Cable Connection Assembly

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/641,230, filed May 1, 2024, which prior application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a connection assembly for providing a connection at an end of a cable, and more specifically to a connection assembly for providing a connection at an end of a cable system for a weightlifting machine that uses one or more cables.

BACKGROUND

Weightlifting machines using cables to connect a user input point to a weight source are known in the art, as well as weight rack assemblies having such weightlifting machines mounted thereon. Weightlifting machines of this type often require connection assemblies at the end of the cable for various purposes, including connection of attachments to the cable. It is advantageous for such a connection assembly to be easily assembled and disassembled, because routing the cable through various pulleys and openings in the weightlifting machine may not be possible with a large connection at the end of the cable. Existing cable connection assemblies do not provide an adequate combination of achieving a strong connection, durable structure, avoiding damage to the cable, and ease of assembly and disassembly.

The present disclosure is provided to address this need and other needs in existing cable connection assemblies. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a connection assembly for connection to a cable having an enlarged end piece. The assembly includes a base having a connector at a first end configured for connection to an attachment and a cavity extending inward from a second end opposite the first end, a holder received within the cavity of the base, and a shell having a side wall and an end wall defining a chamber receiving the base and the holder therein, such that at least the first end of the base extends out of the chamber. The cavity has a threaded inner surface, and the holder has a threaded outer surface that is threadably engaged with the threaded inner surface of the cavity to removably fix the holder within the cavity. The base also has and a base fastener hole extending through the base to the cavity, and the shell has a shell fastener hole extending through the side wall and into the chamber. A fastener extends through the shell fastener hole and is received in the base fastener hole to removably fix the base within the chamber of the shell. The holder also has a receiver and a passage extending to the receiver, where the passage is configured to receive the cable therethrough, and the receiver is configured to receive and engage the enlarged end piece of the cable to retain the cable within the passage. The end wall of the shell has an aperture configured for receiving the cable therethrough to engage the holder within the chamber.

According to one aspect, the assembly also includes a ring comprising a resilient material and positioned within the chamber and between the holder and the end wall of the shell, the ring having a ring passage configured to receive the cable therethrough such that the ring extends around the cable. In one configuration, the holder further includes a first end having the receiver therein, a second end opposite the first end and adjacent to the end wall of the shell, and a recess in the second end, and the ring is received within the recess.

According to another aspect, the holder further includes a first end having the receiver therein, a second end opposite the first end and adjacent to the end wall of the shell, and beveled surfaces at the second end configured to assist a user in rotating the holder to thread the holder into the cavity. In one configuration, the base fastener hole extends from the outer surface of the base into the cavity, and the fastener extends through the base fastener hole to engage the holder and further removably fix the holder within the cavity.

According to a further aspect, the holder also includes a slot extending from an outer surface or side surface of the holder to the passage and to the receiver, where the slot is configured to permit the cable to be inserted laterally into the passage and the receiver.

Additional aspects of the disclosure relate to a connection assembly for connection to a cable having an enlarged end piece. The assembly includes a base having a connector at a first end configured for connection to an attachment and a cavity extending inward from a second end opposite the first end, a holder received within the cavity of the base and removably fixed within the cavity, and a shell having a side wall and an end wall defining a chamber receiving the base and the holder therein, such that the base is removably fixed within the chamber and at least the first end of the base extends out of the chamber. The holder has a passage configured to receive the cable therethrough, and the holder is configured to engage the enlarged end piece of the cable to retain the cable within the passage. The end wall of the shell has an aperture configured for receiving the cable therethrough to engage the holder within the chamber. The connector may be or include a clevis connector in one example.

According to one aspect, the assembly also includes a ring comprising a resilient material and positioned within the chamber and between the holder and the end wall of the shell, and the ring has a ring passage configured to receive the cable therethrough such that the ring extends around the cable. In one configuration, the holder further includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end and adjacent to the end wall of the shell, and a recess in the second end, and the ring is received within the recess.

According to another aspect, the cavity of the base has a threaded inner surface, and the holder has a threaded outer surface that is complementary to the threaded inner surface of the base, such that the holder is removably fixed within the cavity by threaded engagement between the threaded inner surface of the base and the threaded outer surface of the holder. In one configuration, the holder may have a first end, a second end opposite the first end and adjacent to the end wall of the shell, and beveled surfaces at the second end configured to assist a user in rotating the holder to thread the holder into the cavity. In another configuration, the base may have a base fastener hole extending from the outer surface of the base into the cavity, and a fastener extends through the base fastener hole to engage the holder and further removably fix the holder within the cavity.

According to a further aspect, the base has a base fastener hole in an outer surface thereof, and the shell has a shell fastener hole extending through the side wall and into the chamber. The connection assembly further includes a fastener extending through the shell fastener hole and engaged with the base fastener hole to removably fix the base within the chamber of the shell.

According to yet another aspect, the holder has a first end, a second end opposite the first end and adjacent to the end wall of the shell, and a receiver in the first end, such that the passage extends through the holder to the receiver. The holder is configured to engage the cable such that the cable extends through the passage to the receiver. The passage has a width that is configured to be smaller than the enlarged end piece of the cable to resist passage of the enlarged end piece through the passage, and the receiver has a width that is enlarged with respect to the width of the passage, such that the receiver is configured to receive and retain the enlarged end piece. In one configuration, the holder may have a slot extending from an outer surface of the holder to the passage and to the receiver, such that the slot is configured to permit the cable to be inserted laterally into the passage and the receiver.

Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a cable system for use with a weightlifting machine, including a cable having an input end with an enlarged end piece, and a connection assembly according to any aspects disclosed herein connected to the input end of the cable. For example, the connection assembly may include a base having a connector at a first end configured for connection to an attachment and a cavity extending inward from a second end opposite the first end, a holder received within the cavity of the base and removably fixed within the cavity, and a shell having a side wall and an end wall defining a chamber receiving the base and the holder therein, where the base is removably fixed within the chamber. The holder has a passage receiving the cable therethrough, where the holder engages the enlarged end piece of the cable to retain the cable within the passage, and the end wall of the shell has an aperture through which the cable extends to engage the holder within the chamber.

According to one aspect, the connection assembly further includes a ring comprising a resilient material and positioned within the chamber and between the holder and the end wall of the shell, the ring having a ring passage receiving the cable therethrough such that the ring extends around the cable.

According to another aspect, the cavity of the base has a threaded inner surface, and the holder has a threaded outer surface that is complementary to the threaded inner surface of the base, such that the holder is removably fixed within the cavity by threaded engagement between the threaded inner surface of the base and the threaded outer surface of the holder.

According to a further aspect, the base has a base fastener hole in an outer surface thereof, and the shell has a shell fastener hole extending through the side wall and into the chamber. A fastener extends through the shell fastener hole and engages with the base fastener hole to removably fix the base within the chamber of the shell.

According to yet another aspect, the holder has a first end, a second end opposite the first end and adjacent to the end wall of the shell, and a receiver in the first end, such that the passage extends through the holder to the receiver, and the cable extends through the passage to the receiver. The passage has a width that is smaller than the enlarged end piece of the cable to resist passage of the enlarged end piece through the passage, and the receiver has a width that is enlarged with respect to the width of the passage, such that the receiver is configured to receive and retain the enlarged end piece.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To allow for a more full understanding of the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a weight rack assembly having a weightlifting machine according to aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the weight rack assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a cable connection assembly connected to a cable end, according to aspects of the disclosure, which is usable in connection with the weight rack assembly and the weightlifting machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the cable connection assembly and the cable end of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the cable connection assembly and the cable end of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the cable connection assembly and the cable end of FIG. 3, with a portion of the cable connection assembly shown as transparent to illustrate internal detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail example embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. In the following description of various example structures according to the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

General aspects of the disclosure relate to a connection assembly 50 for providing a connection at an end of a cable system for a weightlifting machine that uses one or more cables. Referring to the drawings, and initially to FIGS. 1-2, there is shown an example of a weight rack assembly 10 that includes a frame 12 and one or more weightlifting structures connected to and/or supported by the frame 12, including one or more shelves, barbell racks, and body weight exercise supports (e.g., bars, handles, and other structures for use in body weight exercises such as chin-ups, climbing, and others), and weightlifting accessories and mechanisms. Two weightlifting machines 30 are also supported by the frame 12 for use in weightlifting exercises.

The frame 12 may include an arrangement of frame members 20, including a plurality of vertical frame members 20 that are connected together with a plurality of lateral frame members 20 extending between the plurality of vertical frame members 20A. For example, the frame 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 is primarily formed by a plurality of structural support members or frame members 20 in the form of metal bars, which may be arranged and connected to each other as vertical beams, horizontal or lateral crossbeams, and angular beams to support the various structures of the rack assembly 10. The frame 12 may also include connectors in the form of brackets or other connecting structures for connecting the frame members 20 together to form the frame 12. The vertical and lateral frame members 20 as shown in FIGS. 1-2 may be formed as rectangular metal tubes having four side surfaces defining a hollow interior. As known to one skilled in the art, a rectangular tube may have either a square cross-sectional shape where each side surface has the same width or rectangular cross-sectional shape where a first side surface may have a different width than its adjacent side surface.

At least one of the side surfaces of each frame member 20 may include a plurality of openings or fastener holes 26 arranged along the lengths of frame member 20. Additionally, the plurality of holes 26 may be identical in shape and size as well as evenly spaced apart from one another along at least a portion of a length of each frame member. In some configurations, the holes 26 on each surface may be the same shape, such as circular openings, while in other configurations, the holes 26 may not be the same shape on each surface. The fastener holes 26 may have different shapes, such as circular holes, elongated (i.e., “keyhole” shaped) holes, etc. A single surface of a frame member 20 may include a mixture of different types of holes 26 in one embodiment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-2, the vertical frame members 20 have circular holes 26 on some surfaces and a combination of circular holes and elongated holes 26 spaced along a second surface that is adjacent to the first surface. It is understood that opposing holes 26 (i.e., located directly across from each other) may be axially aligned along the length of the frame member 20 and have the same shapes.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the frame members 20 may include an L-shape or U-shaped structure with a plurality of holes 26 arranged along the length of each surface. This arrangement of fastener holes 26 permits fasteners (not shown) to extend into or through each frame member 20 in two transverse directions for connection of various components to any side of each frame member 20, including weightlifting structures, other frame members 20, and other structures. Suitable fasteners include pins (including cotter pins or other locking pins), bolts and other threaded connectors, clamps, and other types of fasteners. The rack assembly 10 and frame 12 structured in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and described herein permits construction in a modular manner to provide a wide variety of configurations as desired, including customizable sizes, layouts, and supported weightlifting structures. It is understood that various weight rack assemblies 10 and frames 12 of FIGS. 1-2 may have a smaller and/or simpler form or a larger and/or more complex form, with multiple weightlifting structures connected thereto.

The weight rack assembly 10 in FIGS. 1-2 includes two weightlifting machines 30 each configured for use with a weight source 90 to provide resistance for a weightlifting exercise. The weight source 90 may include a weight stack, a free weight such as a weight plate, a resistance band, a machine or constrained weight, a moveable carriage for engagement of different weighted articles (e.g., weight plates and/or resistance bands), and/or a combination of weight sources or other similar arranged element, and such a weight source 90 may be configured to be adjustable in weight and/or to permit interchanging of weighted articles. The weightlifting machines 30 in FIGS. 1-2 each include a weight stack as the weight source, to provide adjustable resistance, as known in the art. Both weightlifting machines 30 in FIGS. 1-2 are configured for use in a tricep pull exercise, where the user pulls substantially downward with both hands. However, the weightlifting machines 30 may be configured for use with different exercises, such as by interchanging grip attachments 36, changing the cable length (e.g., through adding or removing cable extensions), re-routing the cables, etc.

The weightlifting machine 30 generally includes a weight source 90 that may be mounted on or supported by the frame 12 in some embodiments, a cable system 35 having an input end 34 formed as a distal end of the cable system 35 and configured for connection to an attachment 36 (such as a grip attachment) and engaged with the weight source, and a pulley system 37 routing the cable system 35 from the input end 34 to the weight source 90. In each of the weightlifting machines 30 of FIGS. 1-2, the cable system 35 has a weight end 33 coupled to the weight source 90 such that the weight end 33 and the input end 34 form opposite ends of the cable system 35. In another embodiment, the cable system 35 may be engaged with a pulley coupled to the weight source 90, such that the cable runs through the pulley and has an end located elsewhere, e.g., fixed to a different point on the frame 12 or configured as a second input end. Various different embodiments of weightlifting machines 30 may incorporate the connection assembly 50 disclosed herein. Examples of weightlifting machines that may be designed to incorporate various embodiments of the connection assembly 50 disclosed herein are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 11,260,261 B2, filed on Oct. 14, 2019, and granted on Mar. 1, 2022, and U.S. Application Publication No. 2022/0072361 A1, filed on Oct. 20, 2021, and published on Mar. 10, 2022, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

Each cable system 35 in FIGS. 1-2 includes a single cable 43 connected at the weight end 33 to the weight source 90 and at the input end 34 to a grip attachment 36. The cable system 35 may include multiple cables 43 in another embodiment, which may create a single input end 34 or multiple input ends 34 that may have the same or different mechanical advantages. Additionally, the cable system 35 may include stops (not shown) to limit movement of the cable(s) 43, such as a rubber ball. The cable systems 35 may be configured so that the cable(s) 43 passes through one or more of the frame members 20, such as through one or more fastener holes 26 and/or through the central passage of the frame member(s) 20. Each of the cables 43 in FIGS. 1-2 passes through one of the frame members 20 transversely to the frame member 20 (i.e., passing vertically through a passage 101 in the horizontal frame member 20) by entering one of the fastener holes 26, through the hollow interior of the horizontal frame member 20, and exiting through another fastener hole 26 on the opposite side of the lateral frame member 20. The relevant fastener hole(s) 26 may be outfitted with a grommet or other protector to avoid damage to the cable 43.

The pulley system 37 may include one or more pulleys 45 configured to guide and, in some cases, redirect the cable(s) 43 of the cable system 35. For example, each pulley system 37 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2 includes two pulleys 45 mounted to the frame 12 at different locations spaced from each other, redirecting the cable 43 from vertical to horizontal and back to vertical. The pulley system 37 also includes one or more mounts 46 configured for mounting the pulley(s) 45 to the frame 12. One of the weightlifting machines 30 in FIGS. 1-2 has a single pulley mount 46 mounting both pulleys 45, and the other weightlifting machine 30 has two pulley mounts 46 each mounting one of the pulleys 45. In another embodiment, the pulley system 37 may also be configured to create a mechanical advantage in a weightlifting exercise, such as through incorporation of travelling pulleys and additional cables 43.

An example embodiment of a connection assembly 50 for use with a weightlifting machine 30 such as shown in FIGS. 1-2 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-7. While the weightlifting machines 30 in FIGS. 1-2 are not depicted as using the connection assembly 50, it is understood that the input ends 34 of each of the cable systems 35 may be outfitted with the connection assembly 50. In other embodiments, one or more ends of a cable system 35 may be outfitted with the connection assembly 50, including one or more input ends 34, weight ends 33, or ends that are fixed to the weight rack frame 12. The connection assembly 50 is configured to permit simple connection of an attachment 36, such as a grip attachment, a cable extension, or other article, via a connection assembly such as a carabiner, a clevis or shackle, or other connection, which may use a removable connecting structure. The connection assembly 50 is configured for use with a cable 43 that has an enlarged end piece 48 at the terminal end thereof, which is in the form of a rigid ball (e.g., formed of metal) in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7. The enlarged end piece 48 is larger in width than the cable 43 itself in at least one plane or direction. The rigid ball enlarged end piece 48 in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7 has a larger width than the cable 43 in all planes and directions measured perpendicular to the axis of the cable 43. It is understood that other shapes of the enlarged end piece 48 may be used in other embodiments.

The connection assembly 50 includes a base 51 having a connector 52 at a first end 53 and a cavity 54 extending inward from an opposed second end 55, a holder 56 received within the cavity 54 of the base 51 and having a receiver 57 for receiving the enlarged end piece 48 of the cable 43, a ring 58 positioned around the cable 43, and a shell 59 having a chamber 60 receiving the base 51, the holder 56, and the ring 58 therein. In one embodiment, the holder 56 is removably fixed within the cavity 54 of the base 51, and the holder 56 and the base 51 are removably fixed within the chamber 60 of the shell 59. The connector 52 in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7 is in the form of a loop or clevis structure, but other connectors 52 may be used in other embodiments, including releasable connectors. It is understood that the connector 52 is configured for connection to an attachment 36 as described herein and shown in FIGS. 1-2.

The base 51 in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7 is formed as a single-piece structure with the connector 52, such as by casting and/or machining, and may be formed of a high-strength material such as stainless steel or other metal. The base 51 may have a generally cylindrical structure, with the cavity 54 extending inward from the second end 55 thereof. The cavity 54 may be formed by drilling a blind hole in one embodiment. The cavity 54 in FIGS. 3-7 is defined by a cylindrical inner surface 61 that is threaded. The base 51 includes at least one fastener hole 62 (also referred to as a “base fastener hole”) extending from the outer surface into the cavity 54, and the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7 has two fastener holes 62 extend inward from opposite sides of the base 51.

The holder 56 is a generally cylindrical body that has a generally cylindrical outer surface 63 that is threaded with complementary threading to the inner surface 61 of the cavity 54 of the base 51. The receiver 57 extends inward from a first end 64 of the holder 56 more proximate to the connector 52, and a passage 65 extends through a bottom wall 66 of the receiver 57 to permit the cable to pass through the second end 67 of the holder 56 when the enlarged end 48 is received in the receiver 57. The width or diameter of the passage 65 is smaller than the width/diameter of the enlarged end 48 to prevent the enlarged end 48 from passing through the passage 65, such that the bottom wall 66 of the receiver 57 engages the enlarged end 48 to hold the enlarged end 48 in place when tension is exerted on the cable 43. The holder 56 in FIGS. 3-7 also has a slot 68 extending from the outer surface 63 to the receiver 57 and the passage 65, to permit insertion of the cable 43 through the passage 65 and into the receiver 57. The slot 68 also has a smaller width than the width/diameter of the enlarged end 48, so the enlarged end 48 cannot pass laterally out of the receiver 57 through the slot 68. In this configuration, the enlarged end 48 can only pass into or out of the receiver 57 axially through the first end 64 of the holder 56. A cable end 39 (such as an input end 34) is connected to the holder 56 by inserting the cable 43 into the slot 68 laterally (see FIG. 6) and pulling the cable 43 axially until the enlarged end 48 passes into the receiver 57 from the first end 64 of the holder 56. It is understood that the slot 68 extends inwardly from the outer surface 63 to the passage 65 and the receiver 57 in the lateral direction of insertion of the cable 43 into the slot 68, and that this lateral direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the passage 65. Thus, the outer surface 63 may be considered a side surface between the ends 64, 67 of the holder 56. The second end 67 of the holder 56 (distal from the connector 52 and adjacent to the end wall 72 of the shell 59) has a portion that is not threaded and has two beveled surfaces 69 on opposite sides of the holder 56, as well as a recess 70 located between the beveled surfaces 69. The beveled surfaces 69 provide a grip and space from the inner surface 61 of the cavity 54 of the base 51, to assist the user in rotating the holder 56 to thread the holder 56 into the cavity 54 by engagement of the threading on the inner surface 61 of the cavity 54 and the outer surface 63 of the holder 56. Once the cable 43 is connected to the holder 56 such that the enlarged end 48 is received in the receiver 57, and the holder 56 is threaded into the base 51, the enlarged end 48 is retained within the receiver 57. The recess 70 is centrally located and is separated from the receiver 57 by the bottom wall 66, such that the passage 65 and the slot 68 extend into the recess 70.

The ring 58 extends around the cable 43 to hold the cable 43 in place and resist side-to-side movement of the cable 43, further securing the connection between the cable 43 and the connection assembly 50 and protecting the cable 43 from wear. The ring 58 is an annular structure made of a rubber or other resilient material in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7. The ring 58 has a passage 71 that receives the cable 43 therethrough. The ring 58 may be positioned between the holder 56 and the end wall 72 of the shell 59. The ring 58 in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7 is received in the recess 70 in the second end 67 of the holder 56 and may engage the shell 59. The width/diameter of the ring 58 is approximately equal to the width/diameter of the recess 70, to resist movement of the ring 58 within the recess 70. In other embodiments, the ring 58 may not be a completely annular structure (e.g., a split ring) and/or may have a completely or partially non-circular outer periphery.

The shell 59 is a cup-shaped member having an end wall 72 and a side wall 73 extending from the end wall 72 to define a chamber 60, with an aperture 74 extending through the end wall 72 to the chamber 60. The chamber 60 is open at the end of the shell 59 opposite the end wall 72, defining an end opening 77 in the end of the shell 59. The shell 59 may be made from a strong and durable material in one embodiment, such as a high-strength plastic or fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). In the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7, the shell 59 receives at least a portion of the base 51, as well as the holder 56, the ring 58, and the end 39 of the cable 43, including the enlarged end piece 48, within the chamber 60. The shell 59 has a circular shape in this embodiment when viewed axially, with the side wall 73 having a partially cylindrical shape. The side wall 73 also has one or more fastener holes 75 (also referred to as “shell fastener holes”) extending therethrough, and when the connection assembly 50 is assembled, the fastener holes 75 of the shell 59 are aligned with the fastener hole(s) 62 of the base 51. The shell 59 in FIGS. 3-7 has two fastener holes 75 to match the two fastener holes 62 of the base 51, and it is understood that different numbers of fastener holes 62, 75 may be used in other embodiments. The fastener holes 62 of the base 51 may be threaded, but the fastener holes 75 of the shell 59 may or may not be threaded, and the fastener holes 75 in the embodiment of FIGS. 3-7 are not threaded. In this configuration, fasteners 76 are received through the fastener holes 75 of the shell 59 and are threaded into the fastener holes 62 of the base 51 to connect the shell 59 to the base 51 and secure the components of the connection assembly 50. The fasteners 76 may further engage the holder 56 within the cavity 54 of the base 51 to resist rotation of the holder 56 that may disrupt the threaded connection between the base 51 and the holder 56.

Assembly of the connection assembly 50 of FIGS. 3-7 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The connection assembly 50 is assembled by first passing the cable end 39 through the aperture 74 of the shell 59 and the passage 71 of the ring 58, and then engaging the cable end 39 with the holder 56 such that the enlarged end portion 48 is received in the receiver 57 as disclosed herein. The holder 56 is then threaded into the cavity 54 of the base 51 by rotating the holder 56, thereby securing the cable end 39 within the receiver 57. Once secured, the ring 58 is pushed into the recess 70, and the ring 58, the holder 56, and the base 51 are inserted into the chamber 60 of the shell 59. Finally, fasteners 76 are inserted through the fastener holes 75 in the shell 59 and are threaded into the fastener holes 62 in the base 51 until the ends of the fasteners 76 engage the holder 56. Disassembly of the connection assembly 50 is accomplished by reversing these steps. Once assembled, the connection assembly 50 may be connected to an attachment 36 as discussed herein, such as a grip attachment or a cable extension.

In assembling a weightlifting machine 30 and/or a weight rack assembly 10 including such a machine 30, the cable system 35 is routed as desired through the pulley system 37. Once the cable system 35 is fully routed, a cable stop (e.g., a ball stop) may be connected to the cable 43 near the cable end 39 if desired. The connection assembly 50 is then assembled and connected to the cable end 39 as disclosed herein. If the cable system 35 is desired to be re-routed, the connection assembly 50 is first disassembled and disconnected from the cable end 39 as disclosed herein, and any cable stop can be removed. The cable system 35 is then re-routed, and the cable stop (if any) and the connection assembly 50 can then be reconnected to the cable end 39.

Various embodiments of connection assemblies have been described herein, which include various components and features. In other embodiments, the connection assembly may be provided with any combination of such components and features. It is also understood that in other embodiments, the various devices, components, and features of the connection assembly described herein may be constructed with similar structural and functional elements having different configurations, including different ornamental appearances.

The connection assembly disclosed herein provides benefits and advantages over existing cable connections and similar devices. For example, the connection assembly provides a strong and secure structure for connection to a cable end that may offer greater connection security than existing devices. As another example, the connection assembly is easy to assemble and disassemble without specialized tools, and assembly and disassembly can be quickly accomplished as necessary. This facilitates routing and re-routing cables in a weightlifting machine as desired. Still other benefits and advantages are recognized by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like, as used herein, are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of this invention, unless explicitly specified by the claims. When used in description of a method or process, the term “providing” (or variations thereof) as used herein means generally making an article available for further actions, and does not imply that the entity “providing” the article manufactured, assembled, or otherwise produced the article. The term “approximately” as used herein implies a variation of up to 10% of the nominal value or property modified by such term, or up to 10% of a midpoint value of a range modified by such term. Additionally, the term “plurality,” as used herein, indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.