Abstract: A triceps exercise machine has a movement arm pivotable about a horizontal axis against the resistance of a weight stack. The machine includes a vertically adjustable seat, a shoulder restraint, and adjustable handgrips secured to the movement arm, all of which position the elbows of the user in general alignment with the axis of rotation of the movement arm. In the start position the arms are fully folded and positioned close to the user's sides. The user then proceeds to force the handles downwardly until the arms are fully extended. Movement of the movement arm is transmitted to the weight stack by a cam fixed to the movement arm and a cam follower which is connected to the bottom of a weight stack pin by a linkage mechanism.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a plurality of exercise stations, each of which exercises particular muscle groups of the body. Each exercise station is continuously coupled to a common stack of weights, a selectable number of which provide resistance to a user's operation of a selected exercise station. At least one of the exercise stations is coupled to the weight stack through a lever arm. A plurality of lever arms may be provided and mechanically interconnected so as to couple a plurality of exercise stations to the weight stack.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed for exercising a user thereof. The apparatus includes a frame and an elongate beam having a first and a second end. The beam is pivotally secured to the frame about a first pivotal axis disposed between the first and the second end of the beam. A user operated arrangement having a first and a second extremity is connected to the beam between the first end of the beam and the first pivotal axis. The arrangement is such that in use of the apparatus, when the user is exercising, the user exerts a variable force through the user operated arrangement, the variable force being transmitted to the beam for pivoting the beam about the first pivotal axis. Weights are pivotally secured to the frame such that in use of the apparatus, movement of the weights from a first to a second disposition thereof is permitted.

Abstract: An exercise machine which includes a base which supports the user. Mounted on the base and to be manipulated by the user is a pair of arm assemblies, with each assembly including a lever which pivots about an axis extending generally transverse of the user. Mounted on the lever is a further lever or shaft, which further lever or shaft is also moved angularly by the user. Accordingly the user performs two exercise movements which include movement about the axis extending transverse of the user, and a second axis which may extend parallel to the first axis or generally normal thereto.

Abstract: A lateral raise exercise machine having a movement arm pivotable about an axis extending in a horizontal plane but inwardly at an angle of about 25.degree. relative to the forward-rearward direction, a weight stack having at least one resistance weight, and transmission including a belt and pulley and a linkage interconnecting the movement arm and the weight to raise the weight when the movement arm is raised to a first position. The movement arm has a handle bar, mounted for adjustment about an axis which generally coincides with the axis of the humerus of the exerciser. A forearm pad is fixed to the handle bar to be adjustable together with the handle bar relative to the movement arm.

Abstract: An exercise device has a support frame and a lever arm attached to the support frame and pivotably movable between a rest position, wherein the lever arm hangs downwardly relative to the support frame, and an extended position, wherein the lever arm is pivoted upwardly from its rest position. A range of motion (ROM) block is rigidly attached to the lever arm, and pivots with the lever arm. The orientation of the ROM block relative to the lever arm can be selectively varied.A tackle is attached to the ROM block to provide an opposing force to motion of the lever arm from the rest position to the extended position. This tackle includes two pulleys that are attached to the ROM block. The tackle also includes a substantially taut cable that extends between the pulleys, and the cable is connected to a mass.

Abstract: An exercise device having a coupling member movable by the user between rest and end limit of travel positions, a constant weight, and a weight-lifting arm operatively connected to the weight and movable through a vertical plane to move the weight between rest and elevated positions corresponding to the rest and end limit positions of the coupling member. The device further includes a pivot arm pivotally movable through a pivot arm plane having a user-selectable angular orientation to transmit a selectable force between the coupling member and weight dependent upon the selected angular orientation. A link arm is connected between the pivot arm and the weight-lifting arm to transmit force therebetween. The pivot arm is pivotally attached to a rotatable pivot arm support which is selectively rotated by a lever arm moved by an electric motor and screw arrangement to selectively change the angular orientation of the pivot arm plane.

Abstract: An assisted pull-up and dip exercise device (10) which includes a frame (12), with both a pull-up bar (22) and dip bar (24), capable of supporting a person while performing these exercises. The invention includes an assist arm assembly (40) which connects to the frame (12) at the pivot point about which the assist arm assembly (40) rotates. The assist arm assembly (40) can be loaded at one end to provide variable counter-balancing support for the person while performing the exercise. Assisted pull-up and dip device (10) allows a person to perform the pull-up and dip exercises with the knees in a tucked position. This is the natural position for a person performing these exercises unassisted. The assist arm assembly (40) can be constructed so as to use common free weights to load the assist arm assembly (40). This removes the requirement for specialized weights which can only be used on a single exercise machine.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus having a closed loop, hydraulic controller which provides a user selectable resistance to movement over an operating path. A restrictor valve assembly controls fluid flow in an exercise direction and includes a sealed valve body and a rotatable stem piece having a number of flow bores of differing relative dimension to a primary flow path. A pair of separable interlocking piston head pieces at a piston shaft control a reduced bypass resistance with return travel. Alternately disclosed modular frameworks, which include stationary and carriage portions, permit physical motion in relation to a measurement means which displays relative exertion.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a weighted base, a frame member, a resistance assembly mounted in the frame member, and a lifting bar mechanism. The lifting bar mechanism includes an axle rotatably mounted in the frame member, a gear securely mounted on the axle, a lifting bar connected to the axle to rotate therewith, a clutch seat mounted on the axle surrounding and receiving the gear and having a cutout in a periphery thereof, a rocker arm extending outward from an outer periphery of the clutch seat, a cable having a first end attached to the rocker arm and a second end attached to the resistance assembly, and a clutch assembly with a pawl member for releasably engaging with the gear under the control of a clutch lever thereof. When the clutch lever is pressed, the user may adjust the lowermost position of the lifting bar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a main support structure; securing assembly for securing the main support structure in an exercise position desired by a user; a shaft having a cable end and a handle end, the shaft being received by the main support structure and moveable therein, the cable end and the handle end extending from the main support structure; controlling assembly for controlling movement of the shaft within the main support structure; a handle detachably connected to shaft handle end; and detachably connecting assembly for detachably connecting the shaft cable end to the tension transmitting device of an exercise apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise machine suitable for exercising upper body muscles of an exerciser in a wheelchair. The machine comprises a base frame having a front end and a back end; two spaced apart columns upwardly extending from the base frame at the front end thereof; means for restraining backward movement of the exerciser. An operating arm is pivotally mounted between the columns at an upper region thereof, the operating arm comprising: (i) an upwardly extending first lever pivotally mounted to the columns; and (ii) a downwardly extending second lever fixedly connected to the upwardly extending first lever, the downwardly extending second lever terminating in a grip bar for the exerciser, the operating arm pivoting to permit upward/downward and forward/backward movement of the grip bar. Means is provided for restraining lap movement of the exerciser using the machine. A restraining force is attached to the arm to resist movement of the exerciser.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10) and method for testing and exercising the cervical muscles of a patient or user. A movement arm (58) is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis defined by stub shafts (64, 66) and has a head pad (60) adapted to be contacted by the head of the patient. The exercise machine (10) has a chair (22) mounted for rotation to a desired angular position and mounted for vertical adjustment by actuation of a foot lever (38) to position the chair (22) relative to movement arm (58) and head pad (60). Chair (22) is also mounted for translatory horizontal movement parallel to the pivot axis of the movement arm (58) and for translatory horizontal movement perpendicular to the pivot axis of the movement arm (58) by movable bases (45, 46) thereby to precisely position the head of a user relative to head pad (60) while the user is seated in the chair (22) and pivoted among angular positions.

Abstract: Two attachments are provided for an exercise apparatus of the type having a lever arm with an end pivotably connected to a base and a free end adapted to receive weights. A tower attachment provides a flexible tensile member connected at an end to the lever arm, with intermediate portions borne across elevated pulleys, and connectable at another end to various handles, by which a user can perform various pull-down and rowing exercises. A shoulder bar attachment has an elongated body connected at one end to the lever arm and having another end which accommodates the user's head and shoulders and which is provided with handles, allowing a user to perform various press and leg raise exercises.

Abstract: An adjustable lever arm--variable resistance cam assembly employing a cam for producing therefrom a variable resistance force when a constant resistance force is applied thereto and in which the lever arm may be initially positioned at a range of angular positions without thereby affecting the variable resistance force produced by the cam at each particular angular position of the lever arm upon rotation thereof. The adjustable lever arm--variable resistance cam assembly may be employed in a weight lifting machine or device of the type having a rotating lever arm for application of weight lifting force by the user. The assembly allows the user to angularly adjust the initial position of the lever arm in relation to the axis of the cam and, nevertheless, maintain the cam in appropriate relation with the constant resistance force. The variable resistance force produced by the cam will then not vary with respect to positioning of the lever arm as rotated during exercise.

Abstract: A lower back exercise and apparatus for correctly performing the exercise. The exercise avoids hyperextension of lower back muscles, tissue and cartilage. The exercise of those areas promotes blood flow to injured muscles and tissue, and encourages healing. The exercise lowers the legs from the horizontal through the vertical rest position, in a total motion substantially greater than 90 degrees, using the same muscle groups to push the legs past the vertical rest position.

Abstract: An exercising machine that has an adjustable actuator arm assembly coupled to a weight stack by a pulley/cable assembly. The actuator arm assembly includes an actuator arm that lifts the weight stack when rotated through an arc. The machine is constructed with a frame that has a vertical bar. The actuator arm is coupled to a sleeve assembly that can slide along the vertical bar, to provide a number of operating locations. The machine also has a first cable that is coupled to the actuator arm. The cable is looped around a first tension pulley, a first floating pulley and then fixed to the sleeve assembly. The first floating pulley is coupled to a second cable that loops around a second tension pulley and is attached to the weight stack. When the actuator arm is rotated, the first floating pulley is pulled in a downward direction. The movement of the first floating pulley pulls the second cable and lifts the weight stack in an upward direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine making use of the body weight of an exerciser as a load weight thereof comprises a base, a fixation rod member, an upper rocking bar member, a lower rocking bar member, an expandable connection bar member, a seat pad, a back pad, a handle, and a cushioning member. Unlike a conventional exercise machine, the exercise machine so disclosed is composed of no weights. The fixation rod member can be adjusted in accordance with the height of an exerciser. The length of the expandable connection rod member can be adjusted by adjusting the pivoting position of the upper rocking bar member or the length of the fixation rod member. The exerciser can use the machine by seating or standing on the seat pad of the machine for doing the muscle-building exercise.

Abstract: A hand-held lift device forming a part of a weight lifting apparatus in performing double-joint multiple function exercises with the aid of an inertial resistance mechanism which is made up of the combination of a pivotally mounted linear actuator and dampener member, both of which can be adjusted to control the amount of inertial resistance to each exercise being performed, and a flexible cable serves as the resistance member between the linear actuator, dampener and lift device.

Abstract: A machine for exercising the pectoral muscles having a pair of synchronous movement arms pivotable about oblique axes by the user moving the arms from the user's sides to outstretched convergent positions. A constrained linkage connects the movement arms to a vertical drive rod which drives a lever at the base of the machine. The lever drives a weight stack pin upwardly to lift one or more resistance weights keyed to the pin. The user is supported by a seat and backrest and linkages are provided to adjust the seat vertically and the backrest horizontally relative to the movement arms.

Abstract: An arm oscillating exerciser including a base provided with a first pair of lugs and a second pair of lugs, a pole fixedly mounted on the base and having an inclined top, a main support fixedly mounted on the base and formed with a fork-like member at the top end and a slot at the intermediate portion, an oscillating rod pivotally connected with the fork-like member of the main support, an axle inserted through the lower portion of the main support and provided with a pedal at both ends, a front supporting rod pivotally connected with a seat at one end and pivotally connected with the first pair of lugs of the base, a real supporting rod pivotally connected with the seat at one end and pivotally connected with the second pair of lugs of the base, and a linking rod pivotally connected with the front supporting rod at one end and pivotally connected with the oscillating rod at another end, whereby the exerciser can provide a total body workout in one continuous action.

Abstract: A body building apparatus with a neck massager including a rocker arm pivotally fastened to a bridge-like base frame, and two vertical pedals bilaterally disposed at one end, the rocker arm having a horizontal handle at the top end covered with a cylindrical member with raised portions, whereby a user sits on a seat to exercise the arms by pushing or pulling the handle downwards and upwards alternately; and alternatively, the user may sit on the seat with the back of the neck biased against the cylindrical member to exercise the legs and the trunk by stepping on the pedals and bending the trunk downwards and upwards alternately while allowing the back of the neck to be rubbed by the raised portions of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A machine for exercising leg muscles including a movement arm rotatable about a horizontal axis, a seat for receiving a user with the legs engageable with the movement arm to rotate it in one direction about the axis, and a weight stack including a resistance weight and a vertical stack pin connectable to the resistance weight. A sprocket is connected to the movement arm to rotate with the movement arm, and a drive connection including a chain or cable is established between the sprocket and the bottom of the stack pin to raise the stack pin when the movement arm is rotated in one direction. In one embodiment a drive lever is pivotally connected to the bottom of the stack pin to raise the stack pin when the movement arm is rotated in one direction in opposition to the resistance weight. The chain is connected to an intermediate portion of the drive lever. The movement arm is provided with a convenient handle for rotating the movement arm while the user is seated.

Abstract: A multipurpose gymnastic apparatus comprises a frame unit, a pulley unit, and a load carrying unit. The frame unit is composed of a ladder frame having a front end on which a dual-purpose pushing and rotating device is mounted, a chair set and a leg stretching device. The pulley unit comprises a plurality of independent ropes running through the pulleys and having free ends connected with the pushing and rotating device and the leg stretching device. The load carrying unit is capable of being lifted and lowered by the ropes. The pushing and rotating device comprises two wheel fitting members, two arresting pieces, and a protective rod. The ropes running on the two fitting members can be actuated by the two arresting pieces to permit a chest building exercise to be done while the ropes can be pressed against by the protective rod to permit an arm building exercise to be done.

Abstract: A pneumatic strength training device that utilizes a sealed vacuum cylinder with an air pressure powered piston. The vacuum is obtained by removing the air from said cylinder and sealing said cylinder. The cylinder is then attached to a lever style lifting bar through a series of pulleys. The resistance encountered by the lifter is varied by positioning the pulleys at different locations on the lifting bar.

Abstract: A vertical type abdominal and hip exercising apparatus including two swivel frames bilaterally and revolvably fastened to two angle bars on two opposite sides of a back rest being fastened to a bevel frame above a machine base and turned by the player's chest or legs to lift weights through traction cables and a pulley block for trunk bending or leg pressing exercises. The swivel frames are linked for synchronous movement. Each swivel frame has two position-adjustable actuating members for turning with the chest or the leg in lifting the weights.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a head unit connected to a load and mounted on a parallel linkage such as to move up and down while remaining parallel to a starting position, A press frame is adjustably mounted on the head unit and presents a pair of arms with horizontal handles for manually pushing the press frame vertically in opposition to the load which may comprise a weight stack.

Abstract: A multi-station exercise machine has a movable subframe on which a user sits while performing various exercises. The subframe is pivotally attached to a stationery frame and is supported by a lever arm that is also pivotally attached to the stationery frame. The pivot arms coupling the subframe to the stationery frame bear against a carriage that is movable located on the lever arm. A cable and pulley system couples the lever arm to the various operable members of the apparatus so that a selectable ratio of the weight of the subframe, including the user, is communicated as exercise resistance. The amount of weight that is coupled to the operable members is selected by positioning the carriage along the lever arm. This adjustment also varies the height to which the subframe is lifted by the exercise stroke and hence the effort that must be exerted by the user.

Abstract: An exercise dynamometer permits a patient to exercise against isodynamic, isokinetic, or isometric resistance to evaluate various musculoskeletal conditions of the patient's human spine. Sensing means are provided to determine the positioning of the patient, and to determine the angular position, velocity, and torque of the exercise movements. In a first embodiment, the patient's head, trunk, upper legs, knees, and feet are secured to a lumbar dynamometer to isolate lumbar and lower thoracic spinal rotation, flexion-extension, and/or lateral bending. During rotational exercise, the axis of movement of the dynamometer is coincident with the patient's spine. In a second embodiment, a patient's trunk and hips are secured to a neck dynamometer to restrict exercise to the cervical spine. The invention facilitates forward flexion-extension, or alternatively lateral bending of the cervical spine, about a first axis aligned with the patient's C1-C2 vertebrae and a second axis aligned with the patient's C7 vertebra.

Abstract: An exercise machine has a plurality of stations each having an operating device for performance of exercise by a user. At least the operating device is connected by a cable to a connection system which is further connected to a resistance mechanism having a lever with a pair of gas shock absorbers moveably secured to the lever along the length of the lever. A motor and screw vary the connection of the shocks to the lever.

Abstract: An exercise device having a coupling member movable by the user between rest and end limit of travel positions, a constant weight, and a weight-lifting arm operatively connected to the weight and movable through a vertical plane to move the weight between rest and elevated positions corresponding to the rest and end limit positions of the coupling member. The device further includes a pivot arm pivotally movable through a pivot arm plane having a user-selectable angular orientation to transmit a selectable force between the coupling member and weight dependent upon the selected angular orientation. A link arm is connected between the pivot arm and the weight-lifting arm to transmit force therebetween. The pivot arm is pivotally attached to a rotatable pivot arm support which is selectively rotated by a lever arm moved by an electric motor and screw arrangement to selectively change the angular orientation of the pivot arm plane.

Abstract: An exercising machine that has an adjustable actuator arm assembly coupled to a weight stack by a pulley/cable assembly. The actuator arm assembly includes an actuator arm that lifts the weight stack when rotated through an arc. The machine is constructed with a frame that has a vertical bar. The actuator arm is coupled to a sleeve assembly that can slide along the vertical bar, to provide a number of operating locations. The machine also has a first cable that is coupled to the actuator arm. The cable is looped around a first tension pulley, a first floating pulley and then fixed to the sleeve assembly. The first floating pulley is coupled to a second cable that loops around a second tension pulley and is attached to the weight stack. When the actuator arm is rotated, the first floating pulley is pulled in a downward direction. The movement of the first floating pulley pulls the second cable and lifts the weight stack in an upward direction.

Abstract: A rowing exercise machine including a seat, a chest pad located forwardly of the seat, a movement arm to be pivoted about a horizontal axis by the exerciser while the chest pad limits forward movement of the exerciser, and a weight stack connected to the movement arm to impose a resistance to movement of the movement arm by the exerciser in one direction. A vertical pin is connectable to the resistance weight while being connected to the movement arm by a transmission including a vertical drive rod whose upper end is connected to the movement arm by a first linkage and whose lower end is connected to the pin by a second linkage located below the level of the seat. The chest pad is adjustable by a parallelogram linkage which mounts the chest pad relative to a fixed frame.

Abstract: An exerciser including a generally horizontal top frame having a front end, a column supporting the top frame, a movable frame mounted on the top frame and movable between the front end of the top frame and the column, the movable frame having two spaced vertical hollow frame sections and a cross frame section interconnecting lowermost ends of the vertical hollow frame sections, two push arms connected privotally to the movable frame and capable of being pivoted toward each other, and a stop rod extending frontward from the column below the top frame so as to limit movement of the movable frame toward the column. The exerciser further includes a first locking unit which is operable to prevent movement of the movable frame relative to the top frame and a second locking unit which is operable to prevent movement of the push arms relative to the movable frame.

Abstract: A chair is specifically designed to be usable as an ordinary office chair. The chair employs both anterior and posterior pelvic restraints to prevent rotation of the pelvic region. Several adjustment devices permit proper movement up and down and back and forward of the arm rests so that they may be used as anterior pelvic restraints during exercise.

Abstract: A variable resistance exercise device is provided which enables a user to select from an almost limitless set of resistance curves having various shapes and amplitudes. These results are achieved using a fixed baseline resistance and a variable resistance generated by a torque arm assembly. Preferably, the torque arm assembly either has a vertical diametric torque arm and two horizontal radial torque arms which are perpendicular to the vertical torque arm or two diametric torque arms which are perpendicular to each other. By varying the position of a weight member on each of these arms, as well as the ratio of the net horizontal torque and the vertical torque generated by the weight members, the baseline resistance force that the user experiences can be infinitely varied. Additionally, through the use of a gear assembly, the user can achieve a force variance during the exercise which is greater than the minimum force experienced during the exercise.

Abstract: A multi-function exercise apparatus has a base frame including two vertical support members. An adjustable support means is secured to the frame and provides support for a user in a plurality of different upright and horizontal exercise positions. A lever arm is mounted to a fixed shaft extending from each of the two support members, and an elastic band biasing means cooperatively engages each lever arm and corresponding support member thereof so that each lever arm is adapted to have its forward or rearward rotational bias changed without requiring removal and relocation of the lever arm, the corresponding elastic bands, or the corresponding band support pins.

Abstract: An exercise machine (10) and method for testing and exercising the lumbar muscles of a user or patient (P) while in a secured seated position on a seat (20) by the user exerting a rearward force against a back pad (32) on a pivoted movement arm (30) is described. The user (P) is positioned on seat (20) with feet on a horizontal plate (82) and tibias restrained against upward movement by thigh pads (72). Upward vertical movement of platform (80) relative to pads (72) secures the user (P) tightly on the machine (10) and permits a limited rocking movement of the pelvis during exercising as shown at (D) in FIG. 12. A strain gauge (172) anchored at one end (176, 178) to the fixed support frame (14) is mounted for connection to a pulley wheel (132) for static testing and for disconnection from pulley wheel (132) during the exercise mode.

Abstract: A first end of a lever pivots about a fixed axis as a second end is raised and lowered by the user. A carriage is disposed on the lever and is designed to travel the length of the lever between the first and second ends. A belt is coupled to a weight and to the carriage through a series of pulleys. The lever is shaped so that the weight neither raises nor lowers as the carriage travels from one end of the lever to the other. The distance that the weight travels in response to movement of the second end is thus proportional to the position of the carriage on the lever. By moving the carriage to numerous positions between the first and second ends of the lever, the torque needed to lift the weight and the distance by which the weight moves may be varied correspondingly in numerous increments over a very large range. A number of different user interfaces may be coupled to the lever for creating an equal number of different weight training machines.

Abstract: A passenger powered, rotatable, amusement ride comprises a multisided, peripheral frame having the general shape of a convex polygon, with the frame having at least 5 sides and a number of apexes equal to the number of sides in the frame wherein the apexes alternate with the sides around the periphery of the frame. The frame has an open interior space bounded by internal surfaces of the sides of the frame. The frame is mounted to rotate like a wheel about a substantially horizontal axis through the central portion of the frame. A passenger is seated within the open interior space of the frame at an inside corner forming one of the apexes of the frame. A second passenger can be seated within the open interior space of the frame at an adjacent inside corner of the frame such that the second passenger faces the first passenger.

Abstract: A machine for exercising the bicep muscles of the arms includes a movement arm rotatable about a horizontal axis by exertion of the bicep muscles of a user who is in seated position while gripping the handle of the movement arm and pivoting the forearm upwardly about the elbow. The backs of the upper arms rest on a roller pad while the forearms engage a forearm pad that moves along an arc with the movement arm about a horizontal axis to properly position the forearms and prevent forward movement of the user's body during rotation of the movement arm. A compound weight stack provides a yieldable resistance to the movement arm and is connected thereto through a drive lever and linkage positioned below the level of the weight stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a user force application device which will optimally be used with a computerized exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus, preferably, an apparatus which permits concentric and eccentric isokinetic exercise by a user. One embodiment of the user force application device comprises a hollow outer cylinder, an inner cylinder inserted into the hollow outer cylinder and in co-axial alignment therewith, the inner cylinder being freely rotatable around its axis and freely slidable within the hollow outer cylinder along its axis. Grips of different size and shape can be provided which can easily be attached to the inner cylinder. The movement of the inner cylinder inside the hollow outer cylinder can be restricted. By attaching a larger cylinder to the inner cylinder and in co-axial alignment with it, rotational resistance can be provided. The user force application device can be secured to the exercise, physical therapy, or rehabilitation apparatus.

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

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame having a seat mounted thereon and a pair of handlebars extending upwardly from and pivotally attached to the frame at a point forward of the seat, each of the handlebars being individually moveable back and forth by the arms of a user of the device. A foot pedal is mounted to and extends rearwardly from each of the handlebars, each foot pedal being individually moveable down and up by the legs of a user of the device. The exercise device includes a pair of weight supporting frames, each of the frames having at least one vertically extending elongated member rigidly connected thereto. Each frame also includes a plurality of weights slidably mounted upon the elongated member. The exercise device further includes a linkage means between each of the handlebars and selected weights within a corresponding weight support frame. The linkage means permits the selected weights to be raised and lowered by respective back and forth movement of the handlebars.

Abstract: The prevent invention provides an apparatus 100 of a type on which a person exercises. The apparatus 100 includes a support frame 101 and a chair member 102 that is rotatably mounted to the support frame 101. A rotational resistance means 105 is also mounted to the support frame 101. The rotational resistance means 105 includes conical surfaces 255 and 256 that provide frictional resistance through interengagement between one of thirty-two teeth 257 on shaft member 154 and one of three ratcheting members 258a-c on rotatable friction member 155. A rotational arm means 106 is operatively connected to the rotational resistance means 105 to allow application of a rotational force in a given direction of rotation against the rotational resistance means 105. A foot anchor means 103 is mounted to the support frame 101, so that a person seated in the chair member 102 may anchor his feet beneath the foot anchor means 103 in order to perform abdominal flexions.

Abstract: An exercise device has a support frame and a lever arm attached to the support frame and pivotably movable between a rest position, wherein the lever arm hangs downwardly relative to the support frame, and an extended position, wherein the lever arm is pivoted upwardly from its rest position. A range of motion (ROM) block is rigidly attached to the lever arm, and pivots with the lever arm. The orientation of the ROM block relative to the lever arm can be selectively varied.A tackle is attached to the ROM block to provide an opposing force to motion of the lever arm from the rest position to the extended position. This tackle includes two pulleys that are attached to the ROM block. The tackle also includes a substantially taut cable that extends between the pulleys, and the cable is connected to a mass.

Abstract: A torque variable exercising apparatus includes a frame, a first cable-and-pulley arrangement and an impeding mechanism. The first cable-and-pulley includes a first cable having one end fixed to the frame and a second end incorporating an operating handle. The first cable moves up and down to pass a series of fixed pulleys and a first movable pulley. The impeding mechanism includes a second cable-and pulley arrangement mounted on the frame and connected to and suspending the first movable pulley, a vertical stand and a lever arm pivotally mounted on the vertical stand and having a first end connected to the second cable-and-pulley arrangement and a second end of the lever arm carrying a weight. The operating handle can be operated to apply a force at the first end of the lever via the second cable-and-pulley arrangement.

Abstract: A compact exercise apparatus for use in performing a plurality of exercises having a resistive load is disclosed. A frame structure is provided for supporting the load and a mechanism is employed for moving the load from a first to a second position. A linkage arrangement is disposed between the moving mechanism and the load and includes a plurality of interconnected pivotably operably lever arms. The linkage arrangement is in multiple mounting communication with the moving mechanism at one of the interconnected lever arms. This combination of structure enables the proper biomechanical and kinesiological movement of each of the exercises and permits moving the load from the first position to the second position. In a preferred embodiment, a frame structure supports a movable weight stack and an exercise bar is utilized to move the load from a first to a second position.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a motion converting mechanism for an exercise machine includes a shaft mounted on spaced bearings on opposite walls of a side compartment of the machine, a pitman arm on the shaft, a drive assembly including inner and outer arms extending above and below the shaft, a linkage and transducer that connect the outer end of the pitman arm to the lower end of the drive assembly, a lifting wheel on the shaft between the inner and outer drive arms, and a laterally shiftable pin that extends through the outer drive arm, one of a plurality of holes near the outer periphery of the lifting wheel and into the inner arm to connect the drive assembly to the lifting wheel in any one of a plurality of relative orientations. A stop against pivotal rotation of the lifting wheel also is provided to enable static tests to be made of certain ones of the users muscles.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for performing a variety of exercises, including chest and incline shoulder press exercises during which the user sits on a seat with a backrest which is adjustably secured in upright and forwardly inclined positions for supporting the user's upper body in the proper positions for these exercises. The exercises all utilize the same weight stack or other device for resisting the exercise motions of the user. The apparatus has a plurality of exercise members mounted on a frame for different prescribed exercise movements by the user, a resisting force producing arrangement, and a cable for selectively connecting the resisting force to the different exercise members. The cable is guided and supported by pulleys, one of which is adjustable from one position to another to accommodate the different exercises.