Exercise weight selection device and method

Abstract

A resistance component configured for imparting a resistive force to a connected exercise component is provided. The device includes a frame pivotally supporting a selection arm which has a weight operatively connected to the selection arm by a pin arm. The weight imparts a force resisting rotation of the selection arm by a flexible member engaged with the exercise component. Adjusting the engagement of one end of the pin arm to an arched engagement path along the selection arm adjusts mechanical advantage and the resistive force.

Claims

1. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a support arm connected to the frame; a weight supported by the support arm, wherein rotation of the support arm lifts the weight; a selection arm connected to the frame; a cable connecting either the weight or the support arm to the selection arm, wherein a location on the selection arm where the cable is connected is adjustable by an operator, and wherein rotation of the selection arm lifts the cable, thereby lifting the support arm and the weight.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein adjusting the location on the selection arm where the cable is connected to the selection arm adjusts an applied moment arm through which a user lifts the weight.

3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein adjusting the location on the selection arm where the cable is connected to the selection arm adjusts an output resistance communicated through the cable.

4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein varying the location on the selection arm where the cable is connected to the selection arm varies a vertical height the weight is lifted when the cable is pulled a pre-determined distance.

5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein a first end of the cable is connected to the weight and a second end of the cable is connected to the selection arm.

6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein a first end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the frame, and wherein the weight is mounted onto a second end of the support arm.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the selection arm is arc-shaped.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the cable is connected to a distal free end of the selection arm.

9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the selection arm is connected to the frame at a location above where the support arm is connected to the frame.

10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein an end of the cable is connected to the selection arm with a locking connector.

11. The exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the locking connector includes a pin receivable into one of a plurality of holes on the selection arm.

12. The exercise machine of claim 11, wherein rotation of an outer housing of the locking connector advances and retracts the pin.

13. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein a distal free end of the selection arm rests on a mount on the frame when the cable is released.

14. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising: a moveable weight on the selection arm.

15. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising: a motorized mechanism for moving the cable along the selector arm.

16. An exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a weight guide connected to the frame; a weight mounted for movement on the weight guide, wherein rotation of the weight guide lifts the weight; a selection arm mounted at one end to the frame; a cable connecting the weight to the selection arm, wherein a location on the selection arm where the cable is connected is adjustable by an operator, and wherein rotation of the selection arm lifts the cable, thereby lifting the weight.

17. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein adjusting the location on the selection arm where the cable is connected to the selection arm adjusts an applied moment arm through which a user lifts the weight.

18. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein adjusting the location on the selection arm where the cable is connected to the selection arm adjusts an output resistance communicated through the cable.

19. The exercise machine of claim 16, wherein a first end of the cable pi arm is connected to the weight and a second end of the cable is connected to the selection arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention herein, rather than limiting in any fashion. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 depicts one preferred mode of the device herein shown employing an arched pathway for connection of a pin arm for variable resistance selection which is set to yield the lowest resistance to cable movement.

(3) FIG. 2 shows the device of FIG. 1, wherein a pin is set to yield the most resistance to translation of cable movement due to lessened mechanical advantage.

(4) FIG. 3 displays the device in another preferred mode with the weight engaged to a pair of linkage arms on a first side of the weight.

(5) FIG. 4 displays view of a second side of the device of FIG. 3 with the linkage arms on the opposite side of the weight.

(6) FIG. 5 depicts another preferred mode where the device includes an arched pathway of resistance selection apertures and is configured for engagement of a weight.

(7) FIG. 6 shows an end view of the device of FIG. 5 depicting a user-engaged weight in dotted line.

(8) FIG. 7 is a back isometric view of the device of FIG. 5 showing the engagement post for a dumbbell style weight to be engaged on site.

(9) FIGS. 8-10 depict a mode of the device which provides a secondary translating weight which is employable for small adjustments to resistance.

(10) FIG. 11 shows the device having a translating pin which is lever activated for engagement or disengagement.

(11) FIG. 12 shows a mode of the device wherein the weight stack tracks upon one or a plurality of vertically disposed rails.

(12) FIG. 13 depicts the rear view of the device of FIG. 13.

(13) FIG. 14 shows an automatically adjusting mode of the device employing a motor and gear providing means for adjustment of the imparted resistance by the weight stack.

(14) FIG. 15 shows a rear view of the device of FIG. 15.

(15) FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of the device as shown in FIGS. 14-15.

(16) FIG. 17 shows a front perspective view of an especially preferred mode of the device having an arched selection arm with a double row forming paired apertures positioned above a race formed into the selection arm.

(17) FIG. 18 is a rear plan view of the device as in FIG. 16, showing the plurality of paired apertures positioned to engage with pins located at the distal end of a pin arm.

(18) FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the device of FIGS. 16-17.

(19) FIG. 20 is another perspective view of the mode of the device of FIG. 16, showing the weights removed and the mounting bars adapted to engage free weights of choice to provide resistance to movement.

(20) FIG. 21 is an overhead plan view of the front of the device herein of FIGS. 17-20 showing the two curved parallel rows of apertures with sequentially shorter spacing as they approach the first end of the selection arm, and with the apertures of one row positioned in-between pairs of apertures of the other row.

(21) FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present system having a flexible cable connected at one end to the weight selection arm and at the other end to a pivoting support arm for lifting the weight.

(22) FIG. 23 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the present system having a flexible cable connected at one end to the weight selection arm with the other end wrapping around a rotatable cam connected to the pivoting support arm for lifting the weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(23) The device and system herein disclosed and described in FIGS. 1-21 provide a solution to the shortcomings in prior art of weight stack and resistance exercise components and achieves the above noted goals through the provision of a device and system providing smooth weight resistance during use which eliminates jerking or jumping during use, and further reduces the risk in the present art of appendage pinch and crush risks thus providing the user with a quiet and easily tunable workout apparatus.

(24) In accordance with one preferred mode of the device 10, per FIG. 1, there is operatively engaged a flexible member such as a cable 44 with any exercise component 12 such as handles or pedals or other user-engageable components for pulling or pushing, to operatively engage the device 10 to provide resistance communicated through the cable 44 to an exercise machine. The device 10 employs a support frame 16 shown as a housing 14 to operatively engage the components herein and by doing so, guard against pinch points during operation.

(25) The housing 14 is currently formed between 3 and 5 feet in height above the support surface, to ensure a sufficient pathway for proper weight 20 displacement and translation distance for the cable 44, however such may change depending on the weight 20 employed and the exercise machine to which it engages.

(26) The housing 14 can be constructed of a welded, machined or fastened metal members or tubes to form the rectangular frame 16. Currently the frame 16 has a width of approximately three feet and a height of approximately six feet respectively. It can be formed in a very narrow overall footprint which is only limited by the width of the tubing and as can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, which is a distinct advantage over conventional large weight stack devices since the device herein is easily positioned adjacent a wall or in less floor space.

(27) Securement plates 18 may be provided, which allow the owner to bolt the module to the floor or support surface for added stability. However, all of these dimensions are infinitely variable depending upon the size of the weight and room for placement.

(28) A weight 20 pivotally engaged with the device 10 is engaged by a member to an upper pivot point or weight bearing 22, which allows the weight 20 to rotate about a linkage shaft 24 engaged to the housing frame 16. The weight 20 in the mode of FIG. 12, has a pin arm shaft 28 on which a first end of the pin arm 32 will rotate such as a pin arm bearing 30 positioned at a first end of the pin arm 32. Such provides a rotational engagement of a first end of the pin arm 32 to the weight 20. The weight 20 can be composed of any heavy, safe durable material or combination of materials having a mass and dimensions suitable for the purposes set forth in this disclosure.

(29) In operation as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a user selects the desired resistance communicated to the cable 44 by the weight 20, between a minimum and a maximum force, by manipulating the connection of the second end of the pin arm 32 to an arched pathway of engagement of the second end of the pin arm 32 to points along the selection arm 34 such as apertures 35 spaced along the pin arm 32. While the pin arm 32 might be configured in a linear or straight fashion with the arched pathway of apertures 35 positioned therein, such would render the pin arm 32 more bulky and as such the arched pathway of apertures 35, is preferably formed along a row in a line sequentially spaced along a curved or arched member defining the pin arm 32 as shown herein.

(30) It is this arched pathway for connection of the pin arm 32 to the selection arm 34 such as apertures 35 which is positioned opposite the point of pivoting engagement of the pin arm 32 to the weight 20, or to a member engaged with the weight 20. This arched pathway for engagement such as the apertures 35 and the path followed during rotation of the second end of the pin arm 32, along the same arched pathway defined by apertures 35, allows for significantly increased force adjustment positions as well a much smoother operation and mechanical advantage of the device 10 herein and in all modes herein. The first end of the pin arm 32 will be in a pivoting engagement to frame or to the weight 20 or a member engaged thereto, in a position centered with the arched or curved pathway of engagement to the selection arm 34 such as apertures 35, to allow for the second end of the pin arm 32, to follow the arched pathway and connect to any point there along such as by using apertures 35.

(31) The pin arm 32 as depicted has a pin arm bearing 30 at a first end in a pivoting engagement to the pin shaft 28. The pin arm 32 is of a length to position an aperture through which a selection pin 36 at the second end is engaged, in operative alignment with each of the apertures 35 along the arched pathway of apertures 35 formed into, or engaged with the selection arm 34.

(32) Unlike the weight stack resistance provided by conventional machines, where the resistance is varied by engagement or disengagement of individual weights from a stack, the device 10 herein employs the curved or arched pathway of apertures 35 running sequentially along a curved selection arm 34 for this purpose. A pivoting engagement 38 of a first end of the selection arm 34 on a bearing 40, provides a rotational engagement point, of the selection arm at the first end to or with the frame 16.

(33) The mechanical advantage to elevate the weight 20 and thereby vary resistance communicated to pulling the cable 44, varies along the full length of the selection arm 34 and depending on the engagement point of the second end of the pin arm 32, renders the weight 20, easier or harder to elevate.

(34) Thus, lower resistance to movement of the weight 20 is communicated to the cable 44 and engaged exercise component 12 with the pin arm 32 engaged as shown in FIG. 1 when the second end of the pin arm 32 is engaged to an aperture 35 closest to the bearing 40 and further from the engagement to the cable 44. Engagement of the pin arm 32 to an aperture 35 along the arched pathway of apertures 35 furthest from the resistance arm bearing 40, if selected as in FIG. 2, communicates the resistance from elevating the weight 20, directly to the engaged cable 44 in a substantially straight line, and has little or no mechanical advantage. This creates a higher resistance to translation of the cable 44 which is communicated to an engaged exercise component 12 by the user.

(35) The selection arm 34 as can be seen in FIG. 4, is engaged at a first end pivot point preferably employing a bearing 40 which rotates about an upper support shaft 42 engaged with or supported by the frame 16. It was found after numerous configurations with straight and linear members for the selection arm 34, that a curved member to form the selection arm 34 significantly enhanced the performance of the device 10. As noted, curving the member forming the selection arm is particularly preferred as it provides the most compact manner to form the curved pathway of apertures 35 which provide many more user selectable points of engagement, as well as providing a longer selection arm 34 for increased mechanical advantage in a smaller area than a linear or straight configuration provides.

(36) The cable 44, which can alternatively be replaced with a band, strap or cord, or other flexible member, extends vertically from the resistance selection arm 34, through one or a plurality of cable pulleys 46 in the housing frame 14, which transfers resistance from weight 20 elevation, along the cable 44 and to the attached exercise component 12.

(37) At rest and in the neutral position, the second or distal end of the pin arm 32 rests against a padded ledge 63 on the interior face of the housing frame 14 as shown in FIG. 1. The padding on the ledge 63 should be composed of a durable material, preferably hard rubber, but may be formed from one or more of the following materials: leather, wood, or hard plastic. The padded ledge 63 can also be made of a hard material such as stainless or non-stainless steel or aluminum if the padded ledge 48 is attached to the frame 14 with a spring.

(38) In all modes of the device 10 shown, connection of the weight 20 to the selection arm 34 runs primarily in a line along the pivotally engaged first end of the pin arm 32 at a central point on the weight 20. The second end of the pin arm 32 as noted is selectively engageable to any aperture 35 along the arched pathway of apertures 35 positioned on or engaged with the selection arm 34. Such is especially desirable in that it provides a straight line force along the axis of the pin arm 32 between from the selection arm 34 and the weight 20 no matter where on arched pathway of apertures 35 engaged to the selection arm 34 the pin arm 32 is engaged.

(39) In FIG. 3, the upper weight bearing 22 is substituted with an upper linkage arm 48 and lower linkage arm 50, which both contain a bearing at each end. This mode allows for elevation of the weight 20 as in all modes, but unlike the pivoted frame engagement of FIGS. 1 and 2, the weight 20 follows a pathway during elevation in a center portion of the frame 16. The lower linkage arm 50 rotates about both the pin arm bearing 30 of the weight 20 and the lower frame support shaft 53. Per FIG. 4, the upper linkage arm 48 rotates about the upper linkage bearing 55, which is parallel to the upper support shaft 42.

(40) As variations in this preferred mode, the lower linkage arm 50 and upper linkage arm 48 can lie on the same or opposing sides of the weight 20 for a lower footprint or increased stability respectively.

(41) In yet another preferred mode of the device 10 herein, per FIGS. 5-7 the device 10 may be constructed to reduce shipping weight and allow for a wider resistance range by configuration allowing use of conventionally available weights and without permanently engaged weights 20. In this configuration, the weight 20 is replaced by a vertical linkage arm 57, which mates to the upper and lower linkage arms 48,50 through two bearing shafts. Above the upper linkage arm 48, the vertical linkage arm 57 contains a long weight shaft 59. The weight shaft 59 is adapted for operative engagement with one or a plurality of conventional barbell weight plates 61 allowing the user increased adjustment since weight plates 61 are removably engageable. The weight shaft 59 should be no shorter or longer than necessary to hold the number of barbell plates whose total mass is equal to the device's maximum load capacity, and in a mode to engaged barbell weight plates 61, preferably have a length and diameter of between 6 and 12 inches, and 2 inches respectively.

(42) Shown in FIGS. 8-10 is an optional mode of the device 10, applicable to all modes herein. As depicted a secondary weight or translating weight 71 is slidably positionable along a path on the selection arm 34, allowing for small adjustments to resistance. A thumb screw or pin and aperture may be used to secure the weight 71 at the desired position for small adjustments in resistance.

(43) In FIG. 11 is shown an optional mode of the device 10 for engagement of the second end of the pin arm 32 to any one of the apertures 35 along the arched pathway thereof. As shown a translating pin 73 which is lever 75 activated for engagement or disengagement with any of the apertures 35. The pin 73 is coaxially engaged with mating threads in the lever 75 such that rotation of the lever 75 one direction will project the pin 73 and in the other direction will retract the pin 73.

(44) Shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is a mode of the device 10 wherein the weight 20 is engaged to the frame to track upon one or a plurality of vertically disposed rails 77. Operationally, the device 10 like other modes, employs the unique arched pathway for engagement of the pin arm 32 with a plurality connection points for the distal end of the pin arm 32.

(45) FIGS. 14-16 depict an automatically adjusting mode of the device 10 employing a motor 81 and operationally engaged gear 83 providing means for adjustment of the engagement point of the second end of the pin arm 42 along an arched pathway of the selection arm 34. In this mode the selection arm 34 must be formed as an arched member because the second end of the pin arm 32 is in a sliding engagement 85 with the selection arm 34. The motor 81 spinning the gear 83 will translate the sliding engagement of the second end of the pin arm 32 to any point on the arched pathway formed by the arched member defining the selection arm 34. This sliding engagement actuated by the motor 81 allows for automatic resistance adjustment when rotation of the motor 81 rotates the gear 83 which is threadably engaged to the sliding engagement 85 and which will translate along the arch of the selection arm 34 in either direction depending on the rotation direction of the motor 81. This mode of the device 10 allows for a remote control and automatic resistance adjustment to an infinite number of resistance points along the arched pathway of connection of the pin arm 32 to the selection arm 34. It can be adapted to be employed in any mode of the device 10 herein.

(46) Depicted in FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of an especially preferred mode of the device 10. Also shown is an enlarged depiction of the user employable selector 51 which functions to engage and disengage a pin 52 into adjacently positioned apertures 35 formed into an arched pattern along the curved or arched selection arm 34.

(47) In this mode of the device 10, a sliding engagement of the pin arm 32 at or adjacent the distal end of the pin arm 32 with the selection arm is formed. In a preferred mode, the sliding engagement is formed by a race 54 which defined by the sides of a slot 62 formed in the arched selection arm 34 which is sized for a cooperative rolling engagement with a roller 56 operatively connected to the pin arm 32 (FIG. 16). This sliding engagement, such as that formed by the roller 56 positioned at the distal end of the pin arm 32 within the race 54, eliminates the need for a bumper or stop such as the ledge 63 (FIG. 1) for the selection arm 34 as in other modes of the device shown above.

(48) Also shown in FIGS. 17-20, are the arched member forming the selection arm 34, having a double row of apertures 35 following an arched pathway upon the selection arm 34. In experimentation constructing the device 10 in this mode, it was found that a double row of apertures 35, allowing for the pin 52 to concurrently engage the aperture 35 in either row of apertures 35, that weights 20 could be accommodated by the device 10 with very small increments of resistance change based on the mechanical advantage change provided by positioning a pin 52 in an adjacent aperture 35 engagement of the pin 52. While a single curved row of apertures 35 could be employed for engagement of the pin 52, it was found that such did not perform as well because small increments of effective weight resistance, based on the change in mechanical advantage, could not be provided such as the depicted five pound difference.

(49) By forming two curved rows of apertures 35 along the curved or arched pathway, and staggering the apertures 35 in each row, in-between a pair of apertures 35 in the opposing row, very small changes in effective resistance can be accommodated due to the small changes in mechanical advantage. This is highly desirable to users. Further, it is desirable to also progressively shorten the gap between the apertures 35 of each row of apertures 35, to maintain the one to one lift of the weight in relation to translation of the cable 44, and to allow for the even and small changes in the resistance provided by small changes in mechanical advantage. Such small changes is, currently, a change of four to six pounds with five pounds being a favorite. Thus, an engagement of a pin 52 into each successive aperture 35, along the two rows of apertures 35, provides this even change in resistance to movement, and concurrently maintains the one to one ratio of cable translation to lift distance of the weight.

(50) Still further, it is desirable to limit the distance of rise of the weight, and the distance of travel of the cable. This is further accomplished by forming the lengths of the support arms 68 and 68a substantiality equal and at a length between pivots 69 and 66, which is 80-86 percent of the distance of the pin arm 32 running between the pin 52 and the engagement of the second end of the pin arm to the support arm 68a. Maintaining these ratios will limit the distance of travel of the cable 44 and concurrent equal distance of the rise and lowering of the weight 20, to substantially 18-22 inches. Currently maximizing this weight travel and cable translation to 20 inches is a particular favored configuration since is works well to allow use of the device 10 in very confined spaces.

(51) Additionally, as noted and as can be seen in FIGS. 17-20, is the decrease in spacing of the apertures 35 in each of the two parallel arched rows of apertures 35, along the arched pathway upon the selection arm 34. As can be seen, the spacing between adjacent apertures 35 as they approach and become closer to the first end 58 of the selection arm 34, in both rows, becomes closer together than the spacing of the apertures 35 from each other at the second end 60 of the selection arm 34. As the apertures 35 become closer to the first end 58 of the selection arm 34, in each of the two arched parallel rows of apertures 35, each aperture 35 in a sequentially positioned arched row of apertures 35, is slightly closer the next subsequent aperture 35 in the sequence, from the previous aperture 35 in the sequence. This occurs in both rows of apertures 35 since the apertures 35 in one row are positioned in-between a pair of apertures 35 in the parallel opposing row, except for the last aperture 35 closest to the first end 58.

(52) This sequentially smaller spacing between the adjacent apertures 35 in the arched row or rows of apertures 35, formed into the selection arm 34, as the apertures become closer to the first end 58 is preferred as noted. This is because the engagement between the pin 52 and one of apertures 35 in either row, at any position along the arched row of apertures 35, forms a connection to with the weight 20, such that a 1 to 1 ratio of rise of the weight 20, to the distance of travel of the cable 44 is maintained, and the changes in force required to raise the weight change in even increments.

(53) Thus, a user pulling a handle engaged to the cable 44 a distance of one foot, will concurrently raise the weight 20, one foot in elevation. This substantially equal rise to travel distance also helps maintain the force required to move the weight 20 at any given pin 52 and aperture 35 engagement along the sequence, equal or the same throughout a given repetition of the user which moves the cable 44, and in equal changed increments from adjacent apertures 35, no matter which individual aperture 35 is engaged by a pin 52.

(54) Shown in the enlarged portion of FIG. 17, is the section handle 51 which has a curved slot 62 slidably engaged with a projecting member 64, which is connected to the pins 52 to translate them into and out of the apertures 35 when aligned therewith. A twist of the handle 51 will cause the projecting member 64 to move toward or away from the selection arm 34, and thus translate one of the pins 52 aligned with an aperture 35 into the aperture 35. A spring (not shown) in between both of the pins 52 and the member 64, allows the member 64 to compress the spring on the engaging pin 52 and force it into the aperture 35 aligned, and to concurrently close a gap between the second pin 52 not aligned with an aperture 35 at the time.

(55) Shown in FIG. 18, is a rear plan view of the device 10 as in FIG. 16, along with an enlarged depiction of the sliding engagement between the distal end of the pin arm 32 and the race 54 defined by the slot formed into the selection arm 34. As can be seen the roller 56 is cooperatively engaged within the slot 55 forming the race 54. As also can be seen, is the sequentially smaller spacing between each aperture 35 in each row of apertures 35 running in an arched pathway on the selection arm 34. As can be seen, the distance between each aperture 35 decreases sequentially as the apertures 35 become closer to the first end 58 of the selection arm 34. The same component arrangement can be seen in the rear perspective view of the device 10 of FIG. 19.

(56) Shown in FIG. 20, is another perspective view of the mode of the device 10 of FIG. 16. As can be seen in this view, the larger weights 20 of FIG. 16 are removed from the mounting members 66 and they are employable with free weights such as those employed on barbells or the like, or other weights having an aperture adapted to engage upon the mounting members 66. These mounting members 66 are also shown in FIG. 16, extending beyond the plate weights 20 to allow smaller extra free weights 21 to be engaged if desired, for small increment resistance changes. Also more clearly shown in FIG. 19, are the support arms 68 and 68a which are in a pivoting engagement 69 at first ends with the frame 16, and rotate upward with weight 20 attached when pulled by the translation of the cable 44 when pulled by a user. The translation of the cable 44 is communicated to at least one support arms 68a by the pin arm 32 which is connected to the selection arm 34, which as shown connects to the cable 44 at the second end 60. Thus, translation of the cable 44 will move the selection arm 34 and the connected pin arm 32 which rotate at the support arms 68 and 68a and thereby move the weight 20 upward a distance, which is a distance equal to the translational travel of the cable 44, no matter which pin 52 is engaged to which aperture 35 along the two parallel rows of apertures 35 on the arched pathway.

(57) FIG. 22 is an alternate embodiment of the present system having a flexible cable connected at one end to the weight selection arm and at the other end to a pivoting support arm for lifting the weight, as follows.

(58) Device 100 is an exercise machine with an apparatus for selecting an amount of weight to be lifted by a user, comprising: a frame 102; a selection arm 104 having a proximal end 105 pivotally connected to frame 102. A support arm (120 and/or 122) has a proximal end pivotally connected to frame 102. A weight 130 is connected to the support arm 122 and/or 120 as well. (It is to be understood that the present system encompasses embodiments with one, two or more support arms 120 and 122 connected to the frame for holding the weight).

(59) Support arm 122 (and 120) rotate as the weight 130 is lifted. A connector 140 is slidably moveable along selection arm 104, and a cable member 150 has a first end 151 attached to connector 140, as shown. A second cable 160 is connected to an exercise arm of a weight machine. By adjustably positioning connector 140 to a preferred position along selection arm 104, the user is actually selecting the distance that weight 130 moves during an exercise (thereby increasing or decreasing the difficulty of the exercise). Specifically, when the user of the weight machine lifts or pulls or pushes an exercise arm or moveable member of the weight machine, the second cable 160 will be pulled, thereby lifting the distal end 106 of selection arm 104. (In various embodiments, second cable 160 can be connected to any form of exercise machine, including without limitation, an arm press or leg press machine, a pectoral fly machine, an arm curl or leg curl machine, a rotary torso machine, etc.).

(60) A second end 152 of the cable member 150 is connected to support arm 122. As such, when the user lifts the distal end 106 of selection arm 104 (by pulling on cable 160 by lifting, pulling or pushing an exercise arm or moveable member of a weight machine), the free distal end 106 of selection arm 104 will rotate upwardly. This will pull on cable member 150, thereby lifting weight 130. By adjusting the position of connector 140 along selection arm 104, the user will adjust the difficulty of the exercise being performed.

(61) As can be seen, selection arm 104 optionally has a plurality of apertures 107 extending therealong, with the connector 140 is positionable at locations corresponding to these apertures. In optional preferred embodiments, connector 140 comprises a pin that is received into any one of a plurality of apertures 107 along the length of selection arm 104 (thereby selectively locking the position of connector 140 to a desired location on selection arm 104).

(62) FIG. 23 is an alternate embodiment of the present system flexible cable member 150 connected at one end to weight selection arm 104 with the other end wrapping around a rotatable cam 200 that is connected to the pivoting support arm 122 for lifting weight 130. In this embodiment, the support arm 122 is connected to (or integrally formed with) cam 200 and the second end 152 of cable member 150 wraps around cam 200, as shown.

(63) In either of the embodiments of FIGS. 22 and 23, cable member 150 can be selected from the group consisting of a metal cable, a plastic cable, a polymer cable, a linked or roller chain and a rope. Also, weight 130 can optionally be positioned to a side of support arm 122 (and 120) to save space. In addition, the proximal ends of both the selection arm 104 and the support arm(s) 120 and 122 are all preferably pivotally connected to the same side of frame 100.

(64) In FIGS. 22 and 23, cable member 150 passes around a first pulley 170 that is connected to the bottom of the frame. In FIG. 22, cable member 150 also passes around a second pulley 172 connected to the top of frame 100.

(65) As noted, any of the different configurations and components can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly defined in the appended claims.

(66) Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.