WO1997014475A1

WO1997014475A1 - Portable exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1997014475A1
Application number: PCT/IB1996/001186
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phillip R. Going; Daniel Sidney Macnaughton
Original assignee: 1134878 Ontario Ltd.
Priority date: 1995-10-17
Filing date: 1996-10-15
Publication date: 1997-04-24
Also published as: AU7327696A

Abstract

A portable exercise apparatus comprises a first rigid arm (30) and a second rigid arm (40) operatively interconnected to each other at an interconnecting point in continually angularly variable relation to each other so as to have a range of motion between a first closed position whereat the arms are proximate each other and a second open position whereat the arms are angularly separated from each other. A fluidic damper (70) is operatively interconnected between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm to resist the change in angular relation of the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm with respect to each other. Handle members (50) are disposed on the first rigid arm at the free end thereof. A base member (60) is disposed on the second rigid arm at the first free end thereof. The first and second rigid arms each comprise fixed and movable arm portions (34, 44; 36, 46) securely interconnected to each other in axially extendable and retractable relation so as to cause the first and second rigid arms to be adjustable in length between the first and second ends (31, 32; 41, 42). A locking mechanism (38, 48) on each arm permits selective fixing of the length of the arms. Adjustment of the length of the adjustable length arms and selection of the angular relation of the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm with respect to each other at the beginning of an exercise permits the portable exercise apparatus to accommodate various types of exercises and various sizes of users.

Description

PORTABLE EXERCISE APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise devices, and more particularly portable exercise devices ofthe type having a passive resistance means, such as fluidic dampers, which exercise devices are adjustable so as to be usable for a variety of different exercises and to accommodate various sizes of people performing such a variety of exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Over the past several years, regular exercise has become increasing popular with all age groups in North America and in many other parts of the world. Such exercise is done for both enjoyment and for the purpose of increasing fitness, and may include recreational sports such as baseball, hockey, tennis, football, cycling, and so on. Exercise may also include activities that are aimed substantially toward general body conditioning such as jogging, aerobics, progressive resistance training with weights, and the like. These exercises are typically aimed at increasing or maintaining a level of fitness.

Progressive resistance training with free weights, or with a weight machine, wherein the weights in a weight stack are readily selectable, has been known for many years and is in widespread use today; however, it has certain limitations. If free weights are used, it is usually necessary to have a large variety of free weights available, which takes up space and tends to be expensive. Further, it is very difficult, if not generally impossible, to travel with free weights. Weight machines tend to be large and expensive, and cannot be travelled with.

There is also one problem with free weights and weight machines in that they are devices that provide active resistance to exercise. Active resistance is resistance that would, or could, move of its own accord during an exercise movement if the force generated by the exercise movement was suddenly removed. In contradistinction to active resistance, passive resistance merely resists existing motion by means of friction, and cannot cause movement by itself. Passive resistance is, therefore, much safer and generally precludes injuries from occurring.

One type of exercise equipment that overcomes the above stated problems by being inexpensive, compact, light weight, and being generally safe by providing passive resistance, is friction resistance or fluidic resistance exercise devices. One example of a friction resistance exercise device is a cable and pulley exerciser wherein one or more cables having handles at the ends pass through a pulley mechanism having a resistance means therein.

Typically, one body part works against another to provide resistance to movement, along with the resistance mechanism in the device. Such cable and pulley exercise devices typically can only accommodate a few different exercises, and typically do not provide a vigorous workout.

One example of a fluidic resistance exercise device is one that uses a hydraulic cylinder and piston arrangement of resist motion. Various types of fluidic resistance type exercise devices are known in the prior art, as will now be discussed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

United States patent No. 3,861 ,677 to WHEELDON discloses an exerciser comprising a pair of fixed length arms pivotally connected to each other and a fluid pump connected to the arms. The fluid pump comprises a cylinder pivotally connected to one arm and a rod pivotally connected to the other arm. The cylinder contains a fluid such as oil and is connected in fluid communication to a fluid reservoir located within one of the arms by means of a pair of flexible ducts. In use, the fluid is pumped by the action of an exercise between the cylinder and the fluid reservoir.

United States patent No. 4,254,950 to BAUMANN discloses a body exercise apparatus that is designed to provide a counter force that alters over a certain field of movement with a maximum value existing between two lower values. The exercise apparatus comprises a swivel axle having a swivelling lever attached thereto. The swivel lever comprises a first threaded spindle with its ends mounted in a supporting arm bracket. An adjusting nut is threaded onto the threaded spindle and receives one end of the rod of a gas piston. The cylinder portion of the gas piston is received by an adjusting nut on a second threaded spindle secured to a shaft. The shaft bears a cog wheel which engages a cog wheel at the end of the first threaded spindle. A crank is operatively connected to the swivel axle by means of a pair of chain wheels and a chain connecting the two chain wheels in concurrent driven relation. To perform an exercise, the crank is moved, thus ultimately turning the swivel axle, which angularly moves the supporting arm so as to move the rod into the cylinder of the gas piston.

United States patent No. 3,912,265 to MUIR discloses a fluid flow resistance exerciser adding an operating arm and base arm. The base arm extends at its lower end into a pair of support feet. The feet are secured to a fixed base large enough to preclude the device from tipping over during use. Connected between the base arm and the operating arm is a fluid flow resistance means which is designed to resist relative movement between the operating arm and the base arm. The fluid flow resistance is not readily adjustable in terms of the resistance it provides or in terms of altering the position thereof, so as to provide variable resistance. United States patent No. 4,618,140 to BROWN discloses a physical exercising apparatus having a carrier member and a lever pivotally attached thereto, with a cylinder device attached therebetween in order to resist relative rotational movement between the carrier member and the lever. The carrier member is designed to attache to a track, with the track secured to something such as a wall. It is contemplated that only the lever by interfaced by someone exercising with this piece of equipment. The piston is adjustably locatable at one end onto the lever.

United States patent No. 4,813,667 to WATTERSON discloses an exerciser having a frame member with a pair of levers attached rotatably thereto. Between the frame member and each lever is an hydraulic cylinder that resists the relative rotational movement of the levers with respect to the frame member. This piece of exercise equipment can be used for rowing or cross country skiing type exercises.

United States patent to MARSHALL discloses a combination rowing machine and chest exerciser comprising a slide rail having a sliding seat attached to it. It also has a pair of poles attached pivotally to a cross bar which joins the poles and attaches them to the rail. Each pole moves pivotally with respect to its rail and the relative movement therebetween is restricted by a piston. Each piston is attached in an adjustable relation to each of the poles.

United States patent No. 4,746,115 to LAHMAN discloses an exercising device with a controllable force pattern having a pneumatic cylinder member attached at one end to a large frame and in adjustable relation to a pivoting rail at the other end. The rail is attached pivotally to the large frame. The pivoting rail is moved upward by lifting the bar. A roller located on a triangular swinging frame glides along the pivoting rail which in turn raises the triangular swinging frame upward. This movement is resisted by the pneumatic cylinder member.

These prior art fluidic resistance type exercise devices are either large and cumbersome and cannot be easily transported, and cannot properly small range of movement exercises, or are to small to allow a person to perform large range of movement exercises. What is needed is an exercise device that is safe, inexpensive, portable, and provides for a full range of motion for many different types of exercises, so as to permit a full and proper workout to be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable exercise apparatus comprising a first rigid arm having a first longitudinal axis, a first free end and a second end, and a second rigid arm having a second longitudinal axis, a first free end and a second end. The first and second rigid arms are operatively interconnected to each other at an interconnecting point disposed between the respective first free end and second end of each rigid arm such that the first and second rigid arms are in continually angularly variable relation to each other so as to have a range of motion between a first closed position, whereat the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm are proximate each other, and a second open position, whereat the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm are angularly separated from each other, and wherein the range of motion generally defines a first plane in which each of the first and second rigid arms may move. A displacement resistance means is operatively interconnected between the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm to resist the change in angular relation of the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm with respect to each other. A pair of opposed handle members is disposed on the first rigid arm at the first free end thereof and projecting generally outwardly therefrom so as to define by a third longitudinal axis which is generally perpendicular to the first plane of motion of the first and second rigid arms. A base member is disposed on the second rigid arm at the first free end thereof and projecting generally perpendicularly therefrom in a second plane which is generally perpendicular to the first plane of motion of the first and second rigid arms. One of the first and second rigid arms comprises fixed and movable arm portions securely interconnected to each other in axially extendable and retractable relation so as to cause the one of the first and second rigid arms to be adjustable in length between the first and second ends. A first locking mechanism is operatively interconnected between the fixed and movable arm portions of the one of the first and second rigid arms for selectively fixing the length of the adjustable length arm. Adjustment of the length of the adjustable length arm and selection of the angular relation of the first rigid arm and the second rigid arm with respect to each other at the beginning of an exercise permits the portable exercise apparatus to accommodate various types of exercises and various sizes of users.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example in association with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the portable exercise apparatus of the present invention shown in a first closed position;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the portable exercise apparatus of Figure 1 , shown in a second open position;

Figure 3 shows the portable exercise apparatus of Figure 1 , with the fixed arm portion of the second arm having been tumed around 180°;

Figure 4 and 5 show a person performing an exercise with the portable exercise apparatus of Figure 1 , with the adjustable length first and second rigid arms adjusted to a short length; and

Figure 6 and 7 show a person performing an exercise with the portable exercise apparatus of Figure 1 , with the adjustable length first and second rigid arms adjusted to a long length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 3, which show the portable exercise apparatus ofthe present invention, as indicated by the general reference numeral 20, in various configurations.

A first rigid arm 30 having a first longitudinal axis "A", a first free end 31 and a second end 32, and a second rigid arm 40 having a second longitudinal axis "B", a first free end 41 and a second free end 42, are operatively interconnected to each other at an interconnecting point defining a main pivot axis "P". In the preferred embodiment, the interconnecting point is disposed between the first free end 31 and the second free end 32 of the first rigid arm 30 and between the first free end 41 and the second free end 42 ofthe second rigid arm 40. Two parallel flanges 43 extending outwardly from the second rigid arm

40 near the second free end 42 thereof receive the second end 32 of the first rigid arm 30 therebetween. A pin member 49 extends through an aperture in each of the two parallel flanges 43 and also through apertures in the first rigid arm 30 adjacent the second end 32 thereof. In this manner, the first and second rigid arms 30, 40 are operatively interconnected in continually angularly variable relation to each other so as to have a range of motion between a first closed position, as best seen in Figure 1 , and a second open position, as best seen in Figure 2. In the first closed position, the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 are proximate each other. In the second open position, the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 are angularly separated from each other. During movement of the first arm 30 and the second arm 40 through their range of motion, the first longitudinal axis "A" and the second longitudinal axis "B" define a first plane in which each of the first and second rigid arms 30, 40 move. It should be noted that the main pivot axis "P" is substantially perpendicular to the first plane.

In an altemative embodiment, the interconnecting point may be beyond the second ends 32, 42 of the first and second rigid arms 30, 40, as the first 30 and second 40 rigid arms may be interconnected one to the other by one or more extension portions, which extension portions may be either rigidly or pivotally secured to the respective first and second arms 30, 40.

A pair of opposed handle members 50 are disposed on the first rigid arm 30 at the first free end 31 thereof. The pair of opposed handle members 50 project generally outwardly from the first rigid arm 30, in an orientation defined by a third longitudinal axis "C" which is generally peφendicular to the first plane of motion of the first and second rigid arms 30, 40. In the preferred embodiment, the pair of opposed handle members 50 are substantially straight; however, they may also be shaped in other manners so as to be able to accommodate proper grasping for various types of exercise movements. Ideally, the pair of opposed handle members 50 are removable and replaceable so as to permit selection of appropriate handle members. A pin member 52 passes through apertures in the central body portion 54 of the opposed handle members 50 and apertures in the first rigid arm 30. The pin member 52 may either frictionally engage, or engage in interfering relation, the central body portion 54 of the opposed handle members 50 and the first rigid arm 30 so as to preclude the pin member 52 from pulling out. A base member 60 is disposed on the second rigid arm 40 at the first free end 41 thereof. The base member 60 projects generally perpendicularly from the second rigid arm 40 in a second plane that is generally perpendicular to the first plane of motion of the first and second rigid arms 30, 40. In the preferred embodiment, the base member 60 comprises a substantially flat plate 62 oriented generally in the second plane. The substantially flat plate 62 is mounted in angularly adjustable relation for free pivotal movement about a base pivot axis "Q" generally perpendicular to the first plane of motion defined by the first longitudinal axis "A" and the second longitudinal axis "B". In this manner, the substantially flat plate 62 may lie flat against a floor and be stood on by the user of the exercise apparatus 20 of the present invention during use, thus causing the second rigid arm 40 to be anchored during use, while permitting the second rigid arm 40 to vary in its angular orientation with respect to the floor.

The base member 60 is secured to the second rigid arm 40 for free pivotal movement about the base pivot axis "Q" by means of a pin member 65 disposed in co-operating apertures in the two parallel flanges 66 of the base member 60 and in co-operating apertures in the second arm 40. The pin member 65 may either frictionally engage, or engage in interfering relation, the two parallel flanges 66 ofthe base member 60 and the second rigid arm 40 so as to preclude the pin member 65 from unwantedly pulling out.

Further, the base member 60 preferably includes an arm receiving socket 64 shaped and dimensioned to receive the second end 42 of the second rigid arm 40 in secure relation therein. The second rigid arm 40 is secured by means of the pin member 65 inserted through appropriate co-operating apertures in the two parallel flanges 66 of the base member 60 and in co-operating apertures in the second arm 40. The pin member 65 may either frictionally engage, or engage in interfering relation, the two parallel flanges 66 of the base member 60 and the second rigid arm 40 so as to preclude the pin member 65 from unwantedly pulling out. In this manner, the base member 60 and the second rigid arm 40 are coupled in fixed angular relation to each other. Preferably, the fixed angular relation is such that the second plane of the base member 60 is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis "B" ofthe second rigid arm 40. In this manner, the exercise apparatus 20 may be used in exercises where a user is sitting on the floor with legs extended and the flat plat 62 is placed at the soles of the feet. For example, the first rigid arm 30 may be pulled towards the upper body of the user, so as to perform a rowing type of exercise.

The first rigid arm 30 comprises a fixed arm portion 34 and a moveable arm portion 36 securely interconnected to each other in axially extendable and retractable relation. The moveable arm portion 36 of the first rigid arm 30 is slidably engaged within the fixed arm portion 34 and is secured at any selected one of a plurality of positions by means of a first locking mechanism 38 for selectively fixing the length of the adjustable length of the first rigid arm 30. The first locking mechanism 38 is operatively interconnected between the fixed arm portion 34 and the moveable arm portion 36 of the first rigid arm 30, for selectively fixing the length of the first rigid arm 30. Typically, the first locking mechanism 38 is in the form of a pin member 35 inserted in co-operating apertures in the fixed body portion 34 and the movable body portion 36. The first rigid arm 30 is thereby axially extendable and retractable in discrete increments to any one of said plurality of positions. In this manner, the first rigid arm 30 is adjustable in length between its first free end 31 and its second end 32.

Similarly, the second rigid arm 30 also comprises a fixed arm portion 44 and a moveable arm portion 46 securely interconnected to each other in axially extendable and retractable relation. A second locking mechanism 48 is operatively interconnected between the fixed arm portion 44 and the moveable arm portion 46 of the second rigid arm for selectively fixing the length of the second rigid arm 40, in an analogous manner to that for the first rigid arm 30. Typically, the second locking mechanism 48 is in the form of a pin member 45 inserted in co-operating apertures in the fixed body portion 44 and the movable body portion 46. The second rigid arm 40 is thereby axially extendable and retractable in discrete increments to any one of said plurality of positions. In this manner, the second rigid arm 40 is adjustable in length between its first free end 41 and its second end 42.

A displacement resistance means in the form of a fluidic damper 70 is operatively interconnected between the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 to resist the change in angular relation of the first rigid 30 and the second rigid arm 40 with respect to each other. The fluidic damper has a cylinder portion 72 and a piston (not shown) disposed within the cylinder portion 72, and a piston rod 74 extending outwardly therefrom. The cylinder portion 72 of the fluidic damper 70 is connected to the second rigid arm 40 at a fixed point along the length thereof, specifically at two parallel flanges 47. The piston rod 74 of the fluidic damper 70 is connected to the first rigid arm 30 at a fixed point along its length, specifically at two parallel flanges 37. It is preferable to have the displacement resistance means physically connected to the first and second rigid arms 30, 40 at their respective fixed arm portions 34, 44 so that lengthening or shortening of either of the first rigid arm 30 or the second rigid arm 40 does not affect the distance that the fluidic damper 70 must span. In any event, in order to be connected to the first and second rigid arms 30, 40, as aforedescribed, the fluidic damper 70, or any such displacement resistance means, must be variable in length. In other embodiments, the displacement resistance means may be in the form of an elastic member, or a spring member, or a combination of various types of displacement resistance means.

In the preferred embodiment, the cylinder portion 72 of the fluidic damper 70 is connected to the fixed arm portion 44 of the second rigid arm 40 near the main pivot axis "P", perhaps about 2 to 4 centimeters away and also connected between the first free end 41 of the second rigid arm 40 and the main pivot axis

"P". Further, the piston rod 74 of the fluidic damper 70 is connected to the fixed arm portion 34 of the first rigid arm 30 at a much greater distance - perhaps about 30 to 40 centimetres - away from the main pivot axis "P", in between the first free end 31 of the first rigid arm 30 and the main pivot axis "P". With the fluidic damper 70 attached in this manner, the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 may be opened one from the other a significant distance before the fluidic damper 70 reaches its maximum extension.

In the preferred embodiment, the fluidic damper 70 is unidirectional in nature - that is to say that it resists motion in one direction only, such as while being lengthened, but not while being shortened. In this manner, when the piston rod 74 is connected to the fixed arm portion 44 of the second rigid arm 40 at a location between the first free end 41 of the second arm 40 and the main pivot axis "P", the portable exercise apparatus 20 is usable for exercises requiring the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 to be angularly separated from each other. In order to perform exercises requiring the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 to be angularly closed one with respect to the other, the location of attachment of the cylinder portion 72 of the fluidic damper 70 must be moved from between the first free end 41 and the main pivot axis "P". In order to do this, the fixed arm portion 44 of the second rigid arm 40 may be separated from the moveable arm portion 46 ofthe second rigid arm 40, turned around 180°, and replaced thereon, as can be seen in Figure 3. In this manner, the piston rod 74 of the fluidic damper 70 is now connected to the fixed arm portion 44 of the second rigid arm 40 such that the main pivot axis "P" is disposed between the first free end 41 and the second end 42 of the second rigid arm 40. Accordingly, the fluidic damper 70 resists movement of the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 when they are being angularly closed one with respect to the other, and does not resist movement when the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 are being angularly separated from each other. The first rigid arm 30 is varied in length typically to change the moment arm between the pair of opposed handle members 50 and the main pivot axis "P" between the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40, thus permitting ready selection of the effective resistance of the exercise apparatus 20 to an exercise movement. Figures 4 and 5 show an exercise being performed with the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 configured at relatively short lengths in order to accommodate an exercise having a range of motion spanning from the user's feet to the user's shoulder. Figures 6 and 7 show an exercise being performed with the first rigid arm 30 and the second rigid arm 40 configured at relatively long lengths in order to accommodate an exercise having a range of motion spanning from the user's feet to well above the user's head. In order to accommodate various sizes of people performing a particular exercise, or to accommodate various types of exercises which might have significant different ranges of movement, preferably the length of the second rigid arm 40 is adjusted. Additionally, the length of the first rigid arm 30 may be adjusted, but such adjustment would also effect the effective resistance of the exercise apparatus 20 to an exercise movement, which may be undesirable.

Other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture ofthe apparatus ofthe present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A portable exercise apparatus comprising: a first rigid arm having a first longitudinal axis, a first free end and a second end, and a second rigid arm having a second longitudinal axis, a first 5 free end and a second end, wherein said first and second rigid arms are operatively interconnected to each other at an interconnecting point disposed between the respective first free end and second end of each rigid arm such that said first and second rigid arms are in continually angularly variable relation to each other so as to have a range of motion between a first closed position, o whereat said first rigid arm and said second rigid arm are proximate each other, and a second open position, whereat said first rigid arm and said second rigid arm are angularly separated from each other, and wherein said range of motion generally defines a first plane in which each of said first and second rigid arms may move; s displacement resistance means operatively interconnected between said first rigid arm and said second rigid arm to resist the change in angular relation of said first rigid arm and said second rigid arm with respect to each other; a pair of opposed handle members disposed on said first rigid arm at said first free end thereof and projecting generally outwardly therefrom so as to define 0 by a third longitudinal axis which is generally perpendicular to said first plane of motion of said first and second rigid arms; a base member disposed on said second rigid arm at said first free end thereof and projecting generally perpendicularly therefrom in a second plane which is generally perpendicular to the first plane of motion of said first and 5 second rigid arms; wherein one of said first and second rigid arms comprises fixed and movable arm portions securely interconnected to each other in axially extendable and retractable relation so as to cause said one of said first and second rigid arms to be adjustable in length between said first and second ends; o and a first locking mechanism operatively interconnected between said fixed and movable arm portions of said one of said first and second rigid arms for selectively fixing the length of said adjustable length arm; whereby adjustment of the length of said adjustable length arm and

5 selection of the angular relation of said first rigid arm and said second rigid arm with respect to each other at the beginning of an exercise permits said portable exercise apparatus to accommodate various types of exercises and various sizes of users.

2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the other one of said first and o second rigid arms also comprises fixed and movable arm portions securely interconnected to each other in axially extendable and retractable relation so as to cause said other one of said first and second rigid arms to be adjustable in length between said first and second ends, and further comprises a second locking mechanism operatively interconnected between said fixed and movable s arm portions of said other one of said first and second rigid arms for selectively fixing the length thereof.

3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein said displacement resistance means is variable in length and is connected to each of said first and second rigid arms at a fixed point along the length of each of said first and second rigid o arms.

4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3, wherein said displacement resistance means is physically connected to each of said first and second rigid arms at a point along the respective fixed arm portions.

5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein said displacement resistance 5 means comprises a fluidic damper.

6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein said fluidic damper is connected to said fixed arm portion of said second rigid arm near said interconnecting point.

7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said fluidic damper is connected to said fixed arm portion of said second rigid arm between said first free end and said interconnecting point.

8. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said fluidic damper is connected to said fixed arm portion of said second rigid arm between said second end and said interconnecting point.

9. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein either of said fixed and movable arm portions of said first and second rigid arms, or both, is axially extendable and retractable in discrete increments to any one of a plurality of positions.

10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein said movable arm portions of said first and second rigid arms are slidably engaged within the respective fixed arm portion.

11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said base member comprises a substantially flat plate oriented generally in said second plane and being mounted in angularly adjustable relation for free pivotal movement about a pivot axis generally perpendicular to said first plane of motion defined by first and second longitudinal axes.

12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said base member includes an arm receiving socket shaped and dimensioned to receive the second end of the second rigid arm in secured relation therein, to thereby couple said base member and said second rigid arm in fixed angular relation.

13. The exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein said arm receiving socket is oriented such that said first plane of said base member is substantially perpendicular to said second longitudinal axis.

14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said pair of opposed handle members is removable and replaceable.