Exercise Weight Selection Device and Method

Abstract

A device for imparting a resistive force to a connected exercise component is provided. The device includes a frame pivotally supporting a selection arm which has a weight connected to the selection arm by a pin arm. The weight imparts a force resisting rotation of the selection arm by a flexible member engaged with the exercise component. Adjusting the engagement of one end of the pin arm to an arched engagement path along the selection arm adjusts mechanical advantage and the resistive force.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component, comprising:
 a frame, said frame having a lower end for positioning on a support surface;   a selection arm pivotally supported at or adjacent a first end by said frame;   a connection at or adjacent a second end of said selection arm, said connection adapted for engagement to one end of flexible member which communicates at an opposite end, with an exercise device;   a pin arm, said pin arm having a first end pivotally engaged to a support, said support engageable with a weight, said pin arm having a second end opposite said first end;   said pin arm having a second end;   an elongated curved connection pathway connected with said selection arm, said connection pathway having a first end closest to said first end of said selection arm and extending to a second end of said connection pathway closest to said second end of said selection arm;   said second end of said pin arm removably engageable to a plurality of positions along said connection pathway between said first end and second end thereof;   said weight communicating a resistive force to a rotation of said selection arm in a direction away from said support surface by a translation of said flexible member;   a positioning of said second end of said pin arm to a connection to said connection pathway at a position closer to said first end of said connection pathway, thereby decreasing said resistive force; and   a said positioning of said second end of said pin arm to a said connection to said connection pathway at a position closer to said second end of said connection pathway, thereby increasing said resistive force, whereby a user of said exercise component connected by said flexible member to said selection arm, can vary said resistive force communicated to said exercise component by varying said connection of said second end of said pin arm to different respective positions along said connection pathway.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 1  wherein said pin arm is pivotally engaged to said support which is connected to a central area of said weight. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 1  wherein said pin arm is pivotally engaged to a connecting member and said connecting member is adapted for engagement with one or a plurality of barbell weights through engagement with centrally located apertures therein. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 1  additionally comprising:
 said elongated curved connection pathway defined by a plurality of apertures communicating into a support surface, said apertures sequentially positioned in a line following an arch; 
 said support surface engaged with said selection arm; and 
 said second end of said pin arm removably engageable to any of said plurality of apertures by a pin connecting said second end of said pin arm, with one of said respective apertures. 
 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 2  additionally comprising:
 said elongated curved connection pathway defined by a plurality of apertures communicating into a support surface, said apertures sequentially positioned in a line following an arch; 
 said support surface engaged with said selection arm; and 
 said second end of said pin arm removably engageable to any of said plurality of apertures by a pin connecting said second end of said pin arm, with one of said respective apertures. 
 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 3  additionally comprising:
 said elongated curved connection pathway defined by a plurality of apertures communicating into a support surface, said apertures sequentially positioned in a line following an arch; 
 said support surface engaged with said selection arm; and 
 said second end of said pin arm removably engageable to any of said plurality of apertures by a pin connecting said second end of said pin arm, with one of said respective apertures. 
 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 1  additionally comprising:
 said selection arm formed by a curved member, said curved member following an arch defining said elongated curved connection pathway. 
 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 2  additionally comprising:
 said selection arm formed by a curved member, said curved member following an arch defining said elongated curved connection pathway. 
 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 3  additionally comprising:
 said selection arm formed by a curved member, said curved member following an arch defining said elongated curved connection pathway. 
 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 4  additionally comprising:
 said selection arm formed by a curved member, said member having an axis following said arch of said line of apertures; and 
 said apertures communicating through a sidewall of said selection arm. 
 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 5  additionally comprising:
 said selection arm formed by a curved member, said member having an axis following said arch of said line of apertures; and 
 said apertures communicating through a sidewall of said selection arm. 
 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 6  additionally comprising:
 said selection arm formed by a curved member, said member having an axis following said arch of said line of apertures; and 
 said apertures communicating through a sidewall of said selection arm. 
 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 7  additionally comprising:
 an electric motor engaged with a screw gear; 
 said second end of said pin arm engaged to said curved member with a sliding component; and 
 said screw gear operatively connected to said sliding component whereby rotation of said motor slides said sliding component between said first end and second end of said connection pathway. 
 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 8  additionally comprising:
 an electric motor engaged with a screw gear; 
 said second end of said pin arm engaged to said curved member with a sliding component; and 
 said screw gear operatively connected to said sliding component whereby rotation of said motor slides said sliding component between said first end and second end of said connection pathway. 
 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus for provision of resistive force to a connected exercise component of  claim 9  additionally comprising:
 an electric motor engaged with a screw gear; 
 said second end of said pin arm engaged to said curved member with a sliding component; and 
 said screw gear operatively connected to said sliding component whereby rotation of said motor slides said sliding component between said first end and second end of said connection pathway.