Selectable incremental resistance element

Abstract

A resistance training element is described. The resistance training element includes a primary resistance element including a selectable load having a first increment, an incremental resistance element, and an engagement element that is able to selectively couple the incremental resistance element to the primary resistance element. An incremental resistance element includes: a load including a weighted cylinder; and an engagement element including: a body able to rotate about a first shaft; a coupling element able to be attached to the load via a receptacle of the cylinder; and a handle extending out from the body. A resistance exercise machine includes: a selectable weight stack that is able to move along a central shaft; a resistance element that is able to move parallel to the central shaft; and an engagement element able to selectively couple the resistance element to the selectable weight stack.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A resistance training element comprising:
 a primary resistance element comprising a selectable load having a first increment;   an incremental resistance element; and   an engagement element that is able to selectively couple the incremental resistance element to the primary resistance element.   
     
     
         2 . The resistance training element of  claim 1 , wherein the primary resistance element comprises a weight stack. 
     
     
         3 . The resistance training element of  claim 1 , wherein the incremental resistance element comprises a weighted cylinder that moves along a shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The resistance training element of  claim 1 , wherein the incremental resistance element comprises a load that is half the first increment. 
     
     
         5 . The resistance training element of  claim 1 , wherein the primary resistance element comprises a movement shaft and the engagement element is able to rotate about the movement shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The resistance training element of  claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the engagement element is able to move about a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is perpendicular to the movement shaft. 
     
     
         7 . The resistance training element of  claim 1 , wherein the primary resistance element comprises a first movement shaft, the incremental resistance element comprises a second movement shaft, and the first movement shaft is parallel to the second movement shaft. 
     
     
         8 . An incremental resistance element comprising:
 a load comprising a weighted cylinder; and   an engagement element comprising:
 a body able to rotate about a first shaft; 
 a coupling element able to be attached to the load via a receptacle of the cylinder; and 
 a handle extending out from the body. 
   
     
     
         9 . The incremental resistance element of  claim 8 , wherein the first shaft is associated with a weight stack. 
     
     
         10 . The incremental resistance element of  claim 8 , wherein the weighted cylinder moves along a second shaft. 
     
     
         11 . The incremental resistance element of  claim 10 , wherein the second shaft is parallel to the first shaft. 
     
     
         12 . The incremental resistance element of  claim 8 , wherein the coupling element is able to automatically rotate about the first shaft and rotate about a pivot screw to move the coupling element to a non-obstructive position when the coupling element is not attached to the incremental load. 
     
     
         13 . The incremental resistance element of  claim 8 , wherein the coupling element comprises a round opening that is able to enclose at least a portion of the weighted cylinder. 
     
     
         14 . The incremental resistance element of  claim 13 , wherein the weighted cylinder includes a receptacle that is able to receive the round opening. 
     
     
         15 . A resistance exercise machine comprising:
 a selectable weight stack that is able to move along a central shaft;   a resistance element that is able to move parallel to the central shaft; and   an engagement element able to selectively couple the resistance element to the selectable weight stack.   
     
     
         16 . The resistance exercise machine of  claim 15 , wherein the resistance element comprises a weighted cylinder and support rod. 
     
     
         17 . The resistance exercise machine of  claim 15 , wherein the engagement element is able to rotate about the central shaft. 
     
     
         18 . The resistance exercise machine of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of the engagement element is able to rotate about a pivot axis that is parallel to the central shaft. 
     
     
         19 . The resistance exercise machine of  claim 15 , wherein the engagement element comprises a handle; a body coupled to the handle, and a coupling element coupled to the body. 
     
     
         20 . The resistance exercise machine of  claim 19 , wherein the coupling element comprises a hook able to engage a receptacle of the resistance element.