Exercise apparatus with sliding pulley

• US 6,770,015 B2
• Filed: 07/26/2002
• Issued: 08/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: IFIT Incorporated (Amynta Agency, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: FreeMotion Fitness (HF HOLDINGS INC)
• Inventors: Simonson, Roy
• Primary Examiner(s): Lucchesi, Nicholas D.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HWANG, VICTOR KENNY
• Application Number:
  US10/205,787
• Publication Number:
  US 20040018920A1
• Time in Patent Office: 739 Days
• Field of Search: 482/92-94, 482/97-103, 482/106, 482/129, 482/130, 482/139
• US Class Current: 482/99
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/156 the position of the pulleys being variable, e.g. for different exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus that includes a frame housing a weight stack. A sliding assembly is coupled to the frame and weight stack. The sliding assembly includes, but is not limited to, a guide column, a sliding element disposed on the guide column, a pulley attached to the sliding element, a first mount disposed at one end of the guide column, a second mount coupled to the sliding element, and a first cable disposed in the pulley. The first cable has a first end attached to one end of the guide column, an intermediate portion disposed in the pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle. A second cable may have a first end attached to the sliding element or the first mount and a second end attached to the weight stack. In one embodiment, the guide column, first mount, and second mount are rotatable independently of each other.

Claims

1. A sliding assembly configured for use by an exerciser during an exercise routine, the sliding assembly comprising:

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end;

a first mount rotatably coupled to the first end of the guide column;

a second mount rotatably coupled to the second end of the guide column;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column; and

an actuation assembly coupled to the sliding element such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column.

2. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a cable and pulley system, and wherein the cable and pulley system is coupled to a weight stack.

3. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein the guide column is coupled to a frame, the frame housing the weight stack.

4. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the second mount and sliding element are independently rotatable in relation to each other.

5. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 4, wherein the second mount and guide column are independently rotatable in relation to each other.

6. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the actuation assembly is coupled to the sliding element and is coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column.

7. A sliding assembly configured for use by an exerciser during an exercise routine, the sliding assembly comprising:

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end,

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column; and

an actuation assembly coupled to the sliding element such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a cable and pulley system, the cable and pulley system is coupled to a weight stack, and wherein the guide column is coupled to a frame, the frame housing the weight stack, wherein the guide column has a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the guide column is configured to selectively rotate about its longitudinal axis of rotation during an exercise routine.

8. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the guide column is rotatably coupled to a frame, the guide column and the first mount being independently rotatable in relation to each other.

9. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein the actuation assembly is coupled to the sliding element and is coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column.

10. A sliding assembly configured for use by an exerciser during an exercise routine, the sliding assembly comprising:

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end a sliding element disposed on the guide column;

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column;

a second mount movably coupled to the guide column, wherein the second mount and sliding element are independently rotatable in relation to each other, and wherein the second mount is movably coupled to the guide column and the guide column is rotatably coupled to a frame, the frame housing a resistance assembly, wherein the second mount and the guide column are independently rotatable in relation to each other; and

an actuation assembly coupled to the sliding element such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column.

11. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein the actuation assembly is coupled to the sliding element and is coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column.

12. A sliding assembly configured for use by an exerciser during an exercise routine, the sliding assembly comprising:

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end;

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column, wherein the sliding element is rotatably coupled to the guide column; and

an actuation assembly coupled to the sliding element such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element alone the guide column.

13. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the actuation assembly is coupled to the sliding element and is coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column.

14. A sliding assembly configured for use in conjunction with a weight stack, the weight stack being selectively moved by an exerciser during an exercise routine, the sliding assembly comprising:

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end, the guide column having a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the guide column is configured to selectively rotate about its longitudinal axis of rotation during an exercise routine;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column such that the sliding element is selectively positionable between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column; and

an actuation assembly coupled to the sliding element.

15. An assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a first pulley attached to the sliding element;

and a first cable disposed on the first pulley.

16. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 15, further comprising:

a first mount rotatably coupled to one of the first and second ends of the guide column, wherein the first cable has a first end attached to the first mount, an intermediate portion disposed on the first pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle to be grasped by an exerciser.

17. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 16, wherein the guide column is coupled to a frame, the frame housing the weight stack.

18. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 17, wherein the first mount is rotatably coupled to the guide column and the guide column is rotatably coupled to a frame, the frame housing the weight stack, wherein the guide column and the first mount are independently rotatable in relation to each other.

19. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 16, further comprising a second mount movably coupled to the guide column, the second mount and the sliding element being independently rotatable in relation to each other.

20. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 16, further comprising a second mount movably coupled to the guide column, the second mount and guide column being independently rotatable in relation to each other.

21. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein the guide column is coupled to a frame such that the guide column is rotatable about an axis transverse to the guide column, the frame housing the weight stack.

22. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein the sliding element is rotatably coupled to the guide column.

23. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 20, further comprising:

a weight stack; and

a cable having a first end coupled to the weight stack and a second end attached to the second mount.

24. The sliding assembly as recited in claim 14, the sliding element further comprising linear bearings so that the sliding element can freely slide along the guide column but is substantially prevented from rotating radially around the guide column, such that when a radial force is applied to the first pulley, the guide column and sliding element rotate substantially together around the longitudinal axis of rotation of the guide column.

25. An exercise apparatus for allowing an exerciser to target a variety of muscle groups, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a resistance assembly;

a guide column coupled to the frame;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly, wherein the sliding element is selectively positionable between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column;

a support member is disposed between the guide column and the frame, the guide column being coupled to the support member and the support member being coupled to the frame;

a wheel assembly is disposed between the support member and the frame, the support member being coupled to the wheel assembly and the wheel assembly being coupled to the frame such that the support member is rotatable about and axis transverse to the guide column;

a first cable having (i) an end that is movable by a user and (ii) a portion that contacts the sliding element, such that movement of the first cable moves the sliding element from the resting position to the actuated position; and

a second cable having a first end and a second end, the first end being linked to the sliding element and the second end being linked to the resistance assembly.

26. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 25, further comprising a first mount and a second mount movably coupled to the guide column.

27. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 25, wherein the actuation assembly comprises a cable and pulley system.

28. An exercise apparatus for allowing an exerciser to target a variety of muscle groups, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a resistance assembly;

a guide column coupled to the frame, the guide column being configured to selectively rotate about its axis of rotation during an exercise routine;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly, wherein the sliding element is selectively positionable between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column; and

an actuation assembly coupled to the sliding element such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column.

29. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 28, wherein the sliding element comprises linear bearings such that the sliding element can freely slide along the guide column but is substantially prevented from rotating radially around the guide column, such that when a radial force is applied to a first pulley, the guide column and sliding element rotate substantially together around the axis of rotation of the guide column.

30. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the second mount and sliding element are rotatable independently of each other.

31. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 30, wherein the second mount and the guide column are rotatable independently of each other.

32. An exercise apparatus for allowing an exerciser to target a variety of muscle groups, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame

a resistance assembly;

a guide column coupled to the frame;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly, wherein the sliding element is selectively positionable between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column; and

an actuation assembly coupled to the sliding element such that actuation of the actuation assembly selectively positions the sliding element along the guide column wherein the actuation assembly comprises a cable and pulley system; and

a first mount rotatably coupled to one of the first and second ends of the guide column, wherein the cable and pulley system comprises a first pulley attached to the sliding element and a first cable, wherein the first cable has a first end attached to the first mount, an intermediate portion disposed on the first pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle to be grasped by an exerciser.

33. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 32, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a weight stack coupled to the frame, wherein the weight stack is comprised of a plurality of weights such that an exerciser is able to select at least one weight from the weight stack.

34. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein the resistance assembly further comprises:

a second cable and pulley system coupled to the weight stack and to the sliding element.

37. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a second cable and pulley system, the second cable and pulley system comprising:

a second pulley attached to the frame; and

a second cable disposed on the second pulley, the second cable having a first end attached to the second mount, an intermediate portion disposed on the second pulley, and a second end coupled to the plurality of weights.

35. An exercise apparatus for providing a continuous range of pull so as to target a variety of muscle groups, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a resistance assembly coupled to the frame, the resistance assembly comprising a plurality of weights such that an exerciser is able to select an amount of resistance; and

a sliding assembly coupled to the frame, the sliding assembly comprising;

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end,

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column,

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly, and

a cable and pulley system coupled to the sliding element and coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the cable and pulley system selectively positions the sliding element between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column, wherein the cable and pulley system comprises;

a first pulley attached to the sliding element; and

a first cable disposed on the first pulley, the first cable having a first end attached to the first mount, an intermediate portion disposed on the first pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle to be grasped by an exerciser.

36. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 35, further comprising a second mount movably coupled to the guide column.

38. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 35, further comprising a second sliding assembly coupled to the frame, the second sliding assembly comprising:

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end;

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column;

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly; and

a cable and pulley system coupled to the sliding element and coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the cable and pulley system selectively positions the sliding element between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column.

39. An exercise apparatus for providing a continuous range of pull so as to target a variety of muscle groups, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a resistance assembly coupled to the frame, the resistance assembly comprising a plurality of weights such that an exerciser is able to select an amount of resistance; and

a sliding assembly coupled to the frame, the sliding assembly comprising;

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end, wherein the guide column has a longitudinal axis of rotation, wherein the guide column is configured to selectively rotate about its longitudinal axis of rotation during an exercise routine,

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column,

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly, and

a cable and pulley system coupled to the sliding element and coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the cable and pulley system selectively positions the sliding element between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column.

40. An exercise apparatus for providing a continuous range of pull so as to target a variety of muscle groups, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a resistance assembly coupled to the frame, the resistance assembly comprising a plurality of weights such that an exerciser is able to select an amount of resistance; and

a sliding assembly coupled to the frame, the sliding assembly comprising;

an elongate guide column haying a first end and a second end,

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column,

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly, and

a cable and pulley system coupled to the sliding element and coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the cable and pulley system selectively positions the sliding element between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column.

41. An exercise apparatus for providing a continuous range of pull so as to target a variety of muscle groups, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a resistance assembly coupled to the frame, the resistance assembly comprising a plurality of weights such that an exerciser is able to select an amount of resistance; and

a sliding assembly coupled to the frame, the sliding assembly comprising;

an elongate guide column having a first end and a second end,

a first mount rotatably coupled to at least one of the first and second ends of the guide column,

a sliding element disposed on the guide column and coupled to the resistance assembly,

a support member being disposed between the sliding assembly and the frame, the sliding assembly being coupled to the support member and the support member being coupled to the frame, and

a cable and pulley system coupled to the sliding element and coupled to the first mount such that actuation of the cable and pulley system selectively positions the sliding element between a resting position and an actuated position along the guide column.

42. The exercise apparatus as recited in claim 41, wherein the wheel assembly is positionable about every 10°

to 15°

.