Exercise machine

Abstract

A resistance machine for exercising is provided. In particular, the machine is compact, lightweight, and modular to allow for ease of transportation and storage. The multifunction machine is also capable of providing variable, constant, and high resistance for many types of resistance training methods, such as powerlifting. The machine includes at least one resistance mechanism having one or more resistance plates serially connected to a spool assembly. The main function of the resistance mechanism is to transfer the torque generated within the resistance plates to tension a cable. Resistance plates are connected to the spool assembly via a series of serial connector shafts.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A resistance mechanism comprising
 a. a spool comprised of a first encasing and a first shaft rotatably fixed to said first encasing, the first encasing containing a first encasing connection port and the first shaft containing a first shaft connection port;   b. a first cable wound about the first shaft with a first end fixed to the first shaft and a second end routed through the first encasing;   c. at least one resistance plate connected in series on an end of the spool, each resistance plate comprises
 i. a second encasing and a second shaft rotatably fixed to said second encasing, the second encasing containing second encasing connection ports on first and second ends thereof and the second shaft containing second shaft connection ports on first and second ends thereof, wherein the second encasing connection ports and second shaft connection ports connect to the respective connection ports of the adjacent resistance plate and/or the spool; and 
 ii. at least one resistance device contained within at least one resistance plate wherein the resistance device is positioned to resist the relative motion between the second shaft and the second encasing. 
   
     
     
         2 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein a second cable is attached to the second end of the first cable. 
     
     
         3 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , further comprising a resistance device contained within the first encasing and positioned to resist the relative motion between the first shaft and the first encasing. 
     
     
         4 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 3 , further comprising
 a. a clutch mechanism within the first encasing wherein the clutch is configured to engage or disengage the first shaft to the second shaft; and   b. an actuator configured to control the clutch.   
     
     
         5 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 4 , wherein the actuator is operated by a remote control remotely connected to the actuator. 
     
     
         6 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , further comprising a 360-degree pulley that is rotatably fixed to the first encasing wherein the second end of the first cable is routed through the 360-degree pulley. 
     
     
         7 . The resistance mechanism of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance device is a constant torque spring. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise machine comprising the resistance mechanism of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         9 . The exercise machine of  claim 8 , wherein each resistance mechanism is connected to a structural element. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise machine of  claim 9 , wherein the structural element is a platform, seat, bench, overhead extension, barbell, handle, fixed stake, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise machine of  claim 8 , further comprising
 a. a rail system fixed to a structure; and   b. a rail connector that slides along the rail system, the resistance mechanism being attached to the rail connector.   
     
     
         12 . The exercise machine of  claim 11 , wherein
 a. the first encasing is attached to the rail connector; and   b. the second end of the first cable is attached to a barbell, handle, or other human interface device.   
     
     
         13 . The exercise machine of  claim 11 , wherein
 a. the first encasing is attached to a barbell, handle, or other human interface device; and   b. the second end of the first cable is attached to the rail connector.   
     
     
         14 . The exercise machine of  claim 8 , wherein a second cable is attached to the second end of the first cable. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise machine of  claim 8 , further comprising a resistance device contained within the first encasing and positioned to resist the relative motion between the first shaft and the first encasing. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise machine of  claim 15 , further comprising
 a. a clutch mechanism within the first encasing wherein the clutch is configured to engage or disengage the first shaft to the second shaft; and   b. an actuator configured to control the clutch.   
     
     
         17 . The exercise machine of  claim 16 , wherein the actuator is operated by a remote control remotely connected to the actuator. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise machine of  claim 8 , further comprising a 360-degree pulley that is rotatably fixed to the first encasing wherein the second end of the first cable is routed through the 360-degree pulley. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise machine of  claim 8 , wherein the resistance device is a constant torque spring. 
     
     
         20 . A resistance mechanism comprised of
 a. a takeup shaft;   b. a spool shaft;   c. an encasing rotatably fixed to the takeup shaft and the spool shaft;   d. at least one resistance device, such as a spring, resistance band, or electrical motor, contained within the encasing positioned to resist the relative motion of the takeup shaft and the encasing;   e. a cable wound about the spool shaft on a first end and routed through the encasing on a second end;   f. a transmission that connects the takeup shaft to the spool shaft and controls the gear ratio between the shafts; and   g. a means to alter the gear ratio output of the transmission, such as a dial.