And Flexible Force Transmitting Linkage Element Patents (Class 482/99)
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Patent number: 6497639Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Hoist Fitness SystemsInventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Robson L. Splane, Ben Ton
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Publication number: 20020193215Abstract: The present invention is a weight stacking plate structure for a weight training device comprises of a hoisting plate disposed at the direct upper aspect of an top plate of the device, a fixing section is perpendicularly mounted at the central area of the hoisting plate for suspending a steel rope, thread teeth with a fitting nut are disposed at the proper area at the upper end of a selector rod; the first position aligning hole of the said selector rod is an oval design provided for an alloy steel screw to penetrate through the frontage of the top plate for locking in thereby to fasten the selector rod not to rotate transversely so as to avoid the transverse deviation of the position aligning hole on the rod and to avoid the occurrence of causing the selector rod to fall due to the neglected and loosened nut during operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2001Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventor: Tian-Jyue Cheng
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Patent number: 6494811Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring unit for a weight-stack gym machine where a frame supports a load unit equipped with a plurality of substantially identical weights. The weights have a hole through them to form a vertical channel for a load selecting bar. A remote load measuring unit is envisaged to calculate static and dynamic training parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Technogym S.r.l.Inventor: Nerio Alessandri
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Patent number: 6491609Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus has a stationary frame member, a first pivoting arm pivoted to the frame member at a location intermediate its ends for rotation about a first pivot axis, a second pivoting arm pivotally connected to the frame member for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, and a connecting link pivotally connected to the first arm and second arm to form a four-bar linkage. The first arm is an exercise arm with handles at one end for gripping by a user, and the connecting link is of sufficient weight to form a counter-weight to counter-balance the first exercise arm into a rest position corresponding to a start position for an exercise movement. In one example the connecting link is a solid, elongate bar of heavy metal or equivalent material.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Inventor: Randall T. Webber
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Patent number: 6468189Abstract: An exercise machine, having a frame that supports a gravitational load set; the load set comprising at least a first body of determined mass movable vertically and at least a first guiding element associated to the first body; the load set comprising at least an additional guillotine load unit, selectable at will.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Technogym S.r.l.Inventor: Nerio Alessandri
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Publication number: 20020137605Abstract: A multi-function weight training apparatus including a support base, a linear motion beam, a resistance adjusting carriage, a main carriage, a weight carriage and a cable. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the base. The resistance adjusting carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam, wherein the resistance adjusting carriage is selectively positionable on the linear motion beam. The main carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam. The weight carriage is mounted with respect to the support base. The cable operably connects the weight carriage to the main carriage while an intermediate portion of the cable engages the resistance adjusting carriage. Moving the main carriage with respect to the linear motion beam causes the weight carriage to move with respect to the support base.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventor: Brian Olsen
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Patent number: 6447432Abstract: A weight stack exercise machine includes a stack of primary weights movably mounted on a frame, and secondary weight which are selectively movable between respective inactive positions, supported by the frame, and respective active positions, acting on the top plate in the primary weight stack. The frame supports the secondary weights in respective inactive positions, one above the other with a gap disposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Publication number: 20020111251Abstract: A golf exercising and training apparatus for varying the resistance of a hand hold bar is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an L-shaped member(s) that transfers resistance via a plurality of pulleys and a cable from a stack of weights to the hand hold bar. Two strike lines are provided on an artificial turf for accommodating both right and left-handed users.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2002Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: Anthony M. Crump
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Publication number: 20020103058Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus has a stationary frame member, a first pivoting arm pivoted to the frame member at a location intermediate its ends for rotation about a first pivot axis, a second pivoting arm pivotally connected to the frame member for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, and a connecting link pivotally connected to the first arm and second arm to form a four-bar linkage. The first arm is an exercise arm with handles at one end for gripping by a user, and the connecting link is of sufficient weight to form a counter-weight to counter-balance the first exercise arm into a rest position corresponding to a start position for an exercise movement. In one example the connecting link is a solid, elongate bar of heavy metal or equivalent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventor: Randall T. Webber
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Publication number: 20020098957Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and an exercise arm assembly pivotally linked to the support frame for swinging movement in at least one fixed arc about a first pivot axis, the exercise arm assembly including at least one rigid, elongate exercise arm. A flexible handle assembly is secured to the exercise arm, the handle assembly having a hand grip portion for gripping by a user, and a flexible connecting portion securing the hand grip portion to the exercise arm to permit a variety of different upper body exercises to be performed by moving the hand grip portion in selected different paths as permitted by the flexible connecting portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Randall T. Webber
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Patent number: 6422979Abstract: A selector rod is rotated into engagement with each desired weight plate in a stack to provide adjustable resistance to exercise movement. On a first embodiment, the selector rod extends vertically and is movable axially relative to a vertical stack of weights. On a second embodiment, the selector rod extends horizontally and is movable radially relative to a horizontal stack of weight plates.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 6422980Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed including a base structure having a central support member with a first end and a second end to which a vertically oriented resistance assembly is secured. The apparatus also includes a cable having a first strand and a second strand. The cable links a user to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user moves through an exercise routine. The first and second strands exit the resistance assembly at a position adjacent an upper end of the resistance assembly for engagement by the user at a position above the shoulders of the user. The apparatus further includes a user support structure having an upwardly extending support post. The support post includes a first end secured to the central support member and a second end.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Inventor: Roy Simonson
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Publication number: 20020091043Abstract: An exercise apparatus provides increased exercise versatility and highly compact storage. A mounting of the weight stack units on a framework including wall mounted or free-standing rails allows the weight stack units to be moved between various usage positions and a highly compact storage position. The rails have a collapsible or removable segment, for reducing a footprint of the framework in a storage position. In the storage position, the framework forms a storage space that accommodates the weight stack units, a collapsible user support bench, the barbell, and other accessories. This equipment, which may further include, e.g., a foldable treadmill and screen monitor, a leg extension and curl attachment, and a preacher curl attachment, may be concealed behind panels provided as part of the apparatus. Each weight stack unit may have attached thereto a Smith guide and bearing. A compact arrangement is provided for reducing momentum of lifted weight plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Marco L. Rexach
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Patent number: 6409637Abstract: A weight stack frame for supporting the weight stack of an exercise machine is designed for positioning alongside a seat and exercise device. The frame has spaced upper and lower struts, and front and rear upright struts extending between the front ends and the rear ends, respectively, of the upper and lower struts to form an enclosed frame. Each upright strut is inclined forwardly at a predetermined angle, and the frame can have a load transfer cam mounted either on the front or rear strut for transferring load to the exercise device alongside the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Hoist Fitness SystemsInventors: Randall T. Webber, George M. Zink
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Patent number: 6390957Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising, strengthening and conditioning the tibial and ankle areas of the leg, shin as comprises a first strap adapted to form a loop around the foot of a user, passing across the underside of the foot in the region of the ball of the foot. A metal ring is slidably attached to the underside portion of the strap to connect to an exercise resistance, such as a pulley system weight rack or an elastic cord. The first strap is held in place with the aid of a second strap extending along each side of the foot and around the heel portion and connecting at each side to the first strap.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: Jeffrey E. Knight
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Publication number: 20020058572Abstract: An exercise machine includes: a frame resting on an underlying surface; a seat mounted to the frame and configured to receive a seated user; a pair of support pads mounted to the frame forwardly of and above the seat, each of the support pads positioned to engage one of the upper arms and the elbows of the seated user; a pair of movement arm units pivotally interconnected with the frame and movable about respective generally horizontal axes of rotation; and a resistance system connected with the movement arm units. Each of the pair of movement arm units is configured to engage the forearms and/or the hands of the user and is movable between an extended position, in which the seated user's arms are substantially straight, and a curled position, in which the user's arms are bent. The axes of rotation form an angle of between about 115 and 155 degrees.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventors: Kazuki Karasawa, Kenya Ishii
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Publication number: 20020058571Abstract: A weight stack frame for supporting the weight stack of an exercise machine is designed for positioning alongside a seat and exercise device. The frame has spaced upper and lower struts, and front and rear upright struts extending between the front ends and the rear ends, respectively, of the upper and lower struts to form an enclosed frame. Each upright strut is inclined forwardly at a predetermined angle, and the frame can have a load transfer cam mounted either on the front or rear strut for transferring load to the exercise device alongside the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 1999Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventors: RANDALL T. WEBBER, GEORGE M. ZINK
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Patent number: 6387020Abstract: A family of exercise apparatuses designed to target a variety of muscle groups is disclosed. The family includes a variety of distinct exercise apparatuses utilizing a substantially identical base structure. The base structure comprises a central support member having a first end to which a user support structure is secured and a second end to which a weight stack is secured, wherein the weight stack is actuated by a cable secured thereto for movement by an individual using a distinct exercise apparatus. In addition, each distinct exercise apparatus further includes first and second lateral support sleeves secured to the base structure for directing opposite strands of the cable to a predetermined position for engagement by a user. An exercise apparatus and a method for manufacturing exercise apparatuses are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Roy Simonson
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Patent number: 6387019Abstract: At least one supplemental weight is selectively movable into and out of the path traversed by the top plate in a weight stack. The supplemental weight(s) may be configured to register with the top plate, provided with handle(s), and/or added to existing weight stack equipment.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 6387018Abstract: Supplemental weights are selectively movable into and out of a path traversed by the top plate in a weight stack. Preferably, the supplemental weights include a half-weight and a quarter-weight which are movable in any combination into the path of the top plate and into concentric alignment with the top plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 6387021Abstract: Small circular weights on substantially horizontal bars can be transferred to corresponding substantially horizontal bars for use in weighing scales, exercise equipment weight stacks or any other environment in which it is desirable to transfer incremental weights from a frame support to a loading condition on another frame. An improvement consists of having the upper edge of the vertically oriented circular weight contain an indicia on the top edge readable by the user and maintained in the same position preventing the indicia from rotating to the side or bottom and out of view.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: George H. Miller, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020055426Abstract: Weights are disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and selector rods are selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of weights on each side of the base member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Publication number: 20020039954Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed including a base structure having a central support member with a first end and a second end to which a vertically oriented resistance assembly is secured. The apparatus also includes a cable having a first strand and a second strand. The cable links a user to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user moves through an exercise routine. The first and second strands exit the resistance assembly at a position adjacent an upper end of the resistance assembly for engagement by the user at a position above the shoulders of the user. The apparatus further includes a user support structure having an upwardly extending support post. The support post includes a first end secured to the central support member and a second end.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Inventor: Roy Simonson
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Publication number: 20020028733Abstract: A weight lifting exercise machine that uses dumbbell weights for the weight resistance and for incremental weight adjustment. Dumbbells are particularly suitable since they are usable both as free weights and as incremental weights for the exercise machine. The machine includes an overall frame that stands on the floor, and at least one vertical guide rail attached to the frame. A dumbbell weight carrier is a assembled to the guide rail. The dumbbell weight carrier has a carriage that engages the guide rail. A dumbbell receptacle is attached to the carriage. The dumbbell receptacle can hold a plurality of dumbbell weights selected according to the overall weight desired by the exercising person. A weight handle is connected to the dumbbell weight carrier. The exercising person engages the weight handle and moves it against the weight resistance of the weight carrier and dumbbell weights loaded thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventor: Philip S. Martens
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Patent number: 6338701Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Inventor: Randall T. Webber
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Patent number: 6336894Abstract: An exercise device that connects multiple vectors of resistance to a common unit whereby manipulation of a user will result in resistance to movement. The device has individual connectable parts and when combined will provide numerous opportunities for rehabilitation, testing, and health/fitness exercise. The device comprises a handle (20) used for gripping, that has on its ends a smaller elongated smooth shaft (24) which on one end has a threaded surface (26) and on the other a bulk head (22) for which a plate (52) is positioned against. Between the plate and the smooth shaft, a washer (40) is placed to reduce friction between plate and handle. The plate is secured on the smooth shaft by screwing a socket head nut (70) onto the threaded portion of the shaft. After the shaft is placed through a washer (66) it is placed adjacent to the plate and combined with a second washer (68) placed adjacent to the previous.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Inventor: W. David Kestila
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Publication number: 20010034290Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame, weight stack, pulleys, and cables and incorporating a dual adjustable pulley system is disclosed. The weight stack is slidably connected to the frame. A primary moveable pulley system is engaged with the weight stack by way of a primary cable. The primary cable has a handle connected to its first end and its second end is fixed with respect to an exercise movement. A series of directional pulleys are also engaged with the primary cable. The directional pulleys are positioned on the frame to allow for an exerciser to perform multiple exercises employing the weight stack. A secondary moveable pulley system is engaged with the primary moveable pulley system. The secondary moveable pulley system can be selectively engaged with the weight stack using a releasable coupler. A secondary cable is functionally engaged with the secondary moveable pulley system and a number of directional pulleys. The secondary cable has a first end that is fixed to a floating pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventor: Bret A. Tolles
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Patent number: 6283899Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method utilizes a flywheel mounted on a rotatable axle. The user exercises by accelerating and decelerating the rotation of the flywheel. For example, a line which wraps around the axle provides a mechanism for accelerating and decelerating the flywheel when a user applies a pulling force to the line. The inertia of the flywheel resists the user applied pulling force and provides the exercise mechanism. Preferably, spool mounted on the axle and variable pivot locations provide a mechanism for easily varying the exercise resistance.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventor: Richard D. Charnitski
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Patent number: 6277058Abstract: In an exercise machine having at least one cable, lift shaft and weight stack, the weight stack including a plurality of weights extending vertically from lowermost weights to uppermost weights, the weights and lift shaft having corresponding apertures to permit the selection of weights lifted by a lifting bar, a restricted range weight selector system includes a plurality of differently-sized weight selector pins and the apertures in the weights and/or lift shaft being progressively sized, such that the range of weights that may be selected by a user is restricted depending on the size of selector pin in the user's possession.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Patrick L. Sparks
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Publication number: 20010014641Abstract: An exercise machine, having a frame that supports a gravitational load set; the load set comprising at least a first body of determined mass movable vertically and at least a first guiding element associated to the first body; the load set comprising at least an additional guillotine load unit, selectable at will.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventor: Nerio Alessandri
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Patent number: 6224519Abstract: A weight lifting machine provides an instantaneous variable resistance, which can be adjusted manually during a workout routine or through a program, which has been selected by the user prior the workout routine. The weight lifting machine includes a pair of guides and a stack of weights which are slidably mounted on the guides and movable along the guides from a rest position to an elevated position. The weight lifting machine also includes a selector member and a lift member. Each of the weights includes an opening to receive the selector member. The openings are aligned to define a transverse passage through the stack of weights to allow the selector member to couple to each of the weights in the stack. The selector member includes a plurality of couplers which are adapted to instantaneously couple to and decouple from respective weights of the stack of weights.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Matthew Doolittle
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Patent number: 6206810Abstract: Exercise machine (10) wherein a frame (20) is provided with at least one upr-ght (21) substantially vertical and prismatically shaped; the upright (21) presenting at least one elongated body (26) able to serve as a guide to a pack (P) of flat bodies (31) able to be actuated longitudinally for the execution of training exercises; the upright (21) being externally delimited by a longitudinal shell (22) shaped prismatically and laterally facing the flat bodies (31); at least one plate (14) engaging the upright (21) in sliding fashion to isolate the flat bodies (31) from the outside in co-operation with the shell (22); coupling organs being provided inside the shell (22) to connect said upright and the elongated body (26) rigidly to each other according to a longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Techogym S.r.l.Inventor: Nerio Alessandri
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Patent number: 6193635Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Hoist Fitness SystemsInventors: Randall T. Webber, Bruce Hockridge, Robson L. Splane, Ben Ton
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Patent number: 6186927Abstract: The selector rod has a dedicated engagement member for each of a plurality of aligned weight plates. Each engagement member is rigidly affixed to the selector rod at a discrete location along the longitudinal axis of the selector rod, and each engagement member extends radially outward from the selector rod.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 6183401Abstract: Supplemental weights are disposed above a weight stack and are selectively movable into the path traversed by the top plate in the weight stack. The supplemental weights are maneuvered into and out of storage positions supported by the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 6174265Abstract: A load selector, in particular for an exercise machine in which a load to be used in an exercise is variable and is determined by a value of a sum of a plurality of weight elements which are associated, through related fastening elements, to a tugging element comprising a rod kinematically connected to appropriate connectors able to exert a force by a user; the weight elements can be stacked on top of one another and present corresponding holed portions able to define a channel for the rod, the rod presents, along its own longitudinal development, i.e.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Technogym S.r.l.Inventor: Nerio Alessandri
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Patent number: 6126579Abstract: A weight device of an exerciser. The exerciser including two guide rods respectively passing through two through holes of an inclined rest board. Multiple weight blocks are placed on the rest board. A front side of the weight block is formed with two insertion slots. The guide rods are inserted into the insertion slots. The inclined rest board makes the weight of the weight blocks downward distributed. So, the weight blocks can be moved up and down without dropping out during operation. The weight blocks are only slightly guided by the guide rods so that it is unnecessary to accurately locate the weight blocks and this greatly reduces the manufacturing cost for the exerciser. Also, the weight blocks can be arbitrarily placed in or taken out and thus when assembling the exerciser, it is unnecessary to assemble the weight blocks with the exerciser at the same time. Therefore, it is easier to assemble the exerciser.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Chia Lu Lin
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Patent number: 6102835Abstract: A weight stack housing for an exercise machine is formed in two parts. The first part is an elongate, three sided shield body having a rear wall and a pair of side walls, and an open front, the shield body forming a three sided enclosure for a weight stack assembly and being adapted for attachment between the top and bottom of the frame of an exercise machine behind a user access area or seat. The second part is a U-shaped front support bracket secured between the side walls of the shield body to extend across the open front of the shield body at a location spaced above the weight stack pinning area. The support bracket has an outwardly facing attachment device for attaching a cable to the support bracket, to keep cable away from the weight stack pinning or adjustment area.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Randall T. Webber
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Patent number: 6095954Abstract: Training equipment with a first (2) and a second (4) weight magazine, which produce a variable resistance force in a line in the shape of a first toothed belt (10), to which a draw handle is connectable for the application of muscle force (F1) . The first toothed belt (10) loaded by the mass (M1) of the first weight magazine (2), and a second toothed belt (12) is loaded by the mass (M2) of the second weight magazine (4), which second toothed belt furthermore is connected to a pneumatic operating cylinder (26), which is supplied by means of an operating unit (28). The toothed belts are connectable by a locking yoke (32), and the operating cylinder is activable depending on control signals from the operating unit (28), which in turn reacts on signals from sensors (50, 54, 58) depending on the position (V1; V2) of the first magazine (2).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Agaton Fitness ABInventor: Jarl Svanberg
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Patent number: 6033350Abstract: Weights are disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and selector rods are selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of weights on each side of the base member. The resulting adjustable resistance assembly may be used on dumbbells and/or weight stacks.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 6027433Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Inventor: Brian M. Flynn
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Patent number: 6019704Abstract: An exercise machine for wrist and forearm development includes a rod that is rotatable about its long axis and a cable having one end attached to the rod and the other end attached to a vertically guided weight stack. When the rod is rotated, the cable is wound upon it, against the pull of the resistance. The rod is attached to a stationary frame by a pair of parallel arms, one at each end of the rod. The arms are pivotally attached to the frame on a common axis. The height of the rod is adjusted by fixing the arms in a selected angular position about the common axis. A pulley is attached to the frame for rotation about the common axis. An intermediate portion of the cable passes over the pulley. Thus, adjustment of the height of the rod does not leave any slack in the cable.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1999Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Mark A. MorganInventor: Mark Anderson Morgan
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Patent number: 5976062Abstract: The invention is an exercise device which creates a controlled and infinitely variable resistance profile using a pair of rods that are wrapped about a common axis with a varying pitch. A slide unit is attached to the rods with rollers. When the slide unit is moved in a linear motion, the movement of the rollers on the rods causes the rods, and a shaft on which they are mounted to rotate. In one embodiment, the rotation of the shaft is used to move one or more units of a set of stacked weights. In a second embodiment, a rotation motion of the shaft on which the rods are mounted, causes a linear motion to the slide unit which is attached to a set of stacked weighs.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Inventor: Lanny J. Toups
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Patent number: 5967949Abstract: An exercise device is provided having (a) an axle unit convertible into a hammer type exercising device, (b) an adjustable stand (c) a resistance unit attached to the axle unit, and a detachable handle elements. The axle unit is rotatably and releasably attached to the adjustable stand for permitting rotation of the axle unit about a horizontal axis. The resistance unit is attached to the axle unit for biasing the axle unit in a given position. The handle elements are attached to the axle unit for permitting the user to forcibly counter the bias provided by the resistance unit to permit exercise of the upper body. The axle unit is removable from the resistance unit and the adjustable stand, and may be converted into dumb bell or to a hammer, and by utilization of the resistance unit may be converted to a wrist roller.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Michael D. Davenport
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Patent number: 5951444Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Randall T. Webber
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Patent number: 5944642Abstract: Supplemental weights are disposed above a weight stack and are selectively movable into the path traversed by the top plate in the weight stack. The supplemental weights are maneuvered into and out of storage positions on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 5935048Abstract: Supplemental weights are disposed above a weight stack and are selectively movable along a limited path onto the top plate in the weight stack. The supplemental weights may be moved into and out of a storage position by rotation and/or translation relative to the weight stack frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Inventor: Mark A. Krull
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Patent number: 5928117Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes an inner frame which the user attempts to move during an exercise routine performed with the apparatus and an outer frame which generally encompasses the inner frame. A tensioned cable joins the inner and outer frames and resists the movement of the inner frame relative to the outer frame during an exercise routine.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventors: Larry W. Vittone, Suzanne R. Vittone
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Patent number: 5928118Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base and a bench supported above the base by a support structure interconnecting the base and a center section of the bench. The bench includes one wing section attached to a side of the center section in a manner that allows fixing the one wing section in a range of discreet positions from about 15 degrees above to 90 degrees below a horizontal plane of the center section, and another wing section attached to an opposite side of the center section in a similar manner. Each wing section has a lengthwise slotted opening located between an edge and a longitudinal centerline of the wing section. The apparatus is further equipped with a set of variable resistances connected to a set of handles by a set of cords that run over a set of fixed and movable guides. An end of each cord passes through a slot in each wing section.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Inventor: Dean A. Rosenthal
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Patent number: 5921902Abstract: An adjustable handlebar is shown having a first handle attached to a first disc and a second handle. An aperture passing through the first disc and second handle pivotally joins the two. A second set of apertures passing through the first disc and second handle receive a detent pin to adjustably set the angle between first and second handles.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: M. Michael CarpenterInventor: David Paul Carpenter