GB2478022A

GB2478022A - An adjustable bench arrangement for an exercise machine

Info

Publication number: GB2478022A
Application number: GB1017724A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevin Groom
Original assignee: YORK BARBELL
Current assignee: YORK BARBELL
Priority date: 2010-02-22
Filing date: 2010-02-22
Publication date: 2011-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-22
Also published as: GB201017724D0; GB2478022B

Abstract

The present invention provides a bench exercise machine comprising an adjustable bench 130 having a seat portion 130a and a backrest portion 130b pivotally coupled to each other, a frame having a bench support member 125, and a carriage assembly comprising a first carriage member 739 slidably coupled to the bench support member 125 for moving the seat 130a and a second carriage member 744 slidably coupled to the bench support member 125 for changing the orientation of the backrest portion 130b of the adjustable bench 130, wherein said first 739 and second carriage members 744 can be releasably coupled together to form an integral carriage member such that the adjustable bench 130 is in a chair configuration. There may also be a third carriage to provide means of adjusting the angle of the seat 130a. The exercise device may be a leg exercise device with a plurality of arms for performing a number of exercises.

Description

EXERCISE MACHINE

The present invention relates to an exercise machine and more particularly to an exercise machine for performing leg exercise.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2A and 2B, a known exercise machine 10 comprises a frame having a base frame member 42 and an upper frame member 16. A seat 14 is mounted to the upper frame member 16 for permitting a user to sit thereon while facing forwardly.

The known exercise machine 10 further comprises a press arm 34 with bent lower end 36 pivotally secured to the forward end 40 of the base frame member 42 and extending upwards. The lower end of the press arm is rotatable about a first pivot 38 towards and away from the seat 14. The top end 44 of the press arm 34 is biased toward the seat 14 by a first resistance means in the form of cable 47. A second exercise arm 46 has its upper end 49 pivotally secured to the upper end 44 of the press arm 34 via a second pivot 50, and has lower end 48 biased towards the press arm by a second resistance means in the form of a cable 52. The free end of the cable 52 is releasably secured to the lower end 48 of the second exercise arm 46 at point 54. A first pair of curl pads 62 are mounted adjacent the lower end of the second exercise arm 46. A second pair of curl pads 66 are releasably mounted adjacent the front end of upper frame member 16. To perform a leg extension exercise, a user positions his feet under the curl pad 62 with the curl pad engaged in the upper part of the user's feet and the forward part of the user's ankles for performing leg extension exercises in a manner well known in the art, as shown in Figure 2A. To perform a leg press exercise, starting with the exercise machine 10 in its configuration as shown in Figure 1 hereof, firstly a user has to disconnect the cable 52 from the lower end of the second exercise arm 46 so that the second exercise arm 46 pivots freely about the pivot point 50. Secondly a user has to dismount second pair of curl pads 66 from their mounting positions adjacent the front end of upper frame member 16 as shown in Figures 1 and 2A and remount second pair of curl pads 66 in a new mounting position 80 nearer a mid portion of second exercise arm 46 just above the mounting position of first pair of curl pads 62 as shown in Figure 2B. As shown in Figure 2B the user seated facing forwardly on seat 14 can then engage the bottom of his feet with second pair of curl pads 66 in their new mounting position 80 of second exercise arm 46 and press his legs forwardly thereby to cause the press arm 34 and the second exercise arm 46 each to rotate about their respective pivots as so to lift the weights of the exercise resistance. Since feet engaging means comprising second pair of curl pads 66 is located in its new position 80 relatively low down on second exercise arm 46 adjacent the lower end 48 of the secondexercise arm 46 (i.e. the feet engaging means comprising second pair of curl pads 66 is located below the seat 14), a user has to sit near the front edge of the seat 14 in an uncomfortable exercising position 90 inadequately supported by a back portion 18 of the seat 14 in order to perform the leg extension exercise as is shown in Figure 2B. As can be see from Figure 2B, exercising position 90 which a user is forced to adopt during a lift of the leg press exercise is not comfortable. In addition a user has to grip handles or the side edges of the seat to balance himself, again as shown in Figure 2B. There is another problem for the user of the known exercise machine in its configuration shown in Figure 2B for a leg press exercise which is that the amount of work that the user has to do during the leg press exercise decreases as the user pushes the press arm 34 and the second exercise arm 46 forwardly from their start position during the leg press exercise. As second exercise arm 46 pivots upwardly about pivot 44 and forwardly during the leg press exercise so that it approaches a position where second exercise arm 46 is parallel with the floor as shown in Fig 2B second pair of curl pads 66 in their new position as shown in Figure 2B move further away from pivot 38 as a result of which the leverage effect increases and the load bearing on the user and consequently the work done by the user during the exercise decreases as the exercise progresses. This results in an unsatisfactory exercise experience. In addition the grip provided by second pair of curl pads 66 positioned for the leg press exercise in their new position as shown in Figure 2B is poor such that a user's feet might slip off them during the exercise which again leads to the provision of a bad exercise experience for a user. A foot engaging means in the form of a plate for performing the leg press exercise as provided in the invention described herein would work much better.Furthermore in order to switch the prior art exercise machine 10 from its leg extension exercise configuration as shown for example in Figure 2A of the present application to its leg press exercise configuration as shown in Figure 2B of the present application, the cable 52 has to be disassembled from the lower end 48 of the leg press exercise arm 46, and the second pair of curl pads 66 have to be moved to their new position 80 as shown in Figure 2B and as discussed above which require extra steps.

Therefore such a prior art leg exercise machine is not easy to use and cannot provide a comfortable leg press exercise.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an exercise machine to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above disadvantages.

The present invention provides a bench exercise machine comprising an adjustable bench having a seat portion and a backrest portion pivotally coupled to each other, a frame having a bench support member, and a carriage assembly, wherein said carriage assembly comprises a first carriage member slidably coupled to the bench support member for moving the seat portion of the adjustable bench backwards and forwards wherein said carnage assembly comprises a second carriage member slidably coupled to the bench support member for changing the orientation of said backrest portion of said adjustable bench, wherein said first and second carriage members can be releasably coupled together to form an integral carriage member whereby the backrest portion of said adjustable bench is raised such that said adjustable bench is configured as a chair, and the backrest portion and the seat portion of the adjustable bench can be moved forwardly and backwardly together when said integral carriage member is slid along the bench support member.

Preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below by way of example only with reference to Figures 1-10 of the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a prior art exercise machine; Figure 2A is a side elevation view of the prior art exercise machine of Figure 1 showing a user performing the leg extension exercise; Figure 2B is a side elevation view of the prior art exercise machine of Figure 1 showing a user performing the leg press exercise; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4A is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a start position for performing a leg extension exercise; Figure 4B is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a lift position in a leg extension exercise; Figure 5A is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a start position for performing leg a curl exercise whereby a user would need to lie face down on the support bench legs proximal the leg exercise station; Figure SB is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a lift position in a leg curl exercise; Figure 6A is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a start position for performing a leg press exercise; Figure 6B is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a lift position in a leg press exercise.

Figure 7A is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a start position for performing a leg extension exercise andlor a leg curl exercise.

Figure 7B is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a lift position in a leg extension exercise and/or a leg curl exercise.

Figure 8A is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a start position for performing a leg press exercise; Figure 8B is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a lift position in a leg press exercise.

Figure 9 is a side elevation view of an exercise machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention showing the exercise machine in a start position for performing a preacher curl exercise.

As shown in Figure 3, an exercise machine 100 has a frame 102 having a base support member 122 which lies on the floor and a main support member 121 bolted at its lower end to the base support member 122 and extended upwardly. The frame 102 of the exercise machine 100 further comprises a bench support 124 for supporting a bench member 130 of the exercise machine 100. The bench support 124 has a strut 125 positioned inclined to the floor with a first end 125a fixed to the base support member 122, and has a front support leg 126 coupled to the strut 125 at a point about 2/3 of the way along its length starting from the first end 125a of the strut 125. The front support leg 126 extends forwardly and downwards towards the floor. The strut 125 ends with a second end I 25b towards the front of the exercise machine distal to its first end I 25a and spaced apart from the floor. A vertical support housing 112 is located near to main support member 121 and supports an adjustable weight stack 113 (only shown in Figure 3). The bench member 130 is formed of two separate portions adjacent to each other, comprising a seat portion 130a and a back portion 130b. The seat portion 130a and the back portion 130b of the bench member 130 are pivotally coupled to each other at pivot 750 which is located between the seat portion 130a and the back portion 130b. The bench member 130 comprising its pivotally connected seat portion 130a and back portion 130b is pivotally coupled to a first carriage assembly 300 at pivot 751, Since the seat portion 130a, and the back portion 130b are rotatable about the pivot 750 the orientation of the seat portion 1 30a and the back portion 1 30b of bench member 130 can be adjusted with respect to each other, e.g. from a position where the seat portion 130a is at an angle of about 180° to the back portion 1 30b such that a user could lie down on the bench member 130 (as shown in Figure 4B for example) to a position where the seat portion 1 30a is at an angle of about 90° to the back portion 1 30b such that the bench member 130 is in a chair like configuration (as shown in Figure 6A for example). The first carriage assembly 300 comprises a first cuff member 739 which is sleeved around the strut 125 and is slidable up and down along the strut 125. The first carriage assembly 300 is pivotally coupled to the bench member 130 by pivot 751 such that the bench member 130 can be pivoted upwards from a position where the bench member 130 is in abutment with the first carriage assembly 300 as shown in Fig 4A for example to a position where the bench member 130 is not in abutment with and is spaced apart from the first carriage assembly 300 as shown in Fig 5A or Figure 6A for example. When the first carriage assembly 300 is moved up and down along the strut 125, the position of the bench member 130 is adjusted forwards or backwards and can then be locked with the strut 125 at a preferred position by a plunger 715 in accordance with a user's needs. The back portion 130b of the bench member 130 is additionally supported by a second carriage assembly 320. The second carriage assembly 320 comprises a second cuff member 744 which is sleeved around the strut 125 and is located below the first cuff member 739 of the first carriage assembly 300, i.e. the first cuff member 739 of the first carriage assembly 300 is located in front of the second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320. The second carriage assembly 320 further comprises a rod 745 with one end pivotally coupled to the second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 and the opposite end pivotally coupled to the back portion 130b of the bench member 130. Under such configuration, the back portion I 30b of the bench member 130 can be raised or lowered by slidingly moving the first carriage assembly 300 and/or the second carriage assembly 320 along the strut 125. The second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 can be slidingly moved along strut 125. The second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 can be releasably locked into backmost hole 558j along the strut 125 by pushing locking pull pin 557 into the hole 558j formed on the strut 125. To unlock second cuff member 744 for sliding movement along the strut 125 locking pull pin 557 is pulled out of engagement with the hole 558a to 558i of the strut 125. The first cuff member 739 of the first carnage assembly 300 has locking eye 559 formed on its rear side for lockingly receiving locking pull pin 557 whereby the first carriage assembly 300 and the second carriage assembly 320 can be locked together such that they can slide integrally up and down the strut 125 and be integrally locked in a desired position on the the strut 125 with the plunger 715 of the first cuff member 739. A third carriage assembly 753 located near the front of exercise machine 100 is provided to carry the seat portion 130a of the bench member 130 and has a second support leg 752 having a first end 752a pivotally connected to the seat portion 130a of the bench member 130 at pivot 769 and having a support wheel 755 located at its second end distal the seat portion 1 30a of the bench member 130. Support wheel 755 is positioned in abutment with the strut 125 such that support wheel 755 can roll up and down the strut 125. Second support leg 752 of third carriage assembly 753 is pivotable about pivot 769 from a folded down position approximately parallel to the strut 125 as shown for example in Figure 5A to an unfolded extended position approximately orthogonal to the strut 125 as shown for example in Figure 4B. Pin 754 is an adjustment pin to lock third carriage assembly 753 in the unfolded extended position.

When second support leg 752 of third carriage assembly 753 is pivoted from its folded position to its unfolded position the seat portion 130a of the bench member 130 is moved upwardly to a raised position where it is spaced apart from the strut 125. By slidingly moving the first carriage assembly 300 and/or the second carriage assembly 320 along the strut 125 the position of the bench member 130 can be adjusted for example from a declining bench as shown in Figures 4A-4B through a variety of incline bench positions (not shown) up to a declining chair configuration as shown in Figures 6A-6B. In the declining bench configuration of the bench member 130 as shown in Figures 4A-4B the first cuff member 739 of the first carriage assembly 300 is sleeved upwards and forwards along the strut 125 to is maximum forward position, the second support leg 752 of the third carriage assembly 753 is in its unfolded position, the seat portion 1 30a of the bench member 130 is pivoted upwardly in a position spaced apart from the strut 125, the second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 is sleeved downwards and backwards along the strut 125 to is maximum backward position, and the rod 745 of the second carriage assembly 320 is positioned approximately parallel to the strut 125. In this declining bench configuration of the bench member 130 as shown in Figures 4A-4B the first cuff member 739 of the first carriage assembly 300 and the second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 are spaced maximally apart along the length of the strut 125. In adjusting the bench member 130 from the declining bench configuration of the bench member 130 as shown in Figures 4A-4B for example to the flat bench configuration of the bench member 130 as shown in Figures 5A-5B for example the second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 is not moved but the first cuff member 739 of the first carriage assembly 300 is slidingly moved backwards down the strut 125 such that the bench member 130 moves backwards, second support leg 752 of third carriage assembly 753 folds down, the back portion I 30b of the bench member 130 is raised up such that the bench member 130 is disposed flat and horizontal with respect to the exercise machine 100. In adjusting the bench member 130 from the flat bench configuration of the bench member 130 as shown in Figures 5A-5B for example to the chair like configuration of the bench member 130 as shown in Figures 6A-6B for example the first cuff member 739 of the first carriage assembly 300 is slidingly moved further backwards down the strut 125 and the second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 is slidingly moved upwardly and forwardly along the strut 125 such that the first cuff member 739 and the second cuff member 744 are in abutment with each other. Other configurations of bench member 130 (not shown) are possible depending on the respective positions of the first cuff member 739 and the second cuff member 744 on the strut 125.

The exercise machine further comprises a first leg exercise device 400 for performing a first leg exercise and a second leg exercise device 430 for performing a second leg exercise. The first leg exercise device and the second leg exercise device are mounted at the forward end of the bench support 124, and various other exercise stations are mounted at other locations on the frame 102. Preferably the first leg exercise is a leg press exercise and the second leg exercise is a leg extension or curl exercise. As can be seen from Figures 4A to 6B, the first leg exercise device 400 comprises a first leg exercise arm 401. As shown in Figure 4A for example, the first leg exercise arm 401 is pivotally coupled at one end 401a to the lower end 126b of the front support leg 126 via a first pivot 44 and the first leg exercise arm 401 extends upwards till a position above the top surface of the strut 125. The first leg exercise arm 401 extends vertically upwards and is located in front of and in abutment with the second end l25b of the strut 125. Preferably, when the seat member 130 is positioned horizontally, the first leg exercise arm 401 has about the same height as seat portion 130a of the seat member 130 or has a slightly higher height than the seat portion 130a. The upper portion of the first leg exercise arm 401 has a hole opened at its top surface 401c for telescopically receiving a removable foot plate attachment 420 (see Figures 6a to 6b). As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the foot plate attachment 420 comprises a footplate 422 which is pivoted on a removable upper mount assembly 421 which is in a form of a post. The upper mount assembly 421 can be removably fitted into the hole opened at the top surface 401 c of the first leg exercise arm 401 for being engaged by a user's feet when performing the leg press exercise, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b. The upper mount assembly 421 has a single through hole (not shown) extending horizontally for receiving a releasable pull pin 406 to secure the foot plate 422 at the suitable height for performing the leg press exercise As shown in the drawings the upper mount assembly 421 has a certain height to allow the feet engaging footplate 422 to be located above the seat portion 130a of the seat member during the leg press exercise. An exercise resistance comprising the adjustable weight stack 113 (only shown in Figure 3) is coupled to the first leg exercise device to provide a resistance when a user performs the first leg exercise. It will be understood that in alternative embodiments not shown in the Figures hereof the foot engaging plate 422 may be replaced by a two foot plates or other foot engaging member or members for engagement by both feet. Although in the present embodiment, the upper mount assembly is in the form of a post, other suitable mount assemblies can be used.

As shown from Figures 4a to Sb, the second leg exercise device 430 of the exercise machine is pivotally attached to the first leg exercise arm 401 for rotation about a second pivot axis 45. The second leg exercise device 430 comprises a second leg exercise arm 402. The second leg exercise arm 402 has an upper portion 402a pivotally attached to the first leg exercise arm 401 for rotation about the second pivot axis 45 and the second leg exercise arm 402 extends downwards from its upper portion 402a in a substantially vertical direction towards the floor.

A roller pad (not shown in this first embodiment of the subject invention) can be provided on a lower portion 402b of the second leg exercise arm 402 to be engaged by a user's legs when performing a leg extension exercise or a leg curl exercise. The second leg exercise arm 402 is biased against the first leg exercise arm 401 by the exercise resistance comprising cables pulleys and weights, and the first leg exercise arm 401 is biased against the second end 125b of the strut 125 by the exercise resistance comprising cables pulleys and weights.

The above described simpler construction is an alternative construction which is not shown in the drawings hereof and which excludes a third leg exercise arm 403 as described below for performing a leg curl exercise.

As best seen in Figures 4a to 6b the second leg exercise device 430 further comprises a third leg exercise arm 403 with one portion 403a pivotally coupled onto the upper portion 402a of the second leg exercise arm 402 at a pivot axis 41 and extending downwardly,.

The second leg exercise arm 402 has a locking hole near its middle portion and the third leg exercise arm 403 has a corresponding locking hole, whereby a locking pin 414 can be inserted into these two holes to releasably lock the second leg exercise arm 402 with the third leg exercise arm 403. Other suitable locking means can also be used. A roller pad 408 is coupled to a lower portion 403b of the third leg exercise arm 403 to be engaged by user's legs or ankles.. The second leg exercise arm 402 is biased against the first leg exercise arm 401 by the exercise resistance comprising cables pulleys and weights, and he first leg exercise arm 401 is biased against the second end 125b of the strut 125 by the exercise resistance comprising cables pulleys and weights.

A first proximal end of cable 909 is connected near the rear of exercise machine 100 to the weight plates of adjustable weight stack 113 (shown in Figure 3). A second distal end of cable 909 is connected near the front of exercise machine 100 to the lower end 450 of the second leg exercise arm 402 at cable connection point 451. Starting at its cable connection point 451 at its second distal end cable 909 runs around first pulley 910 which is affixed to lower end 401a of the first leg exercise arm 401 then cable 909 runs in a backward direction towards the rear of exercise machine 100 and then cable 909 runs around second pulley 911 which is affixed to the front support leg 126 at an approximately mid point 126e of front support leg 126. As cable 909 winds around second pulley 911 it turns through an angle of approximately 180° such that it exits second pulley 911 in an exit direction towards the front of exercise machine 100 opposite to its entry direction. Then cable 909 runs around third pulley 912 which is affixed to the first leg exercise arm 401 at approximately its mid point at a fixing point which is above the point at which first pulley 910 is affixed to the first leg exercise arm 401. As cable 909 winds around third pulley 912 it turns through an angle of approximately 180° such that it exits third pulley 912 in an exit direction towards the rear of exercise machine 100 opposite to its entry direction. Then cable 909 passes in a direction towards the back of exercise machine 100 passing around various further pulleys including the double pulley bracket 913 (see Figure 3) until its proximal end is connects near the rear of exercise machine 100 to the weight plates of adjustable weight stack 113 as described above. Pulley 910 and pulley 912 are capable of moving forwards and backwards with the first leg exercise arm 401 to which they are each affixed as the first leg exercise arm 401 itsself pivots forwards and backwards about its pivot 44 during leg exercise. Pulley 910 and pulley 911 are each mounted for rotation about a horizontal rotational axis. Pulley 912 is mounted for rotation about a vertical rotational axis. A front end of pulley 912 is connected to a pulley connection point 920 located to the backside of first leg exercise arm 401 about halfway up from the floor. In an operation of the leg extension exercise or the leg curl exercise as can be seen in Figures 4A and 4B and in Figures 5A and SB cable 909 pulls from its cable connection point 451 positioned at the lower end 450 of the second leg exercise arm 402 (see Figures 4A and 4B for example).

In an operation of the leg extension exercise or the leg curl exercise cable 909 does not pull from pulley connection point 920 located to the backside of first leg exercise arm 401. In an operation of the leg press exercise as can be seen in Figures 6A and 6B cable 909 pulls both from its from its cable connection point 451 positioned at the lower end 450 of the second leg exercise arm 402 and from a second pull point of pulley connection point 920 located to the backside of first leg exercise arm 401.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate the operation of the leg exercise machine to perform a leg extension exercise. Prior to performing this exercise, the removable foot plate attachment 420 (see Figures 6a to 6b) is removed from the first leg exercise arm 401. In a start position of the leg extension exercise shown in Figure 4A, the third leg exercise arm 403 is locked to the second leg exercise arm 402 by the locking pin 414 for performing the leg extension exercise. A user sits on the seat portion 130a with their legs engaging roll pad 408 facing forwards or lay on the seat member 130 with face facing upwards. He slides his feet under leg engaging roll pad 408 so that the leg engaging roll pad 408 engages with the ankles of the user's legs and the top of the user's feet. He then pushes his lower legs forwards from a bent to a straight position to rotate both the second exercise arm 402 and the third leg exercise arm 403 upwards (as shown in Figure 4B), thus pulling cable 909 which in turn pulls the double pulley bracket 913 (see Figure 3) downwards and finally lifting the weight plates of adjustable weight stack 113 upwards to provide the resistance. A curled front end 130c of the seat portion 130a is engaged under the user's knees during this exercise.

To perform a leg curl exercise, the second leg exercise arm 402 and the third leg exercise arm 403 are firstly unlocked by pulling out locking pin 414 (see for example Figure 4A) unlock the second leg exercise arm 402 with the third leg exercise arm 403. The third leg exercise arm 403 is then rotated upwards to a position where it is almost parallel to the seat member 130. The third leg exercise arm 413 is then locked with the second leg exercise arm 402 at its mentioned position where it is almost parallel to the seat member whereby locking pin 414 previously pulled out from its locking position as shown in Figure 4A for example is placed into a new locking position 555 position as shown in Figures 5A and 5B thereby whereby in its new locking position locking pin 414 fits through hole 456 the third leg exercise arm 403 and loop 457 affixed to the front of the second leg exercise arm 402. In a start position of the leg curl exercise, a user lies on the seat member 130 with his face facing downwardly, and puts his lower legs under and abutting the bottom of the roller pad 408. The user then bends his lower legs rearwards in a clockwise direction, pushing the third leg exercise arm 403 to rotate clockwise, thereby pulling cable 909 which is connected to the lower portion 402b of the second exercise arm 402. The cable 909 in turn pulls the double pulley bracket 913 downwards and finally lifts the weight plates of adjustable weight stack 113 upwards to provide the exercise resistance, as shown in Figure 5B.

Operation of the leg exercise machine to perform a leg press exercise is illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B. Figure 6A illustrates the exercise machine is a start or rest position.

Removable foot plate attachment 420 including foot plate 422 is mounted and secured in the hole opened in the top surface 401 c of the first leg exercise arm 401. The seat portion 130a of bench member 130 is slid rearward, and the back portion 130b of bench member is raised by sliding the rear support slide assembly 320 forwardly. The first cuff member 739 of the first carriage assembly 300 is locked to the second cuff member 744 of the second carriage assembly 320 by moving pull pin 557 into locking engagement with locking eye 559 of the first carriage assembly 300 whereby the first carriage assembly 300 and the second carriage assembly 320 are locked together such that they slide integrally up and down the strut 125 and can be integrally locked in a desired position on the strut 125 with the plunger 715 of the first cuff member 739. The distance between the seat portion 130a of the seat member 130 and the foot engaging plate 422 is adjustable by locking the seat portion 130a with the strut 125 at a different position according to a user's preference. In the configuration of the seat member 130 shown in Figures 6A -6B the first carriage assembly 300 and the second carriage assembly 320 are locked together such that the seat portion I 30a and the back portion 130b slide integrally up and down the strut 125. Adjusting the position of seat portion 130a of the seat member 130 by movement of plunger 715 and sliding of the carriage member 300 along the strut 125 integrally moves the seat portion 130a together with the back portion l3Ob such that the seat portion l3Oa and the back portion 130b of the seat member 130 move together with the seat member 130 positioned in a chair like configuration. The user sits on the seat portion I 30a which has been locked to the strut 125 with his back resting on and supported by the back portion 130b of the seat member 130. The user then lifts his thighs and bends his legs to allow his feet to engage with the foot engaging plate 422. The user then pushes the foot engaging plate 422 forwardly to force the first leg exercise arm 401 to rotate forwardly about the pivot axis 44, so that the first leg exercise arm 401 moves away from the user's body, as can be see from Figure 6b. The cable 909 is pulled which in lifts the weight plates of adjustable weight stack 113 upwards to provide the exercise resistance, as explained above and as shown in Figure 6b.

The second embodiment of the exercise machine in accordance with the present invention as shown in Figures 7A to 9 is generally similar to the first embodiment as described above with reference to Figures 3 to Figure 6B hereof where like reference numerals refer to like elements. In accordance with the second embodiment of this invention the second leg exercise device 430 has a second leg exercise arm 602 which differs from the second leg exercise arm 402 of the first embodiment. The second leg exercise arm 602 in accordance with the second embodiment has an upper portion 402a pivotally attached to the first leg exercise arm 401 for rotation about the second pivot axis 45 and the second leg exercise arm 602 extends downwards from its upper portion 402a in a substantially vertical direction towards the floor. The second leg exercise arm 602 in accordance with the second embodiment of this invention extends further downwardly towards the floor than does the second leg exercise arm 402 of the first embodiment having a lower portion 602b comprising a further exercise station comprising lower pull bracket 603 and lower pull clip 604. The roller pad 408 of the second embodiment is coupled to second leg exercise arm 602 whereas the roller pad 408 of the first embodiment is coupled to the third leg exercise arm 403. The third leg exercise arm 403 which is present in the first embodiment is absent in the second embodiment. The roller pad 408 of the second embodiment is coupled to a coupling position towards the lower end of second leg exercise arm 602 above lower portion 602b of second leg exercise arm 602. There is a different pulley arrangement of first leg exercise device 400 and second leg exercise device 430 for the second embodiment than for the first embodiment. In accordance with the second embodiment the pulleys include pulleys 605, 606, 607, 608 and 609. Pulley 605 is affixed to the lower portion 602b of second leg exercise arm 602. Pulley 606 is affixed to the lower end 401a of the first leg exercise arm 401. Pulley 607 is affixed to strut 612. Strut 612 extends between the front end 125b of strut 125 and an upper portion 126f of front support leg 126. Pulley 608 is affixed to first leg exercise arm 401 about halfway up from the floor. Pulley 609 is affixed to the upper portion 126f of front support leg 126 above the joint of strut 612 with front support leg 126. In this second embodiment of the subject invention the second distal end of cable 909 near the front of exercise machine 100 is coupled to stop ball 614 which engages with a front side of the Lower portion 602b of the second leg exercise arm 602. From its start point coupled to stop ball 614, cable 909 runs around pulley 605 exiting pulley 605 in a direction towards the rear of the exercise machine. Then cable 909 runs around pulley 606 exiting pulley 606 in a direction towards the rear of the exercise machine. Then cable 909 runs around pulley 607. As cable 909 runs around pulley 607 it turns through an angle of approximately 180° such that it exits pulley 607 in an exit direction towards the front of exercise machine 100 opposite to its entry direction. Then cable 909 runs around pulley 608. As cable 909 runs around pulley 608 it turns through an angle of approximately 180° such that it exits pulley 608 in an exit direction towards the rear of exercise machine 100 opposite to its entry direction. Then cable 909 runs around pulley 609 exiting pulley 609 in a direction towards the rear of the exercise machine and then cable 909 passes in a direction towards the rear of exercise machine 100 as for the first embodiment. In this second embodiment of the invention as shown in Figures 8A to 9 the foot plate attachment 420 comprises a footplate assembly 615 having a preacher pad 616 affixed to its front side and a footplate 617 affixed to its backside. The footplate assembly 615 has pivot plate 618 for pivoting the footplate assembly 615 on the removable upper mount assembly 421 which is in a form of a post. Pivot plate 618 comprises pivot 619 and hole 620 located on pivot plate 618 below pivot 619 as shown in Figures 8A and 8B hereof.

Also provided is pull pin 621 shown in Figures 7A to 8B mounted for storage on the front side of the first leg exercise arm 401. Also provided as shown in Figure 9 is handlebar assembly 622 which comprises chain 623 having openable chain link 624 at one end and openable chain link 625 at the opposite end. Releasably locked to openable chain link 625 is handle 626. As shown in Figure 9 handlebar assembly 622 has its openable chain link 624 releasably locked to lower pull clip 604 of the lower portion 602b of the second leg exercise arm 602 whereby handlebar assembly 622 is connected to the exercise resistance. Starting with the exercise machine in its configuration shown in 8A we describe how a user changes the configuration of the exercise machine for carrying out the preacher curl exercise. The user removes pull pin 621 from its storage position, rotates the footplate assembly 615 upwardly and backwardly in a clockwise direction about its pivot 619 and locks it in its most clockwise position as shown in Figure 9 by pushing pull pin 621 such that it fits into hole 620 as shown in Figure 9.

Using the exercise machine in its configuration shown in Figure 9 the user can perform the preacher curl exercise by sitting on seat portion 130a with elbows resting on preacher pad 616 and pulling on handle 626 of the preacher curl assembly 622 against the exercise resistance thereby performing the preacher curl exercise.

Features of the parent application include: 1. An exercise machine for performing at least two different types of leg exercises, comprising: a frame; a seat coupled to the frame for seating a user during exercise; a first leg exercise device pivotally mounted on the frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, the first leg exercise device being configured to perform a first leg exercise; a second leg exercise device pivotally attached to the first leg exercise arm for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced above the first pivot axis, the second leg exercise device being configured to perform a second leg exercise; a foot engaging device releasably mounted on the first leg exercise device, the foot engaging device having a foot engaging part which is located above the seat for being engaged by a user's feet when performing the first leg exercise; and an exercise resistance coupled to said first leg exercise device and said second leg exercise device to provide a resistance when a user performs the first or the second exercise.

2. An exercise machine according to feature 1, wherein the first leg exercise device comprises a first leg exercise arm and the second leg exercise device comprises a second leg exercise arm.

3. An exercise machine according to feature 2, wherein the second leg exercise device comprises a third leg exercise arm pivotally coupled onto the second leg exercise arm, the second leg exercise device being configured to perform a third leg exercise.

4. An exercise machine according to feature 3, wherein the third leg exercise arm is releasably locked to the second leg exercise arm.

5. An exercise machine according to any preceding feature, wherein the first leg exercise is a leg press exercise, and the second leg exercise is a leg extension exercise.

6. An exercise machine according to any of features 3 to 5, wherein the first leg exercise is a leg press exercise, the second leg exercise is a leg extension exercise and the third leg exercise is a leg curl exercise.

7. An exercise machine according to any preceding feature, said seat having a seat portion and a back portion wherein the seat portion is fixed to the frame and the back portion is pivotally coupled to the frame so that the orientation of the back portion of the

seat is adjustable.

8. An exercise machine according to feature 7 said a foot engaging device further comprising a foot engaging part support member, wherein the foot engaging part is moveable backwardly and forwardly along said a foot engaging part support member for adjusting the distance between said seat and said foot engaging part.

9. A bench exercise machine comprising an adjustable bench, a frame having a bench support member, and a carriage assembly which is slidable along said bench support member, wherein the adjustable bench is coupled to the bench support member by said carriage assembly.

10. A bench exercise machine according to feature 9 wherein said adjustable bench comprises a seat portion and a backrest portion pivotally coupled to each other.

11. A bench exercise machine according to feature 10 wherein said carriage assembly comprises a first carriage member having a first cuffing portion slidably coupled to the bench support member, wherein the backrest portion of said bench is pivotally coupled to said first carriage member and wherein said adjustable bench can be moved backwards and forwards by sliding the first carriage member along the bench support member.

12. A bench exercise machine according to any one of features 9-1 1 wherein said carriage assembly comprises a second carriage member having a second cuffing portion slidably coupled to the bench support member, said carriage assembly further comprising a connecting member having a first end and a second end wherein the backrest portion of said bench is pivotally coupled to the first end of said connecting member and wherein said second carriage member is pivotally coupled to the second end of said connecting member and wherein said backrest portion of said adjustable bench can be raised and lowered by sliding the second carriage member along the bench support member.

13. A bench exercise machine according to any one of features 9-12 wherein said carriage assembly comprises a third carriage member having a support leg pivotally connected to the seat portion of the adjustable bench for adjusting the orientation of the seat portion.

14. A bench exercise machine according to feature 12 when depending from feature 11 wherein said first and second carriage members can be releasably coupled together to form an integral carriage member whereby the backrest portion of said adjustable bench is raised such that said adjustable bench is configured as a chair whereby the chair can be moved forwardly and backwardly when said integral carriage member is slid along the bench support member.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A bench exercise machine comprising an adjustable bench having a seat portion and a backrest portion pivotally coupled to each other, a frame having a bench support member, and a carriage assembly, wherein said carriage assembly comprises a first carriage member slidably coupled to the bench support member for moving the seat portion of the adjustable bench backwards and forwards wherein said carriage assembly comprises a second carriage member slidably coupled to the bench support member for changing the orientation of said backrest portion of said adjustable bench, wherein said first and second carriage members can be releasably coupled together to form an integral carriage member whereby the backrest portion of said adjustable bench is raised such that said adjustable bench is configured as a chair, and the backrest portion and the seat portion of the adjustable bench can be moved forwardly and backwardly together when said integral carriage member is slid along the bench support member.
2. A bench exercise machine according to claim I wherein the backrest portion of said bench is pivotally coupled to said first carriage member and wherein said adjustable bench can be moved backwards and forwards by sliding the first carriage member along the bench support member.
3. A bench exercise machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first carriage member comprises a first cuffing portion slidably coupled to the bench support member.
4. A bench exercise machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said second carriage member has a second cuffing portion slidably coupled to the bench support member, said carriage assembly further comprising a connecting member having a first end and a second end wherein the backrest portion of said bench is pivotally coupled to the first end of said connecting member and wherein said second carriage member is pivotally coupled to the second end of said connecting member and wherein said backrest portion of said adjustable bench can be raised and lowered by sliding the second carriage member along the bench support member.
5. A bench exercise machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said carriage assembly comprises a third carriage member having a support leg pivotally connected to the seat portion of the adjustable bench for adjusting the orientation of the seat portion.
6. A bench exercise machine according to any preceding claim, wherein at least part of said bench support member is inclined towards a floor.
7. A bench exercise machine according to any preceding claim, wherein said seat portion of the adjustable bench is positioned closer to the front of the bench exercise machine than the backrest portion of the adjustable bench, and wherein said bench support member comprises a first substantially horizontal portion and a second portion which is inclined towards a floor, the first substantially horizontal portion is located closer to the front of the bench exercise machine than the second portion of the bench support member, and the first substantially horizontal portion and the second portion of the bench support member being is formed as an integral.
8. A bench exercise machine according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a first leg exercise device pivotally mounted on the frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, the first leg exercise device being configured to perform a first leg exercise; a second leg exercise device pivotally attached to the first leg exercise arm for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced above the first pivot axis, the second leg exercise device being configured to perform a second leg exercise; a foot engaging device releasably mounted on the first leg exercise device, the foot engaging device having a foot engaging part which is located above the seat for being engaged by a user's feet when performing the first leg exercise; and an exercise resistance coupled to said first leg exercise device and said second leg exercise device to provide a resistance when a user performs the first or the second exercise.
9. A bench exercise machine according to claim 8, wherein the first leg exercise device comprises a first leg exercise arm and the second leg exercise device comprises a second leg exercise arm.
10. A bench exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein the second leg exercise device comprises a third leg exercise arm pivotally coupled onto the second leg exercise arm, the second leg exercise device being configured to perform a third leg exercise.
11. A bench exercise machine according to claim 10, wherein the third leg exercise arm is releasably locked to the second leg exercise arm.
12. A bench exercise machine according to any of preceding claims 8 to 11, wherein the first leg exercise is a leg press exercise, and the second leg exercise is a leg extension exercise.
13. An exercise machine according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first leg exercise is a leg press exercise, the second leg exercise is a leg extension exercise and the third leg exercise is a leg curl exercise.
14. An exercise machine according to any of claims 8 to 13 said foot engaging device further comprising a foot engaging part support member, wherein the foot engaging part is moveable backwardly and forwardly along said a foot engaging part support member for adjusting the distance between said seat and said foot engaging part.
15. An exercise machine substantially as described hereinabove with reference to Figures 3 to 6B or the Figures 7A to 9 of the accompanying drawings..