Vectra Fitness, Inc.

A Buell Ish, Iii

L Kent Lines

Robert A Rasmussen

Shan Eugene Gaw

William D MacLean

W Douglas MacLean

Jose L Sanchez

Mark Tollison

John M Youngsman

Resistance training apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes an exercise station having a support portion and at least one user interface operatively coupled to the support portion by an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly includes a housing attached to the support portion, and a coupling device pivotably attached to the housing and moveable throughout an angular range, the coupling device being coupled to the at least one user interface and configured to move through at least a portion of the angular range during use of the at least one user interface.

Resistance training apparatus and methods

Adjustable press arm apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load, and a movable press arm operatively coupled to a press arm adjustment assembly that is selectively engageable with the force-transferring assembly. The press arm adjustment assembly includes a moveable swing member having an indexing portion, and an engagement device coupled to and moveable with the swing member, the engagement device being adapted to operatively engage the force-transferring assembly. A locking device is coupled to the press arm and moveable between first and second position to selectively coupled and uncouple the press arm from the load.

Adjustable press arm apparatus and methods for exercise machines

Systems and methods for functional training exercises having a function-specific user interface are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly for performing a functional training exercise that simulates an activity involving a hand-held device includes a load, a support assembly, and a force-transferring assembly. A user interface includes a handle configured to resemble at least a portion of the hand-held device that is grasped by a user. An interface coupling assembly pivotably couples the handle and the force-transferring assembly. A training force applied to the handle by the user during movement of the handle along a functional training path induces an associated force on the load. In particular embodiments, the handle is configured to resemble a golf club, a baseball bat, a racquet, a hockey stick, and a sporting device configured to be thrown, such as a baseball.

Systems and methods for functional training exercises having function-specific user interfaces

Exercise apparatus and methods having adjustable frame members are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, and a force transferring assembly. The support assembly includes a pair of outwardly extending frame members coupled to an upwardly projecting portion by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly enables controllable adjustment of a height of the frame members. The force-transferring assembly includes first and second portions coupled to and extending at least partially along each of the outwardly extending frame members. During an exercise, a training force applied to the first and second portions induces an associated force on the load. The coupling assembly may permit an angle between the outwardly extending frame members to vary freely during an exercise, or may allow a user to controllably adjust and fix the angle during the exercise.

Functional training exercise apparatus and methods

Adjustable supports for exercise machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load, a support frame operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly, and an exercise station coupled to the force-transferring assembly proximate a support member of the support frame. The support member is operatively coupled to an upright member of the support frame by an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is adjustable to enable the support member to project from the upright member at a plurality of support positions such that the exercise station is correspondingly adjustable over a plurality of vertical positions. In some embodiments, the support member is pivotable relative to the upright member. Alternately, slideable members may allow the support member to be selectively retracted and extended to provide the desired vertical position adjustment.

Apparatus and methods for adjustable supports for exercise machines

Exercise apparatus and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load, a support assembly, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load and to the support assembly, and an exercise station operatively coupled to the force-transferring assembly. The exercise station includes a user interface, at least one adjustment assembly configured to adjust a position of the user interface, and an actuator assembly selectively engageable with the at least one adjustment assembly. The actuator assembly is configured to approximately simultaneously enable vertical and horizontal adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to release the at least one adjustment assembly, and to approximately simultaneously disable adjustment of the user interface when the actuator assembly is actuated to lock the at least one adjustment assembly. Thus, movements of the user interface may be easily and efficiently performed using a single-touch actuation assembly.

Exercise assemblies having self-adjusting pad devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise assembly includes a load and a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled between the load and at least one exercise station such that a training force applied to the at least one exercise station induces an associated force on the load. The at least one exercise station includes at least one pad member slideably coupled to a support member and configured to adjust to a lateral position along the support member corresponding to a portion of the user's body. The at least one pad member may have an attachment opening that includes a first portion sized to receive a shaft portion of the support member, and a second portion sized to receive a retaining portion of the support member, the retaining portion being larger than the shaft portion of the support member.

Exercise assemblies having self-adjusting pad devices

Exercise bench assemblies having wheels with integral brakes that automatically engage and disengage during use of the bench assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise bench assembly includes a support portion, and a frame assembly coupled to the support portion. A wheel assembly is coupled to the frame assembly and includes at least one wheel configured to rollably engage a support surface, and a braking device operatively associated with the at least one wheel. The braking device is configured to engage the at least one wheel to prevent the at least one wheel from rolling on the support surface when a user's weight is applied to the support portion, and to disengage from the at least one wheel to allow the at least one wheel to roll on the support surface when the weight of the user is removed from the support portion.

Exercise bench assemblies having wheels with integral brakes

Moveable exercise benches are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, an exercise station, and a force-transferring assembly operatively coupling the exercise station and the load. A moveable support is positioned proximate the exercise station and is adapted to support a user during an exercise. The force-transferring assembly is adapted to allow the moveable support to move without decoupling the force-transferring assembly from the exercise station and to allow use of the exercise station at any location of the moveable support without adjustment. The force-transferring assembly may be a cable-and-pulley assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the force-transferring assembly may be adapted to apply a counter force on the moveable support that at least partially counters a reactive force applied by the user to the moveable support during the exertion of the exercising force.

Apparatus and methods for moveable exercise benches

Baseball bat style functional training handle for exercise machines

Baseball style functional training handle for exercise machines

Golf club style functional training handle for exercise machines

Racquet style functional training handle for exercise machines

Actuator assemblies for adjustment mechanisms of exercise machines. In one embodiment, an actuator assembly includes a connecting member having a first end attached to the adjustment mechanism and a second end, a shaft rotatably coupled to the exercise machine proximate the second end, an actuating handle attached to the shaft, and a coupling member attached to the second end of the connecting member and having an engagement portion contacting an actuating portion of the shaft. As the shaft is rotated, the actuating portion of the shaft pushes the engagement portion of the coupling member, tensioning the connecting member and actuating the adjustment mechanism. The actuator mechanism advantageously reduces wear and breakage of the connecting member. In another embodiment, the shaft may be rotated in either a forward or an aft direction, improving the convenience of the actuator assembly for the user.

Growing community of inventors

Redmond, WA, United States of America

A Buell Ish, Iii