EXERCISE MACHINE EMPLOYING ONE OR MORE FLEXIBLE TENSION BANDS

Abstract

An exercise machine employing tension bands includes a pair of exercise arms rotatably mounted on frame members. Connectors are located on the exercise arms and on frame members vertically above and below the rotatable mount. Tension band(s) is (are) connected to vertically spaced-apart connectors, whereby rotation of the exercise arms in upward or downward directions stretches the flexible tension band(s) to create a force opposing rotation of the exercise arms. Connectors above and below the rotatable mount of the exercise arms can be C-rings for receiving a tension band(s) thereon. Exercise arm-engaging members are below rotatable mounts of the exercise arms and include a roll at a distal end for supporting the exercise arms. Rotatable brackets are attached to the exercise arms for retaining hand-gripping members. Side arms rotatable on frame members include telescopic sections including a connector adjacent an outer end for retaining a flexible tension band thereon.

Claims

1. An exercise machine employing one or more flexible tension bands, said exercise machine including: a. A pair of exercise arms rotatably mounted on frame members vertically above a surface supporting the exercise machine, said pair or exercise arms being rotatably mounted on a rotatable mount on said frame members for upward and downward rotational motion, said pair of exercise arms being horizontally spaced-apart and each including a member to be engaged by opposed hands of an individual located between said pair of exercise arms, b. At least one first connector connected to each of said pair of exercise arms, and at least one second connector vertically spaced-apart from said first connector and being connected to a machine member vertically below the rotatable mount of each exercise arm, and further including at least one third connector connected to a moveable frame member for being moveable to positions above and below the rotatable mount of each exercise arm, and c. One or more flexible tension bands being configured to be connected to said at least one first and second, vertically spaced-apart connectors, whereby when said one or more flexible tension bands is (are) connected to said at least one first and second, vertically spaced-apart connectors rotation of the exercise arms in an upward direction stretches said one or more flexible tension bands creating a tension force opposing the upward direction of rotation of the exercise arms, one or more flexible tension bands being configured to be connected to said at least one first connector and to said at least one third connector when said at least one third connector is in a position vertically above the rotational mount of a corresponding exercise arm, whereby when said one or more flexible tension bands is (are) connected to said at least one first connector on an exercise arm and also to said at least one third connector when said at least one third connector is in a position vertically above the rotational mount of said exercise arm rotation of the exercise arm in a downward direction stretches said one or more flexible tensions bands creating a tension force opposing the downward direction of rotation of the exercise arms.

2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said at least one second connector and said at least one third connector is a loop.

3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said at least one second connector and said at least one third connector is a C-ring including a peripheral wall including a gap through which one or more tension bands can be inserted for retention therein by said peripheral wall, said peripheral wall being capable of retaining attachment members included on the ends of one or more tensions bands.

4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said at least one second connector is a closed D-ring having a peripheral wall to which attachment members included on the ends of one or more tension bands can be secured, and at least one second connector is a C-ring including a peripheral wall including a gap through which one or more tension bands can be inserted for retention therein by said peripheral wall, said peripheral wall being capable of retaining attachment members included on the ends of one or more tensions bands.

5. The exercise machine of claim 1, further including a platform between the horizontally spaced-apart exercise arms and below the rotatable mount of the exercise arms to support an individual engaging members of said opposed arms during exercising, the weight of said individual aiding in stabilizing the exercise machine, said platform including spaced-apart frame members underlying spaced-apart exercise arms to which a plurality of second connectors are attached, at least some of said plurality of second connectors attached to said frame members being a C-ring, each of said C-rings including a peripheral wall and a gap therein, whereby one or more tension bands can be inserted through the gap for retention therein by said peripheral wall, and said peripheral wall being capable of retaining attachment members attached to ends of one or more tensions bands.

6. The exercise machine of claim 1, including a plurality of first connectors on each exercise arm and a plurality of second connectors on frame members underlying each exercise arm, the number of first connectors on each exercise arm being different than the number of second connectors on the frame members underlying each exercise arm.

7. The exercise machine of claim 1, including a plurality of first connectors on each exercise arm and a plurality of second connectors on frame members underlying each exercise arm, the number of first connectors on each exercise arm being different than the number of second connectors on the frame members underlying each exercise arm, one or more of said second connectors being C-rings, each of said C-rings including a peripheral wall and a gap therein, whereby one or more tension bands can be inserted through the gap for retention therein by said peripheral wall, and said peripheral wall being capable of retaining attachment members attached to ends of one or more tensions bands.

8. The exercise machine of claim 1, an exercise arm-engaging member secured to a frame member vertically below the rotational mount of each exercise arm and in vertical alignment with each exercise arm, said exercise arm-engaging member having a distal end with a roll thereon for engaging the exercise arm in a desired position for commencing an exercise.

9. The exercise machine of claim 1, an exercise arm-engaging member secured to a frame member vertically below the rotational mount of each exercise arm and in vertical alignment with each exercise arm, said exercise arm-engaging member including telescoping sections, an outer telescoping section being movable within an inner telescoping member and having a distal end with a roll thereon for engaging the exercise arm, and a locking member for retaining said outer telescoping section against movement relative to said inner telescoping member when said roll engages the exercise arm in a desired position for commencing an exercise.

10. The exercise machine of claim 1, an exercise arm-engaging member secured to a frame member vertically below the rotational mount of each exercise arm and in vertical alignment with each exercise arm, said exercise arm-engaging member including telescoping sections, an outer telescoping section being movable within an inner telescoping member and having a distal end with a roll thereon for engaging the exercise arm, a locking member for retaining said outer telescoping section against movement relative to said inner telescoping member when said roll engages the exercise arm in a desired position for commencing an exercise, said roll being rotatably mounted to said inner telescoping member.

11. The exercise machine of claim 1, including a bracket rotatably mounted adjacent the distal end of each exercise arm and including an opening in a distal end thereof, a hand-engaging member including a stem received with said opening in said distal end of said bracket and a locking member extending through an opening in said bracket for engagement with said stem for locking said hand-engaging member against movement in said bracket.

12. The exercise machine of claim 1, including a bracket rotatably mounted adjacent the distal end of each exercise arm and including an opening in a distal end thereof, a hand-engaging member including a stem received with said opening in said distal end of said bracket, said stem including a plurality of opening spaced-along said stem, and a locking member extending through an opening and including an inner end for being received within a desire opening in said stem for locking said hand-engaging member against movement in said bracket.

13. The exercise machine of claim 2, further including an exercise arm-engaging member secured to a frame member vertically below the rotational mount of each exercise arm and in vertical alignment with each exercise arm, said exercise arm-engaging member including telescoping sections, an outer telescoping section being movable within an inner telescoping member and having a distal end with a roll thereon for engaging the exercise arm, and a locking member for retaining said outer telescoping section against movement relative to said inner telescoping member when said roll engages the exercise arm in a desired position for commencing an exercise.

14. The exercise machine of claim 3, further including an exercise arm-engaging member secured to a frame member vertically below the rotational mount of each exercise arm and in vertical alignment with each exercise arm, said exercise arm-engaging member including telescoping sections, an outer telescoping section being movable within an inner telescoping member and having a distal end with a roll thereon for engaging the exercise arm, and a locking member for retaining said outer telescoping section against movement relative to said inner telescoping member when said roll engages the exercise arm in a desired position for commencing an exercise.

15. The exercise machine of claim 5, further including an exercise arm-engaging member secured to a frame member vertically below the rotational mount of each exercise arm and in vertical alignment with each exercise arm, said exercise arm-engaging member including telescoping sections, an outer telescoping section being movable within an inner telescoping member and having a distal end with a roll thereon for engaging the exercise arm, and a locking member for retaining said outer telescoping section against movement relative to said inner telescoping member when said roll engages the exercise arm in a desired position for commencing an exercise.

16. The exercise machine of claim 11, including a bracket rotatably mounted adjacent the distal end of each exercise arm and including an opening in a distal end thereof, a hand-engaging member including a stem received with said opening in said distal end of said bracket and a locking member extending through an opening in said bracket for engagement with said stem for locking said hand-engaging member against movement in said bracket.

17. The exercise machine of claim 12, including a bracket rotatably mounted adjacent the distal end of each exercise arm and including an opening in a distal end thereof, a hand-engaging member including a stem received with said opening in said distal end of said bracket and a locking member extending through an opening in said bracket for engagement with said stem for locking said hand-engaging member against movement in said bracket.

18. The exercise machine of claim 13, including a bracket rotatably mounted adjacent the distal end of each exercise arm and including an opening in a distal end thereof, a hand-engaging member including a stem received with said opening in said distal end of said bracket and a locking member extending through an opening in said bracket for engagement with said stem for locking said hand-engaging member against movement in said bracket.

19. The exercise machine of claim 1, further including side arms rotatably mounted to upwardly extending, transversely spaced-apart frame members for rotation between uppermost and lowermost positions and being configured to be locked in different rotational positions, each of said side arms including said at least one third connector adjacent an outer end thereof, each of the side arms being configured to be locked in a position in which said at least one third connector attached adjacent an outer end thereof is spaced vertically above a respective exercise arm, said at least one third connector being a C-ring including a peripheral wall including a gap through which one or more tension bands can be inserted for retention therein by said peripheral wall, said peripheral wall being capable of retaining attachment members included on the ends of one or more tensions bands.

20. The exercise machine of claim 1, further including side arms rotatably mounted to upwardly extending, transversely spaced-apart frame members for rotation between uppermost and lowermost positions and being configured to be locked in different positions, each of said side arms including said at least one third connector adjacent an outer end thereof, each of the side arms including telescopic inner and outer sections, said outer sections being rotatably mounted to the upwardly extending, transversely spaced-apart frame members and said inner sections including said at least one third connector adjacent an outer end thereof, said telescopic inner and outer sections permitting adjustment of the spacing between the rotatable connection of each outer section of a respective side arm to a respective frame member and the at least one third connector adjacent an outer end of the telescopic inner section of said respective side arm, and adjustment of the spacing between said at least one third connector and said first connector, said at least one third connector being a C-ring including a peripheral wall including a gap through which one or more tension bands can be inserted for retention therein by said peripheral wall, said peripheral wall being capable of retaining attachment members included on the ends of one or more tensions bands.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a front, prospective view of an exercise machine in accordance with this invention with parts folded or retracted to provide compactness when the devise is not in use;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a rear, prospective view of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a front, prospective view similar to FIG. 1, but with the supporting platform in an opened position for use of the machine and with the support for exercise arms of the machine still in a retracted position;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a front, prospective view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the support for the exercise arms rotated into an active position to support the exercise arms when they are in their desired, lowermost position;

[0030] FIG. 5 is an enlarged isometric view of the circled region identified as 5 in FIG. 3, showing the support for the exercise arms in a retracted position;

[0031] FIG. 6 is an enlarged isometric view of the circled region identified as 6 in FIG. 4, showing the support for the exercise arms in an active position for supporting or engaging the exercise arms when they are in their desired, lowermost position;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a prospective view of the machine similar to FIG. 4, and with the exercise arms rotated into their active lower position for using the machine;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a prospective view of the machine similar to FIG. 7, showing hand-engaging members attached in the exercise arms in one desired position, and showing the connection of one exercise band to each exercise arm for providing a force opposing upper, clockwise rotational movement of the exercise arms during exercising;

[0034] FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of the region identified as 8A in FIG. 8 showing details of the connection of opposed ends of a tension band to one of the exercise arms through a unique connector of this invention;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a prospective view of the machine similar to FIG. 8, but showing the hand-engaging members attached to the exercise arms in an alternate position to that shown in FIG. 8;

[0036] FIG. 10 is an enlarged prospective view of the circled region identified as 10 in FIG. 8;

[0037] FIG. 11 is an enlarged prospective view of the circled region identified as 11 in FIG. 9;

[0038] FIG. 12 is a side view of the exercise machine showing a plurality of six (6) exercise bands connected between the platform and one exercise arm; it being understood that the same arrangement of six (6) exercise bands is connected between the platform and the other of said exercise arms;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a partial prospective view showing the top portion of an exercise machine of this invention, showing an arrangement for attaching flexible tension bands to rotatable arms of the machine in a manner to permit the tension bands to be stretched by downward rotation of the exercise arms; the lower or bottom portion of the machine being the same as described earlier in connection with other embodiments of this invention;

[0040] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the region 13 circled in FIG. 13;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a partial prospective view showing the top portion of an exercise machine of this invention, showing an alternative arrangement for attaching flexible tension bands to rotatable arms of the machine in a manner to permit the tension bands to be stretched by downward rotation of the exercise arms; the lower or bottom portion of the machine being the same as described earlier in connection with other embodiments of this invention;

[0042] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the region 16 circled in FIG. 15;

[0043] FIG. 17 is a front prospective view of the most preferred embodiment of an exercise machine of this invention in a retracted condition for storage, prior to use;

[0044] FIG. 18, is a front prospective view similar to FIG. 17, but in an opened condition for use;

[0045] FIG. 18A is an enlarged, elevational view of a C-shaped connector, which is more preferred than the loop connectors shown in FIGS. 9, 13 and 15 or the D ring connectors shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 21 and 24-29;

[0046] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the circled region of the exercise machine identified as 19 in FIG. 18;

[0047] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the circled region of the exercise machine identified as 20 in FIG. 18;

[0048] FIG. 21 is a prospective view similar to FIG. 18, but showing outer sections of the exercise arms in an outermost, rotational position relative to inner sections of said exercise arms;

[0049] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the circled region of the exercise machine identified as 22 in FIG. 21;

[0050] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of the circled region of the exercise machine identified as 223 in FIG. 21;

[0051] FIG. 24 is a prospective view similar to FIG. 18 but showing side arms thereof in a different rotational position;

[0052] FIG. 25 is a prospective view similar to FIGS. 18 and 24 but showing the side arms in yet a further rotational position and with telescopic sections thereof being in an extended position;

[0053] FIG. 26 is a prospective view similar to FIG. 25 but showing the telescopic sections of the side arms in a retracted position relative to the position shown in FIG. 25;

[0054] FIG. 27 is a prospective view similar to FIG. 18, but showing the side arms in an uppermost position and the inner and out sections of the exercise arms in a different rotational orientation relative to each other;

[0055] FIG. 28 is a prospective view similar to FIG. 18, but with the side arms in their uppermost position for cooperating with the exercise arms to retain one or more flexible tension bands under tension as an individual, shown in phantom, moves the exercise arms in a downward, rotational direction during an exercise;

[0056] FIG. 29 is a prospective view similar to FIG. 26, but with the exercise arms in a retracted position; showing use of the side arms in retaining flexible tension bands and showing an individual, in phantom, conduction an exercise with the flexible tension bands;

[0057] FIG. 30A is a side elevational view of an adjustable, exercise arm-engaging support below one of said exercise arms and supporting said exercise arm in a first position, it being understood the such an exercise arm-engaging support also is included below the other, transversely spaced-apart exercise arm;

[0058] FIG. 30B, is a side elevational view of the adjustable, exercise arm-engaging support of FIG. 30 in an adjusted position for supporting the exercise arm in a second, lower position; and

[0059] FIG. 31 is a fragmentary view showing the mounting of a bracket on an exercise arm for receiving a handle or other grippable member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The description herein is illustrative of various embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described and claimed. The most preferred design is disclosed in pending US design application Ser. No. 29/931,153, entitled FRAME DESIGN FOR AN EXERCISE MACHINE. The subject matter of this '153 application is incorporated by reference herein.

[0061] An exercise machine including features of this invention is shown at 10 in FIGS. 1-16. FIG. 1 shows the exercise machine 10 in a folded or retracted position to conserve space when the machine is not in use. However, such an arrangement permitting folding or retracting of the machine is not required in accordance with this invention. In fact, the most preferred embodiment of the machine is not foldable or retractable.

[0062] The exercise machine 10 has a frame assembly 12 including a number of frame members including vertically oriented, transversely spaced apart frame members 14, 16.

[0063] A platform 18 includes a deck 20 and frame members 22, 24 rotatably connected to a transversely extending front base frame members 26 through clevises 28, 30. (see FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). Although the inclusion of the platform is preferred and provides desirable benefits in this invention, in the broadest aspects of this invention the platform may be omitted and the exercise machine stabilized by bolting frame members to the floor, or by the use of other stabilizing systems. However, the use of the platform arrangement disclosed herein is very desirable; providing a simple and effective manner for stabilizing the machine during use.

[0064] When not in use the platform 18 can be retained in a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 1, through the cooperation of spring-loaded pins 32 retained within members 34 attached to vertically oriented, spaced apart frame members 14, 16, said spring-loaded pins 32 being biased normally into passages 36 of members 38 extending outwardly from frame members 22, 24 of the platform 18. (See FIGS. 1 and 3-6). This same arrangement for maintaining platform 18 in a retracted position can be employed in the embodiment of exercise machine 200, to be described in detail infra. However, permitting the platform 18 to be movable into a retracted position is optional and is not a required feature in accordance with this invention. In the preferred embodiment of this invention a retractable platform is not included.

[0065] By pulling spring-loaded pins 32 upwardly, in the direction of the arrows shown in FIG. 1, the pins are pulled out of engagement with the corresponding passages 36 of members 38 to permit rotation of the platform 18 into a horizontal position for use of the exercise machine 10. (See FIGS. 3 and 4). Specifically, in one embodiment the deck 20 of the platform is configured to support a bench 40 on which an individual using the exercise machine is supported during exercising; either sitting or in a supine position. Alternatively, an individual using the machine can be directly supported on deck 20, without use of a bench or other body-supporting structure. The provision of platform 18 including the deck 20 is a desirable feature of the most preferred embodiments of this invention since a person on the deck, either with or without a bench imposes a downward force on the machine to aid in stabilizing the machine 10 during its use. Without the inclusion of platform 18, other means would be required to stabilize the machine 10; such as bolting frame members of the machine to its supporting surface, which involves a complex assembly operation.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, when the bench is not in use it can be retained within a storage area 42 provided by the transversely extending front base frame members 26, side base frame members 44, and transversely extending rear base frame member 46, The inclusion of storage are 42 is not required in accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention. In fact, in the more preferred exercise machine 200 such a storage area is not included.

[0067] As can be seen in FIGS. 1-4, rotatably mounted exercise arms 48, 50 are retained in a retracted position when the exercise machine is not in use. In this retracted position the arms 48, 50 preferably are within the vertical plane provided by the vertically oriented, transversely spaced apart frame members 14, 16 to provide a desirable, compact construction when the machine 10 is not in use.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the exercise arms 48, 50 are retained in the retracted position by the engagement of pins 52 spring loaded in U-shaped members 54 (or other similar members) to normally engage within openings 56 on the inner surface of the exercise arms 48, 50 (one such opening being shown in exercise arm 48 in FIG. 7). The U-shaped members 54 are retained, by welding or any other suitable means, to vertically extending frame members 58, 60 of the frame assembly 12 of the exercise machine 10. It should be noted that this same arrangement for maintain exercise arms in a retracted position can be employed in the exercise machine 200, which will be described in detail later in this application. However, in the most preferred embodiment of this invention the exercise arms are rotatably mounted to a U-shaped bracket welded directly to front walls of vertically upstanding frame members.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, when the pins 52 (preferably spring-loaded) are pulled in the direction of the arrows, they will disengage from the corresponding openings 56 of the exercise arms 48, 50 to permit those arms to rotate about axles 49, 51 into an operative position, as shown in FIGS. 7-9. As is shown, a very desirable feature of this invention is that the exercise arms 48, 50 are above, and in vertical alignment with spaced-apart frame members 22, 24 of the platform 18. This arrangement also is provided in the exercise machines 200.

[0070] It should be understood that the disclosed arrangement for maintaining the exercise arms 48, 50 in a retracted position and for releasing the exercise arms 48, 50 for movement into a position for use is not a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. Any suitable arrangement can be provided.

[0071] Preferably, including a bracket at the end of each exercise arm for removably receiving a handle or other hand-gripping member is a desirable feature of this invention. Such an arrangement can be provided in several ways. For example, the distal end of each of the exercise arms 48, 50 can be provided with a hollow interior, such as hollow handle section 210 shown in FIG. 24 to function as a support bracket for removably receiving a handle-gripping assembly, e.g., 212 shown in FIG. 24, or other hand-gripping assembly. It is most preferred to form the exercise arms 48 and 50 in the form of hollow brackets, like outer arm sections 208 in FIG. 21, to thereby telescopically receive a desired hand-gripping assembly, either an assembly including a handle 18 rotatably attached thereto, e.g., 212 shown in FIG. 18, or another assembly or unit including a hand-gripping assembly for use during exercising.

[0072] An alternative arrangement employing a bracket for removably receiving a handle or other hand-gripping member is shown in FIG. 31 herein. In this arrangement, a disc 310, having apertures 312 spaced-apart around the periphery thereof is fixed against movement to each of the exercise arms 48, 50 (only one exercise arm being shown) by any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, and not by way of limitation, a mount 314 is welded to a side wall of each of the exercise arms, and threaded bolts, screws, or the like 315 secure the disc 310 to the mount 14 through aligned threaded openings. A bracket 316 has a hollow distal end 317 for removably receiving a stem 318 of a grippable handle 320 (or other hand-grippable member) and a rotatable, locking member 322, e.g., a threaded pin member is rotated through aligned openings in said bracket 316 and stem 318 to firmly retain the handle 320 in the bracket 316 in a desired position. The bracket 316 includes a tubular section 319 rotatable supported by a bearing or bushing (not shown) on a fixed axle 321 retained through a central passage of the disc 310 in a conventional manner know in the art, to thereby permit rotatable adjustment of the bracket 316 and handle 320 retained therein relative to each exercise arm 48, 50. When the bracket 314 is in a desired position it is locked to its respective exercise arm to move as a unit therewith, by inserting a spring-loaded pin 324 connected to the bracket through one of the apertures 312 extending through disc 310. As noted above, the handle 320 or other gripping member can be telescopically received in the bracket 316 and held therein by a rotatable, tightening member 322 that can be moved into an aligned opening (not shown) in the stem 18 of the bracket telescopically received in the bracket 316.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5-7, the exercise machine 10 is provided with rotatably mounted exercise arm-engaging members 62; one for each of the exercise arm 48 and 50. Each arm-engaging member 62 is identical and is rotatably mounted about an axle 64 from an inactive, or non-operative position shown best in FIGS. 3 and 5, to an operative, arm-engaging position shown best in FIGS. 2, 4 and 6-8. The exercise arms 48 and 50 can be mounted for axial movement along axles 49, 51, respectively, to permit adjustment of the spacing of the arms from each other to accommodate individuals having different statures. In a like manner, the arm-engaging members 62 can be mounted for axial movement along their respective axles 64 to be positioned in alignment with the exercise arms 48, 50 to provide their desired supporting function, as is described in greater detail hereinafter. The same arrangement of rotatably mounted exercise arm-engaging members 62, and the mounting of both the exercise arms and the exercise arm-engaging members for axial movement along their respective rotational axles can be employed in the exercise machine 200, which will be described in detail later in this application. However, such an arrangement is not required and is not considered a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention.

[0074] In the preferred embodiments of this invention arm-engaging members are employed that are of a more simplified construction than the arm-engaging members 62, as will be described in detail hereinafter with respect to FIGS. 30A and 30B.

[0075] As will be described in detail hereinafter with respect to the embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 17-29 (i.e., exercise machine 200), each of the exercise arms is provided by two sections rotatably mounted relative to each other, with one of the sections including telescopic members. Providing the exercise arms with two sections rotatably mounted relative to each other is optional and is not required in accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention. In the most preferred embodiment of this invention, each of the exercise arms is a single member, which retains the mounting bracket 316 for rotation relative to the disc 310 fixed adjacent the distal end of the exercise arms, as shown in FIG. 31.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, a locking pin 66 normally is spring biased into a passage 68 (one being shown in FIG. 6) in each of the arm-engaging member 62 to retain each arm-engaging member in a non-operative position. This position is maintained when the exercise machine 10 is not in use and permits the components of the machine 10 to be maintained in a desired, retracted condition. The arm-engaging members 62 also are maintained in a non-operative position when the exercise arms 48, 50 are being rotated downwardly against an opposing force created by the stretching of flexible tension bands.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, when it is desired to use the exercise machine, and provide support for the exercise arms 48, 50 in a desired starting position, each locking pin 66 is pulled outwardly as shown in FIG. 5, to release the pin from its engagement with its corresponding passage 68, and permit clockwise rotation of the arm-engaging members 62 in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 6, into an operative position for supporting each exercise arm in a desired position prior to the beginning of an exercise in which the arms are rotated in an upward direction against a tension force provided by the stretched exercise bands. When in an operative position the locking pin is spring biased into a corresponding passage (not shown) in the arm-engaging members 62.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 6-8 a cushioning member or pad 70 preferably is attached to upper surface 72 of each arm-engaging member 62 when the arm-engaging members 62 are in an active position to support exercise arms 48, 50, to provide a cushioning effect when the rotatable exercise arms are moved into engagement with respective arm-engaging members.

[0079] The construction and arrangement of the arm-engaging members 62 are not a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. Any other suitable arm-engaging member can be employed. In the most preferred embodiment of this invention shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, each arm-engaging member 350 can include a telescopic arrangement including an inner member 352 fixedly mounted, e.g., by welding or other suitable means to a frame member supporting an overlying exerciser arm, e.g., 48, 50, (only exercise arm 48 being shown) and an outer member 354 telescopically received, and axially moveable within the inner member 352. The arm-engaging member 350 is secured to the frame member at an upwardly directed angle toward the overlying exercise arm, e.g., 48, 50. The distal end of the outer member 354 includes a cylindrical roll 358 having an outer, round surface for engaging its overlying exercise arm through a cushioning pad 360 secured to the underside of said exercise arm. The roll 358 can be rotatable or stationary. In the most preferred embodiment, the roll 358 is rotatable.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 30A, the telescopic outer member 354 has a series of vertically spaced openings 362 therein, and a threaded locking pin 364 is threaded through an outer wall of the inner member 352 for being rotated into a desired opening 362 in the outer member 354 to retain roll 358 in a position for engaging the cushioning pad 360 to retain the exercise arm 48 in a desired position to commence an exercise.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 30A, the arm engaging member 350 is in a position with the roll 358 of the outer member 354 supporting its overlying exercise arm in a substantially horizontal position to commence one or more exercises.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 30B, the arm engaging member 350 is fully retracted, resulting the overlying exercise arm being supported by the roll 358 in a downwardly inclined orientation for commencing one or more exercises in which the exercise arms are moved in an upward direction against the resistive force provided by one or more tension bands being connected to one or more first connectors and one or more second connectors.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 8-11, each of the exercise arms 48, 50 includes a rotatably adjustable gripping handle 74, 76, at the distal ends thereof for engagement by a person during exercising. FIG. 8 shows the gripping handles 74, 76 in one desired orientation and FIG. 9 shows the gripping handles in a second, desired orientation rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 8. As noted earlier, the gripping handles 74, 76 can be part of assemblies separate from the exercise arms 48, 50, and the exercise arms either can be in the form of hollow brackets for receiving the handles 74, 76 therein, in the same manner as handle assemblies 212 are retained with arm sections 210, or the exercise arms each can retain a rotatably mounted bracket 314 for telescopically receiving a handle or other grippable member(s) therein, as shown in Figs. herein.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the arrangement for permitting rotational adjustment of the gripping handle 74 relative to exercise arm 48 will be described, it being understood that the exact same arrangement is provided for permitting rotational adjustment of gripping handle 76 relative to exercise arm 50. A spring-loaded locking pin 78 is normally spring-loaded inwardly to engage within a desired opening 80 of flange 82 to which the gripping handle 74 is secured, When it is desired to change the position of the gripping handle 74, the locking pin 78, which can be spring loaded inwardly, is pulled outwardly in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 10 to permit the handle 74 to be rotated into a desired position, e.g., the position shown in FIG. 11. In this new, desired position the locking pin 78 is spring biased into an aligned opening 80 in the flange 82 to maintain the gripping handle 74 in its new position. As stated earlier, the gripping handle 76 is attached to its corresponding exercise arm 50 in this same manner. In accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention the gripping handles 76 need not be rotatably mounted relative to the exercise arms, or other arrangements can be employed to provide rotation of handles relative to exercise arms. In exercise machine 200 disclosed in FIGS. 17-29, the same constructions can be employed to rotatably mount gripping handles 248 to inner telescopic members 212 of outer sections 208 of the exercise arms 202, 204.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7-9 and 12, one arrangement will be described for permitting one or more flexible exercise bands 84 to be employed in the exercise machine 10 to provide a desired resistance during exercising when the exercise arms 48, 50 are rotated in an upward direction during an exercise. This arrangement also can be employed in exercise machine 200 in FIGS. 17-29.

[0086] Arrangements for permitting one or more flexible exercise bands 84 to be employed in the machine 10 to provide a desired resistance when the exercise arms 48, 50 are rotated in a downward direction during an exercise will be described in connection with FIGS. 13-15. A more preferred arrangement for providing this resistance is employed in the exercise machine 200 and is the most preferred embodiment of this invention. Details of the most preferred embodiment are shown in in FIGS. 17-29 and will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 7-9 and 12, the flexible exercise band(s) are configured to be manually usable apart from the exercise machine 10 of this invention. By way of example, the exercise bands 84 can be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,727; including opposed ends provided by carabineers 86 attached to tethers. The subject matter of the '727 patent is fully incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the use of any specific flexible exercise bands or tension band; however, the exercise bands or tension bands usable in this invention are flexible, stretchable members and preferably are of the type that have or can be employed for use in manual exercises; apart from use in the exercise machines of this invention. However, in accordance with the broadest scope of this invention, any flexible exercise or tension band within the definition set forth earlier in this application can be employed in all embodiments of this invention. The arrangement for employing one or more tension bands in the form of a closed loop will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0088] The exercise machine 10 includes one or more sets of connectors; six such sets being shown by way of example in FIG. 7. Each of said sets preferably is identical; each including first and second connectors vertically spaced from each other. As illustrated the first and second connectors of each set are designated by the same number followed by the suffix a and b respectively. For example, the first and second connectors of one of the six sets are identified as 88a and 88b, respectively.

[0089] In one embodiment of this invention the first connector 88a, 90a, 92a, 94a, 96a and 98 of the six sets are in the form of connection pins or projections attached to, and extending outwardly of each of the exercise arms 48, 50. In a more preferred embodiment included in machine 200 and the machine shown in the '153 pending design application and in the APPENDIX, and also usable in the exercise machine 10, each connecting pin can include a flange 297 at a distal end thereof to aid in maintaining the connection between each pin and either a connector 100 employed to connect tension bands to the pins, or to maintain one or more tension bands positioned over one or more pins, as will be described in detail hereinafter. The second connector 88b, 90b, 92b, 94b, 96b and 98b of each of the six sets are in the form of loops, such as fabric loops shown in FIG. 3, C-rings (one being shown in FIG. 18A) or D-rings; said loops being secured to the upper surface of frame members 22, 24 of the platform 18. In accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention, other types of connectors may be used in the respective sets; so long as the first and second connectors in each set are vertically spaced-apart from each other and are capable of retaining one or more, desired tension bands for use of the exercise machine. However, C-rings are the most preferred since they permit a wider range of tension bands to be employed than with the use of closed fabric loops or D-rings.

[0090] In the most preferred embodiments of this invention, one or more of the second connectors, and most preferably all of them, are in the form of C-rings. The structure of the C-rings as will be described later in connection with FIG. 18A. These C-rings preferably are used in place of the continuous fabric loops or D-rings and provide for extreme versatility; permitting the use of various types of tension bands, including continuous, loop tension bands or elongate tension bands having opposed ends for receiving various attachments at the distal ends thereof for attachment to the C-rings.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 18A, a representative C-ring usable in this invention will be described in detail. The C-ring 300 includes a lower wall 302 that is attachable to the upper surface of peripheral frames 22, 24 of platform 18, in the same manner as the D-rings are attached to said peripheral frames (FIG. 18). However, unlike the D-rings, the C-rings are discontinuous having a peripheral wall section 304 terminating in an in turned tab 306 located above the lower wall 302 to provide an ingress passage through which one or more, continuous loop tension bands can be inserted. After insertion into one or more C-rings, the tension band(s) can be stretched and inserted over one or more of the pins connected to the exercise arms; the flanges at the end of the pins preventing the tension bands from inadvertently sliding off of said pins. If the tension bands have distal ends with attachment members thereon, e.g. carabineers, the attachment members can be clipped, or attached to the peripheral wall section 304 of the C-rings 300, and then stretched to be retained over one or more pins of the exercise arms, without the use of an separate connector, e.g., separate connector 100 (FIG. 12).

[0092] In all embodiments of this invention, the number of sets of first and second, vertically spaced-apart connectors can be varied. In fact, the number of first connectors attached to each exercise arm can be different than the number of second connectors attached to the frame member below the rotational mount of the exercise arm, as shown in exercise machine 200. The exercise machine 200 includes two first connectors on each exercise arm, and three second connectors on each peripheral frame of the platform 18. In a more preferred embodiment of this invention two first connectors are included on each exercise arm and four second connectors are included on each peripheral frame of the platform 18. It should be understood that the number of first and second connectors employed in the exercise device is not a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. However, it is preferred to include at least two, first connectors spaced along the length of each exercise device. This permits the resistance to rotational movement of the exercise arms to be varied with the use of the same tension band(s) by changing the first connector to which the tension band(s) are connected. Specifically, a greater resistance is provided by attaching the tension band(s) to a first connector spaced further from the rotational mount of the exercise arm.

[0093] The most desirable arrangement of first and second connectors is to cause the one or more, connected tension bands to stretch in a generally vertical direction. This is achieved by providing the second connectors, preferably in the form of C rings, on peripheral frame members of the platform 18, substantially vertically below exercise arms and the first connectors thereon.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 8a, an arrangement for connecting a flexible exercise band 84 to a set of connectors 94 (which include pin or projection 94a and a cooperating loop 94b) will be described. Specifically, the exercise band 84 is directed through the passage of loop 94b and is engaged within the loop intermediate its ends. Carabineers 86 constituting opposed ends of the exercise bands are connected to pin or projection 94a preferably through a unique connector 100. This same arrangement can be employed in the exercise machine 200 disclosed in FIGS. 17-29. Moreover, as stated earlier, each of the pins can include an enlarged flange 297 at the distal end to prevent the exercise band(s) or connector 100 from inadvertently separating from a respective pin. The use of such a flange 297 is shown in the exercise machine 200 in FIG. 24 and is employed in the most preferred embodiment of this invention.

[0095] Referring specifically to FIG. 8a, and also FIGS. 14 and 16 to be discussed infra, the connector 100 includes an open section 102, in the form of a clevis into which the carabineers 86 are attached. As noted earlier, devices other than carabineers may be used to connect flexible exercise bands within the open section 102. The connector 100 also includes an open pin-engaging section 104 configured to be received over pin or projecting member 94a, as shown in FIG. 8a. A handle or gripping member 106 preferably is provided or connected to the peripheral wall of the pin-engaging section of connector 100 to permit the easy, manual insertion or removal of the connector 100 to or from a corresponding pin or projecting member, as desired. It should be noted that the arrangement disclosed in this paragraph also can be employed in the exercise machine 200 disclosed in FIGS. 17-29.

[0096] During use of the machine 10, the flexible exercise bands connected to vertically spaced-apart connectors should be under tension; with no slack. The arrangement of connector 100 with the handle 106 thereon permits the easy, manual connection of each flexible exercise band 84 over a corresponding pin, e.g., 88a-98a while under tension. As noted earlier, in accordance with this invention, fastening devices other than carabineers can be employed as part of the flexible exercise bands, and fasteners other than pins 88a-98a can be employed on the exercise arms 48 and 50. Moreover, tension bands in the form of continuous loops can be employe by utilizing C-rings as the second connector. In addition, by using C-rings as second connectors the use of a separate connector, e.g., 100 can be eliminated, thereby simplifying the construction of the device.

[0097] When the exercise arms 48, 50 are rotated upwardly the exercise band(s) 84 will be stretched to provide resistance to rotation of the exercise arms by an individual exercising. The degree or amount of resistance will depend upon the particular band or bands employed in the machine 10, the number of bands that are employed and the manner in which the bands are connected to one or more first connectors and/or one or more second connectors. The arrangement described herein also is applicable for use in the exercise machine 200 disclosed in FIGS. 17-29.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 13-15, an arrangement is shown for permitting exercises in which the exercise arms 48, 50 are rotated downwardly to stretch the flexible exercise band(s) 84 and thereby provide resistance to the downward rotation of the exercise arms. However, a more preferred arrangement is employed in exercise machine 200, and will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 13, the exercise arms 48, 50 are of the same construction and subject to the same modifications as discussed earlier herein. Preferably the exercise arms 48, 50 include pins 88a-98a, as first connectors for the flexible exercise bands 84; the number of said pins being a matter of choice, and not a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. The exercise machine 10 includes an upper, horizontal frame member 108 to which connectors 110 are attached. The connectors 110 in the form of spaced-apart loops can be replaced with C-rings or D-rings, if desired, and constitute third connectors located above the rotational mount of the exercise arms 48, 50. As can be seen in FIG. 13, one or more exercise bands 84 (only one being shown) are threaded through the loops 110, with the opposed ends thereof connected to the pins of the spaced apart exercise arms 48, 50 through connectors 100. C rings or D-rings also are includable in embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-12 in place of the loops 110, and the exercise band(s) 84 can be threaded through the C-rings or D-rings in the same manner as they are threaded through the loops 110.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 14, the connection of each end of the flexible exercise bands to the pins includes the connector 100 employed in the same manner as described earlier. The major difference in the FIG. 13 embodiment is that each flexible exercise band is connected to both of the exercise arms 48, 50.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 15, the structure of machine 10 is identical to the construction shown in FIG. 13; the only difference being the manner in which the flexible exercise bands 84 are attached to provide tension or resistance during downward rotation of the exercise arms 48, 50. This embodiment employs a similar connection system to the one employed in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-12. Specifically, separate flexible exercise bands 84 are connected to each of the exercise arms 48, 50, respectively, Each flexible exercise band 84 is positioned through one loop 110 attached to frame member 108, and the opposed ends of the exercise bands are connected to a respective pin attached to one of the exercise arms through a connector 100, in the same manner as the connection is made in the embodiment shown and described in connection with FIGS. 1-12. This connection is shown best in FIG. 16, which is an enlarged view of the circled region 16 in FIG. 15.

[0102] Still referring to FIG. 15, by replacing the loops 110 with C-rings or D-rings, opposed ends of the tension bands 84 can be secured to the rings through carabineers or similar attachment members, and the tension bands then stretched over one or more of the pins 90a-98a thereby eliminating the need for using a separate connector, e.g. connector 100. Moreover, by employing C-rings, continuous loop tension bands can be employed without the use of a separate connector.

[0103] An alternative embodiment of an exercise machine is shown at 200 in FIGS. 17 through 29. A number of the elements of the exercise machine 200 are the same or similar to corresponding elements in exercise machine 10 and, in some cases, are identified by the same numerals as in the exercise machine 10. The structure and function of these common or similar elements will not be repeated herein, except as is necessary to describe modifications in the structure. For example, the manner of retaining the exercise arms in an upper, locked position can be the same (52, 54); the manner of providing a retractable stop (62) to limit the downward movement of the exercise arms, when desired, can the same and the manner of mounting the platform to the machine, including the structure of the platform (18, 20, 22 and 24), can be the same. In addition, exercise machine 200 includes a locking arrangement to lock the platform in an open, operative position, to be described in detail hereinafter. However, as noted earlier, the platform need not be movable into an inoperative position and can always be maintained in an operative position. Moreover, modifications to the various elements, e.g., the retractable stop, mounting bracket for handle assemblies, etc. can be employed in exercise machine 200.

[0104] As described in connection with exercise machine 10, by including platform 18 in the exercise machine 200 an individual thereon, either alone or with a bench 40 or other support, provides a stabilizing force for the exercise machine. The same benefit is achieved by employing platform 18 in exercise machine 200. An alternative or additional manner for stabilizing the exercise machine 200 is to bolt or otherwise connect frame members of the exercise machine 200 to the floor or other supporting surface of the machine, including a vertical wall located adjacent the exercise machine. However, this is a more complex and less desirable arrangement than providing the platform 18.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 18, 21 and 24-29, a locking arrangement is disclosed for maintaining platform 18 in its open, operative position. Each of the frame members 22 and 24 includes a member 282 on an upper surface thereof and having an opening 284 (FIG. 21) therein. Referring to FIGS. 18, 21 and 24, a locking pin 286 preferably is spring loaded within locking pin-retaining members 288 included on the upper surface of supports 290 adjacent the outer side of each frame member 22 and 24 of the platform 18. Each locking pin-retaining member 288 is located adjacent a respective locking member 282 on the upper surface of frame members 22 and 24 when the platform 18 is in its open, operative position so that each locking pin 286 is inserted into opening 284 to maintain the platform 18 locked in its desired, operative position. In accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention, the platform 18 need not be constructed to move between a stored position and an open, operative position. The machine can be constructed with the platform always in an open, operative position, if desired.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 18, 21 and 24-29, in order to provide a more compact construction than exercise machine 10, and also to provide a more desirable biomechanical arrangement for movement of exercise arms 202, 204 in the exercise machine 200 upstanding, spaced-apart frame members 201, 203 and upwardly extending frame members 205, 207 of the exercise machine 200 are inclined toward each other in an upward direction. This more compact arrangement results in spaced-apart exercise arms 202, 204 in exercise machine 200 being transversely closer together than the spaced apart exercise arms 48, 50 in exercise machine 10. In fact, as can be seen in FIG. 17, outer ends of hand grips or handles 248 of the exercise arms 202, 204 are spaced only a small distance apart in the uppermost, rotational position of the exercise arms. With exercise arms 202, 204 in a generally horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 18, the outer ends of the handles 248 are transversely spaced from each other a greater distance than in the uppermost most position but the arms still may be too close to each other to accommodating individuals of a variety of sizes, but for the unique construction of the exercise arms 202, 204, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 18, 21 and 24-29, axle 49 in the exercise machine 200 is attached to and between upstanding frame member 201 and upwardly extending frame member 205 at approximately 90 degrees to said frame members. Thus, the axle 49 in the exercise device 200, unlike axle 49 in the exercise device 10, is at an angle relative to the surface supporting the machine 200 for rotatably mounting the exercise arm 202 for rotational, upward, and downward movement. This same arrangement is provided for axle 51, which is attached to upstanding frame member 203 and upwardly extending frame member 207 and rotatably supports exercise arm 204 in a position transversely spaced from exercise arm 202. The exercise arms 202, 204 are limited to rotational motion about axles 49, 51, i.e., the exercise arms are not mounted for axial movement along axles 49 and 51.

[0108] Due to the inclination of axles 49 and 51, when the exercise arms 202, 204 are rotated upwardly during an exercise the gripping handles 248 thereof, which are gripped by the exerciser, are moved inwardly toward each other, and when the gripped handles are moved downwardly they are moved outwardly away from each other. This is a desirable biomechanical arrangement for exercising; following more naturally the normal movement of the exerciser's arms than the arrangement employed in exercise machine 10. In exercise machine 10 the gripping handles 74, 76 of the exercise arms 48, 50 maintain the same transverse-spacing from each other during both upward and downward movement of the exercise arms about their respective axles 49, 51. However, it should be understood that providing this biomechanical arrangement requires a more complex system then is employed in exercise machine 10 and is not required in accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 18, 21 and 24-29 exercise machine 200, unlike exercise machine 10, includes transversely spaced-apart side arms 250, 252 rotatably mounted in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of rotational motion of the exercise arms 202, 204. This is a very desirable feature of the invention, having numerous benefits as described hereinafter.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 18, 20, 21, 23, 26 and 27. exercise arms 202, 204 in the exercise machine 200 each include inner and outer sections 206, 208 pivotally connected together through a hinge connection 214. This hinge connection 214 will be described in detail later herein.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 26-28, the outer sections 208 of each exercise arm 202, 204 include transversely spaced-apart pins 292a and 296a extending transversely therefrom; each including an enlarged flange 297 at the outer end thereof. Spaced-apart D-rings 292b, 294b and 296b are attached to frame members 22, 24 of platform 18. More preferably, C-rings are employed in place of one or more of the D-rings to permit the use of tension bands in the form of continuous loops, as well as other tension bands or exercise bands having attachment members, e.g., carabineers, at the distal ends thereof. As illustrated, the exercise arms include two, first connectors 292a and 296a in the form of pins spaced apart along the length of the exercise arms, and three, second connectors in the form of spaced-apart D-rings or C-rings on each side frame 22, 24 of platform 18. The number of first and second connectors can be varied and does not constitute a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. Moreover, as noted above, the number of first connectors can be different than the number of second connectors. In fact, if desired only a single first and second connector can be employed. However, the most desirable arrangement of the first and second connectors is to retain one or more tension bands, e.g., 298, 300 in the machine for stretching them in a generally vertical direction when the exercise arms 202, 204 are rotated in an upward direction, as viewed in FIG. 26. One or more tension bands can be retained over more than one first connector and/or more than one second connector, as desired to vary the tension.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 26, a representative manner of connecting one or more exercise bands 298, 300 to first and second connectors is shown in phantom. Specifically, both exercise bands 298, 300 have their ends thereof connected to a respective D-ring, e.g., 292b or other connector, e.g., a C-ring 300 by a carabineer or other suitable connector attached to the free ends of said exercise bands. The exercise bands 298, 300 are then stretched and inserted over a respective pin, e.g., 292a to be maintained under tension prior to being rotated upwardly during an exercise. The provision of the enlarged flange 297 at the distal end of each pin prevents the exercise band(s) connected to the corresponding pin from inadvertently sliding off of, or otherwise inadvertently separating from the corresponding pin. The exercise arms 202, 204, prior to conducting an exercise, are maintained in a desired rest position by engaging the cushioning pads 70 on the upper surfaces 72 of the arm-engaging members 62 or any other arm-engaging members provided for that purpose.

[0113] It should be noted that if the tension band(s) is (are) in the form of a continuous loop(s), C-rings preferably should be employed instead of D-rings. With the use of C-rings a section of the continuous loop can be inserted through the gap or opening therein and retained by the wall section 304 of the C-ring. The continuous loop then can be stretched and positioned over one or more pins on each exercise arm, such pins constituting the first connector(s).

[0114] Although the arrangement for connecting exercise bands 298, 300 to the sets of pins and D-rings or C-rings, as described above, is the preferred connecting arrangement employed in the exercise machine 200, in accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention other arrangement can be employed to attach exercise bands 298, 300 to the exercise arms 202, 204, and to one or more frame members of the machine located below the rotational axles 49, 51 of said exercise arms, respectively. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the exercise bands 298, 300 can be connected to the D-rings (or C-rings) and to pins through connector 100 in the same manner as in the exercise machine 10. However, it is desirable to use C-rings and eliminate the need for using a separate connector 100.

[0115] Also, the exercise bands can be designed of a length to permit opposed ends to be connected to one or more sets of D-rings or C-rings, and to pins through suitable connectors. For example, the opposed ends of the exercise bands can include carabineers or other suitable connectors to be attached to a D-ring, e.g., 292b or C-ring 300, and a correspond pin 292a, e.g., through a connector 100 of the type employed in the exercise machine 10, respectively.

[0116] The most preferred arrangement is to utilize C-rings as the second connector since they can be used with pins constituting the first connector to employ tension bands in the form of continuous loops. The use of D-rings or other closed loops as the second connector does not permit the use of tension bands in the form of continuous loops.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, outer sections 208 of the exercise arms 202, 204 each include outer and inner telescopic members 210, 212, respectively, and the exercise handles 248 are rotatably mounted to the distal ends of the inner telescopic members 212. A locking pin 213, preferably a spring-loaded locking pin, is retained in an opening through a top wall of each of the outer telescopic members 210 and normally is biased in an inward direction. The inner telescopic member 212 includes a plurality of axially spaced-apart openings 215 therein (FIG. 25) that are aligned with the locking pin 213, whereby, when the inner telescopic members 212 are in a desired position with respect to their corresponding outer telescopic members 210, the locking pin will engage within one of said axially spaced-apart openings 215 to maintain the inner telescopic member 212 locked against movement relative to the outer telescopic manner 210. This telescopic arrangement of outer sections 208 of the exercise arms 202, 204 permits adjustment of the length of each of the exercise arms to accommodate individuals of different sizes and/or to permit an individual to adjust the length of the exercise arms to carry out different exercises. FIGS. 24 and 25 show, respectively, the inner telescopic members 212 in different telescopic positions within outer telescopic members 210, respectively.

[0118] As can be seen best in FIG. 20, plate-like extensions 216, 218 of inner and outer sections 206, 208, respectively, have annular end sections rotatably mounted on an axle (not visible). It should be noted that the outer telescopic member 210 of outer section 208 of each exercise arm 202, 204 is the member that is rotatably mounted on the axle that rotatably connects inner and outer sections 206, 208 of the exercise arms together. Still referring to FIG. 20, plate-like extension 216 includes spaced-apart annular end sections 220, 222 and plate-like extension 218 includes spaced-apart annular end section 224, 226. The annular end sections 220, 222 interdigitate with annular end sections 224, 226 to vertically align the passages through the annular sections 220, 222, 224 and 226 to be rotatably received on the axle (not shown). This arrangement rotatably connects together the inner and outer sections 206, 208 of each exercise arm 202, 204.

[0119] Referring to both FIGS. 18 and 20, a U-shaped member 228 for maintaining the inner and outer sections 206, 208 of each exercise arm 202, 204 in a desired rotational orientation relative to each other includes a base section 230 and vertically spaced-apart horizontally extending adjustment plates 232, 234 (FIG. 20) for receiving rotatably connected ends of the inner and outer sections of each exercise arm, respectively. These adjustment plates 232, 234 include a series of arcuately spaced apart openings; each arcuately spaced-apart opening 236 in adjustment plate 232 being vertically aligned with a corresponding opening 238 in adjustment plate 234. The ends of the inner and outer sections 206, 208 of the exercise arms received between the adjustment plates 232, 234 each have vertically aligned openings in upper and lower walls 242, 244 thereof (not visible) through which a locking pin 246 is received.

[0120] As can be seen best in FIG. 20, the locking pin 246 is provided for retaining or maintaining the inner and outer sections 206, 208 of exercise arms 202, 204, respectively, in a desired orientation with respect to each other. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 23 the inner and outer sections 206, 208 of each exercise arm are maintained in a 90 degrees orientation with respect to each other. In this orientation locking pin 246 is inserted through vertically aligned openings 236, 238 in adjustment plates 232, 234, respectively, and through the aligned openings (not visible) in upper and lower walls of outer section 208.

[0121] The inner and outer sections 206 and 208 of exercise arms 202, 204 can be maintained in any desired angular position for conducting an exercise (e.g., see FIG. 27). By providing the above-described adjustment between the inner and outer sections 206, 208 of the exercise arms 202, 204 individuals of varying size easily can fit between the exercise arms for conducting numerous exercises. In addition, an individual may want to vary the spacing between the hand grips 248 of the exercise arms 202, 204 to conduct different exercises. These hand grips 248 can be of the same construction as the rotatably adjustable gripping handles 74, 76 employed in the exercise machine 10; mounted for adjustment in the same manner as in the exercise machine 10. For purposes of brevity this mounting arrangement of hand grips 248 will not be repeated herein.

[0122] If desired the locking pin 246 for maintaining the inner and outer sections 206, 208, respectively, in a desired angular position with respect to each other can be removed to permit continuous rotational motion of the inner and outer sections of each exercise arm 202, 204 relative to each other when an individual is engaged in an exercise by rotating the arms 202, 204 about their respective axles 49, 51.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 17-19, 21, 22 and 24-26, the exercise machine 200 also includes side arms 250, 252, rotatably mounted to an outer surface of the upstanding spaced-apart frame member 201, 203, respectively, to provide desirable functions to be described in detail hereinafter. The use of side arms, e.g., 250 and 252 can be employed in all embodiments of this invention and is a very desirable feature in the preferred embodiment of this invention. A very desirable feature in the preferred embodiment of this invention is that each of the side arms 250, 252 is rotatably mounted in a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotational plane of each of the exercise arms.

[0124] Each side arm 250, 252 is of an identical construction, including outer and inner telescoping section 254, 256, respectively. Section 256 is telescoped within section 254 for permitting linear adjustment of the length of the side arms 250, 252, and outer section 254 is rotatably mounted to the upstanding spaced-apart frame members 201, 203, as described in detail hereinafter. The rotatable mount of outer section 254 of side arm 250 to frame member 201 is identical to the rotatable mount of outer section 254 of side arm 252 to frame member 203. Therefore, the rotatable mount of the outer section 254 of only side arm 252 will be described in detail; it being understood that the outer section 254 of the side arm 250 is rotatably mounted in the same manner.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 22, a U-shaped mounting member 258 includes a base 260 secured to upstanding frame member 203 by welding, bolting, or any other suitable means. The U-shaped mounting member 258 includes transversely spaced-apart adjustment plates 262 extending outwardly from base 260; each including arcuately spaced-apart openings 264 adjacent an outer edge of said adjustment plates for rotatably adjusting the orientation of the side arms 250, 252. The transversely spaced-apart adjustment plates 262 also include axially aligned openings 272 (one being shown in FIG. 19) for receiving an axle, shown in phantom at 273 in FIG. 22 to rotatably receive a proximal end of the outer telescopic section 254 thereon. Specifically, diametrically opposed side walls 266, 268 of outer telescopic section 254 include axially aligned passages 270 therein (only one being shown in FIG. 19), and these axial aligned passages are axially aligned with diametrically opposed passages 272 in the spaced-apart adjustment plates 262 (only one being shown in FIG. 19). As can be seen in FIGS. 19 and 22 an axle 273 extends through passages 270 and 272 to rotatably support outer telescopic section 254. In accordance with the broadest aspects of this invention, arrangements other than employing U-shaped mounting members 258 can be employed to rotatably mount side arms 250, 252 to upstanding spaced apart frame members 201, 203; the particular arrangement not constituting a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention.

[0126] The diametrically opposed side walls 266, 268 of the outer telescopic section 254 also include a second set of axially aligned passages (not shown) spaced distally from axially aligned passages 270. The linear distance between the passages 270 and the second set of passages is approximately the same as the radial distance between passages 272 and the arcuately spaced-apart openings 264 in adjustment plates 262.

[0127] As can be seen best in FIGS. 19 and 22, a locking pin 274 is provided to lock the side arms 250, 252 in a desired rotational position. By way of example, in FIG. 19 the side arm 252 is locked in its lowermost position shown in FIG. 18. In this position, the locking pin 274 extends through the lowest of the arcuately spaced-apart openings 264 in the adjustment plates 262, and through aligned, diametrically opposed openings (not shown) in the diametrically opposed side walls 266, 268 of the outer telescopic section 254.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 22, the side arm 252 is locked in its uppermost position shown in FIG. 21. In this position, the locking pin 274 extends through the uppermost of the arcuately spaced-apart openings 264 in the adjustment plates 262, and through aligned, diametrically opposed openings (not shown) in the diametrically opposed side walls 266, 268 of the outer telescopic section 254.

[0129] The manner of locking the side arm 252 in upper, lower, and intermediate positions is not a limitation on the broadest aspects of this invention. Any other means for providing such a locking function can be employed.

[0130] The side arms 250, 252 can be maintained in a number of different rotational positions, dictated by the number of arcuately spaced-apart openings 264 provided in the adjustment plates 262. For example, note the different, locked, rotational positions of the side arms 250, 252 in FIGS. 18, 21, 24, 25, 28 and 29.

[0131] In addition, forming the side arms 250, 252 with outer and inner telescopic sections 254, 256 permits adjustment of the length of the side arms, which is desirable for providing different exercises and also for connecting flexible tension bands to exercise arms 202, 204, as will be described in detail hereinafter.

[0132] As best seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the inner telescopic sections 256 of the side arms 250, 252, are provided with attachment members 276 at the distal ends thereof to which one or more flexible tension bands can be attached (see FIGS. 28 and 29). In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment members 276 are in the form of D-rings. However, within the broadest scope of this invention the attachment members can be of a variety of designs; depending in part on how it is desired to attach the flexible tension bands in the machine 200. Most preferably the attachment members are in the form of C-rings, e.g., 300, as described earlier herein.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 29, and by way of example only, an exerciser employing flexible tension bands 278, 280, (shown in phantom representation for purposes of clarity) in an exercise independently of the exercise arms 202, 204 is shown. These flexible tension bands 278, 280 can include a carabineer at an end thereof to be attached to the D-rings 276 or to any other acceptable attachment member such as a C-ring 300. The opposed ends of the tension bands 278, 280 can include handles or other gripping means to be engaged by an individual doing a desired exercise, e.g., flies or other pulling exercises. The telescopic construction of each of the side arms 252, 254 permits the spacing between D-rings (or other attachment members) to be varied to accommodate individuals of different size or provide different levels of tension, as desired.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 28, another desired benefit of the exercise arms 202, 204 is shown. In this arrangement, the exercise arms 202, 204 initially are supported on arm-engaging members 62, prior to connecting exercise bands 298, 300 to said exercise arms. Thereafter, the arm-engaging members can be rotated to an inactive position so as not to impede downward movement of the exercise arms 202, 204 during a downward pushing or pulling exercise.

[0135] Still referring to FIG. 28, flexible tension bands 298, 300, shown in phantom representation, are connected to the D-rings 276 or other suitable attachment members, e.g., C-rings 300 at distal ends of the inner telescopic sections 256 of the side arms 250, 252. When D-rings or C-rings are used, the distal ends of one or more flexible tension bands, e.g. 298, 300 can be connected thereto through carabineers or other suitable attachment members in the same manner as described in connection with the attachment of the exercise bands 298, 300 to the D-rings 292b, 294b, 296b attached to frame members 22, 24, of the platform 18. After attaching the distal ends of the tension bands to the D-rings 276 or C-rings 300, the exercise bands are stretched and inserted over one or both of the pins, e.g., 292a, and 296a in the same manner as the flexible tension bands 298, 300 are connected to said pins to provide an upward pulling or pushing exercise, as shown in FIG. 26. Although this is the preferred embodiment for connecting the tension bands to the D-rings 276 and pins, respectively, in accordance with the broadest aspects of the invention other connecting arrangements can be employed. For example, one or more flexible tension bands can be looped through the D-rings 276, and the free, distal ends thereof can be connected to the pins 292a, 294a and/or 296a through a suitable connector, such as the connector 100 employed in the exercise machine 10. Within the broadest aspects of this invention any suitable connection means can be employed to provide a connection that permits stretching the tension bands during downward rotation of the exercise arms 202, 204. As noted earlier, the provision of the enlarged flange 297 at the distal ends of the pins prevents the inadvertent separation of the exercise bands from such pins. Most preferably, the connection means are in the form of C-rings 300, rather than D-rings; permitting the use of continuous loop tension members. The connectors employed on the side arms, which can be located above the rotational axles of the exercise arms, and on other frame members located above the rotational axles of the exercise arms are referred to in the claims as third connectors, to distinguish them from the second connectors, which are always located below the rotational axles of the exercise arms.

[0136] The initial connection of the flexible tension bands 298, 300 to the D-rings 276 or C-rings 300 and to pins, e.g., 292a is made with the flexible tension bands in a relaxed, non-stretched condition. In order to raise the exercise arms 202, 204 to a desired position for permitting a downward pulling or downward pushing exercise against the resistive force of one or more stretched flexible bands 298, 300 the inner telescopic section 256 of each of the side arms 250, 252 is moved outwardly. This initially will remove any slack in the attached flexible exercise bands and thereafter will rotate the exercise arms 202, 204 in an upward position, with the hand grips 248 above the rotational axles 49, 51 for the exercise arms. In this orientation the weight of the exercise arms will maintain the flexible tension bands in a taut condition and possibly stretch the exercise bands to a limited extent prior to use. This adjustability is highly desired to accommodate individuals of different heights and to vary the amount of rotational movement of the exercise arms, as desired by an individual that is exercising.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 28, an individual is shown in phantom pushing or pulling the exercise arms 202, 204 in a downward, rotational path about axles 49, 51 against a resistive force provided by one or more flexible tension bands 298, 300 connected to the attachment members (third connectors) 276 of the side arms 250, 252 and to the exercise arms 202, 204 through mounting pins 292a, and/or 296a connected to said exercise arms. It should be emphasized that in connection with the broadest aspects of this invention any suitable arrangement can be provided for attaching the flexible tension bands 298. 300 to the side arms 250, 252 and to the exercise arms 202, 204, including but not limited to the manner in which the one or more flexible tension bands are, or can be connected to the platform 18 and exercise arms 48, 50 in the exercise machine 10, as described earlier in this application. That description will not be repeated herein for purposes of brevity.

[0138] Although the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other additions, modifications, substitutions, and deletions not specifically described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.