US20060128536A1

US20060128536A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20060128536A1
Application number: US11/329,839
Authority: US
Inventors: William Herrington
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-01-11
Filing date: 2006-01-11
Publication date: 2006-06-15

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an exercising apparatus. This exercise apparatus comprises weights, cables, and pulleys; which allows an individual to perform a variety of arm exercises. The apparatus being described has a frame structure that has a selectable weight stack, a support cushion, and a handle grip for maintaining balance. Two rotational pulleys are placed; one at base of the frame and other at top of the weight stack. A cable traveling through both pulleys is connected to weight stack at one end and at the other end to the users interchangeable attachments. The support cushion is mounted vertically on the frame; keeping the elbow at a secured position. This apparatus isolates a users arm while allowing a wide range of motions. A removable cushion is placed horizontally across the frame when performing forearm exercises. The user remains in standing position during the exercise routine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

NOT APPLICABLE

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

NOT APPLICABLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of exercise machines, which utilize resistance or strength training, have become very popular in recent years. Such strength machines are often used in place of conventional free weights to exercise a variety of muscles within the human body. Most strength machines are designed with the goal of optimizing resistance-training benefits to the user by combining adjustable weight resistance with ease of use, while also attempting to maintain proper biomechanical alignment of the users joints.
While using these strength-training machines an individual has a tendency to develop an oscillatory rocking motion with the body, which tends to translate this momentum to serve as an aid in performing the exercises further decreasing the work being done.
By exercising the arm in a fixed configuration having the elbow placed securely against a support cushion and the opposite arm secured by a handle grip; this isolates the users bicep muscles, which in return ensure correct form and maximum results.
Forearm exercises having a cushion and frame structure support enables an individual to perform strict movements of the upper and lower forearm muscles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an exercise apparatus in which a single weight stack machine, with appropriate attachments, can be used to exercise and develop arm and forearm muscles.
A single weight stack is used which comprises a plurality of individual weight plates mounted on a vertically moveable frame connected to a cable which extends through a pair of pivotal pulleys. One end of the cable connected to the weight stack the other end connected to interchangeable attachments. A support cushion is mounted on a frame structure placed on opposite side from weight stack. Handle grips are placed on top of frame to stabilize and maintain balance of user. Once the users elbow is secured against support cushion the opposite hand is placed on the handle grip.
Furthermore this invention isolates and eliminates the rocking or oscillatory motion of the user, which will result in better muscle development and increase muscle definition.
In another aspect of this invention the cushions that are placed on top of the exercise apparatus are replaceable with a single large cushion for holding the body weight of the user when exercising forearm muscles.
Other benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following descriptions and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1 displaying the interchangeable forearm pad.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several drawings, reference numeral 10 is directed to the exercise apparatus according to the present invention.
This exercise apparatus 10 preferably includes a selectively variable vertically moveable weight stack 14 connected by vertically upstanding rod members 15 to the base structure 2 and extending upwardly to where it terminates at cross member 12. The amount of weight to be lifted is selected by inserting a key 16 in the appropriate weight. It is understood that the weights are typically ten pounds apiece, and the user simply selects the amount of weight he wishes to lift by placing the key 16 in the appropriate hole of a weight.
The weights are lifted and lowered by an actuating mechanism which comprises a cable 21 attached to the weight and that is routed through a plurality of pulleys 20 and 22. Both pivotal pulleys 20 and 22 can rotate in 360 degrees in either direction in return offering a wide range of motion for user. Horizontal arm 19 extends outwardly over cross member 12 then is attached to pulley housing 20 allowing correct angle for cable 21 as it moves from weight stack 14 through pulley 20 then extending through pulley 22 to its final destination handle 23. The pulley 20 acts as a pivot for the cable permitting the pulley 22 to make the relative movement thereby accommodating the varying angle of pull in an effective and efficient manner. The weight stack, pulley, and cables are activated when the user grasp pivotal handle 23, pulling on an upward motion against the force of gravity, causing the weight stack 14 to slide vertically up and down forming resistance to the users bicep or forearm muscles.
With continued reference to FIGS.1 and 2, the horizontal base frame 6 is connected to upright members 5 and 9, extending upwardly and terminating at cross members 12,13 and 3. The frame structure is preferably constructed of a rigid material, such as steel, which can withstand the body weight of user and weight stack 14. A support cushion 8 is mounted to cross beam 3 creating a support for users elbow to maintain stability and isolating bicep movement. Two forearm cushions 7 and 17 are placed horizontally on cross members 4 and 18 to comfort and maintain balance of user. Two handle grips 1 and 11 are placed vertically on cross member 4 and 18 in conjunction with forearm cushions 7 and 17 for user to sustain leverage with opposite hand placed on handle 23.
While in a standing position the user securely places one elbow firmly against cushion 8. Then reaching down and grasping the interchangeable handle 23, which is connected to cable 21 by means of a pin, with alternate hand placed on horizontal grip 1 or 11, and resting forearm on cushion 7 or 17, the user becomes stabilized. With an upward motion of the handle against gravity, the weight stack places significant resistance on the users bicep muscles. The selectable weight stack moves vertically up and down in conjunction with the users bicep constrictions.
Handle 23 can be interchanged with a variety of different attachments including single hand or two hand options. The handles can swivel in a range of up 360 degrees allowing optimal results.
FIG.3 shows an alternate configuration of the exercise apparatus for isolating other types of exercising movements. The same basic unit can be utilized in this configuration in which forearm muscles are exercised. Support cushions 7 and 17 are replaced with horizontal support cushion 30. With the forearms of the user placed on the support cushion, the user has many options.
Depending on the exercise, the user can either use one or both hands by grasping handle 23, which is connected to end of cable 21. Then user rotates wrist in an upward motion forming resistance to the users muscles. The interchangeable handles are available in different shapes and sizes and are covered in foam for user comfort.
As is apparent from the foregoing specification, the invention is susceptible of being embodied with various alterations and modifications, which may differ particularly from those that have been described in the preceding specifications and description. It should be understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted herein all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

a frame;

a selectively variable vertically moveable weight stack mounted on said frame for gravity force resistance;

a pivotal pulley system consisting of two pulleys capable of 360-degree rotation mounted on opposite ends of said frame;

a cable means attached directly to said selectively variable vertically moveable weight stack then routed through said pivotal pulley system;

a handle connected to said cable for grasping means;

a cushion support mounted on said frame for stabilizing and securing elbow of user while exercising;

a handle grip means mounted on said frame for balance of user.

2. An exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said selectively variable vertically moveable weight stack having individual weights weighing typically 10 lbs each, selected by inserting key in appropriate hole.

3. An exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said frame constructed of a rigid material preferably steel, which can withstand the body weight of user and weight stack.

4. An exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said pivotal pulley system having one pulley mounted on said frame above said weight stack and the other said pivotal pulley mounted on base of said frame; both said pivotal pulleys contain ball bearings for smooth rotation.

5. An exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said handle having interchangeable attachments, which are replaceable by a removable pin or clip.

6. An exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said forearm cushions mounted on said frame in conjunction with said handle grips for comfort and support of user.

7. An exercise apparatus of claim 6, further comprising said forearm cushion having replacement cushion which rest horizontally across said frame for isolating forearms when exercising.

8. An exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising said handle grip mounted on said frame having a foam or rubber covering to ensure comfort of user.