EXERCISE APPARATUS

Abstract

An exercise apparatus (5) comprising: a user input device (5i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction (6f), the user input device (5i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) interconnected to a first fan (20) adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) on rotation in one direction and a second fan (22) adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) on rotation in one direction.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application incorporates by reference the disclosures of all of the following in their entirety as if fully set forth herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,717,831, 4,725,054, 7,666,123, 8,070,658, 7,278,955, 8,025,609, 7,727,128, U.S. Pat. No. D486,535, U.S. Pat. No. D490,127, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0092541, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0173384, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0270531, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0167169, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0204021, PCT/US15/019837 filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7155WO0) and PCT/US15/019841 filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7156WO0) and PCT/US15/019848 filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7157WO0) and PCT/US15/019855 filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7158WO0) and PCT/US15/019866 filed Mar. 11, 2015 (7159WO0).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to machines that provide resistance to movement of a mechanically movable component of the machine along first and second paths of travel, and more particularly that provides resistance to movement automatically or sequentially upon movement between the first and second paths of travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exercise machines for exercising muscles such as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,795,270, 8,944,969, 7,789,816, U.S. Patent No. 2012/0277071, WO2004108229 are known and used for providing resistance against movement of a force input device in one direction without providing any substantial resistance in the direction of movement when the input device moves in an opposite direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided an exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction (6f),

the user input device (5i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) that is manually engageable by a user to drive the user input device (5i) in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) along first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa), the user input device (5i) being interconnected to a first resistance device (20), typically a fan, that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second resistance device (22), typically a fan, that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o).

In such an apparatus, the first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatable direction (20c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device (5i) and the first fan (20) and between the user input device (5i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6f, 6o) of the user input device (5i) between the first direction (6f) and the second direction (6o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are preferably respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

The first and second fans can create first (R1) and second (R2) resistances that are different when the degree of the first (6p, FF) and second (6t, SF) selected amounts of force exerted on the engagement device are different.

The first and second fans can be sized such that they create first (R1) and second (R2) resistances that are different when the speed or velocity of travel of the user input device (5i) along the first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa) are the same.

The first (6fa) and second (6oa) paths of travel can be the same or different from each other.

Typically, one or the other or both of (a) the degree of the first resistance (R1) varies with the degree of the first selected amount of force (6p) exerted on the engagement device and (b) the degree of the second resistance (R2) varies with the degree of the second selected amount of force (6t) exerted on the engagement device.

The degree of the first resistance (R1) exerted by the first fan (20) and the degree of the second resistance (R2) exerted by the second fan (22) can vary differently with the degree of force (6p, 6t) exerted on the engagement device.

One or the other or both of the first and second fans can comprise an eddy current brake.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging the manually engageable device (5e) of all of the exercise apparatuses (5) described above and exerting the first (6p) and second (6t) selected amounts of force thereon.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a unitary or single piece member (23, 24, 24s, 24t, 30) interconnected to a first resistance device such as a first fan (20) and a second resistance device such as a second fan (22),

the first resistance device being adapted to exert a first resistance (R1) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the first direction, the second resistance device being adapted to exert a second resistance (R2) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the second direction,

the user input device (5i) including an engagement device (5e) that is manually engageable by a user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (6p, 6t) respectively to manually drive the user input device against the first and second resistances respectively to cause the user input device to travel in the first and second directions respectively.

In such an apparatus the first fan is preferably interconnected to the user input device (5i) such that the first fan is rotatably drivable on movement of the user input device solely in a first direction (20c) to create the first resistance (R1) and the second fan is interconnected to the user input device such that the second fan is rotatably drivable on movement of the user input device solely in a second direction (22cc) to create the second resistance (R2).

Such an apparatus preferably further includes a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device and the first fan and the second fan, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement of the user input device between the first direction and the second direction.

The first and second fans (20, 22) are typically respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26c, 26cc) that limit driven rotation of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction (20c, 22cc).

The first and second fans typically create first and second resistances (R1, R2) that are different when the degree of the first and second selected amounts of force exerted on the engagement device are different or when the velocity of movement of the engagement device in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) is the same.

The first and second fans can have first and second diameters (D1, D2) that are different from each other.

The first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa) can be the same or can be different from each other.

The degree of the first resistance can vary with the degree of the first selected amount of force exerted on the engagement device and the degree of the second resistance can vary with the degree of the second selected amount of force exerted on the engagement device.

The degree of the first resistance exerted by the first fan and the degree of the second resistance exerted by the second fan can vary differently with the degree of force exerted on the engagement device.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging the manually engageable device (5e) of any of the exercise apparatuses described above and exerting the first and second selected amounts of force thereon.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a unitary or single piece member (23, 24, 30) interconnected to a resistance apparatus,

the resistance apparatus being adapted to exert a first resistance (R1) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the first direction (6f) and to exert a second resistance (R2) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the second direction (6o),

the user input device (5i) including a manually engageable device (5e) that is manually engageable by a user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (6p, 6t) respectively to manually drive the user input device against the first and second resistances respectively to cause the user input device to travel in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) respectively,

the resistance apparatus being adapted to exert the first and second resistances automatically or sequentially on a change in movement of the user input device between the first and second directions (6f, 6o).

In such an apparatus the resistance apparatus can comprise a first fan (20) adapted to exert the first resistance (R1) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the first direction (6f) and a second fan (22) adapted to exert the second resistance (R2) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the second direction (6o).

Such an apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device and the resistance apparatus, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change resistance between the first and second resistances on a change in movement of the user input device between the first direction and the second directions.

The resistance apparatus (10) is preferably driven or engaged on movement of the user input device along first and second directions (20c, 22cc) respectively to create the first and second resistances (R1, R2) respectively.

The resistance apparatus typically comprises a first resistance device (20) that is driven or engaged to create the first resistance (R1) on movement of the user input device solely in the first direction (20c, 20cc) and wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a second resistance device (22) that is driven or engaged to create the second resistance (R2) on movement of the user input device solely in the second direction (22cc, 22c).

The first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa) can be the same or different.

The resistance apparatus is typically adapted such that the degree of the first resistance (R1) varies with the degree of the first selected amount of force (6p) exerted on the engagement device (5i) and the degree of the second resistance (R2) varies with the degree of the second selected amount of force (6t) exerted on the engagement device.

The degree of the first resistance and the degree of the second resistance can vary differently with the degree of force exerted on the engagement device.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of performing an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging the engagement device of an exercise apparatus described above and exerting the first and second selected amounts of force thereon.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a back or abdominal muscle exercise apparatus (5) in FIG. 4 comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a forward edge, a rearward edge and a generally planar seating surface (PS), a foot rest disposed forwardly of and below the seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad (18) having a lower back engagement surface (ES) disposed at the rearward edge of the seat,

a user input device (5i) mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o).

the seating surface (PS) being disposed at an angle (SA) relative to horizontal selected such that a rearward edge (16r) is disposed horizontally above a forward edge (16f) and such that the user can sit in a forward facing direction on the angled seating surface (PS), simultaneously engage the user's foot on a foot rest (12f) and push the user's lower back (7) along the angled (SA) seating surface into engagement with the lower back engagement surface (ES) by extending the user's legs,

the user input device (5i) including an engagement device (5e) and being arranged on the frame (12) relative to the seating surface (PS) such that the user can manually engage (ME) the engagement device (5e) when seated on the angled seating surface (PS) with the user's lower back engaged against the lower back engagement surface (ES) of the pelvic stabilization pad (18),

the engagement device (5e) being manually engageable by the user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (FF, SF) respectively to manually drive the user input device against the first and second resistances R1, R2) respectively to cause the user input device (5i) to travel in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) respectively.

Such an apparatus can further include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device and the resistance apparatus (20, 22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change resistance between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement of the user input device between the first direction and the second directions.

The resistance apparatus preferably comprises a first resistance device that is driven or engaged to create the first resistance (R1) on movement of the user input device solely in the first direction (6f) and wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a second resistance device that is driven or engaged to create the second resistance (R2) on movement of the user input device solely in the second direction (6p).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are typically respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

The apparatus can further comprise a cam device (17) interconnected to the user input device (5i) in an arrangement such that the cam device (17) is movably driven or translated in a first direction (17f) together with movement in the first direction (6f) of the input device (5i) and movably driven or translated in a second opposite direction (17o) together with movement in the opposite direction (6o) of the input device (5i)

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a rotary torso exercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 5A, 5B), comprising:

a frame (12),

a user input device (5i) adapted to receive and engage a selected portion of a user's body and to rotate around a vertical rotation axis upon exertion by the user of a selected force exerted on the user input device (5i),

the user input device (5i) being adapted to rotate (UR) around the vertical rotation axis in a first direction (6f) along a first path of travel (6fa) and in a second direction (6o) that is opposite the first direction along a second path of travel 6oa, the first direction and first path of travel comprising clockwise rotation of the user input device along a clockwise arc, the second direction and second path of travel comprising counterclockwise rotation of the user input device along a counterclockwise arc, the user input device (5i) being interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o).

The first fan (20) is typically adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatable direction (20c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device (5i) and the first fan (20) and between the user input device (5i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6f, 6o) of the user input device (5i) between the first direction (6f) and the second direction (6o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans can be respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

The user input device (5i) typically comprises a rotatable foot stand (5fs) adapted to receive and engage the user's feet, the rotatable foot stand being interconnected to a pulley (30r) adapted to rotate (UR) around the vertical rotation axis in the first direction (6f) and in the second direction (6o) in response to rotation force (6p, 6t) exerted by the user on the foot stand (5fs). Such an apparatus typically further comprises a handle (5xe) arranged on the frame (12) for manual engagement by a hand (UH) of the user while standing on the rotatable foot stand (5fs)

The user input device (5i) can alternatively comprise a rotatable arm assembly (5as) (for example FIG. 6), adapted to receive and engage an upper body portion (UB) disposed above a waist (W) of the user, the rotatable arm assembly (5as) being interconnected to a pulley (5ir) and adapted to rotate (UR) around the vertical rotation axis in the first direction (6f) and in the second direction (6o) in response to rotation force (6p, 6t) exerted by the upper body portion (UB) of the user on the rotatable arm assembly (5fs). Such an apparatus preferably further comprises a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS), the seat and the user input device (5i) being arranged on the frame (12) such that the user's upper body portion (UB) above the waist (W) is disposed in a position for ready engagement with the user input device (5i).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a rowing or back, arm, abdominal exercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 7), comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a forward edge, a rearward edge and a generally planar seating surface (PS), a foot rest disposed forwardly of and below the seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad (18) having a lower back engagement surface (ES) disposed at the rearward edge of the seat,

a user input device (5i) mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device comprising a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o),

the seating surface (PS) being disposed at an angle (SA) relative to horizontal selected such that a rearward edge (16r) is disposed horizontally above a forward edge (16f) and such that the user can sit in a forward facing direction on the angled seating surface (PS), simultaneously engage the user's foot on a foot rest (12f) and push the user's lower back (7) along the angled (SA) seating surface into engagement with the lower back engagement surface (ES) by extending the user's legs,

the user input device (5i) including an engagement device (5e) and being arranged on the frame (12) relative to the seating surface (PS) such that the user can manually engage (ME) the engagement device (5e) when seated on the angled seating surface (PS) with the user's lower back engaged against the lower back engagement surface (ES) of the pelvic stabilization pad (18),

the engagement device (5e) being manually engageable by the user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (FF, SF) respectively to manually drive the user input device against the first and second resistances (R1, R2) respectively to cause the user input device (5i) to travel in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) respectively.

The first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatable direction (20c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus typically includes a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device (5i) and the first fan (20) and between the user input device (5i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6f, 6o) of the user input device (5i) between the first direction (6f) and the second direction (6o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans can be respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

The unitary or single piece member (30) is preferably directly interconnected to a first drive axle (30d) in an arrangement adapted to drivably rotate the first drive axle (30d) in a first direction (30f) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the first direction (6f) and to drivably rotate the first drive axle in a second direction (30o) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the second direction (6o), the first drive axle (30d) being interconnected to the resistance apparatus (10) in an arrangement to drive the resistance apparatus (10) in response to movement (6f, 6o) of the unitary or single piece member (30), the first drive axle (30) being interconnected to the first and second fans (20, 22) to rotatably drive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a single rotational direction corresponding to the first and second directions (6f, 6o).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided an arm curl or extension exercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 8A), comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS) mounted to the frame (12) in a position such that a user can engage an underside surface of the user's legs (USS) on the seating surface (PS) to be disposed in an upright sitting posture,

a user input device (5i) mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device comprising a manually engageable device (5e) and a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o),

an arm or elbow support (19) having an upper engagement surface (19s) mounted and arranged on the frame (12) in a position vertically above and forward of the position of the seat (16) such that a user seated on the seating surface (PSE) in an upright posture can readily engage an undersurface of the user's arms or elbows (PS) on the engagement surface (19s) of the arm or elbow support (19),

the manually engageable device (5e) being arranged on the user input device (5i) such that the manually engageable device (5e) is disposed in a position that is readily manually engageable by the user when the undersurface (PS) of the user's arms or elbows are engaged with the engagement surface (19s) of the elbow support (19).

In such an apparatus the first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatable direction (20c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

Such an apparatus preferably includes a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device (5i) and the first fan (20) and between the user input device (5i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6f, 6o) of the user input device (5i) between the first direction (6f) and the second direction (6o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are preferably respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

The user input device (5i) is typically interconnected to the first (20) and second (22) fans such that exertion of a first force (FF) in the first direction (6f) on the manually engageable device (5e) drives the along the first path of travel (6fa) and exertion of a second force (SF) on the manually engageable device (5e) in the opposite direction (6o) drives the user input device (5i) along the second path of travel (6oa).

The unitary or single piece member (30) is typically directly interconnected to a first drive axle (30d) in an arrangement adapted to drivably rotate the first drive axle (30d) in a first direction (30f) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the first direction (6f) and to drivably rotate the first drive axle in a second direction (30o) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the second direction (6o), the first drive (30r) being interconnected to the resistance apparatus (10) in an arrangement to drive the resistance apparatus (10) in response to movement (6f, 6o) of the unitary or single piece member (30, the first drive axle (30) being interconnected to the first and second fans (20, 22) to rotatably drive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a single rotational direction corresponding to the first and second directions (6f, 6o).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a pull down, overhead press exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS) mounted to the frame (12) in a position such that a user can engage an underside surface of the user's legs (USS) on the seating surface (PS) to be disposed in an upright sitting posture,

a user input device (5i) mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) and a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o),

the user input device (5i) being arranged on the frame (12) relative to the seat (16) such that the manually engageable device (5e) is disposed in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed at a vertical position located above the user's shoulders (USH) and is readily manually engageable by the user when the user is disposed in a generally upright seated position on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engaged with the seating surface (PS).

The first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatable direction (20c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

The apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device (5i) and the first fan (20) and between the user input device (5i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6f, 6o) of the user input device (5i) between the first direction (6f) and the second direction (6o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are preferably respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

The user input device (5i) is typically interconnected to the first (20) and second (22) fans such that exertion of a first force (FF) in the first direction (6f) on the manually engageable device (5e) drives the user input device (5i) along the first path of travel (6fa) and exertion of a second force (SF) on the manually engageable device (5e) in the opposite direction (6o) drives the user input device (5i) along the second path of travel (6oa).

The unitary or single piece member (30) is preferably interconnected to a first drive axle (30d) in an arrangement adapted to drivably rotate the first drive axle (30d) in a first direction (30f) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the first direction (6f) and to drivably rotate the first drive axle in a second direction (30o) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the second direction (6o), the first drive (30r) being interconnected to the resistance apparatus (10) in an arrangement to drive the resistance apparatus (10) in response to movement (6f, 6o) of the unitary or single piece member (30), the first drive axle (30) being interconnected to the first and second fans (20, 22) to rotatably drive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a single rotational direction corresponding to the first and second directions (6f, 6o).

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a leg extension exercise apparatus (5) (for example FIG. 10), comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a seating surface (PS) mounted to the frame (12) in a position such that a user can engage an underside surface of the user's legs (USS) on the seating surface (PS) to be disposed in a sitting posture,

a user input device (5i) mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) and a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o),

the user input device (5i) being arranged on the frame (12) relative to the seat (16) such that the manually engageable device (5e) is disposed in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed at a vertical position located downward and forward of the user's knees (USH) and is readily manually engageable by a forward surface (FUS) of a user's shin or lower leg when the user is disposed in a seated position on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engaged with the seating surface (PS).

The first fan (20) is preferably adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatable direction (20c) (not shown in FIG. 10) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22cc) (not shown in FIG. 10) to exert the second resistance (R2).

Such an apparatus can include a clutch apparatus (26) shown as 26c in FIG. 10 that is interconnected between the user input device (5i) and the first fan (20) and between the user input device (5i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6f, 6o) of the user input device (5i) between the first direction (6f) and the second direction (6o).

The first (20) and second (22) fans are typically respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) (not shown in FIG. 10) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

The user input device (5i) can be interconnected to the first (20) and second (22) fans such that exertion of a first force (FF) in the first direction (6f) on the manually engageable device (5e) drives the user input device (5i) along the first path of travel (6fa) and exertion of a second force (SF) on the manually engageable device (5e) in the opposite direction (6o) drives the user input device (5i) along the second path of travel (6oa).

The unitary or single piece member (30) is preferably interconnected to a first drive pulley (30r) in an arrangement adapted to drivably rotate the first drive axle (30r) in a first direction (30f) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the first direction (6f) and to drivably rotate the first drive pulley (30r) in a second direction (30o) together with movement of the unitary or single piece member (30) in the second direction (6o), the first drive pulley (30r) being interconnected to the first and second fans (20, 22) to rotatably drive the fans (20, 22) respectively in a single rotational direction (20c, 22cc) (not shown in FIG. 10) corresponding to the first and second directions (6f, 6o).

The user input device (5i) typically comprises a shin or lower leg engagement device (5p1) mounted and arranged on the user input device (5i) in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed vertically below and forward of the user's knee (KN) when the user is seated on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engaged with the seating surface (PS), the foot engagement device (5p1) having an engagement surface ( ) arranged for ready engagement with a forward surface (FUS) of a user's shin or lower leg when the user is seated on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engaged with the seating surface (PS).

In such an apparatus one or the other of the of the unitary or single piece member (30) or the shin or lower leg engagement device (5p1) can be adapted to reside in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed vertically below the user's knee (KN) when no force is exerted on the user input device (5i) and adapted to be driven to an intermediate upper exercise position (UEP) that is disposed vertically above and forward the stationary start exercise position (SEP) when the user exerts the first force (FF) to drive the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f).

The user input device preferably includes a second user engagement surface (USP2) adapted for engagement with a rear surface of the user's lower leg for exertion of a second force (SF) downward and rearward against the second user engagement surface (USP2) for movement of the user input device (5i) against the second resistance (R2) in the second direction (6o) starting from an upper position (UEP) disposed vertically and forward above the stationary start exercise position (SEP).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side schematic perspective view of a generic exercise apparatus 5 having a force input device interconnected to a subassembly of resistance fans and eddy current brake disk that are mounted on a common drive axle.

FIG. 1A is a schematic view of generic exercise apparatuses 5 interconnected to fan resistance apparatuses comprised of at least two fans that are drivably mounted on a common drive axle.

FIG. 1AA is a schematic view of the paths of travel of another embodiment of a user input device where the device travels along two different paths of travel in travelling from front to rear and rear to front.

FIG. 1B is a front right side perspective view of an apparatus similar to the FIG. 1 apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a front left schematic perspective view of an apparatus shown for purposes of explanation of the interconnection of different user force input devices to a dual fan resistance subassembly showing driven movement of the input devices in one direction and in and in an opposite direction.

FIG. 2A is view similar to FIG. 2 showing movement of the user input device in one direction, a forward direction.

FIG. 2B is a view similar to FIG. 2A showing movement of the user input device in a direction opposite the forward direction shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing two additional different user input devices.

FIG. 3 is an axial sectional view of one embodiment of a one rotational way bearing or hub and a circumferentially mounted fan.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are radial sectional views of the one rotational way bearing or hub and circumferentially mounted fan of FIG. 3 each respectively showing rotation of inner race of the hub clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a back extension and abdominal exercise machine schematically showing the movement of the handle and force input lever first and second directions.

FIG. 4A is a front left side perspective view of the FIG. 4 apparatus showing the user input lever driven to a forwardmost position.

FIG. 4B is a front left side perspective view of the FIG. 4 apparatus showing the user input lever driven to a rearwardmost position.

FIG. 5A is a front right side perspective view of a rotary torso exercise apparatus having a user rotary drivable foot stand interconnected to a dual fan resistance subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 5B is a view similar to FIG. 5A showing the user rotary drivable input device rotationally driven to a different rotational position from the position shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a front right side perspective view of a rotary torso exercise apparatus having an upper body or trunk engaging user rotary drivable input device interconnected to a dual fan resistance subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 7 is a front left side perspective view of a chest and row exercise apparatus incorporating a single or dual fan resistance apparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 8A is a front right side perspective view of an arm curl or extension exercise apparatus showing a user and the handle or user input device in a first forwardmost position for performing an arm curl exercise in a first rearward pulling direction incorporating a single or dual fan resistance apparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 8B is a view similar to FIG. 8A showing the user and the handle or user input device in a second rearwardmost position for performing an arm extension exercise in a second forward pushing direction incorporating a single or dual fan resistance apparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 9A is a rear left side perspective view of an overhead pull down/overhead press exercise apparatus showing the handles or user input device in a first stationary upper position for performing a pull down exercise in a first downward direction incorporating a single or dual fan resistance apparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 9B is a left side view of the FIG. 9A apparatus showing a user in a position manually holding the handles of the user input device in readiness to begin a pull down exercise.

FIG. 10 is a front right side perspective view of a leg extension/leg curl exercise apparatus showing first and second positions for a user's performing a leg extension exercise in a first direction and a leg curl exercise in another movement incorporating a dual fan resistance apparatus subassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B.

FIG. 10A is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein the term “user” means a human being in the normal sense having a head, a torso, a waist, two arms with elbows, two hands, two legs with knees and two feet typically being between about 4 feet and about 7 feet tall.

FIG. 1 shows in schematic, a resistance subassembly 10 drivably interconnected to one or the other of two input assemblies 5a, 5b of an exercise apparatus. The two input assemblies are shown for illustration purposes how two different input assemblies with two different user manually engageable input mechanisms 5e can be arranged to operate together with a resistance subassembly 10 as shown and described herein.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 three (3) resistance generating fans, 20, 22, 25 are mounted on mounted on a common drive axle 24. Depending on the precise configuration of the exercise apparatus 5, one or more fans 20, 22, 25 are preferred for use as a source of resistance to an exercise that may be performed using a particular apparatus 5.

A movement or motion in a “first direction” and in a “second direction that are generally opposite as used herein means two discrete physical movements in two directions that are different from each other in direction such as a lever, linkage, arm or leg moving forwardly and then backwardly, or a lever moving a first angular amount and then subsequently a second angular amount in the same direction or in different directions, or an arm travelling through a first path of travel of a first distance and then travelling through the same path of travel a second distance, or an arm travelling through a first path of travel a first distance and then travelling through another second path of travel a second distance. Generally opposite direction does not mean that the path of travel of the user input device takes in the first direction is the same or identical to the path that the user input device takes in the second opposite direction but only that the paths of travel in each direction are generally opposite. For example, generally opposite directions occurs in the motion of a pedal of an elliptical stride exercise machine where a pedal travels from front to back along a downwardly arcuate path and from back to front along an upwardly arcuate path of travel. Similarly, the motion of a handle or lever in an elliptical rowing machine can travel generally back and forth in an elliptical handle motion, namely generally opposite front to back and back to front directions but along different upwardly arcuate and downwardly arcuate paths of travel.

Generally, the path of travel of a user input device travels during the course of an exercise cycle from a first start position to a second most distant position and back to the first start position. The path of travel can be the same linear or arcuate path in each direction or the path of travel can be different from start to most distant position and back to start as in an elliptical motion.

The position of the start and most distant positions of the user input device relative to the frame, seat, foot supports and the like can be adjustable. Similarly the length or degree of incline or angular travel of the path of travel from the start to most distant positions of the user input device can be adjustable.

As shown, fans 20, 22 can comprise a fan that has blades 20b, 22b that generate a resistance R1, R2 to rotation of the fans 20, 22 by interference with ambient air or atmosphere upon rotations that varies non-linearly, typically by a cube factor, with the rate of rotation of the fans 20, 22 and the rate of travel of the user input device 5i along the paths of travel 6f, 6o.

Fan 25 comprises a disk component of a conventional rotating eddy current brake that increases or varies resistance non-linearly (for example exponentially) with the degree of increase in rotation of the fan 25.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the resistance apparatus can comprise the use of a single fan 20, 22 or 25. For example, when used in conjunction with the specific configurations of the FIGS. 4-10 exercise apparatuses, the source of resistance can comprise either a single disk 25 (and associated eddy current brake components) or to use a single fan 20, 22 as the source of resistance to movement of the user force input device of the apparatus. The use of such a single fan as the source of resistance can be configured to provide resistance to movement of the user force input device in either one movement or in two movements (such as in both the back and forth directions of movement of a lever) as described herein.

In other embodiments, the resistance apparatus can comprise the use of at least two (2) fans, for example a pair of fan fans 20, 22 or a pair of eddy current disks 25, or a combination of a single fan 20 and an eddy current disk 25. In embodiments where at least a pair of fans are used as the source of resistance, each fan, 20, 22, 25 is preferably adapted to be drivably rotatable in one rotational direction and each of the two fans is drivably rotatable in a rotational direction that is opposite the drivably rotatable direction of the other of the two fans.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the resistance apparatus can comprise a pair of fans 10, 22 as shown in FIGS. 1-10 and additionally an eddy current brake disk

An exercise apparatus 5 according to the invention includes a user input device 5i such as a handle or a rotatable disc 30r that is readily manually engageable by a human being user via manual engagement of some selected portion of the user's body such the user's hands or feet with the engagement element 5e of the input device 5i. A unitary or single piece member means a single or unitary structural element. In some embodiments the user input device 5i comprises a single piece or a unitary member. A unitary or single piece member means a single or unitary structural element such as a single piece or unitary lever or arm 30, FIGS. 1, 1A, 4, 4A, 7, 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B that is driven by the user in both generally opposite directions 6f and 6o. Similarly a unitary or single piece member is disc or pulley, FIG. 5, 5A that is driven by the user in generally opposite directions 6f, 6o and is drivably connected to the mechanism that drives both fans 20, 22, such as axles 24, 24s, 24t that drive(s) both fans 20, 22. Similarly, pulley or gear 23 that is driven by the user's exertion of force in both generally opposite directions and also drives both fans 20, 22 is another example of a unitary or single piece member. Alternatively, the user input device could comprise a disc 30r that the user might typically engage with the user's feet.

The input device 5i is mechanically or manually movable in at least a first direction 6f and in a second direction 6o that is generally opposite in direction to the first direction 6f.

In embodiments where the resistance apparatus comprises at least two fans 20, 22, the fans are interconnected to the force input device 5i and are adapted such that only one of the two fans 20 is driven by movement of the input device 5i in one direction or a first direction 6f and the other one 22 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven by movement of the input device 5i in only one direction, the opposite direction 6o. As shown for example in FIG. 1A, when the user input device 5e of an exercise apparatus 5a or 5b is driven in a first or forward direction 6f by a forward force 6p, only one fan 22 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven in only one rotational direction, as shown in a counterclockwise direction 22cc. The other fan 20 of the two fans 20, 22 is not rotatably driven on account of a one way clutch or one way rotational direction hub 26cc to which the drive shaft 24 is interconnected. Thus the forward driving force exerted by a user on member 5e to effect driven movement 6f by user exerted force 6p of the manually engaged member 5e is resisted in only one direction R2 by the fan or fan 22 that rotates in the first direction 22cc.

Conversely as shown in FIG. 1B when the user input device 5e of an exercise apparatus 5a or 5b is driven in a second or reverse or opposite direction 6o only the other one fan 20 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven in only the one opposite rotational direction by a user exerted force 6t, as shown in a clockwise direction 20c. The other fan 22 of the two fans 20, 22 similarly is not rotatably driven on account of a one way clutch or one way rotational direction hub 26c to which the drive shaft 24 is interconnected. Thus the second, reverse or opposite driving force 6t exerted by a user on member 5e to effect driven movement 6o of the manually engaged member 5e is resisted in only one direction R1 by the one fan or fan 20 that rotates in the opposite direction 20c.

The two fans can be mounted on a single common axle 24 or, as shown in FIG. 1A, on separate axles 24s, 24t. In either configuration whether mounted on the same axle as in FIG. 1 or on different drive axles FIG. 1A, the fans 20, 22 are drivably interconnected 7, 7a, 7b and mounted to the axles 24, 24s, 24t via hubs 26, 26c, 26cc, 26r that are adapted and configures such that only one of the two fans 20 is rotatably driven 6fr, 26c by movement of the input device 5i in the first direction 6f and only the other one 22 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven 6or, 26cc by movement of the input device 5i in the opposite direction 6o.

In embodiments where the resistance apparatus comprises at least two fans 20, 22 that are mounted on a common axle, the fans 20, 22 are each mounted on the common drive axle 24 via a one way rotational direction bearings or hubs 26c, 26cc in an arrangement where the one way hubs 26c, 26cc are mounted to the common drive axle 24 such that the fans 20, 22 are limited to drivable rotation 20c, 22cc in a rotational direction that is opposite to each other, namely one fan 20 is drivable solely in a clockwise direction 26c relative to the other fan 22 which is drivable solely in a counterclockwise direction 26cc relative to the fan 20.

As shown in FIG. 1A when the user input device 5i is driven or moved in one direction, such as a forward direction 6f with user exerted force 6p, the interconnection of the input device 5i to the fans 20, 22 is adapted such that only one fan 22 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven and drivable in only one rotational direction 22cc with the other one fan 20 of the two fans not being rotatably drivable or driven at all. Conversely as shown in FIG. 1B when the user input device 5i is driven or moved in a rearward or opposite direction 6o relative to the direction of drive shown in FIG. 1A, the other fan 20 of the two fans 20, 22 is adapted to be driven and drivable in only one rotational direction 20c with the fan 22 of the two fans 20, 22 not being rotatably drivable or driven.

FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B show generic exercise apparatuses 5a, 5b that each have a force input device 5i interconnected to an engagement device 5e that a user can readily manually engage with a selected amount of force 6p, 6t to drive the input device 5i to move in a first direction 6f or a generally opposite direction 6o. As shown, FIGS. 1, 1A the input device 5i of apparatus 5a, can be comprised of a single piece or unitary lever 30 that moves or travels along a first path of travel 6fa beginning from a first position 5f in the first direction 6f to a second position 5s. Conversely the input device 5i moves or travels along a second path of travel 6oa beginning from the second position 5s in the second direction 6o to the first position 5f. The input device 5i need only travel in generally opposite directions 6f, 6o and the paths of travel 6fa, 6oa of the input device 5i need not necessarily be configured such that the device 5i starts in a single start position 5f or travel to a single second position 5s. The first and second paths of travel 6fa, 6oa are determined solely by mechanical directional movement of the input device 5i along paths of any selected length or degree of arc or rotation in generally opposite directions 6f, 6o without the input device necessarily having a single start 5f or end 5s position.

FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B show schematically for purposes of explanation, an apparatus 5 that has one or the other two alternative user input subassemblies 5a, 5b that include a mechanical assembly that acts as the input device 5i such as a lever 5e, 30 shown in apparatus 5a that pivots to travel either forwardly along an arcuate back and forth path of travel 6fa, 6oa, the path of travel of the manual engagement device 5e travelling along the same path in both directions 6f and 6o. Similarly with the alternative user input subassembly 5b, the manual engagement device 5e can be rotated in either a clockwise 6f or an opposite 6o counterclockwise direction, the engagement device 5e rotationally travelling along the same rotational path of travel in the first direction 6f as the engagement device 5e travels in the opposite direction 6o path of travel.

In alternative embodiments such as shown in FIG. 1AA the apparatus 5c can comprise an input device 5i and manual engagement member 5e that are configured such that the manual engagement member 5e does not travel along the same path of travel in both directions 6fa, 6oa but rather along different paths of travel when travelling in opposite directions 6f, 6o. For example, as shown in FIG. 1AA, the manual engagement device 5e travels from a start position 5ef in a first direction 6f along a first path of travel 6fa to a second position 5es and then travels back in a second opposite direction 6o along a second path of travel 6oa that is different from the first path of travel 6fa. As shown the manual engagement device 5e is interconnected to a user input device 5i that is interconnected to a resistance apparatus as described herein. The apparatus 5c can comprise, for example, an elliptical cross trainer or stride machine where the manual engagement device 5e is a foot pedal that travels along an elliptical back to front 6fa and front to back 6oa overall path of travel, the input device 5i being interconnected to a resistance apparatus as described herein such as one or more disks 25 of an eddy current brake apparatus or one or more fans 20, 22 as described herein that are interconnected to one way rotation devices or clutches. As with exercise apparatuses having specific configurations such as described with reference to FIGS. 4-10, an elliptical stride exercise apparatus 5c, FIG. 1AA could employ a single eddy current brake or a single fan as a source of resistance to movement in either direction 6f or 6o along either path of travel 6fa, 6oa.

FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C illustrate embodiments where the two fans 20, 22 are separately 7a, 7b mounted on separate shafts 24s, 24t via one way clutch hubs 26, 26c, 26cc that enables one of the fans 20, 22 to be drivable in only one direction 20c, 20cc or 22c, 22cc in response to forward 6f or rearward 60o directional drive of the manually engageable member 5e of an apparatus 5c, 5d. As shown, in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C when an input device 5i is driven in one forward direction 6f only one 22 of the two resistance fans 20, 22 is driven in one clockwise direction 22c while the other of the two fans 20 is prevented from being driven in a clockwise direction by a one way clutch 26c. Conversely as shown, when an input device 5i is driven in an opposite rearward direction 6o only the other one 20 of the two fans 20, 22 is driven in one counterclockwise direction 20cc while the other fan 22 is prevented from being driven in a counterclockwise direction by a one way clutch 26cc. Thus upon any given movement of the input device 5i either forward 6f or backward 6o, only one of the two fans 20, 22, 25 are rotatably driven and are driven and drivable in only one rotational direction. For example, with reference to FIG. 2C when an input device 5c, 5d is driven in one direction 6f only fan 22 is driven in a clockwise direction 22c while fan 20 is prevented from rotating in a clockwise direction by one way clutch 26c. Conversely when an input device 5c, 5d is driven in an opposite direction 6o only fan 20 is driven in a counterclockwise direction 20cc while fan 22 is prevented from rotating in a counterclockwise direction by one way clutch 26cc.

FIG. 3 shows one example of a one way rotation direction clutch, bearing or hubs 26 in which rollers 27 are received within a receiving aperture 27a disposed between the inner race (axle) 27ri and the outer race 27ro of the clutch bearing or hub 26. As shown the rollers 27 do not lockably engage the inner surface of the outer race 27ro and freely roll along the outer surface 27ris of the inner race when the inner race or hub 24 rotates in the 26c1 rotational direction as shown. In this direction of rotation therefore, the shaft 24 does not drive the fan 20 (FIG. 1) that is snug or force fit engaged with the outer surface 27ros of the outer race 27ro. Conversely when the axle or shaft 24 is rotated is the opposite direction 26cs, the balls 27 engage and lock against and between the inner surface 27rois of the outer race 27ro and the outer surface 27ris of the inner race 24, 27ri thus causing the fan 20 to be driven together with the axle 24, 27ri in the 27cs rotational direction. Thus when the outer race surface 27ros of a clutch bearing 26, in 26c, or 26cc (FIG. 1) is mounted in compressed, typically force fit, engagement with the inner surface 20is of the hub of a fan 20, 22, 25, the fan will be driven by a rotatably driven axle 24 that is being driven in the roller 27 locked or engaged direction 26cs. As discussed with reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 2, the one-way clutches, bearings or hubs 26c, 26cc are arranged and mounted on axle 24 such that the outer race 27ro of one clutch 26c locks to cause fan 20 to drivably rotate when the shaft 24 is rotated in one rotational direction and the outer race 27ro of the other clutch 26cc locks to cause fan 22 to drivably rotate when the shaft 24 is rotated in the opposite rotational direction.

FIGS. 4, 4A show a back extension or abdominal muscle exercise apparatus 5 comprising a frame 12, a seat 16 having a forward edge 16f, a rearward edge 16r, and a generally planar seating surface (PS), a foot rest 12f disposed forwardly of and below the seating surface PS and a pelvic stabilization pad 18 having a lower back engagement surface (ES) disposed at the rearward edge 16r of the seat, a user input device 5i mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction FD, 6f along a first path of travel 6fa and for movement in a second direction 6o that is opposite the first direction along a second path of travel 6oa. The user input device 5i, typically comprised of a single piece or unitary lever 30, is interconnected to a resistance apparatus 10 via an intermediate interconnection to a cam device 17 that has a cammed surface 17s that can control and vary the speed or rate of rotation of the resistance fans 20, 22 according to a predetermined profile 17s of the cammed surface 17s. The profile 17s can be adapted to vary the speed of movement of the resistance device non linearly or in a non linear relationship relative to the speed of movement of the input device 5i. The cam mechanism 17 is interconnected to the user input device 5i in an arrangement such that the cam mechanism is movably driven or translated in a first direction 17f together with movement in the first direction 6f of the input device 5i and movably driven or translated in a second opposite direction 17o together with movement in the opposite direction 6o of the input device 5i.

The resistance apparatus 10 of the FIG. 4, 4A embodiment exerts a first resistance R1 to movement of the user input device in the first direction 6f or along the first path of travel 6fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to movement of the user input device in the second direction 6o or along the second path of travel 6oa. The seating surface PS is disposed at an angle SA relative to horizontal such that the rearward edge 16r is disposed horizontally above the forward edge 16f and such that a human being user can sit in a forward facing direction FW on the angled seating surface PS, simultaneously engage the user's foot on the foot rest 12f while pushing the user's lower back along the angled seating surface PS into engagement with the lower back engagement surface ES by extending the user's legs. Such engagement of the user's lower back with the stabilization pad 18 and engagement surface ES while under the force of the user's forcible extension of the user's legs thus forcing the user's lower back into compressed engagement with the stabilization pad 18 surface ES enables stabilizes the user's pelvis against twisting or lateral turning as well as against front to back movement while the user is performing an exercise.

The user input device 5i of the FIGS. 4, 4A embodiment includes an engagement device 5e and is arranged on the frame 12 relative to the seating surface PS such that the user can manually engage ME the engagement device 5e when seated on the angled seating surface PS with the user's lower back engaged against the lower back engagement surface ES of the pelvic stabilization pad 18. The arrangement of the engagement device 5e relative to the angled SA seat 16 thus requires the user to exercise the user's abdominal muscles in order to exert first FF and second SF selected amounts of force respectively to manually drive the user input device 5i against the first and second resistances R1, R2 respectively which causes the user input device 5i to travel in the first 6f and second 6o directions respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, the input device 5i is drivably interconnected via pulleys 5p, belts and chains 5z to an intermediate drive axle 23a that is interconnected via a pulley 23 and belt 23b to the drive axle 24. The drive axle 24 drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 is exerted solely by one of the fans 20, 22 and the second resistance R2 is exerted solely by the other of the fans. An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the input device 5i in the first 6f and second opposite 6o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

FIGS. 5A and 6 show a torso rotation exercise apparatus comprising a frame 12, a user input device 5i mounted on the frame 12 having an engagement device 5e comprised of a rotatable foot stand 5fs or rotatable arm assembly 5as adapted to receive and engage a selected portion of a user's torso such as the user's feet on the surface of the foot pedal 5fs. The user input device 5i comprised of a single piece or unitary pulley 30r is adapted to rotate UR in a first direction 6f along a first path of travel 6fa and in a second direction 6o that is opposite the first direction along a second path of travel 6oa, the first direction and first path of travel comprising clockwise rotation of the user input device along a clockwise arc, the second direction and second path of travel comprising counterclockwise rotation of the user input device along a counterclockwise arc. The user input device 5i is interconnected to a resistance apparatus 10 via a series of pulleys, belts and the like 10i. The resistance apparatus 10 exerts a first resistance R1 to user exerted force FF to cause movement of the user input device in the first direction 6f or along the first path of travel 6fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to the user force to cause movement of the user input device in the second opposite direction 6o or along the second path of travel 6oa. The engagement device 5e is readily engageable with a portion of the user's torso such as a foot or hand or arm. As shown, the apparatus 5 includes one or more upper torso engageable pads 5x and handles 5xe that a user who is standing upright on foot receiving pedal surfaces 5fs can engages with their back or chest or shoulders, 5x or with their hands 5xe to facilitate the user's performing a torso rotation exercise UR while standing upright.

As shown in the FIGS. 5A, 5B embodiment, a user's feet UF are placed onto an upper facing surface 5fs of the pedals 5e of the input device 5i. Once the user is standing with feet on the surfaces 5fs, the user exerts exercise force 6p to forcibly rotate UR the input device 5i in one direction to cause one of the two fans 20 to exert resistance R1 against the user force 6p. Conversely the user exerts a force in the opposite direction 6t to forcibly rotate UR the input device 5i in an opposite direction to cause the other of the two fans 22 to exert a second resistance R2. As shown, the user input device 5i is interconnected to a drive pulley 30r that is in turn interconnected to the two fans in the same or similar manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, the engagement device is a padded arm or hand engagement arm that is mounted via a linkage 5I to an overhead axle or hub 5ir that is rotatable around axis A. The user input device 5i is thus rotatably drivable around axis A in first and second directions along first and second paths of travel against first and second resistances exerted by fans 20, 22 in response to a user's engaging the engagement device's padded arms 5e and using selected upper torso muscles to exert force UR to rotate the user's upper torso while the user maintains engagement with the engagement device 5e. The input device 5i is drivably interconnected via gears, pulleys, belts, chains and the like 10i to an intermediate drive axle 23a that is interconnected via a pulley 23 and belt to the drive axle 24 on which fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The drive axle 24 drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 is exerted solely by one of the fans 20, 22 and the second resistance R2 is exerted solely by the other of the fans. An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the input device 5i in the first 6f and second opposite 6o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

FIG. 7 shows a chest and rowing exercise apparatus 5 comprised of a frame 12 on which is mounted a foot rest 12f and a seat 16 that are mounted on the frame in an arrangement to enable a user's sitting on the seat 16 with the user's foot engaged with the foot rest 12f in performance of a row or chest exercise. The seating surface PS is disposed at an angle SA relative to horizontal such that the rearward edge 16r is disposed horizontally above the forward edge 16f and such that a human being user can sit in a forward facing direction FW on the angled seating surface PS, simultaneously engage the user's foot on the foot rest 12f and push the user's lower back along the angled seating surface PS into engagement with the lower back engagement surface ES by extending the user's legs. Such engagement of the user's lower back with the stabilization pad 18 and engagement surface ES while under the force of the user's forcible extension of the user's legs forcing the user's lower back into compressed engagement with the stabilization pad 18 surface ES enables the user to thus stabilize the user's pelvis while performing an exercise.

The FIG. 7 apparatus 5 includes a user input device 5e mounted to the frame 12 for movement in a first direction 6f along a first path of travel 6fa and in a second opposite direction 6o along a second path of travel 6oa. The user input device 5i typically comprises a single piece or unitary lever or arm 30 that is pivotably mounted for rotation around axis A. The input device 5i is drivably interconnected by gears, belts, pulleys 30r, 23, chains and the like to a resistance apparatus 10 that exerts a first resistance R1 to movement 6f of the user input device 5i in the first direction 6f or along the first path of travel 6fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to movement of the user input device 5i in the second direction 6o or along the second path of travel 6oa. The user input device 5i includes an engagement device 5e such as a handle and is arranged on the frame 12 relative to the seat 16 such that the engagement device 5e is readily manually engageable ME by the user when the user is seated on the seat surface PS of the seat 16 enabling the user to exert first and second selected amounts of force FF, SF respectively to manually drive the user input device in the first and second directions 6f, 6o along the first and second paths of travel 6fa, 6oa against the first and second resistances, R1, R2. The input device 5i and unitary member 30 is drivably interconnected to an intermediate drive axle 30d that is interconnected directly to a pulley 30r and belt to the drive axle 24 on which fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The intermediate drive axle 30d is drivable in a first forward rotatable direction 30f and opposite direction 30o together with forward driven movement 6f and opposite rearward movement 6o of the input device 5i. The drive axle 24 typically drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above, preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 is generated by one of the fans 20, 22 solely on movement of the input device 5i in the first direction 6f and the second resistance R2 is generated by the other of the fans solely on movement of the input device 5i in the second direction 6o. An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the input device 5i in the first 6f and second opposite 6o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show an arm curl apparatus 5 comprising a frame 12, an arm engagement or rest pad 19 and a seat 16 with a seat surface PSE mounted on the frame which is adapted to receive and support a user in a sitting position on a seating surface PSE. The one or more arm engagement pads 19 are mounted and arranged relative to the seat 16 such that a posterior surface PS of the user's arm at or above the elbow is engageable against an engagement surface 19s of the engagement pad 19 while the user is seated. The FIGS. 8A, 8B 5 has a user input device 5i comprised of a pair of interconnected handles 5e, a single piece or unitary arm 30 pivotally mounted to the frame for rotation around axis AX to effect movement of the input apparatus 5i in a generally upwardly UW and rearwardly RW first direction 6f along a first path of travel 6fa and for movement in a generally downwardly DW and forwardly FW second direction 6o that is opposite the first direction 6f along a second path of travel 6oa. The user input device 5i is interconnected 10i to a resistance apparatus 10 that exerts a first resistance R1 to movement of the user input device 5i in the first direction 6f or along the first path of travel 6fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to movement of the user input device 5i in the second direction 6o or along the second path of travel 6oa. The user input device 5i includes an engagement device such as handles 5e that are arranged relative to the seat 16 such that the engagement device 5e is manually engageable ME by the user's hand for application of first FF and second SF selected amounts of force respectively to manually drive the user input device 5i in the first and second directions 6f, 6o along the first and second paths of travel, 6fa, 6oa against the first and second resistances R1, R2 when the user is seated in the seat with the posterior surface of the user's upper arm at or above the elbow engaged against the engagement pad. The input device 5i is drivably interconnected via one or more gears, pulleys, belts, chains and the like 10i, such as pulley 33 and chain 5z that are interconnected to intermediate drive axle 23a that is interconnected via a pulley 23 and belt 23b to the drive axle 24 on which fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The drive axle 24 typically drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above, preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 is exerted by one of the fans 20, 22 is generated solely on movement of the input device 5i in the first direction 6f and the second resistance R2 is generated by the other of the fans solely on movement of the input device 5i in the second direction 6o. An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the input device 5i in the first 6f and second opposite 6o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

FIGS. 9A, 9B show a pull down exercise apparatus 5 comprising a frame 12, a seat 16 mounted to the frame having a seating surface S for seating a user having a trunk T1 having a longitudinal axis LA. The apparatus 5 includes a user input device 5i comprised of a single piece or unitary arm 30 pivotably mounted to the frame 12 for rotation around axis AX. The single piece or unitary arm 30 includes an engagement device 5e manually engageable ME by the user's hand 17 for exertion of first FF and second SF selected amounts of force to drive the user input device in first and second directions 6f, 60 along first and second paths of travel 6fa, 6oa. The user input device 5i is typically adapted to reside in a start motionless position SMP that disposes the engagement device 5e in a start exercise position that is disposed vertically above the user's trunk T1 when the user is seated on the seating surface PSE in an orientation where the longitudinal axis LA of the user's trunk T1 is disposed generally upright. The user input device 5i is interconnected to a resistance apparatus 10. The arm 30 is rotatably pivotable around a linear axis AX for movement starting from the start motionless position SMP in a first direction 6f through a generally rearward RW and downward DW first path of travel 6fa under a first resistance R1 exerted by the resistance apparatus 10 against application of the first selected amount of force FF that is rearwardly or downwardly directed by the user on the engagement device 5e. Conversely, the arm 30 is rotatably pivotable around a linear axis A for movement starting from downward position in a second direction 6o through a generally forward FW and upward UW second path of travel 6oa under a second resistance R2 exerted by the resistance apparatus 10 against application of the second selected amount of force SF that is forwardly FW or upwardly UW directed by the user on the engagement device 5. The engagement device 5e is arranged relative to the seat 16 such that the engagement device 5e is manually engageable ME by the user at a position vertically above the user's shoulders when the user is seated on the seat 16 such that the user can exert the first and second selected amounts of force FF, SF respectively to manually drive the user input device 5e in the first and second directions 6f, 6o along the first and second paths of travel 6fa, 6oa against the first and second resistances R1, R2. As shown, the user's exertion of force FF in the first direction 6f cause the unitary arm member 30 to rotate under resistance R1 beginning from a stationary upward start position SEP downwardly with pulling force FF to a second intermediate downward position DIP. Similarly, starting from the downward position DIP of the user input device 5i, 30, 5e, the arm 30 will travel under resistance R2 to user force SF directed in the opposite direction 6o. The input device 5i is drivably interconnected via gears, pulleys, belts, chains and the like 10i, such as pulley 33 and chain 5z to an intermediate drive axle 23a that is interconnected via a pulley 23 and belt 23b to the drive axle 24 on which fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The drive axle 24 typically drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above, preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 is exerted by one of the fans 20, 22 is generated solely on movement of the input device 5i in the first direction 6f and the second resistance R2 is generated by the other of the fans solely on movement of the input device 5i in the second direction 6o. An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the input device 5i in the first 6f and second opposite 6o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

FIG. 10 shows a leg extension exercise apparatus comprising a frame 12, a seat 16 mounted on the frame 12 and adapted to receive and support a user in a sitting position whereby the user can sit on the seat with the user's legs bent at an angle at the knee KN such that the user's lower leg LL between the knees KN and feet FT extend downwardly DW from the seat S toward the floor and forwardly of a rear edge 16r seat 16. A user input device 5i having an arm 30 pivotally mounted for rotation around axis A is mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction 6f along a first path of travel 6fa and for movement in a second direction 6o that is opposite the first direction 6f along a second path of travel 6oa. The user input device 5i is interconnected to the resistance apparatus 10 that exerts a first resistance R1 to movement of the user input device 5i in the first direction 6f or along the first path of travel 6fa and exerts a second resistance R2 to movement of the user input device 5i in the second direction 6o or along the second path of travel 6oa. The user input device 5i has a lower leg or ankle engagement device that is arranged relative to the seat 16 such that the engagement device 5e is manually engageable ME with the anterior FSU and posterior surfaces of the user's lower leg or foot LLF by the user's bending the user's knee KN and engaging the user's lower leg surfaces FUS ankle or feet with an engagement surface UPS1 when seated on the seat 16 to exert first and second selected amounts of force FF, SF respectively to manually drive the user input device 5i in the first and second directions 6f, 6o along the first and second paths of travel 6fa, 6oa against the first and second resistances R1, R2. As shown the user input device 5i includes an arm 30 that is pivotably mounted on the frame 12 for rotation around axis A and is interconnected via linkages 10i to drive shaft 24 in an arrangement that causes drive shaft 24 to rotate 24r and thus drive fans 20, 22 on movement of the input device 5i in directions 6f and 6o along paths of travel 6fa, 6oa. The input device 5i is drivably interconnected via linkages, gears, pulleys, belts, chains and the like 10i to an intermediate drive axle that is interconnected via a pulley and belt to the drive axle 24 on which fans 20, 22 are drivably mounted. The drive axle 24 typically drives a dual fan resistance subassembly 10 as described above, preferably an assembly comprised of two fans as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 3A that are mounted on one way rotation direction bearings such that the first resistance R1 is exerted by one of the fans 20, 22 is generated solely on movement of the input device 5i in the first direction 6f and the second resistance R2 is generated by the other of the fans solely on movement of the input device 5i in the second direction In the FIG. 10 embodiment, the user input device (5i) can comprises a foot engagement device (5p1) mounted and arranged on the user input device (5i) in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed vertically below and forward of the user's knee (KN) when the user is seated on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engaged with the seating surface (PS), the foot engagement device (5p1) having an engagement surface ( ) arranged for ready engagement with an upper surface (FUS) of a user's foot when the user is seated on the seat (16) with the underside surface (USS) of the user engaged with the seating surface (PS).

One or the other of the of the unitary or single piece member (30) or the foot engagement (5p1) can be adapted to reside in a stationary start exercise position (SEP) that is vertically below the user's knee (KN) when no force is being exerted on the user input device (5i) and adapted to be driven to an intermediate upper exercise position (UEP) that is vertically above the stationary start exercise position (SEP) when the user exerts the first force (FF) to drive the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f). As such a user can perform a leg extension exercise by exerting the force FF upwardly against the lower facing surface USP1 and against the first resistance R1 thus causing the foot engagement device 5p1 and the arm 30 to rotate in the first direction 6f starting from the stationary start exercise position SEP along the first path of travel 6fa upwardly toward or to the upper exercise position UEP. Conversely a user can perform a leg compression exercise by exerting the force SF downwardly against the upper facing surface USP2 of the foot or leg engagement device 5p2 against the second resistance R2 thus causing the foot or leg engagement device 5p2 and the arm 30 to rotate in the second opposite direction 6o starting from a position vertically above the stationary start exercise position SEP such as the upper exercise position UEP along the second path of travel 6oa downwardly toward or to the start exercise position SEP.

An eddy current brake disk 25 can be included to exert a selectable amount of resistance in addition to whatever resistance that fans 20, 22 exert to movement of the input device 5i in the first 6f and second opposite 6o directions under the selected amounts of force FF, SF exerted by the user.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction (6f),

the user input device (5i) comprising a manually engageable device (5e) that is manually engageable by a user to drive the user input device (5i) in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) along first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa),

the user input device (5i) being interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o).

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first fan (20) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotatable direction (20c) to exert the first resistance (R1) and the second fan (22) is adapted to be rotatable in a single rotational direction (22cc) to exert the second resistance (R2).

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus includes a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device (5i) and the first fan (20) and between the user input device (5i) the second fan (22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement (6f, 6o) of the user input device (5i) between the first direction (6f) and the second direction (6o).

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first (20) and second (22) fans are be respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second fans create first (R1) and second (R2) resistances that are different when the degree of the first (6p, FF) and second (6t, SF) selected amounts of force exerted on the engagement device are different.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first (20) and second (22) fans are sized such that the first and second fans create corresponding first (R1) and second (R2) resistances that are different when the speed or velocity of travel of the user input device (5i) along the first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa) are the same.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first (6fa) and second (6oa) paths of travel are the same or are different from each other.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one or the other or both of (a) the degree of the first resistance (R1) varies with the degree of the first selected amount of force (6p) exerted on the engagement device and (b) the degree of the second resistance (R2) varies with the degree of the second selected amount of force (6t) exerted on the engagement device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the degree of the first resistance (R1) exerted by the first fan (20) and the degree of the second resistance (R2) exerted by the second fan (22) vary differently with the degree of force (6p, 6t) exerted on the engagement device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an eddy current brake interconnected to the user input device to exert an additional resistance.

11. A method of performing an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging the manually engageable device (5e) of the exercise apparatus (5) of claim 1 and exerting the first (6p) and second (6t) selected amounts of force thereon.

12. An exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a unitary or single piece member (23, 24, 24s, 24t, 30) interconnected to a first fan (20) and a second fan (22),

the first fan being adapted to exert a first resistance (R1) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the first direction, the second fan being adapted to exert a second resistance (R2) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the second direction,

the user input device (5i) including an engagement device (5e) that is manually engageable by a user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (6p, 6t) respectively to manually drive the user input device against the first and second resistances respectively to cause the user input device to travel in the first and second directions respectively.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first fan is interconnected to the user input device (5i) such that the first fan is rotatably drivable on movement of the user input device solely in a first direction (20c) to create the first resistance (R1) and the second fan is interconnected to the user input device such that the second fan is rotatably drivable on movement of the user input device solely in a second direction (22cc) to create the second resistance (R2).

14. The apparatus of claim 12 further including a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device and the first fan and the second fan, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change driving interconnection of the user input device (5i) between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement of the user input device between the first direction and the second direction.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first and second fans (20, 22) are respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26c, 26cc) that limit driven rotation of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction (20c, 22cc).

16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first and second fans create first and second resistances (R1, R2) that are different when the degree of the first and second selected amounts of force (6p, 6t, FF, SF) exerted on the engagement device are the same.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first and second fans have first and second diameters (D1, D2) that are different from each other.

18. The apparatus of claim 12 the first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa) are the same or are different from each other.

19. The apparatus of any of claim 12 wherein one or the other or both of (a) the degree of the first resistance varies with the degree of the first selected amount of force exerted on the engagement device and (b) the degree of the second resistance varies with the degree of the second selected amount of force exerted on the engagement device.

20. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the degree of the first resistance exerted by the first fan and the degree of the second resistance exerted by the second fan can vary differently with the degree of force exerted on the engagement device.

21. A method of performing an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging the manually engageable device (5e) of the exercise apparatus of claim 12 and exerting the first and second selected amounts of force thereon.

22. An exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a user input device (5i) mounted to a frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a unitary or single piece member (23, 24, 30) interconnected to a resistance apparatus,

the resistance apparatus comprising a first fan (20) adapted to exert a first resistance (R1) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the first direction (6f) and a second fan (22) adapted to exert a second resistance (R2) to movement of the unitary or single piece member in the second direction (6o),

the user input device (5i) including a manually engageable device (5e) that is manually engageable by a user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (6p, 6t) respectively to manually drive the user input device against the first and second resistances respectively to cause the user input device to travel in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) respectively,

the resistance apparatus being adapted to exert the first and second resistances automatically or sequentially on a change in movement of the user input device between the first and second directions (6f, 6o).

23. The apparatus of claim 22 further including a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device and the resistance apparatus, the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change resistance between the first and second resistances on a change in movement of the user input device between the first direction and the second directions.

24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the resistance apparatus is driven or engaged on movement of the user input device along first and second directions (20c, 22cc) respectively to create the first and second resistances (R1, R2) respectively.

25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a first resistance device (20) that is driven or engaged to create the first resistance (R1) on movement of the user input device solely in the first direction (20c) and wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a second resistance device (22) that is driven or engaged to create the second resistance (R2) on movement of the user input device solely in the second direction (22cc).

26. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first and second paths of travel (6fa, 6oa) are the same or different.

27. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the resistance apparatus is adapted such that the degree of the first resistance (R1) varies with the degree of the first selected amount of force (6p) exerted on the engagement device (5i) and the degree of the second resistance (R2) varies with the degree of the second selected amount of force (6t) exerted on the engagement device.

28. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the degree of the first resistance and the degree of the second resistance vary differently with the degree of force exerted on the engagement device.

29. A method of performing an exercise comprising a user's manually engaging the engagement device of the exercise apparatus of claim 22 and exerting the first and second selected amounts of force thereon.

30. A back or abdominal muscle exercise apparatus (5) comprising:

a frame (12),

a seat (16) having a forward edge, a rearward edge and a generally planar seating surface (PS), a foot rest disposed forwardly of and below the seating surface and a pelvic stabilization pad (18) having a lower back engagement surface (ES) disposed at the rearward edge of the seat,

a user input device (5i) mounted to the frame for movement in a first direction (6f) and for movement in a second direction (6o) that is generally opposite the first direction,

the user input device (5i) comprising a unitary or single piece member (30) interconnected to a first fan (20) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a first resistance (R1) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the first direction (6f) and interconnected to a second fan (22) that is adapted to be rotatably driven to exert a second resistance (R2) in response to driven movement of the user input device (5i) in the second direction (6o).

the seating surface (PS) being disposed at an angle (SA) relative to horizontal selected such that a rearward edge (16r) is disposed horizontally above a forward edge (16f) and such that the user can sit in a forward facing direction on the angled seating surface (PS), simultaneously engage the user's foot on a foot rest (12f) and push the user's lower back (7) along the angled (SA) seating surface into engagement with the lower back engagement surface (ES) by extending the user's legs,

the user input device (5i) including an engagement device (5e) and being arranged on the frame (12) relative to the seating surface (PS) such that the user can manually engage (ME) the engagement device (5e) when seated on the angled seating surface (PS) with the user's lower back engaged against the lower back engagement surface (ES) of the pelvic stabilization pad (18),

the engagement device (5e) being manually engageable by the user to exert first and second selected amounts of force (FF, SF) respectively to manually drive the user input device against the first and second resistances R1, R2) respectively to cause the user input device (5i) to travel in the first and second directions (6f, 6o) respectively.

31. The apparatus of claim 30 further including a clutch apparatus (26) that is interconnected between the user input device and the resistance apparatus (20, 22), the clutch apparatus being adapted to automatically or sequentially change resistance between the first and second resistances (R1, R2) on a change in movement of the user input device between the first direction and the second directions.

32. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a first resistance device that is driven or engaged to create the first resistance (R1) on movement of the user input device solely in the first direction (6f) and wherein the resistance apparatus comprises a second resistance device that is driven or engaged to create the second resistance (R2) on movement of the user input device solely in the second direction (6p).

33. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the first (20) and second (22) fans are be respectively interconnected to the user input device (5i) via first and second one-way rotation devices (26) that limit driven rotation (20c, 22cc) of the first and second fans by movement of the user input device to a single rotational direction.

34. The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising a cam device (17) interconnected to the user input device (5i) in an arrangement such that the cam device (17) is movably driven or translated in a first direction (17f) together with movement in the first direction (6f) of the input device (5i) and movably driven or translated in a second opposite direction (17o) together with movement in the opposite direction (6o) of the input device (5i).