The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 27, 1997
Filed:
May. 30, 1995
James L England, Auburn, AL (US);
Gary T Fox, Winona, TX (US);
Randal S Kretzler, Tyler, TX (US);
Mark G Hecox, Tyler, TX (US);
Richard W Trevino, Shreveport, LA (US);
Roadmaster Corporation, Olney, IL (US);
Abstract
An exercise apparatus comprising a frame, a pivot arm mounted on the frame, a resistance mechanism, preferably an elastomeric torsion member, and a positioning element which allows the pivot arm to be pivotally adjusted with respect to the frame, independent of the resistance element, so as to vary the neutral position of the pivot arm. The preferred embodiment may also comprise a shaft mounted to the frame for conveying torque to the elastomeric torsion member and a support arm mounted to the frame to oppose rotation of the elastomeric torsion member about the shaft. In one embodiment, the exercise apparatus takes the form of a weight bench. In a second embodiment, the exercise apparatus is a home gym. In a third embodiment, the exercise machine comprises a frame, a pivot arm pivotally mounted on the frame, the pivot arm having a neutral position, the pivot arm configured to be moveable alternatively by the front and the back of a user's body, and at least one resistance member connected to the pivot arm for creating bidirectional resistance to movement of the pivot arm. In the third embodiment the machine preferably also comprises a seat, for supporting a user rotatably connected to the frame. The invention also includes the method of using the machine to perform various exercises.