Lightweight, variable, and high resistance machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a resistance machine, e.g., for exercising. In particular, the machine is lightweight, compact, and modular to allow for ease of transportation and storage. The multifunction machine is also capable of providing variable and high resistances for many types of weight training methods, such as powerlifting.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A resistance mechanism comprising
 a. a frame having a plurality of parallel rails within the frame;   b. a transverse bar having at least one opening through which the plurality of parallel rails passes;   c. at least one block having holes through which one or more of the parallel rails passes;   d. at least one locking fixture fixed to the frame and configured to removably secure at least one block to the frame; and   e. at least one resistance device connecting each block to the transverse bar in a manner which biases the transverse bar towards the connected block when the connected block is secured to the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein there are a plurality of blocks. 
     
     
         3 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the locking fixture comprises a rack and pinion gear assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance devices are comprised of elastic bands, springs, flywheels, electromagnets, motors, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance devices are constant force springs. 
     
     
         6 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rail sheaths slidably positioned on the parallel rails between the transverse bar and each block. 
     
     
         7 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , further comprising an inelastic cable with first and second ends, the first end is connected to the transverse bar, the second end is positioned through the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 7 , further comprising inelastic cable extensions attached to the inelastic cables. 
     
     
         9 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 7 , wherein the inelastic cable is lead through one or more pulleys, spools, gears, belts, or combinations thereof in a manner which decreases the distance of travel of the transverse bar as compared to the distance of travel of the second end of the inelastic cable. 
     
     
         10 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one cable arm through which an inelastic cable is led, each cable arm comprises
 a. a first end that is adjustably attached to the frame and adjustably positioned to extend away from the frame; and   b. a second end wherein the second end of the inelastic cable is positioned through the second end of the cable arm.   
     
     
         11 . A resistance machine comprising at least one encasing, each encasing enclosing at least one resistance mechanism, wherein each resistance mechanism is comprised of
 a. a frame having a plurality of parallel rails within the frame;   b. a transverse bar having at least one opening through which the plurality of parallel rails passes;   c. at least one block having holes through which one or more of the parallel rails passes;   d. at least one locking fixture fixed to the frame and configured to removably secure at least one block to the frame;   e. at least one resistance device connecting each block to the transverse bar in a manner which biases the transverse bar towards the connected block when the connected block is secured to the frame; and   f. an inelastic cable with first and second ends, the first end is connected to the transverse bar, the second end is positioned to through the frame.   
     
     
         12 . The resistance machine of  claim 11 , wherein each encasing is connected to a structural element that provides a means of supporting a user's weight. 
     
     
         13 . The resistance machine of  claim 12 , wherein the structural element is a platform, seat, bench, or combination thereof. 
     
     
         14 . The resistance machine of  claim 10 , further comprising at least one cable arm through which an inelastic cable is led, each cable arm comprises
 a. a first end that is adjustably attached to an encasing and adjustably positioned to extend away from the encasing; and   b. a second end wherein the second end of the inelastic cable is positioned through the second end of the cable arm.   
     
     
         15 . The resistance machine of  claim 10 , wherein there are a plurality of blocks in each frame. 
     
     
         16 . The resistance machine of  claim 10 , wherein the locking fixtures comprise a rack and pinion gear assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The resistance machine of  claim 10 , wherein the resistance devices are comprised of constant force springs. 
     
     
         18 . The resistance machine of  claim 10 , wherein the inelastic cable is lead through one or more pulleys, spools, gears, belts, or combinations thereof in a manner which decreases the distance of travel of the transverse bar to the distance of travel of the second end of the inelastic cable. 
     
     
         19 . The resistance machine of  claim 10 , further comprising inelastic cable extensions attached to the inelastic cables. 
     
     
         20 . A method for making a resistance machine, the method comprising the steps of
 a. providing a frame having a plurality of parallel rails within the frame;   b. providing a transverse bar having a plurality of holes through which the plurality of parallel rails passes;   c. providing at least one block having holes through which one or more of the parallel rails passes;   d. connecting at least one resistance device with first and second ends to a block on the first end and the transverse bar on the second end;   e. fixing a locking fixture to the frame, the locking fixture is configured to removably secure each block to the frame; and   f. connecting an inelastic cable to the transverse bar and positioned through the frame such that the inelastic cable is configured to pull the transverse bar away from each block.