Cable crossover exercise apparatus

• US 7,282,016 B2
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Issued: 10/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness Incorporated (HF HOLDINGS INC)
• Original Assignee: Icon-Ip Pty Limited
• Inventors: Simonson, Roy
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Connor; Cary E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): HWANG, VICTOR KENNY
• Application Number:
  US10/261,546
• Publication Number:
  US 20030032531A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,842 Days
• Field of Search: 482 99-103, 482/133, 482/138, 482/136, 482/96, 482/121, 482/129, 482/130, 216/73, 216/75
• US Class Current: 482/103
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/156 the position of the pulleys being variable, e.g. for different exercises

Abstract

A highly versatile exercise apparatuses is disclosed. More particularly, the invention relates to a cable crossover exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and opposed extension arms. The invention also relates to a functional lift exercise apparatus including a central weight stack and substantially parallel extension arms. The invention further relates to a cable type exercise apparatus employing a pulley assembly with a 4:1 load ratio.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable linking a first extension arm and a second extension arm to the resistance assembly, wherein the cable includes a first strand and a second strand;

wherein the first extension arm includes a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly, and a free second end;

a first pulley having an axis of rotation offset distally from and substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the first extension arm, wherein the first strand of the cable passes over the first pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the first extension arm; and

wherein the second extension arm includes a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly and a free second end; and

a second pulley having an axis of rotation offset distally from and substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the second extension arm, wherein the second strand of the cable passes over the second pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the second extension arm.

2. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising a first flange assembly on the resistance assembly and a second flange assembly on the resistance assembly, wherein the first extension arm is coupled to the first flange assembly and the second extension arm is coupled to the second flange assembly, wherein the first and second pulleys are positioned adjacent respective flange assemblies.

3. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a support frame and a stack of weight plates and wherein movement of the cable moves the weight plates.

4. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the first strand of the cable passes over the first pulley, then enters the first end of the first extension arm, then exits the second end of the first extension arm, and the second strand of the cable passes over the second pulley, then enters the first end of the second extension arm, then exits the second end of the second extension arm.

36. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 1, 6, 11, 12, 17, 20, 22, 23, 26, 29, 33, or 34, wherein the first extension arm and the second extension arm are capable of independent movement.

37. An apparatus as recited in claim 1, 5, 11, 12, 18, 29, 33, 34, wherein the apparatus comprises a first flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly and a second flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, wherein the first end of the first extension arm is pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly and the first end of the second extension arm is pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly, and wherein the first and second pulleys are positioned adjacent respective first and second flange assemblies.

5. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable linking a first extension arm and a second extension arm to the resistance assembly, wherein the cable includes a first strand and a second strand;

wherein the first extension arm includes a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly, and a free second end, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a first pulley having an axis of rotation offset distally from and substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation, the first pulley positioned adjacent the first end of the first extension arm such that the first strand of the cable passes over the first pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the first extension arm; and

wherein the second extension arm includes a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly and a free second end, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation; and

a second pulley having an axis of rotation offset distally from and substantially parallel to the second axis of rotation, the second pulley positioned adjacent the first end of the second extension arm such that the second strand of the cable passes over the second pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the second extension arm, wherein the first strand of the cable enters the first end of the first extension arm and exits the second end of the first extension arm, and the second strand of the cable enters the first end of the second extension arm and exits the second end of the second extension arm.

6. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm having a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly and a free second end from which the first strand of the cable extends, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a second extension arm having a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly and a free second end from which the second strand of the cable extends, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation, wherein the cable is moveable through the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the resistance assembly;

a first pulley positioned adjacent a first opening of the first extension arm such that the first pulley immediately directs the first strand of the cable into the first opening of the first extension arm, the first strand exiting a second opening of the first extension arm, the second opening being located at the free end of the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the first axis of rotation; and

a second pulley positioned adjacent a first opening of the second extension arm such that the second pulley immediately directs the second strand of the cable into the first opening of the second extension arm, the second strand exiting a second opening of the second extension arm, the second opening of the second extension arm being located at the free end of the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the second axis of rotation.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a support frame and a stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable engages a pulley system including a pulley coupled to the stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable is moveable through the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the weight plates such that the cable links the first extension arm and the second extension arm to the resistance assembly.

8. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a support frame and a stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable engages a pulley system including a pulley coupled to the stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable is moveable through the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the weight plates.

9. An apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein the apparatus comprises a first flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly and a second flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, wherein the first end of the first extension arm is pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly and the first end of the second extension arm is pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly.

10. An apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein the first and second pulleys are positioned adjacent respective flange assemblies.

11. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm having a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly and a free second end from which the first strand of the cable extends, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a second extension arm having a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly and a free second end from which the second strand of the cable extends, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation, wherein the cable is moveable through the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the resistance assembly;

a first pulley positioned adjacent the first end of the first extension arm such that the first pulley immediately directs the first strand of the cable into a first opening of the first extension arm, the first strand exiting a second opening of the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the first axis of rotation; and

a second pulley positioned adjacent the first end of the second extension arm such that the second pulley immediately directs the second strand of the cable into a first opening of the second extension arm, the second strand exiting a second opening of the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the second axis of rotation.

12. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first flange assembly on the resistance assembly;

a second flange assembly on the resistance assembly;

a first extension arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly and a free second end from which the first strand of the cable extends, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a second extension arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly and a free second end from which the second strand of the cable extends, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation, wherein the cable is moveable against resistance provided by the resistance assembly;

a first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the first axis of rotation, the first strand extending over the first pulley, then immediately extending into the first extension arm_toward the free end of the first extension arm; and

a second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the second axis of rotation, the second strand extending over the second pulley, then immediately extending into the second extension arm_toward the free end of the second extension arm.

13. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein:

(i) the first flange assembly comprises a plate; and

(ii) the second flange assembly comprises a plate.

14. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a support frame and a stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable engages a pulley system including a pulley coupled to the stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable is moveable through the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the weight plates.

15. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 12, further comprising a first pin configured to selectively lock the first extension arm with respect to the first flange assembly, the first pin having an axis that is parallel to and offset from the first axis, and a second pin configured to selectively lock the second extension arm with respect to the second flange assembly, the second pin having an axis that is parallel to and offset from the second axis.

16. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the first strand of the cable passes over the first pulley, then enters the first end of the first extension arm, then extends along the first extension arm, then exits the second end of the first extension arm, and the second strand of the cable passes over the second pulley, then enters the first end of the second extension arm, then extends along the second extension arm, then exits the second end of the second extension arm.

17. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first flange assembly on the resistance assembly;

a second flange assembly on the resistance assembly;

a first extension arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly and a free second end from which the first strand of the cable extends, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a second extension arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly and a free second end from which the second strand of the cable extends, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation, the cable extending through the first and second arms, wherein the cable is moveable against resistance provided by the resistance assembly;

a first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the first axis of rotation, the first strand extending over the first pulley and then immediately through the first extension arm; and

a second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the second axis of rotation, the second strand extending over the second pulley and then immediately through the second extension arm, wherein the first pulley is adjacent the first flange assembly and the second pulley is adjacent the second flange assembly.

18. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the first extension arm assembly having (i) a first pivoting extension arm and (ii) a first pulley positioned such that the first strand of the cable passes over the first pulley, then immediately extends along the first extension arm, then extends past a free end of the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the first extension arm; and

a second extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the second extension arm assembly having (i) a second pivoting extension arm and (ii) a second pulley positioned such that the second strand of the cable passes over the second pulley, then immediately extends along the second extension arm, then extends past a free end of the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the second extension arm, wherein the cable is moveable against resistance provided by the resistance assembly;

wherein the first extension arm assembly and the second extension arm assembly are capable of independent movement.

19. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the first strand of the cable passes over the first pulley, then enters a first end of the first extension arm, then exits the second, free end of the first extension arm, and the second strand of the cable passes over the second pulley, then enters a first end of the second extension arm, then exits the second, free end of the second extension arm.

20. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the first extension arm assembly having (i) a first pivoting extension arm and (ii) a first pulley positioned such that the first strand of the cable passes over the first pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the first extension arm; and

a second extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the second extension arm assembly having (i) a second pivoting extension arm and (ii) a second pulley positioned such that the second strand of the cable passes over the second pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the second extension arm, the cable is moveable against resistance provided by the resistance assembly;

wherein the first extension arm assembly and the second extension arm assembly are capable of independent movement, and

wherein the first extension arm assembly further comprises a first flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the first pivoting arm being pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly; and

wherein the second extension arm assembly further comprises a second flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the second pivoting arm being pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly, wherein the first flange assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate and the second flange assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate, and wherein the first pulley is positioned such that the first strand of the cable is moveable between the first and second plates of the first flange assembly, then along the surface of the first pulley and then into the first extension arm, and wherein the second pulley is positioned such that the second strand of the cable is moveable between the first and second plates of the second flange assembly, then along the surface of the second pulley and then into the second extension arm.

21. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a support frame and a stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable engages a pulley system including a pulley coupled to the stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable is moveable through the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the weight plates, the cable thereby linking the first extension arm assembly and the second extension arm assembly to the resistance assembly.

22. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the first extension arm assembly having (i) a first flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, (ii) a first extension arm pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly; and

(iii) a first pulley positioned such that the first strand of the cable is moveable adjacent the first flange assembly along the surface of the first pulley and into the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the first extension arm; and

a second extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the second extension arm assembly having (i) a second flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, (ii) a second extension arm pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly; and

(iii) a second pulley positioned such that the second strand of the cable is moveable adjacent the second flange assembly along the surface of the second pulley and into the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the second extension arm, the cable extending through the first and second arms, wherein the cable is moveable against resistance provided by the resistance assembly,

wherein the first flange assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate and the second flange assembly comprises a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first extension arm is linked to the first and second plates of the first flange assembly and the second extension arm is linked to the first and second plates of the second flange assembly, and wherein the first pulley is positioned such that the first strand of the cable is moveable between the first and second plates of the first flange assembly, along the surface of the first pulley and into the first extension arm, and wherein the second pulley is positioned such that the second strand of the cable is moveable between the first and second plates of the second flange assembly, along the surface of the second pulley and into the second extension arm, and

wherein the first pulley is positioned between the first and second plates of the first flange assembly and the second pulley is positioned between the first and second plates of the second flange assembly.

23. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the first extension arm assembly having (i) a first flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the first flange assembly having first and second plates;

(ii) a first extension arm pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

(iii) a first pulley positioned such that the first strand of the cable is moveable between the first and second plates of the first flange assembly, along the surface of the first pulley and into the first extension arm at a location adjacent the first flange assembly, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the first axis of rotation; and

(iv) a first locking pin configured to selectively lock the first extension arm into a desired position with respect to the first flange assembly; and

a second extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the second extension arm assembly having (i) a second flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the second flange assembly having first and second plates;

(ii) a second extension arm pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation;

(iii) a second pulley positioned such that the second strand of the cable is moveable between the first and second plates of the second flange assembly, along the surface of the second pulley and into the second extension arm at a location adjacent the second flange assembly, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the second axis of rotation; and

(iv) a second locking pin configured to selectively lock the second extension arm into a desired position with respect to the second flange assembly; and

wherein the cable engages a pulley system including a pulley linked to a stack of weight plates, the cable extending through the first and second arms, wherein the cable is moveable against resistance provided by the weight plates.

24. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 23, wherein the cable links the first extension arm assembly and the second extension arm assembly to the resistance assembly.

25. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 24, wherein the first locking pin has an axis that is parallel to the first axis of rotation.

26. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the first extension arm assembly having (i) a first flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly;

(ii) a first extension arm pivotally coupled to the first flange assembly; and

(iii) a first pulley having a portion thereof positioned internally with respect to first and second portions of the first extension arm such that the first pulley directs the first strand of the cable into a first opening of the first extension arm, the first strand exiting a second opening located at a free end of the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the first extension arm; and

a second extension arm assembly coupled to the resistance assembly, the second extension arm assembly having (i) a second flange assembly coupled to the resistance assembly;

(ii) a second extension arm pivotally coupled to the second flange assembly and (iii) a second pulley having a portion thereof positioned internally with respect to first and second portions of the second extension arm such that the second pulley directs the second strand of the cable into a first opening of the second extension arm, the second strand exiting a second opening located at a free end of the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from an axis of rotation of the second extension arm, wherein the cable is moveable within the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the resistance assembly.

27. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 26, wherein a portion of the first pulley is positioned directly between first and second walls of the first extension arm and a portion of the second pulley is positioned between first and second walls of the second extension arm.

28. The exercise apparatus of claim 26, wherein the resistance assembly comprises a support frame and a stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable engages a pulley system including a pulley coupled to the stack of weight plates, and wherein the cable moves through the first and second extension arms against resistance provided by the weight plates, the cable thereby linking the first extension arm assembly and the second extension arm assembly to the resistance assembly.

29. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable linked to the resistance assembly, the cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm having (i) a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly; and

(ii) a free second end, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a second extension arm having (i) a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly; and

(ii) a free second end, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation;

a first pulley positioned adjacent the first end of the first extension arm such that the first strand of the cable contacts the first pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the first extension arm, wherein the first strand_exits the free end of the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the first axis of rotation;

a second pulley positioned adjacent the first end of the second extension arm such that the second strand of the cable contacts the second pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the second extension arm, wherein the second strand exits the free end of the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the second axis of rotation.

30. An apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the first strand of the cable extends into a first opening of the first extension arm, then extends out a second opening of the first extension arm and wherein the second strand of the cable extends into a first opening of the second extension arm, then extends out a second opening of the second extension arm.

31. An apparatus as recited in claim 30, wherein, after exiting the second opening of the first extension arm, the first strand of the cable then contacts a pulley of a first rotating assembly coupled to the first extension arm, and after exiting the second opening of the second extension arm, the second strand of the cable then contacts a pulley of a second rotating assembly coupled to the second extension arm.

32. An apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein the first strand of the cable extends between the first pulley and a pulley of a first pivoting pulley assembly and wherein the second strand of the cable extends from the second pulley to a pulley of a second pivoting pulley assembly.

33. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm having (i) a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly; and

(ii) a free second end, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a second extension arm having (i) a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly; and

(ii) a free second end, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation;

a first pulley positioned such that the first strand of the cable extends from the first pulley immediately toward a first rotating pulley assembly coupled to the free end of the first extension arm, the first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to, adjacent to, and offset distally from the first axis of rotation;

a second pulley positioned such that the second strand of the cable extends from the second pulley immediately toward a second rotating pulley assembly coupled to the free end of the second extension arm, the second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to, adjacent to, and offset distally from the second axis of rotation, wherein the resistance assembly provides resistance to movement of the cable.

34. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a resistance assembly;

a cable linked to the resistance assembly, the cable having a first strand and a second strand;

a first extension arm having (i) a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly; and

(ii) a free second end, the first extension arm having a first axis of rotation;

a second extension arm having (i) a first end pivotally supported adjacent the resistance assembly; and

(ii) a free second end, the second extension arm having a second axis of rotation;

a first pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the first axis of rotation;

a second pulley having an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset distally from the second axis of rotation;

a first rotating pulley assembly coupled to the free end of the first extension arm, wherein the first strand of the cable contacts the first pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the first extension arm, then exits the first extension arm, and then contacts a pulley of the first rotating pulley assembly; and

a second rotating pulley assembly coupled to the free end of the second extension arm, wherein the second strand of the cable contacts the second pulley, then immediately extends toward the free end of the second extension arm, then exits the second extension arm, and then contacts a pulley of the second rotating pulley assembly.

35. An exercise apparatus as recited in claim 34, wherein the first pulley is positioned such that the first strand of the cable contacts the first pulley, then extends toward the first rotating pulley assembly and wherein the second pulley is positioned such that the second strand of the cable contacts the second pulley, then extends toward the second rotating pulley assembly.