Cable cross trainer apparatus

• US 7,632,221 B1
• Filed: 10/23/2006
• Issued: 12/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Scott Kolander
• Original Assignee: Scott Kolander
• Inventors: Kolander, Scott
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh; Loan H
• Assistant Examiner(s): Roland; Daniel F.
• Application Number:
  US11/585,310
• Time in Patent Office: 1,149 Days
• Field of Search: 482 92- 94, 482 97-103, 482133-139
• US Class Current: 482/94
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0628 for vertical array of weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0724 Bar-bells; Hand bars
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/078 Devices for bench press exercises , e.g. supports, guiding means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4029 Benches specifically adapted for exercising for bench press exercises A63B21/078
• 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 2208/0204 Standing on the feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/102 having a common resisting device
• 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 23/12 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: A63B 23/1218 Chinning, pull-up, i.e. concentric movement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1227 Dips, i.e. push-ups in a vertical position, i.e. eccentric movement, e.g. between parallel bars

Abstract

A weight-training device having a plurality of stations that enable the user to perform a vast array of exercises targeting different muscle groups. Variable resistance is provided by a pair of weight stacks having cables leading to the various stations and through the use of barbells at the barbell station.

Claims

1. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus comprising:

a) a frame assembly;

b) a first weight stack integral with said frame assembly;

c) a second weight stack adjacent to said first weight stack;

d) a plurality of symmetrical opposing cables extendable to said first and second weight stacks from a plurality of workout stations via a plurality of pulleys wherein the user selectively attaches the weight-bearing ends of said cables to the weight stacks as needed for the various exercise stations thereby enabling each cable of a workout station to be used independent of the other or together;

e) removable handle members disposed on the workout station ends of said cables;

f) a unison bar for conjoining said first weight stack with said second weight stack thereby enabling said weight stacks to work in unison as a single weight stack;

g) wherein said frame comprises a base, a plurality of vertical posts, a plurality of lateral supports in communication with said vertical posts and at least one vertical guide rod for each said weight stack;

h) wherein said handle members have swivel connections to said cables to provide freedom of motion;

i) including 6 pairs of symmetrically opposing cables;

j) wherein each said cable has a steel connection latch disposed at each end thereof with a steel band wrapped around the beginning of each cable located next to said connection latch, one connection latch attachable to said handle member and the other connection latch attachable to a corresponding weight stack; and

k) wherein each said cable has a corresponding guide peg with a cap to prevent the cable from slipping off and a corresponding securing peg with a steel cap, said weight-bearing ends of said cables are engaged with said corresponding securing pegs when not in use.

2. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each said steel band, guide peg cap and securing peg cap includes indicia to identify said cable and its respective peg caps.

3. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein each said weight stack comprises a plurality of weight members that travel along a pair of stationary vertical guide rods, each weight member having a weight pin recess located on the side thereof for the insertion of a weight pin therein to determine the amount of weight to be used with the weight pin selection process.

4. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein a top weight member of each said weight stack has a lift eye forming an attachment mechanism for engaging said connection latches on the weight-bearing ends of said cables.

5. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein each said lift eye is mounted atop a substantially C-shaped unison bar lockdown integral with the respective top weight member.

6. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said unison bar lockdowns are open in front and are positioned to accept said unison bar therein that extends through both thereby enabling the user to lift weight members of both stacks with a single cable as selected by the weight pin selection process when said cable is connected to a lift eye centrally disposed atop said unison bar.

7. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly includes a top frame support with diagonal cable guides extending from the center portion thereof to opposing corners of the frame and three steel extension tubes projecting beyond said frame with a central tube extending perpendicularly with reference to the front of the frame and the other two projecting diagonally therefrom.

8. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 7, wherein said top frame support further includes a plurality of pulleys and recesses to provide for non-abrasive movement of the cable when in use.

9. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein said cables are symmetrically arranged in pairs throughout the frame and are designated as cables 1-12 with cables 1,2,5,6,7 &

8 located on a left side of said frame and cables 3,4,9,10,11 &

12 on a right, said cables are paired as follows;

a) cable 1 with cable 4;

b) cable 2 with cable 3;

c) cable 5 with cable 9;

d) cable 6 with cable 10;

e) cable 7 with cable 11; and

f. cable 8 with cable 12.

10. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 9, wherein cables 6 and 10 extend upward from said weight stacks when in use and from said securing pegs when they are not, up through said top frame support and extend lifted over their respective diagonal cable guides due to pulleys prior to their descent through square openings down to horizontal and vertical pulleys disposed on the exterior sides of the frame wherein the ends terminate at the work station thereof.

11. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 10, wherein cables 7 and 11 extend upward from said weight stacks when in use and from said securing pegs when they are not, up through said top frame support and extend lifted over their respective diagonal cable guides due to pulleys prior to their descent through square openings down to horizontal and vertical pulleys disposed on the interior sides of the lateral supports and within the vertical supports wherein the ends terminate at the work station thereof.

12. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein cables 8 and 12 extend upward from said weight stacks when in use and from said securing pegs when they are not, up through said top frame support and extend lifted over their respective diagonal cable guides due to pulleys prior to their descent through square openings down to floor level where they enter a base tubing of the frame and pulleys reorient them to a horizontal position to travel parallel to the floor within said base tubing, the points of egress where said cables 8 and 12 exit the frame have enlarged recesses and wide V-groove type pulleys to provide optimal range of motion for both the cables and the user.

13. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein cable 1 is secured to the securing pegs when not in use and to said lift eye of said unison bar which is inserted within said unison bar lockdowns when in use, cable 1 extends upward through said top frame support and directly through the center of the center steel extension tube to the work station.

14. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein cable 2 and cable 3 extend upward from said weight stacks when in use and from said securing pegs when they are not, up through said top frame support and along opposing sides of said center extension tube, said cables 2 and 3 could be used independently with their respective weight stacks or in cooperation with each other when said unison bar is utilized therewith.

15. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 14, wherein said top frame support includes five sets of three pulleys with the three pulleys arranged side-by-side with each said diagonal support having a three-pulley set disposed adjacent to their entrance and exit recesses and another disposed at the proximal end of said center extension tube to provide the critical alignment of said cables during the travel thereof.

16. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 15, further including a bench assembly comprising:

a) a detachable padded bench;

b) a leg extension attachment; and

c) a cable 4 extension cable that engages said cable 4 to provide additional length thereto in order to fasten to said leg extension attachment to provide a selected resistance thereto.

17. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 16, wherein said bench assembly further includes a detachable preacher curl attachment that can be used in place of said leg extension attachment and is held in place with mating pins and pin recesses.

18. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein a row and curl bar handle is provided for engaging the distal end of said cable 4 extension cable when said preacher curl attachment is in use.

19. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein said bench assembly further includes an adjustable foot plate attachment that is attachable to the end of said bench proximal said frame and is utilized with said row and curl bar secured to a cable pair.

20. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said row and curl bar is secured to cables 6 and 10.

21. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said row and curl bar is secured to cables 7 and 11.

22. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said bench assembly further includes an adjustable lower back support attachment that can be adjusted back and forward and up and down.

23. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 22, wherein the front of said frame base includes a plurality of interiorly disposed steel tubing protrusions welded thereto.

24. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 23, further including a steel deck platform attachment having an underside with steel tubing that fits directly into the footprint of the frame base which fits flush and securely to prevent shifting when placed therein.

25. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 24, including an elongate six foot long steel bar having a connection mechanism disposed on the ends thereof for receiving the steel latch connections to fasten to cables 8 and 12.

26. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 25, wherein said steel bar further includes a pair of adjustable length chains that attach to the ends of cables 8 and 12 to enable the user to adjust the height of said steel bar before said cables become taut and the weight load at the other ends are felt.

27. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 26, further comprising a bicep curl bar attachment having an adjustable length chain used to attach to cable 4.

28. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 27, wherein said bench assembly further includes an adjustable leg hold attachment that can be adjusted to move up and down and in and out by using said pin selection recesses in order to gain additional hold down strength when using cables 1, 2 and 3.

29. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 28, wherein the rear portion of said frame has a roman chair/chest dip station mounted centrally thereupon.

30. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 29, wherein a lat pull-up and chin-up bar is disposed on the portion of said frame above said roman chair/chest dip station in an arrangement that will prevent said roman chair/chest dip station from interfering with the user when said lat pull-up and chin-up bar is in use.

32. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein provisions can be provided to facilitate the use of Olympic weights therewith.

33. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 32, further including an adjustable height barbell racks and base wherein said base comprises a pair of substantially L-shaped members that are selectively attachable to said frame base and vertical supports in spaced-apart relation.

34. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 33, wherein said base members are substantially hollow and have an access recess in the horizontal portion superior the vertical portion with said recess sized to accept entry of said barbell racks therein.

35. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 34, wherein said barbell racks selectively telescope to various heights and are maintained there by a pin and the selected pinhole.

36. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 35, wherein the Olympic weight set-up includes a plurality of pegs exteriorly disposed on the side of the vertical supports at the rear of said frame to act as weight plate holders, said pegs are spaced apart accordingly to the sizes of said weights.

37. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein said bench assembly can be installed and used in conjunction with said barbell rack to perform a plurality of exercises.

38. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 36, wherein said steel deck platform attachment can be installed and used in conjunction with said barbell rack to perform a plurality of exercises.

39. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in claim 38, wherein said leg curl extension attachment further includes a peg for accepting a free weight thereby eliminating the need of a cable attachment.

31. A cable and pulley weight-training apparatus as recited in 30, wherein a pair of step plates project from said frame base beneath said roman chair/chest dip station.