US 12,420,140 B2
Exercise apparatuses for leg strengthening
Evan Schraut, Anoka, MN (US); J P Stockton, Red Wing, MN (US); and Adam D. Keskey, Buffalo, MN (US)
Assigned to Life Fitness, LLC, Rosemont, IL (US)
Filed by Life Fitness, LLC, Rosemont, IL (US)
Filed on Dec. 14, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/540,406.
Prior Publication US 2025/0195948 A1, Jun. 19, 2025
Int. Cl. A63B 23/04 (2006.01); A63B 21/00 (2006.01); A63B 21/06 (2006.01); A63B 21/062 (2006.01); A63B 23/035 (2006.01)
CPC A63B 23/0494 (2013.01) [A63B 21/4047 (2015.10); A63B 2208/0214 (2013.01); A63B 2225/09 (2013.01)] 33 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An exercise apparatus for leg strengthening, the exercise apparatus comprising:
a frame longitudinally extending from a front to a rear, vertically extending from a top to a bottom, and laterally extending from a first side to a second side,
a knee support configured to support a knee of a user relative to the frame,
a leg brace configured to brace a lower leg of the user relative to the frame,
a linkage assembly configured to facilitate performance of a hamstring curl exercise motion in which a chest of the user is lowered and then raised relative to the frame, the linkage assembly including:
a driver arm pivotably coupled to the frame and configured to support the chest of the user,
a loaded arm pivotably coupled to the frame above the driver arm, the loaded arm providing or supporting a load, and
a connecting arm pivotably coupling the driver arm to the loaded arm so that lowering of the chest during the hamstring curl exercise motion is resisted by the load and so that raising of the chest during the hamstring curl exercise motion is assisted by the load.