Abstract
The invention relates to a resistance machine, e.g., for exercising. In particular, the machine is lightweight, compact, and modular to allow for ease of transportation and storage. The multifunction machine is also capable of providing variable and high resistances for many types of weight training methods, such as powerlifting.
Claims
1. A resistance mechanism comprising a. a frame having a plurality of parallel rails within the frame; b. a transverse bar having at least one opening through which the plurality of parallel rails passes; c. at least one block having holes through which one or more of the parallel rails passes; d. at least one locking fixture fixed to the frame and configured to removably secure at least one block to the frame; and e. at least one resistance device connecting each block to the transverse bar in a manner which biases the transverse bar towards the connected block when the connected block is secured to the frame.
2. The resistance mechanism of claim 1, wherein there are a plurality of blocks.
3. The resistance mechanism of claim 1, wherein the locking fixture comprises a rack and pinion gear assembly.
4. The resistance mechanism of claim 1, wherein the resistance devices are comprised of elastic bands, springs, flywheels, electromagnets, motors, or combinations thereof.
5. The resistance mechanism of claim 1, wherein the resistance devices are constant force springs.
6. The resistance mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of rail sheaths slidably positioned on the parallel rails between the transverse bar and each block.
7. The resistance mechanism of claim 1, further comprising an inelastic cable with first and second ends, the first end is connected to the transverse bar, the second end is positioned through the frame.
8. The resistance mechanism of claim 7, further comprising inelastic cable extensions attached to the inelastic cables.
9. The resistance mechanism of claim 7, wherein the inelastic cable is lead through one or more pulleys, spools, gears, belts, or combinations thereof in a manner which decreases the distance of travel of the transverse bar as compared to the distance of travel of the second end of the inelastic cable.
10. The resistance mechanism of claim 7, further comprising at least one cable arm through which an inelastic cable is led, each cable arm comprises a. a first end that is adjustably attached to the frame and adjustably positioned to extend away from the frame; and b. a second end wherein the second end of the inelastic cable is positioned through the second end of the cable arm.
11. A resistance machine comprising at least one encasing, each encasing enclosing at least one resistance mechanism, wherein each resistance mechanism is comprised of a. a frame having a plurality of parallel rails within the frame; b. a transverse bar having at least one opening through which the plurality of parallel rails passes; c. at least one block having holes through which one or more of the parallel rails passes; d. at least one locking fixture fixed to the frame and configured to removably secure at least one block to the frame; e. at least one resistance device connecting each block to the transverse bar in a manner which biases the transverse bar towards the connected block when the connected block is secured to the frame; and f. an inelastic cable with first and second ends, the first end is connected to the transverse bar, the second end is positioned to through the frame.
12. The resistance machine of claim 11, wherein each encasing is connected to a structural element that provides a means of supporting a user's weight.
13. The resistance machine of claim 12, wherein the structural element is a platform, seat, bench, or combination thereof.
14. The resistance machine of claim 10, further comprising at least one cable arm through which an inelastic cable is led, each cable arm comprises a. a first end that is adjustably attached to an encasing and adjustably positioned to extend away from the encasing; and b. a second end wherein the second end of the inelastic cable is positioned through the second end of the cable arm.
15. The resistance machine of claim 10, wherein there are a plurality of blocks in each frame.
16. The resistance machine of claim 10, wherein the locking fixtures comprise a rack and pinion gear assembly.
17. The resistance machine of claim 10, wherein the resistance devices are comprised of constant force springs.
18. The resistance machine of claim 10, wherein the inelastic cable is lead through one or more pulleys, spools, gears, belts, or combinations thereof in a manner which decreases the distance of travel of the transverse bar to the distance of travel of the second end of the inelastic cable.
19. The resistance machine of claim 10, further comprising inelastic cable extensions attached to the inelastic cables.
20. A method for making a resistance machine, the method comprising the steps of a. providing a frame having a plurality of parallel rails within the frame; b. providing a transverse bar having a plurality of holes through which the plurality of parallel rails passes; c. providing at least one block having holes through which one or more of the parallel rails passes; d. connecting at least one resistance device with first and second ends to a block on the first end and the transverse bar on the second end; e. fixing a locking fixture to the frame, the locking fixture is configured to removably secure each block to the frame; and f. connecting an inelastic cable to the transverse bar and positioned through the frame such that the inelastic cable is configured to pull the transverse bar away from each block.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings, together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or analogous reference numerals and wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism wherein resistance is provided by resistance bands;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic showing the theoretical background of a pulley-based dependent motion system that has a distance of travel ratio of two to one;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the theoretical background of a pulley-based dependent motion system that has a distance of travel ratio of four to one;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism demonstrating variable resistance by selectively locking one individual block;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism demonstrating variable resistance by selectively locking three individual blocks;
[0030] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism wherein resistance is provided by constant force springs;
[0031] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a constant force spring assembly that provides constant resistance force;
[0032] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism wherein resistance is provided by an electromagnet and the interfacing device contains pulleys;
[0033] FIG. 9 is perspective view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism wherein resistance is provided by an electromagnet and the interfacing device contains spools;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a side view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism wherein individual blocks are dependent on the translation of adjacent individual blocks;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the resistance mechanism with constant force springs, grooved dependent individual blocks, and a dial resistance selector;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the resistance mechanism with constant force springs and grooved dependent individual blocks;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a dial resistance selector assembly;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the resistance machine wherein resistance is selected with a dial;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a user using the resistance machine for exercise;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a user using two resistance machines with a platform accessory for exercise;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the bottom two resistance machines in use with a platform accessory;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a user using two resistance machines with a platform and arm accessories for exercise;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the bottom of two resistance machines in use with a platform and cable arm accessories;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the resistance machine wherein two resistance mechanisms are encased, connected by hinges, and unfolded for usage; and
[0045] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the resistance machine wherein two resistance mechanisms are encased, connected by hinges, and folded for storage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments of the invention are not limited to the detailed arrangements shown. The invention is capable of achieving similar results in other arrangements not shown. Additionally, the terminology used to describe the arrangements is for description only. The following terms and their associated meanings are explicitly defined below for the reader. [0047] Embodiment—Describes an arrangement of a system that could prove to be useful but is not considered to be the best mode by the inventor. [0048] Exemplary Embodiment—Describes an arrangement of a system that is considered to be the best mode by the inventor. [0049] Resistance Device—Describes any resistance providing element. This can include resistance bands, springs, electromagnets, motors, weighted plates, and other elements that function to provide resistance. [0050] Non-Gravitational Resistance Device—Describes any resistance providing element that does not rely on gravity as its source of resistance. This can include resistance bands, springs, flywheels, electromagnets, motors, and other elements that function to provide resistance without the use of gravity. [0051] Distance Traveled Ratio—Describes the ratio of the distance traveled by the user-interfacing inelastic cable to the resistance device. [0052] Interfacing Device—Describes any part or assembly of parts that combine to alter the distance traveled ratio. An embodiment without an interfacing device has a distance traveled ratio of one to one. [0053] Individual Block—Describes any object that is connected to one end of a resistance device, can translate along rails, and can be locked to another component of the system. [0054] Fixed Individual Block—Describes any object that is connected to one end of a resistance device and is permanently locked to another component of the system.
[0055] The following list of components are referenced in the figures: [0056] 31. Frame [0057] 32. Transverse Bar [0058] 33. Individual Block [0059] 34. Resistance Band [0060] 35. Eye Hook [0061] 36. Inelastic Cable [0062] 37. Pulley [0063] 38. Rail [0064] 39. Rail Sheath [0065] 40. Pin Fixture [0066] 41. Locking Pin [0067] 42. Handle [0068] 43. Constant force Spring [0069] 44. Ball Bearing [0070] 45. Fixed Shaft [0071] 46. Electromagnet [0072] 47. Ferromagnetic Material [0073] 48. Connecting Cable [0074] 49. Computer [0075] 50. USB Cable [0076] 51. Dependent Individual Block [0077] 52. Grooved-Dependent Ind. Block [0078] 53. Grooved-Fixed Individual Block [0079] 54. Top Locking Rack [0080] 55. Bottom Locking Rack [0081] 56. Locking Pinion [0082] 57. Resistance Selecting Dial [0083] 58. Rubber Mat [0084] 59. Rubber Stopper [0085] 60. Carabiner Clip [0086] 61. Resistance Display [0087] 62. Inelastic Extension Cable [0088] 63. Resistance Machine Encasing [0089] 64. 360 Degree Pulley [0090] 65. Curl Bar [0091] 66. Platform [0092] 67. Olympic Bar [0093] 68. Cable Arms [0094] 69. Constant force Spring Assembly [0095] 70. Resistance Mechanism Assembly [0096] 71. Dial Selector Assembly [0097] 72. Resistance Machine Assembly [0098] 73. Rack and Pinion Gear Assembly [0099] 74. Driven Spool [0100] 75. Driving Spool [0101] 76. Rightmost Groove [0102] 77. Leftmost Groove [0103] 78. Adjustable Angled Pulley [0104] 79. Slidable Block [0105] 80. Hinges
[0106] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment for the resistance mechanism [70] which utilizes resistance devices [34]. The resistance devices may be extension springs, elastic bands, constant force springs, electromagnet-magnet pairings, or other lightweight resistance devices. The frame [31] has first [31a] and second [31b] ends, contains multiple parallel rails [38], and provides structural stability for the system. A transverse bar [32] and multiple individual blocks [33] are slidably positioned along the rails [38]. The transverse bar [32] contains a plurality of holes to allow the parallel rails [38] to pass therethrough to allow the transverse bar to slide along the parallel rails [38]. The individual blocks [33] are positioned proximate to the second end of the frame [31b] and the transverse bar [32] is positioned opposite to the individual blocks [33] at approximately the middle of the parallel rails [38]. The resistance devices [34] are preferably pre-stretched and attached to both the transverse bar [32] and individual blocks [33] by means of fasteners [35], biasing the transverse bar [32] towards the individual blocks [33]. Each resistance device [34] includes a first end [34a] attached to the transverse bar [32] and a second end [34b] attached to one of the individual blocks [33]. Distance maintaining devices [39] are slidably positioned on the rails [38] between the transverse bar [32] and individual blocks [33] to separate the transverse bar [32] and the blacks [33] by a predetermined distance. Locking fixtures [40] are secured to the frame [31] and contain slots for locking pins [41]. Locking pins [41] are selectively inserted into the aligned slots of locking fixtures [40] and individual blocks [33], thereby mechanically locking the selected block [33] to the second end of the frame [31]. An inelastic cable [36] is fastened to the transverse bar [32], preferably to the middle of the transverse bar [32], to pull the transverse bar [32] away from the individual blocks [33], creating a biasing force only from the resistance devices [34] that are attached to locked individual blocks [33]. The combination of the distance maintaining devices [39] and stretched resistance devices [34] hold all unlocked individual blocks [33] at a constant position relative to the transverse bar [32]. A pulley [37] may be used to change the biasing direction of the inelastic cable [36]. The user interfaces with the inelastic cable [36] by pulling on a cable attachment [42] located at one end of the cable [36]. In FIG. 1, there is no part or assembly of parts to refer to as the interfacing device. The distance traveled ratio is 1 to 1.
[0107] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are side views of an embodiment for the resistance mechanism [70] which utilizes resistance devices [34] with two different dependent motion systems. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are provided to illustrate the theoretical background for dependent motion systems. For both systems, the datum is chosen to be the first end of the frame [31a]. The distances from the datum to the cable attachment [42] and the datum to the transverse bar [32] are defined as s.sub.e and s.sub.a, respectively. Distances from the datum towards the second end of the frame [31b] are defined as positive. In FIG. 2, the inelastic cable [36] is fixed to the first end of the frame [31a] and routed through a pulley [37]. The pulley [37] is fixed to the transverse bar [32], preferably the center of the transverse bar [32]. The interfacing device in this embodiment includes the transverse bar [32] and pulley [37] assembly. In FIG. 3, the inelastic cable [36] is fixed to the first end of the frame [31a] and routed through four pulleys [37]. Two pulleys [37] are fixed to the transverse bar [32] and the other two pulleys [37] are fixed to the first end of the frame [31a]. The interfacing device in this embodiment includes the transverse bar [32] and four-pulley [37] assembly. The equations for the total length of the inelastic rope in FIG. 2 is
l.sub.1=2s.sub.a−s.sub.e (1)
and
l.sub.2=4s.sub.a−s.sub.e (2)
in FIG. 3. Deriving these equations results in the second set of equations that describe the relative changes in distance traveled for the cable attachment [42] and transverse bar [32]. The relative change in distance for FIG. 2 is
Δs.sub.e=2Δs.sub.a (3)
and
Δs.sub.e=4Δs.sub.a (4)
for FIG. 3. With these equations, the distance travel ratio is two to one in FIG. 2 and four to one in FIG. 3.
[0108] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrate the variable resistance provided by successively locked resistance devices [34] in the resistance mechanism [70]. The inelastic cable [36] is routed through the pulleys [37] to control the translation of the transverse bar [32]. The resistance devices [34] are connected to the transverse bar [32] on one end and individual blocks [33] on the other. A locking mechanism (not shown) fixes a select number of individual blocks [33] to the frame [31]. In FIG. 4, only the central individual block [33] is fixed to the frame [31]. In FIG. 5, all individual blocks [33] are fixed to the frame [31]. When the user pulls the inelastic cable [36] (by way of the cable attachment [42]), tension in the inelastic cable [36] is generated by the resistance devices [34] attached to the fixed individual blocks [33]. Individual blocks [33] that are not fixed to the frame [31] move freely with the transverse bar [32]. With this system, the user can set a desired resistance depending on the number of engaged resistance devices [34]. The pulleys [37] are aligned such that a dependent motion system is created wherein the distance traveled ratio is four to one (see Eqn. 4). With this distance traveled ratio, the tension in the inelastic cable [36] is one-fourth that of the total resistance provided by the resistance devices [34].
[0109] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment for the resistance mechanism [70] which utilizes a resistance assembly [69], referred to herein as a constant force spring assembly. In this embodiment, the constant force spring assembly [69] replaces the resistance devices [34] shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. As shown in FIG. 6, there are only two resistance options available to the user; no resistance or full resistance. A skilled person in the art, however, would recognize that multiple constant force spring assemblies [69] may be used as illustrated in FIG. 1, to provide different resistance options. The resistance assembly [69] is connected to the transverse bar [32] by the fastener [35]. The transverse bar [32] is then connected to the inelastic cable [36] by another fastener [35]. The constant force spring assembly [69] is attached to the individual block [33] and allows the constant force spring to rotate freely about its pinned axis via ball bearings (not shown). The individual block [33] is locked in place when the locking pin [41] is inserted through the pin fixture [40], and subsequently through the individual block [33]. When the individual block [33] is locked in place, the constant force spring [43] uncoils and exerts a biasing force on the transverse bar [32] toward the second end of the frame [31b]. By pulling on the cable attachment [42], the user can create tension in the inelastic cable [36] if the individual block [33] is locked to the frame [31]. If the individual block [33] is not locked to the frame [31], no tension is generated in the inelastic cable [36] because the resistance assembly [69] is not engaged. The pulley [37] allows the user to pull and create tension in the inelastic cable [36] from various positions relative to the resistance mechanism assembly [70].
[0110] FIG. 7 illustrates the details of the constant force spring assembly [69] which includes an individual block [33] that provides resistance through a constant force spring [43], ball bearing [44], and fixed shaft [45]. The ball bearing [44] provides free rotation of the constant force spring [43] about the axis of the fixed shaft [45]. This fixed shaft [45] is fastened to the individual block [33] through a press-fit mechanism. The constant force spring [43] is attached to the transverse bar [32] to provide resistance when the individual block is engaged.
[0111] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an embodiment of the resistance mechanism [70] utilizing an electromagnet [46]. The electromagnet [46] is fixed to the second end of the frame [31b] and is controlled by a logic controller, such as a computer [49], via the USB cable [50]. When the electromagnet [46] is turned on by the computer [49], it generates a magnetic field that exerts a pulling force on the ferromagnetic material [47], biasing the ferromagnetic material [47] towards the electromagnet [46]. The strength of the magnetic field is proportional to the voltage supplied to the electromagnet [46]. This embodiment effectively replaces the resistance devices [34] in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5 with the ferromagnet material [47] and the electromagnet [46]. By pulling on the cable attachment [42], the user generates tension in the inelastic cable [36] and forces the transverse bar [32] to move along the rails [38] towards the first end of the frame [31]. In FIG. 8, the ferromagnetic material [47] is attached to the transverse bar [32] by a pair of fasteners [35] and a connecting cable [48]. The interfacing device in this embodiment includes the transverse bar [32] and a four-pulley [37] assembly. The pulleys [37] are aligned such that a dependent motion system is created wherein the distance traveled ratio is four to one (see Eqn. 4). In FIG. 9, the ferromagnetic material [47] is attached to the transverse bar [32] through a press fit. The transverse bar [32] only functions to stabilize the system. The interfacing device in this embodiment consists of the spools [74, 75] wherein the driven spool [74] has a smaller radius than the driving spool [75]. The distance traveled ratio is equal to the ratio of the driving spool [75] radius to the driven spool [74] radius. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 specifically show the differences between two dependent motion system arrangements that can provide the same function.
[0112] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of resistance mechanism [70] wherein the motion of the individual blocks [51] are dependent on adjacent individual blocks [51]. Individual blocks [51] are slidably positioned along the rails [38], proximate to the second end of the frame [31]. A transverse bar [32] is placed opposite the individual blocks [33]. Resistance devices [34] are connected to the individual blocks [51] on one end and the transverse bar [32] on the other. When outer individual blocks [51] are locked to the second end of the frame [31], all inner individual blocks [51] leading up to the central “T-shaped” individual block [51] are also locked because of the geometric dependence on adjacent individual blocks [51]. The resistance devices [34] connected to the locked individual blocks [51] are engaged when the user pulls the cable attachment [42]. Locking only the center individual block [51] allows all other individual blocks [51] to freely move with the transverse bar [32]. The purpose of this design is two-fold: it decreases the space requirements of the resistance mechanism [70] and it allows multiple resistance devices [34] to be engaged from one locking point.
[0113] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment for the resistance mechanism [70] which utilizes constant force springs [43]. The frame [31] has first [31a] and second [31b] ends, contains multiple parallel rails [38], and provides structural stability for the system. A transverse bar [32] and multiple individual blocks [52] are slidably positioned along the rails [38]. The central individual block [53] is fixed to the second end of the frame [31b]. The individual blocks [52] are also placed proximate to the second end of the frame [31b] and the transverse bar [32] is placed proximate to the middle of the frame [31], between the first [31a] and second [31b] ends. The constant force springs [43] are pre-stretched and attached to the transverse bar [32] using fasteners [35]. The constant force springs [43] are attached to the individual blocks [52, 53] by means of constant force spring assemblies [69]. These connections bias the transverse bar [32] towards the individual blocks [52, 53]. Distance maintaining devices [39] are slidably positioned on the rails [38] between the transverse bar [32] and individual blocks [52, 53]. The individual blocks [52] are shaped such that the translation of adjacent individual blocks [52] are dependent on one another. The fixed individual block [53] is centered and fixed to the frame [31] to maintain a constant biasing force towards the second end of the frame [31b]. Front-facing grooves [76, 77] are milled out of individual blocks [52, 53]. The rightmost groove [76] is aligned such that it is positioned above the leftmost groove [77]. The groove for the central individual block [53] is comprised of both rightmost [76] and leftmost [77] grooves. A rack and pinion assembly [73] is used to selectively lock individual blocks [52] to the frame [31]. The top rack [54] is inserted into the rightmost groove [76] and is in mesh with the top of the pinion [56]. Another bottom rack [55] is inserted into the leftmost groove [77] and is in mesh with the bottom of the pinion [56]. A user interfacing dial [57] is fixed to the pinion [56] to control the rotation of the pinion [56] and therefore the position of the racks [54, 55]. Aligning the racks [54, 55] with a specific individual block [52] locks the specific individual block [52] along with all individual blocks [52] adjacently located towards the central fixed individual block [53] because of the individual blocks [52] translational dependence. In the depicted locking position, outermost individual blocks [52] are disengaged and free to translate with the transverse bar [32] whilst the two innermost individual blocks [52] are locked to the frame. At the fully unlocked position, both racks [54, 55] are aligned with the groove on the fixed individual block [53]. In this position, only the fixed individual block [53] is engaged and individual blocks [52] translate with the transverse bar [32]. An inelastic cable [36] is fastened to the first end of the frame [31] and routed through a pulley [37] that is fixed to the transverse bar [32]. The inelastic cable is pulled by the user and creates a biasing force only from the constant force springs [43] that are attached to locked individual blocks [52, 53]. The combined forces of the distance maintaining devices [39] and stretched constant force springs [43] hold all unlocked individual blocks [52] at a constant position relative to the transverse bar [32]. The interfacing device in this embodiment consists of the transverse bar [32] and pulley [37] assembly and yields a two to one distance traveled ratio.
[0114] FIG. 12 shows an embodiment for the resistance mechanism [70] which utilizes resistance devices [43]. FIG. 12 contains the same parts as in FIG. 11, however, the locking assembly [73] is removed for illustrative clarity. In particular, the grooves on the individual blocks [52, 53] are shown to complete the view of the entire mechanism.
[0115] FIG. 13 shows the details of the rack and pinion gear assembly [73] used for adjusting the resistance of the resistance mechanism [70]. The pinion [56] is fixed to the dial [57]. The gear teeth of the pinion [56] mesh with the gear teeth of both the top rack [54] and the bottom rack [55]. When the user turns the dial [57], the locking pinion [56] rotates, causing the top rack [54] and bottom rack [55] to move laterally in opposite directions relative to each other. When the edges of the racks [54e, 55e] are aligned with grooves for individual blocks [52] (as in FIG. 11), the individual blocks [52] are held in place by the racks [54, 55]. The alignment of the racks [54, 55] therefore effectively changes the resistance by engaging resistance devices [34] that are connected to the locked individual blocks [52].
[0116] FIG. 14 shows an embodiment for a resistance machine [72] having a resistance mechanism [70] enclosed inside an encasing [63]. The encasing [63] may contain any embodiment of the resistance mechanism [70]. The encasing [63] is also preferably structurally able to support the weight of the user. A mat [58] is fixed to the encasing [63] for the user to stand upon. The dial [57] may be turned by the user to select different levels of resistance. The dial [57] is rotatably fixed to a rack and pinion assembly [73] that successively locks in individual blocks [51], as depicted in FIG. 11. The selected resistance level is shown on the display [61]. The inelastic cable [36] is routed through the pulley [64]. The stopper [59] and carabiner clip [60] are fixed to the end of the inelastic cable [36] wherein the stopper [59] rests on the pulley [64] in the disengaged state. The stopper [59] prevents the inelastic cable [36] from falling into the encasing [63]. To engage resistance, the user stands upon the encasing [63] and pulls the end of the carabiner clip [60].
[0117] FIG. 15 shows the user exercising with the resistance machine [72]. To use the resistance machine [72], the user stands on the resistance machine encasing [63], preferably on the mat [58], to keep the resistance machine [72] stationary. By pulling on the cable attachment [65], the user creates tension in the inelastic cable [36] that engages the resistive forces of the resistance mechanism [70] within the resistance machine [72]. The pulley [64] allows the user to create tension in the inelastic cable [36] with the cable attachment [65] at various positions relative to the pulley [64].
[0118] FIG. 16 demonstrates the modular ability to use multiple resistance machines [72] simultaneously to add more resistance. The use of a platform [66] combines the resistance machines [72] into one system and allows the user to perform more exercises. The platform accessory [66] has first and second ends with a mat [58] for the user to stand upon. Two resistance machines [72] are fixed to the base of the platform accessory [66] and therefore are not shown in FIG. 16. Multiple cable attachments [62, 67] are shown in this depiction. The inelastic extension cables [62] are connected on one end to the inelastic cable [36] using carabiner clips [60]. An Olympic bar [67] is connected to both inelastic extension cables [62] on the other end to simultaneously engage both resistance machines [72]. The inelastic cable extensions [62] function to give the user a different starting point for a specific exercise. In this example, the user is performing an overhead press. It is therefore useful for the user to start the exercise with the Olympic bar [67] at shoulder height. The inelastic cable extensions [62] prevent the resistance machines [72] from engaging resistance at undesirable positions, such as at the platform [66] base.
[0119] FIG. 17 shows the bottom of the platform [66] in FIG. 16. The resistance machines [72] are fixed to the platform [66] to create a single resistance-providing system. The pulleys [64] protrude from the platform [66] to give the user access to the inelastic cables [36] (not shown).
[0120] FIG. 18 shows a user exercising with combined accessories [66, 68] to perform different exercises. The platform accessory [66] has first and second ends with a mat [58] for the user to stand upon. Two resistance machines [72] are fixed to the base of the platform accessory [66] and therefore are not pictured. The pulleys [64] are attached to resistance machines [72] and protrude from both ends of the platform accessory [66]. Additional arm accessories [68] are fixed to the first end of the platform accessory [66]. Pulleys [64] are mounted to the ends of the arm accessories [68]. Inelastic cable extensions [62] are attached to carabiner clips [60] and routed through the pulleys [64] that are fixed to the arm accessories [68]. The user interfaces with cable attachments [42] to perform a desired exercise. Utilizing this system allows the user to leverage a variety of angles for different exercises while maintaining high resistance levels.
[0121] FIG. 19 shows the bottom view of the system depicted in FIG. 18. The resistance machines [72] are fixed to the platform [66] and the arm accessories [68] are pinned to the first end of the platform [66]. Inelastic cable extensions [62] are attached to carabiner clips [60] and routed through the pulleys [64] that are fixed to the arm accessories [68].
[0122] FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 show another embodiment for a resistance machine [72] having two resistance mechanisms [70] enclosed inside an encasing [63]. The encasing [63] may contain any embodiment of the resistance mechanism [70]. The encasing [63] has first [63a] and second [63b] ends that are connected by hinges [80] so that the resistance machine [72] can be folded, as in FIG. 21. Both the first [63a] and second [63b] ends of the encasing contain resistance mechanisms [70] that operate independently of one another. The encasing [63] is also preferably structurally able to support the weight of the user. Cable arms [68] are attached to the encasing [63] via an adjustable pulley [78] and a slidable block [79]. The adjustable pulley [78] and the slidable block [79] allows the position of the cable arms [68] to be changed for different exercises. Two inelastic cables [36] are routed through the cable arms [68] and connected to cable attachments [42] on a first end and resistance mechanisms [70] on a second end. The user stands on the resistance machine [72] and pulls on either one or both cable attachments [42] to engage either one or both of the resistance mechanism [70].
[0123] Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the various embodiments shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law.
