Flip and dip handle system for performing dip exercises on an exercise machine

Abstract

An exercise machine for performing dip exercises, having: a stationary main frame; first and second mounting brackets connected to the stationary main frame; first and second dip handle assemblies connected to the mounting brackets, each dip handle assembly having a first exercise arm, a first stop plate, and a first arm mount hub, wherein the first and second dip handle assemblies are each configured to be converted between an exercise position and a storage position while connected to the exercise machine.

Claims

1. An exercise machine for performing dip exercises, comprising: a frame; a left dip-handle assembly mounted to a left side of the frame; and a right dip-handle assembly mounted to a right side of the frame, wherein each of the left and right dip-handle assemblies comprise: a mounting bracket, an arm mount hub, an exercise position lock hole in the arm mount hub, a storage position lock hole in the arm mount hub, an exercise position stop lug in the arm mount hub, and a storage position stop lug in the arm mount hub; a bearing housing in rotational alignment with the arm mount hub; a pull-pin plunger biased to: insert into the exercise position lock hole when aligned with the exercise position lock hole, and insert into the storage position lock hole when aligned with the storage position lock hole; and a dip-exercise arm extending from the bearing housing.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both of the dip-exercise arms comprise: a mounting portion, and a grip portion, wherein the grip portion is moveable with respect to the mounting portion to adjust the distance between the grip portion on a first of the dip-exercise arms and the grip portion on a second of the dip-exercise arms.

3. The exercise machine of claim 2, wherein both of the grip portions rotate about a longitudinal axis passing through the mounting portion.

4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein both of the grip portions are parallel to the longitudinal axis passing through the mounting portion.

5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both of the pull-pin plungers rotate about a central axis passing through the arm mount hub.

6. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein both of the pull-pin plungers are parallel to the central axis passing through the arm mount hub.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both of the bearing housings comprise: a first stop that contacts the exercise position stop lug at a first end of a range of travel, and a second stop that contacts the exercise position stop lug at a second end of the range of travel.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein pulling on the pull-pin plunger releases the pull-pin plunger from either of the exercise position lock hole or the storage position lock hole.

9. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both of the bearing housings are rotatable within the arm mount hub.

10. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both of the dip-exercise arms are horizontal in the exercise position and vertical in the storage position.

11. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both of the dip-exercise arms are S-shaped.

12. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein both of the bearing housings rotate about a horizontal axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred features of the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a back-right side isometric view of a dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit including a flip and dip handle system with the dip handle assemblies in the exercise position and including an exerciser in position to perform a dip exercise.

(3) FIG. 2 is a front side view of the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 3 is a back-right side isometric view of the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIG. 1, but with the exerciser omitted.

(5) FIG. 4 is a front side view of the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIG. 3.

(6) FIG. 5 is a back-right side isometric view of the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIG. 3, but with the dip handle assemblies in the storage position.

(7) FIG. 6 is a front side view of the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIG. 5.

(8) FIG. 7 is a back-right side isometric view of the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIG. 3, but with many parts of the exercise machine omitted to more clearly show the flip and dip handle system.

(9) FIG. 8 is a back-right side isometric view of the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIG. 5, but with many parts of the exercise machine omitted to more clearly show the flip and dip handle system.

(10) FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a left dip handle assembly of a flip and dip handle system.

(11) FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a right dip handle assembly of a flip and dip handle system.

(12) FIG. 11 is a back side view of the right dip handle assembly as depicted in FIG. 10, with the dip handle assembly in the exercise position.

(13) FIG. 12 is a left side view of the right dip handle assembly as depicted in FIG. 11.

(14) FIG. 13 is a left side view of the right dip handle assembly as depicted in FIG. 12, but with some parts omitted to more clearly show the engagement of the stop feature with the exercise position stop lug when the dip handle assembly is in the exercise position.

(15) FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the right dip handle assembly according to cross-section A-A depicted in FIG. 12, with the pull pin engaged to lock the dip handle assembly in the exercise position.

(16) FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the right dip handle assembly according to cross-section A-A depicted in FIG. 12, with the pull pin disengaged so that the dip handle assembly may be rotated away from the exercise position.

(17) FIG. 16 is a top side view of the right dip handle assembly as depicted in FIG. 10, with the dip handle assembly in the storage position.

(18) FIG. 17 is a left side view of the right dip handle assembly as depicted in FIG. 16.

(19) FIG. 18 is a left side view of the right dip handle assembly as depicted in FIG. 17, but with some parts omitted to more clearly show the engagement of the stop feature with the storage position stop lug when the dip handle assembly is in the storage position.

(20) FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the right dip handle assembly according to cross-section A-A depicted in FIG. 17, with the pull pin engaged to lock the dip handle assembly in the storage position.

(21) FIG. 20 is a left side, superimposed view of the right dip handle assembly as depicted in FIG. 10, with the dip handle assembly in the exercise position (shown in solid lines) and the dip handle assembly in the storage position (shown in dashed lines).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(22) The embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these illustrated embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

(23) In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used in the following description are used for the purpose of description and enablement, and should not be regarded as limiting. Additionally, in the following description, it is understood that terms such as top, bottom, side, front, back, inner, outer, and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

(24) A flip and dip handle system for performing dip exercises on an exercise machine is described herein. The embodiments of the present invention are designed to provide a handle system for performing dip exercises on an exercise machine that can be quickly moved between a use position and a storage position.

(25) An embodiment of the present invention includes an exercise machine 100 as depicted in FIGS. 1-8. The exercise machine 100 of FIGS. 1-8 is a dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit. However, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that the handle system of the present invention may be adaptable to a number of different exercise machines known in the art. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the dual hi-lo pulley functional trainer unit as depicted in FIGS. 1-8. FIGS. 1 and 2 depict an exerciser 200 in position to perform a dip exercise.

(26) As best shown in FIGS. 1-6, the exercise machine 100 of the present embodiment includes a stationary main frame 101. The main frame 101 is a fixed frame structure and includes horizontal side struts 102; a horizontal cross strut 103 connecting the horizontal side struts 102 at their front ends; support uprights 104; and a horizontal connecting strut 105 connecting the support uprights 104 at their top ends. The exercise machine 100 further includes multiple pull-up grips 106, 116 associated with the horizontal connecting strut 105 for performing pull-up or chin-up exercises. At least one pair of the pull-up grips are adjustable pull-up grips 116 that may be selectively rotated between a fore-aft orientation, wherein each adjustable pull-up grip 116 is substantially horizontal and points toward the back of the exercise machine 100 (FIGS. 1, 3, 5), and a side-to-side orientation, wherein each adjustable pull-up grip 116 is substantially horizontal and points inwardly toward the center of the exercise machine 100. The adjustable pull-up grips 116 are rotatably adjustable, similar to the adjustable hand grips 40 described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012-0329626 A1, which is herein incorporated by reference. The fore-aft orientation of the adjustable pull-up grips 116, is illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012-0329626 A1 as position 40B. And the side-to-side orientation of the adjustable pull-up grips 116, is illustrated and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012-0329626 A1 as position 40A.

(27) The exercise machine 100, as depicted in FIGS. 1-6, further includes a pair of vertical columns 107. Each of the vertical columns 107 are rotatably mounted between an upper pivot mount 109 and a lower pivot mount 108 that is connected to the horizontal side strut 102. Thus, each of the vertical columns 107 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A pulley carriage 110 is mounted on each of the vertical columns 107 and may be vertically adjusted up and down, along the length of the respective vertical column 107.

(28) The exercise machine 100 further includes a source of resistance, which in the case of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-6 is a pair of selectorized weight stacks 112. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, however, that the source of resistance may include, without limitation, a weight stack, weight plates mounted on pegs, or other types of resistance such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electromagnetic, friction, springs, elastically bending rods, elastic bands, or the like. A cable and pulley system (not shown) includes a cable attached at one end to the selectorized weight stack 112 and an opposite pull end 111. The pull end 111 of the cable passes through the pulley carriage 110, such that when the pulley carriage 110 is adjusted up or down, the pull end 111 of the cable also moves up or down. The pull ends 111, of exercise machine 100, may be connected to various exercise attachments for performing exercises.

(29) An exerciser may perform an exercise by pulling or pushing one or both pull ends 111 away from the respective pulley carriage 110. Because the vertical columns 107 are rotatable, and the pulley carriage 110 is vertically adjustable, the path of exercise motion and direction of exercise resistance is highly adjustable. When the exerciser performs an exercise by pulling or pushing a pull end 111 away from its respective pulley carriage 110, the cable travels through the cable and pulley system and lifts the amount of weight selected within the selectorized weight stack 112.

(30) As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the exercise machine 100 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a left dip handle assembly 300 and a right dip handle assembly 400, each mounted on a support upright 104 of the main frame 101. The left dip handle assembly 300, including all of its components, is shown with more detail in FIG. 9. The left dip handle assembly 300 includes a mounting bracket 301 that attaches the left dip handle assembly 300 to the left support upright 104. According to the depicted embodiment, fasteners 302, such as bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and/or rivets attach the mounting bracket 301 to the left support upright 104. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mounting bracket 301 may be attached through other means known in the art, including without limitation, through welding, adhesives, pins, hooks, or other mechanical interfaces and attaching methods known in the art. The method of attaching may allow the mounting bracket 301 to be adjusted vertically along support upright 104, or mounted on support upright 104 at a selected height, so that the height of the left dip handle assembly 300 can be selectively adjusted.

(31) Referring still to FIG. 9, the left dip handle assembly 300 further includes a pair of reinforcing ribs 303 connected to the mounting bracket 301 and a support rod 304 connected to the reinforcing ribs 303. The support rod 304 is connected to and supports an arm mount hub 305. The arm mount hub 305, according to the depicted embodiment, is a round housing that includes an exercise position stop lug 306 and a storage position stop lug 307. The arm mount hub 305 further includes an exercise position lock hole 309 and a storage position lock hole 308. A pivot shaft 310 extends from the center of the arm mount hub 305. The pivot shaft 310 of the depicted embodiment is 1 inch in diameter and includes a threaded end 350 for retaining a bearing housing 322 on the pivot shaft 310. The threaded end 350 includes -13 UNC male threads. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bearing housing 322 may be retained on the pivot shaft 310 through other means known in the art, including without limitation, cotter pins, e-clips or c-clips, pressed retainers or fittings, male or female threads, and other methods known in the art.

(32) The bearing housing 322 is rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft 310 for rotation about pivot axis 330. The pivot shaft 310 is inserted through an inner bearing 311, a bearing bore 351 in the bearing housing 322, and an outer bearing 312. Thus, the bearing housing 322 rides on the inner and outer bearings 311, 312. The inner and outer bearings 311, 312 are preferably made from a low-friction material that will not increase the rotating friction between the bearing housing 322 and the pivot shaft 310, allowing the bearing housing 322 to freely rotate about pivot axis 330. The inner and outer bearings 311, 312 are also preferably made from a material that is softer than that of the pivot shaft 310 and the bearing housing 322, such that any wear resulting from rotation of the bearing housing 322 occurs on the inner and outer bearings 311, 312, which are easier and less expensive to replace as wear or maintenance items. As non-limiting examples, the inner and outer bearings 311, 312 may be made from aluminum, brass or bronze, thermoplastics such as nylon, or they may include a Teflon coating.

(33) According to the embodiment of FIG. 9, a washer 313 and a locknut 314 threaded onto the threaded end 350 of the pivot shaft 310 retain the bearing housing 322 on the pivot shaft 310. The washer 313 is a USS flat washer, while the locknut 314 is a -13 UNC locknut. As discussed above, however, the bearing housing 322 may be retained on the pivot shaft 310 through other means known in the art. An end cap 315 is inserted into the bearing bore 351 of bearing housing 322.

(34) As further illustrated in FIG. 9, the bearing housing 322 is connected to a stop plate 320, which includes a stop feature 321. The stop feature 321 engages the respective exercise position stop lug 306 and storage position stop lug 307, when the bearing housing 322 rotates about pivot axis 330 between the exercise position and the storage position, as described in more detail below.

(35) A pull-pin barrel 323 is connected to stop plate 320 and the bearing housing 322. The pull-pin barrel 323 includes a pull-pin bore 352 with a female-threaded opening 353. A spring-loaded pull pin 360 is assembled into the pull-pin bore 352 of the pull-pin barrel 323. The spring-loaded pull pin 360 includes a pull-pin plunger 316 that has a first end 354 for selectively engaging the respective exercise position lock hole 309 or the storage position lock hole 308, to lock the left dip handle assembly 300 into either the exercise position or storage position, as described in more detail below. The pull-pin plunger 316 also includes a first intermediate section 355, which provides a clearance fit with the pull-pin bore 352 of the pull-pin barrel 323 and allows the spring-loaded pull pin 360 to slide along axis 333 within the pull-pin bore 352. The pull-pin plunger 316 further includes a second intermediate section 356, smaller in diameter than the first intermediate section 355, on which a spring 317 is mounted. And the pull-pin plunger 316 includes a threaded end 357 with male threads.

(36) As illustrated in FIG. 9, the pull-pin plunger 316 of the spring-loaded pull pin 360 is inserted into the pull-pin bore 352 of the pull-pin barrel 323, with the spring 317 mounted onto the second intermediate section 356. A barrel cap 318 retains the pull-pin plunger 316 and spring 317 within the pull-pin bore 352 of the pull-pin barrel 323. The barrel cap 318 includes male threads 358 that engage the female-threaded opening 353 of the pull-pin barrel 323. Thus, the barrel cap 318 screws into the pull-pin bore 352 of the pull-pin barrel 323, retaining the pull-pin plunger 316 and spring 317 within the pull-pin bore 352. The barrel cap 318 includes a hole 359 through which the second intermediate section 356 of the pull-pin plunger 316 is inserted. The second intermediate section 356 of the pull-pin plunger 316 has a clearance fit with the hole 359, which allows the pull-pin plunger 316 to slide along axis 333. A threaded knob 319 is threaded onto the threaded end 357 of the pull-pin plunger 316.

(37) As mentioned above, the spring 317 is mounted on the second intermediate section 356 of the pull-pin plunger 316. After the barrel cap 318 is screwed into the female-threaded opening 353, the spring 317 is compressed between the larger diameter first intermediate section 355 and the barrel cap 318. Because the barrel cap 318 is fixed to the pull-pin barrel 323, while the pull-pin plunger 316 is slidable along axis 333, the spring 317 biases the pull-pin plunger 316 toward the arm mount hub 305. Accordingly, the spring 317 biases the first end 354 of the pull-pin plunger 316 into the exercise position lock hole 309 when the left dip handle assembly 300 is in the exercise position, or into the storage position lock hole 308 when the left dip handle assembly 300 is in the storage position.

(38) As further shown in FIG. 9, an exercise arm 324 extends from the bearing housing 322. The end of the exercise arm 324 opposite the bearing housing 322 has a longitudinal axis 331 and a stop feature 326. An adjustable dip handle 327 is mounted on the exercise arm 324. The adjustable dip handle 327 includes a mounting portion 371 and a grip portion 372. The mounting portion 371 is rotatably mounted on the exercise arm 324 such that it its longitudinal axis is coincident with the longitudinal axis 331 of the end of the exercise arm 324, and such that the adjustable dip handle 327 may rotate about longitudinal axis 331. The mounting portion 371 includes a slot 328 that extends at least approximately 180 around the circumference of the mounting portion 371. The stop feature 326 of the exercise arm 324 is located within the slot 328, and is configured to limit the adjustable dip handle's 327 rotation about longitudinal axis 331 by engaging the ends of the slot 328 to provide wide (FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 9) and narrow grip positions for the adjustable dip handle 327.

(39) The grip portion 372 of the adjustable dip handle 327 has a second longitudinal axis 332 that is not coincident with longitudinal axis 331. Thus, the adjustable handle 327 can be rotated at least approximately 180 about longitudinal axis 331, in which case the grip portion 372 rotates in an arcuate path about longitudinal axis 331 between the wide and narrow grip positions. The adjustable dip handle 327 is similar to the dip bar handles 60 described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012-0329626 A1, which is herein incorporated by reference.

(40) As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the exercise machine 100 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a similar right dip handle assembly 400 mounted on a support upright 104 of the main frame 101. The right dip handle assembly 400, including all of its components, is shown with more detail in FIG. 10. The right dip handle assembly 400 includes a mounting bracket 401 that attaches the right dip handle assembly 400 to the right support upright 104. According to the depicted embodiment, fasteners 402, such as bolts, screws, nuts, washers, and/or rivets attach the mounting bracket 401 to the support upright 104. However, as discussed above with respect to the fasteners 302, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mounting bracket 401 may be attached through other means known in the art. The method of attaching may allow the mounting bracket 401 to be adjusted vertically along support upright 104, or mounted on support upright 104 at a selected height, so that the height of the right dip handle assembly 400 can be selectively adjusted.

(41) Referring still to FIG. 10, the right dip handle assembly 400 further includes a pair of reinforcing ribs 403 connected to the mounting bracket 401 and a support rod 404 connected to the reinforcing ribs 403. The support rod 404 is connected to and supports an arm mount hub 405. The right dip handle assembly 400 depicted in FIG. 10 further includes a drink holder 440 mounted to one or more of the mounting bracket 401, reinforcing ribs 403, support rod 404, and arm mount hub 405. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the drink holder 440 may optionally be included on the left dip handle assembly 300, if preferred.

(42) The arm mount hub 405, according to the depicted embodiment, is a round housing that includes an exercise position stop lug 406 and a storage position stop lug 407. The arm mount hub 405 further includes an exercise position lock hole 409 and a storage position lock hole 408. A pivot shaft 410 extends from the center of the arm mount hub 405. The pivot shaft 410 of the depicted embodiment is 1 inch in diameter and includes a threaded end 450 for retaining a bearing housing 422 on the pivot shaft 410. The threaded end 450 includes -13 UNC male threads. However, as discussed above with respect to the left dip handle assembly's 300 bearing housing 322, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the bearing housing 422 may be retained on the pivot shaft 410 through other means known in the art.

(43) The bearing housing 422 is rotatably mounted on the pivot shaft 410 for rotation about pivot axis 430. The pivot shaft 410 is inserted through an inner bearing 411, a bearing bore 451 in the bearing housing 422, and an outer bearing 412. Thus, the bearing housing 422 rides on the inner and outer bearings 411, 412. The inner and outer bearings 411, 412 (like inner and outer bearings 311, 312) are preferably made from a low-friction material that will not increase the rotating friction between the bearing housing 422 and the pivot shaft 410, allowing the bearing housing 422 to freely rotate about pivot axis 430. The inner and outer bearings 411, 412 are also preferably made from a material that is softer than that of the pivot shaft 410 and the bearing housing 422, such that any wear resulting from rotation of the bearing housing 422 occurs on the inner and outer bearings 411, 412, which are easier and less expensive to replace as wear or maintenance items. As non-limiting examples, the inner and outer bearings 411, 412 may be made from aluminum, brass or bronze, thermoplastics such as nylon, or they may include a Teflon coating.

(44) According to the embodiment of FIG. 10, a washer 413 and a locknut 414 threaded onto the threaded end 450 of the pivot shaft 410 retain the bearing housing 422 on the pivot shaft 410. The washer 413 is a USS flat washer, while the locknut 414 is a -13 UNC locknut. As discussed above, however, the bearing housing 422 may be retained on the pivot shaft 410 through other means known in the art. An end cap 415 is inserted into the bearing bore 451 of bearing housing 422.

(45) As further illustrated in FIG. 10, the bearing housing 422 is connected to a stop plate 420, which includes a stop feature 421. The stop feature 421 engages the respective exercise position stop lug 406 and storage position stop lug 407, when the bearing housing 422 rotates about pivot axis 430 between the exercise position and the storage position, as described in more detail below.

(46) A pull-pin barrel 423 is connected to stop plate 420 and the bearing housing 422. The pull-pin barrel 423 includes a pull-pin bore 452 with a female-threaded opening 453. A spring-loaded pull pin 460 is assembled into the pull-pin bore 452 of the pull-pin barrel 423. The spring-loaded pull pin 460 includes a pull-pin plunger 416 that has a first end 454 for selectively engaging the respective exercise position lock hole 409 or the storage position lock hole 408, to lock the right dip handle assembly 400 into either the exercise position or storage position, as described in more detail below. The pull-pin plunger 416 also includes a first intermediate section 455, which provides a clearance fit with the pull-pin bore 452 of the pull-pin barrel 423 and allows the spring-loaded pull pin 460 to slide along axis 433 within the pull-pin bore 452. The pull-pin plunger 416 further includes a second intermediate section 456, smaller in diameter than the first intermediate section 455, on which a spring 417 is mounted. And the pull-pin plunger 416 includes a threaded end 457 with male threads.

(47) As illustrated in FIG. 10, the pull-pin plunger 416 of the spring-loaded pull pin 460 is inserted into the pull-pin bore 452 of the pull-pin barrel 423, with the spring 417 mounted onto the second intermediate section 456. A barrel cap 418 retains the pull-pin plunger 416 and spring 417 within the pull-pin bore 452 of the pull-pin barrel 423. The barrel cap 418 includes male threads 458 that engage the female-threaded opening 453 of the pull-pin barrel 423. Thus, the barrel cap 418 screws into the pull-pin bore 452 of the pull-pin barrel 423, retaining the pull-pin plunger 416 and spring 417 within the pull-pin bore 452. The barrel cap 418 includes a hole 459 through which the second intermediate section 456 of the pull-pin plunger 416 is inserted. The second intermediate section 456 of the pull-pin plunger 416 has a clearance fit with the hole 459, which allows the pull-pin plunger 416 to slide along axis 433. A threaded knob 419 is threaded onto the threaded end 457 of the pull-pin plunger 416.

(48) As mentioned above, the spring 417 is mounted on the second intermediate section 456 of the pull-pin plunger 416. After the barrel cap 418 is screwed into the female-threaded opening 453, the spring 417 is compressed between the larger diameter first intermediate section 455 and the barrel cap 418. Because the barrel cap 418 is fixed to the pull-pin barrel 423, while the pull-pin plunger 416 is slidable along axis 433, the spring 417 biases the pull-pin plunger 416 toward the arm mount hub 405. Accordingly, the spring 417 biases the first end 454 of the pull-pin plunger 416 into the exercise position lock hole 409 when the right dip handle assembly 400 is in the exercise position, or into the storage position lock hole 408 when the right dip handle assembly 400 is in the storage position.

(49) As further shown in FIG. 10, an exercise arm 424 extends from the bearing housing 422. The end of the exercise arm 424 opposite the bearing housing 422 has a longitudinal axis 431 and a stop feature 426. An adjustable dip handle 427 is mounted on the exercise arm 424. The adjustable dip handle 427 includes a mounting portion 471 and a grip portion 472. The mounting portion 471 is rotatably mounted on the exercise arm 424 such that it its longitudinal axis is coincident with the longitudinal axis 431 of the end of the exercise arm 424, and such that the adjustable dip handle 427 may rotate about longitudinal axis 431. The mounting portion 471 includes a slot 428 that extends at least approximately 180 around the circumference of the mounting portion 471. The stop feature 426 of the exercise arm 424 is located within the slot 428, and is configured to limit the adjustable dip handle's 427 rotation about longitudinal axis 431 by engaging the ends of the slot 428 to provide wide (FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 10) and narrow grip positions for the adjustable dip handle 427.

(50) The grip portion 472 of the adjustable dip handle 427 has a second longitudinal axis 432 that is not coincident with longitudinal axis 431. Thus, the adjustable handle 427 can be rotated at least approximately 180 about longitudinal axis 431, in which case the grip portion 472 rotates in an arcuate path about longitudinal axis 431 between the wide and narrow grip positions. The adjustable dip handle 427 is similar to the dip bar handles 60 described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012-0329626 A1, which is herein incorporated by reference.

(51) The operation and use of the right dip handle assembly 400 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11-20. It is to be understood that the operation and use of the left dip handle assembly 300 is an identical mirror image of that of the right dip handle assembly 400.

(52) FIGS. 11-15 depict the right dip handle assembly 400 in an exercise position. That is, the exercise arm 424 and adjustable dip handle 427 are rotated about pivot axis 430 so that they lie in a substantially horizontal plane. (See also FIGS. 1-4 and 7.) When the exercise arm 424 and adjustable dip handle 427 are rotated toward the exercise position, the bearing housing 422 rotates about pivot axis 430 on the pivot shaft 410. Along with the bearing housing 422, the stop plate 420 rotates about pivot axis 430 with respect to the arm mount hub 405. Accordingly, the stop feature 421 rotates about pivot axis 430 until it contacts the exercise position stop lug 406. FIG. 13 depicts the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position with components omitted to illustrate the contact point 480 between the stop feature 421 and the exercise position stop lug 406.

(53) Similarly, as the bearing housing 422 rotates about pivot axis 430 toward the exercise position, the pull-pin barrel 423 and spring-loaded pull pin 460 rotate about pivot axis 430 with respect to the arm mount hub 405. Thus, the spring-loaded pull pin 460 rotates about pivot axis 430 until the first end 454 of the pull-pin plunger 416 aligns with the exercise position lock hole 409. As discussed above, the spring 417 biases the pull-pin plunger 416 toward the arm mount hub 405, which means that the pull-pin plunger 416 is biased into the exercise position lock hole 409 when the right dip handle assembly 400 is in the exercise position. FIG. 14 depicts the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position with pull-pin plunger 416 inserted into the exercise position lock hole 409. The user may pull on the threaded knob 419 to overcome the biasing force of the spring 417 and withdraw the pull-pin plunger 416 from the exercise position lock hole 409, in order to rotate the right dip handle assembly 400 away from the exercise position. FIG. 15 depicts the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position with the pull-pin plunger 416 withdrawn from the exercise position lock hole 409.

(54) The right dip handle assembly 400 thus utilizes two methods of locating and positioning the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position. First, the stop feature 421 contacts the exercise position stop lug 406 to locate and position the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position. And second, the pull-pin plunger 416 is biased into the exercise position lock hole 409 to further locate and position the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position, and to more affirmatively lock the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position.

(55) In contrast with FIGS. 11-15, FIGS. 16-18 depict the right dip handle assembly 400 in a storage position. That is, the exercise arm 424 and adjustable dip handle 427 are rotated about pivot axis 430 so that they lie in a substantially vertical plane. (See also FIGS. 5-6 and 8.) When the exercise arm 424 and adjustable dip handle 427 are rotated toward the storage position, the bearing housing 422 rotates about pivot axis 430 on the pivot shaft 410. Along with the bearing housing 422, the stop plate 420 rotates about pivot axis 430 with respect to the arm mount hub 405. Accordingly, the stop feature 421 rotates about pivot axis 430 until it contacts the storage position stop lug 407. FIG. 18 depicts the right dip handle assembly 400 in the storage position with components omitted to illustrate the contact point 481 between the stop feature 421 and the storage position stop lug 407.

(56) Similarly, as the bearing housing 422 rotates about pivot axis 430 toward the storage position, the pull-pin barrel 423 and spring-loaded pull pin 460 rotate about pivot axis 430 with respect to the arm mount hub 405. Thus, the spring-loaded pull pin 460 rotates about pivot axis 430 until the first end 454 of the pull-pin plunger 416 aligns with the storage position lock hole 408. As discussed above, the spring 417 biases the pull-pin plunger 416 toward the arm mount hub 405, which means that the pull-pin plunger 416 is biased into the storage position lock hole 408 when the right dip handle assembly 400 is in the storage position. FIG. 19 depicts the right dip handle assembly 400 in the storage position with pull-pin plunger 416 inserted into the storage position lock hole 408. As discussed above with respect to the exercise position, the user may pull on the threaded knob 419 to overcome the biasing force of the spring 417 and withdraw the pull-pin plunger 416 from the storage position lock hole 408, in order to rotate the right dip handle assembly 400 away from the storage position.

(57) The right dip handle assembly 400 thus utilizes two methods of locating and positioning the right dip handle assembly 400 in the storage position. The stop feature 421 contacts the storage position stop lug 407 to locate and position the right dip handle assembly 400 in the storage position. And the pull-pin plunger 416 is biased into the storage position lock hole 408 to further locate and position the right dip handle assembly 400 in the storage position, and to more affirmatively lock the right dip handle assembly 400 in the storage position.

(58) FIG. 20 illustrates the right dip handle assembly 400 in the exercise position (400A) superimposed upon the right dip handle assembly 400 in the storage position (400B). As shown, in the exercise position 400A, the exercise arm 424 and adjustable dip handle 427 are substantially horizontal. And in the storage position 400B, the exercise arm 424 and adjustable dip handle 427 have been rotated approximately 90 to lie in a substantially vertical plane. Furthermore, the spring-loaded pull pin 460 has rotated approximately 90 about pivot axis 430, as represented in FIG. 20 by the relative positions of the threaded knob 419A, 419B. Thus, the spring-loaded pull pin 460 has rotated between positions where it is engaged with the respective exercise position lock hole 409 and storage position lock hole 408 (see FIGS. 13 and 18).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(59) 100exercise machine 101main frame 102horizontal side strut 103horizontal cross strut 104support upright 105horizontal connecting strut 106pull-up grip 107vertical column 108lower pivot mount 109upper pivot mount 110pulley carriage 111pull end 112selectorized weight stack 116adjustable pull-up grip 200exerciser 300left dip handle assembly 301mounting bracket 302fastener 303reinforcing rib 304support rod 305arm mount hub 306exercise position stop lug 307storage position stop lug 308storage position lock hole 309exercise position lock hole 310pivot shaft 311inner bearing 312outer bearing 313washer 314locknut 315end cap 316pull-pin plunger 317spring 318barrel cap 319threaded knob 320stop plate 321stop feature 322bearing housing 323pull-pin barrel 324exercise arm 326stop feature 327adjustable dip handle 328slot 330pivot axis 331longitudinal axis 332second longitudinal axis 333axis 350threaded end 351bearing bore 352pull-pin bore 353female-threaded opening 354first end 355first intermediate section 356second intermediate section 357threaded end 358male threads 359hole 360spring-loaded pull pin 371mounting portion 372grip portion 400right dip handle assembly 401mounting bracket 402fastener 403reinforcing rib 404support rod 405arm mount hub 406exercise position stop lug 407storage position stop lug 408storage position lock hole 409exercise position lock hole 410pivot shaft 411inner bearing 412outer bearing 413washer 414locknut 415end cap 416pull-pin plunger 417spring 418barrel cap 419threaded knob 420stop plate 421stop feature 422bearing housing 423pull-pin barrel 424exercise arm 426stop feature 427adjustable dip handle 428slot 430pivot axis 431longitudinal axis 432second longitudinal axis 433axis 440drink holder 450threaded end 451bearing bore 452pull-pin bore 453female-threaded opening 454first end 455first intermediate section 456second intermediate section 457threaded end 458male threads 459hole 460spring-loaded pull pin 471mounting portion 472grip portion 480contact point 481contact point
The list of reference numerals is provided for convenience and is intended to aid understanding of the illustrated embodiments described above. The embodiments of the present invention may be described in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments. Likewise, the list above setting forth the reference numerals and associated components comprising the illustrated embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as recited in the claims that follow.