Abstract: An exercise apparatus that enables a person to perform a variety of different exercises. The exercise apparatus has a frame structure that includes a plurality of vertical columns. A bench assembly is supported by at least one of the vertical columns at a variable angle of inclination. A weight holder also is coupled to at least one of the vertical columns, wherein the weight holder is free to move in a vertical direction along the length of the column. In addition to the bench assembly, at least one exercise mechanism is coupled to the frame structure. Each exercise mechanism includes an element that is pivotably coupled to the frame structure. A pulley is connected to each element at a point a predetermined distance from the pivot point. Additional pulleys are mounted on the frame structure, thereby forming an overall pulley arrangement. A cable extends through the pulley arrangement including the pulleys on the exercise mechanisms.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising the entire body, but in particular the muscles of the legs and the buttocks includes a frame, a lower leg support that has a rearward facing surface for supporting a lower leg area of a user, and a yoke member. The yoke member has a rearward portion that is constructed and arranged to be gripped for lifting by a user, and a forward portion that is pivotally mounted to the frame at a location that is positioned forward of said rearward facing surface of the lower leg support. The apparatus also includes resistance structure for imparting resistance against lifting the rearward portion of said yoke member by the user. This apparatus is particularly suited for doing "lunge" exercises in a way that is both more efficient in the working of targeted muscle groups and is less stressful on the user's knee joints than conventional free weight based lunge exercises are.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for building strength in the lower extremities while reducing the risk of injury to knee joints. A weight-bearing lever is pivotable upon a first post located forward and to the side of a seat for the user. A second pivotable arm which has a cushioned leg bar mounted to it is pivotable about a second pivot point on the first post. A roller bearing extends from the pivotable arm and is received by a bearing race fixed to the underside of the weight-bearing lever. As the user moves the leg bar forward and upward, the roller urges the weight-bearing lever upward. The Rolling Fulcrum.TM. pivot support of the weight-bearing lever moves away from the user reducing the moment arm of the weight on the weight-bearing arm as the user's legs approach full extension at the knee.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exercising the abdominal muscles where the exerciser is seated and the legs are spread apart and held in that position during the exercise which is accomplished by bending the upper torso forwardly and rearwardly through exertion of the abdominal muscles against a resistance offered by a weight stack. The machine includes a movement arm having a resistance pad engageable by the chest of the exerciser as the exerciser moves forwardly to perform positive work and rearwardly to perform negative work. The movement arm includes two parts one of which includes the resistance pad and is mounted to the other part by means of a spring mechanism so that the pad is spring mounted and may be moved to a raised position to allow easy entrance and exit from the machine. A cam fixed to the movement arm is connected to the weight stack pin by means of an actuating lever located below the weight stack.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for combiningly performing four important exercises localized to the lower back with the addition of weight resistance: a) the rotation or torsion of the lower spine and the lower back muscles; b) the bending of the spine forward and the exercising of abdominal muscles; c) the bending of the spine rearward and the exercising of the lumbar and erector muscles; d) the stretching and self-postural adjustment of the spine. The user performs the four exercises in the horizontal position with both legs in raised position. A swinging member accommodates the legs and allows the swinging, side-to-side motion of the legs. A second pivotal member helps the bending of the pelvis forward and rearward. A roller support assembly supports and massages the entire back during exercises. The user's body rests on an anatomical cushion support during exercises.

Abstract: A lumbar exercise machine having an adjustable pad assembly for engaging the legs above and below the knees while the legs extend generally forward with the feet against a foot rest and the knees bent so that the thighs and calves form an obtuse angle. A lock mechanism is provided to secure the pad assembly in the aforementioned position with the femurs restrained against movement so that the hips, buttocks and thighs cannot move during the exercise. The exerciser then moves his back against a movement arm in opposition to a resistance mechanism connected to the movement arm. The machine is adjustable to properly position a particular user for the exercise. One machine for home use utilizes dead weights plus the user's weight as the resistance mechanism while another machine for commercial use utilizes a compound weight stack as the resistance mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a press arm assembly rotatably mounted on the support frame. The press arm assembly includes a yoke with opposite side portions and first and second elongate swing arms each linked to the first and second side portions of the yoke, respectively. Each swing arm has at least one handle at one end for selective gripping by a user to perform different exercises. A three-dimensional pivot assembly links each swing arm to the respective yoke side portion to permit the swing arm to rotate in and out, up and down, and to pivot about its own axis to vary the handle orientation, so that the user can readily select any desired orientation of the swing arm and handle for performing press and fly exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a base having a seat fixed thereto and a backrest pivotal to a number of positions. A chest developing unit pivots with the lower portion of the backrest. The chest developing unit includes bilateral handles which are linked by a rack and pinion mechanism and resisted by an elastic band. A top exercise unit is mounted between horizontal supports extending from the top of the backrest. The top exercise unit is likewise resisted by elastic bands.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting reciprocating motion to single direction rotational motion that includes a frame, a shaft supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame, a first one-way clutch mounted on the shaft, a first pinion mounted on the first one-way clutch, a second one-way clutch mounted on the shaft a second pinion mounted on the second one-way clutch, a first bearing mechanism mounted on the shaft between the first pinion and the second pinion, a first rack engaging the first pinion for driving the shaft when the first rack is moved in a primary direction at a rate of speed sufficiently fast to overtake the shaft, a second rack engaging the second pinion for driving the shaft when the second rack is moved in a reciprocal direction at a rate of speed sufficiently fast to overtake the shaft, and an actuator in working relation with the first rack and the second rack.

Abstract: A body exerciser includes an elongated base, a pulley member, a pair of swing arms and an elastic band. The base has an upright support extending upwardly therefrom. A seat is disposed on and projects forwardly of the upright support. An inverted T-shaped member has an upper upright portion and a lower horizontal portion. The upper upright portion has a top distal end connected pivotally to a top distal end of the upright support for turning forward and upward from a vertically suspended position. The pulley member is mounted on the upright support rearwardly of the lower horizontal portion and below the top distal end of the upper upright portion. The swing arms are connected pivotally and respectively to end portions of the lower horizontal portion so as to move forwardly toward one another.

Abstract: In a weight lifting exercise apparatus, a leg exercise station is provided. A leg exercise arm carrying leg engaging roller pads is pivotally mounted on a frame member of the support frame of the apparatus, and is linked to an exercise resistance such as a weight stack. An upper roller pad assembly is pivotally mounted on the frame member adjacent the leg exercise arm, and is freely movable between a down position engaging behind a user's knees for performing leg extension exercises, and a raised position resting on top of the user's thighs when performing leg curls or pull down exercises.

Abstract: The invention is an exercise device which creates a controlled and infinitely variable resistance profile using a pair of rods that are wrapped about a common axis with a varying pitch. A slide unit is attached to the rods with rollers. When the slide unit is moved in a linear motion, the movement of the rollers on the rods causes the rods, and a shaft on which they are mounted to rotate. In one embodiment, the rotation of the shaft is used to move one or more units of a set of stacked weights. In a second embodiment, a rotation motion of the shaft on which the rods are mounted, causes a linear motion to the slide unit which is attached to a set of stacked weighs.

Abstract: An exercise machine has an exercise arm with which an operator can perform either press exercises or a seated row exercise from a single seat. The exercise arm has a main arm that is pivotally coupled to the frame of the exercise machine at a main pivot. In an embodiment where the main pivot is above the exercise machine, the main arm has a pair of arm members that depend downwardly to either side of the exercise position. A pair of handle arms are pivotally coupled to the lower ends of respective members of the main arm. To perform press exercises, the handle arms are positioned so as to extend forwardly from the main arm members. While seated in the exercise position, an operator can perform shoulder press, incline press, chest press and decline press exercises. To perform a seated row exercise, the handle arms are positioned to extend rearwardly from the main arm members and the operator sits in the exercise position facing rearwardly, using the backrest of the seat as a chest cushion.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame, a seat and a pair of exercise arm assemblies. Each of the exercise arm assemblies is pivotally attached to the frame. Handles at the outer extremities of the arm assemblies are gripped by the user to perform the intended exercise. The geometry of the arms and their pivot points is arranged so that the handles of the assemblies follow arcuate paths which converge as the handles are moved forwardly. At a starting position for a press exercise, the handles are approximately in line with the shoulders of the user. As the handles are pushed forwardly against an exercise resistance, they converge inwardly until they are nearly touching when the user's arms are fully outstretched. The machine may also be used to perform a seated-row exercise, in which case the handles are pulled rearwardly against the exercise resistance.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a body supporting carriage that moves relative to a frame in a direction having a vertical component. Levers are movably mounted on the carriage and connected to the frame in such a manner that movement of the levers relative to the carriage is linked to movement of the carriage relative to the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing exercises has a support frame and a seat mounted on the support frame. An exercise arm is pivoted adjacent the forward end of the seat for swinging back and forth in front of the seat, and has a curved portion which curves forwardly in a direction away from the seat. A pulley to which a load bearing cable is secured is mounted at the curved forward end of the arm. A pair of leg engaging roller pads are adjustably or rigidly attached to the arm for engagement by an exerciser's legs while performing different exercises. A handle can be releasably attached to the cable or to the exercise arm for performing upper body exercises.

Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus for muscles of the upper extremities, mid-back, and posterior shoulder girdle provides negative variable resistance as the muscles are contracted over a wide range of motion while maintaining proper joint alignment in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists. A movable weight carrying assembly has a transverse handlebar from the ends of which extend handle members which the user grasps to pivot the weight carrying assembly toward himself or herself while moving the arms from an outstretched position to a position with the elbows flexed, scapulae adducted, and the trapezius muscles contracted in a shrugging action. The weight carrying assembly is adjustable for varying heights of user.

Abstract: An exercise machine of light weight and portable construction adapted for storage in a highly compact configuration. The device can be deployed quickly and easily for use in performing a variety of different exercises routinely.

Abstract: An exercise machine for simulating running comprises a frame having a rear portion and a forward portion, a shoulder harness supported by the forward portion of the frame for supporting the upper body in a fixed position, a pair of hand grips juxtaposed near the shoulder harness, a pair of lever arms each having an upper end and a lower end with the upper ends pivotally connected to the rear portion of the frame, a pair of foot assemblies extending outwardly from the lower ends of the lever arms and rotatable through an arc of not more than 180 degrees, and a pair of resistance means attached to the lever arms.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a seat assembly mounted on a frame, an overhead exercise station is located above the seat assembly, a leg exercise station is located forward of the seat assembly. The frame includes a base portion below the seat assembly and a hollow tubular strut extending upwardly form a forward end of the base portion and spaced forwardly of the seat assembly. A roller pad is adjustably mounted in an open upper end of the hollow strut so as to be positionable behind the knees of a seated user when performing leg exercises and above the user's legs when performing overhead exercises.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10-101) is provided having a platform (12-121) on which a user (14-141) is supported in a reclining position with the weight of the user (14-14G) being utilized as a resistance which may be selectively varied to the various exercises which may be performed on the exercise apparatus (10-101). A lever (20-201) is pivotally connected (30-321) to the platform (12-121) with the lever being actuated by the user for raising one end of the platform (12-121) with respect to a pivot point with resistance to such raising being varied by the pivotal mounting of the lever (20-201) on the platform (1 2121). Two of the various embodiments (FIGS. 13-16) include a base support (41 F, 41 G) having a rail (42F, 42G) on which a lever (20F, 20G) has a roller (47F, 47G) mounted for riding movement thereon and pivotally connected (32F, 32G) to a lower leg (62F, 62G) for pivotal movement. Other embodiments (FIGS.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a support frame and a bench press assembly rotatably mounted on the support frame. The bench press assembly includes a yoke having a central portion pivotally linked to the frame for swinging movement about a first pivot axis, and opposite side portions, a biassing load linked to the yoke for resisting movement about the first axis, and a pair of handle arms each pivotally connected to a respective one of the yoke side portions for independent articulation. Each handle arm has a handle at each end and is connected to the yoke at a location intermediate the ends of the handle arm.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a support base to which three support beams are pivotally mounted. The outside support beams are extendible. The center beam is pivotally mounted to a seat and a seat back. The outside beams are mounted to the seat and the seat back, respectively. A leg pivotally depends from the seat, A fork element with pivotally mounted arms at the distal ends thereof is pivotally mounted to the base. Three resistance bands are positioned on the pivotally mounted arms. The assembly is capable of relative pivotal motion between components to collapse the assembly for storage and portability. Expanded, the seat, the seat back, the depending leg and the fork structure with the arms are capable of pivotal motion relative to one another to position the various components for different modes of exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus utilizing a wheeled rolling platform which moves on an incline frame and includes an adjustable arm cord mounting assembly. The arm cord mounting system includes a pair of elongated arm cords each entrained over a fixed pulley mounted in each adjustable upright corner post. An anchoring device attaches the cords to the mobile platform. The platform moves on the frame against a resistance force provided by the body weight of the user seated or lying on the platform and the upward angled slope of the incline frame. A back and head support connects the platform.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for building strength in the lower extremities while reducing the risk of injury to knee joints. A bench provides a surface on which a user may lie in a prone position. A pivot support member stands beside the bench. A weight-bearing lever is pivotable upon the pivot support member at a horizontal pivot located alongside the bench for the user. A second pivotable lever which has a cushioned leg bar mounted to it is pivotable about a second pivot point on the pivot support member. An arm depends below and perpendicularly to the second pivotable lever. A roller bearing extends from the arm and is received by a bearing race fixed to the underside of the weight-bearing lever. As a user lying prone on the bench moves the leg bar upward by flexion of the leg muscles below the knee, the roller urges the weight-bearing lever upward. The Rolling Fulcrum.TM.

Abstract: A physical exercise apparatus including a hand-propelled lawn mower having an exercise computer for selectively displaying exercise data including speed and the like thereon obtained while mowing a lawn.

Abstract: A mechanism applies exercise resistance to a rotating member in both directions of rotation without a significant "dead zone" surrounding the neutral position. A cam is rotatably mounted to the frame of an exercise machine. A flexible member, which may be a belt, cable, chain or the like, is attached to a peripheral surface of the cam and is loaded by the exercise weights or other source of exercise resistance. The flexible member is guided around a pulley mounted on an arm that is pivotally attached to the cam so as to maintain the flexible member in close proximity to the peripheral surface of the cam. A pair of stops act on the arm to engage the arm for rotation with the cam in one direction and to prevent rotation of the arm with the cam in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine for strengthening of the muscles of the upper body, abdomen, and legs has a damper (68), pivotally mounted on its first end to the first end of a bench (10) and pivotally connected by its second end to a T-shaped bar (20) to which the user shall exercise the upper body muscles by alternately applying a pushing and pulling force. Another damper (70) is pivotally mounted on its first end to the second end of the bench, its second end being pivotally connected to a U-shaped lever (22). The first ends of the U-shaped lever are pivotally mounted near the second end of the bench, a padded bar (32) is mounted near the upper end of the U-shaped lever, and the second end of the U-shaped lever is mounted to a hinge (30). The hinge is pivotally mounted to a lever (24) by said first end which is in turn connected by its second end to a length adjusting bar (26) having a foot rest (28) mounted to its free end. The user will exercise the legs by applying a pushing force to the foot rest.

Abstract: An adductor machine including a pair of movement arms movable about a vertical axes between an open position extending laterally from the seat and a closed position extending forwardly of the seat. The movement arms are movable to the closed position by the user engaging with the inner sides of his thighs, pads respectively located on the movement arms. Movement of the movement arms is transmitted to move a resistance in the form of one or more weights in a weight stack. Such transmission is accomplished by a linkage and cam follower arrangement operatively connected between the movement arm and a weight stack pin included in the resistance weight stack. An auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided to move the movement arms between the open and closed positions independently of engaging the pads with the legs. This actuating mechanism includes a handle engageable with the cam included in the transmission to operate the cam independently of a linkage which extends between the movement arms and the cam.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the muscles of the front of the lower leg. The exercise machine includes a frame that supports a seat and a pivot shaft such that a user seated on the seat can rest his heels on the pivot shaft. An exercise arm is fixedly attached to the pivot shaft such that pivoting of the exercise arm causes rotation of the pivot shaft. An exercise bar which is parallel to the pivot shaft is attached to the exercise arm, and is spaced from the pivot shaft such that the user can slide the tops of his feet under the exercise bar with his heels resting on the pivot shaft. A cable and pulley system connect the pivot shaft to a stack of weights to thereby provide resistance to the pivoting of the foot about the heels. A hand lever linked to the pivot shaft raises the arm to allow the user to more easily position the tops of the feet under the bar.

Abstract: A multiexercise weight lifting machine which features in its most basic embodiments a gearbox capable of converting the torque input through a first axle from a source of resistance (such as a weight stack) into a greater torque output at a second axle to which is connected a user interface (such as a handle); which gearbox is slidably mounted on a linear member such that the gearbox can be moved to different positions along the length of the linear member to allow different types of exercises. In its preferred embodiments it also features means for reversing the torque output at the second axle and user interface. Its numerous functions and benefits may also be supplemented by addition of a weight bench, provision of means for changing the gear ratio of the gearbox, and other features.

Abstract: A support arm extends from the press arm toward the frame. A sleeve is slidably mounted on the support arm to contact the frame in the rest position. A cable and pulley system, including a pulley mounted to the sleeve, links the press arm to the resistance. Adjustment of the sleeve along the support arm adjusts the rest position of the press arm without slackening the cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shoulder press machine having a seat, a backrest and fixed framework at the top of which a carriage is mounted. The carriage has a pair of downwardly and forwardly extending, diverging lever arms which are tied together and moved upwardly and downwardly along a major horizontal axis mounted to the framework behind the backrest and a minor horizontal axis offset behind and parallel to the major horizontal axis. As the lever arms are moved together upwardly, they are simultaneously swung inwardly about a pair of parallel, angular pivot axes, the swinging motion being transferred via a pair of transfer links to pivot a pair of sleeves about the minor horizontal axis. As a result of these linkages, a shoulder press machine is provided in which an exerciser's hands rotate or supinate naturally through approximately 20.degree.-30.degree. as the lever arms are pushed upwardly.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a pair of exercise arms pivotally coupled to the frame for use by the operator in performing a triceps press exercise. The exercise arms are coupled to the frame for rotation about two spaced-apart, generally horizontal axes. One axis is fixed with respect to the frame, while the second axis is fixed with respect to the exercise arms. A linkage member pivotally coupled to both the frame and the exercise arms connects the two axes of rotation. Exercise resistance is provided by weights, although other sources of exercise resistance may be used. The selected exercise resistance is transmitted by a flexible belt and pulley system to a cam attached to a cross member connecting the two exercise arms. A second belt is attached between the cam and the frame to control the movement of the cam within a vertical plane.

Abstract: An exercising machine includes a sliding sleeve slidably mounted on an upright post fixedly mounted on one end portion of a base, at least one supporting strut mounted on a mediate portion of the base, a seat fixedly mounted on an upper end portion of the sliding sleeve, and an arm training mechanism. The arm training mechanism includes a connecting rod rotatably mounted on the supporting strut, two handles each having a lower end portion detachably attached to one end portion of the connecting rod for rotating the connecting rod along a horizontal axis, a drive lever having a first end fixedly mounted on a mediate portion of the connecting rod, an intermediate lever having a first end pivotally connected with a second end of the drive lever, and a driven lever having a first end pivotally connected with a second end of the intermediate lever and a second end fixedly mounted on a lower end portion of the sliding sleeve.

Abstract: Taught herein is a strengthening device adaptable for the front and back side of the thighs comprising a solid or rigid frame, a weight set, connected with a swinging arm, the free end of which is provided with an action rest, and a seat which is freely movable forward and backward with respect to the swinging arm. An exercising person sits in the seat and kicks the swinging arm forward or backward, depending on the version of operation, against the tension provide by the force of gravity on the weight set as it is being lifted upward by a cable connect to the swinging arm. The sliding seat reduces negative reaction forces on the exerciser, and obviates the need for hand grips or straps.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a support frame, an exercise resistance device such as a weight stack, and a linkage such as a cable and pulley linkage extending from the weight stack to various exercise stations, has a lever arm pivotally mounted on the frame for rotation about a first horizontal pivot axis into any one of a plurality of selected orientations relative to the frame, and a locking device for locking the lever arm in the desired orientation. A cable linked to the exercise resistance extends around a first pulley attached to the arm for rotation about a second horizontal axis spaced forwardly from the first and a second pulley at the end of the arm on the lever arm and has a connector at its free end for connecting the cable to a selected exercise device or to a tie-off point. Adjusting the orientation of the lever arm raises and lowers the point of connection to the exercise resistance or tie-off, and allows adjustment for different types of exercises.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the muscle strength of a subject wherein both static and dynamic strength tests are conducted on the subject during which forces exerted by the muscles are measured by devices which are connected to a computer and a display screen for displaying the strength of the muscles at different positions of a subject's body part. In the dynamic strength test, the subject moves a movement arm by exerting the muscles to be tested. The movement arm is connected to a resistance weight to oppose movement by the subject. In the static strength test, the movement arm is fixed in position and the subject exerts a body part against the movement arm upon exertion of the muscles to be tested. Force and angle measuring devices are connected to the movement arm and the computer for enabling the muscle strength to be displayed in terms of torque at various angular positions of the body part.

Abstract: An adjustable hip and thigh exercise apparatus which is releasably attached to the end of a wall including a frame, a clamp, a lever pivotably attached to the frame, a lock to allow the lever to have a number of initial positions, a lengthening assembly to allow the lever arm to be lengthened or shortened, and a variable resistance element. The apparatus is attached to the wall and aligned with the pivot point of the user's hip. The user sets the desired resistance of the exercise machine and bends his or her leg over the lever and causes the lever to rotate from the initial position to a second position thereby exercising the muscles of the leg. The user can also adjust the range of motion desired to exercise the leg muscles as well as the resistance against which the leg muscles will exercise.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing a chest press exercise are disclosed. A user support and a primary hinge are mounted to a frame. A secondary hinge is mounted to the primary hinge. An arm mounted to the secondary hinge has a handle adapted to be grasped by the user. The two hinges permit the user to displace the handle in either or both the longitudinal and lateral directions. A means for resisting the displacement of the handle, preferably in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, is provided. The resistance means may include a post attached to the arm for mounting weight plates. A second handle, arm, and secondary hinge may be provided for the other hand so that the user may exercise both halves of his body. The arms may be connected such that both handles move the same longitudinal and/or lateral distance.

Abstract: A body extension exercise machine includes a frame, an elongated support connected to the frame and defining a reclined exercise position for an exerciser and a lever connected to the frame for pivotal movement about a pivot axis oriented transverse to and located below the support. A lower end of the lever includes a weight holder for holding a predetermined weight, and an upper end of lever includes a plate. When in the exercise position and reclined on the support, with at least one leg retracted and in contact with the plate, an exerciser pushes outwardly against the plate and against the held weight resistance to pivot the lever with respect to the frame from an initial at-rest position to a leg-extended position. Thereafter, the exerciser reduces the force applied to the plate and allows the lever to pivot back to the at-rest position, corresponding to the legs retracted position.

Abstract: An exercise device includes forced pronation or supination movement of the hand and arms in conjunction with the standard range of motion for a specified exercise. The device comprises a conventional frame and a centrally mounted seat. Pivotally attached to the frame is a sub-frame including a pair of levers that pivot in tandem about a horizontal first axis of rotation A1 and movably attached to the distal end of each lever is a double "L" shaped handle that includes a grip that pivots about a second axis of rotation A2. A2 is is substantially perpendicular to A1 and the distal end of the second leg of the double "L" shaped handle is movably attached with a ball and socket connection to a first end of a linkage rod. The second end of the linkage rod is movably attached with a second ball and socket connector to the frame so that, as the levers pivot about axis A1, each handle is forced to pivot about its axis A2 in a predetermined relationship with the position of the levers.

Abstract: An exercise machine or apparatus having a movement arm to be moved upon exertion of a body part against a resistance including a weight that pivots about an axis as the movement arm is moved by the exerciser. To change the resistive force imposed by the weight, the weight is moved relative to its pivotal axis to thereby increase or decrease the effective resistive force. The movement arm is operatively connected to the resistance by a cam connected to the movement arm and engaged with a follower which in turn is connected to the weight to pivot the weight about its pivotal axis. The cam is operatively connected to the movement arm by a strain gauge and a releasable lock mechanism.

Abstract: An exercising machine with a direct drive to the weight stack is described. It comprises a support frame having a seat to accommodate a user person. A weight stack is provided and has a plurality of predetermined weight elements which are guidingly connected to a pivoting support platform. Restraining guide rods are secured to the pivoting support platform to permit the weight elements to be displaced therealong in a predetermined stack form. An elongated carrier rod extends freely through the weight stack and has a plurality of attachment holes along a prescribed length thereof. A connecting pin secures a selected one of the weight elements to one of the attachment holes of the carrier rod to form the predetermined stack. A pivotal connecting linkage is secured to the carrier rod and to a pivoting exercising frame engageable by a user person to perform an exercise.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable exercise device for resistance type exercises of all muscles which make up the buttocks, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus minimis, gluteus medius and the piriformis muscles by both hip extension and hip abduction without undue stress on the spine and corresponding musculature. The device has a generally horizontal extending base, a headrest affixed to the base, a resistance bar for pressing against the underside of the thigh of the user which is pivotal to the base. Biasing means is provided for urging the resistance bar to a vertical position with a force which the user can overcome by moving the leg and thigh downward and for moving the resistance bar to a horizontal position. Biasing means is also provided for exerting a force to resist outward movement.

Abstract: In a weight lifting exercise apparatus, an adjustable leg exercise station is provided which allows both leg extensions and leg curls to be performed in a sitting position. A leg exercise arm carrying leg engaging roller pads is pivotally mounted on a seat supporting member on the support frame of the apparatus, and is linked to an exercise resistance such as a weight stack. A second roller pad assembly is pivotally mounted on the seat supporting member adjacent the leg exercise arm, and is movable between a down position engaging behind a user's knees for performing leg extension exercises, and a raised position resting on top of the user's thighs when performing leg curls or pull down exercises.

Abstract: A range limiting device for use in an exercise machine having a cam and an input arm fixed to a shaft, wherein the shaft is pivotally mounted to a frame. The range limiting device includes a cam arm pivotally mounted to the cam arm so as to maintain a tether substantially tangential to the outer perimeter of the cam. A detent pin mounted to the cam arm selectively locks the orientation of the cam arm with respect to the cam. A stop cam is pivotally mounted to the frame coaxial with the shaft and includes a stop member positioned to interfere with the rotation of the input arm. The orientation of the stop cam is locked by a detent pin mounted to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exercise, rehabilitation and extremity testing method and apparatus having a cycloidal speed reducer. A multiposition chair is rotatably mounted to a stand which is slidingly mounted to a track on a platform. A dynamometer is mounted on a pedestal on the platform such that it is capable of rotating about a horizontal axis and a vertical axis. The vertical height of the dynamometer can also be adjusted. An input apparatus capable of engaging the limb or body segment of a user is mounted to an input shaft of the dynamometer. A motor controls the movement of the input shaft through a cycloidal speed reducer. Consequently, the motor controls the movement of the input arm and the user's limb or body segment. The user exercises his muscles by applying force to the input apparatus according to a number of different protocols.

Abstract: The exercising machine includes a free-standing support structure that has first and second pivotally interconnected legs. Each leg has an upper and a lower leg with a foot at the lower end of each leg. In the operative state of the machine, the form an free-standing, inverted y-shape with the feet on the ground. For compact storage, the second leg can be pivoted alongside the first leg. In addition there is a seat which is pivotally connected relative to the first leg so as to move between an operative condition in which it projects laterally from the first leg and an inoperative condition in which the seat lies alongside the first leg, once again for storage purposes. There is a backrest on the first leg above the seat. A cross-bar spans across the upper end of the first leg at a horizontal attitude and elastic resistance elements are supported by ends of the cross-bar on either side of the first leg.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus for strengthening the legs and hips of a user. A weight carrying pivot arm rides up and down a pivotable mast when the user squats and rises, causing the resistance of the apparatus to increase as the user approaches a standing position. An optional toe plate may be added to allow exercise of ankle and foot structures.