WO1998042411A1

WO1998042411A1 - Exercise devices

Info

Publication number: WO1998042411A1
Application number: PCT/GB1998/000844
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick John Trainor
Original assignee: Patrick John Trainor
Priority date: 1997-03-21
Filing date: 1998-03-20
Publication date: 1998-10-01
Also published as: AU6511698A; GB9705877D0

Abstract

Exercise devices which are arranged to replicate the feel and effect of exercising with free weights but providing resistance in two directions away from a null position are disclosed. One example of a device comprises a handle (21) which can be grasped by an exerciser and which is mounted on an articulated arm portion (2) which in turn is mounted to a frame (7). A weight (33) and pulley arrangement provides resistance to movement. A hydraulic arrangement comprising arm cylinders (92) and a transmitting cylinder (103) is provided for transmitting movement of the arm portion (2) to the weight (33). A first arm member (22) is pivotally mounted to allow pivotal movement about an axis. Pivotal movement about this axis in two directions away from a null position is resisted by the weight (33). The weight (33) also tends to urge the arm member (22) back towards the null position. The null position can be adjusted by moving a moveable block (75) relative to the frame (7).

Description

EXERCISE DEVICES

This invention relates to exercise devices, in particular exercise devices which can be used to allow a number of different exercises to be carried out while in a gymnasium or at home, for example. The possible exercises may include a very wide range of exercises covering all muscle groups.

There are generally two options available for exercising specific muscle groups. The first is to use free weights in an appropriate manner, and the second is to use a specific machine arranged to allow the performance of a particular exercise designed to target that muscle group. A major advantage of free weight training is that it allows the user maximum freedom to exercise against a selected resistance in any manner chosen. The user is however confined to working against gravity. No resistance can be provided when moving the weights in a downwards direction. In contrast to this, existing machines can provide resistance against movement in both upward and downward directions but are generally constructed in such a way to allow only very specific exercises to be carried out at any given machine. Even, in machines which are intended to allow a variety of exercises to be carried out, the range of movements available is limited.

WO 92/07628 discloses limb movement and training apparatus which can provide resistance to a complex pattern of movement but, with any given configuration, resistance is only provided in one general direction away from a rest position.

WO 89/02295 discloses a multidirectional exerciser in which a user grasps a handle and resistance to motion in both senses about three independent axes is provided.

It is an object of this invention to provide an exercise device in which at least some of the disadvantages of free weights and/or existing exercising machines are alleviated.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise device as defined in claim 1.

Preferably the resistance means comprises: take up means to which one end of a load bearing member is attached; loading means for applying a load to the load bearing member to resist movement thereof; and transmitting means for transmitting movement of the arm portion to the take up means to cause the take up means to move; the resistance means being arranged so that when the arm portion is moved in a first direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in one direction against the load and when the arm portion is moved in a second direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in an opposite direction against the load, whereby movement of the arm portion in both the first and the second directions away from the null position is resisted.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise device comprising: a resistance member against which effort of an exerciser can be exerted and resistance means for resisting movement of the resistance member, the resistance means comprising: take up means to which one end of a load bearing member is attached; loading means for applying a load to the load bearing member to resist movement thereof; and transmitting means for transmitting movement of the resistance member to the take up means to cause the take up means to move; the resistance member having a null position and the resistance means being arranged such that when the resistance member is moved in a first direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in one direction against the load and when the resistance member is moved in a second direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in an opposite direction against the load, whereby movement of the resistance member in both the first and the second directions away from the null position is resisted. The resistance member can comprise an arm portion.

The following additional features relate to both said one and said other aspects of the invention.

Preferably the resistance means is arranged to resist movement of the arm member along only one locus or about only one axis, movement in other loci and/or about other axes being substantially unresisted. In a development the take up means comprises a drum and the resistance means is arranged so that when the arm portion or other resistance member is moved in the first direction away from the null position, the drum is rotated in a first sense so that the load bearing member is wound around the drum in one direction against the load and when the arm portion or other resistance member is moved in the second direction away from the null position, the drum is rotated in an opposite sense so that the load bearing member is wound around the drum in an opposite direction against the load. Preferably the take up means comprises a first endless flexible member disposed around means to restrict its path and the resistance means is arranged so that when the arm portion or other resistance member is moved in the first direction away from the null position, the flexible member is moved in one direction so that the load bearing member is pulled around the path in said one direction against the load and when the arm portion or other resistance member is moved in the second direction away from the null position, the flexible member is moved in an opposite direction so that the load bearing member is pulled around the path in the opposite direction against the load.

The means to restrict the path of the first endless flexible member can comprise a plurality of fixed pulley wheels and a block comprising a pair of pulley wheels. Preferably means for moving the block between a plurality of different positions are provided. Means for locking the block in each of the different positions can be provided. Preferably, the path of the first flexible member is adjustable by moving the block between the plurality of different positions. This arrangement can allow the null position to be adjusted.

The load bearing member can comprise two ends which are remote from the load, both these ends being connected to the take up means. Preferably the ends are connected to the take up means at distinct locations . These locations can be chosen so that a portion of the load bearing member associated with one of the ends will remain in tension when the resistance member or arm portion is moved in one direction away from the null position and a portion of the load bearing member associated with the other of the ends will remain in tension when the resistance member or arm portion is moved in the other direction away from the null position. Preferably the transmitting means comprises a pulley arrangement comprising a plurality of fixed pulley wheels, a pair of floating pulley wheels and a second endless elongate flexible member which is provided around the fixed pulley wheels and to which the arm portion or other resistance member is connected, the pair of floating pulley wheels being supported by the flexible member and connected to the take up means, the pulley arrangement being such that when the arm portion or other resistance member is moved in the first direction the pair of floating pulley wheels move in one direction and when the arm portion or other resistance member is moved in the second direction the pair of floating pulley wheels move in another direction. The first and second flexible members can each be a continuous loop of, for example, chain, belt, strap, cable or wire. The drum can comprise a pulley wheel. The loading means can comprise a weight and pulley arrangement. The weight can be attached to another end of the load bearing member so that, in use, gravity acting on the weight provides the load.

The resistance member or the arm portion can be slidably mounted on one or more guide member. This can have the effect of restricting the movement of the resistance member or the arm portion to a particular path.

The or each guide member can be a rail or a pillar. The or each guide member may be arranged horizontally or vertically. The transmitting means can comprise a continuous loop chain for driving the drum. Two spaced chain wheels can be provided and the loop chain can be passed around the two chain wheels . One of the chain wheels can be arranged to be rotatable about the same axis as the drum. Said one of the chain wheels and the drum can be locked against relative rotation. Said one of the chain wheels can be engageable and disengageable to the drum by means of a clutch. This can allow the null position to be adjusted.

The resistance member can comprise a sleeve which is slidably mounted on a guide member. The transmitting means can further comprise a tab mounted on the sleeve and connected to the loop chain. With this arrangement the transmitting means can transmit motion of the resistance member along the guide member to the loop chain and hence to the drum.

The resistance member can be pivotally and/or slidable mounted to the sleeve. A parallelogram assembly can be provided to allow movement of the resistance member in a particular plane or a particular set of planes . The transmitting means can further comprise a rod mounted on one member of the parallelogram assembly and connected to the loop chain. With this arrangement the transmitting means can transmit motion of the resistance member allowed by the parallelogram assembly to the loop chain and hence to the drum.

The resistance member or the arm portion can comprise a pivotable member, the pivotal movement of which is resisted by the resistance means. A following member can be provided for reproducing the movement of the pivotable member. The transmitting means can comprise a rod mounted on the following member and connected to the loop chain. With this arrangement the transmitting means can transmit motion of the pivotable member to the loop chain and hence to the drum.

The transmitting means can further comprise a chain and chain wheel arrangement for causing the following member to reproduce the movement of the pivotable member. A point of connection between the rod or the tab and the loop chain can be adjustable. This provides an alternative way of adjusting the null position. Accordingly a device may be provided in which the main advantages of free weights are included and expanded upon and into which the major advantages of weight training machines are incorporated without including the restrictions normally associated with these machines. Further additional features are defined by the depedent claims .

Several forms of exercise device will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first exercise device;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second exercise device;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third exercise device;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a fourth exercise device;

Figure 4b is a cut-away side view of a fourth exercise device shown in figure 4a showing a cable and cable wheel arrangement;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exercising unit of a fifth exercise device; and

Figure 6a is a perspective view of a sixth exercise device; Figure 6b is a perspective view of the pulley arrangement of a sixth exercise device shown in figure 6a.

Figure 6c is a perspective view of the wire and belt arrangement of the sixth exercise device shown in figure 6a;

Figure 6d is a plan view of the sixth exercise device shown in figure 6a with the arm portions in one position; Figure 6e is a plan view of the sixth exercise device shown in figure 6a with the arm portions in another position;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a seventh exercise device; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a modified form of the seventh exercise device;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of an eighth exercise device;

Figure 10 is a side view of a ninth exercise device; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a tenth exercise device;

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a hydraulic system for use with the seventh to ninth exercise devices shown in figures 7 to 10; Figure 13 is a schematic view of an alternative hydraulic system for use with the seventh to ninth exercise devices shown in figures 7 to 10;

Figure 14 is a schematic view of a hydraulic system for use with the tenth exercise device shown in figure 11;

Figures 15a to 15d are a rear perspective view, a front perspective view, a side and a plan view of an eleventh exercise device;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a handle for an exercise device; and

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a handle for an exercise device.

Figure 1 shows a first exercise device which comprises two independent exercising units la, lb which are similar to one another in construction.

Each exercising unit la, lb comprises an articulated arm portion 2 and a loading portion 3. Each arm portion 2 comprises a handle 21 which is pivotally connected to a first arm member 22, which in turn is pivotally connected to a second arm member 23.

Each loading portion 3 comprises a vertical guide pillar 31, a chain and pulley system 32, and a weight 33. A weight guiding frame (not shown) of a conventional type is provided to guide the weight 33.

Each handle 21 comprises a grip portion 212 and is arranged so that the grip portion 212 can be rotated about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the respective first arm member 22. Each first arm member 22 is joined to the respective second arm member via a hinge member 221 which allows pivotal movement of the first arm member 22 relative to the second arm member 23 about an axis. In normal operation this axis will be substantially vertical so that the arm members 22, 23 can move in a horizontal plane.

A sleeve 231 is provided at an end of each second arm member 23 remote from the respective first arm member 22. The vertical guide pillar 31 of each loading portion 3 is a sliding fit with the respective sleeve 231. A suitable bearing (not shown) is provided between the sleeve member 231 and the respective vertical guide pillar 31 to allow the sleeve 231 to move freely along the guide pillar 31 and to allow the respective arm portion 2 to pivot about the guide pillar 31. Each sleeve 231 comprises two outer portions 231a and a central portion 231b. The outer portions 231a are attached to the respective second arm member 23 and are rotated when the arm portion 2 is pivoted about the guide pillar 31 whereas the central portion 231b is not connected to the respective second arm member and does not rotate with the outer portions 231a when the arm portion 2 is pivoted about the guide pillar 31. However, because the central portion 231b is disposed between the outer portions 231a on the guide pillar 31, the whole sleeve 231 moves as one unit along the guide pillar 31 when the respective arm portion 2 is moved vertically.

Each chain and pulley system 32 comprises an upper loop chain wheel 321, a lower loop chain wheel 322, a driven pulley wheel 323 and an idle pulley wheel 324.

The upper loop chain wheel 321 is spaced above the lower loop chain wheel 322 and a continuous loop chain 325 is provided to run around the upper and lower loop chain wheels, 321 and 322. A weight-hoisting pulley belt 326 is attached to the outer surface of the driven pulley wheel 323 (which acts as a drum) . The weight-hoisting pulley belt 326 passes from the driven pulley wheel 323 over the idle pulley wheel 324 and is attached to the weight 33.

The upper loop chain wheel 321 and the driven pulley wheel 323 are arranged to be rotatable about a common axis and can be engaged and disengaged to one another against relative rotation by means of a clutch (not shown) which can be pedal operated. In normal operation the clutch is engaged and in the following description it should be assumed that the clutch is engaged unless it is otherwise stated.

The central portion 321b of each sleeve 321 is provided with a tab 34 which is connected to the loop chain 325 and is for transmitting motion of the sleeve 231 along the vertical guide column 31 to the continuous loop chain 325. Each of the exercising units la, lb comprise' the same elements and operates in the same way. In use the two exercising units la, lb are positioned in a side-by- side relation. A user of the exercise device stands in the space in front of the two exercising units la, lb and can grasp the handle 21 of one unit la in one hand and the handle 21 of the other unit lb in his other hand. Various exercise movements can be carried out due to the movement allowed by the configuration of the arm portions 2. Vertical movement of each arm portion 2 can resisted due to the arrangement of the exercising units la, lb. Movement of each arm portion 2 in the vertical direction relative to the loading portion 3 causes the respective sleeve 231 to slide along the respective vertical guide pillar 31. Each arm portion 2 can be moved both upwards and downwards relative to the respective loading portion 3.

Each arm portion 2 has a null height. At the null height the weight 33 is in its lowest possible position and correspondingly the weight-hoisting belt 326 is fully unwound from the driven pulley wheel 323. Movement away from this null height, either in an upward or a downward direction, causes the weight 33 to rise and thus resistance will be experienced by the user.

The null height can be adjusted by means of the clutch provided between the upper chain wheel 321 and the driven pulley wheel 323. When the clutch is disengaged the loop chain 325 can be moved independently of the driven pulley wheel 323 and in this way the null height can be adjusted. Once this has been done the clutch can be re-engaged.

As the arm portion 2 is moved in a downward direction from the null height, the motion is transmitted by the tab 34 to the continuous chain 325 so that a portion of the chain 325 also moves in a downward direction. This movement of the chain 325 causes the upper and lower loop chain wheels 321, 322 to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction (as seen in figure la). Consequently, the driven pulley wheel 323 is driven in the same direction and the weight-hoisting pulley belt 326 is wound around the driven pulley wheel 323 so raising the weight 33. Thus the downward movement of the respective arm portion 2 is resisted due to gravity acting on the weight 33. As the arm portion 2 is moved in an upward direction from the null height, the motion is transmitted via the tab 34 to the continuous loop chain 325 so that a portion of the chain 325 also moves in an upward direction. This movement of the chain 325 causes the upper and lower loop chain wheels 321, 322 to rotate in a clockwise direction (as seen in figure la). Consequently, the driven pulley wheel 323 is driven in the same direction and the weight- hoisting pulley belt 326 is wound around the driven pulley-wheel 323 so raising the weight 33. Thus, upward movement of the arm portion 2 is also resisted by gravity acting on the weight 33.

Figure 2 shows a second exercise device which comprises two exercising units lc, Id, each of which comprises an arm portion 2 and a loading portion 3. Loading portions 3 of the exercising units lc and Id of the second exercise device are substantially the same as the loading portions 3 in the first exercise device.

In the second exercise device each of the arm portions 2 comprises one linear arm member 241 which is mounted for slidable movement in a sleeve 242a provided in a corresponding U-shaped member 242. A bearing (not shown) is provided in the sleeve 242a to permit the sliding movement of the arm member 241 relative to the U-shaped member 242. One end of each U-shaped member 242 is mounted on one of the outer portions 231a of the respective sleeve 231 mounted on a vertical guide pillar 31 and the other end is mounted on the other outer portion 231a. A handle 21 is mounted on one end of each of the linear arm members 241. The structure and function of each sleeve 231 mounted on the guide pillars 31 and the associated tab 34 is the same as in the first exercise device.

Figure 2 shows the linear arm members 241 in central positions. It will be appreciated that the linear arm members 241 may be slid through the respective U-shaped member 242 from a position in which the respective handle

21 is substantially adjacent to the U-shaped member 242 to a fully extended position. Rotation of the arm portion 2 about the guide pillar 31 is allowed by the bearing (not shown) between the sleeve 231 and the guide pillar 31. Movement of the arm portions 2 in a vertical direction is facilitated by the same means as in the first exercise device and causes the same effects. Thus, resistance to movement in the upward and the downward directions can be provided by the exercise units lc , Id of the second exercise device.

Similarly to the first exercise device a user can grasp one handle 21 in each hand to perform exercises. Figure 3 shows a third exercise device comprising two exercising units le in each of which the chain and pulley system 32, the weight 33 and the weight guiding frame 331 have a similar construction to that described above. However the loading portion 3 does not include a vertical guide pillar 31 and the arm portion 2 has a modified construction.

The third exercise device provides different means for transmitting the vertical motion of the arm portion 2 to the continuous loop chain 325. A parallelogram assembly 4 and rod 45 are provided for transmitting the vertical motion of the arm portion 2 to the continuous loop chain 325.

The parallelogram assembly 4 comprises first, second and third linear members 41, 42, 43 and a linear portion 44L of a c-shaped member 44. The linear members 41-43 and the linear portion 44L are pivotally connected to one another at respective ends to form a parallelogram in a substantially vertical plane. A first arm member 22 is pivotally mounted to the first linear member 41 to allow pivotal movement of the first arm member 22 in a substantially horizontal plane, relative to the first linear member 41. A second arm member 23 comprises the second and the third linear members 42, 43. The c-shaped member 44 is pivotally mounted at its ends 44a, 44b to the loading portion 3 so that the linear portion 44L is in a substantially vertical orientation. The first, second and third linear members 41, 42, 43 can therefore move together, in any one of a number of planes which are substantially vertical, about pivots 42a and 43a provided at ends of the second and third linear members 42,43. The first linear member 41 remains substantially vertical whatever its position relative to the linear portion 44L. The rod 45 is provided for transmitting the vertical motion of the second linear member 42 to the continuous loop chain 325. One end of the rod 45 is pivotally mounted to a suitable position on the second linear member 42 and the other end of the rod 45 is connected to a suitable position of the continuous loop chain 325. In each exercising unit le, when the arm portion 2 is moved in an upward or a downward direction, the motion is transmitted via the parallelogram assembly 4 and the rod 45 to the loop chain 325. In turn, this causes the chain and pulley system 32 to operate in such a way that the weight 33 is raised when the arm portion 2 is moved in either an upward or a downward direction away from a null height. The structure and operation of the chain and pulley system 32 in the third exercise device is essentially the same as that of the first exercise device. However, due to the decrease in movement transmitted by the transmitting means, because of the effect of the parallelogram assembly 4, the chain and pulley wheels 321-324 in the third exercise device can be provided with differing numbers of teeth and/or be of different diameters than those in the first exercise device. This can be done to ensure that an appropriate range of movement is provided for both the arm portion 2 and the weight 33. In particular, it may be desirable to provide a driven pulley wheel 323 of a larger diameter so that a given movement of the rod 45 causes a larger vertical movement of the weight 33 than in the first exercise device.

Figures 4a and 4b show a fourth exercise device comprising two exercising units lf . This exercise device allows the same general arrangement of the first exercise device to be used to provide resistance against rotational movement of a first arm member 22 around a horizontal axis .

The chain and pulley system 32 in the fourth exercise device is similar to that in the third exercise device except that a weight pulley 33a is provided around which runs a weight-hoisting pulley belt 326. One end of the weight-hoisting pulley belt 326 is attached to a driven pulley 323 associated with a first arm portion 2a and the other end is connected to a driven pulley 323 associated with a second arm portion 2b. The weight pulley 33a is attached to the weight 33 and because of the arrangement of the weight-hoisting pulley belt 326, movement of either the first or the second arm portions

2a or 2b away from their respective null positions will cause the weight 33 to rise. In each case, movement of the arm portion 2a, 2b away from its null position causes one end the pulley belt 326 to be wound around the respective driven pulley wheel 323, so shortening the free length of pulley belt 326. Each arm portion 2a, 2b comprises a first arm member

22 which is pivotally mounted to a first c-shape member

251 to allow movement of the first arm member 22 around a horizontal axis. The first c-shaped member 251 in turn is pivotally mounted to a first end of a second arm member 23 and a second c-shaped member 252 is pivotally mounted to a second end of the second arm member 23. The second c-shaped member 252 is formed integrally with the loading portion 3 and a following arm 46 is pivotally connected to the second c-shaped member 252. A distal end of the following arm 46 is connected to one end of a rod 45, the other end of which is connected to the continuous loop chain 325.

Each arm portion 2a, 2b is provided with a cable wheel and cable arrangement 5 (see figure 4b) so that rotational movement of the first arm member 22 can be transmitted to the following arm 46. A loop cable 51 is provided to run around a drive cable wheel 52, a driven cable wheel 53 and a series of intermediate idle cable wheels 54. In the fourth exercise device the arm portions 2a, 2b cannot move linearly in the vertical direction but each first arm member 22 can rotate about the horizontal axis at the point where it is pivotally mounted to the first c-shape member 251. When such rotational movement is executed, the drive cable wheel 52 drives the cable 51 in such a way that the driven cable wheel 53 causes the following arm 46 to execute the same motion as that of the first arm portion 22. In consequence of this the rod 45 transmits motion to the loop chain 325 so causing the weight to be raised or lowered.

The arrangement of the following arm 46 and the rod 45 is such that only the vertical component of the following arm's 46 motion is transmitted to the loop chain 325.

In performing exercises with the fourth exercise device, the positions of the arms 2a, 2b can be altered by pivoting the second arm member 23 in a horizontal plane relative to the first and second c-shaped members 251, 252.

Figure 5 shows an exercising unit lg of a fifth exercise device which is similar to that of the second exercise device except that the vertical guide pillar 31 is replaced by a vertical guide rail 31a and the sleeve 231 and U-shaped member 241 are replaced by a roller assembly 6. In this exercise device horizontal and vertical movement of the arm portion 2 is facilitated by the roller assembly 6. The roller assembly 6 comprises a square plate 61 upon which 8 rollers 62 are mounted. Four of the rollers 62a are associated with the vertical guide rail 31a and four of the rollers 62b are associated with the arm portion 2. A pair of rollers 62a or 62b is provided at each side of the square plate 61. In each pair of rollers one roller 62a or 62b is provided on one side of the vertical guide rail 31a or the arm portion 2 respectively and the other roller 62a or 62b is provided on the other side of the vertical guide rail 31a or the arm portion 2 as appropriate. The structure and arrangement of the rollers 62a, 62b is such that movement in both the horizontal and vertical directions is allowed.

Locking means may be provided to lock the arm in any chosen vertical or horizontal position. Rotational movement of the guide rail 31a about a vertical axis is facilitated by mounting transverse members 63 of the guide rail 31 via bearings 631 to suitable structure. The vertical axis is directly aligned with the portion of the loop chain 325 to which the tab 34 is attached.

In an alternative the tab or rod 34 or 45 can be connected to the loop chain 325 by a removable pin allowing the point of connection between the tab or rod 34 or 45 and the loop chain 325 to be adjusted. This provides a further or alternative means for adjustment of the null height.

The weight hoisting pulley belt can be formed of two parts one end of each being attached to the weight and the other ends being attached to diametrically opposed positions on the surface of the driven pulley wheel. The points of attachment can be chosen such that when the weight is at its lowest possible height both the parts of the pulley belt are fully unwound and the point of attachment of one of the parts is at the top of the driven pulley wheel and the point of attachment of the other part is at the bottom of the driven pulley wheel . In this way when the driven pulley wheel is rotated in each direction a respective one of the parts is immediately taut while the other part is slack. The weight is then hoisted by the part of the belt which is taut and the other part is just wound on as slack. This arrangement minimizes the amount of free vertical movement of the arm portions before the resistance due to the weight takes effect.

The weight hoisting pulley belt can be replaced by a cable, a rope or a chain. The loop chain can be replaced by a loop pulley belt, cable, or rope.

Figures 6a to 6e show a sixth exercise device. The sixth exercise device comprises two exercising units lh which comprise an articulated arm portion 2 and a common loading portion 3. Each arm portion 2 comprises a handle 21 which is pivotally connected to a first arm member 22 which in turn is pivotally connected to a second arm 23. Each second arm 23 is pivotally connected to a frame 7.

Each of the first arm members 22 is mounted for sliding vertical movement along a respective vertical guide rail 31a. Each first arm member 22 is provided with four wheels 71 which contact with the vertical guide rail and which are arranged to allow smooth relative movement between the first arm members 22 and the vertical guide rails 31a.

An end 22a of each first arm member 22 is attached to a common continuous wire loop 72. The attachment between the first arm member 22 and the wire loop 72 is such that the first arm member 22 can pivot freely around the wire loop 72 at the attachment point but movement of the first arm member 22 in either vertical direction causes the wire loop 72 to move in that direction. In figures 6b and 6c the common wire loop 72 is shown with single arrow heads along its length to aid in following the path of this loop. These arrow heads show how the wire loop 72 could move around its path in one direction but it will be understood that the actual movement of the wire loop 72 in use is not restricted to movement in such a direction.

The path of the common wire loop 72 is defined and restricted by sixteen fixed pulley wheels 72a to 72p and a pair of floating pulley wheels 73a and 73b mounted in a floating block 73. The eight fixed pulley wheels 72a to 72h on one side of the floating block 73 are associated with one arm portion 2 and the other eight fixed pulley wheels 72i to 72p on the other side of the floating block 73 are associated with the other arm portion 2.

One end of a strap loop 74 is attached to one end of the floating block 73 and another end of the strap loop 74 is connected to another end of the floating block 73. The path of the loop strap 74 is defined and restricted by four fixed pulley wheels 74a to 74d and a pair of moveable pulley wheels 75a and 75b mounted in a moveable block 75. In Figures 6b and 6c the path of the strap loop 74 is indicated with double arrow heads to aid in understanding. It will be appreciated that whilst these arrow heads represent one direction in which the strap loop 74 may move, movement is not restricted to this direction when the apparatus is in use.

A weight 33 of the common loading portion 3 is supported by a weight hoisting pulley strap 326 which has first and second ends 326a and 326b remote from the weight 33. Each of these ends 326a and 326b is connected to the loop strap 74; the connecting positions of each end 326a, 326b being different from one another. The weight 33 is a conventional weight stack which is arranged so that the weight to be hoisted can be varied.

The weight hoisting pulley strap 326 passes over a fixed pulley wheel 76 so that the weight 33 is moved upwards when either of the ends 326a and 326b is moved away from the fixed pulley wheel 74b.

It will be appreciated that where a fixed pulley wheel is referred to in this application, this refers to the fact that although the pulley is journalled for rotation, it is not able to move in a lateral direction for example, relative to the frame 7. This is in contrast to the moveable and floating pulley wheels 73a, 73b, 75a and 75b.

The frame 7 comprises a rack 77 for supporting the moveable block 75. The rack 77 comprises two parallel vertical members 77a and 77b each of which has a plurality of apertures 78. The plurality of apertures 78 are arranged so that the moveable block 75 can be supported in any one of a plurality of different positions between the vertical members 77a and 77b by passing suitable pin 79 through the desired apertures 78 into the moveable block 75.

In use an exerciser can grasp one of the handles 21 in each hand and position the first arm members 22 in the desired horizontal positions making use of the pivotal connections between the first and second arm members 22, 23 and between the second arm members 23 and the frame 7. Figures 6d and 6e show two of the different positions in which the handles 21 can be located by the user and it will be appreciated that the range of movement in the horizontal plane of each of the handles 21 is very substantial .

It should be noted that the section of the continuous wire loop 72 between fixed pulleys 72b and 72c; 72f and 72g; 72 j and 72k; and 72n and 72o are aligned with the pivot axis between the respective second arm member 23 and the frame 7. This allows pivotal movement of the second arm members 23 around this axis. Similarly the portions of the continuous wire loop 72 between fixed pulley wheels 72d and 72e and between the fixed pulley wheels 721 and 72m are aligned with the pivot axis between the respective first and second arm members 22, 23 to allow each first arm member 22 to pivot freely around the respective pivot axis .

Similarly to the exercise devices described above, each of the first arm members 22 has a null height, movement away from which in either direction is resisted by the weight 33. When the first arm members 22 are both at their null heights the weight 33 is in its lowermost position and movement of either of the first arm members 22 in either direction away from these null heights will cause the weight 33 to rise. However, if the first arm members 22 are moved in opposite directions away from their null heights by the same amount, then the net effect will be to leave the weight at its lowermost position so that no resistance is provided to such a motion. The mechanism causing the weight to rise when either of the first arm members 22 are moved away from their null heights will now be described with particular reference to figures 6b and 6c.

Considering the situation where each of the first arm members is at its null height so that the weight 33 is in its lowermost position, the operation of the pulley arrangement will be described as an exerciser pushes downwards on the first arm members .

It will be recalled that the first arm members are fixed to the wire loop 72 such that as the first arm members are moved the wire loop 72 is caused to move with them. Thus, as the first arm members are pushed downwards the wire loop 72 is pulled downwards over the fixed pulleys 72e and 721. This in turn causes the sections of the wire loop 72 between the fixed pulley wheels 72h and 72i and the floating pulley wheel 73a to shorten, whilst the sections of the wire loop 72 between the fixed pulley wheels 72a and 72p and the floating pulley wheel 73b are lengthened. The net result of this is that the floating block 73 rises upwards. This causes the loop strap 74 to pass over the fixed pulley wheel 74a around the moveable pulley wheel 75a, over the fixed pulley wheel 74b and downwards. This movement of the loop strap 74 is reflected by the lower half which moves in corresponding directions .

It will be recalled that the moveable block 75 and associated pulley wheels 75a, 75b are fixed in position by the rack 77. The net result is that the second end 326b of the weight hoisting pulley belt 326 is pulled downwards with the loop strap 74 so pulling the weight hoisting pulley belt 326 over the fixed pulley 76 to raise the weight 33.

During this operation a section of the weight hoisting pulley belt 326 associated with the first end 326a goes initially slack because connection point between the first end 326a and the loop strap 74 is initially moving towards the weight 33. Since moving the first arm members 22 downwards causes the weight 33 to rise, this movement of the first arm members 22 is resisted.

When the first arm members 22 are moved upwards, from the null height, a similar but opposite operation occurs. In this case the first end 326a of the weight hoisting pulley belt 326 will be taut, initially, whereas the second end 326b will be slack. The provision of the two separate ends 326a and 326b having distinct connection points helps to eliminate free vertical movement of the first arm members 22 before resistance due to the weight 33 is incurred. In the sixth exercise device the null height can be adjusted by moving the moveable block 75 between the various positions made possible by the arrangement of the rack 77. Moving the movable block 75 to a lower position will decrease the null height of each of the first arm members 22. This can be most easily understood by referring to figures 6b and 6c. Considering the situation when the weight 33 is in its lowermost position so that the first arm members 22 are at their null heights, moving the movable block 75 downwards without moving the weight 33, has the effect of pulling the floating block 73 upwards towards the fixed pulley

74a. This in turn has the effect of allowing more of the wire loop 72 to pass upwards past the fixed pulleys 72h and 72i and correspondingly causes more of the wire loop

72 to move downwards past fixed pulleys 72e and 721 so that the first arm members 22 move downwards. Once this has been done and the moveable pulley block 75 has been locked into the desired position using the pins 79, the weight 33 is still at its lower most position so that the first arm members 22 are at their null height but the height of the first arm members 22 relative to the frame

7 has been lowered.

In each of the above exercise devices it will be appreciated that the mass of the weight 33 can be altered in a conventional way. Typically a stack of weights will be provided, differing numbers of which may be attached to the weight hoisting pulley 326.

In alternatives a hydraulic system can be used in place of some or all of the pulley and belt systems described for transmitting the movement of the arm portion to the load. For example, it is possible to use a cylinder which is actuated by movement of the arm portion as a master cylinder to supply oil to a slave cylinder, the movement of which is resisted by an appropriate load. Alternatively movement of the arm portion can be used to actuate a rotary pump to drive oil for example, to a slave master cylinder, the passage of oil being inhibited by some load which the exerciser can work against.

Figure 7 shows a seventh exercise device. The seventh exercise device comprises two exercising units lj which comprise an articulated arm portion 2 and a common loading portion 3. Each arm portion 2 comprises a handle 21 which is pivotally connected to a first arm member 22 which in turn is pivotally connected to a second arm member 23 via a third arm member 91. Each second arm member 23 in turn is pivotally connected to a frame 7. The pivotal connections between the frame 7 and each second arm member 23 and between the respective second and third arm members 23, 91 allow movement of the first, second and third arm members 22, 23 and 91 in a horizontal plane. Each first arm member 22 is pivotally connected to the respective third arm member 91 in such a way to allow movement of the first arm member 22 and the handle 21 in a vertical place about the pivotal connection point.

Each articulated arm portion comprises a hydraulic arm cylinder 92 comprising a rod 92a one end of which is pivotally connected to the respective first arm member 22 and a casing 92b one end of which is pivotally connected to the respective third arm member 91.

The loading portion 3 comprises a weight 33 which is mounted on a weight bearing member 93 and two hydraulic weight cylinders 94 each comprising a casing 94a and a rod 94b. The weight bearing member 93 is pivotally connected to the frame 7 at a first connection point 95 and the casings 94a of the hydraulic cylinders 94 are pivotally connected to a second connection point 96 of the frame 7. The rods 94b of the hydraulic cylinders 94 are pivotally mounted to the weight bearing member 93. In operation upward or downward movement of ^• the first arm members 22 about their respective pivot points causes hydraulic fluid to be driven from the arm cylinders 92 to the weight cylinders 94, so raising or lowering the weight 33 as appropriate. Thus the hydraulic cylinders and associated hydraulic hosing (not shown in figure 7) acts as the transmitting means for transmitting the movement of an exerciser to the load. Correspondingly the load provides resistance, via the hydraulic arrangement, to movement by the exerciser. More details of the hydraulic arrangements are given later in the description.

Figure 8 shows a modified form of the seventh exercise device. The structure and operation of this modified version is the same as that of the seventh exercise device except that a bar 97 is provided joining the handles 21 to one another. This obviously serves to restrict the relative movement which can occur between the two articulated arm portions 2 but is a configuration which may be useful for performing some exercises. Figure 9 shows an eighth exercise device comprising two exercising units IK. The structure and function of this device is similar to that of the seventh exercise device. The same reference numerals are used to show the common elements and a detailed description of the common elements is omitted. The eighth exercise device is different from the seventh exercise device in that an additional frame 98 is provided so that one of the articulated arm portions 2 is pivotally connected to the main frame 7 and the other articulated arm portion 2 is pivotally connected to the additional frame 98. The loading portion 3 and the hydraulic cylinders 92 and 94 are the same as those in the seventh exercise device and appropriate hydraulic hosing is provided to connect the arm cylinders 92 and the weight cylinders 94. The advantage of the eighth exercise device is that the additional frame 98 can be moved relative to the frame 7 to any position suitable for performing exercises. The range of movement of the additional frame 98 is restricted by the hoses connecting the arm and weight cylinders 92 and 94.

In the seventh and eighth exercise devices, the weight 33 mounted on the end of the weight bearing member

93 can be adjusted by addition or removal of weight plates in the same way as a conventional weight lifting bar.

Figure 10 shows a ninth exercise device which is similar to the seventh exercise device but which has a modified loading portion 3 which comprises a pantograph type load bearing arrangement 99 comprising the weight bearing member 93 and a stack type weight 33. The pantograph arrangement 99 serves to keep a central bar 33b of the weight substantially vertical. The weight to be lifted can be modified by attaching differing numbers of weight plates 33c to the central bar 33b using a pin which passes through appropriate apertures in the weight plate 33c and the central bar 33b.

Figure 11 shows a tenth exercise device which is similar to the seventh exercise device except that no handles 21 are provided and the loading portion is modified. The first arm members 22 are connected via universal ball joints to opposite ends of a bar 97. The weight-based loading portion 3 is replaced by the arm cylinders 92 and an associated hydraulic system including a variable restricter valve (not shown in Figure 11) which provides resistance to motion of the bar 97. In this arrangement the resistance to motion of the exercise device caused by an exerciser is due purely to hydraulic means and no weights are required. A suitable hydraulic system for use in the tenth exercise device is described in more detail later in the description.

Figure 12 shows a hydraulic system suitable for use with any one of the seventh, eighth or ninth exercise devices shown in Figures 7 to 10. Each arm cylinder comprises upper and lower chambers 92U and 92L and a piston 92P. Similarly, each of the weight cylinders 94 comprises upper and lower chamber 94U, 94L and a piston

94P. The upper and lower chambers 92U, 92L of the arm cylinders 92 are connected by hydraulic hose H through a number of valves VA1 , VA2 , VB1, VB2 to the upper and lower cylinders 94U and 94L of the weight cylinders 94

(only one of which is shown in Figure 12 for simplicity) .

As noted above Figure 12 shows only one weight cylinder 94 and this is a possible configuration provided that the capacity of the cylinders 92, 94 are suitably chosen. When two weight cylinders 94 are used the upper chambers 94U of the weight cylinders 94 are connected to one another and the lower chambers 94L are also connected to one another to equalise the pressure therebetween.

It will be appreciated that when one of the first arm members 22 is moved in an upwards or downwards direction the respective piston 92P of the respective arm cylinder 92 will be made to move in a corresponding direction. This in turn will drive oil out of one of the upper and lower chambers 92U, 92L and into the other provided that there is a suitable fluid path available. The arrangement of the hydraulic hosing H and valves VA1, VA2, VB1 and VB2 is such that when all of the valves are open there is a free fluid path between the upper and lower arm chambers 92U, 92L. This means that the pistons 92P can be moved upwards or downwards with practically no resistance. Thus with all of the valves VA1 , VA2 , VB1 and VB2 open the null height of the exercise units can be adjusted.

On the other hand when one of the pairs of valves (ie either VAl and VA2 or VB1 and VB2 ) is closed and the other pair is open, movement of the pistons 92P due to the movement of either or both of the first arm members 22 will cause hydraulic fluid to be urged into either the upper or lower chambers 94U, 94L of the weight cylinder 94.

In the position shown in Figure 12 the weight cylinder piston 94P is fully retracted so that introduction of hydraulic fluid into the lower chambers 94U will cause the piston 94P to rise. This motion, however, will be resisted by the weight 33 because as can be seen by referring back to Figures 7 to 10, the rod 94b is mounted to the weight bearing member 93 in such a way that upwards movement of the piston 94P causes the weight to rise. Further, in the position shown in Figure 12, because the piston 94P is fully retracted, introduction of fluid into the upper chamber 94U is not possible. It can be said that motion of the first arm members 22 which tends to introduce fluid into the upper chamber 94U is therefore hydraulically locked.

If the first pair of valves VAl and VA2 are open and the second pair of valves VB1 and VB2 are closed then downward motion of one or both of the first arm members 22 will cause hydraulic fluid to be forced out of the lower arm chambers 92L through the hosing H, through the open valve VA2 into the lower weight chamber 94U. Similarly hydraulic fluid will be drawn into the upper arm chambers 92U through the hosing H and the open valve VAl from the upper weight chamber 94U. That is to say with the first pair of valves VAl and VA2 open and the second pair of valves VB1 and VB2 closed, downward movement of one or both of the first arm members 22 will cause the weight cylinder 94 to extend and raise the weight 33. Therefore, downward movement of the first arm members 22 is possible but is resisted by the weight 33. In contrast to this if one or both of the first arm members 22 is moved upwards hydraulic fluid will tend to be forced from the upper arm chambers 92U into the upper weight chamber 94U. However, because the piston 94P is fully retracted at this stage, motion in an upward direction away from the null height of the first arm members 22 is locked hydraulically.

In order for it to be possible to move the first arm members 22 upwards against the resistance of the weight 33 it is necessary to close the first pair of valves VAl and VA2 and to open the second pair of valves VB1 and VB2. Then the paths of the hydraulic fluid are altered so that upward movement away from the null height is possible against resistance of the weight 33 but downward movement from the null height is hydraulically locked. Although this system is workable it has the disadvantage that the valves VAl, VA2 , VB1, VB2 must be opened and closed to allow exercising in the different directions away from the null height.

Figure 13 shows an alternative hydraulic arrangement for use with the seventh, eighth and ninth exercise devices shown in Figures 7 to 10. This arrangement has the advantage that movement in both directions away from the null height is possible without having to open or close any valves . In this arrangement two double end rod cylinders 910 are used, the bodies of which are fixed together. These cylinders 910 replace the weight cylinders 94 shown in Figures 7 to 10. One end of the piston rod 910P of one of the cylinders 910 is mounted to the weight bearing member 93. One end of the piston rod 910P of the other cylinder is mounted to the frame 7 at the second connection point 96. Thus the double end rod cylinders 910 are mounted to the frame 7 and the weight bearing member 93 in a similar position and in a similar way to the weight cylinders 94 as shown in Figures 7 to 10. This means that when the pistons move in an appropriate way the weight 33 will be raised or lowered.

Each of the cylinders 910 has an upper chamber 10U and a lower chamber 910L. The upper chambers 910U are connected to one another by a hydraulic hosing H and the lower chamber 910L are also connected to one another via hydraulic hosing H. The upper and lower chambers 910U and 910L of the double end rod cylinders 910 are connected via hydraulic hosing H and a valve VC to the upper and lower cylinders 92U and 92L of the arm cylinders 92.

With this arrangement when the valve VC is opened there is a substantially free fluid path between the upper and lower chambers 92U, 92L so that the pistons 92P can be moved freely upwards or downwards so that the null height of the associated first arm members 22 can be adjusted. However, when the valve VC is closed, movement of the first arm members 22 either alone or together in an upwards or downwards direction tends to force oil into either the upper or lower chambers 910U, 910L of the double end rod cylinders 910.

If the first arm members 22 are moved downwards hydraulic fluid is forced out of the lower chambers 92L of the arm cylinders and into the lower chambers 910L of the double end rod cylinders . In the view shown in Figure 13 the left hand of the two double end rod cylinders 910 is fully contracted and the right hand is fully extended. This means that the hydraulic fluid cannot be further supplied to the right hand lower chamber 910L but can be further supplied to the left hand lower chamber 910L. Thus the net effect of moving the arm downwards is to force the left hand piston 910P upwards, therefore, raising the weight 33. Downwards movement of the first arm members 22 is therefore resisted. On the other hand if the first arm members 22 are moved upwards, hydraulic fluid is fed to the upper chambers 910U of the two double end rod cylinders 910. In this case the situation is reversed and only the right hand double end rod cylinder 910 can receive hydraulic fluid. The net effect therefore is that the right hand piston 910P is extended. However, the end of the piston rod is mounted to the frame 7 so that the bodies of both of the double end rod cylinders 910 move upwards so that the weight 33 is raised. Therefore, without having to open or close any valves, movement away from the null height in both directions can be resisted by the weight 33.

Figure 14 shows a hydraulic arrangement for use with the tenth exercise device shown in Figure 11. As stated above in this exercise device no weights are provided but rather the resistance to motion of the exerciser is provided purely by the hydraulic system. In this system the upper and lower chambers 92U, 2L of the two arm cylinders 92 are connected by hydraulic hosing H. The two upper chambers 92U are directly connected by hosing H and the two lower chambers 92L are directly connected to one another by hosing H. However, to allow movement of the bar 97 and first arm members 22 in either direction, hydraulic fluid must be allowed to flow from the upper chambers 92U to the lower chambers 92L. Thus a variable restricter valve VD is provided in the hosing H between the upper and lower chambers 92U, 92L. This restricter valve VD can restrict the flow of hydraulic fluid and provide a load to be worked against. Obviously the load to be worked against can be varied by varying the restriction caused by the restricter valve VD . A by-pass valve VE is provided across the restricter valve VD . In normal operation the by-pass valve VE will be shut but when it is desired to adjust the null height of the bar 97, the by-pass valve VE can be opened to allow free flow of hydraulic fluid from the upper to the lower chambers 92U, 92L.

In an alternative hydraulic arrangement for use with the tenth exercise device shown in Figure 11 the hydraulic arrangement in Figure 14 can be modified so that the restricter valve VD and the by-pass valve VE are replaced by two opposed one-way variable restricter valves. Each of these valves restricts flow in one direction but allows free flow in the other direction. These valves can then be switched manually or automatically to provide a chosen resistance to motion in only one direction at any one time.

Figures 15a to 15d shown an eleventh exercise device which is essentially a hybrid of the sixth and seventh exercise devices. Thus the eleventh exercise device comprises two exercising units lj each having a handle 21, first, second and third arm members 22, 23, 91 and an associated arm cylinder 92. These parts are configured in the same way as in the seventh exercise device described above and mounted to a frame 7. Referring particularly to Figures 15a and 15b the height of the connection between the second arm members 23 and the frame 7 can be adjusted by means of a sleeve 107 and pin 106 arrangement. The second arm members 23 are each mounted to a respective sleeve 107 which is mounted to the frame 7 by removable pins or bolts located in appropriate apertures . The frame 7 of the eleventh exercise device has a different configuration to support a modified version of the loading portion 3 and pulley arrangement of the sixth exercise device. As in the sixth exercise device the eleventh exercise device has a strap loop 74 arranged around four fixed pulleys 74a - 74d and a pair of moving pulley wheels 75a and 75b mounted in a moveable block 75 which is located in a rack 77. The detailed structure and functioning of this strap loop 74 is the same as in the sixth exercise device and such a description is therefore not repeated here. Similarly a weight hoisting strap 326 having first and second ends 326a and 326b is provided and attached to the strap loop 74. This weight hoisting strap 326 is arranged and operates in the same way as in the sixth exercise device except that the remote end of the weight hoisting strap 326 is not connected directly to the weight 33 but rather to a weight hoisting block 100. A further strap 101 passes over a pulley in the block 100 and has one end fixed to the frame 7 and another end fixed to the weight 33. In operation, as the weight hoisting strap 326 is moved upwards so is the weight hoisting block 100 causing the weight 33 to rise. This arrangement serves to increase the height which the weight 33 rises for a given movement of the weight hoisting strap 326. The main difference between the structure and operation of the eleventh exercise device and the sixth exercise device is that rather than the articulated arm portion 2 sliding up and down on a guide rail and the movement being transmitted entirely by cable or straps, the first arm members 22 are pivotally moveable and movement of the first arm members 22 is transmitted via the arm cylinders 92 and associated hydraulic hosing (not shown) to a transmitting cylinder 103 provided in the frame 7. The lower chambers 92L of each of the^' arm cylinders 92 are connected to a lower chamber (not shown) of the transmitting cylinder 103 and the upper chambers of the arm cylinders 92U are both connected to the upper chamber (not shown) of the transmitting cylinder 103. The casing 103a of the transmitting cylinder 103 is mounted directly to the frame 7, and the piston rod 103b is connected to a following arm 104. The following arm

104 is pivotally mounted to the frame 7 at one end and a link rod 105 is pivotally connected to another end. A remote end 105a of the link rod 105 is connected to the strap loop 74 in such a way that movement of the following arm can be transmitted to the strap loop 74.

The hydraulic arrangement is such that the capacity of the transmitting cylinder 103 is twice that of each of the arm cylinders 92. There is a simple hose connection between the arm cylinders 92 and the transmitting cylinder 103. Movement of the piston 92P of one or both of the arm cylinders 92 caused by movement of the first arm members 22 is transmitted by the hydraulic fluid and causes a corresponding movement of the piston (not shown) and rod 103b of the transmitting cylinder 103. The hydraulic system is arranged purely to transmit the effort of the exerciser to the load and is not required to introduce any element of resistance. The hydraulic arrangement and geometry of the following arm

104 and first arm members 22 is arranged so that the following arm 104 will mirror the movement of the first arm members 22 when they are moved together and will move at approximately half the speed of each arm member 22 if it is moved alone whilst keeping the other arm member 22 stationery.

In operation moving one or both first arm members

22 drives hydraulic fluid into the transmitting cylinder 103 which causes the following arm 104 to move and ^' the vertical component of its motion is transmitted to the strap loop 74 via the link rod 105. This causes the strap loop 74 to move around its associated pulleys 74a - 74d,

75a, 75b in the same way as movement of the floating block 73 in the sixth exercise device causes the strap loop 74 to move. This, in turn, causes the weight 33 to be raised by the weight hoisting member 326 as in the sixth exercise device. Thus movement of the following arm

104 and link member 105 in either direction causes the weight 33 to be raised. Correspondingly this means that movement of the first arm members 22 in either direction is resisted by gravity acting on the weight 33.

The connection points between the arm cylinders 92 and the first and third arm members 22, 91 can be chosen in conjunction with the connection points between the frame 7, the transmitting cylinder 103 and following arm

104 to ensure that the correct level of mechanical advantage exists between the movement of the handle 21 and the movement of the weights 33. In this respect, in the eleventh exercise device shown in Figures 15a to d, the following arm 104 is approximately half the length of the first arm member 22, and consequently the weight hoisting block 100 has been introduced to double the height through which the weight is risen in order to obtain the desired mechanical advantage.

The null height of the first arm members 22 can be adjusted by moving the moveable block 75 relative to the rack 77 and fixing it in position in the same way as described in respect of the sixth exercise device. This system has advantages of both the hydraulic and the cable based systems described above. The transmission system to the weight 33 is simplified by use of hydraulics and there is no need for hydraulic valves or switching mechanisms. This is because resistance to movement in both directions and null height adjustment are provided by means of the arrangement of the loop strap 74 and the weight hoisting pulley 326.

In any of the hydraulic arrangements where switching valves are required these can be mechanical valves, solenoid operated valves or triple stage spool valves . The valves can be manually or electrically operated.

Figure 16 shows a handle 21 which can be used with any of the exercising units la-Ik, described above. The grip member 212 is connected to a first end 215a of a first elbow member 215. A second end 215a of the first elbow member 215 is pivotally connected to a first end 216a of a second elbow member 216. A second end 216b of the second elbow member 216 is pivotally connected to a first end 217a of a third elbow member 217 while a second end 217b of the third elbow member 217 is pivotally connected to the first arm member 22.

Each of the elbow members 215-217 is bent through 90° so that opposite ends of each elbow member are perpendicular to each other. The grip member 212 can be pivoted around two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the first arm member 22. A further degree of freedom is provided by the pivotal connection between the first elbow member 215 and the second elbow member 216. The rip member 212 and the three elbow members 215, 216, 217 are arranged and dimensioned so that a centre point C along the longitudinal length of the grip member 212 may be disposed in line with the longitudinal axis Aax of the first arm member 22 and the grip portion can be positioned perpendicularly relative to the first arm member 22.

Figure 17 shows a handle 21 which can be used with any one of the exercising units la to Ik. The handle comprises a grip portion 212 fixably mounted across the mouth of a first U-shaped member 81. The first U-shaped member 81 is pivotally connected at a centre of its base portion to the centre of a base portion of a second U- shaped member 82. The second U-shaped member 82 is pivotally connected towards its free ends to the free ends of a third U-shaped member 83. The third U-shaped member 83 is connectable via a pivotal connector 84 to the end of a first arm member 22 of any of the exercising units la to Ik described above. As has been described with reference to Figure 16, the grip member 212 can be pivoted around two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the first arm member 22. Also a further degree of freedom is provided by the pivotal connection between the first U-shaped member 81 and the second U-shaped member 82. Hence the grip member 212 can be orientated at a large range of angles relative to the first arm member

22 to which it is attached.

An alternative handle for the use in any of the foregoing exercising units la-Ik can be provided. In the alternative, a grip portion is connected to a first end of a first elbow member and a second end of the first elbow member is pivotally connected to a first end of a second elbow member. A second end of the second elbow member is in turn pivotally connected to the first arm member of the arm portion. Each of the elbow members is bent through a total 90° so that the first end of each of the elbow members is substantially perpendicular to the respective second end. This means that the grip member may be rotated relative to the first arm member about two mutually perpendicular axes. This is facilitated by the pivotal connection between the first and second elbow members and the pivotal connection between the second elbow member and the first arm member. The arrangement of the elbow members and the grip member is such that the grip member may be positioned in such a way that a longitudinal axis of the grip member is in line with a longitudinal axis of the first arm member. Other forms of loading device can be used in place of weights, for example, springs, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders or resistance bands.

The devices can be used to simulate the action of dumbbell weights by using the handles independently or to simulate the action of a barbell by joining the handles with a bar which can be straight or E-Z type. The device can be used from a standing position or while sitting or lying on a flat or incline bench in the same way that an exerciser would use free weights.

A modified form of null position adjustment means can be provided in alternative forms of the sixth and eleventh exercise devices. In the modified adjustment means the moveable block 75 is not secured in position using a rack and pin arrangement but rather the rack is dispensed with the block 75 is supported by a belt loop. One end of the belt loop is connected to an upper end of the block 75 and the other end is connected to a lower end of the block 75. The belt loop runs around two additional pulleys. One of these pulleys is mounted to an upper part of the frame 7 and the other to a lower part. The position of the pulleys is such that the belt is disposed in substantially the same position as that of the rack in the sixth and eleventh exercise devices. A Pedal operated releaseable brake is provided for preventing movement of the belt loop to keep the moveable block 75 locked in one position during normal operation. In order to adjust the null position the user operates the pedal to release the break. The first arm members 22 can then be moved without resistance to set the desired hull position. The user then releases the pedal so that the brake is reapplied and the moveable block 75 is locked in the new position which corresponds to the desired null position.

It is generally desirable in most of the exercise devices described above if the first arm member 21, or the whole arm portion 2, as appropriate, is counterbalanced by other parts of the exercise device. This can be useful to prevent unwanted movement of the arm portion in certain situations, for example, if no weight 33 is in place. If the counterbalancing is neutral when no load (weight 33) is applied it is advantageous because the resistance to movement in both vertical directions will be the same. As an example, in the eleventh exercise device, the weight and geometry of the following member 104 are chosen to counterbalance the first arm member 21.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. An exercise device comprising at least one exercising unit; the or each exercising unit comprising: an arm portion, against which effort of an exerciser can be exerted, comprising a grip member and an arm member, the grip member being mounted to the arm member so as to allow the grip member to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the arm member; and resistance means for providing resistance to movement of the arm member, characterised in that the arm member has a null position and the resistance means is arranged to resist movement of the arm member in two directions away from the null position and to cause or allow substantially without resistance, return of the arm member to the null position.

2. An exercise device according to claim 1 in which the resistance means is arranged to urge the arm member towards the null position when the arm member is displaced from the null postion.

3. An exercise device according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the arm portion is an articulated arm portion comprising two arm members which are pivotally connected to one another .

4. An exercise device according to any preceding claim comprising means for adjusting the null position.

5. An exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the resistance means comprises transmitting means for transmitting movement of the arm member to loading means .

6. An exercise device according to claim 5 in which the transmitting means comprises a hydraulic arrangement.

7. An exercise device according to claim 6 in which the hydraulic arrangement comprises a hydraulic arm cylinder which is operable, by movement of the arm member, to cause hydraulic fluid to be supplied to a second hydraulic cylinder, which is associated with the loading means, so that movement of the arm member causes the second hydraulic cylinder to be operated.

8. An exercise device according to any one of claims 5, 6 and 7 in which the transmitting means comprises a pulley arrangement comprising a plurality of fixed pulley wheels, a pair of floating pulley wheels and an endless elongate flexible member which is provided around the fixed pulley wheels and to which the arm member is connected, the pair of floating pulley wheels being supported by the flexible member and connected to the take up means, the pulley arrangement being such that when the arm member is moved in the first direction the pair of floating pulley wheels move in one direction and when the arm member is moved in the second direction the pair of floating pulley wheels move in another direction.

9. An exercise device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, in which the resistance means comprises a take up means to which one end of a load bearing member is attached; and the loading means being arranged to apply a load to the load bearing member to resist movement thereof; the transmitting means being arranged to transmit movement of the arm member to the take up means to cause the take up means to move; and the resistance means being arranged so that when the arm member is moved in a first direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in one direction against the load and when the arm member is moved in a second direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in an opposite direction against the load, whereby movement of the arm member in both the first and the second directions away from the null position is resisted.

10. An exercise device according to claim 9 in which the take up means comprises a drum and the resistance means is arranged so that when the arm member is moved in the first direction away from the null position, the drum is rotated in a first sense so that the load bearing member is wound around the drum in one direction against the load and when the arm member is moved in the second direction away from the null position, the drum is rotated in an opposite sense so that the load bearing member is wound around the drum in an opposite direction against the load.

11. An exercise device according to claim 9 in which the take up means comprises an endless flexible member disposed around means to restrict its path and the resistance means is arranged so that when the arm member is moved in the first direction away from the null position, the flexible member is moved in one direction so that the load bearing member is pulled around the path in said one direction against the load and when the arm member is moved in the second direction away from the null position, the flexible member is moved in an opposite direction so that the load bearing member is pulled around the path in the opposite direction against the load.

12. An exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the resistance means comprises a weight and pulley arrangement such that in use gravity acting on the weight provides resistance to movement of the arm member .

13. An exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in which the resistance means comprises a weight mounted on a pivotally moveable weight bearing member and is arranged so that gravity acting on the weight provides the resistance to movement of the arm member.

14. An exercise device according to any preceding claim in which the arm member is slidably mounted on one or more guide member and the resistance means is arranged to prevent sliding movement.

15. An exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in which at least one member of the arm portion is arranged to be pivotable about an axis and the resistance means is arranged to resist pivotal movement about that axis. AMENDED CLAIMS

[received by the International Bureau on 3 September 1998 (03.09.98); original claims 1-15 replaced by new claims 1-35 (10 pages)]

1. An exercise device comprising at least one exercising unit;

5 the or each exercising unit comprising: a moveable member against which effort of an exerciser can be exerted, the moveable member being moveable towards and away from a rest position parallel to a loading direction, and

10 resistance means for providing resistance to movement of the moveable member, comprising loading means and transmitting means arranged to apply a force to be worked against to the moveable member in the loading direction when the moveable member is displaced from the

15 rest position in a direction opposite to the loading direction, characterised in that the moveable member is moveable in directions which are not substantially parallel to the loading direction, the resistance means being arranged so that movement in such directions is

20 substantially unresisted.

2. An exercise device according to claim 1 in which the rest position is a null position and the resistance means is arranged to resist movement of the moveable member in

25 two directions away from the null position and to cause or allow substantially without resistance, return of the moveable member to the null position.

3. An exercise device according to claim 2 in which the 30 resistance means is arranged to urge the moveable member towards the null position when the moveable member is displaced from the null position in either of said two directions .

4. An exercise device according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which means for adjusting the null position are provided.

5. An exercise device according to any preceding claim in which the transmitting means is arranged to transmit movement of the moveable member to the loading means and the transmitting means comprises a hydraulic arrangement.

6. An exercise device according to any preceding claim in which the resistance means comprises a weight mounted on a pivotally moveable weight bearing member and is arranged so that gravity acting on the weight provides the resistance to movement of the moveable member.

7. An exercise device according to any preceding claim in which the moveable member comprises a grip member and an arm member, the grip member being mounted to the arm member in such a way that pivotal movement of the grip member about its centre of mass is substantially unresisted.

8. An exercise device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in which the exercise device further comprises an arm portion comprising a grip member and an arm member, the grip member being mounted to the arm member so as to allow the grip member to pivot, substantially without resistance, relative to the arm member, the moveable member comprising the grip member and the arm member.

9. An exercise device according to claim 7 or claim 8 in which the grip member is mounted to the arm member so as to allow the grip member to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the arm member.

10. An exercise device according to claim 8 in which the arm portion is an articulated arm portion comprising two arm members which are pivotally connected to one another.

11. An exercise device according to any one of claims 7 to 10 in which the exercise device is arranged so that the magnitude of the effort which must be exerted at the grip member against the force applied to the moveable member does not, within the operational range of the moveable member, vary significantly as the grip member and arm member as a unit are moved to any position which is displaced, in the direction opposite to the loading direction, from the rest position.

12. An exercise device according to any one of claims 7 to 11 in which the exercise device is arranged so that the magnitude of the effort which must be exerted at the grip member in a predetermined linear direction against the force applied to the moveable member does not, within the operational range of the moveable member, vary significantly as the grip member and arm member as a unit are moved to any position which is displaced, in the direction opposite to the loading direction, from the rest position.

13. An exercise device according to any one of claims 7 to 12 in which the grip member and arm member as a unit is pivotally mounted about an axis and movement about that axis constitutes movement parallel to the loading direction.

14. An exercise device according to claim 13 in which the arm portion is arranged so that the grip member can follow a substantially linear path throughout the operational range of the moveable member as the arm member and grip member as a unit are moved in the loading direction around said axis.

15. An exercise device according to any preceding claim in which the loading direction comprises a substantially linear path.

16. An exercise device according to any preceding claim in which the loading direction comprises an arcuate path.

17. An exercise system comprising a plurality exercise devices according to any preceding claim each of which comprises at least one exercising unit; the resistance means of each exercise device comprising loading means for providing a load for an exerciser to work against and hydraulic transmitting means for transmitting movement of the moveable member to the loading means , characterised in that said loading means comprise a common loading means to which the hydraulic transmitting means of each exercise device is connected so that a single common loading means provides the load required to resist movement of the moveable members of a plurality of exercise devices .

18. An exercise system comprising a plurality exercise devices each of which comprises at least one exercising unit; each exercising unit comprising a moveable member against which effort of an exerciser can be exerted and resistance means for providing resistance to movement of the moveable member, the resistance means comprising loading means for providing a load for an exerciser to work against and hydraulic transmitting means for transmitting movement of the moveable member to the loading means, characterised in that said loading means comprise a common loading means to which the hydraulic transmitting means of each exercise device is connected so that a single common loading means provides the load required to resist movement of the moveable members of a plurality of exercise devices .

19. An exercise device comprising at least one exercising unit; the or each exercising unit comprising: a moveable member against which effort of an exerciser can be exerted; and resistance means for providing resistance to movement of the moveable member, characterised in that the moveable member has a null position and the resistance means is arranged to resist movement of the moveable member in two directions away from the null position and to cause or allow substantially without resistance, return of the moveable member to the null position.

20. An exercise device according to claim 19 in which the resistance means is arranged to urge the moveable member towards the null position when the moveable member is displaced from the null postion in either of said two directions .

21. An exercise device according to claim 19 or claim 20 in which the resistance means is arranged to resist movement of the moveable member along only one locus or about only one axis, movement in other loci and/or about other axes being substantially unresisted.

22. An exercise device according to any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the resistance means comprises transmitting means for transmitting movement of the moveable member to loading means .

23. An exercise device according to claim 22 in which the transmitting means comprises a hydraulic arrangement.

24. An exercise device according to claim 23 in which the hydraulic arrangement comprises a hydraulic arm cylinder which is operable, by movement of the moveable member, to cause hydraulic fluid to be supplied to a second hydraulic cylinder, which is associated with the loading means, so that movement of the moveable member causes the second hydraulic cylinder to be operated.

25. An exercise device according to any one of claims 22, 23 and 24 in which the transmitting means comprises a pulley arrangement comprising a plurality of fixed pulley wheels, a pair of floating pulley wheels and an endless elongate flexible member which is provided around the fixed pulley wheels and to which the moveable member is connected, the pair of floating pulley wheels being supported by the flexible member and connected to the take up means, the pulley arrangement being such that when the moveable member is moved in the first direction the pair of floating pulley wheels move in one direction and when the moveable member is moved in the second direction the pair of floating pulley wheels move in another direction.

26. An exercise device according to any one of claims 22 to 25, in which the resistance means comprises a take up means to which one end of a load bearing member is attached; and the loading means being arranged to apply a load to the load bearing member to resist movement thereof; the transmitting means being arranged to transmit movement of the moveable member to the take up means to cause the take up means to move; and the resistance means being arranged so that when the moveable member is moved in a first direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in one direction against the load and when the moveable member is moved in a second direction away from the null position, the take up means operates so that the load bearing member is pulled around the take up means in an opposite direction against the load, whereby movement of the moveable member in both the first and the second directions away from the null position is resisted.

27. An exercise device according to claim 26 in which the take up means comprises a drum and the resistance means is arranged so that when the moveable member is moved in the first direction away from the null position, the drum is rotated in a first sense so that the load bearing member is wound around the drum in one direction against the load and when the moveable member is moved in the second direction away from the null position, the drum is rotated in an opposite sense so that the load bearing member is wound around the drum in an opposite direction against the load.

28. An exercise device according to claim 26 in which the take up means comprises an endless flexible member disposed around means to restrict its path and the resistance means is arranged so that when the moveable member is moved in the first direction away from the null position, the flexible member is moved in one direction so that the load bearing member is pulled around the path in said one direction against the load and when the moveable member is moved in the second direction away from the null position, the flexible member is moved in an opposite direction so that the load bearing member is pulled around the path in the opposite direction against the load.

29. An exercise device according to any one of claims 19 to 28, in which the resistance means comprises a weight and pulley arrangement such that in use gravity acting on the weight provides resistance to movement of the moveable member.

30. An exercise device according to any one of claims 19 to 28, in which the resistance means comprises a weight mounted on a pivotally moveable weight bearing member and is arranged so that gravity acting on the weight provides the resistance to movement of the moveable member.

31. An exercise device according to any one of claims 19 to 30 in which the moveable member is slidably mounted on one or more guide member and the resistance means is arranged to prevent sliding movement.

32. An exercise device according to any one of claims 19 to 31 which further comprises an arm portion comprising a grip member and an arm member, the grip member being mounted to the arm member so as to allow the grip member to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the arm member and in which the moveable member comprises the grip member and the arm member.

33. An exercise device according to claim 32 in which the arm portion is an articulated arm portion comprising two arm members which are pivotally connected to one another.

34. An exercise device according to claim 32 or claim 33, in which at least one member of the arm portion is arranged to be pivotable about an axis and the resistance means is arranged to resist pivotal movement about that axis .

35. An exercise device comprising at least one exercising unit; the or each exercising unit comprising: a moveable member against which effort of an exerciser can be exerted, the moveable member being moveable in any direction and having a rest position; and resistance means for providing resistance to movement of the moveable member, characterised in that the resistance means comprises loading means and transmitting means arranged to apply a force to be worked against to the moveable member in a loading direction when the moveable member is displaced from the rest position in a direction opposite to the loading direction; and the resistance means is arranged so that there is substantially no resistance to movement of the moveable member in directions which are not substantially parallel to the loading direction.