Abstract: A garden swing has a fixed support structure and a seat support frame pivotally suspended from the support structure. The seat support frame is suspended on a single pivot axis so as to provide simple pendular motion. At least one seat is attached the seat support frame, the seat having a seating portion and a backrest portion. In one embodiment, the seat includes a moveable leg rest having a stowed position beneath the seating portion of the seat and an extended position forward of the seating portion of the seat. In another embodiment of the invention, the backrest portion of the seat is pivotally coupled to the seating portion of the seat so as to be positionable at a selected angle of recline.

Abstract: An improved press arm allows an operator to perform either a traditional straight chest press exercise or to incorporate “butterfly” motion during the performance of the chest press exercise. A main arm is pivotally coupled to the frame of the exercise machine at a main pivot in the same manner as conventional press arms. The main arm includes a cross-beam to which a pair of handle arms are pivotally coupled at secondary pivots. The axes of the secondary pivots are orthogonal to the axis of the main pivot and are inclined with respect to vertical when the press arm is in a rest position. This inclination causes the handle arms to assume a natural rest position under the influence of gravity. The rest positions of the handle arms place the press arm handles at a comfortable starting position for performance of a press exercise. Stops to limit the inward or outward travel of the handle arms are not necessary.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a frame, a seat and a pair of articulated exercise arm assemblies. Each of the exercise arm assemblies is pivotally attached to the frame with a four bar linkage. Handles at the outer extremities of the articulated 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 articulated 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: In an exercise apparatus a rigid frame includes upper and lower back supports pivotally connected in axial alignment. Upper and lower back support pads are mounted on the rigid frame for supporting a user in a reclined position with the weight of the user providing resistance to the exercises. Leverage arms are mounted at the head end of the upper back support. The leverage arms extend above the rigid frame such that the free ends thereof may be grasped by the user while performing abdominal exercises. The lower back support includes handles extending outwardly from the foot end thereof for grasping by the user while performing glute exercises. A thigh pad is mounted on the upper end of a lever arm pivotally attached to the foot end of the lower back support. Upon pushing the thigh pad by the user, the foot end of the rigid frame is raised along with the body of the user. Abdominal curls or crunching exercises are performed by grasping the leverage arms and pulling up the upper back support.

Abstract: An improved press arm allows an operator to perform either a traditional straight chest press exercise or to incorporate "butterfly" motion during the performance of the chest press exercise. A main arm is pivotally coupled to the frame of the exercise machine at a main pivot in the same manner as conventional press arms. The main arm includes a cross-beam to which a pair of handle arms are pivotally coupled at secondary pivots. The axes of the secondary pivots are orthogonal to the axis of the main pivot and are inclined with respect to vertical when the press arm is in a rest position. This inclination causes the handle arms to assume a natural rest position under the influence of gravity. The rest positions of the handle arms place the press arm handles at a comfortable starting position for performance of a press exercise. Stops to limit the inward or outward travel of the handle arms are not necessary.

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: A multi-station exercise machine has a movable subframe on which a user sits while performing various exercises. The subframe is movably coupled to a stationary frame and is supported by a lever arm that is pivotally attached to the stationary frame. A cable and pulley system couples the lever arm to the various operable members of the apparatus so that a selectable ratio of the weight of the subframe, including the user, is communicated as exercise resistance. The main structural member of the subframe may be disconnected so that the upper portion of the subframe may be folded down for convenient shipping and/or storage of the apparatus.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for an exercise machine enables the relative position between a support for the operator of the machine and an exercise member to be adjusted by the operator while in the exercise position. In a particular embodiment, the mechanism adjusts the longitudinal position of a pedal assembly of a recumbent bike exerciser. The operator is supported by a seat on a fixed frame member, and the pedal assembly is mounted on an extension member that slides longitudinally with respect to the fixed frame. Various mechanisms are provided for the operator to conveniently position the pedal assembly relative to the seat while the operator is seated in an exercising position.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a pair of exercise mechanisms pivotally coupled to the frame of the machine for use by an operator in performing a biceps curl exercise. Each such mechanism includes an exercise arm 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 rotates about the first axis. A linkage member pivotally coupled to both the frame and the exercise arm connects the two axes of rotation. An additional linkage member is connected between the exercise arm and the frame. Exercise resistance is provided by weights, although other sources of exercise resistance may be used. As the operator applies an exercise force to the exercise arms, the arms rotate about both the first and second axes, the relative movement about the two axes being coordinated by the linkage members.

Abstract: A longitudinal frame supports a seat whose longitudinal position on the frame is adjustable. A pair of footbeams are mounted on either side of the forward end of the frame near the floor and extend generally upwardly. The footbeams independently pivot on the frame so that the user can operate them in an alternating reciprocating fashion. Pivotal movement of the footbeams by the user is resisted, thereby requiring the user to expend energy in operating the device. The footbeams are preferably interconnected so that their respective movements are coordinated. In alternative embodiments, the footbeams pivot about a point just below the seat. The seat can also be adapted to recline. The footbeams can also be replaced by a crank with footpedals that are used to drive a flywheel and a generator.

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 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: A longitudinal frame supports a seat whose longitudinal position on the frame is adjustable. A pair of footbeams are mounted on either side of the forward end of the frame near the floor and extend generally upwardly. The footbeams independently pivot on the frame so that the user can operate them in an alternating reciprocating fashion. Pivotal movement of the footbeams by the user is resisted, thereby requiring the user to expend energy in operating the device. The footbeams are preferably interconnected so that their respective movements am coordinated. In alternative embodiments, the footbeams pivot about a point just below the seat. The seat can also be adapted to recline, preferably at an angle greater than 30.degree. from the vertical. The footbeams can also be replaced by a crank with footpedals that are used to drive a flywheel and a generator.

Abstract: A press exercise machine allows the press arm of the machine to be adjusted to various rest positions without creating slack in the system. The machine has a frame that supports a seat and a weight stack that is mechanically coupled to a press arm by a cable. The press arm is adapted to be rotated on the frame, wherein the cable is pulled and the weight stack is lifted from a rest position. In the rest position, the press arm abuts against a sleeve which can slide along an adjustment arm that extends from the frame. The user can move the sleeve to a number of locations on the adjustment arm to vary the rest position of the press arm. The cable is coupled to a first pulley that is attached to the sleeve and a second pulley that is attached to the arm. The cable is also guided by a third pulley that is attached to the frame. The spatial relationship of the pulleys is such that the cable remains slack free for all rest positions of the press arm.

Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for an exercise machine enables the relative position between a support for the operator of the machine and an exercise member to be adjusted by the operator while in the exercise position. In a particular embodiment, the mechanism adjusts the longitudinal position of a pedal assembly of a recumbent bike exerciser. The operator is supported by a seat on a fixed frame member, and the pedal assembly is mounted on an extension member that slides longitudinally with respect to the fixed frame. A chain attached to the underside of the extension member is engaged by a drive sprocket rotatably mounted on the fixed frame. The drive sprocket is carried on one end of a shaft, and a ratcheting handle is coupled to the other end of the shaft. The handle extends upwardly adjacent to the operator's seat for convenient use by the operator while seated in an exercise position.

Abstract: A compact attachment for a multi-station exercise machine conveniently couples to a low pull station and therefore utilizes the weight stack or other resistance mechanism of the exercise machine. The attachment is designed for performing leg press and other lower limb exercises. The attachment has a frame on which a pair of foot pads are mounted. A seat for the operator of the attachment is suspended from the frame by a pair of parallel pivoting arms so that the seat remains in a relatively constant attitude throughout the exercise stroke. The invention may be alternatively embodied as a stand alone device utilizing free weights as a means for providing exercise resistance.