Multi-function weight training apparatus

Abstract

A multi-function weight training apparatus including a support base, a linear motion beam, a resistance adjusting carriage, a main carriage, a weight carriage and a cable. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the base. The resistance adjusting carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam, wherein the resistance adjusting carriage is selectively positionable on the linear motion beam. The main carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam. The weight carriage is mounted with respect to the support base. The cable operably connects the weight carriage to the main carriage while an intermediate portion of the cable engages the resistance adjusting carriage. Moving the main carriage with respect to the linear motion beam causes the weight carriage to move with respect to the support base.

1 . A method of performing weight training exercises, the method comprising:
 rotating a linear motion beam with respect to a support base so that the linear motion beam is substantially parallel to a desired direction of movement for an exercise;   positioning an adjustment carriage on the linear motion beam to create a starting position of the exercise; and   urging a main carriage supported by the linear motion beam to move with respect to the linear motion beam against resistance provided by a weight carriage to effect exercising of a user's muscles.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the support base has a bottom section and a main post that extends from the bottom section, and wherein the linear motion beam is attached to the main post opposite the bottom section. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the linear motion beam has a main section and a secondary post that are oriented substantially parallel to each other, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of:
 moving the main carriage along the main section; and   moving the adjustment carriage along the secondary post.   
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the secondary post has a plurality of apertures formed therein, and wherein the apertures are adapted to receive a pin on the adjustment carriage for positioning the adjustment carriage at discrete locations on the secondary post. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment carriage has at least one pulley operably attached thereto, and wherein the pulley has a concaved outer surface that is adapted to receive the cable. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of controlling rotation of the linear motion beam with respect to the support base. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the step of controlling rotation is performed by a worm gear drive attached to the linear motion beam and a hand crank attached to the support base.