Push/pull exercise apparatus, device, and method

• US 7,553,264 B2
• Filed: 05/18/2007
• Issued: 06/30/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Tuffstuff Fitness International Incorporated (Brooks Industrial Marketplace, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: TuffStuff Fitness Equipment Incorporated
• Inventors: Carter, Kenneth
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh; Loan H
• Assistant Examiner(s): GINSBERG, OREN ISAAC
• Application Number:
  US11/804,378
• Publication Number:
  US 20080287270A1
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 482 92- 94, 482 98-103, 482/138, 482/908, 254398-399, 254401-403
• US Class Current: 482/102
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/063 Weight selecting means
• 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 21/4015 to the foot
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4043 Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance A63B21/00043, A63B21/072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/10 Multi-station exercising machines
• 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 23/03533 With separate means driven by each limb, i.e. performing different movements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03566 the multiple stations having a common resistance device
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/908 Adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

An apparatus, a device, and corresponding methods for exercise which involve a frame having a substantially right-angle configuration for facilitating its accommodation into a corner of a room and for optimizing its footprint in the room, a pulley system having an adjustable resistance device using a pulley ratio technique, a fixed high pull mechanism, a fixed low pull mechanism, a cross-over exercise mechanism, and a lifting bar, the lifting bar having linear bearings and handles, and the handles subtending an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees.

Claims

1. A multifunctional exercise apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

(a) a frame having a substantially right-angle configuration for facilitating its accommodation into a corner of a room and for optimizing its footprint in the room;

(b) a pulley system being mechanically coupled to the frame and having an adjustable resistance device using a pulley ratio technique in its operation;

(c) at least one weight stack being mechanically coupled to the frame and to the pulley system; and

(d) a force mechanism being mechanically coupled to the frame and to the pulley system;

wherein the adjustable resistance device comprises;

a single pulley; and

a double pulley, the double pulley being detachably engageable with the single pulley;

wherein the double pulley comprises a bracket having a slot;

wherein the single pulley is rotatable on an axis parallel to a chord line of the single pulley, and wherein the single pulley comprises a coupling member being inserted into the slot upon rotation of the single pulley on the axis.

2. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein the force mechanism comprises at least one element selected from a group consisting essentially of:

(a) a fixed high pull mechanism;

(b) a fixed low pull mechanism;

(c) a cross-over exercise mechanism; and

(d) a lifting bar.

3. An apparatus, as recited in claim 2, wherein the lifting bar comprises:

a horizontal bar having two ends;

a pair of handles being coupled to the two ends; and

a plurality of linear bearings being in mechanical relation to the horizontal bar.

4. An apparatus, as recited in claim 3, wherein each handle of the pair of handles subtends an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees with the horizontal bar.

5. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein the force mechanism comprises a stirrup handle for facilitating gripping by an exerciser.

6. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1,

wherein the adjustable resistance device applies tension to a single cable when the double pulley is engaged with the single pulley, whereby a weight ratio of approximately 100% of an actual weight is maintained, and

wherein the adjustable resistance device applies tension to a pair of cables when the double pulley is disengaged from the single pulley, whereby a weight ratio of approximately 50% of the actual weight is maintained.

7. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1,

wherein the force mechanism comprises at least one element selected from a group consisting essentially of:

(a) a fixed high pull mechanism;

(b) a fixed low pull mechanism;

(c) a cross-over exercise mechanism; and

(d) a lifting bar,

wherein the lifting bar comprises;

a horizontal bar having two ends;

a pair of handles being coupled to the two ends; and

a plurality of linear bearings being in mechanical relation to the horizontal bar,

wherein each handle of the pair of handles subtends an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees with the horizontal bar,

wherein the force mechanism comprises a stirrup handle for facilitating gripping by an exerciser,

wherein the adjustable resistance device applies tension to a single cable when the double pulley is engaged with the single pulley, whereby a weight ratio of approximately 100% of an actual weight is maintained, and

wherein the adjustable resistance device applies tension to a pair of cables when the double pulley is disengaged from the single pulley, whereby a weight ratio of approximately 50% of the actual weight is maintained.

8. A method of fabricating a multifunctional exercise apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a frame having a substantially right-angle configuration for facilitating its accommodation into a corner of a room and for optimizing its footprint in the room;

(b) providing a pulley system being mechanically coupled to the frame and having an adjustable resistance device which uses a pulley ratio technique;

(c) providing at least one weight stack being mechanically coupled to the frame and to the pulley system; and

(d) providing a force mechanism being mechanically coupled to the frame and to the pulley system;

wherein the pulley providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device, and wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises;

providing a single pulley; and

providing a double pulley, the double pulley providing step comprises providing the double pulley being detachably engageable with the single pulley;

wherein the double pulley providing step comprises providing a bracket having a slot;

the single pulley providing step comprising providing the single pulley being rotatable on an axis parallel to a chord line of the single pulley, and wherein the single pulley providing step comprises providing the single pulley with a coupling member being inserted into the slot upon rotation of the single pulley on the axis.

9. A method, as recited in claim 8, wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing at least one element selected from a group consisting essentially of:

(a) a fixed high pull mechanism;

(b) a fixed low pull mechanism;

(c) a cross-over exercise mechanism; and

(d) a lifting bar.

10. A method, as recited in claim 9, wherein the lifting bar providing step comprises:

providing a horizontal bar having two ends;

providing a pair of handles being coupled to the two ends; and

providing a plurality of linear bearings being in mechanical relation to the horizontal bar.

11. A method, as recited in claim 10, wherein the pair of handles providing step comprises subtending each handle of the pair of handles at an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees with the horizontal bar.

12. A method, as recited in claim 8, wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing a stirrup handle for facilitating gripping by an exerciser.

13. A method, as recited in claim 8,

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a single cable when the double pulley is engaged with the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 100% of an actual weight, and

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a pair of cables when the double pulley is disengaged from the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 50% of an actual weight.

14. A method, as recited in claim 8,

wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing at least one element selected from a group consisting essentially of:

(a) a fixed high pull mechanism;

(b) a fixed low pull mechanism;

(c) a cross-over exercise mechanism; and

(d) a lifting bar,

wherein the lifting bar providing step comprises;

providing a horizontal bar having two ends;

providing a pair of handles being coupled to the two ends; and

providing a plurality of linear bearings being in mechanical relation to the horizontal bar,

wherein the pair of handles providing step comprises subtending each handle of the pair of handles at an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees with the horizontal bar,

wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing a stirrup handle for facilitating gripping by an exerciser,

wherein pulley providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device, and

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a single cable when the double pulley is engaged with the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 100% of an actual weight, and

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a pair of cables when the double pulley is disengaged from the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 50% of the actual weight.

15. A method of exercising by way of a multifunctional exercise apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a multifunctional exercise apparatus, the multifunctional exercise apparatus providing step comprising the steps of;

(a) providing a frame having a substantially right-angle configuration for facilitating its accommodation into a corner of a room and for optimizing its footprint in the room;

(b) providing a pulley system being mechanically coupled to the frame and having an adjustable resistance device which uses a pulley ratio technique;

(c) providing at least one weight stack being mechanically coupled to the frame and to the pulley system; and

(d) providing a force mechanism being mechanically coupled to the frame and to the pulley system; and

actuating the force mechanism by an exerciser, thereby performing an exercise;

wherein the pulley providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device, and wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises;

providing a single pulley; and

providing a double pulley, the double pulley providing step comprises providing the double pulley being detachably engageable with the single pulley;

wherein the double pulley providing step comprises providing a bracket having a slot;

wherein the single pulley providing step comprises providing the single pulley being rotatable on an axis parallel to a chord line of the single pulley, and wherein the single pulley providing step comprises providing the single pulley with a coupling member being inserted into the slot upon rotation of the single pulley on the axis.

16. A method, as recited in claim 15, wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing at least one element selected from a group consisting essentially of:

(a) a fixed high pull mechanism;

(b) a fixed low pull mechanism;

(c) a cross-over exercise mechanism; and

(d) a lifting bar.

17. A method, as recited in claim 16, wherein the lifting bar providing step comprises:

providing a horizontal bar having two ends;

providing a pair of handles being coupled to the two ends; and

providing a plurality of linear bearings being in mechanical relation to the horizontal bar.

18. A method, as recited in claim 17, wherein the pair of handles providing step comprises subtending each handle of the pair of handles at an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees with the horizontal bar.

19. A method, as recited in claim 15, wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing a stirrup handle for facilitating gripping by an exerciser.

20. A method, as recited in claim 15,

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a single cable when the double pulley is engaged with the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 100% of an actual weight, and

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a pair of cables when the double pulley is disengaged from the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 50% of the actual weight.

21. A method, as recited in claim 15,

wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing at least one element selected from a group consisting essentially of:

(a) a fixed high pull mechanism;

(b) a fixed low pull mechanism;

(c) a cross-over exercise mechanism; and

(d) a lifting bar,

wherein the lifting bar providing step comprises;

providing a horizontal bar having two ends;

providing a pair of handles being coupled to the two ends; and

providing a plurality of linear bearings being in mechanical relation to the horizontal bar,

wherein the pair of handles providing step comprises subtending each handle of the pair of handles at an angle in a range of approximately 0 degrees to approximately 45 degrees with the horizontal bar,

wherein the force mechanism providing step comprises providing a stirrup handle for facilitating gripping by an exerciser,

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a single cable when the double pulley is engaged with the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 100% of an actual weight, and

wherein the adjustable resistance device providing step comprises providing the adjustable resistance device in a manner capable of applying tension to a pair of cables when the double pulley is disengaged from the single pulley, thereby maintaining a weight ratio of approximately 50% of the actual weight.