Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a vertical stack of weights, including a top plate, and at least one additional weight disposed adjacent the top plate. The additional weight may be a plate having a height, a width, and a thickness that is smaller than the width and smaller than the height, and arranged so that its thickness extends horizontally toward the stack of weights, and/or multiple additional weights may be arranged to define a horizontal array on at least one side of the stack of weights. The additional weight(s) may be movably mounted on the frame for movement along a path defined by interfaces between opposite outer surfaces of the weight(s) and respective guide surfaces on the frame. A selector rod may be movably mounted on the top plate for movement into and out of engagement with one or more of the additional weights, and/or arranged to define a longitudinal axis that extends through all of the additional weights and perpendicular to the stack of weights.

Abstract: An exercise machine comprises: a mounting frame (1); at least two user positions (18, 181, 205); power transmission means (2) designed to connect corresponding machine actuators (3) in such a way that the power applied by the users to the actuators (3) and transmitted by the transmission means (2) reciprocally and alternately produces an active force and a resistant force.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes at least one body-building structure, and at least one damping structure serving to bring about a damping effect. The body-building structure is provided with an actuating pulley serving to actuate one or more weighted pulleys of the damping structure in conjunction with a cable. The actuating pulley adds a buffer to the damping effect, thereby preventing a sharp impact from inflicting an injury on a body part of an exerciser.

Abstract: An exercise with traction device comprising a frame holding a seat above the floor that has a resistance loaded backrest for the purpose of rehabilitating atrophied spinal support muscle through progressive resistance exercise while the spine is under pain alleviating traction. The backrest is resistance loaded for both traction, and extension resistance or flexion resistance. This makes needed exercise for those who are hindered from such therapy by spinal compressive related pain. The exercise resistance is transmitted to the patient via a horizontal axis backrest, and can be weighted either positively for back resistance, or negatively for abdominal resistance, at the same time traction is applied from the backrest suspension system applying resistance to the user attached to it in the direction that decompresses the spine.

Abstract: Cable-and-pulley devices having intermediate tension isolators for exercise machines. In one embodiment, a cable-and-pulley device includes a cable attached to a load and to a user interface, and operatively engaged with a main pulley positioned over the load, a floating pulley, and an end pulley proximate the user interface. A second user interface is attached to the floating pulley. A tension isolator is positioned on the cable at an intermediate position between the end pulley and the floating pulley so that a training force applied on a second user interface draws the tension isolator into contact with the an isolator stop. In one embodiment, the isolator stop is an intermediate pulley. Alternately, the isolator stop is a catch projecting from a frame of the exercise machine. The tension isolator effectively divides the cable into a tensioned portion and an isolated portion, thereby reducing the amount of cable that is stretched during use of the second user interface.

Abstract: A self-spotting apparatus for free-weights [2301] utilizes a pair of weight-responsive engagement assemblies [1203A, 1203B] engaging a respective pair of support columns [1207A, 1207B] to provide engageable support for a free-weight bar [2311]. Auxiliary stops [2203A, 2203B] limit the lowest position of the free-weight bar. The auxiliary stops are adjustable by manual or electrical disengagement from the support columns. A control unit [2302] provides disengagement logic for barbells and dumbbells.

Abstract: An exerciser includes a base, a post extending upright from the base, a lever pivoted to and extending transversely from the post, a resistance providing member interconnecting the base and the lever, an upper pulley mounted rotatably on a free end of the lever, a lower pulley mounted rotatably on the base, and a string fixed to the base, extending upwardly from the base and over the upper pulley, and downwardly from the upper pulley and over the lower pulley so as to permit rotation of the lever when the string is pulled away from the lower pulley.

Abstract: An exercise machine, components of an exercise machine, methods of operating an exercise machine, and methods related to building an exercise machine that allow for the performance of multiple different upper torso strength exercises, where the range of motion of a user utilizing the machine during the performance of an exercise is confined in the performance of a particular upper torso press exercise, but is altered to a different range of motion, and confined to that new range of motion, when the machine is configured to perform a new exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device is configured to provide adjustable resistance to the motion of a user exercising with the exercise device. The exercise device includes a frame that at least partially supports an operable assembly. Cooperating with the operable assembly is a resistance assembly that provides a resistance adjustable by the user of the exercise device. The resistance assembly includes an actuating assembly that engages with a pivoting arm. The actuating assembly includes a handle mechanism that is simple to operate and enables a user to easily select a desirable resistance level. A connecting member of the actuating assembly extends from the handle mechanism to a resistance member. Movement of the operable assembly moves the arm toward a fixed end of the resistance member. The connecting member temporarily lengthens the resistance member, while the resistance member inhibits such movement and provides resistance to the exercising user's motion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus that includes a frame housing a weight stack. A sliding assembly is coupled to the frame and weight stack. The sliding assembly includes, but is not limited to, a guide column, a sliding element disposed on the guide column, a pulley attached to the sliding element, a first mount disposed at one end of the guide column, a second mount coupled to the sliding element, and a first cable disposed in the pulley. The first cable has a first end attached to one end of the guide column, an intermediate portion disposed in the pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle. A second cable may have a first end attached to the sliding element or the first mount and a second end attached to the weight stack. In one embodiment, the guide column, first mount, and second mount are rotatable independently of each other.

Abstract: A weight training machine includes a main frame, a lever carriage mechanism, an adjustment linkage and a stop mechanism. A lever carriage mechanism is pivotally connected to the main frame. The lever carriage mechanism includes a weight carrying portion adapted to carry at least one weight. An input mechanism is connected to the lever carriage mechanism. The adjustment linkage is connected between the lever carriage mechanism and the main frame and is configured to selectively adjust an arc of rotation of the weight carrying portion of the lever carriage mechanism about the main frame such that the weight carrying portion may selectively traverse each of a plurality of predefined strength curves in response to movement of the input mechanism by a user.

Abstract: A multi-axes exercise machine for strengthening muscles surrounding shoulder joint of a user allows the user a range of motions about lines of motion perpendicular to an arc of circumduction of the shoulder joints. A pair of handholds is suspended from an arcuate guide plate, which extends above a user station. By moving the point of securing the handholds along the length of the arcuate guide plate, the user can re-position the upper ends of the handholds from a location above the user station to a position behind the user station. At all times, the axes of rotation of the handholds are parallel to each other and extend along a plane that contains the axis of circumduction of the user's shoulders. A centerline of each handhold passes through the center of the corresponding glenohumeral joint of the user during the exercise.

Abstract: A weight lifting exercise machine that uses dumbbell weights for the weight resistance and for incremental weight adjustment. Dumbbells are particularly suitable since they are usable both as free weights and as incremental weights for the exercise machine. The machine includes an overall frame that stands on the floor, and at least one vertical guide rail attached to the frame. A dumbbell weight carrier is a assembled to the guide rail. The dumbbell weight carrier has a carriage that engages the guide rail. A dumbbell receptacle is attached to the carriage. The dumbbell receptacle can hold a plurality of dumbbell weights selected according to the overall weight desired by the exercising person. A weight handle is connected to the dumbbell weight carrier. The exercising person engages the weight handle and moves it against the weight resistance of the weight carrier and dumbbell weights loaded thereon.

Abstract: Weights are disposed on opposite sides of a base member, and selector rods are selectively moved into engagement with the desired number of weights on each side of the base member.

Abstract: A dual-direction pulley system is disclosed in conjunction with an exercise machine. The pulley system provides resistance to a pivotally mounted actuator lever when the lever is rotated clockwise and when the lever is rotated counterclockwise. In a preferred embodiment the dual-direction pulley system provides resistance for a seated leg curl/extension exercise machine such that a user can perform leg curls and leg extensions from a single seated position.

Abstract: Exercising machine (1) provided with a frame (10) (110) (210) and with at least one operating apparatus (30) (130) (230) which can be used to perform a physical exercise and comprising a load group (15) (115) (215) supported by the frame (10) (110) (210) and connected to the operating apparatus (30) (130) (230) by means of at least one cable (26) (126) (226) wound around a plurality of transmission members (25) (140) (240) supported by the frame (10) (110) (210) and arranged so as to define a path (P) for the cable (26) (126) (226); the load group (15) (115) (215) comprising at least two load units (16, 17) separate from each other and connected together by means of the said cable (26) (126) (226) and arranged at ends of the path (P) on opposite sides of the operating apparatus (30) (130) (230) so that the latter can be tensioned on respective opposite sides by means of different loads.

Abstract: A weight stack adjusting mechanism is provided for an exercise machine having a frame, an operating mechanism movably connected to the frame, a resisting structure on the frame and a connecting device entrained about a first pulley and a second pulley. Both pulleys are mounted on the frame and join the operating mechanism with the resisting structure so as to selectively allow moving the resisting structure between a raised position and a lowered position. The system includes a first guide rod, a second guide rod, a third guide rod, and a fourth guide rod, each being supported by the frame. The resisting structure is formed by a primary weight stack movably mounted on the first and second guide rods, and a supplementary weight stack movably mounted on the third and fourth guide rods.

Abstract: A multi-exercise station apparatus which, when not in use, has plural cables entrained about support pulleys to obviate slack and when a selected taut cable is pulled, a distal end thereof is effective to raise a weight from a weight stack for resistance, wherein the ballast of the weight stack provides said slack function and a pulley on said exercise stack provides said resistance function.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed including a base structure having a central support member with a first end and a second end to which a vertically oriented resistance assembly is secured. The apparatus also includes a cable having a first strand and a second strand. The cable links a user to the resistance assembly for the application of resistance as the user moves through an exercise routine. The first and second strands exit the resistance assembly at a position adjacent an upper end of the resistance assembly for engagement by the user at a position above the shoulders of the user. The apparatus further includes a user support structure having an upwardly extending support post. The support post includes a first end secured to the central support member and a second end.

Abstract: A height-adjustably mounted apparatus has a flexible supply line that is conducted to the apparatus from above and is provided with a weight compensation device so that the apparatus can be easily adjusted to different vertical positions. The weight compensation device includes a cable drum that accepts a first carrying cable which is loaded with the height-adjustably mounted apparatus and is subjected to a force directed opposite to the weight of the device and the weight compensation device includes a second carrying cable that is accepted on the cable drum and has an end secured to a supply line at a fastening location, so that the fastening location is lifted by the second carrying cable during vertical adjustment of the apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise machine composed of a frame, a first four bar linkage system, a second four bar linkage system, and a means for transferring an incident force from the legs of a user is disclosed. The first four bar linkage system is operably mounted on the frame and operably connects the transferring means to the frame to allow for back and forth movement of the transferring means along a path of travel about an instantaneously changing axis of rotation.The second four bar linkage system operably engages the first four bar linkage system. Either or both of the first four bar linkage system and the second four bar linkage system are operably connected to a resistance means, whereby the second four bar linkage system operates in conjunction with the first four bar linkage system and the resistance means to create a mechanical disadvantage to the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exercise apparatus that includes a frame housing a weight stack. A sliding assembly is coupled to the frame and weight stack. The sliding assembly includes, but is not limited to, a guide column, a sliding element disposed on the guide column, a pulley attached to the sliding element, a first mount disposed at one end of the guide column, a second mount coupled to the sliding element, and a first cable disposed in the pulley. The first cable has a first end attached to one end of the guide column, an intermediate portion disposed in the pulley, and a second end terminating in a handle. A second cable may have a first end attached to the sliding element or the first mount and a second end attached to the weight stack. In one embodiment, the guide column, first mount, and second mount are rotatable independently of each other.

Abstract: An exercising device includes at least one actuating grip adapted to be actuated by a user for exercise, and a counteracting force generating member configured to act upon the actuating grip with a counteracting force. The actuating grip and the counteracting force generating member are connected relative to each other through a tensing member and a power ratio varying member. The power ratio varying member is a drive wheel unit which includes at least two disc-shaped wheels that have different diameters, that are coaxially coupled to each other, and that are non-rotatable relative to each other. A coupling unit is disposed to permit the tensing member to engage a selected one of the two disc-shaped wheels.

Abstract: In a gymnastic apparatus the weight unit (11) is provided with a stack (19) of plates (20) formed by multiple plates (20) placed one on top of the other and having a longitudinal symmetric axis (14); a guide column (12) coaxial to the axis (14) engaged by the plates (20) with possibility of movement.

Abstract: A gymnastic apparatus is provided with a base (2), which is used to place the gymnastic apparatus on the ground, at least a user-operated actuator (22) that can be moved from initial to final position; a weight unit (8) used to normally maintain the actuator (22) in initial position; and driving means (33) used to connect the actuator (22) and weight unit (8) and provided with at least a cam (38) housed inside a box-shaped section of the base (2).

Abstract: Weight supporting members are rotated into engagement with respective weight plates to provide adjustable resistance to exercise movement. On a first embodiment, the weight supports are rigidly mounted on a selector rod and rotate together therewith. On a second embodiment, the weight supports are rotatably mounted on the selector rod and rotate relative thereto.

Abstract: A weight stack exercise machine includes a stack of primary weights movably mounted on a frame, and at least one counter-weight which is selectively alternated between an inactive state, supported by the frame, and an active state, exerting a counter-weight force relative to the top plate in the stack of primary weights.

Abstract: An exercising apparatus is disclosed which allows a user to perform a variety of leg exercises including leg extensions and leg presses. The exercise apparatus has a front and a back and includes a frame having an upper frame member and a lower base frame member. A seat is mounted to the upper frame member. The lower base frame member extends forwardly of the seat and the lower end of a press arm is pivotally secured to the forward end thereof. The press arm extends upwardly to the area in front of the seat and the upper end thereof is pivotable toward and away from the seat. A first resistance, biases the press arm toward the seat. A curl bar has an upper end pivotally secured to the upper end of said press arm such that the lower end of the curl bar is pivotable toward and away from the press arm and a curl pad is adjustably mounted adjacent the lower end of the curl bar.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable weight-bearing mechanism, especially the stepless adjustable weight-bearing mechanism designed for fitness exercise equipment that can be adjusted in accordance with one's weight bearing without the differentiation in weight, comprising a trough-shaped case equipped with a friction wheel, a spool, a one-way clutch, a return spring coil, a pressure plate and a pressure button. A pulling rope is coiled on the spool for the pulling of the fitness equipment with the one way clutch to control the friction wheel to rotate with the pulled pulling rope, while remains still in the reversal direction. Then the pressure plate allows it and the pressure button to adjust the friction caused by the revolving friction wheel to form the bearing weight during the pulling of the pulling rope, yet the weight can be adjusted with the pressure button to fit in with the user's exercising demand.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a vertical stack of weights, including a top plate, and at least one additional weight disposed adjacent the top plate. The additional weight may be a plate having a height, a width, and a thickness that is smaller than the width and smaller than the height, and arranged so that its thickness extends horizontally toward the stack of weights, and/or multiple additional weights may be arranged to define a horizontal array on at least one side of the stack of weights. The additional weight(s) may be movably mounted on the frame for movement along a path defined by interfaces between opposite outer surfaces of the weight(s) and respective guide surfaces on the frame. A selector rod may be movably mounted on the top plate for movement into and out of engagement with one or more of the additional weights, and/or arranged to define a longitudinal axis that extends through all of the additional weights and perpendicular to the stack of weights.

Abstract: A device for varying, in an exercise apparatus, forces and movements between a movement organ and a resistive component. The device includes a pulley; a movable structure bearing a pivot pin for rotation of the pulley to which is applied a traction force. A cable element is wound on the pulley and forms a pair of parallel branches, whereof one branch is connected to the resistive component and the other branch is connected to a bar movable within a guide. The device also includes selective fasteners which, in a first operative condition, anchor the bar to the guide opposing twice the force of the resistive component to the pin; and which, in the second operative condition, allow the bar to translate until the bar abuts the movable structure, opposing a reaction force equal to the reaction force of the resistive component to the pin.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a load mechanism which is formed of at least one guide rod, a plurality of weights, and an adjustment rod. Each weight has at least one round hole, a through hole, an insertion slot extending from the round hole, and an elastic clamp disposed removably in the round hole and the insertion slot. The guide rod is inserted into the round hole via the insertion slot. The adjustment rod is disposed in the trough hole of the weight and is provided with a plurality of locating holes for locating an insertion pin which is used to urge a selected weight. The elastic clamp is a safety feature to prevent slippage of the weight.

Abstract: An upper extremity training and rehabilitation device includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end, an opening at the proximal end adapted for insertion of an exerciser's hand, and at least one notch formed at at least one of the distal end or the proximal end, as well as a handle disposed within the opening of the base. The device can be used with or without a flexible member attached to the device, the flexible member being used to apply tensile force to the device during exercise. The device can include additional weights that can be attached to the device for various exercises. The handle of the device can also be adjusted to vary the moment arm applied during exercise. The point of attachment of the flexible member and the handle position relative the base can be varied in order to vary the moment arm applied during exercises. A method for upper extremity rehabilitation and training utilizes a base having an opening with a handle disposed therein for grasping by an exerciser.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has an exercise station that is selectively moved by a user and has first and second weight stacks that provide selected resistance to movement of the exercise station. The exercise apparatus includes: (A) a frame; (B) an exercise station; (C) a first weight stack; (D) a second weight stack; and (E) a coupling system configured to selectively couple: (i) the first weight stack; and (ii) the second weight stack to the exercise station such that movement of the exercise station requires movement of at least one plate from each of: (i) the first weight stack; and (ii) the second weight stack. A coupling member couples the first weight stack to the second weight stack.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an upper body exercise machine with increased longitudinal and lateral range of motions. As described herein, the exercise machine contains dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms enabling a user emulate the natural biomechanical motion associated with free weights, while maintaining the stability of an exercise machine. The dual axis, dual hinge mechanisms permit the handles to be independently or in combination moved forward (i.e., longitudinally) and inward (i.e., laterally) in a relationship selected by the user. Consequently, the user can grasp the handles and push forward and inward in the natural actuate path. Alternatively, the user can select another path to give the muscles a different workout.

Abstract: The present invention provides an incremental weight system for use with a weight stack of an exercise machines. As described herein, the incremental weight system enables users to incrementally increase the lifting weight, by adding weights that weigh less then the weight of a weight block. The incremental weight system is integrated onto the top of the weight stack, having a weight selector handle operable connected to a pair of engagement pins. The weight selector handle enables the engagement pins to be extended from and retracted into the assembly housing as the weight selector handle is rotated. Incremental weights are disposed at opposite ends of the weight stack. By rotating the weight selector handle, the engagement pins are extended from the assembly housing and engage the increment weights.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an exercise machine for exercising the lower torso. As described herein, the exercise machine includes a stabilizer pad, which effectively immobilizes the user's lower body to maintain proper pelvic positioning during execution of the exercise. The stabilizer pad can be part of a user support structure having a seat surface, a pelvic stabilizer pad and a footrest. The footrest is positioned so the user can apply a force using the leg muscles to push the pelvis into the pelvic stabilization pad. The spatial arrangement of the stabilization assembly which comprises: pelvic stabilizer pad, seat, and footrest combination effectively immobilize the user's pelvic area, preventing it from rotating in either the anterior or posterior direction.

Abstract: A range-limiting device allows a user to establish a range of motion, while maintaining the proper mechanical advantage provided by the cam assembly. The range-limiting device includes a shaft containing a lever and a cam disposed thereon. The radial orientation of the lever with respect to the cam is selectable, such that the effective radius of curvature of the cam with respect to the lever is automatically changed as the radial orientation is changed. The range-limiting device is operatively connected to an exercise machine, such that a lever is connected to the shaft, for rotation of the shaft, and the cam is connected to a resistance mechanism.

Abstract: A weight stack apparatus for an exercising machine includes a weight stack comprised of a plurality of weights vertically arranged on top of each other with each of said weights including a pair of spaced apart substantially vertical apertures extending therethrough. A pair of spaced apart substantially vertically extending guide rods pass through the weights as they are moved up and down. At least one of the guide rods is hollow. An upper pulley is mounted adjacent the upper end of the hollow guide rod and a cable passes over the upper pulley. A first end of the cable extends downwardly toward the weight stack and includes means for selectively connecting any desired number of the weights to the first end of the cable. A second end of the cable extends downwardly through the hollow guide rod and around a lower pulley mounted adjacent the lower end of the hollow guide rod and is connected to the exercising machine.

Abstract: The present invention is a weight stacking plate structure for a weight training device comprises of a hoisting plate disposed at the direct upper aspect of an top plate of the device, a fixing section is perpendicularly mounted at the central area of the hoisting plate for suspending a steel rope, thread teeth with a fitting nut are disposed at the proper area at the upper end of a selector rod; the first position aligning hole of the said selector rod is an oval design provided for an alloy steel screw to penetrate through the frontage of the top plate for locking in thereby to fasten the selector rod not to rotate transversely so as to avoid the transverse deviation of the position aligning hole on the rod and to avoid the occurrence of causing the selector rod to fall due to the neglected and loosened nut during operation.

Abstract: A physical development exercise machine is comprised of a longitudinally elongated, extruded metal column rigidly preferably attached to a vertical support, such as a wall, in spaced separation therefrom. The column includes a plurality of longitudinal, parallel tracks. A weight carriage is engaged for reciprocal movement in the vertical track located on the side of the column opposite the user. At least a first turning pulley slide, and preferably a second turning pulley slide are engaged in other of the vertical tracks. An upper pulley is mounted at the upper end of the column. Turning pulley slide locks are provided to releaseably immobilize the slides upon which the turning pulleys are mounted relative to the elongated column. A single weight-lifting cable is employed and is attached to the weight carriage and looped through the upper pulley and one or more of the turning pulleys.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exercise machines having balancing loads. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a load guide pivotable through at least one plane of freedom, a load slideably engaged with the load guide, a lift arm having a first end coupled to the load guide, and a cable-and-pulley device. The cable-and-pulley device is operatively coupled to the load and to the lift arm so that a training force applied to the lift arm induces a lift force on the load. The exercise machine requires the user to balance the load as the load is raised, providing a more enhanced workout. In alternate embodiments, the load guide may include at least one rocker engageable with the floor surface, or may be pivotably coupled to a support frame (or base) so that the load guide does not contact the floor surface. In another embodiment, the load guide may include a base having a convex surface engageable with the floor surface, the load guide being pivotable in any direction.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame, weight stack, pulleys, and cables and incorporating a dual adjustable pulley system is disclosed. The weight stack is slidably connected to the frame. A primary moveable pulley system is engaged with the weight stack by way of a primary cable. The primary cable has a handle connected to its first end and its second end is fixed with respect to an exercise movement. A series of directional pulleys are also engaged with the primary cable. The directional pulleys are positioned on the frame to allow for an exerciser to perform multiple exercises employing the weight stack. A secondary moveable pulley system is engaged with the primary moveable pulley system. The secondary moveable pulley system can be selectively engaged with the weight stack using a releasable coupler. A secondary cable is functionally engaged with the secondary moveable pulley system and a number of directional pulleys. The secondary cable has a first end that is fixed to a floating pulley.

Abstract: A training and bodybuilding equipment is mainly composed of a base, a main frame, a sliding back board, a weight assembly, a pulley assembly and an accessory assembly, wherein the rope of the pulley assembly is hung onto the sliding board and the movement of the pulley assembly can cause the weight assembly to move up and down, so the users can do weight training for legs and bottom with a correct and safe gestures. Besides, in the present invention the combined use of the top retainers and the bottom retainers at the two ends of the rope and the base with various types of accessory assemblies can achieve the weight training for other parts of human body.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cable gym system is disclosed that incorporates an arrangement of pulleys and cables and an exercise station having multiple exercise handles that are continuously connected to a single weight stack via the arrangement of pulleys and cables. The cable gym system consists of a frame, a weight stack, an adjustable seat with fixed back pads, a leg extension/leg curl pedestal, multiple deep groove pulleys, multiple directional pulleys, a composite pulley, multiple cables engaged with the pulleys, and a separate handle associated with each deep groove pulley. The pulleys in the preferred embodiment utilized a deeper, wider groove than conventional pulleys allowing the cable to track smoothly along the pulleys while being pulled at different angles and in different directions.

Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the muscles of the upper body, in which a pushing or pulling movement can be performed in a direction approxemalty between horizontal and vertical towards or away from the shoulder joint of the user, with the user seated in the same position.

Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus has a stationary frame member, a first pivoting arm pivoted to the frame member at a location intermediate its ends for rotation about a first pivot axis, a second pivoting arm pivotally connected to the frame member for rotation about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis, and a connecting link pivotally connected to the first arm and second arm to form a four-bar linkage. The first arm is an exercise arm with handles at one end for gripping by a user, and the connecting link is of sufficient weight to form a counter-weight to counter-balance the first exercise arm into a rest position corresponding to a start position for an exercise movement. In one example the connecting link is a solid, elongate bar of heavy metal or equivalent material.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a frame, a pair of arm assemblies, a pair of handle units, a coupling unit, and a resistance-imparting unit. Each of the arm assemblies has an arm and a mounting unit connected with the frame and the proximal end of the arm. The mounting units are configured such that the arm can pivot relative to the frame about a first generally vertical axis and about a second generally horizontal axis, the movement about the first axis being over a range of at least 50 degrees. The handle units are associated with a respective one of the distal ends of the arms and are moveable away from that distal end. The coupling unit is attached to each of the pair of handle units. The resistance-imparting unit is attached to the coupling unit and resists movement of the handle units away from the distal ends of the arms.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat mounted to the frame; a backrest mounted to the frame above the seat, the seat and backrest being configured to receive a seated user; a pair of movement arm units pivotally interconnected with the frame and movable about respective generally parallel first and second axes of rotation; and a resistance system connected with the movement arm units. Each of the movement arms is configured to engage at least one of the elbows, forearms and hands of the user and is movable, within a range of motion plane that is generally normal to the first and second axes of rotation, between an extended position and a flexed position. The range of motion plane forms an angle of between about 30 and 80 degrees with the backrest.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes: a frame configured to rest on an underlying surface; a seat mounted to the frame and configured to receive a seated user; a pair of support pads mounted to the frame forwardly of and above the seat, each of the support pads being positioned to engage the upper arms and/or elbows of the seated user; a pair of movement arm units pivotally interconnected with the frame and movable about respective generally horizontal axes of rotation; and a resistance system connected with the movement arm units. Each of the pair of movement arm units is configured to engage the forearms and/or the hands of the user and is movable between a retracted position, in which the seated user's arms are bent, and an extended position, in which the user's arms are extended, the axes of rotation forming an angle of between about 115 and 155 degrees.