Dual action weight machine with selective resistance

Abstract

An exercise machine having: (a) a frame; (b) a pair of weight stacks connected to opposite sides of the frame; (c) a pair of vertically movable pulley carriages connected to a front portion of the frame; (d) a barbell assembly connected to a rear portion of the frame; (e) a pair of arm cables, wherein each of the arm cables is connected to one of the pulley carriages and routed through a first series of pulleys such that the weight stacks are lifted as the arm cables are pulled through the pulley carriages by a user; and (f) a pair of barbell cables, wherein each of the barbell cables is connected to one of the vertically movable bar mounts and routed through a second series of pulleys such that the weight stacks are lifted as the barbell is lifted by the user.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 395,112, filed August 4, 2022, having the same title, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to exercise machines, and to exercise machines of the type having exercise bars that are guided in two directions to simulate free weight barbell exercise movements. The present application also relates to cable pull exercise machines. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention system combines a guided bar exercise machine (hereinafter referred to as a “2D Smith machine”) with a dual cable pull exercise machine, providing the advantages of both machines in a single exercise machine frame. One advantage of the present invention system is that it is isometric for both the 2D Smith machine and the two cable pull exercise assembly (i.e., it uses weight stacks rather than free weights). A particular advantage of the present invention system is that the cable pull exercise machine and the 2D Smith exercise machine portions of the present device share the same weight stack.

[0005] In optional embodiments, the present invention system is provided as a 2D Smith machine only, with the arm cable exercise portion removed. Different wiring systems illustrating these embodiments are described.

[0006] In one preferred aspect, the pulley assembly is configured such that the barbell lifts 100% of the selected weight in the weight stack, while the cable pulleys lift only 50% of the selected weight in the weight stack. In alternative embodiments, the barbell lifts 50% of the selected weight in the weight stack. However, it should be understood that other configurations and weight percentages are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention system. In particular, different weight resistances can be provided to the barbell and to the cable pulleys based solely on the arrangement of the various pulleys within the present invention system.

[0007] A 2D Smith machine, such as taught by Randall Webber in U.S. Patent 7,713,179, has a fixed rack position for the barbell and an adjustable "safety level" that ensures the barbell cannot accidentally fall on the user by providing a bottom height below which the barbell cannot fall. Thus, 2D Smith machines are popular for both doing squats and doing bench presses. Typically, 2D Smith machines provide a frame with a guard or latch that prevents the barbell from falling below a preset bottom height. This has the benefit of providing a more natural weightlifting experience. As will be shown, the present exercise device provides all of these benefits. Specifically, using the present system, a user can move the barbell back and forth (horizontally) while also lifting the bar (vertically). This helps the user develop balance while also developing their strength in training different muscle groups.

[0008] In a preferred aspect, the present system includes a gym machine comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a pair of weight stacks connected to opposite sides of the frame; (c) a pair of vertically movable pulley carriages connected to a front portion of the frame; (d) a barbell assembly connected to a rear portion of the frame, wherein the barbell assembly comprises: (i) a barbell, (ii) a vertically movable bar mount supporting each end of the barbell, and (iii) a vertically movable locking mechanism for setting a bottom height for the vertically movable bar mount; (e) a pair of arm cables, wherein each of the arm cables is connected to one of the pulley carriages and routed through a first series of pulleys such that upon pulling a free end of the arm cable through the pulley carriage by a user, the weight stacks are lifted; and (f) a pair of barbell cables, wherein a free end of each of the barbell cables is connected to one of the vertically movable bar mounts and routed through a second series of pulleys such that upon the barbell being lifted by the user, the weight stacks are lifted.

[0009] Preferably, the vertically movable locking mechanism comprises: a vertically movable lower stop on which the bar mount rests; a draw pin assembly connected to the lower stop; and a frame member having a series of vertical holes sized to receive the draw pin therein. In operation, a user rotates the barbell to release the draw pin, thereby allowing the vertical height of the lower stop (which sets the bottom height below which the barbell cannot fall) to be adjusted. Also preferably, during vertical lifting, the barbell can be moved in a horizontal direction on the frame. This provides the benefit of a more natural workout (as opposed to more traditional Smith machines that only allow the barbell to move straight up and down in a constrained, typically vertical plane).

[0010] Preferably, the vertically movable pulley carriages are each mounted to a vertically extending carriage support that is independently rotatable about a vertical axis. A benefit of this rotation is that it allows the user to pull on the arm cable from various directions, thereby providing exercise for more of the user's muscles.

[0011] In a preferred aspect, both the arm cable and the barbell cable can be routed through a transfer pulley assembly that moves in a way such that pulling on either the arm cable or the barbell cable causes the weight stack to be lifted to a different height. This geared use of the transfer pulley assembly has the advantage of using the same weight stack for two very different exercises, where the user typically lifts two different amounts of weight. In one particular embodiment, the placement of the transfer pulley assembly causes the user to lift half the load when performing a cable arm pull as compared to when performing a barbell curl. However, it should be understood that other geometries and percentages can be used instead, all within the scope of the present invention.

[0012] In an optional aspect where the arm cable exercise portion of the device is removed, the present system includes a fitness machine comprising: (a) a frame; (b) a pair of weight stacks connected to opposite sides of the frame; (c) a barbell assembly connected to a rear portion of the frame, the barbell assembly comprising: (i) a barbell, (ii) a vertically movable bar mount supporting each end of the barbell, and (iii) a vertically movable locking mechanism for setting a floor height for the vertically movable bar mount; and (d) a pair of barbell cables, wherein each of the barbell cables is connected to one of the vertically movable bar mounts and routed through a second series of pulleys such that the weight stacks are lifted when the barbell is lifted by the user.

[0013] In a further optional embodiment, a chin-up assembly can be mounted onto the front of the frame and can include a pair of flip-and-grip handles. As such, a user is able to do barbell exercises, cable arm pull exercises, and chin-up exercises on the same fitness machine frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the present 2D Smith machine fitness machine with forward-facing dual cable column exercise carriages.

[0015] Figure 2 is a side view of the fitness machine corresponding to Figure 1 .

[0016] Figure 3 is a front view of the fitness machine corresponding to Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 4 is a rear view of the exercise machine corresponding to Figure 1

[0018] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the exercise machine corresponding to Figure 1

[0019] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the exercise machine of Figure 1 with elements of the device removed to show the operation and layout of the cables.

[0020] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the left side of the exercise machine corresponding to Figure 6

[0021] Figure 8 is a side view of the left side of the exercise machine corresponding to Figure 6

[0022] Figure 9 is a close-up perspective view of the locking mechanism for the barbell.

[0023] Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but taken from the other side of the device.

[0024] Figure 11 is a simplified illustration of the wiring of the exercise machine of Figures 1 to 10

[0025] Figure 12 is a side view of a first embodiment of the exercise machine of the invention with the arm cable exercise portion of the machine removed.

[0026] Figure 13 is a front perspective view of the exercise machine of Figure 12

[0027] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of the exercise machine of Figure 12 with elements of the device removed to show the operation and layout of the cables.

[0028] Figure 15 is a side view of a second embodiment of the exercise machine of the invention with the arm cable exercise portion of the machine removed.

[0029] Figure 16 is a front perspective view of the exercise machine of Figure 15

[0030] Figure 17 is a front perspective view of the exercise machine of Figure 15 with elements of the device removed to show the operation and layout of the cables.

[0031] Figure 18 is​​​​​​​Figures 15 to 17 A simplified diagram of the wiring for a fitness machine.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a simplified diagram of an alternative wiring system for 50% of the selected weight in the weight stack of the weightlifting bar. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figures 1 to 5 Various views of the combined Smith-type exercise and arm-pulling fitness device of the present invention are shown. Figures 6 to 8 Show details of the preferred cabling system (with various system components removed for clarity). Figure 9 and 10 A preferred embodiment of a locking mechanism for presetting the lowest vertical travel point of a weightlifting bar is described. Figure 11 explain Figures 1 to 10 Wiring layout in fitness equipment. Figures 12 to 17 This describes an optional preferred embodiment of the present invention system that has only a Smith-style fitness machine and not an arm-pulling fitness machine. Figure 18 Explain the wiring layout in a fitness machine when the arm-pulling part of the machine has been omitted. Finally, Figure 19 This demonstrates an alternative wiring method where the weightlifting bar is replaced with only 50% of the selected weight in the weight stack.

[0034] Reference Appendix Figures 1 to 10 The present invention provides a combined Smith machine, a cable arm puller, and a pull-up machine, all within a single integrated frame, as follows.

[0035] The fitness equipment 10 includes a frame 20, a pair of weight stacks 30 on opposite sides of the frame 10, and a pair of vertically movable pulley brackets 40 mounted to the front of the frame 10, as shown. It also includes a lifting bar assembly 50, which includes a lifting bar 52, a vertically movable bar mount 54 supporting each end of the lifting bar 52, and a vertically movable locking mechanism 56 for setting the bottom travel height of the vertically movable bar mount 54. It also includes a pair of arm cables 60, each of which is connected to one of the pulley brackets 40 and passes around a first series of pulleys 70, such that the weight stacks 30 are lifted when the user pulls the free end of the arm cable 40 through the pulley bracket 40. Additionally, a pair of lifting bar cables 80 are provided. The free end of each of the lifting bar cables 80 is connected to one of the vertically movable bar mounts 54 and passes around a second series of pulleys 90, such that the weight stacks 30 are lifted when the lifting bar 52 is lifted by the user.

[0036] In a preferred aspect, the vertically movable locking mechanism 56 comprises a vertically movable lower stop 57 upon which the bar mounting 54 rests, a draw pin assembly 58 connected to the lower stop 57, and a frame member 59 having a series of vertical holes dimensioned to receive a draw pin therein. In operation, rotation of the weight bar 52 releases the draw pin 53 in the draw pin assembly 58, thereby allowing vertical adjustment of the height of the lower stop. This can be achieved by a flange 51 on the weight bar 52 engaging the draw pin assembly 58 as the weight bar 52 is rotated.

[0037] As can also be seen, one end 81 of the weight bar cable 80 is connected to one of the bar mounting 54. The other free end 83 is connected to the lower stop 57. Thus, when a user lifts the weight bar 52, the free end 81 of the cable 80 is lifted and the cable 80 is thereby pulled tight, in turn lowering the transfer pulley assembly 100. This in turn has the effect of pulling on the cable 60, which in turn lifts the weight stack 30. As can be seen, one of each of the arm cable 60 and the weight bar cable 80 is disposed on either side of the frame. In the present system, there is no need for the cables to pass from one side of the frame to the other. This has the beneficial effect of keeping the central space of the frame 10 open for the user to exercise in.

[0038] Preferably, the vertically movable pulley carriages 40 are each mounted to a vertically extending carriage support 42 that is rotatable about a vertical axis. This allows the user to pull on the cable 60 from various angles, thereby exercising different parts of the user's arms and back.

[0039] In a preferred aspect, the weight bar 52 and the weight bar assembly 50 are movable in a horizontal direction on the frame. This allows the user to exercise different parts of the user's arms and back by pulling on the cable 60 from various angles. Figure 1 , 5 and 9, where the weight bar 52 and the weight bar assembly 50 are supported on a vertical member 110, which in turn is movable back and forth in a horizontal direction along a horizontal member 120.

[0040] One of each of the arm cable 60 and the weight bar cable 80 is routed around the transfer pulley assembly 100, as shown. In a preferred aspect, the positioning of the pulleys 70 and 90 and the transfer pulley assembly 100 is configured so that the vertical height of the transfer pulley assembly 100 remains constant when pulling on the arm cable 60 to lift the weight stack 30, but the vertical height of the transfer pulley assembly 100 changes when pulling on the weight bar cable 80 to lift the weight stack 30. Thus, pulling the arm cable 60 and the weight bar cable 80 equal distances results in the weight stack 30 moving different distances. For example, pulling the arm cable 60 a distance of X inches lifts the weight stack a distance of ½ X inches, while pulling the weight bar cable 80 the same distance of X inches lifts the weight stack a distance of X inches.

[0041] Figure 11 is a simplified illustration of the wiring of the exercise machine of Figures 1 to 10

[0042] In another preferred aspect, a pull-up assembly 150 is mounted to the front of the frame 10. The pull-up assembly 150 can optionally include a pair of flip and grip handles 152.

[0043] Figures 12 to 17 An embodiment of the exercise machine of the present application is shown, but with the optional cable arm exerciser portion removed. Figures 12 to 14 A first embodiment is shown that can optionally have a cable arm exerciser added to it (by replacing the shown cables with longer cables at a later time), and Figures 15 to 17 A second embodiment is shown in which a cable arm exerciser cannot be added to it. Figures 15 to 17 Illustrating the simplicity of the wiring of the 2D Smith portion of the exercise device in this particular embodiment. Figure 18 is a simplified illustration of the wiring of the exercise machine of Figures 15 to 17 . Finally, Figure 19 is an alternative wiring system similar to Figure 18 , but in which the weight stack is lifted instead by only 50% of the selected weight.​

Claims

1. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a pair of weight stacks connected to opposite sides of the frame; a pair of vertically movable pulley carriages connected to a front portion of the frame; a barbell assembly connected to a rear portion of the frame, the barbell assembly comprising: a barbell, a vertically movable bar mount supporting each end of the barbell, a vertically movable locking mechanism for setting a floor height for the vertically movable bar mount, a vertical member supporting the barbell, and a horizontal member along which the vertical member supporting the barbell is movable in a horizontal direction; a pair of arm cables, wherein each of the pair of arm cables is connected to a respective one of the pair of vertically movable pulley carriages and is routed through a first series of pulleys such that upon pulling the pair of arm cables by a user through the pair of vertically movable pulley carriages, the pair of weight stacks are correspondingly lifted; and a pair of barbell cables, wherein each of the pair of barbell cables is connected to a respective one of the vertically movable bar mounts and is routed through a second series of pulleys such that upon the barbell being lifted by the user, the pair of weight stacks are correspondingly lifted.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the vertically movable locking mechanism comprises: a vertically movable lower stop on which a corresponding vertically movable bar mount rests, a draw pin assembly connected to the vertically movable lower stop, and a frame member having a series of vertical holes sized to receive a draw pin in the draw pin assembly.

3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein rotation of the barbell releases the draw pin in the draw pin assembly, thereby allowing adjustment of the vertical height of the vertically movable lower stop.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3, further comprising a flange on the barbell that engages the draw pin assembly when the barbell is rotated.

5. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein one end of each of the pair of barbell cables is respectively connected to one of the vertically movable bar mounts.

6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the pair of vertically movable pulley carriages are respectively mounted to a pair of vertically extending carriage supports rotatable about a vertical axis.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the barbell assembly including the barbell is movable in a horizontal direction on the frame.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the pair of arm cables and the pair of barbell cables are respectively disposed on the opposite sides of the frame.

9. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a pair of transfer pulley assemblies, wherein the pair of arm cables and the pair of barbell cables are respectively routed through the pair of transfer pulley assemblies.

10. The exercise machine of claim 9, wherein a vertical height of the pair of transfer pulley assemblies remains constant when the pair of arm cables are pulled to correspondingly lift the pair of weight stacks.

11. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein the vertical height of the transfer pulley assembly pair changes when the barbell cable pair is pulled to correspondingly lift the weight stack pair.

12. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein pulling one of the arm cable pair and a corresponding one of the barbell cable pair an equal distance results in the corresponding weight stack moving different distances.

13. The exercise machine of claim 12 wherein: pulling one of the arm cable pair a distance X lifts the corresponding weight stack a distance ½ X and pulling the corresponding one of the barbell cable pair the distance X lifts the corresponding weight stack the distance X.

14. The exercise machine of claim 1 further comprising: a chin-up assembly mounted to a front of the frame.

15. The exercise machine of claim 14 wherein the chin-up assembly includes a pair of underhand grip handles.

16. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein movement of the arm cable pair through the vertically movable pulley carriage pair correspondingly lifts the weight stack pair.

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