Multi-functional exercise machine

Abstract

A machine for concurrently exercising one or more of a user's muscle groups, the machine having a base having front and back ends, one or more linear slide rails, a user support and an engagement member for the user's hands or feet. The user support slides while pivoting during the exercise motion such that the location and angle of the user support is dictated by the linkage mechanism that positions and connects the user support relative to the other parts of the machine. The user support can be caused to move by the engagement member being acted upon by the user's feet only, by the user's hands only or a combination of the user's feet and hands concurrently during the exercise.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A multi-function exercise machine comprising:
 a) a stationary main frame having a front end and a back end;   b) a single plane stationary linear slide rail rigidly connected to the main frame that supports a sliding or rolling travel member;   c) a traveling member engaging the linear slide rail for movement in a fixed linear path along the linear slide rail;   d) a user support frame having a first pivotal connection and a second pivotal connection;   e) a three bar operative linkage mechanism, wherein each of the three bars has a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the three bars is connected at a common floating pivot axle, the second end of a first of the three bars is pivotally connected to the main frame, the second end of a second of the three bars is pivotally connected to the user support frame, and the second end of a third of the three bars is pivotally connected to the traveling member;   f) the first pivotal connection of the user support frame is connected to the traveling member and the second pivotal connection of the user support frame is connected to the linkage mechanism;   g) at least one moveable user engagement means for engagement by at least one of a user's hands or a user's feet or individually or simultaneously during the operation of the machine; and   h) a resistance means mounted on or operatively connected to the linkage mechanism for adding additional resistance to an exercise motion during operation of the machine.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 1 , wherein the linkage mechanism controls an angular orientation of the user support relative to the stationary main frame as the user support moves with the traveling member along the linear slide rail, and the linkage mechanism locates the travel member as it travels along the linear slide rail. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 2 , wherein engagement by the user of the at least one movable user engagement means concurrently causes the travel member to move along the linear slide rail, which causes the linkage mechanism to rotate on each of four pivot points of the linkage mechanism as the linkage mechanism continually adjust an angle of the user support relative to the main frame and locates the travel member along the linear slide rail. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 3 , wherein the user support and the travel member are moveable from a first at rest position to a second fully extended position during operation of the machine and can be maintained at any position between the first at rest position and the second fully extended position during operation of the machine. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one movable user engagement means is pivotally connected to the main frame. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one movable user engagement means is operatively connected to the travel member and is anchored on the main frame. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one movable user engagement means is pivotally connected to the main frame and is pivotally connected to the travel member. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one movable user engagement means is operatively connected to the user support, is operatively connected to the travel member, and is operatively connected to the main frame. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one movable user engagement means is pivotally connected to the main frame, is operatively connected to the travel member, and is operatively connected to the main frame. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one movable user engagement means is operatively connected to the travel member and is operatively connected to the main frame. 
     
     
         11 . The multi-function exercise machine of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one moveable user engagement means is adjustable in angle and distance relative to the user support frame.