Abstract: A compact high resistance fitness device for superior independent exercising or individual rehabilitation is disclosed including a platform base plate having at least one pivotally mounted resistance module attached to the platform base plate, where the at least one resistance module has an independent user-selectable resistance setting with incremental resistance force ranges of from about 5 pounds up to 500 pounds. The resistance module includes a pull cord coil storage spool configured to wrap and unwrap a pull cord of a small diameter, high-strength pull cord emanating from the resistance module. The high strength pull cord terminates at its outer end by a handle, such as a hand/foot receptacle, with a length sufficient to allow pull strokes of up to fifty feet or more, with as much weight resistance as a user could want in a compact and portable unit, capable of being taken anywhere for use.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a foot support portion pivotably connected to a leg support portion and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The support portion is configured to rotate about the neutral pivot axis in a first direction away from the neutral position and in a second direction away from the neutral position. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The exercise device also includes a resistance mechanism configured to exert a force on the foot support portion about the pivot axis opposite to the respective first and second directions of rotation of the foot support portion about the pivot axis.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features a barbell including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion, where the middle portion is couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion includes a male coupling extending from a first end of the middle portion, the male coupling providing a first coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding female coupling of the first end portion, and a female coupling providing a second coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding male coupling of the second end portion.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features a barbell including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion, where the middle portion is couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion includes a male coupling extending from a first end of the middle portion, the male coupling providing a first coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding female coupling of the first end portion, and a female coupling providing a second coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding male coupling of the second end portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to a system and methods for combining newly designed cardiovascular equipment with the added features of an upper body weight training regimen in order to provide a user a full body workout, cardiovascular exercise and weight training simultaneously. The invention does so by employing either a weight tray apparatus configured to newly designed cardiovascular equipment or machine or through the use of an adjustable weight training apparatus combined with the newly designed cardiovascular equipment or machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and methods for combining newly designed cardiovascular equipment including stationary and recumbent bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills and stair steppers, with a tray apparatus that allows a user to employ free weights.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance exercise machine for providing variable resistance forces on a pull cable extending from the machine. The adjustable resistance exercise machine generally includes a plurality of power springs that may be selectively engaged using a cam mechanism. By engaging springs with different forces, the resistance may be adjusted incrementally as preferred for performing different exercises. The adjustable resistance exercise machine may be connected to various structures, either below or above an exerciser, to allow the exerciser to choose whether to pull the pull cable up or down during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a base housing and a boom that extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The boom is able to pivot between a rowing configuration wherein the boom is generally horizontal, and a skiing configuration wherein the boom is generally vertical. A rowing assembly includes a row handle attached to a row chain which extends into the base housing, to a row recoil device. A ski assembly includes a pair of ski handles, each ski handle being attached to a ski rope which extends into the base housing, to a ski recoil device. A transmission system has a shaft that is operably connected to a resistance device, the shaft having a row sprocket and a pair of ski spools, and the respective cables contact the spools so that movement of one of the cables rotates the respective spool, thereby rotating the shaft.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a motor that drives a belt to move, and an analysis system to collect a peak energy from the motor and to convert the peak energy into different user exercising data.

Abstract: A knob for an input device includes a knob housing being rotatable on an axis, a shaft extending from the knob housing along the axis, a ratchet wheel axially coupled to the shaft with a toothed perimeter, and a ratchet arm to couple to the toothed perimeter of the ratchet wheel when the ratchet arm is engaged such that a ratcheted rotation occurs when the knob is rotated, and decouple from the toothed perimeter of the ratchet wheel when the ratchet arm is disengaged. The knob can further include a resistance wheel axially coupled to the shaft with a substantially smooth perimeter, and a resistance arm to couple to the smooth perimeter of the resistance wheel when the resistance arm is engaged such that a friction is provided when the knob is rotated, and decouple from the smooth perimeter of the resistance wheel when the resistance arm is disengaged.

Abstract: An adjustable resistance exercise machine for providing variable resistance forces on a pull cable extending from the machine. The adjustable resistance exercise machine generally includes a plurality of power springs that may be selectively engaged using a cam mechanism. By engaging springs with different forces, the resistance may be adjusted incrementally as preferred for performing different exercises. The adjustable resistance exercise machine may be connected to various structures, either below or above an exerciser, to allow the exerciser to choose whether to pull the pull cable up or down during exercise.

Abstract: A multi-purpose athletic training platform exercise device is provided. A user may stand atop a platform and exercise while connected to a downward pulling source of resistance. This machine allows the user to walk forwards, backwards and side-to-side freely while still having attachment to the resistance source via a connecting means. This will activate all the muscles in the lower body while tractioning the lower back and helping to reduce pelvic tilt. The resistance may be varied during the user effort. The user is able to step off the machine to climb up or down a step, or walk up and down a ramp that may be provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features a barbell including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion, where the middle portion is couplable to the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion includes a male coupling extending from a first end of the middle portion, the male coupling providing a first coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding female coupling of the first end portion, and a female coupling providing a second coupling mechanism that engages with a corresponding male coupling of the second end portion.

Abstract: A stretching apparatus for use during a stretching exercise includes a strap and a ratchet device. The strap is configured to attach to a limb of a user. The strap extends through the ratchet device and the ratchet device controls tension in the strap. The ratchet device is positionable between a ratcheting position and a release position. The ratcheting position prevents movement of the strap in a first direction and allows movement of the strap in a second direction. The release position allows movement of the strap in the first direction. The stretching apparatus also includes a remote trigger connected to the ratchet device to move the ratchet device between the ratcheting position and the release position. The stretching apparatus removably connects to support structures and is adjustable between different positions for different stretching exercises.

Abstract: A horizontal lifeline system includes a first termination arrangement structured to attach to a first anchor point, a second termination arrangement structured to attach to a second anchor point, a horizontal lifeline cable coupled to the first termination arrangement, a rope length adjuster attached to the horizontal lifeline cable and having a housing through which the horizontal lifeline cable can be pulled to adjust the length of the horizontal lifeline system and apply tension to the horizontal lifeline cable, and a tension limiting ratchet coupled between the second termination arrangement and the rope length adjuster and being structured to be ratcheted to increase tension applied to the horizontal lifeline cable and to provide an indication and deter further ratcheting when the tension applied to the horizontal lifeline cable reaches a predetermined tension limit.

Abstract: An apparatus used for cardiovascular workouts and strength training workouts contains a treadmill, a first weight-engaging pulley mechanism, a second weight-engaging pulley mechanism, a first guide channel, and a second guide channel. The treadmill is used to complete the cardiovascular workouts. The first weight-engaging pulley mechanism and the second weight-engaging pulley mechanism are used for strength training. Since the weight arrangement of the apparatus is movable along the first guide channel and the second guide channel, the user can complete a wide variety of strength training workouts. The apparatus also contains an incline-adjustment mechanism, which orients the treadmill belt track to simulate an incline or a decline. A belt direction-reversing mechanism of the apparatus helps change the direction a belt that is layered along the treadmill belt track.

Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to a system and methods for combining newly designed cardiovascular equipment with the added features of an upper body weight training regimen in order to provide a user a full body workout, cardiovascular exercise and weight training simultaneously. The invention does so by employing either a weight tray apparatus configured to newly designed cardiovascular equipment or machine or through the use of an adjustable weight training apparatus combined with the newly designed cardiovascular equipment or machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and methods for combining newly designed cardiovascular equipment including stationary and recumbent bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills and stair steppers, with a tray apparatus that allows a user to employ free weights.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a motor that drives a belt to move, and an analysis system to collect a peak energy from the motor and to convert the peak energy into different user exercising data.

Abstract: A personal force-resistance cable exercise device includes a force resistance assembly, elongated flexible cable, and a movable exercise implement. The force resistance assembly comprises a mounting frame, a rotatable assembly shaft carried by the mounting frame, a disk rotor fixedly attached to the assembly shaft, an adjustable friction controller adapted for frictionally engaging the disk rotor, and a one-way cable spool. The one-way cable spool is locked to the assembly shaft upon rotation of the cable spool in a working force-resistance direction, and is freely movable relative to the assembly shaft upon rotation of cable spool in an opposite cable-wind-up direction. The flexible cable is attached to the force resistance assembly, and adapted for winding on and unwinding from the cable spool. The exercise implement is attached to the flexible cable, and adapted for being employed by a user performing an exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus to enhance muscle recruitment of a user includes a base platform, a rotatable shaft coupled to the base platform, a brake assembly coupled to the base platform and operably connected to the rotatable shaft, the brake assembly having a controller designed to engage and disengage the brake assembly from the rotatable shaft, and a pair of cables with first ends coupled to the rotatable shaft and second ends coupled to a bar. The controller engages the brake assembly with the rotatable shaft to lock the rotatable shaft in a stationary position for a predetermined time to permit the user to perform an isometric movement with the bar. The controller disengages the brake assembly from the rotatable shaft after the predetermined time to permit the rotatable shaft to rotate to permit the user to perform a plyometric movement with the bar.

Abstract: A treadmill ergometer for therapeutic applications and/or intense running training is connected to one or more force pull-out units. The force pull-out units can be connected at the free end area thereof to limbs and/or the body of a training person in such a way that a force is applied to the limb(s) or the body when the limb and/or the body moves.

Abstract: A cable exercise device incorporating a force resistance assembly, an elongated flexible cable, and a moveable exercise implement. The force resistance assembly comprises a mounting frame, a rotatable axle operatively supported by the mounting frame, a cable spool carried by the axle, and a magnetic braking device operatively connected to the cable spool. The magnetic braking device comprises an eddy current braking system incorporating a flywheel and magnet. The flexible cable is attached to the force resistance assembly, and is adapted for winding on and unwinding from the cable spool. The movable exercise implement is secured to the flexible cable, and is adapted for being employed by a user performing an exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine which allows a user to perform a variety of exercises using dynamic resistance. The exercise machine includes a platform base, a housing tower, an upper-left exercise module, an upper-right exercise module, and a control console. The upper-left exercise module and the upper-right exercise module each comprise a primary torque motor, a primary cable, a pulley system, a structural arm, and a primary handle. The housing tower is connected onto the platform base. The upper-left exercise module and the upper-right exercise module are integrated into the housing tower and provide a means for applying a resistance force onto the extremities of the user. The primary cable tensionably engages the pulley system and connects the primary handle to the primary torque motor. The primary handle rests within and against the structural arm, attached to the housing tower. The control console allows for external device compatibility.

Abstract: A personal force-resistance cable exercise device includes a force resistance assembly, elongated flexible cable, and a movable exercise implement. The force resistance assembly comprises a mounting frame, a rotatable assembly shaft carried by the mounting frame, a disk rotor fixedly attached to the assembly shaft, an adjustable friction controller adapted for frictionally engaging the disk rotor, and a one-way cable spool. The one-way cable spool is locked to the assembly shaft upon rotation of the cable spool in a working force-resistance direction, and is freely movable relative to the assembly shaft upon rotation of cable spool in an opposite cable-wind-up direction. The flexible cable is attached to the force resistance assembly, and adapted for winding on and unwinding from the cable spool. The exercise implement is attached to the flexible cable, and adapted for being employed by a user performing an exercise.

Abstract: A wearable exercise pulley comprising: an electrically conducting disc rotatable about an axis of the disc perpendicular to the plane of the disc; a cable coiled around the axis, which when pulled to uncoil the cable from around the axis causes the disc to rotate; at least one magnet that produces a magnetic field, which penetrates the disc and generates eddy currents in the disc when the disc is rotated; and a spring that operates to coil the cable around the axis.

Abstract: A personal force-resistance cable exercise device includes a force resistance assembly, elongated flexible cable, and a movable exercise implement. The force resistance assembly comprises a mounting frame, a rotatable assembly shaft carried by the mounting frame, a disk rotor fixedly attached to the assembly shaft, an adjustable friction controller adapted for frictionally engaging the disk rotor, and a one-way cable spool. The one-way cable spool is locked to the assembly shaft upon rotation of the cable spool in a working force-resistance direction, and is freely movable relative to the assembly shaft upon rotation of cable spool in an opposite cable-wind-up direction. The flexible cable is attached to the force resistance assembly, and adapted for winding on and unwinding from the cable spool. The exercise implement is attached to the flexible cable, and adapted for being employed by a user performing an exercise.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a disk rotatable in first and second directions against a frictional force and a device disposed between a cable and the disk. The device is responsive to tensioning and movement of the cable in the first direction for coupling the cable to the disk whereupon the disk rotates against the frictional force with movement of the cable in the first direction. The device is also responsive to release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for uncoupling the cable from the disk. A rewind arm coupled between the disk and the device is also responsive to the release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for tensioning and moving the cable and the device in the second direction.

Abstract: Golf swing exercises are performed with left and right resistance devices proximate a person's left and right feet, respectively. Left and right flexible members extend from respective left and right resistance device housings to a lower portion of a golf club handle.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for exercising muscles of a user comprising a main body, an abdominal crunch exercise member pivotally attached to the main body, the abdominal crunch member configured to engage an upper body area of a user, an abdominal contact member attached to the main body, the abdominal contact member configured to engage an abdominal area of user; and an electronic vibration unit capable of causing a portion of the apparatus to vibrate.

Abstract: Left and right resistance devices are configured and arranged in different ways to accommodate different types of exercises. In one arrangement, the resistance devices are connected to respective ends of a bar. In one exercise, a person stands on the bar and pulls on handles connected to flexible members emanating from the resistance devices. In another exercise, a person sits down, supports the bar on her feet, and pulls on the handles. In another arrangement, the resistance devices are instead connected to a pole, and the person pulls on the handles. In yet another arrangement, the resistance devices are connected to a person's hands and/or feet, and the flexible members are connected to a harness secured about the person's torso.

Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical element and a flexible member associated with the cylindrical element. The flexible member is movable between a wound configuration, in which the member is wound around the cylindrical element, and an unwound configuration, in which the member is unwound from the cylindrical element. The apparatus further comprises a recoil means biased to move the flexible member to the wound configuration and a resistance means that resists movement of the flexible member from the wound to the unwound configurations. The resistance means comprises an energy storage device, which is in a geared relationship with the cylindrical element. In a preferred embodiment the energy storage device is a flywheel.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a disk rotatable in first and second directions against a frictional force and a device disposed between a cable and the disk. The device is responsive to tensioning and movement of the cable in the first direction for coupling the cable to the disk whereupon the disk rotates against the frictional force with movement of the cable in the first direction. The device is also responsive to release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for uncoupling the cable from the disk. A rewind arm coupled between the disk and the device is also responsive to the release of the tension in the cable in the first direction for tensioning and moving the cable and the device in the second direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine (1) for developing motor abilities and muscular strength, of the type comprising at least one supporting frame (2), at least one flexible cable (4) wound on a plurality of pulleys (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) rotatably supported by the frame (2) and connected to at least one resistant load (7), at least one grip element (5a; 5b; 5c) connected to the cable (4) and designed to be operated by a user in order to perform an exercise, the machine being characterized in that it comprises at least one return device (14), to which the ends (4?, 4?) of the cable (4) are connected, said return device designed to return the cable (4) to the initial configuration after an exercise has been performed.

Abstract: A resistance exercise machine, equipped with two different types of resistance disks. Both disk types apply a frictional resistive force in one direction only, created by tension by means of a pressure plate and brake disk arrangement varied by a tension knob. One disk type, provides circular motion type exercises, by using a mounted accessory to rotate the disk repeatedly. Disk can be adjusted to any angle relative to the user, by means of the universal frame assembly. The other disk type provides motion simulation type exercises by using a remote accessory, a cable, and a rewind arm assembly. Pulling against the cable, urges a pawl to engage a gear situated on the disk's periphery, forcing the disk to rotate. Upon discontinuing the pull on the cable, the disk stops rotating, the pawl disengages the gear, and the rewind arm assembly rewinds the cable back onto the disk's periphery.

Abstract: A compact exercise device (10) of the type wherein a person grips handle devices (12, 30) lying at opposite ends of a rope that extends through a housing (22), the person pulling one end of the rope away from the housing while resisting movement of the other end of the rope towards the housing to exercise. A windup spool (114) lies in one of the handle devices and a spring (130) urges the spool to wind up rope by a spring, but the spool is normally prevented from turning in either direction by a release mechanism (110). A person who holds a handle grip (100) with most fingers of his/her hand, uses his/her thumb to depress a button (90) to operate the release mechanism. While the thumb continues to depress the button, the person moves a handle device away from the housing to lengthen the effective length of rope, or moves a handle device towards the housing to shorten the effective length of rope.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus used to simulate skating or roller blading movement in a user includes a pair of sleds or shuttles which include a pedal adapted to support the foot of a user standing thereon. The shuttles are movable along a respective guide assembly consisting of one or more rails which curve away from each other extending from proximate forwardmost ends, outwardly and rearwardly. The rail assemblies are provided in a substantially mirror arrangement and curve downwardly from their respective forwardmost ends to a lowermost distal portion. A guide member is provided to assist in positioning and maintaining the shuttles in sliding movement along each guide assembly, whereby the reciprocal sliding movement of the shuttles along an associated guide assembly acts to guide the feet of the user in skating or roller blade movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resistance type exercise device that uses frictional forces between members to provide resistance for a variety of different exercises. In operation, when a pull cord is withdrawn from the exercise device, a cord wheel converts the translational movement to rotational motion. A brake lever contacting a brake drum fixedly attached to the cord wheel provides a friction resistive force to the rotational motion. A recoil cord causes the recoil cord 900 to stretch and wrap around a bearing lug, placing the recoil cord in tension. The potential energy stored in the tensioned recoil cord is used to rewind the cord wheel and restore the pull cord back to its at rest position.

Abstract: A structure of an exercising apparatus as a rowboat including mainly a housing and a base skeleton, the housing includes a handle, a drawing element, a pedaling portion, a display device, a sensor and a reeling axle. When the handle is drawn backwards to move, the drawing element is moved to leave the housing and to move the reeling axle, so that part of the drawing element having been reeled in is reeled off the reeling axle; when the drawing force is stopped, the reeling axle reels back automatically to reel back the drawing element to thereby restore the drawing element and the handle to their original positions. A user can pull the handle to and fro to simulate the action of rowing a boat. The functioning elements are received in the housing, the pedaling portion can be folded to be hidden in the bottoms of the two sides of the housing, the base skeleton can be extended and contracted, so that the effect of saving space after use and the effect of exercising can be obtained.

Abstract: A dual-function treading exerciser includes a treading platform, an upright frame, and a movable handle assembly. The frame includes an upright frame body and two fixed handles connected fixedly to an upper portion of the frame body. The movable handle assembly includes two pulling devices and a rotary shaft journalled on the frame. Each pulling device includes a housing with a receiving chamber, a pulley disposed rotatably in the chamber, a pull cord wound on the pulley, a handgrip fastened to an end of the cord and movable rearwardly to unwind the cord from the pulley, and a biasing unit for biasing the cord to wind around the pulley when the cord is pulled rearwardly and is subsequently released.

Abstract: A body exerciser includes a main body structure, a gravity mechanism, and a restoring mechanism. Thus, the body exerciser may be used to exercise the user's two hands, thereby achieving an exercising effect. In addition, by operation of the restoring mechanism, each of the two pull cords may be scrolled on each of the reels actually, thereby preventing the two pull cords from becoming loosened.

Abstract: A rhythmic motion driver having a case containing flywheels and a guide along which the flywheels move linearly while rotating. A spring is within the case that compresses and expands in response to oscillatory motion of a bar that extends through an opening in the case. The spring compression and expansion is slowed but not dampened by the movement of the flywheels.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of exercise equipment. The device utilizes two seperate cables each rotatably wound about sheaves with resistance provided by means of friction braking mechanisms. It offers the user an adjustable incline bench seat, a variable resistance control means and the device is colapseable for compact storage and portability.

Abstract: A walking machine includes a base, two swivel devices, two footboards movable in sideway directions, a connection transmission device, two recovery transmission devices, and a damping device. The footboards are driven by two feet of an exerciser to actuate the two swivel devices such that two support arms of the swivel devices actuate the two recovery transmission devices, thereby causing two transmission elements of the recovery transmission devices to act on the damping device via the connection transmission device.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular component leg, arm, and body-stretching device. It includes a main winding component having a handle and at least one cable functionally connected to and capable of being wound toward the handle. The handle contains a one directional winding mechanism and a trigger, wherein when the trigger is depressed, the cable advances toward the handle. The handle also has a release mechanism to release the cable from the winding mechanism. The main winding component has an auxiliary component attachment at one end thereof for attachment, directly or indirectly, of a foot or hand auxiliary component. The foot auxiliary component is for leg and body exercise, and may be a loop or may be a rigid base for placement of a foot thereon, with a foot securing mechanism to hold a foot in place.

Abstract: A pull cord exerciser including a main body and a cord reel pivotally disposed in the main body. A pull cord is wound on the cord reel. The cord reel is equipped with a restoring member for driving the cord reel to wind the pull cord which is pulled out. A frictional member is coaxially fitted with the cord reel. A one-way bearing is connected between the frictional member and the cord reel. When pulling the pull cord, the cord reel drives the cord reel to rotate. During the pulling travel, by means of the one-way bearing, the frictional member is one-way driven to create a frictional resistance between a frictional face of the frictional member and the main body so as to achieve an exercising effect.

Abstract: An Exerciser including a main body and at least one cord reel rotatably disposed on the main body. A pull cord is wound around the cord reel. The cord reel is equipped with a restoring mechanism for driving the cord reel to wind back the pulled out pull cord. The cord reel is connected with a shaft which is further connected with a one-way mechanism. Only when the pull cord is pulled to rotate the cord reel, the one-way mechanism one-way drives a resistance wheel which creates a resistance for achieving exercising effect. The main body is equipped with a friction adjustment device for adjusting the resistance against the resistance wheel so as to vary the extent to which a user is exercised.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for applications such as resistance exercise equipment, cable reels, garage doors and other equipment requiring a resistive force. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord. The mechanism includes a preload system for applying a preload force to the resistance packs and a visual indicator for indicating the level of the preload force.

Abstract: Portable exercise machine having a base, a capstan rotatively mounted within the base, an elongated cable wrapped about the capstan and trained about guides toward opposite ends of the base with end portions of the cable extending beyond the base, handles attached to the end portions of the cable for drawing the cable back and forth through the base and thereby rotating the capstan, and means for resisting rotation of the capstan. The handles have frames with reels rotatively mounted on the frames and the end portions of the cable being wound about the reels, springs for rotating the reels to wind the end portions of the cable onto the reels, first grips connected to the reels and adapted to be grasped by the hands of an exerciser to prevent rotation of the reels and second grips connected to the frames and adapted to be engaged by the hands of the exerciser for moving thee handles without inhibiting rotation of the reels.

Abstract: A resistance mechanism suitable for resistance exercise equipment. Resistance packs include circular rims and central hubs connected by deformable spokes. The packs are stacked in pairs with the rims in each pair pinned together and the hubs rotatable relative to one another. Each hub has a spline connection with the hub of the next resistance pack in the adjacent pair. This provides a series arrangement of the resistance packs which allows a long extension of the actuator with the spokes of each pack being deformed only slightly. A spiral pay out pulley for the cord assists in avoiding varying resistance with extension of the cord.A preload mechanism which allows an initial preload resistance to be set includes a large gear connected with the stack of resistance packs and a smaller gear meshing with the large gear. A pivotal pawl urged against the teeth of the large gear allows the gear to turn in a direction to initially deform the spokes to preset the initial resistance level.

Abstract: A multi-functional exercise device includes a base plate having opposed first and second end portions and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions. An upright hollow housing has a bottom end mounted on the base plate at an intermediate section of the first end portion of the base plate so as to form two tread sections on the base plate on two sides of the housing, and a top end which has a top plate mounted thereon. The top plate is formed with a passage unit for access into an interior of the housing. The base plate is formed with an elbow-receiving depression at the intermediate portion thereof. The elbow-receiving depression is located between the two tread sections and immediately adjacent the housing.

Abstract: A portable exercise device includes a base having a flat central section on which the user may either stand, sit or lie and a strap housing on each side of the central section. The base comprises two sections joined by mating extrusions such that the base may be disassembled to provide greater portability of the exercise device. One of the strap housings contains a supply/takeup reel onto which left and right straps are wound and from which they are unwound during a workout by the user. The right strap is routed underneath the base and around an idler pulley contained within the other housing. Each of the straps exits its respective housing and is connected to one end of an exercise bar. A rewind spring, a one-way clutch, and a band brake are coupled to the supply/takeup reel to adjust the force required of the user to pull the straps during a workout and to rewind the straps when the user releases the bar.