Exercise machine with dual fulcrum articulated force lever

• US 20060252613A1
• Filed: 04/27/2006
• Published: 11/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jeff L. Freedman, Karl V. Vaught, Neal P. Barnes, Ross A. Mackert
• Original Assignee: Jeff L. Freedman, Karl V. Vaught, Neal P. Barnes, Ross A. Mackert
• Inventors: Barnes, Neal P., Freedman, Jeff L., Vaught, Karl V., Mackert, Ross A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,452,311 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 482/95
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2022/0084 pivoting about a horizontal axis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00072 by changing the length of a lever
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/068 using user's body weight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4047 Pivoting movement weight pivoting A63B21/0615
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0076 Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system seats moving during exercise A63B22/0087; training appliances for rowing or sculling on boats A63B69/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0089 a counterforce being provided to the support force-resisting aspects A63B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0233 in 90/90 position, like on a chair
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/12 for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles bench press exercises A63B21/078; for teaching music G09B15/06
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1209 Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously

Abstract

An exercise machine includes a dual fulcrum articulated force lever connected to a machine frame. The articulated force lever includes a first force arm and a second force arm. A fixed end of the second force arm is pivotally connected to the frame at a first fulcrum. A movable end of the second force arm is pivotally connected to a first end of the first force arm for pivoting of the first force arm about a second fulcrum. A resistance load is attached intermediately to the first force arm. A handle section is connected to the first end of the first force arm opposite the pivot connection to the second force arm. Movement of the handle section in one direction rotates the first force arm and the second force arm together about the first fulcrum against the load. Movement of the handle section in an opposite direction rotates the first force arm about the second fulcrum against the load. In one embodiment the resistance load is provided at least in part by the body weight of the exercising person. A seat assembly is movably connected to the frame. A load linkage connects the seat assembly to the first force arm in such a manner that the first force arm moves against the weight of the exercising person situated on the seat assembly. The connection point between the load linkage and the first force arm is adjustable. This is effective to vary the load at the first force arm.

Claims

1. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

an articulated force lever having a first force arm and a second force arm;

a first end of the second force arm pivotally connected to the frame at a first pivot connection for rotation about a first fulcrum;

a second pivot connection connecting the second force arm to a first end of the first force arm;

a second fulcrum on the frame;

said second force arm rotatable about the first pivot connection to the second fulcrum;

a handle section connected to the first end of the first force arm opposite the second pivot; and

a load connected to the first force arm between the first and second ends whereby movement of the handle section in a first direction rotates the first and second force arms about the first pivot against the resistance of the load, and movement of the handle section in a second direction rotates the first force arm about the second pivot against the resistance of the load.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein:

the position where the load is connected to the first force arm is adjustable.

3. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein:

a load linkage connected at a first end to a load;

said load linkage connected at a second end to the first force arm.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3 wherein:

the position where the load linkage is connected to the first force arm is adjustable to vary the load.

5. The exercise machine of claim 4 wherein:

the load linkage is a tension strap.

6. The exercise machine of claim 4 including:

a seat assembly including a seat bar pivotally connected to the frame;

a seat connected to the seat bar;

said load linkage connected to the seat bar whereby the load is provided at least partially by an exercising person occupying the seat.

7. The exercise machine of claim 6 wherein:

the load linkage is a tension strap.

8. The exercise machine of claim 7 wherein:

said first force arm is arcuate;

a pulley installed on the frame between the first force arm and the seat bar;

said tension strap extending from the first force arm and over the pulley to the seat bar;

said pulley located at approximately the center of the arc of the first force arm.

9. The exercise machine of claim 8 including:

an array of openings along the surface of the first force arm;

a movable clamp installed on the first force arm;

said tension strap connected to the movable clamp;

said movable clamp having a locking pin movable into and out of engagement with a selected opening on the first force arm to permit adjustment of the position of the connection of the tension strap with the first force arm.

10. The exercise machine of claim 9 wherein:

the locking pin of the movable clamp is spring loaded.

11. The exercise machine of claim 1 wherein:

said handle section includes at least one handle bar.

12. The exercise machine of claim 11 including:

an adjustment plate connecting the handle bar to the first force arm;

said adjustment plate including an arcuate array of adjustment plate openings;

an adjustment plate locking pin assembly connected to the first force arm opposite the second pivot;

said adjustment plate locking pin assembly including an adjustment plate locking pin selectively engageable with an opening on the adjustment plate to vary the angular position of the handle bar.

13. The exercise machine of claim 12 wherein:

said handle section includes first and second handle bars connected by a cross bar that is connected to the adjustment plate;

14. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

a dual fulcrum articulated force lever connected to the frame having first and second force arms;

a load connected to the dual fulcrum articulated force lever;

a handle connected to the dual fulcrum articulated force lever whereby movement of the handle in a first direction rotates the first and second force arms about a first pivot against the resistance of the load, and movement of the handle in a second direction rotates the first force arm about a second pivot against the resistance of the load.

15. The exercise machine of claim 14 including:

a seat assembly connected to the frame spaced from the dual fulcrum articulated force lever;

said seat assembly including a seat and a load linkage connecting the seat to the dual fulcrum articulated force lever whereby at least part of a load connected to the dual fulcrum articulated force lever is supplied by an exercising person occupying the seat.

16. The exercise machine of claim 16 wherein:

the position where the load is connected to the dual fulcrum articulated force lever is adjustable to vary the load.

17. An exercise machine comprising:

a frame;

an articulated force lever connected to the frame;

said articulated force lever having a first force arm and a second force arm;

a fixed end of the second force arm pivotally connected to the frame at a first fulcrum;

a movable end of the second force arm pivotally connected to a first end of the first force arm for pivoting of the first force arm about a second fulcrum;

a resistance load connection on the first force arm;

a handle section connected to the first force arm opposite the pivot connection to the second force arm whereby movement of the handle section in one direction rotates the first force arm and the second force arm together about the first fulcrum against a load attached to the resistance load connection and movement of the handle in a second direction opposite to the first direction rotates the first force arm about the second fulcrum against a load attached to the resistance load connection.

18. The exercise machine of claim 17 wherein:

the location of the resistance load connection on the first force arm is adjustable.

19. The exercise machine of claim 18 including:

a seat assembly pivotally connected to the frame and connected to the resistance load connection so that a load is provided at least partially by an exercising person occupying the seat assembly.