Leg exercise apparatus and method with gravity latch device

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for leg exercises having a seat (100), a support structure (200) being operatively associated with the seat (100); a structure for resisting (300) a movement of the exerciser; and a structure for exercising (400) a leg, the leg exercising structure (400) being operatively associated with the resisting structure (300). The leg exercising structure (400) includes an upper thigh support member (410), a lower thigh support member (420) being cooperatively associated with the upper thigh support member (410), a calf support member (430), a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism (440) being mechanically coupled to the calf support member (430), and a structure for converting (500) from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure (500) being operatively associated with the calf support member (430), the converting structure having a gravity latch device (510).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This document is a continuation-in-part application of, and claims priority from, copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 849,411, entitled “Adjustable Cable System” and filed on May 18, 2004.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention generally technically relates to exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention technically relates to exercise machines for strengthening the legs of an exerciser. Even more particularly, the present invention technically relates to exercise machines for facilitating performance of leg extensions and leg curls by an exerciser. BACKGROUND ART [0003] Over the past several years, people have become more interested in maintaining good physical health by deliberately engaging in exercise and other physical activities. Weight-lifting, running, and swimming are but three of the several types of exercise that people choose to engage in order to maintain physical fitness. Rowing, aerobic act...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] In providing a solution to the foregoing and other known problems and disadvantages inherent in the related art weight machines, the present invention involves a leg exercise apparatus having a device for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl device and vice versa. The present invention leg exercise apparatus comprises a seat for accommodating an exerciser, a support structure being operatively associated with the seat; a structure for resisting a movement of the exerciser; and a structure for exercising a leg, the leg exercising structure being operatively associated with the resisting structure. The leg exercising structure comprises an upper thigh support member, a lower thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the upper thigh support member, a calf support member, a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member, and a structure for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure being operatively associated with the calf support member. The converting structure comprises a gravity latch device which can be a pawl and ratchet wheel combination by example only. The present gravity latch device eliminates the need for burdensome pop-in / pop-out pins.

[0010] Advantages of the present invention include providing better access and convenience to weightlifting cable system for leg exercise without the need for complex instructions and providing an easy mechanism for converting from one form of leg exercise to another. Other features of the present invention are disclosed, or are apparent, in the section entitled “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” infra.

Problems solved by technology

Such vertical disposition of the moveable structural elements that allow engagement of the weights by the exerciser may be inconveniently positioned for certain activities.

In such circumstances, a related art vertically disposed exercise system may present a challenge to individuals who choose to use such a machine.

As a result, moveable structural elements for the weights may be inconveniently located and require inconvenient grasping and engaging techniques by the exerciser.

Images