Exercise machine

Abstract

A device for use with an exerciser device, such as a reformer, which permits the adjustment of a resistance system, even when connected to a resistance source, by selectively relieving the resistance force imparted on the resistance adjustment system when changing the resistance and automatically reengaging the resistance force when exercising. A strain relief is coupled to a linkage between the resistance source and the resistance adjuster. When engaged, the strain relief selectively reduces the resistance force transmitted through the linkage to the resistance adjuster to permit movement of the resistance adjuster relative to the purchase. When disengaged the strain relief permits transmission of the resistance force through the linkage to the resistance adjuster.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . An exercise machine, comprising:
 (a) a frame, having a first end and a second end;   (b) a seat, movably attached to the frame, movable between a lowered/stowed position and a raised/use position; and   (c) a pedal that is (i) pivotally attached to a first position on the frame near the first end of the frame via a pedal arm assembly and (ii) coupled to a linkage, which in turn is coupled to a first end of a spring, with a second end of said spring being coupled to a second position on the frame, closer to the second end of the frame.   
     
     
         22 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , further comprising: (d) a stop attached to the linkage and (e) a bracket plate against which said stop abuts when said pedal is at or near its highest position, thereby isolating the pedal from tension provided by the spring. 
     
     
         23 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein the linkage is flexible. 
     
     
         24 . The exercise machine according to  claim 23 , wherein the linkage is a cable. 
     
     
         25 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein the linkage is coupled to the pedal via a selective attachment to any of plural different positions along the length of the pedal arm assembly. 
     
     
         26 . The exercise machine according to  claim 25 , wherein the pedal arm assembly includes a resistance-setting slot, and said plural different positions are discrete positions along said resistance-setting slot. 
     
     
         27 . The exercise machine according to  claim 26 , wherein said discrete positions are enlarged openings along the resistance-setting slot, and the linkage attaches to said discrete positions using a pull-pin assembly. 
     
     
         28 . The exercise machine according to  claim 26 , wherein the pedal arm assembly includes a pedal arm and an attached plate, and wherein the resistance-setting slot is formed in the attached plate. 
     
     
         29 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein the pedal arm assembly includes a cable hook, wherein the linkage includes an elongated main portion and an enlarged element at its proximal end, and wherein the linkage is attached to the pedal arm assembly via an opening in the cable hook that is large enough to accommodate the elongated main portion of the linkage but not the enlarged element. 
     
     
         30 . The exercise machine according to  claim 29 , wherein the enlarged element of the linkage is in the shape of a ball. 
     
     
         31 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , further comprising limiters that limit the extent of motion of the pedal arm assembly. 
     
     
         32 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein the linkage is also coupled to a first end of a second spring, with a second end of said second spring being coupled to a third position on the frame, closer to the second end of the frame. 
     
     
         33 . The exercise machine according to  claim 32 , wherein the spring and the second spring extend in parallel to each other. 
     
     
         34 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein in extending between the pedal arm assembly and the first end of the spring, the linkage is routed along a pulley. 
     
     
         35 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein the pedal is cylindrically shaped. 
     
     
         36 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein the frame includes a pair of rails extending between the first end of the frame and the second end of the frame, and wherein the spring extends along one of said rails. 
     
     
         37 . The exercise machine according to  claim 21 , wherein the pedal is one of a pair of pedals 
     
     
         38 . The exercise machine according to  claim 37 , wherein either or both of the pedals can be pushed down against resistance when the seat is in the raised/use position. 
     
     
         39 . The exercise machine according to  claim 37 , wherein each of the pedals is tubular shaped, and the pedals are arranged end-to-end with each other. 
     
     
         40 . The exercise machine according to  claim 37 , wherein the seat, when in the lowered/stowed position, is immediately adjacent the pair of pedals.