Cable resistance system for exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device (100) may include a frame (102), a force resistance component mounted to the frame, and a cable-pulley system (104) mounted within the frame and attached to the force resistance component. The first end of a first cable is fixed to a first user exercise interface mounted to the frame. The second end of the first cable is restrained from movement in a first direction by a second user exercise interface mounted to the frame. A first mid- section of the first cable is coupled to the force resistance component via a first pulley. The first end of a second cable is restrained from movement in a second direction by the first user exercise interface. The second end of the second cable is restrained from movement in a third direction by a third user exercise interface mounted to the frame. A quad pulley component (142) couples the first cable to the second cable.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES RECEIVING OFFICE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY APPLICATIONTITLECable resistance system for exercise deviceINVENTORJoseph Gerry Larson of Westminster, ColoradoDavid Clarke of Lafayette, COCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 and PCT Article 8, Rule 4.10 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 569,660 entitled “CABLE SYSTEM FOR EXERCISE EQUIPMENT” filed on 25 March 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The technology described herein relates to strength training devices using cablepulley systems and weight plate stacks as components of free weight cage or frame structures.BACKGROUND

[0003] Exercise devices, such as strength training devices, often incorporate cable routing systems, usually including pulleys, to connect one portion of a cable system to a resistance source and a second portion of the cable system to a user attachment. A user interacts with the attachment, e.g., a handle or pull bar, to pull on a cable and thereby engage the resistance source to perform a strength exercise. The resistance source is typically a weight stack but may also be free weight plates mounted on posts (often called “horns”) or a configuration of elastic resistance bands. In some configurations, the strength training device can be incorporated into a frame, cage, or similar structure for greater stability or for additionally performing free weight exercises.

[0004] The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.SUMMARY

[0005] Example implementations of a cable resistance system for an exercise device as disclosed herein include a frame, a force resistance component mounted to the frame, and a cable-pulley system mounted within the frame and attached to the force resistance component. The frame can be composed of vertical posts, top and bottom side rails, andlateral crossmembers connected together. A first user exercise interface is mounted to the frame at a first location. A second user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a second location. A third user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a third location. The cablepulley system includes a plurality of pulleys mounted to and within the frame at a plurality of locations. A first cable has first and second ends. The first end is fixed to the first user exercise interface. The second end is restrained from movement in a first direction by the second user exercise interface. A first mid-section of the first cable is coupled to the force resistance component via a first pulley. A second cable has first and second ends. The first end is restrained from movement in a second direction by the first user exercise interface. The second end is restrained from movement in a third direction by the third user exercise interface. A quad pulley component includes four pulleys and couples a second mid-section of the first cable to a mid-section of the second cable, thereby connecting the second cable to the first force resistance component.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an exercise device including: a frame structure including: a left front vertical post; a right front vertical post; a left rear vertical post; a right rear vertical post; a left bottom rail coupled between the left front vertical post and the left rear vertical post; a right bottom rail coupled between the right front vertical post and the right rear vertical post; a left top rail coupled between the left front vertical post and the left rear vertical post; a right top rail coupled between the right front vertical post and the right rear vertical post; a rear top cross member connected to upper ends of each of the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post; and a rear bottom cross member connected to base ends of each of the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post. The exercise device may further include one or more weight stacks positioned between the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post; and a cable-pulley system mounted within the frame structure and configured such that one or more cables attached to respective ones of the or more weight stacks travel in a plane defined by the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an exercise system including: a frame further including: a first post; a second post; a bottom cross member defining a longitudinal axis and extending between the first post and the second post, wherein a first end of the bottom cross member is coupled with a lower portion of the first post and a second end of the bottom cross member is coupled with a lower portion of the second post; a third post; a fourth post; a first rear bottom rail extending between the first post and the third post, wherein a first end of the first rear bottom rail is coupled with the lower portion of the first post and a second end of the first rear bottom rail is coupled with a lower portion of the third post; and a second rear bottom rail extending between second post and the fourth post, wherein a first end of the second rear bottom rail is coupled with the lower portion of the second postand a second end of the second rear bottom rail is coupled with a lower portion of the fourth post. The exercise device further including a weight system configured to couple with the frame and including a plurality of weight stacks, wherein: the plurality of weight stacks are positioned above the bottom cross member and between the first post and the second post; each of the plurality of weight stacks include a plurality of weight plates, each defining a longitudinal axis and arranged such that the longitudinal axes of the plurality of weight plates in each of the plurality of weight stacks align in parallel and further align in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the bottom cross member.

[0008] Accordingly there is provided an exercise device as detailed in the respective independent claims. An exercise system per the independent claim is also provided. Advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments and implementations and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

[0011] The use of cross-hatching in the accompanying figures is generally provided to indicate a surface of a cross-section cut. The use of contour lines, shading, or stippling in the accompanying figures is generally provided to indicate surface features, including curved surfaces or changes in depth, to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements, and to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of crosshatching, contour lines, shading, or stippling conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures.

[0012] Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various example embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarilybe presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a front, top, right side isometric view of an example implementation of an exercise device with a cable resistance system incorporated therein.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a left side elevation view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 .

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear, top, left side isometric view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 .

[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged, partial left side elevation view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 1 as indicated in FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear, top, left side isometric view of a potion of the exercise device of FIG. 1 as indicated in FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged front, left side isometric view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 1 as indicated in FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 8 is an enlarged front, fright side isometric view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 1 as indicated in FIG. 1.

[0021] FIG. 9 is an enlarged left side isometric view of a portion of the exercise device of FIG. 1 as indicated in FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 10 is an enlarged bottom isometric view of the exercise device of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the cable routing through the pulleys of each side of the exercise device of FIG. 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] This disclosure relates to implementations of strength training exercise devices incorporating cable-pulley resistance systems for exercises such as lat pull-downs and seated rows, as well as isolateral resistance exercises from a variety of height / angular positions. In some embodiments, the cable-pulley resistance system can be mounted within a separate frame for attachment to a weightlifting cage with vertical posts and horizontal bracing members used for free weight exercises. In example implementations, the cable-pulley resistance system can be a separate system of components configured for installation directly on a weightlifting cage as an optional feature without need for additional frame elements beyond those constituting the weightlifting cage. Stated alternatively, the weightlifting cage is a standalone structure upon which the cable-pulley resistance system can be, but need not be, installed. However, when the cable-pulley resistance system is installed on the weightlifting cage, the area defined within the weightlifting cage for conducting free weight exercises is substantially unimpeded by the cable-pulley resistance system. Further, the cable-pulleyresistance system only minimally increases the footprint of the weightlifting cage, allowing for installation in spaces that narrowly accommodate the weightlifting cage in the first instance.

[0025] A lat pull-down exercise is used to target the latissimus dorsi muscles (i.e., the upper back muscles). It is typically performed standing or seated, facing toward the exercise device. The user grasps and pulls a long bar or handle, attached to a resistance force (e.g., weight plates or elastic bands) via a cable, toward the chest and then slowly extends the arms back to starting position. The low row is a back exercise that involves sitting on the floor or on a bench with feet against a footplate, leaning forward, and grasping and pulling a bar or handle, attached to a resistance force (e.g., weight plates or elastic bands) via a cable, toward the chest or adjacent to the torso while leaning backward, and then leaning forward and returning the arms to the starting position. Isolateral exercises are typically performed by pulling on a handle, attached via a cable to the resistance force, that can be positioned at a variety of heights along one of the posts of the frame of the exercise. The cable travels through a trolley composed of two pulleys. The trolley is configured to slide up and down a frame post and lock into a fixed position at various heights on the post, allowing the user to perform isolateral strength exercises at various angles with both arms and legs. These are merely a few examples of exercises that can be performed with implementations of the cable resistance system of the exercise device disclosed herein.

[0026] Example implementations of the exercise device include two weight stacks of selectable rectangular weight plates as the resistance components for cable exercises. In other implementations, the cable-pulley system could lift a structure with posts or horns on which barbell weight plates can be loaded as the resistance components. In other example implementations, the cables could pull against elastic bands fixed to one or more points on the frame of the exercise device to provide the resistance component for exercise. In other example implementations, pairs of selectable weight plates, barbell weight plates, and elastic bands can be used in combination to provide the resistance, or in other implementations a combination of all three resistance components could be provided and configured by a user to provide a desired resistance for exercise.

[0027] In example implementations shown and described in this disclosure, two weight stacks can be selected for use as the resistance force either separately or in combination for each of the lat pull-down and low row exercise configurations. When only one of the weight stacks is used through cable selection for a lat pull-down or low row exercise movement, the resistance weight (w) provided by the single weight stack is halved (w / 2) due to the mechanical advantage of the pulley configuration as described further herein. The cable routing can be designed to allow cables connected separately to each of the weight stacks to be selected in combination to use both weight stacks. Thus, if both weight stacks are connected to the bar used for a lat pull-down or low row exercise, the weight is doubled, resulting in equivalence tothe full resistance weight (w) of one of the weight stacks. The cable routing through the exercise device connects a respective one of the weight stacks to a respective one of the isolateral trolleys (as further described herein), which allows for resistance weights of w / 2 for isolateral exercises performed using the trolley positions.

[0028] For the lat pull-down exercise feature, a pair of single upper swing pulleys is mounted to an upper portion of the frame of the exercise device. The upper swing pulleys are each mounted on horizontally oriented hinges aligned parallel to a front to rear axis of the exercise device. The upper swing pulleys are positioned adjacent to each other with the hinges residing in a common horizontal plane and are spaced apart from each other such that there is adequate clearance between the pulleys for a first of the pulleys to rotate toward the second pulley and not interfere with the second pulley when the second pully is in a vertical, inactive orientation. When both the upper swing pulleys are engaged in combination to leverage the resistance of both weight stacks, the upper swing pulleys move in tandem and thereby avoid interference with each other. The hinges supporting the pulleys allow for individual cable selection for angular movements during isolateral exercise as well as lessen potential cable wear and binding should exercise movements be off-center to the exercise device.

[0029] Example implementations of the low row exercise feature disclosed herein are configured with a pair of laterally swiveling dual pulleys. The dual pulleys swivel on hinges oriented in parallel vertical axes. The swivel dual pulleys are positioned adjacent to each other with the hinges residing in a common vertical plane and are spaced apart from each other such that there is adequate clearance between the dual pulleys for a first of the dual pulleys to rotate toward the second dual pulley and not interfere with the second pulley when the second pully is in an inactive orientation in a front to rear vertical plane. When both the upper swing pulleys are engaged in combination to leverage the resistance of both weight stacks, the upper swing pulleys move in tandem and thereby avoid interference with each other. The swivel base for each dual pulley guide of the exiting cable allows the user to perform isometric lateral movements without compromise of seated and standing positions. Since each dual pulley has the ability to swivel, the corresponding cable will be pulled linearly in the force direction of the pull by the user.

[0030] Implementations of the footplate of the exercise device feature dual surfaces at different angular orientations from vertical and from each other. A lower surface is canted at a first angle with respect to vertical to support desirable foot positions while performing low row exercises from a seated position on the floor. The lower surface also defines two cutouts on the lower lateral corners thereof to allow for feet of a weight bench to slide under the foot plate, such that the weight bench can be positioned closer to the weight stack (for ease of grasping the row bar or handle) and further such that the weight bench maintains centralalignment with respect to the weight stacks while performing exercises (i.e., lateral slipping is resisted). An upper surface of the foot plate is canted at a second angle with respect to vertical to support desirable foot and leg positions while performing low row exercises from a seated position on a weight bench. The upper surface also defines a central cutout along an upper edge thereof to provide clearance for dual swivel pulleys and cables extending therefrom used for performing low row exercises. This cutout allows for positioning the pulleys vertically above the base of the exercise device, providing a more natural angle (generally horizontal) for performing a row exercise when seated on the floor, and similarly providing a less extreme angle when performing exercises seated on a weight bench or when standing.

[0031] The figures accompanying this written description, and as briefly described above, together depict an example implementation of an exercise device 100 for incorporation with a frame structure 102 (often referred to as a “cage” or “rack”) and a cable-pully system 104 connected to at least one weight stack 106 (which may be referred to as one or more weight stacks or a plurality of weight stacks), such as two weight stacks 106, which provide the resistance forces. The entirety of the exercise device 100 (which may be referred to as an “exercise system”) is depicted in the various views of FIGS. 1-4. Initially, it should be appreciated that the cable-pulley system 104 is bifurcated with identical cable runs and pully positions on each of the left and right sides of the weight cage 102, and each of the cable runs interacting with a respective one of the weight stacks 106. Therefore, in the following discussion, only the cables, pulleys, and weight stack 106 on the left side of the exercise device 100 will be described in detail; the cables, pulleys, and weight stack 106 on the right side of the exercise device 100 are identical and symmetrical.

[0032] As depicted in FIGS. 1-4, the exercise device 100 is configured within the context of frame structure 102 such as a free-weight cage. The frame structure 102 can be formed of a number of vertical posts connected front to back by several horizontal side rails and connected side to side by several crossmembers. In the example implementation, there are six vertical posts: two left and right front posts 108 (which may be referred to as fifth and sixth posts, respectively, or left and right front vertical posts), two left and right intermediate posts 110 (which may be referred to as third and fourth posts, respectively, or left and right intermediate vertical posts), and two left and right rear posts 112 (which may be referred to as first and second posts, respectively, or left and right rear vertical posts). In some embodiments the exercise device 100 may be structured such that the two left and right front posts 108 are not included. In these embodiments, the two left and right intermediate posts 110 may be referred to as two left and right front posts 110. Each front post 108 can be connected to an intermediate post 110 at a low position (which may be referred to as a lower portion) by a front bottom rail 114 and at a high position by a front top rail 118. For example, the front bottom rails 114 can be coupled between the two left and right front posts 108 and the two left andright intermediate posts 110, respectively, and the front top rails 118 can be coupled between the two left and right front posts 108 and the two left and right intermediate posts 110, respectively. Similarly, each intermediate post 110 can be connected to a corresponding rear post 112 at a low position (which may be referred to as a lower portion) by a rear bottom rail 116 and at a high position by a rear top rail 120. For example, the rear bottom rails 116 can be coupled between the two left and right intermediate posts 110 and the two left and right rear posts 112, respectively, and the rear top rails 120 can be coupled between the two left and right intermediate posts 110 and the two left and right rear posts 112, respectively. Thus, the two left and right intermediate posts 110 can be positioned between the two left and right front posts 108 and the two left and right rear posts 112, respectively. In some embodiments the exercise device 100 can be structured such that the two left and right intermediate posts 110 are not included. In these embodiments, the two left and right front posts 108 can be connected to the two left and right rear posts 112 at a low position by a bottom rail (not shown) and at a high position by a top rail (not shown). For example, the bottom rails can be coupled between the two left and right front posts 108 and the two left and right rear posts 112, respectively, and the top rails can be coupled between the two left and right front posts 108 and the two left and right rear posts 112, respectively. The front posts 108 can also be connected together laterally by a pull-up bar 122, which provides dual functionality as a front top cross member. For example, the front top cross member 122 may couple with each of the front posts 108 at upper portions of the front posts 108. The intermediate posts 110 can also be connected together laterally at a high position by an intermediate top cross member 124. For example, the intermediate top cross member 124 may couple with each of the intermediate posts 110 at upper portions of the intermediate posts 110.

[0033] A “high position” or “upper portion” or “upper end” may be a position or portion on the posts 108, 110, 112 that is greater than a height of a user, such as greater than or equal to about 5 feet (about 152.40 centimeters), greater than or equal to about 6.5 feet (about 198.12 centimeters), or greater than or equal to about to about 7 feet (about 213.36 centimeters) from the ground surface. For example, a “high position” or “upper portions” may be a position or portion on the posts 108, 110, 112 that is greater than or equal to about 75% and less than or equal to about 100% of the length of the posts 108, 110, 112, e.g., from the ground surface in an operational orientation of the exercise device 100. For example, a “high position” or “upper portions” may be at about 95% of the length of the posts 108, 110, 112, from the ground surface in an operational orientation of the exercise device 100. With the front top cross member 122 and the intermediate top cross member 124 coupled with the respective posts 108, 110 at “high positions” or “upper portions” a user may stand in the space between the two left and right front posts 108 and / or the two left and right intermediate posts 110without contacting the front top cross member 122 and the intermediate top cross member 124.

[0034] In some example embodiments, the bases or lower portions of the intermediate posts 110 can similarly be connected by an intermediate bottom cross member. In other examples, the bases or lower portions of the intermediate posts 110 may not connect to each other by an intermediate bottom cross member and the bases or lower portions of the front posts 108 may not connect to each other by a front bottom cross member. In such embodiments, what can be visualized as a U-shaped frame structure 102 is defined by the intermediate posts 110, the weight stack 106, and / or the front posts 108 and can form an open area 180, e.g., on a ground surface, in which a user may occupy during use of the exercise device 100. Since the frame structure 102 can be configured such that the only cross member directly coupling the front posts 108 is the front top cross member, e.g., the pull-up bar 122, and the only cross member directly coupling the intermediate posts 110 is the intermediate top cross member 124, the space above the open area 180 defined on the ground surface, e.g., the space between the ground surface and the top cross members 122, 124, is open for the user to occupy during use of the exercise device 100. With the intermediate posts 110 connected to each other via the intermediate top cross member 124, and not an intermediate bottom cross member, the usable area defined by the vertical posts, e.g., the open area 180, is larger than if the intermediate posts 110 were connected to each other via an intermediate bottom cross member. The rear posts 112 can also be connected to each other laterally at a high position by a rear top cross member 126. For example, the rear top cross member 126 can be connected to upper ends of each of the rear posts 112. The bases or lower portions of the rear posts 112 can similarly be connected by a rear bottom cross member 148, which is not visible in FIGS. 1-4 as it is obscured by other components of the exercise device 100 but is shown in FIG. 10. For example, the rear bottom cross member 148 can be connected to and extend between the left rear vertical post 112 and the right rear vertical post 112. For example, the rear bottom cross member 148 can be connected to base ends of each of the rear posts 112. For example, a first end of the bottom cross member 148 can be coupled with a lower portion of the left rear vertical post 112 and a second end of the bottom cross member 148 can be coupled with a lower portion of the right rear vertical post 112.

[0035] The frame structure 102 can be configured without an intermediate bottom cross member connecting the intermediate posts 110 to each other due in part to the weight distribution of the weight stacks 106. For example, the weight stacks 106 can extend between the rear posts 112, e.g., across at least a portion of the length of the rear bottom cross member 148 that extends between the rear posts 112, and the weight stacks 106 can reside at least partially on top of the rear bottom cross member 148. For example, weight stacks 106can be positioned between the left rear vertical post 112 and the right rear vertical post 112. For example, the weight stacks 106 can be mounted on the rear bottom cross member 148. For example, the weight stacks 106 can be positioned above the bottom cross member 148 and between the first post 112 and the second post 112. Thus, the weight stacks 106 can be dimensionally behind each of the left and right intermediate vertical posts 110 and / or each of the two left and right front vertical posts 108. The weight stacks 106 can be dimensionally behind at least a majority of the length of each of the rear bottom rails 116. For example, the weight stacks 106 can be positioned such that the space between each of the intermediate posts 110 is open and / or the space between each of the front posts 108 is open. In these embodiments, the frame structure 102 as well as the weight stacks 106, e.g., a front surface of the weight stacks 106, can at least partially define the open area 180. With the weight w (shown in FIG. 11) of the weight stacks 106 at least partially distributed on and across the rear bottom cross member 148 (as shown in FIG. 10), the weight w of the weight stacks 106 acts in part as an anchor for the exercise device 100.

[0036] The posts, rails, and cross members of the frame structure 102 can be made of square tube steel of common sidewall dimensions to allow for ease of configuration and attachment of additional, complementary components. As depicted, the square tubes forming the frame structure 102 may be perforated along each sidewall with round apertures to aid in the assembly of the frame structure 102 as well as the attachment of various components. Various plates and bolts can be used to fix components of the frame structure 102 together as shown. Additionally, various components can be made with pegs that can be inserted into one or more of the apertures to quickly and releasably attach a component to the frame structure 102.

[0037] The open area 180 between the U-shape framework, e.g., the frame structure 102, which can be formed by the front posts 108, the intermediate posts 110, and the weight stack 106 is generally open and free of structural components or cable-pulley components to allow for unimpeded free weight exercises, e.g., with barbells. Safety components such as barbell holders ("J-cups") and safety straps or bars can be mounted to or between the front posts 108 and the intermediate posts 110 to assist with such free weight exercises. The weight stacks 106 can be mounted on and between the intermediate and / or rear bottom cross member 148, behind the intermediate posts 110, to create a shallow profile for the cable-pulley resistance system, which in some implementations can be a separate, add-on component to a distinct weightlifting cage frame. For example, the weight stacks 106 can be at least partially seated on a top surface of the rear bottom cross member 148, and at least partially between the rear posts 112. In another example embodiment, the weight stacks 106 can be seated and substantially centered on a top surface of the rear bottom cross member 148 and centered between the rear posts 112.

[0038] In example implementations, the cable-pulley resistance system 104 can be a separate system of components configured for installation directly on frame structure 102 as an optional feature without need for additional frame elements beyond those constituting a prior built weightlifting cage. When the cable-pulley resistance system 104 is installed on the pre-existing frame structure 102, the area defined within the frame structure 102 for conducting free weight exercises is substantially unimpeded by the cable resistance system 104. Further, the cable-pulley resistance system 104 only minimally increases the footprint of the exercise system 100, allowing for installation in spaces that narrowly accommodate the exercise system 100 in the first instance. For example, in one implementation, a width of the frame structure 102 between the interior edges of the two front posts 108 (and two intermediate posts 110 and two rear posts 112) can be 120 centimeters and a depth of the frame structure 102 between the rear edges of the front posts 108 and the front edges of the rear posts 112 can be 140 centimeters. Upon addition of the weight stacks 106 of the cable-pulley resistance system 104, the weight stacks 106 can extend 3.7 centimeters into the open area 180 as measured from the front edges of the rear posts 112. This equates to a slight reduction in the usable area of the open area 180 of 444 square centimeters, e.g., only about 2.6%. Similarly, in this example embodiment, the weight stacks 106 can extend behind the rear edges of the rear posts 112 about 5.3 centimeters (slightly more than 2 inches). Thus, the impact on installation of the exercise system 100 including the cable-pulley resistance system 104 with the frame structure 102 in small spaces is almost negligible, e.g., the space requirements for installation of the exercise system 100 is almost identical to the frame structure 102 (i.e. , a weightlifting cage) alone.

[0039] A pair of cable trolleys 128 can be movably mounted to each of the front posts 108. Each cable trolley 128 can be formed with a base 153 composed of a section of square tube of slightly larger sidewall dimension than the square tube of the front post 108 such that the base can fit concentrically about the front post 108 and be moved vertically along the front post 108. The base 153 of each cable trolley 128 may also be fitted with a handle for ease of manipulation and a pop-pin configured to engage the holes in the front post 108 and lock the cable trolley 128 in a desired vertical position along the front post 108. The cable trolley 108 further includes a dual pulley 154 swivel-mounted to the base 153 via a hinge bracket 155 and hinge 156. The hinge bracket 155 may be mounted at an angle to an outside corner of the base 153, e.g., at a 45° angle with respect to the front and side faces of the base 153. The mounting location of the hinge bracket 155 on the outside corner of the base 153, and further the extension of the hinge bracket 155, therefrom allows for a wider separation distance between each of the cable trolleys 128, which may be desirable for taller users with longer arms when performing simultaneous isolateral exercises using both cable trolleys 128. The hinge 156 on each cable trolley 128 allows the dual pulleys 154 to move freely with the user'schanging angle of motion, thereby reducing the chance of binding and wear on a cable. A handle 130 can be connected to a cable terminating at the cable trolley 128 for grasping by a user to perform an exercise. Other grasping or user connection components can alternately be attached to a cable at each cable trolley 128.

[0040] A low row exercise can be performed by connecting a bar or other row attachment 134 to the pair of lower swivel dual pulleys 132 mounted between the weight stacks 106. A foot plate 140 can be mounted at the base of and in front of the weight stacks 106 and the swivel dual pulleys 132 can be mounted above the foot plate 140. Detailed configuration and function of the pair of dual swivel pulleys 132 and their relationship with the foot plate 140 will be further described below. Similarly, a lat pull-down exercise can be performed by connecting a pull bar or other pull-down attachment 138 to the pair of upper swing pulleys 136 mounted to the middle of the intermediate cross member 124 of the frame structure 102. Detailed configuration and function of the pair of upper swing pulleys 136 will be further described below.

[0041] The cable-pulley system 104 is mounted to and extends along and about the frame structure 102. For example, the cable-pulley system 104 can be mounted within the frame structure 102 and configured such that one or more cables attached to respective ones of the weight stacks 106 travel in a plane defined by the left rear vertical post 112 and the right rear vertical post 112. As noted above, the cable-pulley system 104 is bifurcated with identical pulley positioning and cable runs on each of the left and right sides of the exercise device 100 actuating the respective left and right weight stacks 106. The following description of the pulley positions and cable runs is presented with respect to the left side of the exercise device 100; the right side is symmetrical. Additionally, on each side, there is an upper cable 144 and a lower cable 146. The upper cable 144 is fixed at a first end to the base 153 of the cable trolley 128 and terminates at a second end at the upper swing pulley 136, where it connects to the pull-down attachment 138. The first end of the lower cable 146 extends through the trolley pulleys 154 and connects to the handle 130 and the second end extends through the lower swivel dual pulleys 132 and connects to the row attachment 134.

[0042] The following discussion of pulley placement and cable routing may be aided by reference to FIG. 11 , which presents a schematic diagram of the pulleys on either side of the exercise device 100 and the route of the cables 144, 146 through and about the pulleys. Each of the pulleys is mounted within a pulley bracket that provides support for the axle of the respective pulley. In some locations, a pulley bracket may orient the axle of the respective pulley horizontally such that the pulley rotates in a vertical plane. In other locations, a pulley bracket may orient the axle of the corresponding pulley vertically such that the pulley rotates in a horizontal plane.

[0043] FIGS. 1-10 depict an example structural implementation of the pulleys and cable routing within the example exercise device 100. The discussion will start with the routing of the upper cable 144 through the pulleys, the corresponding pulley arrangement, and the connection of the upper cable 144 to the corresponding weight stack 106, with detailed views presented in FIGS. 5 and 6. The discussion will then move to the routing of the lower cable 146 through the pulleys, the corresponding pulley arrangement, and the connection of the lower cable 146 to the corresponding weight stack 106, with detailed views presented in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8.

[0044] With reference to FIG. 5, a first end of the upper cable 144 is fixed to a cable anchor 150 mounted to the base 153 of the trolley 126. The upper cable 144 travels from the cable anchor 150 to Pulley A mounted in a vertical orientation at the top end of the front post 108. It may be appreciated that the length of the section of the upper cable 144 between Pulley A and the cable anchor 150 may increase of decrease depending upon the location of the trolley 128 along the front post 108 as placed by a user. The overall length of the upper cable 144 is adequate to accommodate these changes in position with slack taken up and paid out as further described below. Pulley A reorients the travel direction of the upper cable 144 horizontally and directs the run of the upper cable 144 to Pulley B.

[0045] The bracket for Pulley B is mounted to the top wall of the rear top rail 120, as indicated in FIG. 6, and fixes Pulley B in a horizontal orientation to adjust the direction of the upper cable 144 from an offset position parallel to the front top rail 118 to interface with Pulley C mounted in a vertical orientation on the rear top rail 120 behind Pulley B. Pulley C directs the upper cable 144 downward through a first hole in the top surface of the rear top rail 120 and through a second hole in the bottom surface of the rear top rail 120 aligned with the first hole.

[0046] The upper cable 144 then travels downward to interact with a quad floating pulley 142 positioned between the intermediate post 110 and the rear post 112. The quad floating pulley 142 is depicted in detail in FIG. 9. The quad floating pulley 142 houses four pulleys within its bracket structure. Two upper pulleys, Pulley D and Pulley F, are vertically oriented and are mounted on a common horizontal axle. A bearing (not visible) may be mounted on the axle between Pulley D and Pulley F to allow for independent rotation of each pulley. Two lower pulleys, Pulley R and Pulley T, are vertically oriented and are mounted on a common horizontal axle. A bearing (not visible) may be mounted on the axle between Pulley R and Pulley T to allow for independent rotation of each pulley.

[0047] The upper cable 144 travels from Pulley C downward and around Pulley D, which reverses the direction of the upper cable 144 and routes it back toward Pulley E, which is mounted in a vertical orientation on the underside of the rear top rail 120. The bracket for Pulley E is oriented at a 45° angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rear top rail 120 toprovide clearance for the upper cable 144 as it exits the second hole in the bottom wall of the rear top rail 120. Pulley E redirects the upper cable 144 in a downward direction to interface with Pulley E in the quad floating pulley 142, which redirects the upper cable 144 in an upward direction toward the rear top rail 120.

[0048] The upper cable 144 then passes through a third hole in the bottom wall of the rear top rail 120 adjacent to Pulley E and exits a fourth hole in the upper wall of the rear top rail 120. The upper cable 144 then travels around Pulley G mounted to the top surface of the rear top rail 120 in a vertical orientation. Pulley G is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rear top rail 120 to direct the upper cable 144 to Pulley H, which is mounted to the top surface of the rear top crossmember 126 in a vertical orientation.

[0049] Pulley H directs the upper cable 144 downward through a fifth hole on the top wall of the rear top crossmember 126 and then through a sixth hole in the bottom wall of the rear top crossmember 126. The upper cable 144 continues downward to interface with Pulley I, which is mounted to the top structure of the weight stack 106. The upper cable 144 is directed around Pulley I and oriented in an upward direction toward the rear top crossmember 126. Pulley I functions as a floating pulley and, as it moves up and down while the upper cable 144 pays in and out during an exercise movement by a user, through its attachment to the top structure of the weight stack 106, Pulley I raises and lowers weights in the weight stack 106 as selected by the user.

[0050] Each weight stack 106 includes a plurality of weight plates 174 aligned with and stacked on top of each other above the base cross members, e.g., the rear bottom cross member 148, of the frame structure 102. For example, vertical axes of the weight stacks 106 can be substantially parallel to each other and the vertical axes of the weight stacks 106 can each be substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rear bottom cross member 148. Similarly, the longitudinal axes of the plurality of weight plates 174 can be substantially parallel to and above the longitudinal axis of the rear bottom cross member 148. For example, each of the plurality of weight plates 174 can define a longitudinal axis and be arranged such that the longitudinal axes of the plurality of weight plates 174 in each of the plurality of weight stacks 106 align in parallel and further align in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the bottom cross member 148. For example, a first weight plate, such as the bottom most weight plate, of the plurality of weight plates 174 in one of the plurality of weight stacks 106 can be stacked on top of, directly or indirectly, the bottom cross member 148 of the frame structure 102, and each of the remaining weight plates of the plurality of weight plates 174 can be stacked on top of the first wight plate of the plurality of weight plates 174. The two weight stacks 106 may be referred to as a left weight stack and a right weight stack. The left weight stack and the right weight stack can each extend laterally across the rear bottom cross member 148, e.g., the left weight stack can be positioned laterally on top of a left portion ofthe rear bottom cross member 148 and the right weight stack can be positioned laterally on top of a right portion of the rear bottom cross member 148.

[0051] The weight plates 174 can be housed within a shroud 176. In such a scenario, the shroud 176 can be dimensioned so as to substantially surround the weight stacks 106 and the weight plates 174, to minimize the possibility of catching fingers between the weight plates 174 as they are lowered to a resting position. Portions of the shroud 176 can at least partially cover or house portions of the rear bottom cross member 148. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 2-4 among others, a rear surface of the shroud 176 can be substantially flush with rear surfaces of the rear vertical posts 112 and the rear bottom cross member 148.

[0052] It is also contemplated that the weight stacks 106, the plurality of weight plates 174, the shroud 176, and / or any connecting members such as cables or rods described herein may be referred to as a weight system and the weight system may be removably coupled or removably secured, e.g., via bolts, fasteners, and the like, to the frame structure 102. In other examples, the weight system may be permanently coupled or permanently secured, e.g., via welding and the like, to the frame structure 102.

[0053] Each of the weight plates 174 defines a vertical center plate bore and a horizontal plate bore extending between the front and rear faces of each weight plate 174 and intersecting the center plate bore. A selector rod connected to the floating pulley I extends through the weight plates 174 within the center plate bores. The selector rod defines a plurality of horizontal selector rod bores arranged in a vertical array along the length of the selector rod. The selector rod bores are configured to align with respective horizontal plate bores of the weight plates.

[0054] A selector pin can be inserted within a horizontal plate bore of a selected one of the weight plates 174 and through a corresponding selector rod bore to engage the selected one of the weight plates 174 with the selector rod. The selected one of the weight plates 174 and a subset of the weight plates 174 seated above the selected one of the weight plates 174 are raised and lowered by the cable-pulley system 104 as Pulley I rises and descends as described herein. A pair of vertical, parallel guide rods 144 extend through two additional vertical plate bores defined within the weight plates 174 and spaced laterally apart from each other on opposing sides of the center plate bore. The guide rods 144 prevent rotational and lateral movement of the weight plates 174 in any direction as they are raised and lowered by the cable-pulley system 104 during an exercise.

[0055] After passing around Pulley I, the upper cable 144 then passes through a seventh hole in the bottom wall of the rear top crossmember 126 and exits an eighth hole in the upper wall of the rear top crossmember 126. The upper cable 144 then travels around Pulley J mounted to the top surface of the rear top crossmember 126 in a vertical orientation. Pulley J is oriented at along the longitudinal axis of the rear top crossmember 126 to direct the uppercable 144 to Pulley K, which is mounted to the top surface of the rear top crossmember 126 in a horizontal orientation.

[0056] Pulley K redirects the upper cable 144 toward the front of the exercise device 100 to a corresponding upper swing pulley 136 mounted to the top intermediate crossmember 124 as previously described. The upper swing pully 136 houses Pulley L, which is oriented vertically when in a rest position. As previously described, the upper swing pulley 136 is mounted on a hinge 160 that allows the upper swing pulley 136 to pivot laterally when a user performs a pull-down exercise with a grasping device attached to a second end of the upper cable 144. An upper cable stop 152a is attached to the second end of the upper cable 144 to prevent the upper cable 144 from fully retracting behind Pulley L. A connection structure extends from the upper cable stop 152a for attachment of grasping devices (e.g., a lat pulldown bar 138). The upper cable stop 152a also serves as a buffer to interface with Pulley L and prevent possible damage to Pulley L that could be caused if the connection structure were to directly interface with Pulley L.

[0057] Returning to FIG. 5, the first end of the lower cable 146 is also positioned at the trolley 128. The trolley 128 houses Pulley M and Pulley N within a trolley pulley housing 154. Pulley M is mounted in a vertical orientation on a first horizontal axle supported by the trolley pulley housing 154. Pulley N is mounted beneath Pulley M in a vertical orientation on a second horizontal axle supported by the trolley pulley housing 154. An upper cable stop 152b is attached to the first end of the lower cable 146 to prevent the lower cable 146 from fully retracting behind Pulley M and Pulley N. A connection structure extends from the lower cable stop 152b for attachment of grasping devices (e.g., a handle 130). The lower cable stop 152b also serves as a buffer to interface with Pulley M and Pulley N and prevent possible damage to Pulley M and Pulley N that could be caused if the connection structure were to directly interface with Pulley M and Pulley N.

[0058] When the trolley 128 is placed in a high position on the front post 108 by a user, the lower cable 146 passes around Pulley N as the lower cable 146 is pulled in a downward direction by a user. When the trolley 128 is placed in a low position on the front post 108 by a user, the lower cable146 passes around Pulley M as the lower cable 146 is pulled in an upward direction by a user.

[0059] The lower cable 146 travels rearward between Pulley M and Pulley N, it is directed downward around Pulley N toward Pulley O positioned at the bottom of the front post 108 as depicted in FIG. 7. Pulley O is vertically oriented and positioned adjacent to the outside wall of the front post 108 to redirect the lower cable 146 rearward below and parallel to the front bottom rail 114. The lower cable 146 then interfaces with Pulley P, which is mounted in a horizontal orientation behind the intermediate post 110 and partially below the rear bottomrail 116. Pulley P directs the lower cable 146 from outside the frame structure 102 to Pulley Q, which is mounted in a vertical orientation beneath the rear bottom rail 116.

[0060] Pulley Q is mounted at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rear bottom rail 116 to direct the lower cable 146 upward through a ninth hole in the bottom wall of the rear bottom rail 116. The lower cable 146 then passes through a tenth hole in the upper wall of the rear bottom rail 116 and continues upward toward the quad floating pulley 142 (as understood with reference to any of FIGS. 3-6). The lower cable 146 passes around Pulley R and is redirected downward toward Pulley S, which is mounted in a vertical orientation to the upper wall of the rear bottom rail 116. The lower cable 146 passes around Pulley S and is directed upward again to the quad floating pulley 142. The lower cable passes around Pulley T and is redirected downward to the rear bottom rail 116.

[0061] The lower cable 146 passes through an eleventh hole in the upper wall of the rear bottom rail 166 and then through a twelfth hole in the bottom wall of the rear bottom rail 116 to reach Pulley II as depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. It may be appreciated that Pulley S is oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rear bottom rail 116 to avoid interfering with the lower cable as it passes through the tenth and eleventh holes in the upper wall of the rear bottom rail 116. Pulley II is similarly oriented at an angle with resect to the longitudinal axis of the rear bottom rail 116 to and beneath which it is mounted. Pulley II directs the lower cable 146 to Pulley V.

[0062] Pulley V is mounted in a horizontal orientation to the rear bottom crossmember 178 as depicted in FIG. 8. Pulley V directs the lower cable 146 laterally along and within the rear bottom crossmember 178 toward the center of the frame structure to Pulley W. Pulley W is mounted in a vertical orientation within the rear bottom crossmember 178 and redirects the lower cable 146 upward to the swivel dual pulley 132, which is mounted via a vertically oriented hinge 164 on a side of a mounting post 180 above the rear bottom crossmember 178. The swivel dual pulley 136 can thus pivot laterally on the hinge 164 as a user performs an exercise to better align with the movements of the user. The swivel dual pulley 132 houses Pulley X and Pulley Y within a swivel pulley housing 162. Pulley X is mounted in a vertical orientation on a first horizontal axle supported by the swivel pulley housing 162. Pulley Y is mounted above Pulley X in a vertical orientation on a second horizontal axle supported by the swivel pulley housing 162.

[0063] A rear cable stop 152c is attached to the second end of the lower cable 146 to prevent the lower cable 146 from fully retracting behind Pulley X and Pulley Y. A connection structure extends from the rear cable stop 152c for attachment of grasping devices (e.g., a row attachment 134). The lower cable stop 152c also serves as a buffer to interface with Pulley X and Pulley Y and prevent possible damage to Pulley X and Pulley Y that could be caused if the connection structure were to directly interface with Pulley X and Pulley Y.

[0064] The pulley configuration, the routing of the upper cable 144 and the lower cable 146 therethrough, and the interaction with the weight stacks can be best understood with reference to the schematic diagram in FIG. 11. As with the prior discussion, the schematic diagram of FIG. 11 is with respect to a first side of the exercise device 100 and interaction with a first of the two weight stacks 106. A duplicative cable-pulley system is provided on the second side of the exercise device 100 and interacts with a second of the two weight stacks 106.

[0065] As noted previously, a first end of the upper cable 144 terminates at the cable anchor 150, which is mounted to the trolley 128. The upper cable 144 travels around Pulleys A-L and terminates at a second end at the upper cable stop 152a, which seats in a static position against Pulley L in the swing pulley 136 when not pulled by a user. As previously described, Pulley I is attached to the weight stack 106 which provides a downward force w on Pulley I. The value of the force w is variable and depends upon how many weight plates 174 the user chooses to engage. However, the minimum weight of Pulley I and the mounting structure on the top of the weight stack 106 is adequate to seat Pulley I on the top of the weight stack 106 in a static condition when a user is not pulling on the second end of the upper cable 144 at the point of the upper cable stop 152a.

[0066] The force w of the weight stack 106 on Pulley I is translated to the upper cable 144, which resists the force w through tension on the upper cable 144 in both directions, toward the first end and toward the second end. As depicted, the tension on the upper cable 144 between the cable anchor 150 and Pulley I is w / 2 and the tension on the upper cable 144 between the upper cable stop 152a and Pulley I is w / 2, which together equal w and, therefore, fully resist the weight w of the weight stack 106 and hold the system in equilibrium. Pulley I thus operates to provide a 2:1 mechanical advantage within the system. When a user pulls on the upper cable 144 using a grasping device attached to the upper cable stopper 152a, the force exerted by the user pulls the upper cable 144 beyond the swing pulley 136 and takes up slack in the cable system to lift Pulley I and thereby the weight stack. As half of the force w of the weight stack 106 is countered by the tension w / 2 in the length of the upper cable between Pulley I and the cable anchor 150, the effective force or weight lifted by the user is w / 2 as indicated by the tension in the upper cable 144 between the upper cable stop 144 and Pulley I.

[0067] It should be appreciated that Pulleys A-C, G, H, and J-L only redirect the upper cable 144 and do not impart a mechanical advantage. In contrast, while Pulleys D-F also redirect the upper cable 144 and provide additional length to the upper cable 144 within the system, which corresponds to slack which can be paid out, Pulleys D-F also necessarily operate together to provide additional mechanical advantage that is isolated within the context of the quad pulley 142 as further described below.

[0068] The lower cable 146 terminates at a first end at cable stop 152b, which is restrained by Pulleys M and N in the trolley 128. The lower cable 146 then travels through and around Pulleys O-Y to terminate at the lower cable stop 152c, which seats in a static position against Pulleys X and Y in the swivel pulley 132 when not pulled by a user. As indicated, the lower cable 146 is not directly connected to the weight stack 106. Rather, the lower cable 146 is coupled to the upper cable 144 via the quad pulley 142, which holds Pulleys D, F, R, and T. By coupling the lower cable 146 to the upper cable 144 through the quad pulley 142, the tension w / 2 on the upper cable 144 between Pulley I and the cable anchor 150 can be translated to the lower cable 146.

[0069] When the cable-pulley system is in a condition of stasis, e.g., a user is not pulling on either the upper cable 144 or the lower cable 146, Pulley E supports the quad pulley 142 from above. The upper cable 144 wraps around Pulleys D and F in the quad pulley 142 on lateral sides of Pulley E. As the quad pulley 142 is floating, to maintain tension in the system when in stasis, a force must pull downward against the quad pulley 142. Otherwise, with the excess length of the upper cable 144 traveling between Pulleys C and G, a user pulling on the second end of the upper cable 144 at the upper cable stop 152c would feel no weight resistance until the cable length between Pulleys C and G plays out when the quad pulley 142 is pulled upward and abuts Pulley E, which would prevent further movement of the quad pulley 142. At that point, tension would return to the upper cable 144 and the weight w at the weight stack 106 would then be lifted. This is an undesirable condition. The user expects weight resistance immediately upon pulling the upper cable 144 at the upper cable stop 152c.

[0070] The coupling with the lower cable 146 through the quad pulley 142 provides the necessary resistance and prevents upward movement of the quad pulley 142 when the upper cable 144 is pulled by a user. The length of the lower cable 146 to provide a desirable stasis condition for the cable-pulley system 104 as depicted in FIG. 11. When the first end of the lower cable 146 is seated against the trolly 128 (via the trolley cable stop 152b) and the second end of the lower cable 146 is seated against the swivel pulley 132 (via lower cable stop 152c), the lower cable 146 prevents upward movement of the quad pulley 142 by its travel around Pulleys R and T in the quad pulley 142. The quad pulley 142 thus becomes a fixed point when an exercise is performed using the upper cable 144.

[0071] In contrast, when an exercise is performed using either the first end of the lower cable 146 at the trolley 128 or the second end of the lower cable 146 at the swivel dual pulley 132, the lower cable 146 is pulled out. The pulling force of the user pays out the lower cable 146 and pulls the quad pulley 142 downward. This downward force on the quad pulley 142 pulls on the upper cable 144, thereby lifting the weight stack 106 at Pulley I, providing both the necessary additional length in the upper cable 144 to allow the downwardmovement of the quad pulley 142 and also provide the weight resistance from the weight stack 106 to the user performing the exercise on either end of the lower cable 146.

[0072] As with the upper cable 144, the resistance force provided by the weight stack 106 to a user pulling on the lower cable 146 is w / 2 as indicated in FIG. 11. As noted above, the tension in the upper cable 144 between Pulley I and the trolley 128 is w / 2. The quad pulley 142 interfaces with this section of the upper cable 144. Therefore, the upward force on the quad pulley 142 is w / 2. To maintain stasis in the system, the downward force on the quad pulley 142 must also be w / 2. This downward force is provided by the tension in the lower cable 146 and its interaction with the quad pulley 142 via Pulleys R and T.

[0073] It can be appreciated that the force on sections of the upper cable 144 between Pulleys D and E and between Pulleys F and E is w / 4 as indicated in the force diagrams in FIG. 11 as the fixed position of Pulley E with respect to the quad pulley 142 provides a mechanical advantage to those sections of the upper cable 144. However, no mechanical advantage is provided by Pulleys A-D, F-H, and J-L; therefore, the tension on the upper cable 144 through these sections of the upper cable 144 is w / 2 as indicated in FIG. 11. Similarly, it can be appreciated that the force on sections of the lower cable 146 between Pulleys R and S and between Pulleys T and S is w / 4 as indicated in the force diagrams in FIG. 11 as the fixed position of Pulley S with respect to the quad pulley 142 provides a mechanical advantage to those sections of the lower cable 146. However, no mechanical advantage is provided by Pulleys M-R, and T-Y; therefore, the tension on the lower cable 146 through these sections of the lower cable 146 is w / 2 as indicated in FIG. 11.

[0074] When a user pulls on either the first end of the lower cable 146 at the trolley 128 or the second end of the lower cable 146 at the swivel dual pulley 132, the slack in the lower cable 146 is taken up as the lower cable 146 pays out and the quad pulley is pulled downward. This provides the w / 2 resistance force from the weight stack as Pulley I is raised in response to the distance between the quad pulley 142 and Pulley E increasing. Thus, a user performing exercises with attachments on either end of the lower cable 146 also interacts with a resistance force of w / 2. As noted above, with the present example implementation of the exercise device 100, it is possible to connect a single grasping component (e.g., a pull-down bar 130) to both upper cables 144 at the swing pulleys 136 routed on lateral sides of the exercise device 100 and provide a full resistance force of w to the user, which is the addition of w / 2 force from both weight stacks combined. Similarly, it is possible to connect a single grasping component (e.g., a row bar 134) to both lower cables 146 at the swivel dual pulleys 132 routed on lateral sides of the exercise device 100 and provide a full resistance force of w to the user, which is the addition of w / 2 force from both weight stacks combined.

[0075] One can appreciate that the quad pulley 142 could be replaced with a dual pulley, e.g., by consolidating Pulleys D and F into a single pulley and consolidating Pulleys R and Tinto a single pulley and removing fixed Pulles E and S. However, the length of the upper cable 144 would be shortened by a distance 2d and the length of the lower cable 146 would be shortened by a distance 2A. While these shorter distances might be adequate for performance of pull-down and low row exercises at the swing pulley 136 and swivel dual pulley 132, respectively, the cable travel distance could be too short for a user performing an isolateral exercise using the lower cable 146 at the trolley 128. For example, a tall user with long arms might need a very longer cable payout than a shorter person. In such a case, if only a dual pulley were used in place of the quad pulley 142 and Pulleys E and S were also removed, the travel distance of the lower cable 146 in particular may be too short and such a dual pulley might be pulled against the base of the frame structure 102 before a full range of motion by a user is achieved.

[0076] The purpose of the quad pulley 142 is thus twofold. First, the quad pulley 142 functions to connect the lower cable 146 to the weight stack 106 through connection with the upper cable 144. Second, the quad pulley 142 provides for additional cable length, particularly for the lower cable 146 within the system to avoid interference between the floating pulleys, e.g., the quad pulley 142 itself and potentially Pulley I, and the frame structure 102.

[0077] It should be noted that the first end of the upper cable 144 and the first end of the lower cable 146 both terminate at the trolley 128. It should further be appreciated that the trolley 128 can be located at many vertical positions along the length of the front post 108. These various locations are accommodated by the floating quad pulley 142. As the trolley 128 is moved downward, the quad pulley 142 moves upward (as indicated by the dashed arrow within the quad pulley 142 in FIG. 11) to allow the upper cable 144 to pay out at the first end as the cable anchor 150 travels downward with the trolley 128. Simultaneously, the slack in the lower cable 146 created as the trolley 128 moves downward is taken up between Pulleys R-T. Conversely, as the trolley 128 is moved upward, the quad pulley 142 moves downward (as indicated by the dashed arrow within the quad pulley 142 in FIG. 11) to allow the lower cable 146 to pay out at the first end as the trolley cable stop 152b travels upward with the trolley 128. Simultaneously, the slack in the upper cable 144 created as the trolley 128 moves upward is taken up between Pulleys D-F. Thus, constant tension on the upper cable 144 and the lower cable 146 is maintained, preserving the stasis condition regardless of the vertical position of the trolley 128 along the front post 108.

[0078] The swivel dual pulleys 132 are spaced apart, but are relatively close together, on either side of the mounting post 180. The close spacing allows for attachment of a single grasping device, e.g., a row bar attachment 134, to both lower cables 146 to engage the resistance force provided by both weight stacks 106 as further described below. Similarly, the swing pulleys 136 are spaced apart, but are relatively close together on the intermediate top crossmember 124. The close spacing allows for attachment of a single grasping device, e.g.,pull-down bar attachment 138, to both upper cables 144 to engage the resistance force provided by both weight stacks 106 as further described below. The spacing between the swivel pulleys132 is the same as the spacing between the swing pulleys 136 and both are aligned symmetrically with respect to a center vertical axis of the exercise device 100, e.g., the swivel pulleys 132 and the swing pulleys 136 are vertically aligned with each other on common axes.

[0079] The footplate 140 is positioned beneath the swivel pulleys 132 and is telescopically coupled to a receiver channel 182 mounted above the rear bottom crossmember 178. A shank extends rearward from the footplate 140 and inserts into a receiver channel 182. The footplate 140 can be adjustably fixed at multiple linear positions within the receiver channel 182 to space the footplate 140 closer to or further from the swivel dual pulley 132. Such adjustments can aid in creating a desirable reach distance for a user during a row exercise, depending upon the size, e.g., arm and leg lengths, of the user.

[0080] The footplate 140 defines an upper cut-out 166 in a top, center portion thereof through which the lower cables 146 extend during an exercise. The upper cutout 166 allows the swivel dual pulleys 132 to be positioned lower vertically on the mounting post 180 to aid in creating a more realistic (e.g., close to horizontal) pulling angle for row exercises.. The footplate 140 can also define a pair of lateral lower cut-outs 168 on each lower corner thereof. The lateral lower cut-outs 168 can allow the feet of a weight bench to slide beneath the footplate 140 and thereby positioning the weight bench closer to the swivel dual pulleys 132 during a seated row exercise, which may be desirable or advantageous to a user.

[0081] Further, the footplate 140 may be configured with a base surface 170 and an upper surface 172. The upper cut-out 166 may be formed in the upper surface 172 and the lateral lower cut-outs 168 can be formed in the base surface 170. The base surface 170 can be oriented at a slight offset angle with respect to a vertical plane (e.g., 10° + / -5°) to provide a more natural or comfortable angle for a user’s feet when performing a row exercise seated on the floor. The upper surface 172 can be oriented at an angle 0 with respect to the base surface 170 (as depicted in FIG. 7) of about 165° (+ / -5°) (or offset 65° + / -5° with respect to a vertical plane) to provide a more natural or comfortable angle for a user’s feet when performing a row exercise seated on a weight bench.

[0082] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the structures disclosed herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of such structures. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may be used interchangeably and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements andrelative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

[0083] In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components or separate from other components should be considered exemplary because multiple other architectures may potentially be implemented to achieve the same functionality, including incorporating all, most, and / or some elements as part of one or more unitary structures and / or separate structures.

[0084] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appended drawings describes examples and does not represent the only instances that may be implemented or that are within the scope of the claims. The terms “example” and “exemplary,” when used in this description, mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and not “preferred” or “advantageous over other examples.”

[0085] As used herein, including in the claims, the term “and / or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items prefaced by a phrase such as “at least one of” or “one or more of”) indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “about” and “substantially” are to be construed as + / - 10%, unless stated otherwise.

[0086] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, other embodiments using different combinations of elements and structures disclosed herein are contemplated, as other iterations can be determined through ordinary skill based upon the teachings of the present disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is1. An exercise device comprising a frame composed of vertical posts, top and bottom side rails, and lateral crossmembers connected together; a first force resistance component mounted to the frame; a first user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a first location; a second user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a second location; a third user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a third location; a first cable-pulley system comprising a plurality of pulleys mounted to and within the frame at a plurality of locations, the first cable-pulley system further comprising a first cable having first and second ends, wherein the first end is fixed to the first user exercise interface; the second end is restrained from movement in a first direction by the second user exercise interface; and a first mid-section of the first cable is coupled to the first force resistance component via a first pulley; a second cable having first and second ends, wherein the first end is restrained from movement in a second direction by the first user exercise interface; and the second end is restrained from movement in a third direction by the third user exercise interface; a first quad pulley component comprising four pulleys that couples a second mid-section of the first cable to a third mid-section of the second cable, thereby connecting the second cable to the first force resistance component.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 , wherein the first force resistance component provides a maximum resistance force of W and the first cable-pulley system translates a user resistance force of one-half W to each of the second end of the first cable at the first user exercise interface, the first end of the second cable at the second user exercise interface, and the second end of the second cable at the third user exercise interface.

3. The exercise device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first quad pulley component is a floating pulley that is not fixed to the frame.

4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the first quad pulley component is coupled to the frame via the first cable passing through a second pulley mounted to the frame and the second cable passing through a third pulley mounted to the frame.

5. The exercise device of claim 4, wherein routing of the first cable between the second pulley and the first quad pulley provides a first cable slack storage section for the first cable of a first length; routing of the second cable between the third pulley and the first quad pulley provides a second cable slack storage section for the second cable of a second length.

6. The exercise device of claim 5, wherein the first length is less than the second length.

7. The exercise device of any preceding claim, wherein the first force resistance component comprises a weight stack with a plurality of selectable weight plates.

8. The exercise device of any preceding claim, wherein the first user exercise interface is adjustably mountable such that a first position is selectable at a plurality of positions on and with respect to the frame.

9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein the first user exercise device is adjustably mountable to the plurality of positions which extend vertically along a length of one of the vertical posts of the frame.

10. The exercise device of any preceding claim, wherein the second location on the frame of the second user exercise component is located toward a top of the frame and is positioned for a user to pull downward and outward on a user grasping component connected to the second end of the first cable.

11. The exercise device of any preceding claim, wherein the third location on the frame of the third user exercise component is located toward a bottom of the frame and is positioned for a user to pull upward and outward on a user grasping component connected to the second end of the second cable.

12. The exercise device of any preceding claim, further comprising a footplate positioned forward of the third user exercise interface and telescopically, adjustably attached to a bottom structure of the frame.

13. The exercise device of claim 12, wherein the footplate has a lower surface offset from a vertical plane by a first angle;the footplate has an upper surface offset from the vertical plane by a second angle; and the second angle is larger than the first angle.

14. The exercise device of any preceding claim, wherein the second user exercise interface is mounted to the frame at the second location via a hinge oriented in a horizontal plane.

15. The exercise device of any preceding claim, wherein the third user exercise interface is mounted to the frame at the third location via a hinge oriented in a vertical plane.

16. The exercise device of any preceding claim, further comprising a second force resistance component mounted to the frame; a fourth user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a fourth location; a fifth user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a fifth location; a sixth user exercise interface mounted to the frame at a sixth location; a second cable-pulley system comprising a plurality of pulleys mounted to and within the frame at a plurality of locations, the second cable-pulley system further comprising a third cable having first and second ends, wherein the first end is fixed to the fourth user exercise interface; the second end is restrained from movement in a fourth direction by the fifth user exercise interface; and a first mid-section of the third cable is coupled to the second force resistance component via a fourth pulley; a fourth cable having first and second ends, wherein the first end is restrained from movement in a fifth direction by the fourth user exercise interface; and the second end is restrained from movement in a sixth direction by the sixth user exercise interface; a second quad pulley component comprising four pulleys that couples a second mid-section of the third cable to a mid-section of the fourth cable, thereby connecting the fourth cable to the second force resistance component.

17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the second user exercise interface and the fifth user exercise interface are mounted adjacent to each other on the frame and are configured such that a user grasping component can be coupled to each of the first cable and the third cable to simultaneously connect to both the first cable and the third cable to both the first force resistance component and the second force resistance component.

18. The exercise device of claim 16 or 17, wherein the third user exercise interface and the sixth user exercise interface are mounted adjacent to each other on the frame and are configured such that a user grasping component can be coupled to each of the second cable and the fourth cable to simultaneously connect to both the second cable and the fourth cable to both the first force resistance component and the second force resistance component.

19. An exercise device comprising: a frame structure comprising: a left front vertical post; a right front vertical post; a left rear vertical post; a right rear vertical post; a left bottom rail coupled between the left front vertical post and the left rear vertical post; a right bottom rail coupled between the right front vertical post and the right rear vertical post; a left top rail coupled between the left front vertical post and the left rear vertical post; a right top rail coupled between the right front vertical post and the right rear vertical post; a rear top cross member connected to upper ends of each of the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post; and a rear bottom cross member connected to base ends of each of the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post; one or more weight stacks positioned between the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post; and a cable-pulley system mounted within the frame structure and configured such that one or more cables attached to respective ones of the one or more weight stacks travel in a plane defined by the left rear vertical post and the right rear vertical post.

20. The exercise device of claim 19, wherein the frame structure further comprises a left intermediate vertical post; a right intermediate vertical post; a left rear bottom rail coupled to the left intermediate vertical post and the left rear vertical post;a right rear bottom rail coupled to the right intermediate vertical post and the right rear vertical post; a left rear top rail coupled to the left intermediate vertical post and the left rear vertical post; a right rear top rail coupled to the right intermediate vertical post and the right rear vertical post; and the one or more weight stacks are dimensionally behind each of the left intermediate vertical post and the right intermediate vertical post.

21. The exercise device of claim 19 or 20, wherein the one or more weight stacks are mounted on the rear bottom cross member.

22. The exercise device of claim 21 , wherein the one or more weight stacks each comprise a plurality of weight plates aligned with and stacked on top of each other above the rear bottom cross member of the frame structure.

23. The exercise device of claim 22, further comprising a shroud and wherein the plurality of weight plates are at least partially housed within the shroud, and portions of the shroud at least partially cover portions of the rear bottom cross member.

24. The exercise device of claim 22 or 23, wherein the one or more weight stacks comprise two weight stacks; vertical axes of the two weight stacks are substantially parallel to each other; the vertical axes of the two weight stacks are each substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rear bottom cross member and longitudinal axes of the plurality of weight plates in the two weight stacks are substantially parallel to and above the longitudinal axis of the rear bottom cross member.

25. The exercise device of any one of claims 19 to 24, wherein the one or more weight stacks comprise a left weight stack and a right weight stack each extending laterally across the rear bottom cross member.

26. The exercise device of claim 20, wherein the frame structure further comprises a front top cross member connected to the left front vertical post and the right front vertical post; and an intermediate top cross member connected to the left intermediate vertical post and the right intermediate vertical post.

27. The exercise device of any one of claims 19 to 26, wherein the frame structure and the one or more weight stacks are arranged relative to one another so as to form a U-shape structure defining an open area for occupancy by a user.

28. An exercise system comprising: a frame further comprising: a first post; a second post; a bottom cross member defining a longitudinal axis and extending between the first post and the second post, wherein a first end of the bottom cross member is coupled with a lower portion of the first post and a second end of the bottom cross member is coupled with a lower portion of the second post; a third post; a fourth post; a first rear bottom rail extending between the first post and the third post, wherein a first end of the first rear bottom rail is coupled with the lower portion of the first post and a second end of the first rear bottom rail is coupled with a lower portion of the third post; and a second rear bottom rail extending between second post and the fourth post, wherein a first end of the second rear bottom rail is coupled with the lower portion of the second post and a second end of the second rear bottom rail is coupled with a lower portion of the fourth post; and a weight system configured to couple with the frame and comprising a plurality of weight stacks, wherein: the plurality of weight stacks are positioned above the bottom cross member and between the first post and the second post; each of the plurality of weight stacks comprise a plurality of weight plates, each defining a longitudinal axis and arranged such that the longitudinal axes of the plurality of weight plates in each of the plurality of weight stacks align in parallel and further align in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the bottom cross member.

29. The exercise system of claim 28, wherein a first of the plurality of weight plates in one of the plurality of weight stacks is stacked on top of the bottom cross member of the frame; and each of the remaining plurality of weight plates is stacked on top of the first of the plurality of weight plates.

30. The exercise system of claim 28 or 29, wherein the frame further comprises a fifth post; a sixth post; a first front bottom rail extending between the third post and the fifth post, wherein a first end of the first front bottom rail is coupled with the lower portion of the third post and a second end of the first front bottom rail is coupled with a lower portion of the fifth post; and a second front bottom rail extending between the fourth post and the sixth post, wherein a first end of the second front bottom rail is coupled with the lower portion of the fourth post and a second end of the second front bottom rail is coupled with a lower portion of the sixth post.

31. The exercise system of claim 30, wherein the first post, the second post, the bottom cross member, the third post, the fourth post, the first rear bottom rail, the second rear bottom rail, the fifth post, the sixth post, the first front bottom rail, and the second front bottom rail form a U-shape that defines an open area.

32. The exercise system of any one of claims 28 to 31 , wherein the first post, the second post, the bottom cross member, the third post, the fourth post, the first rear bottom rail, and the second rear bottom rail are arranged relative to one another so as to form a II- shape structure that defines an open area.

33. The exercise system of any one of claims 28 to 32 further comprising a shroud substantially surrounding the plurality of weight stacks, wherein a rear surface of the shroud is substantially flush with rear surfaces of the first post, the second post, and the bottom cross member.

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