Weight Training Apparatus and Method

Abstract

A weight training apparatus includes a track rotatably connected to a frame for rotation about a first axis to define a first moment arm. A weight is carried by the track at preselected positions for providing torque. A movement arm is pivotally connected to the frame to define a second moment arm. A coupling between the movement arm and the track causes a rotating of the track in response to a rotation of the movement arm. An angular movement of the second moment arm through a second arc length results in an angular movement of the first moment arm through a first arc length, wherein the second arc length is greater than the first arc length for all rotations of the movement arm and the track. The weight thus moves more slowly than the resistance arm.

1 . A weight training apparatus comprising: 
 a frame;    a track rotatably connected to the frame and pivotal about a first axis,    a resistance block carried by the track at a relocatable preselected position along the track, wherein the resistance block and the track form a resistance block assembly having a center of gravity;    a movement arm pivotal about a second axis, the movement arm having a user engagement portion for applying a force to the movement arm;    a coupling connecting the movement arm to the resistance block assembly for rotating the track about the first axis in response to rotation of the movement arm about the second axis, wherein an angular movement of the center of gravity of the resistance block assembly through a first arc length results from an angular movement of the user engagement portion through a second arc length, and wherein the second arc length is greater than the first arc length for all rotations of the movement arm and the track, the center of gravity of the resistance block assembly thus moving more slowly than the user engagement portion.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a fixed link fixedly attached to the track, wherein the coupling is connected to the fixed link.  
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a keeper securing the resistance block to the track at the preselected position.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the keeper comprises a drive mechanism operable with the resistance block for movement thereof.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 4 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises a threaded shaft, and wherein rotation of the shaft results in a linear movement of the resistance block along the track.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the resistance block is carried by the track so as to distribute its weight such that the center of gravity of the resistance block assembly is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the track.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the resistance block comprises a plurality of weight blocks.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the resistance block is moveable to locations along the track from one side of the first axis to an opposing side thereof for providing positive and negative torque thereto.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a wheel assembly operable between the resistance block and the track, the wheel assembly enhancing a slidable movement of the resistance block along the track from the preselected position to a second preselected position.  
   
   
       10 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the coupling comprises a resistance modulator for modifying a resistance felt by the user engagement portion at various locations within the second arc length for a fixed preselected position of the resistance block on the track.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the resistance modulator comprises at least one of a cam, a rod, and a belt.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the movement arm comprises adjustable means for slidable movement of the resistance arm toward and away from the second axis of rotation, thus allowing a length modification to the second moment arm.  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the movement arm is pivotally connected to the frame, and wherein the user engagement portion includes a resistance arm attached generally perpendicular to the movement arm.  
   
   
       14 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a linkage connecting the movement arm to the coupling.  
   
   
       15 . An apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the linkage comprises a pulley assembly rotatably connected to the frame and a strap connected to the movement arm for operation of the coupling therewith.  
   
   
       16 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a seat assembly operable with the frame, wherein the seat assembly comprises a base support and a back support.  
   
   
       17 . An apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the movement arm is carried by the seat assembly.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the fixed link comprises a lift bar fixedly attached to the track, wherein the lift bar includes opposing plates in spaced relation and dimensioned for permitting the resistance block to pass therebetween, the lift bar further including a link bar providing an attachment point for the coupling.  
   
   
       19 . An apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein the fixed link is pivotally attached to the track at a third axis.  
   
   
       20 . A weight training apparatus comprising: 
 a frame    a track rotatably connected to the frame;    a resistance block carried by the track at a preselected position thereon;    a movement arm having a user engagement portion for applying a force thereto; and    a coupling operably between the movement arm and the track for rotating the track in response to a movement of the movement arm, wherein a movement of the movement arm through a first length dimension results in an angular movement of the track through a second length dimension, and wherein the first length dimension is greater than the second length for all movements of the movement arm and the track, the resistance block thus moving more slowly than the movement arm.    
   
   
       21 . An apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the second length dimension includes an arc length dimension.  
   
   
       22 . An apparatus according to  claim 20 , further comprising a keeper securing the resistance block to the track at the preselected position.  
   
   
       23 . An apparatus according to  claim 22 , wherein the keeper comprises a drive mechanism operable with the resistance block for movement of the resistance block along the track.  
   
   
       24 . An apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the resistance block is carried by the track so as to distribute its weight such that a center of gravity of the resistance block is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the track.  
   
   
       25 . An apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the resistance block is moveable to locations along the track for providing positive and negative torque thereto.  
   
   
       26 . An apparatus according to  claim 25 , the resistance block is moveable along the track during a period wherein the user engagement portion is applying the force to the movement arm.  
   
   
       27 . An apparatus according to  claim 20 , wherein the coupling comprises a resistance modulator for modifying a resistance felt by the user engagement portion for a fixed preselected position of the resistance block on the track.