WO2001060462A9

WO2001060462A9 - Combination incline exercise machine

Info

Publication number: WO2001060462A9
Application number: PCT/US2001/040111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary Allen Jones
Original assignee: Brunswick Corp
Priority date: 2000-02-16
Filing date: 2001-02-14
Publication date: 2003-02-20
Also published as: WO2001060462A3; WO2001060462A2; AU2001251693A1

Abstract

A combination incline exercise machine (100) includes a base structure (102) that defines an exercise position (116). A lever (154, 254) is provided on the base structure (102) for pivotal movement about an axis (150, 250). The axis (150, 250) is located between opposite end portions of the lever (154, 254). A handle (164, 264) is associated with the lever (154, 254) so as to be engaged by an exerciser to move the handle (164, 254) about the axis (150, 250) in an upward direction to a raised position and in a downward direction toward to a lowered position. A first connector (159, 259) is provided on one end portion of the lever (154, 254) to apply selectively a first resistance against movement of the handle (164, 264) in the upward direction. A second connector (158, 258) is provided on the opposite end portion of the lever (154, 254) to apply selectively a second resistance against movement of the handle (164, 264) in the download direction.

Description

COMBINATION INCLINE EXERCISE MACHINE

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to exercise machines and more particularly to an exercise machine that allows performance of exercise motions against a selected weight resistance in either a pushing or a pulling motion. Related Art

Various exercise machines for strength training are known. Applicant has invented and developed a number of weight training exercise machines designed to accommodate more naturally the musculoskeletal structure of the human body with respect to the performance of particular muscular movement. These inventions are shown and described in the following U.S. Patents: Patent No. 5,044,631 entitled "Decline Press Exercise Machine" issued 9/3/91; Patent No. 5,044,632 entitled "Dumbbell Press Exercise Machine" issued 9/3/91; Patent No. 5,050,873 entitled "Pulldown Exercise Machine" issued 9/24/91; Patent No. 5,066,003 entitled "Leg Curl Exercise Machine" issued 11/19/91; Patent No. 5,066,004 entitled "Leg Extension Exercise Machine" issued 11/19/91; Patent No. 5,106,080 entitled "Leg Press Exercise Machine" issued 10/21/95; Patent No. 5,125,881 entitled "Rear Deltoid Exercise Machine" issued 6/30/92; Patent No. 5,135,449 entitled "Rowing Exercise Machine" issued 8/4/92; Patent No. 5,135,456 entitled "Low Row Exercise Machine" issued 8/4/92; Patent No. 5,171,198 entitled "Lateral Raise Exercise Machine" issued 12/15/92; Patent No. 5,180,354 entitled "Rotary Cuff Exercise Machine" issued 1/19/93; Patent No. 5,181,896 entitled "Incline Press Exercise Machine" issued 1/26/93; Patent No. 5,273,504 entitled "Behind the Neck Pulldown Exercise Machine" issued 12/28/93; Patent-No. 5,273,505 entitled "High Row Exercise Machine" issued 12/28/93; Patent No. 5,554,084 entitled "Abdominal/Hip Flex Exercise Machine" issued 9/10/96; Patent No. 5,554,089 entitled "Military Press Exercise Machine" issued 9/10/96; Patent No. 5,554,090 entitled "Calf Exercise Machine" issued 9/10/96; and Patent No. RE35,470 (reissuance of Patent No. 5,181,896) entitled "Incline Press Exercise Machine" issued 3/4/97. Each of the above- referenced patents were invented by the same inventor of the present invention, and all are assigned to a common assignee.

Generally, the exercise machines shown and described in the foregoing patents include one or more rotatable levers which are engaged by an exerciser, usually by the hand or leg, to move the lever through an exercise plane which is oriented at certain angles or positions with respect to the torso of the body. The movement path of the lever is designed to minimize stress and discomfort on the musculoskeletal joints, while maximizing the muscular benefit achieved via performance of the exercise motion.

One of the above-identified U.S. patents, specifically U.S. Patent No. RE35,470 (reissuance of Patent No. 5,181,896) entitled "Incline Press Exercise Machine," relates to an exercise machine which enables an exerciser to perform a chest press exercise motion from a standing position or a seated position. When the exercise machine covered by this patent does not include the seat, and the exercise is performed from a standing position, the exerciser achieves additional muscular benefit in the stomach and upper leg muscles due to the need to stand and brace the weight of the body against the pushing motion. The standing version of the exercise machine covered by this patent has become particularly popular with football players who play on the offensive line, because the standing press motion mimics the motion used during pass blocking. While the same upper body muscles could be worked via performance of the same motion from a seated position, a more natural feel is achieved and abdominal and rear end muscles are more naturally worked via performance of this exercise from a standing position.

However, these strength training machines are generally directed to a specific exercise or to the development of a specific muscle group. As a result, the machines can generally only accommodate loading of weight resistance against one direction of movement. Consequently, a strength training machine allowing bi-directional weight resistance against exercise movement pushing against the weight resistance as well as pulling against the weight resistance is desirable. Exercise equipment having multiple stations have been developed to provide a variety of different exercise motions, including pushing and pulling exercise motions. Conventional "multi-station" equipment generally includes a large profile and is therefore typically not practical for home use. Multipurpose exercise equipment having a smaller floor profile is preferred. Moreover, conventional multipurpose exercise equipment generally does not include the benefit of standing during the performance of an exercise.

Traditionally, a number of health clubs have used wall mounted weighted pulleys to enable an exerciser to move a weight stack upwardly by moving a handle from the wall, with the exerciser being in a standing position during the movement. Depending upon the orientation of the exerciser with respect to the wall, the handle can either be pulled away from the wall toward the body, or pushed away from the body and the wall. In the former case, the exerciser would typically be standing in a position where he or she is facing the wall, while in the latter example, the exerciser would typically be standing in a position wherein he or she is facing outwardly from the wall. With either motion, the exerciser achieves some muscular benefit in the abdominal and gluteus muscles because the exercise pulling or pushing motion is performed from a standing position. Nevertheless, although this arrangement enables an exerciser to perform either a pushing or a pulling motion, it is not capable of being used for the performance of simultaneous pushing and pulling with opposite hands. Thus, the versatility of this type of device relates primarily to the ability of the exerciser to move the handle to a desired position and free space. But that versatility can also cause some problems because inexperienced exercisers or perhaps those rehabilitating an injury may have difficulty in confining and controlling the exercise movement within a desired path, because the handle will always be subject to a force vector directed straight toward the pulley at the top of the weight stack.

For various athletes involved in weight trailing via the use of exercise machines or devices of various types, it is common for the exerciser to use the machine or device to exercise a muscle group against a weight resistance via movement of an arm or leg in a first prescribed direction, and then to subsequently use reverse or opposite movement, to work the same muscle group in an opposite direction. In addition, exercise movements commonly referred to as negatives may also be performed. A negative involves adding resistance to the exercise beyond what the exerciser could normally handle in a positive direction, but which is moved by the exerciser in the opposite direction to the starting point of the exercise. Typically, the performance of "negatives" is done with the assistance of one or more other exercisers, or "spotters" who may actually apply manual resistance to the machine or device to prevent its movement back to its normal at rest position. Although the muscular benefits achieved via the performance of "negatives" can play an important role in the muscular development of an athlete, the manual application of resistance to an exercise machine or device by one or more spotters can create a dangerous situation, or it can increase wear and tear on the exercise machine or device. Even if negative resistance is applied by an experienced spotter, maximum muscular benefit may not be achieved due to inconsistency in the application of the negative resistance. In other words, most exercise machines or devices are simply not adapted for performance of "negatives."

Although some specific rehabilitation equipment improves upon the degree of control of the application of "negative resistance," such machines are usually quite bulky and fairly expensive due to this inclusion of various electronic controls such as timers, resistance measuring devices, etc. Thus, while such machines are helpful for an athlete performing a specific exercise for a specific muscle group during rehabilitation, such devices are not versatile enough or simply too expensive to be purchased for everyday use in a weight training or exercise facility.

With the increased awareness of the benefits of strength and ca'diovascular training, more individuals are turning to strength training machines as a means to assist in the recovery from an illness or injury. In addition, more individuals are using exercise equipment for physical and occupational therapy. As a result, there remains a need for exercise equipment capable of enhancing rehabilitation through the use of exercises that provide controlled pushing and pulling exercises. In order to be useful for physical and occupational therapy, such equipment should also permit those wheelchair bound individuals access to the benefits of exercise equipment that permits pushing and pulling exercise motions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description and drawings that follow, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention. Additional advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the elements of the apparatus and method described.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a new and useful exercise machine is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the combination incline exercise machine includes a base structure that defines an exercise station for an exerciser. A lever is provided on the base structure for pivotal movement about an axis. The axis is located between opposite end portions of the lever. A handle is associated v>ith the lever and is positioned proximate a first side of the exercise station so as to be engaged by the exerciser to move the handle about the axis in an upward direction toward a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position. A first connector is provided on one end portion of the lever to apply selectively a first resistance against movement of the handle in the upward direction. A second connector is provided on the opposite end portion of the lever to apply selectively a second resistance against movement of the handle in the downward direction.

Another aspect of the invention includes a base structure defining an exercise station for an exerciser having a first side and a second side. A first lever is provided on the base structure proximate the first side of the exercise station for pivotal movement about a first axis. A second lever is provided on the base structure proximate the second side of the exercise station for pivotal movement about a second axis. The first lever and the second lever each have a handle associated therewith, with the handle for the first lever being positioned proximate the first side of the exercise station so as to be engaged by the exerciser to move the handle about the first axis in an upward direction toward a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position. The handle for the second lever is positioned proximate the second side of the exercise station so as to be engaged by the exerciser to move the handle about the second axis in an upward direction toward a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position. A first means for applying resistance against pivotal movement by the exerciser of the first lever is provided to resist movement selectively in either of the upward direction and the downward direction. A second means for applying a resistance against pivotal movement by the exerciser of the second level to resist movement selectively in either of the upward direction and the downward direction is also provided.

In the present invention, the axes on which the levers pivot are angled either horizontally, vertically, or both. The angle of the axes allow the levers to pivot in a converging or diverging motion with respect to the mid-plane of the exercise machine, creating a more natural exercise motion as compared to conventional exercise machines.

The present invention comprises a combination incline exercise machine that permits positive/reverse exercise motion for opposite sides of the body, from a standing position or from a seated position such as in a wheelchair, so that an exerciser may exercise the same muscle groups on opposite sides of the body via positive and reverse motions along prescribed exercise motion paths such that the muscle groups on one side of the body can be exercised following which the muscle groups of the other side of the body can be exercised. Advantageously, when observed, the present invention also permits simultaneous exercise of the same muscle groups on opposite sides of the body positively and then reversely. Additionally, the exercise machine of the present invention also permits simultaneous positive/reverse exercise motion for opposite sides of the body.

Because the combination incline exercise machine of this invention is particularly suitable for use by an exerciser in the standing position, or a standing mode, in addition to upper body exercise the exerciser also achieves muscular benefit for the abdominal muscles and gluteus muscles. Additionally, by performing the pushing and the pulling exercise motions from a standing position, the exerciser is able to improve his or her balance.

Moreover, the novel invention disclosed herein allows performance of the pushing and the pulling motions either individually or simultaneously to create a twisting effect on the torso of the exerciser, particularly when in the standing mode, thereby to further achieve muscular benefit for the abdominal and mid-section muscles of the exerciser. Preferably, the planes of motion prescribed by the exercise machine of the present invention converge with respect to the forward facing direction of the exerciser, so that both the pushing and the pulling motions are performed along paths which more naturally accommodate the musculoskeletal structure of the human body.

Because of the particular physical arrangement of the exercise machine of this invention, which includes a frame made of two frame sections located on opposite sides of a midplane, with levers carried on either of the two frame sections that are capable of being selectively loaded to resist upward or downward movements, the exercise machine is particularly suitable for performing a pushing motion on one side of the machine while simultaneously performing a pulling motion on the opposite side. In effect, the pushing motion is the reverse motion or opposite of the pulling motion, and vice versa. When the pulling motion and pushing motion are performed simultaneously, the exerciser achieves the dual benefits of positive and opposite movement of the muscles of the muscle groups located on opposite sides of the body.

Because each separate side of the machine is specifically adapted for performing either a pushing or a pulling motion, a separate mirror image "pull/push" machine is used to perform pulling and pushing with the opposite hands. Thus, when used together, the exercise machine provides positive/opposite exercise motion for the muscle groups on both sides of the exerciser, for both the pulling and the pushing motions. In other words, the exercise machine accommodates both positive and reverse, or opposite, motion along the same relative prescribed motion paths. Therefore, by using the exercise machine, this invention minimizes the need for the use of spotters to manually apply physical resistance to an exercise machine in order for an exerciser to perform "reverse" exercises. Moreover, the exercise machine of this invention enables opposite or reverse motion to be performed in a relatively cost effective manner, because the machine itself is designed to be relatively simple from a structural standpoint, so that it is as easy to understand and use as other exercise machines typically used in a weight training facility. Because the paths of motion are prescribed by the exercise machine, these opposite exercise motions may be performed in a manner which does not increase wear and tear on the exercise machine or introduce a risk factor typically associated with manual application of reverse resistance to a pivotal lever.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and provided for purposes of explanation only, and are not restrictive of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a combination incline exercise machine constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, as viewed from the front right side of the exercise machine.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a combination incline exercise machine constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, as viewed from the front left side of the exercise machine.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a combination incline exercise machine constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, as viewed from the rear right side of the exercise machine.

Fig. 4 is a right side view of a representative embodiment of a combination incline exercise machine constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 is a left side view of a representative embodiment of a combination incline exercise machine constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a front view of a representative embodiment of a combination incline exercise machine constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a rear view of a representative embodiment of a combination incline exercise machine constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to a preferred embodiment of the combination incline exercise machine of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference characters will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The method of using the present invention will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the combination incline exercise machine. Structure Of The Combination Incline Exercise Machine

For purpose of illustration and not limitation, FIGS. 1-7 show a representative embodiment of the combination incline exercise machine of the present invention, which is designated generally by reference character 100. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the multi-function exercise machine 100 includes a base structure 102 constructed of steel components similar to applicant's prior patents, and as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Base structure 102 includes a first frame section 104 and a second frame section 105 located on opposites sides of a vertical midplane 16 (the midplane 16 is best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). The first and second frame sections 104, 105 and the midplane 16 define, or surround, an exercise position 116, as best shown in FIGS.l and 2. As illustrated in the preferred embodiment, no structure is present which would impede access to the exercise position by an individual in a wheelchair.

Structurally, the base structure 102 includes a connector assembly 118 that interconnects the first frame section 104 and the second frame section 105. Generally, the first frame section 104 and the second frame section 105 are similar in construction. The first frame section 104 includes a center support 126. A first angled upright 128 and a back angled upright 130 extend upwardly from the center support 126, thereby defining an enclosed triangle. This construction generally defines the base 132 of the first frame section 104. The base 132 also includes a forward support plate 136 and a rearward support plate 134.

The second frame section 105 resides opposite the first frame section 104 on the other side of the midplane 16. Generally, the second frame section 105 is constructed identically to the first frame section 104. Second frame section 105 includes a center support section 127. A first angled upright 129 and a back angled upright 131 extend upwardly from the center support 127, thereby defining an enclosed triangle. This construction generally defines the base 133 of the second frame section 105. The base 133 also includes forward support plate 137 and a rearward support plate 135.

Base 132 and base 133 are rigidly connected by forward connection 118 that extends generally perpendicularly between center support sections 126 and 127. Connector 118 includes a front cross beam 138 and a rear cross beam 140 connected at one end to a support pla".e 142 and at the other end to support plate 144. Support plate 142 is rigidly connected to center support 126 of first frame section 104 and support plate 144 is rigidly connected to center support 127 of frame section 105. An upper support bar 122 is provided that interconnects first frame section 104 and second frame section 105.

Above the base 132 of the first frame section 104, there is a structure generally referred to as a workbox 146. The workbox 146 includes internal and external uprights 148 A and 148B, respectively. The uprights 148A and 148B are rigidly connected to upper connector 122. An axle 150 extends between the uprights 148A and 148B and is rotatable with respect thereto via its mounting to internal and external bearings (not illustrated) carried in uprights 148 A and 148B, respectively. Axle 150 is aligned at a non perpendicular angle relative to the vertical midplane 16.

A lever, designated generally by reference numeral 154, rigidly connects to axle 150. The lever 154 preferably includes upper and lower angled members 154A and 154B, respectively, and an elongated member 154C which defines a triangle with the upper and lower members 154A and 154B. Upper member 154A and elongated member 154C are connected with support brace 160. Axle 150 extends through elongated member 154C and is rigidly connected thereto at approximately the midpoint between opposite ends of elongated member 154C. The lever 154 also includes an angled brace 156 extending between the axle 150 and angled members 154A and 154B, with the angled brace 156 being rigidly connected to axle 150 and member 154A. Alternatively, the axle 150 can be fixed and a bearing (not illustrated) provided in elongated member 154C and angled brace 156. At an end of the lever 154,-partkular?y at the end of member 154A, a handle 164 attaches thereto.

Although the handle 164 is designed for ergonomics and is illustrated as fixed to the member 154A, it is possible to provide handles with a quick release in a manner known in the art to allow alternate handles to be attached for performing different exercises. These quick release handles may also include handles or straps adapted to permit an exerciser to perform leg exercises.

Elongated number 154C also includes a first connector at one end in the form of a hub 158. The hub 158 is connected to elongated member 154C near front end 200. The hub 158 extends outwardly from the midplane 16 and is adapted to hold one or more weighted plates to provide a selectable weight resistance to the movement of the lever 154 in the downward direction. Similarly, elongated member 154B includes an outwardly extending hub 159. Hub 159 is constructed generally identically to hub 158 and is adapted to be used with a removable weighted plate for applying a selectable weight resistance against movement of the handle 164 in an upward direction. The handle 164 is approximately the same distance from hub 158 as the handle 164 is from hub 159. In the preferred embodiment, the variance of distance from handle 164 to hub 158 and the distance from handle 164 to hub 159 is no greater than 30%.

Lever 154 is configured so that the relative resistance to the upward movement of handle 164 when a certain weight is placed on hub 159 is approximately equal to the relative resistance to the downward movement of handle 164 when the same weight is placed on hub 158; that is, the relative resistance to either the upward or downward movement of handle 164 when a certain weight is placed on either hub 158 or hub 159, respectively, is no greater than 30%) different. In other words, the handle 164 provides approximately equal mechanical advantage in the pushing direction and in the pulling direction, and in the preferred embodiment, the difference in mechanical advantage between the pulling motion and the pulling motion is no greater than 30%. One of skill in the art will be able to determine, in view of this specification, how to configure the lever 154 so that relative resistance to either the upward or downward movement of handle 164 will be approximately equal when a given weight is placed on either hub 158 or hub 159, respectively.

Alternatively, the hubs 158 and 159 and associated weighted plate may be replaced with, or attached to, a cable or chain, with such cable or chain operatively attached to a weighted stack via one or more pulleys, including fixed or floating pulleys. When so configured, the lever 154 is adapted for applying a selectable weight resistance via the use of a weighted stack held by a pulley or chain. Such weighted stack/pulley/chain arrangement is known by those skilled in the art of exercise machines as a "selectorized" system.

As another alternative, electro-mechanical resistance may be applied to the axle 150 to simulate a weight stack. Such a system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,020,794 to Englehardt et al. Such an arrangement also permits an individual who may be wheelchair bound to utilize the machine for therapy by selecting a desired resistance and a desired start position. Electromechanical resistance could be selectively applied to provide resistance to movement of the level 154 in either the upward or downward direction.

As still another alternative, the lever 154 may be connected at the one end to hydraulic or pneumatic devices to apply selective loading in a manner well known in the art. Each of the foregoing described embodiments can be adapted to provide a first resistance to movement of the handle 164 in the downward direction and a second resistance to movement of the handle 164 in an upward direction. These means for providing resistance include the hub and weighted plate arrangement, the electromechanical resistance devices, hydraulic and pneumatic devices above.

The angled upright 130 includes a cushioning material 170 to absorb shock and prevent banging of the lever 154 when it is fully rotated in the upward direction. Similarly, member 154B includes a cushioning member 172, such as a resilient material, on its end face to prevent shock when the lever 154 is fully rotated in the downward direction.

The second frame section 105 resides opposite the first frame section 104, on the other side of the midplane 16 and is structured identically to first frame section 104. For identification purposes, different reference numerals will be used to identify structure of second frame section 105 corresponding to structure found in first frame section 104. The description of the relationship between the first frame section 104 applies equally to the structure and function of second frame section 105. The structure of the exercise machine on the opposite side of the midplane 16 includes the following: Workbox 246, internal and external upright 248A and 248B, axle 250; internal and external bearings (not illustrated) carried in uprights 248A and 248B respectively; lever 254; upper angled member 254A; lower angled member 254B; elongated member 254C; hubs 258 and 259; handle 264; cushioning members 270 and 272; angle brace 256; and support brace 260.

The description of the first frame section 104 as well as the movement of lever 154 and the ability to selectively apply resistance to movement of the lever 154 in either the upward and downward direction is identical to the structure and movement and resistance to movement regarding second frame section 105 and lever 254.

With respect to handles 164 and 264, the movement path of each of the handles corresponds to a vertical plane which converges toward the midplane 16 with respect to the upwardmost position of the handles 164 and 264. Thus when the handles are in their upwardmost positions, each of the handles 164, 264 are closer to the midplane than when they are in their downwardmost positions. This is best illustrated by the positions of handles 164, 264 relative to the midplane 16 in FIGS. 6 and 7. As illustrated, handle 164 in its downwardmost position is a greater lateral distance from the midplane than handle 264 which is in its upwardmost most position. This converging motion is provided by axle 150 and axle 250 being positioned at non-perpendicular angles relative to the vertical midplane 16. In the preferred embodiment, axles 150 and 250 are not parallel to the ground, rather they are angled downwardly from the outside to the inside of the machine. Alternatively, axles 150 and 250 may be parallel to the ground but be angled rearwardly such that the innermost portion of each axle is positioned farther from the front of the machine than the outermost portion of the axles, respectively. Thus, the axles 150 and 250 can be angled with respect to the vertical, with respect to the horizontal, or with respect to both the vertical and the horizontal. The angle of the axles creates movement of the levers that either diverges or converges with respect to the midplane 16 of the combination incline exercise machine. Operation Of The Multi-Purpose Exercise Machine

The operation of the combination incline exercise machine of the present invention will now be described, with particular reference to Fig. 1-7. In operation, the combination incline exercise machine of the present invention permits positive/reverse exercise motion for opposite sides of the body, from a standing position or from a seated position such as in a wheelchair, so that an exerciser may exercise the same muscle groups on opposite sides of the body via positive and reverse motions along prescribed exeicise motion paths such that the muscle groups on one side of the body can be exercised following which the muscle groups of the other side of the body can be exercised.

A positive, or pushing, exercise motion can be performed on ths combination incline exercise machine when an exerciser is positioned in exercise position 116 facing toward the machine. Levers 154 and 254 are both loaded for resistance to upward motion by placing a plate of a selected weight on hubs 159 and 259 respectively, or other methods and devices can be used to provide resistance. The exerciser then grasps each handle 164 and 264 respectively and pushes on both handles simultaneously in an upward motion. Alternately, the exerciser can push on either handle 164 or handle 264 independently.

A negative, or pulling, exercise motion can be performed on the combination incline exercise machine when an exerciser is positioned in exercise position 116 facing toward the machine. Levers 154 and 254 are both loaded for resistance to downward motion by placing a plate of a selected weight on hubs 158 and 258 respectively or other methods and devices can be used to provide resistance. The exerciser then grasps each handle 164 and 264 respectively and pulls on both handles simultaneously in a downward motion. Alternately, the exerciser can pull on either handle 164 or handle 264 independently.

A combination of the pushing and pulling exercise motions can be performed on the combination incline exercise machine when an exerciser is positioned in exercise position 116 facing toward the machine. Lever 154 is loaded by placing a plate of a selected weight on hub 159 for providing resistance to the movement of the lever 154 in the upward direction. Lever 254 is loaded by placing a plate of a selected weight on hub 258 for providing resistance to the movement of lever 254 in the downward direction. Each handle 164 and 264 is grasped and the exerciser pushes on handle 164 and simultaneously piills on handle 264. The loading on levers 154 and 264 may be reversed and the exercise repeated.

In view of the description above, it is evident that the present invention provides a combination incline exercise machine capable of a variety of functions not previously available. Although reference has been made to particular materials of construction, configurations and operations for the purpose of explanation, it is understood that alternatives are available. It also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the design and construction of the multi-function exercise machine without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:

1. A combination incline exercise machine comprising: a base structure defining an exercise station for an exerciser; a first lever provided on the base structure for pivotal movement about a first axis; a handle associated with the first lever, the handle associated with the first lever being positioned proximate a first side of the exercise station so as to be engaged by the exerciser to move the handle about the first axis in an upward direction toward a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position; a first connector provided on one end portion of the first lever to apply an effective first weight to create a first resistance against movement of the handle in the upward direction; and a second connector provided on the other end portion of the first lever to apply an effective second weight to create a second resistance against movement of the handle in the downward direction; wherein the first resistance is approximately equal to the second resistance when the effective first weight is approximately equal to the effective second weight.

2. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first connector and the second connector includes a support structure extending from the first lever to support the respect first effective weight or the second effective weight thereon.

3. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first connector includes a first support structure extending from one end portion of the first lever to support a support the first effective weight thereon, and the second connector includes a second support structure extending from another end portion of the first lever to support the second effective weight thereon.

4. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 1 , wherein the first lever is counterbalanced so as to be maintained selectively in either of the raised position and the lowered position when no resistance is selectively applied thereto.

5. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first axis is angled downward relative to horizontal toward the exercise station.

6. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the first axis is aligned at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a vertical midplane through the machine.

7. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the handle associated with the first lever is spaced vertically above the base structure a distance sufficient to be engaged by the exerciser at the exercise station in a generally standing position.

8. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising a second lever provided on the base structure for pivotal movement about a second axis; and a handle associated with the second lever, the handle for the second lever being positioned proximate a second side of the exercise station so as to be engaged by the exerciser to move the handle about the second axis in an upward direction toward a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position.

9. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the second lever moves independent of the first lever and the second axis is located between opposite end portions of the second lever, the combination incline exercise machine further including a first connector provided on one end portion of the second lever to apply an effective first weight to create a first resistance against movement of the handle in the upward direction, and a second connector provided on another end portion of the second lever to apply an effective second weight to create a second resistance against movement of the handle in the downward direction.

10. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 9, wherein each connector includes a support structure capable of supporting a weight selectively thereon.

11. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 10, wherein a vertical midplane is defined longitudinally through the exercise station between the first side and the second side, the first axis and the second axis each being aligned at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the vertical midplane.

12. A combination incline exercise machine comprising: a base structure defining an exercise station for an exerciser, the exercise station having a first side and a second side; a first lever provided on the base structure proximate the first side of the exercise station for pivotal movement about a first axis; a second lever provided on the base structure proximate the second side of the exercise station for pivotal movement about a second axis; the first lever and the second lever each having a handle associated therewith, the handle for the first lever being positioned proximate a first side of the exercise station so as to be engaged by the exerciser to move the handle about the first axis in an upward direction toward a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position, and the handle for the second lever being positioned proximate a second side of the exercise station so as to be engaged by the exerciser to move the handle about the second axis in an upward direction toward a raised position and in a downward direction toward a lowered position; first means for applying an effective weight to create resistance against pivotal movement by the exerciser of the first lever to resist movement selectively in either of the upward direction and the downward direction wherein the mechanical advantage of moving the first lever in the upward direction is approximately equal to the mechanical advantage of moving the first lever in the downward direction; and second means for applying an effective weight to create resistance against pivotal movement by the exerciser of the second lever to resist movement selectively in either of the upward direction and the downward direction wherein the mechanical advantage of moving the second lever in the upward direction is approximately equal to the mechanical advantage of moving the second lever in the downward direction.

13. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the first lever moves independent of the second lever.

14. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 12, wherein: the first axis is located between opposite end portions of the first lever and the first resistance applying means for the first lever includes a first connector provided on one end portion of the first lever to apply an effective weight to create a first resistance against movement of the lever in the upward direction, and a second connector provided on another end portion of the first lever to apply an effective weight to create a second resistance against movement of the handle in the downward direction; and further wherein the second axis is located between opposite end portions of the second lever and the second resistance applying means for the second lever includes a first connector provided on one end portion of the second lever to apply an effective weight to create a first resistance against movement of the lever in the upward direction, and a second connector provided on another end portion of the second lever to apply an effective weight to create a second resistance against movement of the handle in the downward direction.

15. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 14, wherein at least one of the first connector and the second connector of the first lever and the second lever, respectively, includes a support structure extending therefrom to support a weight selectively thereon.

16. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 14, wherein each connector includes a support structure capable of supporting a weight selectively thereon.

17. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 14, wherein the first lever and the second lever each is counterbalanced so as to be maintained selectively in either of the raised position and the lowered position when no resistance is selectively applied thereto.

18. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 12, wherein a vertical midplane is defined longitudinally through the exercise station between the first side and the second side, the first axis and the second axis each being aligned at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the vertical midplane.

19. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 18, wherein the first axis and the second axis each is angled downward relative to horizontal toward the exercise station.

20. The combination incline exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the handle associated with the first lever and the handle associated with the second lever each is spaced vertically above the base structure a distance sufficient to be engaged by the exerciser at the exercise station in a generally standing position.