CA1244847A

CA1244847A - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: CA1244847A
Application number: CA000476833A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Parker E. Mahnke; Ron Sheltra
Original assignee: Marcy Gymnasium Equipment Co
Current assignee: Marcy Gymnasium Equipment Co
Priority date: 1984-05-09
Filing date: 1985-03-18
Publication date: 1988-11-15
Also published as: DE3507319A1; GB2158362A; GB2158362B; GB8504989D0; AU3878285A; BE902362A; AU592307B2; JPS60242869A

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A multipurpose exercise machine for accomplishing progressive resistance exercises. The machine comprises a freestanding frame including a single central guide column providing generally vertical, transversely spaced apart guide channels, a carriage movable upwardly and downwardly along the central guide column, two side by side stacks of weights disposed below the carriage, a pair of selector bars extending between the weights and the carriage; connecting means for connecting a selected number of weights to the selector bars, a body engaging means, such as a handlebar including gripping portions connected to the carriage for pivotal adjustment with respect thereto, a cable system operably interconnecting an overhead arm exercising subassembly and a bench mounted leg and arm exercising subassembly with the weights for use in performing various arm and leg exercises, and a fully adjust-able exercise bench connected to the frame to support the trainee during the performance of a variety of different types of exercises using the bench mounted subassembly.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS
PARKER MAHNKE and RON SHELTRA
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
Background of the Invention Field of the Invention -The present invention relates generally to a body exercising apparatus and more particularly to a free standing, multi-purpose exercise machine for accomplishing progressive resistance exercises.
Discussion of the Prior Art -The therapeutic value of progressive resistance exercises has long been recognized. Exercising muscles against progressively increaqing weights not only results in added strength and endurance in the muscles, but also in the improvement~ of neuromuscular coord1nation and in a more efficient functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
Tradltionally apparatus such as dumbbells and bar-bells have been used for progressive exercises.~ The use of such apparatus, however, can be extremely dangerous ;when undertaken w~thout proper training and supervision. When a large amount`of weight is being lifted, barbells are particu-~larly dangerous a~nd present difflcu1t balancing problems. If~
they are dropped, ~serious injury can result to the trainee or to those about~h1m.~
In~ the past,~ var1ous types of~progressive weight training machines have~been~suggeYted~to overcome ~the~ draw-baoks of barbe11s and~dumbbe11Y. Among tbe most~succeYYful~of these prior are devices are those described in U.S. Patent No.
3,971,555,~ U~.S. ~;Patent~No.~Re~. 28~,06~6 and;in U.~S. Patent No.

12~ 7 4,317,566.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTI ON

The present invention to provides an improved free-standing progressive resistance exercise apparatus which is simpler, more versatile and easier to use than prior art machines making it ideally suited for use in homes, apartments and offices as well as in gymnasiums.
More particularly, one preferred form of the invention is an exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a main frame including a base and a single, generally vertically extending central guide column having guide means;
(b) a carriage vertically movable upwardly and downwardly along said central guide column between a first position and a second higher position, said carriage having bearing means movable along said guide means:
(c) two substantially vertically extending selector bars connected to said carriage and adapted to removably interconnect said weight with said carriage, for biasing said carriage downwardly;
(d) two weight stacks carried by said base substan-tially below said carriage and disposed proximate either side of said central guide column, each said weight stack comprising a plurality of discrete weights, each said weight having an aperture therethrough comprising a first portion adapted to receive a portion of said~guide column and a second portion adapted to receive one of said selector bars;
(e) a handle bar extending outwardly from~said carriage and including spaced apart body engaging means for engagement by a user, sal~d handle bar including at least one pivot plate having a:plurality of spaced apart apertures disposed a.long~an arc, said:handlebar and pivot plate~ being~adapted for pivotal movemene about a transverse axis between:~a~first pos:ition and a second - l A- ~

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position whereby the height of said body engaging means can be adjusted relative to said base of said frame; and (f) adjustment means carried by said carriage at a spaced apart location from said transverse axis for cooperation with said pivot plate of said handlebar to position said handlebar at a plurality of intermediate positions between said first and second positions.
A still further embodiment of the invention provides an exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage ha~ving a front face, a rear face and vertically extending parallel side portions and including first and second pairs of vertically spaced apart rollers;
(b) an upstanding frame comprising a base, a top and a single substantially vertically disposed central guide column disposed intermediate said top and said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide channels for gulding vertical travel of said rollers; ~ : : (c) first body engaging means projecting from sa1d front face of: said carriage for movlng said carriage upwardly relatlve~to said central gulde column;
: td) first and~second weight stacks each comprising a pIurslity of dlscrete welghts disposed proximate .
either side:of said guide column substantially directly below said each of said w~eights hav1ng~sn~ apert~ure .

~ ' ~ 2'~8~7 therethrough comprising first and second portions said first portions being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(e~ first and second transversely spaced, substantially vertically disposed connecting columns connected to said carriage and adapted to be connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting columns being closely receivable in said second portions of said apertures formed in said weights.

This invention in another form provides an exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage,including first and second vertically spaced apart roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed central guide column supported at one end by said base and having transversely spaced ~0 apart first and second guide means for accepting therewithin and for guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for moving sald carriage upwardly relative to said central guide column, :
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(d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions said first portions being adapted to receive said portion of said guide column within which said first and second roller means are accepted;
(e) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting column being closely receivable in said second portions of said aperture formed in said weights;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame;
(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto;
(h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with~said weights to: ...
cause said weights to bias against upward pivotal movement of said pi~votally movable portion, said : : : .
connector means comprising pulley meàns, including at ~ 4- ~

-least one upwardly movable sheave operably associated with said carriage upon upward movement thereof and a cable entrained around said sheave; and (i) sheave locking means carried by said frame for locking said sheave against upward movement due to forces exerted on said cable.

A still further embodiment of the invention provides an exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, having a front face, a rear face and spaced apart side portions and including flrst and second vertically spaced apart roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed guide column supported at one end by said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide channels for accepting therewithin and for guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body enyaging means comprising a handle bar ~o having a pair of transversely spaced apart, rearwardly extending pivot plates each having a plurality of spaced apart apertures, said pivot plates being disposed proximate sald slde faces of said carriage for pivotal movement about a transverse axis located proximate said fr:ont face oE said carriage between a first position~and:a~second position wh~ereby the ;height of said body engaglng means can be ad~]u;sted~relative to s~aid base of said :frame;:~

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, :, 12'~4i3'~7 (d) adjustment means carried by said rear face of said carriage for cooperation with said rearwardly extending pivot plates of said handlebar to position said handlebar at a plurality of intermediate positions between said first and second positions; said adjustment means comprising:
(i) a locking member;
(ii) camming means associated with said locking member for movement thereof between a first position wherein said locking member simultaneously extends into a selected pair of said spaced apart apertures in each of said pivot plates to a second position wherein !said locking member is retracted from said apertures;
(e) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each oE said weights being apertured to receive portions of said guide channels of said guide column; and ~ f) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction.

A still further embodiment of the inventlon provides an ~:
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exercising apparatus for the performance of exercises by a trainee, compr~ising~
(a) a vèrtically recl~procatlve;carriage, including roller means;

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(b) a frame comprising a substantially vertically disposed guide column having guide means for guiding vertical travel of said roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for engagement by the trainee to move said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights;
(e) at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction;
~ f) bench means disposed proximate said frame for supporting the trainee;
(g) second body engaging means carried by said bench and being movable from a first lower position to a second higher position;
(h) means for interconnecting said second body engaging means with at least one of:said weights including a bench mounted pulley and a cable entralned about said pulley, said pulley being movable from a~first lower position to a second elevated positlon and being pivotally mounted on said support benchj whereby a change in cable length resulting from movement oE said bench mounted pulley from sa1d first lower position to said second elevated position is automatïcally accommodated.:

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This invention provides a still further: form in which an exerclsing apparatus, comprises~
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~Z'~4847 (a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including first and second vertically spaced apart roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a substantially vertically disposed guide column having transversely spaced apart first and second guide means for guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for moving said carr,iage upwardly relative to said guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions, said first portion being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(e) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said welghts whereby:
said carriag`e is biased in a vertically downward:direction, said connecting column being closely receivable in said second ~0 portions of the aperture formed in said weights;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portl~ons, said first end~portion being d1sposed .proximate said~frame; ~ :
(g:) second ~ody engaging means mounted proximate said ~:
second end por~tion of sald be~nch~, sal~d ~means belng movable from a first lower position to a~second elevated position and ~ 8~

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~2'~48~7 including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto; and (h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights to cause said weights to bias against movement of said second body engaging means from a first position to a second position, said connector means comprising a bench mounted pulley mounted on said support bench proximate said second end portion, said bench mounted pulley being movable from a first lower position to a second elevated position and pulley means carried proximate said frame and a cable entrained around said bench mounted pulley and said pulley means and extending internally of said central guide column, said pulley means being pivotally mounted on sald support~bench, whereby the change in cable length resulting from movemen-t of said bench mounted pulley from said first lower position to said ~0 second elev~ated position can au~toma~tlcally be ~ :
accommodated.
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: Still further, this invention provides an exercising apparatus for~the~performa~nce:of exerclses by~a trainee, comprising~
(a)~a~vertioally reciprocati~ve carriage, inc~luding`
roller means;~

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1244B~7 (b) a frame comprising a substantially vertically disposed guide column having guide means for guiding vertical travel of said roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for engagement by the trainee to move said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights;
(e) at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting column being closely receivable in sa1d second portions of the aperture formed in said weights;
(f) second body engaging means for operational engagement by the trainee to perform exerclses;
(g) third body engaging means for operational engagement by the trainee.to perform exercises;~:
(h) a rotatable sheave disposed proximate said car-riage;
~0 (i) a continuous 1oop:cable operably ~ :
interconnecting:said:second and~third body engaging means and said~sheave whereby ope~ratlonal engagement~of either said second or~thlrd body engaging means~by the~
trainee to pe:rform exercis~es will caus~e~upward movement ~ :
of said sheav~e,~

~ t7 (j) means for automatically interconnecting said carriage and said sheave upon operational engagement of either said second or third body engaging means by the trainee to perform exercises; and (i) means for locking said sheave against automatic interconnection with said carriage upon operational engagement oE either said first or second body engaging means by the trainee to perform exercises.
Still further, a preferred form of the invention provides an exercising apparatus, comprising:
~ a) a main frame including a base and a generally vertically extending guide column having transversely spaced guide channels;
~ b) a carriage vertically movable upwardly and downwardly along said guide column between a first position and a second higher position, said carriage having transversely spaced bearing means movable along said guide channels oE said guide column;
~ c) two weight stacks carried by said base substan-tially below said carriage and disposed proximate eitherside oE said guide column, each said weight stack comprising a~plurality of discrete:weights, each said weight having an aperture therethrough~ comprising first and second portions, said first; portions being adapted to receive a portion of sald guide column;

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~ d) two substantially vertically extending selector bars connected to said carriage and adapted to removably interconnect said weight with said carriage, for biasing said carriage downwardly, said selector bars being receivable within said second portions of said apertures in said weight stacks; and (e) body engaging means for engagement by a user, said body engaging means being adjustable whereby the height thereof can be varied relative to the base of said main frame.
Still further, a preferred form of this invention provides an exercising apparatus, comprising:

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(a~ a main frame~insluding a base and a generally vertically extending central guide column having guide means;
(b) a carriage vertically movable upwardly and downwardly along said central guide column between a first position and a second higher ~positlon, said carriage having~bearing means movable along said:guide :
means~

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(c) two weight stacks carried by said base substan-tially below said carriage and disposed proximate either side of said central guide column, each said weight stack comprising a plurality of discrete weights, each said weight having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions, said first portions being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(d) two substantially vertically extending selector bars connected to said carriage and adapted to removably interconnect said weight with said carriage, for biasing said carriage downwardly, said selector bars being receivable within said second portions of said aperture in each said weight;
~ e) a handle bar extending outwardly from said car-riage and including spaced apart first body engaging means for engagement by a user;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame;~
(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means being vertically adjustable and includlng~a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal: movement thereto; and~

' ~Z'~4~347 ~ h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights to cause said weights to bias against upward pivotal movement of said pivotally movable portion.

Still further, another preferred form of the invention provides an exercising apparatus for the perEormance of exercises by a tra`inee, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including roller means;
~ b, a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed guide column having guide means for guiding vertical travel of said roller means of said carriage;
~ c) a handle bar extending outwardly from sald carriage, including first body engaging means for engagement by the trainee to move said:carriage upwardly relative to said guide~column,~sald handle bar further~
including at least one pivot plate having a plurality of ~paced apart apertures said handlebar and pivot plate being adapted for pivotal movement about a transverse axis between a~f~lrst ~pos1tion and~a second position~
whereby the helght of~sald body engaging~means; can be ~ :
adjusted relat1ve to~said:base of sald~frame;

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1~4~7 (d) adjustment means carried by said carriage at a spaced apart location from said transverse axis for cooperation with said pivot plate of said handlebar to position said handlebar at a plurality of intermediate positions between said first and second positions;
te) a plurality of weights;
(f~ at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at l~ast one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction;
(g) bench means disposed proximate said frame for supporting the trainee;
th) second body engaging means carried by said bench and being movable from a flrst lower position to a second higher position and being pivotally adjust~abIe into at least two starting~positions;:~
(i) third body engagi~ng means carried by said Erame for downward movement by the user of the apparatus; and (j) connector me:a~ns ~for lnterconnecting said second ~0 and third body engaging means with said weights.

~ Another preferred:form of~th~e~lnvention provides an exercising apparatus, comprising~
(a)~a vertlcally~reciproca~tlve carriage including first and second~ pairs~ of vert1cally spaced~apart rollers;

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(b) an upstanding frame comprising a base, a top and a substantially vertically disposed central guide column disposed intermediate said top and said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide channels for accepting therewi~hin and for guiding vertical travel of said rollers;
(c~ first body engaging means projecting from said front face of said carriage for moving said carriage upwardly relative to said central guide column;
(d) first and second weight stacks each comprising a plurality of discrete weights disposed proximate either side of said guide column substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions, said first portions be1ng adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(e) first and second transversely spàced, substan- :
tially vertically disposed connecting columns connected to said carriage and adapted to be connected to at least one of said weights whereby said~carriage is biased in a verticaIly downward direction,`said connecting columns being closely recelvab}e in~said se`cond portlons of sa1d :~
apertures formed:in sa~d~weights;~ ~ :
(f) an elongated:user support bench having first and:second end portions,;sald flrst end portion~belng disposed proximate said frame;: ~: :
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(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto; and (h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights.

Still further, a preferred form of the invention provides an exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including first and second vertically spaced apart roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed central guide column supported at one end by said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide means for accepting therewithin anù for guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller means of said carriage;
~0 (c) a handlebar lncluding~:first body engaging means, said handlebar projecting from said carriage for :
moving said carriage upwardly relative to said centraL
guide column,~said handlebar belng ad~]ustable whereby:~:
thè height of said first body engaging means can be :
adjusted relative to said~base of said frame; :
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~Z~ 7 (d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions said first portions being adapted to receive said portion of said guide column within which said first and second roller means are accepted;
(e) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting column being closely receivable in said second portions of said aperture formed in said weights;
(f~ an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame;
(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said benchj said means including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be ~0 engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto; and (h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body~engaging means with said weigh~s to cause said weights to b~as against upward pivotal movement of sald pivotally movable portion~ --18:- ~
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~Z~ 7 Brief Description of the Drawings Having regard, to the above, preferred forms of the embodiments only are described in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one form of , ;

lZ~gL8~Li7 the apparatus of the present invention being used to execute a supine press.
Figure 2 is a fragmentary view take along lines 2-2 of Figure 1 illustrating the arrangement of the cable system of the invention which functions to interconnect the weights with the arm and leg exercising subassemblies the apparatus.
Figure 3 is a view taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 2 showing the manner in which the central guide column and the connector bars are received within the weights.
Figure 3a is a fragmentary end view of two of the weights disposed in one of the two weight stacks, further illustrating the manner in which the selector bars are received within the weights.
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the apparatus embodying the principles of~the present invention being used to execute a seated, or incline press.
Figure ~5 is a plan view taken along lines 5-5 of Figure 4 ~showing the arrangement of the upper sheaves of the cable system of the invention.~ ~ ;
Figure 6 is a side elevatlonal view of the apparatus o~ the present invention be~ing used~to accomplish leg exten-sion exercises.
Figure 7~ is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of Pigure 6 illustrating~the unique;cross-sectloDal con figuration o the centra1 guide~column. ~
~ Flgure ~7a is~a~aross-sqctional view of one ~of the carriage rol~le~s, ~which~ rollers~are~adapted to~roll aiong~the guide channels of~the guide column.
~ Pigure~ 8 is~a fragmentary s~ide elevational view of .. . . ,.,, . . , ~. ...

~Z~ 7 one of the arm and leg exercising subassemblies of the appa-ratus shown in an upraised position and including removable arm support pads to enable the use of this subassembly for performing arm curl exercises.
Figure 9 is a plan view taken along lines 9-9 of Figure 8 further illustrating the appearance of this exer-cising subassembly showing in plan the arm support pads which have been added to enable the performance of arm curls.
Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the appa-ratus embodying the principles of the present invention being used to execute an arm curl type exercise.
Figure 11 is a plan view of the outwardly extending pivotally adjustable handlebar assembly of one form of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the handle-bar assembly shown in Figure 11.
Figure 13 is a plan view of the arm support pads having been removed from the arm and leg exercising subassem-bly shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10.
Figure 14 is a view taken along lines 14-14 of Figure 6 illustrating the carriage coniguration and showlng one form of the handlebar adjustment mechanlsm of the inven-tion which is adapted to releasably lock the handlebar in various pivotal positions with respect to the carriage.
Figure 15 i8 a view taken along lines 15-15 of Figure 14. ~ ~
Figure 16 is a view taken along lines 16-16 of Figure I4. ~ ~
Figure 17 is a cros6-s6ctional view taken along lines 17-17~of~Figure 14~further illustrating the construction : : : ~

i2~4B47 of the carriage and of the handlebar adjustment mechanism of the apparatus.
Figure 18 is an enlarged fragmentary side eleva-tional view of the central portion of the apparatus illus-trating a portion of the connector means which functions to interconnect one or more of the weights wi~h the various exercising subassemblies of the device. More particularly Figure 18 shows one form of the locking means of the invention for locking one of the sheaves of the connector means against upward movement.
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 19-19 of Figure 18.
Figure 20 i~s a fragmentary vieT~ taken along lines 20-20 of Figure 18.
Description of the Invention Referring~ to the drawings, and particularly to Fi~ures 1, 2 and 3, the exercis-ng apparatus of the present invention comprises an upstanding main frame which includes a base 12, a top 14 and a generally vertically extending central :
guide column~16 disposed~intermediate base 12 and top 14. As best seen by referring to Figures~3 and 7, the central~guide column 16 has a pair of transversely spaced guide channels 16a and a cent~ra1~hol~1Ow~portion 16b defined by ront and rear planar web members 16c aDd~16d which are disposed intermediate guide channels 16a. ~A~carr~iage 18 is adapted~ for~ vertlcal movement~upwardly and downwardly~a1Ong central guide column 16 :
between a first position and~;a seaond higher, or upraised, position.
Referring also to Figures 14J 15:; and 16, carriage 18 : ~ ` :: :
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is provided with front, back and side portions 20, 22 and 24 respectively. Additionally, carriage 18 is provided with first and ~econd vertically spaced apart bearing, or roller means shown here as upper and lower pairs of wheels 26 and 28 respectively. As best seen by referring to Figure 14, wheels 26 and 28 are rotatably carried by inwardly extending verti-cally spaced axles 30 and 32 which are in turn carried by side walls 24 of the carriage. Turning to Figure 7a, each of the wheels 26 and 28 are of identical construction comprising an outer plastic, or hard rubber, tire portion 34, which sur-rounds a central ball bearing 36, which bearing is adapted to be mounted on axles 30 and 32 so as to permit smooth rotation of the wheel about the axles. It is to be noted that the outer tire portion o the wheel is configured so as to be closely received within the specially shaped channels 16a formed in the central guide column, thereby ensuring minimum binding and chatter as the carriage reciprocates along the guide column.
Referring once again to Figure 1 and to Figures 11 and 12, extending outwardly, or forwardly, from the f~ront face of the carria~e 18 is first body engaging means for moving the carriage~ 18 upwardly relatlve to central column 16. In this embodiment of the invention, the first body engaging means comprises a~handlebar-like member 38 which includes spaced apart hand~engaging~means, or handgrips, 40 adapted for engagement by the trainee, or~user~, of the apparatus. As illustrated~in Pigure 11, handlebar 38~is generally U-shaped in configur~atlon,~ havlng~ a~blght portion 42 and angularly outwardly extendlng por~tions~44.~ bxtending~rearward1y from, and connected to bight~portion 42 are transversely~ spaced .

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apart, generally planar pivot plates or members 46. The spacing of members 46 is such that they will be closely received within the side panels 24 of the carriage 18 (Figure 14). In a manner presently to be described, the first body engaging means is pivotally connected to carriage 18 and can be locked in a plurality of intermediate positions between a first lowered position and a second eleva~ed position. For this purpose, members 46 are provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures 48 which lie along an arc of a circle (Figure 12), Turning once again to Figures 1 and 3, carried on base 12 and disposed proximate either side of central guide column 16 are first and second stacks of weights 50 and 51, each weight stack being made up of a plurality of individual, discrete weights 52. To 1nterconnect carriage 18 with one or more of the weigh~s 52 so as to bias carriage 18 against upward movement, there is provided a pair of spaced apart, generally vertlcalIy extending connector columns 54 (Figure 3). These connector columns, or selector bars, 54 are pivot-ally connected at each side of the base of carriage 18~and, in the manner~shown ln Figures 3 and~ 3a, depen~d downwardly through an aperture 56 ~ormed in each~of the weights 52.
As shown~in Figure 3, each of:the welghts:S2 is also provided with an aperture:58 which is configured to closely receive the~end~guide channel portions of central guide:column 16. Referring to Figure 3a, which;is an ~illustrative fragmen-tary viéw showing only ~wo of the weights 52 and being broken away to~show~a~port1on of~one o~f the selector bars 54, each of the weights:~52 includes channels,~ or grooves, 52a and ;52b formed in the top and bo~tom of the weight. These channels are semi-circular in cross-section so that when the weights are stacked in the manner indicated in Figures 1 and 3~, the channels 52a and 52b will align to form a passageway adapted to receive a selector pin 60 (Figure 1). As shown in Figure 3a, each selector bar 54 is provided with a plurality of ver-tically spaced keyhole-shaped apertures 62 which are adapted to closely align with the passage ways formed by channels 52a and 52b in adjoining weights. The selector pin 60 is of such a length that it will extend through the passageways between the weights into the aligned aperture 62 provided in the selector bar 54. When the selector pin 60 is thus in place, the weights above the selector pin will be operably intercon-nected with the carriage 18 and will move with it as the carriage is moved upwardly along the central guide column 16 by forces exerted upwardly on the handlebar 38. It is to be understood that a selector pin 60 is provided for each weight stack 50 and 51 so that one or more weights ~rom either or both weight stacks can be interconnected with the carriage.
It is important to note that, as the carriage moves upwardly and downwardIy, the central guide column not only constrains the path of the carriage, but also guides the vertical travel o ~the weights 52 which have been inter-connected with the carriage. To assist in the smooth upward travel of the weights, guide bushings 63 are provided in the apertures 58 of each of the weights. These guide bushings engage the outer portions of the central central guide column and permit the weights to move smoothly upwardly and down-wardly relative to the central guide column. To insure that the welghts~ will be psrfsctly sligned within each of the ~ ;~

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~4489~'7 identical weight stacks~ each weight is provided with a plur-ality of protuberances 53 on the top of the weight which mate with depressions 55 formed in th bottom of the weight (Figure 3a).
Forming an important aspect of the apparatus of the invention is a novel, conveniently accessible adjustment means carried by the back face 2Z of the carriage 18 for cooperation with the rearwardly extending pivot plate members 46 of the handlebar to position the handlebar at a plurality of inter-mediate positions between a first lowermost position and a second uppermost position. This adjustment means permits the expeditious vertical adjustment of the body engaging portions of the handlebar relative to the base of the apparatus.
Referring particularly to Figures 14~ 15, 16 and 17, the adjustment means in this embodiment of the invention is pro-vided in the form of a pair of axially aligned locking members 66 which are operably associated with camming means for moving the locking members between a firat positionj wherein the ends of the members extend into the arcuately spaced apertures 48 of the rearwardly extending plate-like portions 46, to a second retracted position wherein: the ends of members 66 are removed from the apertures 48. In the:present form of the invention, the camming means comprisés a cam plate~68 having .
spaced apart arcUaté grooves,::or channela, 70 and an upwardly extending grlpplng, or arm-like, portion 72. Each of the pins 66 is teleacoplcal~ly~movable within a channel defined by a bracket 67 (Figure 17~ affixed:to the rear face 22::of the carriage ~ and each : pin~ is ~provlded~ with ~a~ transveraely extending: cam~engaging:member 74, ~which members are closèly :

lZ'~ 4~
receivable within cam channels 70. Disposed intermediate members 66 is a biasing means, or spring, 76, which is adapted to resist retraction of the pin 66. With the construction thus described, when the operator exerts a force on the arm 72 of cam plate 68 in the direction of the arrow in Figure 14, members 74 will tend to follow along channels 70 as the cam plate pivots about a central pivot point 78. As best seen in Figure 17, pivot point 78 is defined by a fastener 80 which interconnects cam plate 68 with the rear face 22. As the cam plate is rotated, members 74 progressively move members 66 inwardly against the resisting force of spring 76. Upon full rotational movement of cam plate 72, pins 66 will be com-pletely retracted from the apertures 48 formed in the rear-wardly extending side plates of the handlebars and the handle-bar will be free to pivot about a forwardly disposed pivot axis located :proximate the forward face of carriage 18 and defined by a pivot axle 82 (Figure 1).
So long as the cam plate 68 is maintained in the ully rotated position, the handlebar will be free to move pivotally upwardly and downwardly about axle 82. When the body engaging portions of the hand1ebar are at the desired height above the floor, the finger 72 of cam plate 68 is released. Spring 76 will then urge locking pins 66 outwardly toward the side plate of the handlebar. Slight movement of the handlebar upwardly or downwardly will then cause the locking pins 66 to align with and extend into adjacent apertures 48 formed ln the handlebar side plates:46. With this arrange-ment, the handlebar can be safely and securely locked in the desired angular~position with the body engaging means thereof positioned at ~a desired height above the base of the appa-~: ~7 ~2~ 7 ratus.
Another very important feature of the apparatus ofthe present invention comprises an elongated user support bench generally designated in Figure l by the numeral 86.
Bench 86 has a first end portion 86a connected to the ~ree standing frame of ~he apparatus, and a second forwardly dis-placed outboard end 86b. Bench 86 includes a supporting framework which comprises a generally horizontally extending frame member 88 and transversely spaced, downwardly extending legs 89. Frame member 88 defines a substantially horizontally extending upper support surface adapted to carry a user engaging means, or platform, comprising pivotally intercon~
nected seat and back assemblages 90 and 92 respectively. Seat and back assemblages 90 a~nd 92 are pivotally interconnected by a hinge means 94 and each includss a slide member 96 and 98 adapted to slide along frame member 88 of the bench.
As best seen in P1gure 4, back support assemblage 92 includes a support member 100 wh1ch is pivotally ~1ntercon-nected w1th slide~member ~98 by means of a brace ~102. Brace 102 is pivotally connected to slide member 98 by a pivot pin :: :
104 and `is pivotally connected to 5upport member lO0 by ~a pivot~ pin 106. ~ In~order to~lock~slide~members 96 and 98 ln selected positions along frame member 88, the ~rame member is provided vith a plurallty of~horlzontally spaced apertures 107 adapted to~selectively align~with apertures 108 and llO formed ln sllde~member~s 96 and~g8 respectively~. Removable locklng pins 112 and~114 are remavab1y~rece1vable w1thln spertures 108 and ~l10 ~and apertures lO9~formed~ln~frame member ~88. When plns ~112~and~114 are~ n~place~as 1~llustrated 1n~ Plgure~

.
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slide members 36 and 98 are locked against sliding movementrelative to frame member 88. However, removal of pin 112 will permit slide member 96 to slide inwardly of the apparatus in the manner illustrated in Figure 4 Similarly, removal of pin 114 will permit slide member 98 to slide outwardly, or for-wardly, of the apparatus toward end portion 86b in the manner illustrated in ~he phantom lines of Figure 6. Stated another way, this novel construction permits seat 90 to be moved with respect to the bench frame from a first position, such as is illustrated in Figure 1, to a second position, such as is illustrated in Figure 4. Similarly, back portion 92 is mov-able relative to the bench frame from the first substantially horizontal position shown in Figure 1, to several inclined positions, one of which is shown in Figure 4. It is also to be noted that because of the position of slides 96 and 98, the entire seat and back assembly can uniquely be moved slidably forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the bench frame member 88.
Focusing now on Fl~ure 4, with the seat and back assemblages positioned in the manner illustrated, the trainee can comfortably and safely accomplish seated and inclined press exercises. It should be observed that because of the ability of:the seat and back assemblages to slide along the bench framework, the back:support 86 can be conveniently moved to a position intermediate the body engaging portioDs of the handlebar 38 thereby permltting the trainee to safely and comfortably perform the seated and inclined press exercises.

:
Still another ~important aspect of the exercising ~:
apparatu:s of the present invention, comprises second body engaging means mounted~proximate the second end portion 86b of - r'~

~Z'~ 47 the bench for permitting the performance of the various types of arm and leg exercises. Referring particularly to Fi~ures 6, 8 and g, the second body engaging means of this embodiment of the invention includes generally vertically extending leg members 120 which are telescopically movable with respect to leg 89 of bench 86. Affixed proximate,the upper end of leg 120 is a yoke-like bracket 122 having forwardly extending transversely spaced ear portions 126 (Figure 8). Pivotally connected to bracket 122 is a second member 128, having at its free end a pair of transversely spaced apart body engaging means or pads 130 (Figure 9). Disposed intermediate the inside walls of ears 126 and the side surfaces of member 128 is a pair of forwardly extending curved, plate-like members 132, which are provided with a plurality of arcuately spaced apertures 134. Rigidly connected to members 132 and movable therewith is a downwardly depending leg 137. With the con-struction illustrated in the drawings,~ member 132, along with leg 137 which is connected thereto, and member 128 are free to pivot about the connector 135 (Figure 9), which extends through the ears 126 and~forms a pivot axis. More particu-larly member 128 is free to pivot from a ~lrst position shown in the solid llnes in Figure 6 to a second raised position shown by the phantom l:ines in Figure 10.
: As best seen in Figures; 8 and 9,:member~128 is aper-tured at ~129 in a manner such that as it is~ progressively pivoted~àbout~connector 135,~ aperture 129~:will become~sequen-tially aligned with each of the arcuately spaced apertures 134 formed ln~ forwardly extendlng~plates 132. By inserting~ a locklng~ pln~131 through ~the apertures deslgnated ~134a ~in ` : : : 3 $ ,-, :
''' ~2'~4~7 Figure 8, member 128 can be locked in the raised intermediate position shown in Figure 8. In similar fashion, member 128 can be locked against downward movement in other intermediate starting height positions defined by the locations of aper-tures 134 formed in plates 132. However, because plates 132, along with leg 137, are free to pivo~ upwardly along with member 128, arm curl and other types of arm exercises can readily to performed with the parts free to move upwardly in the manner indicated by the phantom lines in Figure 10. It is this unique s~arting height adjustability feature which per-mits the second body engaging means to be used for the perfor-mance of numerous types of arm and leg exercises.
When the second body engaging means is in the lowered position shown in Figure 6 and the trainee is resting on the seat and back in the manner shown, the body engaging pads 130 can be comfortably interengaged by the feet of the user. A straightening of the legs in the manner indicated in the phantom lines ln Figure 6 will~cause~the: body engaging means 130 to move:arcuately upwardly to the position indicated in Figure 6 by the numeral: 130a. As will presently be described, the apparatus Oe the invention also includes con-nector means for releasably interconnecting the second body engaging means .with the weights to cause to~weights to bias against the~upward; pivotal movement of the body engaging portions 130.~
Turning once again to~Figures 8, 9 and~lO, a:highly novel :feature of :the~:invention:resides in the abi}ity to convert~ the~second~body engaging means~f~om a leg exercising apparatus o~ the character shown in Figure 6 to:an arm curl exerclsing:~apparatus ~of the character shown in Figure 10.

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This is accomplished by moving members 120 telescopically upwardly with respect to members 89 and locking them in the upward position by means of a suitable locking clamp or by a pin 140 (Figure 8) which is adapted to extend through aligned apertures formed in members 89 and 120. As will be discussed further hereinafter, when members 120 are telescoped upwardly, the pulley assembly which is pivotally connected to members 120 also moves upward with members 120 in the manner shown in Figures 8 and 10.
To enable the second body engaging means to be used for performing arm curl exercises, an arm support pad assembly of the character illustrated in Figure 13 and identified by the numeral 142 is slidably inserted over member 120 to assume the position illustrated in Figures~8 and 9. With the arm support pads 142 thusly in positlon, the tralnee can rest his arms on the upper transversely spaced portions 143 as shown in Figure 10 and grip transversely~extending, hand engaging, or gripping means 144, which are pivotally connected to, and extend outwardly :from, member 128. With the second body , engaging means in the position illustrated in Figure ~10, the upward bending, or 'icurling",: of the trainee's arms will cause urther arcuate upwar~d movement oP-bar 128 and member 137 about the ~pivot point defined by connector 135. Because - ~
gripping means 144 are pivotally connected to member~128, the grlpping means~wlll~automatlcally accommod6te tr~aine66~h6ving differing arm lengths. As previously mentioned, the connector means, ~which:means will:now:be described, functions to bias , ~ : :: :
a~ainst~ upward~ plvotal ~movement of member 128 during the performance of the:;ar~m carl exerc:ise6.

':

~2'~ 7 Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 5, the connector means of the present form of the invention comprise first, second and third sheaves 150, 152 and 154 respectively, which are rotatably mounted on the top 14 of t~e upstanding frame of the apparatus. Turning particularly to Figures l and 2, the connector means can be seen to further comprise a fourth sheave 156 which is normally disposed proximate the rear surface of the central guide column 16 and intermediate base 12 and top 14 of ~he upstanding frame. Sheave 156 is normally free to move upwardly and downwardly but, in a manner presently to be described, can be locked in place in the position shown in Figure 1.
The connector means of the present embodiment of the invention also comprises a fifth sheave 158 whlch is rotatably mounted on the main frame proximate base 12 (Figure 1) and a sixth sheave 160 which is~rotatably carried at the second end of the bench 86 by members 120 between legs 89. As previously discussed sheave~l60 is both rotstabIy and pivotslly carried by members 120 for movement fr~om the first lowered position shown in Figure :6 to the second raised position shown in Figure 10. An elongated csbIe 162,:~which also comprlses a ,:
part o the connector means,: has a first upper end 162a and a second lower~end 162b (Figure 6). The first~end of cable 162 is connected to a third boùy engaging means shown here in the form of a downwardly depending hsndIebar, or gripping member, 164 (Figure~l). The::second end:l:62b of the cable is connected with membsr 137 of the 9econd body~sngsging means,~ the con-struction ~of which has alresdy~been described. :It is:~to~ be notsd ~ thst ~whsn ~the second body engaging means lS~ in~:the conflguration 9hown in Figure 6, 9heave~160 and lts supporting - , ` .., . ~ ~

.. ,,,.;. . ;. . . , . .. , .,., . ;. . ,.. ,:.

lZ~413~7 bracket is locked against pivotal movement by cross member 89a which is affixed to legs 89. However, when the apparatus is in the configuration shown in Figure 10, the sheave 160 and its supporting bracket is free to pivot in the manner illus-trated. This pivotal movement automatically accommodates the change in cable length required to adjust the members 120 from the lower leg exercising position to the upper arm exercising position.
Starting with its first end 162a, the path of the cable can be described as follows: First the cable is entrained over first and second sheaves 15Q and 152 in the manner shown in Figure 5. It then extends downwardly to the rear of guide column 16 under and around ourth sheave 156 in the manner shown in Figures 1 and 2. Next cable 162 then extends upwardly over and around sheave 154 and thence down-wardly through the hollow central portion 16b of guide column 16 (see Figures 2 and 5). Proximate the base of the apparatus the cable is entrained under fifth sheave 158 and thence extends substantially horizontally under and around sixth sheavc 160. After passing under sheave 160, the second~end of the cable is operably connected with member 137 o the` second body engaging~means 1n the manner shown in Figure~6.
Wlth ~the~ construction thus described, a downward force exerted on~the gripping member 164 will tend to fore-;
shorten the;~cable causing sheave 156 to move upwardly relative to base 1~2.~ Because` sheave 156 is operably interconnected with carrlagc 18 in a manncr~pre5ently to be~described~, upward movement~of~:shcave~ 56~w`i~11 also result in upward movement of the carriage 18~along w~ith any weights which are connected . . .
.. ; - . :

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thereto by means of the selector bars. Such interconnection biases against downward movement of the gripping member 164.
Similarly, if a force is exerted on the second body engaging means, tending to move members 128 and 137 pivotally upwardly, the cable 162 will tend to be foreshortened, once again causing sheave 156 to move upwardly carrying with it the carriage 18 and any weights which may be connected thereto.
With this unique arrangement, exercises may be performed which involve pulling downwardly on gripping member 164 or, in the alternative, causing upward pivotal movement of member 128 of the second body engaging means either as a result of movement of the legs in the manner shown in Figure 6 or by "curling" of the arms in the manner shown in Figure 10.
Still another unique feature of the apparatus of the present invention comprises sheave locking means for locking fourth sheave 156 against upward movement due to forces exerted on the first or second ends of cable 162. Reerring to Figures 18, 19 and 20, sheave 156 is carried for rotation within a yoke-like subassembly having generaIly vertically extending, planar side walls 170 which are interconnected at their lower~ends by a downwardly depending tongue-like member 172 (Figure 18). Side members 17D carry an~axle 174 about which sheave 156 rotates and also are provided with trans-versely spaced ~apart wing-like side portions 176 which are adapted to be closely received within slots 178 formed 1n a pair o~ rearwardly extending planar:~members 180~which members are :afixed~ to the rear face~of carriage 18 (Figures 17 and 18), ~ Turning now particularly to Figure 19, ~ a rearwardly extending interlooking assembly, gen~erally:designated by the : : :

numeral 182 is rigidly connected to the central portion of guide column 16 by means of a pair of spaced apart fasteners 184 (Figure 18). Assembly 182 comprises a pair of spaced apart, rearwardly extending side members 186 carrying, at their rearward extremities, an angle bracket 188. Angle bracket 188 is slotted at 189 (Figure 19) to closely receive the downwardly depending tongue 172 of the sheave carrying yoke which carries sheave 156. Rotatably affixed to, and extending rearwardly from, angle bracket 188 is a locking knob 190. Locking knob 190 is uniquely formed having a shank portion 192 which is formed with a flat 194 (Figure 20) which extends across the entire diameter of shank 192. As best seen by referring to Pigure 20, tongue 172 is provided with a circular aperture 196 which is interconnected with the lower edge of tongue 172 by means of a slot 198 which is of a width slightly greater than one-half the diameter of shank 192 of locking knob 190. With this construction~ when the component parts are in the position shown in Figure 20, and knob 190 is rotated so that the flat 194 is in the position shown in Figure 20l sheave 156 and its mounting yoke will be locked against upward movement by the locklng assembly 182 which is rigidly affixed to central guide column 16. However, by rotating knob 190 one hundred and eighty degrees, the flat 194 will assume a position in alignment with the downwardly depending slot 198 formed in tongue 172 permitting sheave 156 in its housing to move upwardly wlth the shank of the locking knob passing through the slot 198 in to~ngue 172.~ ~
It is apparent that when the sheave 156 and its housing are free to move upwardly relative to locking assembly .., ~ ~ : :
~ --` 3~

. : .. . ... ..

12'~4B47 182, arm and leg exercises can be performed using the first and second body engaging means. Since the wing-like side portions 176 of the sheave housing are interconnected with the carriage by means of rearwardly extending plates 180 (Figure 20), upward movement of the sheave assembly will carry along carriage 18 and any weights which are connected thereto via the selector bars. Conversely, when the sheave assembly 156 is locked against upward movement by locking knob 190~ neither end o cable 162 will be movable because sheave 156 will be locked against upward movement. However, even though sheave 156 may be locked against upward movement~ carriage 18 will nevertheless be free to reciproca~e up and down along central guide column 16 with the rearwardly extending plates 180 sliding freely upwardly with respect to wing portions 176 of the sheave assembly.
It is to be observed that when the carriage is in an at rest position sheave assembly 156 is automatically aligned with the rearwardly extending plates 180 for smooth and simple engagement and disengagement of the cable t or pulley system, of the apparatus. Such simple operation and unique storage of the cable system lS not found in any apparatus within the prior art.
Operation In operating the apparatus of the invention to, for example, perform a supine press as illustrated in Figure 1, `the trainee first pivotally adjusts the body engaging means relative to the carrlage so that the handlebar grips are positioned at the correct vertical starting height for the exercise to be performed. This is done by exerting a force on the upstanding portion 72 o~ the cam plate 68 in the direction .~: . . ;;. . ~ .; , . ............. .

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indicated by the arrow in Figure 14. This causes the cam slots 70 to engage the cam pins 74 in a manner to urge the locking pins 66 inwardly against the urging of spring 76.
With the locking pins thus retracted, the handlebar can be freely pivotally moved upwardly or downwardly about axle 82 to the desired position. Release of the cam plate will then cause spring 76 to urge the locking pins 66 outwardly into the adjacent apparatus formed in the pivot plates 46 of the handlebar assembly.
Next, the trainee inserts selector pins into the proper apertures in a given weight in one or both of the weight stacks to lnterconnect the desired number of weights with the connector column or bars. By exerting ~upward pressure on the handles, the trainee raises the carriage, the connector bars and the weights located above the selector pins. This lifting force tends to apply an eccentric force to the carriage. However, due to the design of the bearing or roller means of the carriage and the cooperating guide means o the central guide column, this tendency is effectively overcome so that the carriage travels ln substantially a vertically straight line. ~ ~
It is ~ important to observe that as the; carriage moves upwardly and downwardly, the ce~tral guide column not only constrains the path of travel of~ the carriage, but also of the weights. ~The unique configuration of the device mini-mizes~the number of compone~nt parts required and ensures safe, smooth, posltive, reliable;and trouble free operation.
When it is desired~ to perform the seated and inclined~ press;as illustrated ia Figure 4, the p1n 112 dis-~ ". . ..

posed proximate the second end of bench 86 is removed. uponraising the back portion of the bench to the inclined position shown in Figure 4, the slide member 96 of ~he seat assembly 90 will be caused to slide along bench frame member 88 to the inboard location shown in Figure 4. Slide member 98 wlll, of coursa, be maintained in its locked position by the inboar,d locking pin 98. With the seat and back in the position shown in Figure 4, locking pin 112 is then reinser~ed into aperture 10~ in slide member 96 and urged inwardly into an ali~ned aperture 107 formed in bench frame member. ThiS locks the seat against sliding movement and the trainee can then pivot~
ally adjust the handlebar assembly in the manner previously described, seat himself on the seat, and safely perform the seated or incline press exercise. It is to be observed that due to the unique sliding design of the pivotally intçrcon-nected seat and back assem~lies of the apparatus, the back can be inclined to an optimum angle and positioned so as to extend between the body engaging portions of the handlebar in the manner illustrated in Figure 4. This enables the trainee to comfortable grip the body engaging~portions of the handlebar and to perform~the seated press in a comfortable, stable and safe manner.
When it is desired to perform the arm or leg exer-cises illustrated in Figures 6 and 10 of the drawings, locking pin 112 is left in place, thereby locking slide member 96 against slid1ng movement and forward locking pin 114 is removed. With this arrangement, when back assembly 92 is pivotally ~r~aised to the~posi~tion shown in Figure 6, slide member 98 wlll s1ide forwardly ~o~ard the second end of the bench into the position indicated by the numeral 98'. Pin 114 3 ~

.

~ 2~

can then be reinserted into aperture 101 and an aligned aper-ture 107 provided in frame member 88 so as to lock the assem~
blage in the position shown in Figure 6.
With the seat assembly in the forward position the user can then perform arm curl exercises in the manner shown in Figure 10. To perform these exercises member lZ0 are tele-scopically moved upwardly and locked in position by pin 140.
As previously mentioned, sheave 160f and its supportiny bracket will move upwardly with members 120 and will pivot in the manner shown to accommodate the change in cable length.
The arm rest 142 is then affixed by sliding the "U" shaped member 145 (Figure 13) over member 120 to position it with the arm pads 143 into the location shown in Figures 8 and 9.
Next, arm 128 is pivoted upwardly and, using pln 131, is locked in an angularly downwardly depending position shown in Figure 10~ Tbe cable or puIley system is then made operable by turning knob 190 so as to release sheave assembly 156 in the manner previously described. The user then seats himself on seat ~0 and grips engaging grips 144 in the manner illus-trated in Figure 10 and lifts up on the grips moving~ member 128 agalnst the biasing of the carriage and the~weights con-nected thereto via member 137 to~t'he approximate position shown by the phantom lines in Figure 10. Note that ,the handlebar assembly 38 b~as been pivoted out of~the way to its downwardmos~t~position~
~ ~Due~ to ~tha ~versatility of the apparatus and the numerous~modes of adjustment~;heretofor~e described,~it is~
apparent~that a~wide va~riety~of other types of exercises ~can be performed.

. . ~:

: ~ :

: ~ :

~L2'~48~

The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from the ~oregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, con-struction and arrangement of the parts of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof or sacri-ficing its material advantages, the arrangement hereinbefore described being merely by way of example. We do not wish to be restricted to the specific forms shown or uses mentioned except as defined by the accompanying claims, wherein various portions have been separated for clarity of reading and not for emphasis.

:

, ,: ~ ~i :

, :
Y/

,

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS
FOLLOWS;

1. An exercising apparatus, comprising:

(a) a main frame including a base and a single, generally vertically extending central guide column having guide means;
(b) a carriage vertically movable upwardly and downwardly along said central guide column between a first position and a second higher position, said carriage having bearing means movable along said guide means:
(c) two substantially vertically extending selector bars connected to said carriage and adapted to removably interconnect said weight with said carriage, for biasing said carriage downwardly;
(d) two weight stacks carried by said base substan-tially below said carriage and disposed proximate either side of said central guide column, each said weight stack comprising a plurality of discrete weights, each said weight having an aperture therethrough comprising a first portion adapted to receive a portion of said guide column and a second portion adapted to receive one of said selector bars;
(e) a handle bar extending outwardly from said carriage and including spaced apart body engaging means for engagement by a user, said handle bar including at least one pivot plate having a plurality of spaced apart apertures disposed along an arc, said handlebar and pivot plate being adapted for pivotal movement about a transverse axis between a first position and a second position whereby the height of said body engaging means can be adjusted relative to said base of said frame; and (f) adjustment means carried by said carriage at c spaced apart location from said transverse axis for coopera-tion with said pivot plate of said handlebar to positio-said handlebar at a plurality of intermediate positions between said first and second positions.

2. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1 in which said frame includes a top plate and in which said exercise apparatus further comprises:
(a) third body engaging means for engagement by the user, including a downwardly depending gripping member nor-mally disposed proximate said top plate; and (b) a cable means for interconnecting said third body engaging means with at least one of said weights to bias said gripping member of said body engaging means against downward movement.

3. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, having a front face, a rear face and vertically extending parallel side portions and including first and second pairs of ver-tically spaced apart rollers;
(b) an upstanding frame comprising a base, a top and a single substantially vertically disposed central guide column disposed intermediate said top and said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide channels for guiding vertical travel of said rollers;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said front face of said carriage for moving said carriage up-wardly relative to said central guide column;

(d) first and second weight stacks each comprising a plurality of discrete weights disposed proximate either side of said guide column substantially directly below said car-riage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions said first portions being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(e) first and second transversely spaced, substan-tially vertically disposed connecting columns connected to said carriage and adapted to be connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting columns being closely receivable in said second portions of said apertures formed in said weights,

4. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 3 in which said body engaging means includes a handle bar having transversely spaced apart, rearwardly extending pivot plates disposed proximate said side portions of said carriage for pivotal movement about a transverse axis located proximate one of said front and rear faces of said carriage between a first posi-tion and a second position whereby the height of said body engaging means can be adjusted relative to said base of said frame, said apparatus further including adjustment means carried by the other of said front and rear faces of said carriage for cooperation with said rearwardly extending pivot plates of said handlebar to position said handlebar at a plurality of inter-mediate positions between said first and second positions. :

5. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 3 including:

(a) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being connected to said frame;
(b) second body engaging means mounted on said bench proximate said second end portion thereof for engagement by the arms and legs of the user when the user is positioned on said support bench to move said second body engaging means from a first position to a second position; and (c) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights to cause said weights to bias against movement of said second body engaging means from a first position to a second position, said connector means comprising pulley means carried proxi-mate said top and said base of said frame and a cable entrained over said pulley means and extending internally of said central guide column.

6. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 5 including third body engaging means mounted proximate said top of said frame for downward movement by the user of the apparatus, said third body engaging means being operably interconnected with said weights by said connector means whereby said third body engaging means is biased against downward movement.

7. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 6 in which said connector means comprises:
(a) first, second and third sheaves rotatably mounted on said top of said frame;
(b) a fourth sheave normally disposed proximate said guide column at a location intermediate said top and said base of said frame;

(c) fifth sheave rotatably mounted on said upstanding frame proximate said base;
(d) a sixth sheave mounted on said support bench prox-imate said second end thereof; and (e) an elongated cable having first and second ends, said first end being operably connected to said third body engaging means, said cable being entrained over said first and second sheaves, then extending downwardly under and around said fourth sheave, then extending upwardly over and around said third sheave, then downwardly through said cen-tral guide column under said fifth sheave and then extending substantially horizontally under and around said sixth sheave, said second end of said cable being operably con-nected to said second body engaging means.

8. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 7 including sheave locking means for locking said fourth sheave against upward movement due to forces exerted on said ends of said cable.

9. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 8 in which said sixth sheave is vertically movable from a first posi-tion to a second elevated position.

10. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including first and second vertically spaced apart roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed central guide column supported at one end by said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide means for accepting therewithin and for

Claim 10 (cont'd) guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller means of said carriage, (c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for moving said carriage upwardly relative to said central guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions said first portions being adapted to receive said portion of said guide column within which said first and second roller means are accepted;
(e) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting column being closely receivable in said second portions of said aperture formed in said weights;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame (g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto;
.
(h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights to cause said weights to bias against upward pivotal movement of said pivotally movable portion, said connector means comprising pulley means, including at least one upwardly movable sheave operably associated with said carriage upon upward movement thereof and a cable entrained around said sheave; and (i) sheave locking means carried by said frame for locking said sheave against upward movement due to forces exerted on said cable.

11. An exercising device as defined in Claim 10 in which said second body engaging means is disposed in a first position below said bench for engagement by the legs of the trainee.

12. An exercising device as defined in Claim 11 in which said second body engaging means is movable from said first position to a second upraised position for engagement by the hands of the trainee,

13. An exercising device as defined in Claim 12 in Which said connector means further comprises a pivoting pulley means pivotally connected to said support bench proximate said second end portion said pivoting pulley means being movable from a first lowered position to a second elevated position.

14. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, having a front face, a rear face and spaced apart side portions and including first and second vertically spaced apart roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed guide column supported at one end by said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide channels for accepting therewithin and for guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller

Claim 14 (cont'd) means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means comprising a handle bar having a pair of transversely spaced apart, rearwardly extending pivot plates each having a plurality of spaced apart apertures, said pivot plates being disposed proximate said side faces of said carriage for pivotal movement about a transverse axis located proximate said front face of said carriage between a first position and a second position whereby the height of said body engaging means can be adjusted relative to said base of said frame;
(d) adjustment means carried by said rear face of said carriage for cooperation with said rearwardly extending pivot plates of said handlebar to position said handlebar at a plurality of intermediate positions between said first and second positions; said adjustment means comprising:
(i) a locking member;
(ii) camming means associated with said locking member for movement thereof between a first position wherein said locking member simultaneously extends into a selected pair of said spaced apart apertures in each of said pivot plates to a second position wherein said locking member is retracted from said apertures;
(e) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights being apertured to receive portions of said guide channels of said guide column; and (f) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction.

15. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 14 in which said adjustment means further comprises biasing means for biasing said locking member toward said first position.

16. An exercising apparatus for the performance of exercises by a trainee, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a substantially vertically disposed guide column having guide means for guiding verti-cal travel of said roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for engagement by the trainee to move said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights;
(e) at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction;
(f) bench means disposed proximate said frame for supporting the trainee;
(g) second body engaging means carried by said bench and being movable from a first lower position to a second higher position;
(h) means for interconnecting said second body engaging means with at least one of said weights including a bench mounted pulley and a cable entrained about said pulley, said pulley being movable from a first lower posi-tion to a second elevated position and being pivotally mounted on said support bench, whereby a changs in cable length resulting from movement of said bench mounted pulley from said first lower position to said second elevated position is automatically accommodated.

17. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including first and second vertically spaced apart roller means:
(b) a frame comprising a substantially vertically disposed guide column having transversely spaced apart first and second guide means for guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for moving said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions, said first portion being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(e) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting column being closely receivable in said second portions of the aperture formed in said weights;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame;
(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means being movable from a first lower position to a second elevated position and including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto; and (h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights to cause said weights to bias against movement of said second body engaging means from a first position to a second position, said connector means comprising a bench mounted pulley mounted on said support bench proximate said second end portion, said bench mounted pulley being movable from a first lower position to a second elevated position and pulley means carried proximate said frame and a cable entrained around said bench mounted pulley and said pulley means and extending internally of said central guide column, said pulley means being pivotally mounted on said support bench, whereby the change in cable length resulting from movement of said bench mounted pulley from said first lower position to said second elevated position can automatically be accommodated.

18. An exercising apparatus for the performance of exercises by a trainee, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a substantially vertically disposed guide column having guide means for guiding verti-cal travel of said roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for engagement by the trainee to move said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights;
(e) at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction;

(f) second body engaging means for operational engage-ment by the trainee to perform exercises;
(g) third body engaging means for operational engage-ment by the trainee to perform exercises;
(h) a rotatable sheave disposed proximate said car-riage;
(i) a continuous loop cable operably interconnecting said second and third body engaging means and said sheave whereby operational engagement of either said second or third body engaging means by the trainee to perform exer-cises will cause upward movement of said sheave;
(j) means for automatically interconnecting said car-riage and said sheave upon operational engagement of either said second or third body engaging means by the trainee to perform exercises; and (i) means for locking said sheave against automatic interconnection with said carriage upon operational engage-ment of either said first or second body engaging means by the trainee to perform exercises.

19. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a main frame including a base and a generally vertically extending guide column having transversely spaced guide channels;
(b) a carriage vertically movable upwardly and down-wardly along said guide column between a first position and a second higher position, said carriage having transversely spaced bearing means movable along said guide channels of said guide column;
(c) two weight stacks carried by said base substan-tially below said carriage and disposed proximate either side of said guide column, each said weight stack comprising a plurality of discrete weights, each said weight having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions, said first portions being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(d) two substantially vertically extending selector bars connected to said carriage and adapted to removably interconnect said weight with said carriage, for biasing said carriage downwardly, said selector bars being receiv-able within said second portions of said apertures in said weight stacks; and (e) body engaging means for engagement by a user, said body engaging means being adjustable whereby the height thereof can be varied relative to the base of said main frame.

20. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a main frame including a base and a generally vertically extending central guide column having guide means;
(b) a carriage vertically movable upwardly and down-wardly along said central guide column between a first position and a second higher position, said carriage having bearing means movable along said guide means:
(c) two weight stacks carried by said base substan-tially below said carriage and disposed proximate either side of said central guide column, each said weight stack comprising a plurality of discrete weights, each said weight having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions, said first portions being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;

(d) two substantially vertically extending selector bars connected to said carriage and adapted to removably interconnect said weight with said carriage, for biasing said carriage downwardly, said selector bars being receiv-able within said second portions of said aperture in each said weight;
(e) a handle bar extending outwardly from said car-riage and including spaced apart first body engaging means for engagement by a user;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame;
(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means being verti-cally adjustable and including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto; and (h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights to cause said weights to bias against upward pivotal movement of said pivotally movable portion.
21. An exercising apparatus for the performance of exercises by a trainee, comprising (a) a vertically reciprocative: carriage, including roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically dlsposed guide column having guide means for guiding vertical travel of said roller means of said car-riage;

Claim 21 (cont'd) (c) a handle bar extending outwardly from said car-riage, including first body engaging means for engagement by the trainee to move said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column, said handle bar further including at least on_ pivot plate having a plurality of spaced apart apertures said handlebar and pivot plate being adapted for pivotal movement about a transverse axis between a first position and a second position whereby the height of said body engaging means can be adjusted relative to said base of said frame;
(d) adjustment means carried by said carriage at a spaced apart location from said transverse axis for coopera-tion with said pivot plate of said handlebar to position said handlebar at a plurality of intermediate positions between said first and second positions;
(e) a plurality of weights;
(f) at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction;
(g) bench means disposed proximate said frame for supporting the trainee;
(h) second body engaging means carried by said bench and being movable from a first lower position to a second higher position and being pivotally adjustable into at least two starting positions;
(i) third body engaging means carried by said frame for downward movement by the user of the apparatus; and (j) connector means for interconnecting said second and third body engaging means with said weights.

22. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage including first and second pairs of vertically spaced apart rollers;
(b) an upstanding frame comprising a base, a top and a substantially vertically disposed central guide column dis-posed intermediate said top and said base and having trans-versely spaced apart first and second guide channels for accepting therewithin and for guiding vertical travel of said rollers;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said front face of said carriage for moving said carriage upwardly relative to said central guide column;
(d) first and second weight stacks each comprising a plurality of discrete weights disposed proximate either side of said guide column substantially directly below said car-riage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions, said first portions being adapted to receive a portion of said guide column;
(e) first and second transversely spaced, substan-tially vertically disposed connecting columns connected to said carriage and adapted to be connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting columns being closely receivable in said second portions of said apertures formed in said weights;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame;
(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto; and (h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights.

23. An exercising apparatus, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including first and second vertically spaced apart roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed central guide column supported at one end by said base and having transversely spaced apart first and second guide means for accepting therewithin and for guiding vertical travel of said first and second roller means of said carriage;
(c) a handlebar including first body engaging means, said handlebar projecting from said carriage for moving said carriage upwardly relative to said central guide column, said handlebar being adjustable whereby the height of said first body engaging means can be adjusted relative to said base of said frame;
(d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having an aperture therethrough comprising first and second portions said first portions being adapted to receive said portion of said guide column within which said first and second roller means are accepted;
(e) at least one substantially vertically disposed connecting column connected to said carriage and adapted to be selectively connected to at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction, said connecting column being closely receivable in said second portions of said aperture formed in said weights;
(f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being disposed proximate said frame;
(g) second body engaging means mounted proximate said second end portion of said bench, said means including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the user to impart upward pivotal movement thereto; and (h) connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights to cause said weights to bias against upward pivotal movement of said pivotally movable portion.

24. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 23 in which said connector means comprising pulley means, including at least one upwardly movable sheave operably associated with said carriage upon upward movement thereof and a cable entrained around said sheave.

25. An exercising apparatus for the performance of exercises by a trainee, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including roller means;
(b) a frame comprising a substantially vertically disposed guide column having guide means for guiding verti-cal travel of said roller means of said carriage;
(c) first body engaging means projecting from said carriage for engagement by the trainee to move said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column;
(d) a plurality of weights;

(e) at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction;
(f) second body engaging means for operational engage-ment by the trainee to perform exercises;
(g) third body engaging means for operational engage-ment by the trainee to perform exercises;
(h) rotatable sheave disposed proximate said carriage, said sheave being biased downwardly;
(i) a cable operably interconnecting said second and third body engaging means and said sheave whereby opera-tional engagement of either said second or third body engaging means by the trainee to perform exercises will cause upward movement of said sheave; and (j) means for automatically interconnecting said car-riage and said sheave upon operational engagement of either said second or third body engaging means by the trainee to perform exercises.

26. An exercising apparatus for the performance of exercises by a trainee, comprising:
(a) a vertically reciprocative carriage, including bearing means;
(b) a frame comprising a base and a substantially vertically disposed guide column having guide means for guiding vertical travel of said bearing means of said carriage;
(c) a handle bar extending outwardly from said car-carriage, including first body engaging means for engagement by the trainee to move said carriage upwardly relative to said guide column, said handle bar being adjustable whereby

Claim 26 (cont'd) the height of said body engaging means can be adjusted rela-tive to said base of said frame;
(d) adjustment means carried by said carriage at a spaced apart location from said transverse axis for coopera-tion with said pivot plate of said handlebar to position said handlebar at a plurality of intermediate positions between said first and second positions.
(e) a plurality of weights;
(f) at least one connecting column for interconnection of said carriage with at least one of said weights whereby said carriage is biased in a vertically downward direction;
(g) bench means disposed proximate said frame for supporting the trainee;
(h) second body engaging means carried by said bench and being movable from a first lower position to a second higher position and being pivotally adjustable into at least two starting positions;
(i) third body engaging means for operational engage-ment by the trainee to perform exercises;
(j) connector means for interconnecting said second and third body engaging means with said weights.