Back to results
US 6,183,401 B2Granted
Method and apparatus for adjusting resistance to exercise
OwnerMark A. Krullinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Supplemental weights are disposed above a weight stack and are selectively movable into the path traversed by the top plate in the weight stack. The supplemental weights are maneuvered into and out of storage positions supported by the frame.
Claims39
A method of using mass to resist motion on an exercise apparatus, comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame with a guide rod;
- providing a weight stack, including a top weight plate movable along the guide rod between a lowermost position and an uppermost position;
- providing a supplemental weight above the top weight plate and movable from a first rest position to a second rest position, wherein the first rest position is above the uppermost position, and the second rest position is below the uppermost position;
- providing a connector extending through the supplemental weight at each said rest position, and interconnected between the top weight plate and a force receiving member;
- and
- selectively moving the supplemental weight from the first rest position to the second rest position in order to increase resistance to movement of the top weight plate to the uppermost position.
3 more elements
A method of using mass to resist motion on an exercise apparatus, comprising the steps of:
- providing a frame with a guide rod;
- providing a weight stack, including a top weight plate movable along the guide rod between a lowermost position and an uppermost position;
- providing a connector interconnected between the top weight plate and a force receiving member;
- providing a supplemental weight on the frame at a rest position above the top weight plate, concentrically aligned with the top weight plate, and below the uppermost position;
- and
- exerting force against the force receiving member to move the top weight plate upward from the lowermost position, then into contact with the supplemental weight, and then upward beyond the point of contact.
3 more elements
An exercise apparatus, comprising
- a frame, wherein the frame includes a guide rod;
- a weight stack, including a top weight plate, wherein the top weight plate is movably connected to the guide rod;
- a connector, wherein the connector is interconnected between the top weight plate and a force receiving member;
- and
- a supplemental weight, wherein the supplemental weight is movably connected to the connector for movement along the connector to a rest position above the top weight plate, and the supplemental weight is alternately supported by the frame and the top weight plate, whereby the connector moves relative to the supplemental weight when the supplemental weight is supported by the frame, and the supplemental weight moves together with the connector and the top weight plate when the supplemental weight is supported by the top weight plate.
2 more elements
An exercise apparatus, comprising;
- a frame, wherein the frame includes a guide rod;
- a weight stack, including a top weight plate, wherein the top weight plate is movably mounted on the guide rod;
- a connector, wherein the connector is interconnected between the top weight plate and a force receiving member;
- a supplemental weight, wherein the supplemental weight is disposed above the top weight plate and forms a substantially closed loop about the connector;
- and
- a means, mounted on the frame, for selectively combining the supplemental weight and the top weight plate, wherein the means supports the supplemental weight at a distance above the top weight plate in a first mode of operation, and the means allows the supplemental weight to be supported by the top weight plate in a second mode of operation.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.