GB2158362A

GB2158362A - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2158362A
Application number: GB08504989A
Authority: GB
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: 1985-02-27
Publication date: 1985-11-13
Also published as: CA1244847A; DE3507319A1; GB8504989D0; BE902362A; JPS60242869A; AU3878285A; GB2158362B; AU592307B2

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a central guide column 16, a carriage 18 movable along the column 16, at least one stack of weights 52, at least one weight selector bar, and body engaging means, such as a handlebar 38. The bar 38 includes gripping portions 40 and is connected to the carriage 18 by pivot plates 46, which allow adjustment of the attitude of the bar 38 and which are locked in place by bolts 66 biased to a locking position by a spring 76. Clockwise rotation of a camming plate 68 against the biasing of the spring 76 causes retraction of the bolts 66 in unison. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Exercise appartus 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 increasing weights not only results in added strength and endurance in the muscles, but also in the improvement of neuromuscular coordination and in a more efficient functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Traditionally apparatus such as dumbbells and barbells have been used for progressive exercises. The use of such apparatus, however, can be extremely dangerous when undertaken without proper training and supervision. When a large amount of weight is being lifted, barbells are particularly dangerous and present difficult balancing problems. If they are dropped, serious injury can result to the trainee or to those about him.

In the past, various types of progressive weight training machines have been suggested to overcome the drawbacks of barbells and dumbbells. Among the most successful of these prior are devices are those described in U.S. Patent No. 3,971,555, U.S. Patent No.

Re. 28,066 and in U.S. Patent No.

4,317,566.

Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide 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, an object of the invention is to provide an exercising machine which includes a main frame comprising a single central guide column providing generally vertical, 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 connected to the weights for use in performing various arm and leg exercises, and a fully adjustable exercise bench connected to the frame to support the trainee during the performance of a further variety of different types of exercises.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the aforementioned character which includes a novel, easy to operate quick locking and release mechanism for adjusting the height of the gripping portions of the handlebars above the ground by pivotally moving the handlebar relative to the carriage.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a machine of the type described in the preceding paragraphs. which embodies a unique interconnection mechanism for releasably interconnecting the cable system with the weight stacks.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine of the class described in which the bench portion of the device is adjustable into several orientations to permit the trainee to do various types of exercises in a sitting position, in a prone position and in a reclined position.

More particularly there is provided at the outboard end of the bench a novel subassembly which, in a lowered position, can be used for various leg exercises and in a raised position can be used for the performance of arm exercises such as an arm curl. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which embodies the aforementioned features and also includes two weight stacks thereby providing greater overall weight capacity while at the same time maintaining the advantages of small weight increments.

Still another object is to provide such a machine which is highly safe and reliable, embodies a minimum number of component parts, is easily adjustable without the use of special tools and is smoother, safer and more positive in operation than similar prior art machines.

The superior engineering design and compactness of the machine of the present invention permits it to be inexpensively manufactured, easily set up and operated in numerous locations, and to be safely used even by unskilled persons with a minimum of training.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one form of 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 55 of Figure 4 showing the arrangement of the upper sheaves of the cable system of the invention.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of an embodiment the apparatus of the present invention being used to accomplish leg extension exercises.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of Figure 6 illustrating the unique cross-sectional configuration of the central guide column.

Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view of one of the carriage rollers, which rollers are adapted to roll along the guide channels of the guide column.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of one of the arm and leg exercising subassemblies of the apparatus 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 99 of Figure 8 further illustrating the appearance of this exercising 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 apparatus 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 handlebar 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 subassembly shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10.

Figure 14 is a view taken along lines 14-14 of Figure 6 illustrating the carriage configuration and showing one form of the handlebar adjustment mechanism of the invention which is adapted to releasably lock the handlebar in various pivotal positions with respect to the carriage.

Figure 1 5 is a view taken along lines 1 5-1 5 of Figure 14.

Figure 1 6 is a view taken along lines 16-16 of Figure 14.

Figure 1 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1 7-1 7 of Figure 14 further illustrating the construction of the carriage and of the handlebar adjustment mechanism of the apparatus.

Figure 1 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the central portion of the apparatus illustrating a portion of the connector means which functions to interconnect one or more of the weights with 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 1 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 1 9-1 9 of Figure 1 8.

Figure 20 is a fragmentary view taken along lines 20-20 of Figure 18.

Description of the Invention Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the exercising apparatus 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 1 6a and a central hollow portion 1 6b defined by front and rear planar web members 1 6c and 1 6d which are disposed intermediate guide channels 16a. A carriage 18 is adapted for vertical movement upwardly and downwardly along central guide column 1 6 between a first position and a second higher, or upraised, position.

Referring also to Figures 14, 1 5 and 16, carriage 18 is provided with front, back and side portions 20, 22 and 24 respectively.

Additionally, carriage 1 8 is provided with first and second 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 vertically 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 surrounds 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 of the wheel is configured so as to be closely received within the specially shaped channels 1 6a 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 front face 20 of the carriage 18 is first body engaging means for moving the carriage 1 8 upwardly relative 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 Figure 11, handlebar 38 is generally U-shaped in configuration, having a bight portion 42 and angularly outwardly extending portions 44. Extending rearwardly from, and connected to bight portion 42 are transversely spaced 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 ofthe carriage 18 (Figure 14). In a manner presently to be described, the first body engaging means is pivotally connected to carriage 1 8 and can be locked in a plurality of intermediate positions between a first lowered position and a second elevated 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 1 2 and disposed proximate either side of central guide column 1 6 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 interconnect carriage 1 8 with one or more of the weights 52 so as to bias carriage 18 against upward movement, there is provided a pair of spaced apart, generally vertically extending connector columns 54 (Figure 3). These connector columns, or selector bars, 54 are pivotally connected at each side of the base of carriage 18 and, in the manner shown in Figures 3 and 3a, depend downwardly through an aperture 56 formed in each of the weights 52.

As shown in Figure 3, each of the weights 52 is also provided with an aperture 58 which is configured to closely receive the end guide channel portions of central guide column 1 6.

Referring to Figure 3a, which is an illustrative fragmentary view showing only two of the weights 52 and being broken away to show a portion of one of the selector bars 54, each of the weights 52 includes channels, or grooves, 52a and 52b formed in the top and bottom 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 3a, 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 vertically 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 interconnected with the carriage 1 8 and will move with it as the carriage is moved upwardly along the central guide column 1 6 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 from either or both weight stacks can be interconnected with the carriage.

It is important to note that, as the carriage moves upwardly and downwardly, the central guide column not only constrains the path of the carriage, but also guides the vertical travel of the weights 52 which have been interconnected 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 downwardly relative to the central guide column. To insure that the weights will be perfectly aligned within each of the identical weight stacks, each weight is provided with a plurality 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 22 of the carriage 1 8 for cooperation with the rearwardly extending pivot plate members 46 of the handlebar to position the handlebar at a plurality of intermediate 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 provided 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 first position, 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 comprises a cam plate 68 having spaced apart arcuate grooves, or channels, 70 and an upwardly extending gripping, or armlike, portion 72.Each of the pins 66 is telescopically movable within a channel defined by a bracket 67 (Figure 1 7) affixed to the rear face 22 of the carriage and each pin is provided with a transversely extending cam engaging member 74, which members are -closely 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 completely retracted from the apertures 48 formed in the rearwardly extending side plates of the handlebars and the handlebar will be free to pivot about a forwardly disposed pivot axis located proximate the forward face of carriage 1 8 and defined by a pivot axle 82 (Figure 1).

So long as the cam plate 68 is maintained in the fully rotated position, the handlebar will be free to move pivotally upwardly and downwardly about axle 82. When the body engaging portions of the handlebar 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 in the handlebar side plates 46. With this arrangement, 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 apparatus.

Another very important feature of the apparatus of the present invention comprises an elongated user support bench generally designated in Figure 1 by the numeral 86. Bench 86 has a first end portion 86a connected to the free standing frame of the apparatus, and a second forwardly displaced 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 interconnected seat and back assemblages 90 and 92 respectively. Seat and back assemblages 90 and 92 are pivotally interconnected by a hinge means 94 and each includes a slide member 96 and 98 adapted to slide along frame member 88 of the bench.

As best seen in Figure 4, back support assemblage 92 includes a support member 100 which is pivotally interconnected with slide member 98 by means of a brace 1 02.

Brace 102 is pivotally connected to slide member 98 by a pivot pin 104 and is pivotally connected to support member 100 by a pivot pin 106. In order to lock slide members 96 and 98 in selected positions along frame member 88, the frame member is provided with a plurality of horizontally spaced apertures 107 adapted to selectively align with apertures 108 and 110 formed in slide members 96 and 98 respectively. Removable locking pins 11 2 and 114 are removably receivable within apertures 108 and 1 10 and apertures 109 formed in frame member 88. When pins 112 and 114 are in place as illustrated in Figure 1, slide members 96 and 98 are locked against sliding movement relative to frame member 88.However, removal of pin 11 2 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 forwardly, of the apparatus toward end portion 86b in the manner illustrated in the 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 movable 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 Figure 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 portions of the handlebar 38 thereby permitting the trainee to safely and comfortably perform the seated and inclined press exercises.

Still another important aspect of the exercising apparatus of the present invention, comprises second body engaging means mounted proximate the second end portion 86b of the bench for permitting the performance of the various types of arm and leg exercises. Referring particularly to Figures 6, 8 and 9, 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 1 20 is a yoke-like bracket 1 22 having forwardly extending transversely spaced ear portions 1 26 (Figure 8).Pivotally connected to bracket 1 22 is a second member 128, having at its free end a pair of transversely spaced apart body engaging means or pads 1 30 (Figure 9). Disposed intermediate the inside walls of ears 1 26 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 1 34. Rigidly connected to members 1 32 and movable therewith is a downwardly depending leg 137.With the construction illustrated in the drawings, member 132, along with leg 1 37 which is connected thereto, and member 1 28 are free to pivot about the connector 1 35 (Figure 9), which extends through the ears 1 26 and forms a pivot axis. More particularly member 1 28 is free to pivot from a first position shown in the solid lines in Figure 6 to a second raised position shown by the phantom lines in Figure 10.

As best seen in Figures 8 and 9, member 1 28 is apertured at 1 29 in a manner such that as it is progressively pivoted about connector 135, aperture 1 29 will become sequentially aligned with each of the arcuately spaced apertures 1 34 formed in forwardly extending plates 1 32. By inserting a locking pin 1 31 through the apertures designated 1 34a in Figure 8, member 1 28 can be locked in the raised intermediate position shown in Figure 8.In similar fashion, member 1 28 can be locked against downward movement in other intermediate starting height positions defined by the locations of apertures 1 34 formed in plates 1 32. However, because plates 132, along with leg 137, are free to pivot 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 starting height adjustability feature which permits the second body engaging means to be used for the performance 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 1 30 can be comfortably interengaged by the feet of the user. A straightening of the legs in the manner indicated in the phantom lines in Figure 6 will cause the body engaging means 1 30 to move arcuately upwardly to the position indicated in Figure 6 by the numeral 130a. As will presently be described, the apparatus of the invention also includes connector 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 1 30.

Turning once again to Figures 8, 9 and 10, a highly novel feature of the invention resides in the ability to convert the second body engaging means from a leg exercising apparatus of the character shown in Figure 6 to an arm curl exercising apparatus of the character shown in Figure 1 0. This is accomplished by moving members 1 20 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 1 20. As will be discussed further hereinafter, when members 1 20 are telescoped upwardly, the pulley assembly which is pivotally connected to members 1 20 also moves upward with members 1 20 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 1 3 and identified by the numeral 142 is slidably inserted over member 1 20 to assume the position illustrated in Figures 8 and 9.With the arm support pads 1 42 thusly in position, the trainee 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 1 28. With the second body engaging means in the position illustrated in Figure 10, the upward bending, or "curling", of the trainee's arms will cause further arcuate upward movement of bar 1 28 and member 1 37 about the pivot point defined by connector 1 35. Because gripping means 144 are pivotally connected to member 128, the gripping means will automatically accommodate trainees having differing arm lengths.As previously mentioned, the connector means, which means will now be described, functions to bias against upward pivotal movement of member 1 28 during the performance of the arm curl exercises.

Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 5, the connector means of the present form of the invention comprise first, second and third sheaves 1 50, 1 52 and 1 54 respectively, which are rotatably mounted on the top 14 of the upstanding frame of the apparatus. Turning particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the connector means can be seen to further comprise a fourth sheave 1 56 which is normally disposed proximate the rear surface of the central guide column 1 6 and intermediate base 1 2 and top 14 of the upstanding frame.

Sheave 1 56 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 1 58 which is rotatably mounted on the main frame proximate base 1 2 (Figure 1) and a sixth sheave 1 60 which is rotatably carried at the second end of the bench 86 by members 120 between legs 89. As previously discussed sheave 1 60 is both rotatably and pivotally carried by members 120 for movement from the first lowered position shown in Figure 6 to the second raised position shown in Figure 10. An elongated cable 162, which also comprises a part of the connector means, has a first upper end 1 62a and a second lower end 1 62b (Figure 6).The first end of cable 162 is connected to a third body engaging means shown here in the form of a downwardly depending handlebar, or gripping member, 164 (Figure 1). The second end 1 62b of the cable is connected with member 1 37 of the second body engaging means, the construction of which has already been described. It is to be noted that when the second body engaging means is in the configuration shown in Figure 6, sheave 1 60 and its supporting 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 1 60 and its supporting bracket is free to pivot in the manner illustrated.This pivotal movement automatically accommodates the change in cable length required to adjust the members 1 20 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 1 50 and 1 52 in the manner shown in Figure 5. It then extends downwardly to the rear of guide column 16 under and around fourth sheave 1 56 in the manner shown in Figures 1 and 2. Next cable 1 62 then extends upwardly over and around sheave 1 54 and thence downwardly through the hollow central portion 1 6b of guide column 16 (see Figures 2 and 5).Proximate the base of the apparatus the cable is entrained under fifth sheave 1 58 and thence extends substantially horizontally under and around sixth sheave 1 60. After passing under sheave 160, the second end of the cable is operably connected with member 1 37 of the second body engaging means in the manner shown in Figure 6.

With the construction thus described, a downward force exerted on the gripping member 164 will tend to foreshorten the cable causing sheave 1 56 t9 move upwardly relative to base 1 2. Because sheave 1 56 is operably interconnected with carriage 18 in a manner presently to be described, upward movement of sheave 1 56 will also result in upward movement of the carriage 18 along with any weights which are connected thereto by means of the selector bars.Such interconnection biases against downward movement of the gripping member 1 64. Similarly, if a force is exerted on the second body engaging means, tending to move members 1 28 and 1 37 pivotally upwardly, the cable 1 62 will tend to be foreshortened, once again causing sheave 1 56 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 1 28 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 1 56 against upward movement due to forces exerted on the first or second ends of cable 162. Referring to Figures 18, 19 and 20, sheave 1 56 is carried for rotation within a yoke-like subassembly having generally vertically extending, planar side walls 1 70 which are interconnected at their lower ends by a downwardly depending tongue-like member 1 72 (Figure 18).Side members 1 70 carry an axle 1 74 about which sheave 1 56 rotates and also are provided with transversely spaced apart wing-like side portions 1 76 which are adapted to be closely received within slots 1 78 formed in a pair of rearwardly extending planar members 180 which members are affixed to the rear face of carriage 18 (Figures 17 and 18).

Turning now particularly to Figure 19, a rearwardly extending interlocking assembly, generally designated by the numeral 182 is rigidly connected to the central portion of guide column 1 6 by means of a pair of spaced apart fasteners 184 (Figure 18). Assembly 1 82 comprises a pair of spaced apart, rearwardly extending side members 186 carrying, at their rearward extremities, an angle bracket 1 88. Angle bracket 188 is slotted at 189 (Figure 1 9) to closely receive the downwardly depending tongue 1 72 of the sheave carrying yoke which carries sheave 156.Rotatably affixed to, and extending rearwardly from, angle bracket 188 is a locking knob 1 90. Locking knob 1 90 is uniquely formed having a shank portion 1 92 which is formed with a flat 1 94 (Figure 20) which extends across the entire diameter of shank 1 92. As best seen by referring to Figure 20, tongue 1 72 is provided with a circular aperture 1 96 which is interconnected with the lower edge of tongue 1 72 by means of a slot 1 98 which is of a width slightly greater than one-half the diameter of shank 1 92 of locking knob 1 90.

With this construction, when the component parts are in the position shown in Figure 20, and knob 1 90 is rotated so that the flat 1 94 is in the position shown in Figure 20, sheave 1 56 and its mounting yoke will be locked against upward movement by the locking assembly 1 82 which is rigidly affixed to central guide column 16. However, by rotating knob 190 one hundred and eighty degrees, the flat 1 94 will assume a position in alignment with the downwardly depending slot 1 98 formed in tongue 1 72 permitting sheave 1 56 in its housing to move upwardly with the shank of the locking knob passing through the slot 1 98 in tongue 172.

It is apparent that when the sheave 1 56 and its housing are free to move upwardly relative to locking assembly 182, arm and leg exercises can be performed using the first and second body engaging means. Since the wing-like side portions 1 76 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 1 8 and any weights which are connected thereto via the selector bars. Conversely, when the sheave assembly 1 56 is locked against upward movement by locking knob 190, neither end of cable 162 will be movable because sheave 1 56 will be locked against upward movement.However, even though sheave 1 56 may be locked against upward movement, carriage 18 will nevertheless be free to reciprocate up and down along central guide column 1 6 with the rearwardly extending plates 180 sliding freely upwardly with respect to wing portions 1 76 of the sheave assembly.

It is to be observed that when the carriage is in an at rest position sheave assembly 1 56 is automatically aligned with the rearwardly extending plates 1 80 for smooth and simple engagement and disengagement of the cable, or pulley system, of the apparatus, Such simple operation and unique storage of the cable system is 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 carriage 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 of the cam plate 68 in the direction 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 interconnect 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 of the central guide column, this tendency is effectively overcome so that the carriage travels in substantially a vertically straight line.

It is important to observe that as the carriage moves upwardly and downwardly, the central guide column not only constrains the path of travel of the carriage, but also of the weights. The unique configuration of the device minimizes the number of component parts required and ensures safe, smooth, positive, reliable and trouble free operation.

When it is desired to perform the seated and inclined press as illustrated in Figure 4, the pin 11 2 disposed proximate the second end of bench 86 is removed. Upon raising the back portion of the bench to the inclined position shown in Figure 4, the slide member 96 of the seat assembly 90 will be caused to slide along bench frame member 88 to the inboard location shown in Figure 4. Slide member 98 will, of course, be maintained in its locked position by the inboard locking pin 98. With the seat and back in the position shown in Figure 4, locking pin 11 2 is then reinserted into aperture 108 in slide member 96 and urged inwardly into an aligned aperture 107 formed in bench frame member.

This locks the seat against sliding movement and the trainee can then pivotally 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 interconnected seat and back assemblies 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 exercises illustrated in Figures 6 and 10 of the drawings, locking pin 11 2 is left in place, thereby locking slide member 96 against sliding movement and forward locking pin 114 is removed. With this arrangement, when back assembly 92 is pivotally raised to the position shown in Figure 6, slide member 98 will slide forwardly toward the second end of the bench into the position indicated by the numeral 98'. Pin 114 can then be reinserted into aperture 101 and an aligned aperture 107 provided in frame member 88 so as to lock the assemblage 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 120 are telescopically moved upwardly and locked in position by pin 140. As previously mentioned, sheave 1 60f and its supporting 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 1 3) over member 1 20 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 pin 131, is locked in an angularly downwardly depending position shown in Figure 10.The cable or pulley system is then made operable by turning knob 1 90 so as to release sheave assembly 1 56 in the manner previously described. The user then seats himself on seat 90 and grips engaging grips 144 in the manner illustrated in Figure 10 and lifts up on the grips moving member 1 28 against the biasing of the carriage and the weights connected thereto via member 1 37 to the approximate position shown by the phantom lines in Figure 10. Note that the handlebar assembly 38 has been pivoted out of the way to its downwardmost position.

Due to the versatility of the apparatus and the numerous modes of adjustment heretofore described, it is apparent that a wide variety of other types of exercises can be performed.

The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof or sacrificing 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.

Claims

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) at least one weight carried by said base substantially below said carriage; (d) at least one substantially vertically extending selector bar connected to said carriage and adapted to removably interconnect said weight with said carriage, for biasing said carriage downwardly; (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 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.

2. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1 in which said adjustment means includes a locking member adapted to be removably inserted into a selected one of said arcuately spaced apertures.

3. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 2 in which said adjustment means further comprises camming means associated with said locking member for movement thereof between a first position wherein said locking member extends into a selected one of said arcuately spaced apertures and a second position wherein said locking member is retracted from said aperture.

4. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 3 in which said adjustment means further comprises biasing means for biasing said locking member toward said first position.

5. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1 having an elongated bench connected at a first end to said frame and including second body engaging means for engagement by the user carried at a second end of said bench.

6. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 1 comprising two vertically substantially extending selector bars connected to said carriage and two weight stacks disposed proximate either side of said central guide column, each said weight stack comprising a plurality of discrete weights, each said weight having a first aperture therethrough adapted to receive a portion of said guide column and a second aperture therethrough adapted to receive one of said selector bars.

7. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 6 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 normally 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.

8. 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 single, substantially vertically disposed central guide column supported at one end by said base and 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 central guide column; (d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having first and second apertures, said first aperture 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 aperture formed in said weights; (f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being connected to said frame, said support bench comprising:: (1) a frame means defining a substantially horizontally extending upper support surface; (2) pivotally interconnected seat and back members carried by said upper support surface, said seat being slidably interconnected with said frame means for movement with respect thereto from a first position to a second position and said back being movable relative to said frame means from a first substantially horizontal position to a second inclined position.

9. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 8 in which, said first body engaging means comprises a handlebar having transversely spaced gripping portions and in which upon movement of said seat into said first position and upon movement of said back into said second position, at least a portion of said back will be disposed intermediate said gripping portions.

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 single, substantially vertically disposed central guide column supported at one end by said base and 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 central guide column; (d) a plurality of weights disposed substantially directly below said carriage, each of said weights having first and second apertures, said first aperture 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 aperture formed in said weights; (f) an elongated user support bench having first and second end portions, said first end portion being connected to 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 legs of the user, whereby an outward extension of the legs by the user will impart upward pivotal movement to said pivotally movable portion, said second body engaging means being vertically movable relative to said second end of said bench from a first position to a second elevated position wherein said pivotally movable portion is engageable by the user's hands and an upward movement of the user's hands will impart upward pivotal movement to said pivotally movable portion.

11. An exercise apparatus as defined in Claim 10 including connector means for releasably interconnecting said second body engaging means with said weights.

1 2. 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 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 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 first and second apertures, said first apertures 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 apertures formed in said weights.

1 3. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 1 2 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 position 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 intermediate positions between said first and second positions.

14. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 12 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 proximate said top and said base of said frame and a cable entrained over said pulley means and extending internally of said central guide column.

1 5. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 14 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.

1 6. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 1 5 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) a fifth sheave rotatably mounted on said upstanding frame proximate said base; (d) a sixth sheave mounted on said support bench proximate 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 central 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 connected to said second body engaging means.

1 7. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 1 6 including sheave locking means for locking said fourth sheave against upward movement due to forces exerted on said ends of said cable.

1 8. An exercising apparatus as defined in Claim 1 7 in which said sixth sheave is vertically movable from a first position to a second elevated position.

19. An exercise bench having first and second ends, comprising: (a) a frame means defining a substantially horizontally extending upper support surface; (b) a user support platform carried by said upper support surface; and (c) body engaging means mounted proximate said second end of said bench for engagement by the user, said means including a pivotally movable portion adapted to be engageable by the legs of the user, whereby an outward extension of the legs by the user will impart upward pivotal movement to said pivotally movable portion, said second body engaging means being vertically movable relative to said second end of said bench from a first position to a second elevated position wherein said pivotally movable portion is engageable by the user's hands and an upward movement of the user's hands will impart upward pivotal movement to said pivotally movable portion.

20. An apparatus as defined in Claim 18 including means connected to said pivotally movable portion for biasing against pivotal movement thereof.

21. An exercising apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.