably mounted in the housing. A first cable is linked to the housing of the first floating pulley unit, and a second cable is linked to the housing of the second floating pulley unit. A third cable extends around one of the side-by-side pulleys in the first pulley unit, around the pulley of the second pulley unit, and around the other side-by-side pulley of the first pulley unit. The resistance on the first cable is then four times that on each section of the third cable, and plural pull points are provided for selective connection to exercise stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5944641
    Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine has a movable subframe on which a user sits while performing various exercises. The subframe is movably coupled to a stationary frame and is supported by a lever arm that is pivotally attached to the stationary frame. A cable and pulley system couples the lever arm to the various operable members of the apparatus so that a selectable ratio of the weight of the subframe, including the user, is communicated as exercise resistance. The main structural member of the subframe may be disconnected so that the upper portion of the subframe may be folded down for convenient shipping and/or storage of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: TNWK Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore G. Habing
  • Patent number: 5938574
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a seat assembly mounted on a frame, an overhead exercise station is located above the seat assembly, a leg exercise station is located forward of the seat assembly. The frame includes a base portion below the seat assembly and a hollow tubular strut extending upwardly form a forward end of the base portion and spaced forwardly of the seat assembly. A roller pad is adjustably mounted in an open upper end of the hollow strut so as to be positionable behind the knees of a seated user when performing leg exercises and above the user's legs when performing overhead exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5916072
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a bench press assembly rotatably mounted on the support frame. The bench press assembly includes a yoke having a central portion pivotally linked to the frame for swinging movement about a first pivot axis, and opposite side portions, a biassing load linked to the yoke for resisting movement about the first axis, and a pair of handle arms each pivotally connected to a respective one of the yoke side portions for independent articulation. Each handle arm has a handle at each end and is connected to the yoke at a location intermediate the ends of the handle arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5906566
    Abstract: An exercise machine having a support base to which three support beams are pivotally mounted. The outside support beams are extendible. The center beam is pivotally mounted to a seat and a seat back. The outside beams are mounted to the seat and the seat back, respectively. A leg pivotally depends from the seat, A fork element with pivotally mounted arms at the distal ends thereof is pivotally mounted to the base. Three resistance bands are positioned on the pivotally mounted arms. The assembly is capable of relative pivotal motion between components to collapse the assembly for storage and portability. Expanded, the seat, the seat back, the depending leg and the fork structure with the arms are capable of pivotal motion relative to one another to position the various components for different modes of exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Tracy L. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 5839995
    Abstract: A multi-functional health device comprises a frame support, a pedal assembly connected by wires with a pair of hand pullers, a hand wheel, a crank member, a torsion member and a pair of positioning plates operably disposed on respective positions of the support, which provide whole bodied exercise to a crippled or abled person for their subsidiary medical treatment. A pair of extensions extend parallel from the front side of the lower frame in cooperation with a plurality of belts and enables a wheelchair to be stably fastened therebetween for facilitating a ready access of a crippled person to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ko-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 5839991
    Abstract: A therapy device for conducting rehabilitative exercises that includes a base having a receptacle. A standard is capable of being positioned in the receptacle in a substantially vertical position and has a plurality of adjustable arms slidably mounted on it. A locking mechanism is used to secure the standard in the vertical position. Each arm has means for being slidably mounted to the standard and a locking mechanism for fixing the arm at a height along the vertical, longitudinal axis of the standard. Each arm also includes a fastening means for removably securing occupational therapy exercise items, such as hooks, rings, and other items. The base of the therapy device include a slot for receiving the standard and may be shaped and sized to resemble an attache or brief case and to include a handle and one or more bins for holding occupational therapy exercise items. The bin may be compartmentalized and have a lid to secure exercise items therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hall
  • Patent number: 5836859
    Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening of the muscles of the upper body, abdomen, and legs has a damper (68), pivotally mounted on its first end to the first end of a bench (10) and pivotally connected by its second end to a T-shaped bar (20) to which the user shall exercise the upper body muscles by alternately applying a pushing and pulling force. Another damper (70) is pivotally mounted on its first end to the second end of the bench, its second end being pivotally connected to a U-shaped lever (22). The first ends of the U-shaped lever are pivotally mounted near the second end of the bench, a padded bar (32) is mounted near the upper end of the U-shaped lever, and the second end of the U-shaped lever is mounted to a hinge (30). The hinge is pivotally mounted to a lever (24) by said first end which is in turn connected by its second end to a length adjusting bar (26) having a foot rest (28) mounted to its free end. The user will exercise the legs by applying a pushing force to the foot rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Inventor: Philippe Johan Van Herle
  • Patent number: 5807219
    Abstract: A weight lifting exercise machine has an adjustable seat supporting arm assembly to permit the machine to be used by handicapped users in a wheelchair as well as non-handicapped users. In a first condition, an extendible support arm is secured in a seat-supporting position projecting forwardly from an upright frame member carrying a back rest so as to support a seat pad in an appropriate position relative to the back rest for use by a seated, non-handicapped user. In a second condition, the seat pad is removed from the arm and the arm is retracted rearwardly to provide a space for positioning a wheelchair adjacent the upright member with a user in an equivalent position to a non-handicapped user for access to the exercise equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge
  • Patent number: 5803878
    Abstract: An exercising machine includes a sliding sleeve slidably mounted on an upright post fixedly mounted on one end portion of a base, at least one supporting strut mounted on a mediate portion of the base, a seat fixedly mounted on an upper end portion of the sliding sleeve, and an arm training mechanism. The arm training mechanism includes a connecting rod rotatably mounted on the supporting strut, two handles each having a lower end portion detachably attached to one end portion of the connecting rod for rotating the connecting rod along a horizontal axis, a drive lever having a first end fixedly mounted on a mediate portion of the connecting rod, an intermediate lever having a first end pivotally connected with a second end of the drive lever, and a driven lever having a first end pivotally connected with a second end of the intermediate lever and a second end fixedly mounted on a lower end portion of the sliding sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Yao-Chin Chiang
  • Patent number: 5800321
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a support frame, an exercise resistance device such as a weight stack, and a linkage such as a cable and pulley linkage extending from the weight stack to various exercise stations, has a lever arm pivotally mounted on the frame for rotation about a first horizontal pivot axis into any one of a plurality of selected orientations relative to the frame, and a locking device for locking the lever arm in the desired orientation. A cable linked to the exercise resistance extends around a first pulley attached to the arm for rotation about a second horizontal axis spaced forwardly from the first and a second pulley at the end of the arm on the lever arm and has a connector at its free end for connecting the cable to a selected exercise device or to a tie-off point. Adjusting the orientation of the lever arm raises and lowers the point of connection to the exercise resistance or tie-off, and allows adjustment for different types of exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5785635
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a first bar releasably coupled with a first cam pivotally mounted generally above and behind a seat mounted on the frame of the exercise machine. A second bar is connected to an arm assembly which is releasably coupled to a second cam pivotally mounted generally below the seat. Each cam has a means for resisting rotation of the cam mounted between it and the frame. Movement of either the first bar or second bar rotates its associated cam against the resistance of its associated resistance means. The starting position of each bar is adjustable and may be selected by coupling the bar with its associated cam in one of a plurality of fixed resting positions. Each cam may rotate in either direction about its pivot position. Accordingly, each bar may be moved from its selected starting rest position in either direction to impart rotation of its associated cam against selected resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Stamina Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Gerschefske, Rick Byrd, William C. Brazeal
  • Patent number: 5779601
    Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine in which each of the exercise stations is interconnected with a weight stack using a reeving system having corner frame with right and left wings at right angles to one another. High and low pull cables in the reeving system extend from the corner frame. The wings have butterfly and press stations at their outer end. The press station connects to the reeving system via a horizontal extension member which turns responsive to swinging of a press arm. An adjustment linkage permits the starting position of the press arm to be varied by operation of a lever at the press station. An adjustable bench with a leg exercising mechanism is optionally used at the press station as only a bench, or is used in a diagonal position at which the leg exercising mechanism is connected to the low pull cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Incorporated
    Inventor: A. Buell Ish, III
  • Patent number: 5779606
    Abstract: An exerciser includes an elongated main frame having spine-exercising device and a leg-exercising device at its front end. A first pulley assembly is mounted between the leg-exercising device and the rear support rod of the exerciser and has a pair of first elastic cords which pass around the first pulley assembly and which are connected to the leg-exercising device in order to exert a resistant force to the leg-exercising device. A second pulley assembly is mounted on either side of main frame and has a pair of second elastic cords passing around the second pulley assembly. The second elastic cords can be pulled away from the main frame to a horizontal position so that the user can expand his/her chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Fit-Right Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin-Jung Chen
  • Patent number: 5776038
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus and associate method that provides a variable resistance to muscle movement during the course of a single exercise. The apparatus includes an articulated arm assembly that supports a selected amount of weight plates at one end. The arm assembly is connected to a support frame at a pivot point. The opposite end of the arm assembly is connected to a cable that extends to an exercise attachment that is moved by the user's muscles. As a user exercises, a tensile force is applied to the cable. The tensile force applies a torque to the arm assembly that causes the arm assembly to turn about the pivot point. As the arm assembly moves, the weights are advanced up along an inclined surface. If a strong enough force is applied, the weights can be advanced over the top of the inclined surface. Without the support of the inclined surface, the arm assembly is free to remain extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Jeff Hazelwood
  • Patent number: 5755650
    Abstract: A home and office health and fitness chair includes universally movable armrests (34) for supporting a user's arms and upper body weight while the user works. The armrests are mechanically supported to slide forward and rearward, move side-to-side, swivel about a vertical axis, tilt about two horizontal axes, and adjust laterally and vertically. They effortlessly follow the movement of a user's arms while typing on a keyboard or working a computer mouse. Each armrest comprises spaced hand grips (36); the combination being connectable to self-adjusting resistance devices (54, 100) for doing strength and fitness exercises. Having universal motion and orientation capabilities, the armrests/hand grips can be utilized for doing several different types of resistance workouts. The primary source of resistance is a fluid resistance reel (54) which includes an impeller (62) rotatably supported in a viscous liquid and surrounded by stators (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Charles L. Urso
  • Patent number: 5733229
    Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame that has a base with an upright member. The upright member is formed to have a race to receive wheels to interconnect a second frame to the upright member. A cable and pulley structure interconnects exercise structures to cause movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. A user is positioned on a seat connected to the second frame to resist movement of the second frame relative to the first frame. A butterfly structure is provided that has a mechanical linkage to interconnect the link arms to a butterfly lever rotatably connected to deflect the cable of an associated cable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Icon Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Dalebout, Steven J. Beutler
  • Patent number: 5733233
    Abstract: In a weight lifting exercise apparatus, an adjustable leg exercise station is provided which allows both leg extensions and leg curls to be performed in a sitting position. A leg exercise arm carrying leg engaging roller pads is pivotally mounted on a seat supporting member on the support frame of the apparatus, and is linked to an exercise resistance such as a weight stack. A second roller pad assembly is pivotally mounted on the seat supporting member adjacent the leg exercise arm, and is movable between a down position engaging behind a user's knees for performing leg extension exercises, and a raised position resting on top of the user's thighs when performing leg curls or pull down exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5718656
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a base structure comprising a fixed lower body exercise platform and a pair of elongated upper body exercising units is disclosed. The units are mounted to the base structure by mounting structure that enables the units to be moved by a user against a yielding resistance in any direction with respect to a center in conjunction with the user stepping onto or off of the platform in any direction while performing an exercise thereon. The elongated upper body exercising units preferably include two telescoping exercise poles to be grasped by opposite hands of the user and capable of both oscillating and reciprocating upper body exercising motion. A variable volume air chamber is defined in an annular gap between coaxially arranged inner and outer members of the telescoping exercise poles and a restricted air passage communicates with the air chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Stamina Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Byrd, Robert W. McBride
  • Patent number: 5716308
    Abstract: A body exerciser includes a base, a backrest member, a pair of handle members, an angled cantilever, a footrest unit and two elastic cords. The base has a seat member and two pairs of guide rings mounted to the top and bottom portions of the base. The backrest member is connected pivotably to the base adjacent to the seat member. A U-shaped connecting member is fixed to the backrest member. The handle members are connected pivotally to the U-shaped connecting member. The cantilever has a lower section which is connected pivotably to the base and an upper section which is connected to the footrest unit. The elastic cords extend through the guide rings on the base and interconnect the U-shaped connecting member and the footrest unit. The exerciser may be used to perform sit-ups, crunches, leg extensions, curls and pectoral fly exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Sunny Lee
  • Patent number: 5702332
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus having movable elements which are manipulatable against resistance by a user to selectively exercise either the abdominal muscles or the back muscles of the user. The movable elements are interconnected for concurrent movement. Resistance to their movement is provided by an elastic resistance band which is secured to one of the elements and to a fixed support structure of the exercise apparatus. An adjustment mechanism is provided for pre-tensioning the resistance band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: LifeGear, Inc.
    Inventor: Yi Fong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 5683334
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a bench press assembly rotatably mounted on the support frame. The bench press assembly includes a yoke having a central portion pivotally linked to the frame for swinging movement about a first pivot axis, and opposite side portions, a biassing load linked to the yoke for resisting movement about the first axis, and a pair of handle arms each pivotally connected to a respective one of the yoke side portions for independent articulation. Each handle arm has a handle at each end and is connected to the yoke at a location intermediate the ends of the handle arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5681247
    Abstract: An exercise device has a support frame and a lever arm attached to the support frame and pivotably movable between a rest position, wherein the lever arm hangs downwardly relative to the support frame, and an extended position, wherein the lever arm is pivoted upwardly from its rest position. A range of motion (ROM) block is rigidly attached to the lever arm, and pivots with the lever arm. The orientation of the ROM block relative to the lever arm can be selectively varied.A tackle is attached to the ROM block to provide an opposing force to motion of the lever arm from the rest position to the extended position. This tackle includes two pulleys that are attached to the ROM block. The tackle also includes a substantially taut cable that extends between the pulleys, and the cable is connected to a mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 5674167
    Abstract: A strength training exercise apparatus includes a frame having an upright back rest, and a horizontal seat, and further includes opposing arm members pivotally mounted to the back rest. The arm members are movable through an arcuate range of motion, and include locking pins for selectively locking the arm members in desired angular positions. The apparatus still further includes a resistance assembly consisting of a fixed anchor mounted on the frame, a movable anchor which is movable relative to the fixed anchor, and a plurality of elastomeric resistance cords releasably secured between the movable anchor and the fixed anchor to provide resistance to movement of the movable anchor. A pull line is mounted on guide pulleys along the length of the arm members, and is received in association with the movable anchor whereby outward movement of the pull line with respect to the arm members causes movement of the movable anchor with respect to the fixed anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Fitness Master, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Piaget, Trace O. Gordon, Mark R. Nestande, Paul M. Theisen, John E. Titus, Ross A. Mackert
  • Patent number: 5674168
    Abstract: A multiple exercise device includes a slant board which may be elevated to different angular orientations ranging between completely vertical to completely horizontal. A rowing arm assembly is mounted on each side of the slant board with the pivotal action of the rowing arms being resisted by a friction brake. A foot platform is mounted at the lower end of the slant board and a shoulder resistance assembly is also mounted to the slant board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: William T. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5672143
    Abstract: An exercise station for use in performing leg exercises has a bench on the front of which an exercise unit with leg engagement arms and a load unit connected to a loaded cable are swing mounted on a horizontal swing axis. A two-bar linkage is pivotally connected to the units and has over-center extended and folded positions when the exercise unit is in raised and lowered exercise positions, respectively, whereby exercising swing movement of the exercise unit also swing moves the load unit by way of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Vectra Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: A. Buell Ish, III