Exercise machine with infinite position range limiter and automatic belt tensioning system

• US 7,083,554 B1
• Filed: 02/27/1997
• Issued: 08/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: BowFlex, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
• Inventors: Lo Presti, Michael A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Huson, Gregory L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Mathew, Fenn C.
• Application Number:
  US08/807,372
• Time in Patent Office: 3,442 Days
• Field of Search: 482/93, 482/94, 482 98-100, 482135-138, 482102-103, 482/142
• US Class Current: 482/137
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/155 Cam-shaped pulleys or other non-uniform pulleys, e.g. conical
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4047 Pivoting movement weight pivoting A63B21/0615
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0247 with legs in a kneeled 90/90 position
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/0252 supine
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/30 Maintenance
• 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 23/0482 primarily by articulating the hip joints A63B23/0211, A63B23/0405, A63B23/0476 take precedence

Abstract

An exercise machine having infinite range limiting capability comprises: a frame; a pivotable exercise arm mounted to the frame configured to engage an exercising user and moveable along a stroke path having a fully extended position and a fully flexed position; a movement-resisting system for resisting movement of the exercise arm along the stroke path; an interconnecting unit for interconnecting the exercise arm and the movement-resisting unit so that movement of the exercise arm causes a portion of the movement-resisting unit to move in response thereto; and a range-limiting unit for limiting the distance the exercise arm moves along the stroke path during exercise. The range-limiting unit is connected to the interconnecting unit and is configured to enable a user of the exercise machine to select a first partially flexed position at any desired location along the stroke path such that the exercise arm moves between the first partially flexed position and the fully extended position serving during exercise. The range limiting unit is also configured so that movement of the exercise arm away from the fully extended position past the first partially flexed position by the user selects a second partially flexed position such that the exercise arm moves between the second partially flexed position and the fully extended position during exercise.

Claims

1. An exercise machine, comprising:

a frame;

a pivotable exercise arm mounted to said frame, configured to engage an exercising user, and moveable along a stroke path having a fully extended position and a fully flexed position;

movement-resisting means for resisting movement of the exercise arm along the stroke path;

interconnecting means for interconnecting the exercise arm and the movement-resisting means so that movement of said exercise arm causes a portion of the movement-resisting means to move in response thereto; and

range-limiting means for limiting the distance said exercise arm moves along said stroke path during exercise, said range-limiting means being connected to said interconnecting means and configured to enable a user of the exercise machine to select a first partially flexed position at any desired location along the stroke path such that said exercise arm moves between said first partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise;

said range limiting means being configured such that movement of the exercise arm away from the fully extended position past the first partially flexed position by the user selects a second partially flexed position such that said exercise arm moves between said second partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise and thereby sets a new distance said exercise arm moves along said stroke path during exercise.

2. The exercise machine defined in claim 1, wherein said interconnecting means includes a flexible member interconnecting said movement-resisting means and said range-limiting means.

3. The exercise machine defined in claim 1, wherein said movement-resisting means comprises a plurality of vertically stacked weights, and wherein movement of said exercise arm from a flexed position to the extended position raises a preselected portion of said plurality of weights.

4. The exercise machine defined in claim 3, wherein said interconnecting means includes a connecting rod and means for interconnecting a selected number of weights in said stack of weights to be interconnected with said connecting rod such that movement of said exercise arm causes said selected number of weights to move in response thereto.

5. An exercise machine, comprising:

a frame;

a pivotable exercise arm mounted to said frame, configured to engage an exercising user, and moveable along a stroke path having a fully extended position and a fully flexed position;

movement-resisting means for resisting movement of the exercise arm along the stroke path;

interconnecting means for interconnecting the exercise arm and the movement-resisting means so that movement of said exercise arm causes a portion of the movement-resisting means to move in response thereto; and

range-limiting means for limiting the distance said exercise arm moves along said stroke path during exercise;

said interconnecting means includes a flexible member interconnecting said movement-resisting means and said range-limiting means;

said range-limiting means being connected to said interconnecting means and configured to enable a user of the exercise machine to select a first partially flexed position at any desired location along the stroke path such that said exercise arm moves between said first partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise, said range-limiting means comprising a rotary member positioned within a one-way clutch unit mounted on said frame, said rotary member being connected to one end of said flexible member of said interconnecting means, and said one way clutch unit preventing rotation of said rotary member within and relative to said one way clutch unit in a rotative direction such that said rotary member takes up said flexible member and allowing rotation in a rotative direction such that said rotary member lets out said flexible member;

said range limiting means being configured such that movement of the exercise arm away from the fully extended position past the first partially flexed position by the user selects a second partially flexed position such that said exercise arm moves between said second partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise.

6. The exercise machine defined in claim 5, wherein said range limiting means further comprises a tensioning unit connected between said rotary member and said exercise arm that maintains tension therebetween as said exercise arm moves between the flexed and extended positions.

7. The exercise machine defined in claim 6, wherein said exercise arm is connected to and coupled for movement with an eccentric cam, wherein said eccentric cam is connected with said tensioning unit, and wherein said tensioning unit is connected between said eccentric cam and said rotary member, and said tensioning unit is configured so that tension is maintained between said rotary member and said cam as said exercise arm moves between the flexed and extended positions during exercise.

8. The exercise machine defined in claim 7, wherein said tensioning unit includes a linear spring positioned between said eccentric cam and said rotary member, and wherein said linear spring is stretched beyond its free length when said exercise arm is in the flexed position.

9. The exercise machine defined in claim 5, wherein said tensioning unit is configured to induce between about 3 and 20 pounds of tension in said flexible member.

10. The exercise machine defined in claim 7, wherein said range limiting means is configured such that, at any position of said exercise arm along said stroke path, said eccentric cam has the same angular orientation relative to said frame irrespective of the location of the first or second partially flexed positions along the stroke path.

11. The exercise machine defined in claim 8, wherein said range limiting means further comprises a pinion attached to and rotatable with said rotary member and a drive gear that engages said pinion, said drive gear being connected with said linear spring.

12. An exercise machine, comprising:

a frame;

a pivotable exercise arm mounted to said frame, configured to engage an exercising user, and moveable along a stroke path having a fully extended position and a fully flexed position;

movement-resisting means for resisting movement of the exercise arm along the stroke path;

interconnecting means for interconnecting the exercise arm and the movement-resisting means so that movement of said exercise arm causes a portion of the movement-resisting means to move in response thereto, said interconnecting means including a flexible member interposed between said exercise arm and said movement-resisting means;

range-limiting means for limiting the distance said exercise arm moves along said stroke path during exercise, said range-limiting means being connected to said interconnecting means and configured to enable a user of the exercise machine to select a first partially flexed position at any desired location along the stroke path such that said exercise arm moves between said first partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise; and

tensioning means for maintaining tension in said flexible member when said exercise arm is in a flexed position and when said exercise arm is in the extended position, said tensioning means being interconnected with said interconnecting means;

said range limiting means being configured such that movement of the exercise arm away from the fully extended position past the first partially flexed position by the user selects a second partially flexed position such that said exercise arm moves between said second partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise.

13. The exercise machine defined in claim 12, wherein said flexible member interconnects said movement-resistant means and said range-limiting means.

14. The exercise machine defined in claim 13, wherein said movement-resisting means comprises a plurality of vertically stacked weights, and wherein movement of said exercise arm from a flexed position to the fully extended position raises a preselected portion of said plurality of weights.

15. The exercise machine defined in claim 14, wherein said interconnecting means includes a connecting rod and means for interconnecting a selected number of weights in said stack of weights with said connecting rod such that movement of said exercise arm causes said selected number of weights to move in response thereto.

16. An exercise machine, comprising:

a frame;

a pivotable exercise arm mounted to said frame, configured to engage an exercising user, and moveable along a stroke path having a fully extended position and a fully flexed position;

movement-resisting means for resisting movement of the exercise arm along the stroke path;

interconnecting means for interconnecting the exercise arm and the movement-resisting means so that movement of said exercise arm causes a portion of the movement-resisting means to move in response thereto, said interconnecting means including a flexible member interposed between said exercise arm and said movement-resisting means;

range-limiting means for limiting the distance said exercise arm moves along said stroke path during exercise comprising a rotary member positioned within a one-way clutch unit mounted on said frame, said rotary member being connected to one end of said flexible member of said interconnecting means, and said one way clutch unit preventing rotation of said rotary member within and relative to said one way clutch unit in a rotative direction such that said rotary member takes up said flexible member and allowing rotation in a rotative direction such that said rotary member lets out said flexible member, said range-limiting means being connected to said interconnecting means and configured to enable a user of the exercise machine to select a first partially flexed position at any desired location along the stroke path such that said exercise arm moves between said first partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise; and

tensioning means for maintaining tension in said flexible member when said exercise arm is in a flexed position and when said exercise arm is in the extended position, said tensioning means being interconnected with said interconnecting means;

said range limiting means being configured such that movement of the exercise arm away from the fully extended position past the first partially flexed position by the user selects a second partially flexed position such that said exercise arm moves between said second partially flexed position and said fully extended position during exercise.

17. The exercise machine defined in claim 16, wherein said exercise arm is connected to and coupled for movement with an eccentric cam, wherein said eccentric cam is connected with said tensioning unit, and wherein said tensioning unit is connected between said eccentric cam and said rotary member, and said tensioning unit is configured so that tension is maintained between said rotary member and said cam as said exercise arm moves between the flexed and extended positions during exercise.

18. The exercise machine defined in claim 17, wherein said tensioning unit includes a linear spring positioned between said eccentric cam and said rotary member, and wherein said linear spring is stretched beyond its fee length when said exercise arm is in the flexed position.

19. The exercise machine defined in claim 16, wherein said tensioning unit is configured to induce between about 3 and 20 pounds of tension in said flexible member.

20. The exercise machine defined in claim 17, wherein said range limiting means is configured such that, at any position of said exercise arm along, said eccentric cam has the same angular orientation relative to said frame irrespective of the location of the flexed positions along the stroke path.

21. The exercise machine defined in claim 18, wherein said range limiting means further comprises a pinion attached to and rotatable with said rotary member and a drive gear that engages said pinion, said drive gear being connected with said linear spring.