US20100261586A1

US20100261586A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20100261586A1
Application number: US12/661,990
Authority: US
Inventors: Neil Williamson; Kirk L. Williamson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-03-27
Filing date: 2010-03-26
Publication date: 2010-10-14

Abstract

An exercise apparatus is disclosed for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof. The apparatus includes a frame having a first side and a second side spaced relative to the first side and at least one spacer extending between the sides. An axle is rotatably supported by the frame, the axle having a first and a second end. An arm has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the arm being rigidly secured to the first end of the axle. A handle extends from the second extremity of the arm such that in use of the apparatus, when the user moves the handle in an orbital direction about the axle, the axle is rotated relative to the frame. A weight table is movably supported by the frame. A weight guide extends from the weight table for permitting weights to be guided onto the weight table. A first table support has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally secured to the frame at a first location, the distal end being pivotally secured to the weight table at a first disposition. A second table support has a first and a second termination, the first termination being pivotally secured to the frame at a second location spaced relative to the first location. The second termination is pivotally secured to the weight table at a second disposition, the second disposition being spaced relative to the first disposition. The arrangement is such that, in use of the apparatus, the weight table is moved from a first position adjacent to the frame to a second position away from the frame. The weight table is inclined relative to the frame when in the first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along the weight guide onto the weight table. The weight table is disposed substantially horizontal when in the second position thereof. A transmission is provided for transmitting rotational movement of the axle when the axle is rotated relative to the frame, the rotational movement of the axle being transmitted to the weight table for moving the weight table between the first position and the second position thereof.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Complete application pursuant to Provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/164,310 filed Mar. 27, 2009. All the disclosure of U.S. Ser. No. 61/164,310 is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise apparatus having a weight table which moves between a first and second position thereof.
2. Background Information
An important feature of the present invention is the provision of an exercise apparatus in which the resistance in an exercise cannot only be adjusted but can be totally reversed.
According to the apparatus of present invention, the weights are easier to change because the bars are almost vertical and the weights themselves are horizontal at the lowest point in each repetition (rep). However, the weights are at an angle at the highest point in each rep and when locked making it easier for the user to change the weights.
The present invention includes resistance which, unlike most of the prior art exercise machines, is never constant.
In an exercise according to the present invention, every rep starts with the pertinent muscle at its most-contracted point in the chosen range of motion in the exercise and with zero resistance. Then, as the muscle is extended, the resistance gradually and smoothly increases until, at the most-extended point of the muscle in each rep, the resistance is at its maximum according to the weight that has been added in discs. As the rep is completed and the muscle is again brought to its most contracted point, the resistance is again returned to zero.
The range of motion in an exercise using the apparatus of the present invention is completely adjustable, in both length and placement, with the simple movement of two adjuster pins. Within this range of motion, which is selected by the user, there would still be the variable resistance described above
Accordingly, the user will be able to decide where the maximum resistance is to be in an exercise rep. It is recommended that the maximum resistance be set for the strongest point for the muscle. However, many lifters may disagree and want the maximum resistance at another point. The apparatus according to the present invention will offer this capability to the lifter.
Every exercise according to the present invention will have two preset plate-loaded weights. Drop sets have been preferred by users who are serious about building muscle size and strength. However, such drop sets are usually too problematical for most manufactures to implement. With the apparatus according to the present invention, the problems are eliminated. With an upper body exercise, the user will smoothly and easily switch between weights by means of a foot-pedal and with lower-body exercises by means of a hand latch.
The switching system for the apparatus according to the present invention is arranged so that, as the user approaches the machine for an exercise, the user will find the weights secured in their almost upright position.
When the user hits the foot-pedal once, the main weight bar is released from its locked position and the user would preferably do just one rep at this lighter weight which would give the user the opportunity to check the user's positioning, grip and to give notice to the user that the user's muscles have heavy work ahead. Then, when the user hits the foot-pedal again, the user will use the heavier of the two chosen weights where the user is able to do every possible rep. Once the user hits the foot-pedal a third time, the user will be returned to the lighter of the two preset weights such that the user can do several more bonus reps thus reaching muscle failure the second time in the same set. Many lifters use the light-day, heavy-day routine. With the apparatus according to the present invention, the user would have a light day and heavy day all in one.
The apparatus according to the present invention is counterbalanced. The weight carriers without weight discs have a certain amount of weight, but this weight can be counterbalanced so that the weakest user such as a patient attempting to recover from an injury, can effectively use the apparatus according to the present invention. Also, each handle used can be counterbalanced.
For many, the counterbalance for the main weight carrier might not be needed. However, the secondary weight carrier would almost always be counterbalanced. Some users would possibly resent the counterbalancing. If this were the case, the whole counterbalancing bar can be removed.
The resistance in the apparatus according to the present invention is completely reversible: The range of motion in an exercise will be completely at the user's discretion. This is accomplished by means of a slider which can be stabilized anywhere between the highest-degree point of the pivoting bar to the lowest usable point. However, the slider or connector can be moved past the center pivoting point to where the resistance is completely reversed. Taking this factor into account, a deltoid exercise can be switched easily into a lateral exercise; a back exercise can become a pec exercise; a triceps exercise can become curls, etc.
The apparatus according to the present invention removes the conflict between gravity and movement of a muscle. In the prior art, the straight-up-and-down resistance of gravity machines, as illustrated by free weights and by the weight-stack or “selectorized” machines, problems exist adapting this straight-line motion to a single muscle.
A user who wants to do an isolation-type exercise for one muscle or pair of muscles has to confront this conflict head-on and make accommodation for it. In virtually every case today, it is a matter of watching the user's form, which the user may do acceptably one day but not another.
Most of the prior art exercise machines are such that the lifter does not know exactly how much work was done in the previous sessions when doing the same exercise. In the apparatus according to the present invention, the variable resistance combined with the fact that a lifter would know how many reps the user had completed in each set, gives the user a unique and helpful opportunity to really challenge the user to do better than ever before. Counting the reps when using most prior art machines is pure guesswork, since the resistance is high even when the muscle is at full contraction. With most of the prior art machines, a lifter can always do another rep, though that rep may be a tiny bit shorter than a full one (then shorter and shorter), but when does the user stop counting?
Therefore, the primary feature of the present invention is the provision of an exercise apparatus that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art machines and which makes a significant contribution to the exercise machine art.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision of an exercise machine which selectively reverses the resistance.
A further feature of the present invention is the provision an exercise apparatus that enables a user thereof to easily load and remove weights therefrom.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof. The apparatus includes a frame having a first side and a second side spaced relative to the first side and at least one spacer extending between the sides. An axle is rotatably supported by the frame, the axle having a first and a second end. An arm has a first and a second extremity, the first extremity of the arm is rigidly secured to the first end of the axle. A handle extends from the second extremity of the arm such that in use of the apparatus, when the user moves the handle in an orbital direction about the axle, the axle is rotated relative to the frame.
A weight table is movably supported by the frame. A weight guide extends from the weight table for permitting weights to be guided onto the weight table. A first table support has a proximal and a distal end, the proximal end being pivotally secured to the frame at a first location. The distal end is pivotally secured to the weight table at a first disposition. A second table support has a first and a second termination, the first termination being pivotally secured to the frame at a second location which is spaced relative to the first location. The second termination is pivotally secured to the weight table at a second disposition, the second disposition being spaced relative to the first disposition. The arrangement is such that, in use of the apparatus, the weight table is moved from a first position adjacent to the frame to a second position away from the frame. The weight table is inclined relative to the frame when in the first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along the weight guide onto the weight table. The weight table is disposed substantially horizontally when in the second position thereof. A transmission is provided for transmitting rotational movement of the axle when the axle is rotated relative to the frame, the rotational movement of the axle being transmitted to the weight table for moving the weight table between the first position and the second position thereof.
In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, a further axle is rotatably supported by the frame, the further axle having a further first and a further second end.
Also, a further arm has a further first extremity and a further second extremity. The further first extremity of the further arm is rigidly secured to the further first end of the further axle.
Moreover, a further handle extends from the further second extremity of the further arm such that in use of the apparatus, when the user moves the further handle in a further orbital direction about the further axle, the further axle is rotated relative to the frame.
Additionally, a further weight table is movably supported by the frame.
A further weight guide extends from the further weight table for permitting weights to be guided onto the further weight table.
Also, a further first table support has a further proximal and a further distal end, the further proximal end being pivotally secured to the frame at a further first location. The further distal end is pivotally secured to the further weight table at a further first disposition.
Furthermore, a further second table support has a further first termination and a further second termination, the further first termination being pivotally secured to the frame at a further second location spaced relative to the further first location. The further second termination is pivotally secured to the further weight table at a further second disposition, the further second disposition being spaced relative to the further first disposition. The arrangement is such that, in use of the apparatus, the further weight table is moved from a further first position adjacent to the frame to a further second position away from the frame;
The further weight table is inclined relative to the frame when in the further first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along the further weight guide onto the further weight table. The further weight table is disposed substantially horizontally when in the further second position thereof.
An interlock mechanism has a first and a second mode such that, when the mechanism is in the first mode, the weight table and the further weight table are connected. However, when the mechanism is in the second mode, the weight table and the further weight table are disconnected relative to each other. The arrangement is such that, when in the first mode, the user by moving the handles in said orbital directions, the weight tables moves between the first and second positions thereof. However, when in the second mode, the user by moving the handles in said orbital directions, the weight table only moves between the first and second position thereof.
A foot pedal is operatively connected to the interlocking mechanism for selective operator movement of the mechanism between the first and the second mode.
The first side of the frame includes a first and second member, the first member having an end and a further end. The second member has an extremity and a further extremity.
Also, the first side also includes a base from which the members extend and a platform supported by the base.
A beam is secured to the end of the first member and a transverse beam extends between the beam and the extremity of the second member.
The second side of the frame is a mirror image of the first side of the frame.
Also, the at least one spacer includes a first and a second support, the supports extending between the beams of the sides of the frame. The second support is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the first support.
The axle and the further axle are rotatably supported by the first and the second support of the frame such that the axles are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.
Further, the orbital direction and the further orbital direction are opposite relative to each other.
The weight tables are selectively movable in an eccentric path and the weight tables, when disposed in the first position thereof, are disposed substantially parallel to the transverse beam.
The transmission further includes a reel which is rigidly secured to the axle. A further reel is rigidly secured to the further axle and a drum is rotatable secured to the frame.
A flexible drive extends between the reel and the drum and a further flexible drive extends between the further reel and the drum. The arrangement is such that when the handles are moved by the user, the drum is rotated relative to the frame.
Additionally, a lever is rigidly secured to one of the table supports adjacent to the frame such that the lever is disposed angularly relative to the one of the table supports. The lever has a first and a second anchor.
A connector has a first and a second end, the first end of the connector being connected to the drum. The second end of the connector is selectively connected to the first or the second anchor. The arrangement is such that when the second end of the connector is connected to the first anchor, when the user moves the handles, the weight table is moved from the first towards the second position thereof. However, when the second end of the connector is connected to the second anchor, when the user moves the handles, the weight table is moved from the second position towards the first position thereof.
Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise apparatus according to the present invention for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof;

FIG. 2 is a view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 but shows the weight table having moved to a second position away from the frame;

FIG. 4 is a view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows the further weight table disposed in the first position adjacent to the frame;

FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3, but shows the second end of the connector connected to the second anchor;

FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 7 but shows the table disposed between the second position and first positions thereof;

FIG. 9 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the handles being moved downwardly; and

FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9 but shows the handles moved even further downwardly.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exercise apparatus generally designated 10 according to the present invention for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a frame generally designated 12 having a first side 14.
FIG. 2 is a view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 12 has a second side 16 which is spaced relative to the first side 14 and at least one spacer generally designated 18 extending between the sides 14 and 16.
As shown in FIG. 1, an axle 20 is rotatably supported by the frame 12, the axle 20 having a first and a second end 22 and 24 respectively.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an arm 26 has a first and a second extremity 28 and 30 respectively, the first extremity 28 of the arm 26 being rigidly secured to the first end 22 of the axle 20. A handle 32 extends from the second extremity 30 of the arm 26 such that in use of the apparatus 10, when the user moves the handle 32 in an orbital direction as indicated by the arrow 34 about the axle 20, the axle 20 is rotated relative to the frame 12 as indicated by the arrow 66 as shown in FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, a weight table 36 is movably supported by the frame 12. A weight guide 38 extends from the weight table 36 for permitting weights 40 to be guided onto the weight table 36. A first table support 42 has a proximal and a distal end 44 and 46 respectively, the proximal end 44 being pivotally secured to the frame 12 at a first location 48, the distal end 46 being pivotally secured to the weight table 36 at a first disposition 50. A second table support 52 has a first and a second termination 54 and 56 respectively, the first termination 54 being pivotally secured to the frame 12 at a second location 58 spaced relative to the first location 48. The second termination 56 is pivotally secured to the weight table 36 at a second disposition 60, the second disposition 60 being spaced relative to the first disposition 50. The arrangement is such that in use of the apparatus 10, the weight table 36 is moved from a first position as shown in FIG. 1 adjacent to the frame 12.
FIG. 3 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 1 but shows the weight table 36 having moved to the second position thereof away from the frame 12 as indicated by the arrow 62.
As shown in FIG. 1, the weight table 36 is inclined relative to the frame 12 when in the first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights 40 onto and along the weight guide 38 onto the weight table 36.
As shown in FIG. 3, the weight table 36 is disposed substantially horizontal when in the second position thereof. A transmission generally designated 64 is provided for transmitting rotational movement, as indicated by the arrow 66 shown in FIG. 2, of the axle 20 when the axle 20 is rotated relative to the frame 12. The rotational movement 66 of the axle 20 is transmitted to the weight table 36 for moving the weight table 36 between the first position and the second position thereof as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 respectively.
FIG. 4 is a view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a further axle 68 is rotatably supported by the frame 12, the further axle 68 having a further first and a further second end 70 and 72 respectively.
As shown in FIG. 2, a further arm 74 has a further first extremity 76 and a further second extremity 78, the further first extremity 76 of the further arm 74 being rigidly secured to the further first end 70 of the further axle 68.
Moreover, a further handle 80 extends from the further second extremity 78 of the further arm 74 such that in use of the apparatus 10, when the user moves the further handle 80 in a further orbital direction 82 about the further axle 68, the further axle 68 is rotated as indicated by the arrow 84 relative to the frame 12.
Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4, a further weight table 86 is movably supported by the frame 12.
A further weight guide 88 extends from the further weight table 86 for permitting further weights 90 to be guided onto the further weight table 86.
FIG. 5 is a view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, a further first table support 92 has a further proximal end 94 and a further distal end 96, the further proximal end 94 being pivotally secured to the frame 12 at a further first location 98. The further distal end 96 is pivotally secured to the further weight table 86 at a further first disposition 100.
Furthermore, a further second table support 102 has a further first termination 104 and a further second termination 106, the further first termination 104 being pivotally secured to the frame 12 at a further second location 108 spaced relative to the further first location 98. The further second termination 106 is pivotally secured to the further weight table 86 at a further second disposition 110, the further second disposition 110 being spaced relative to the further first disposition 100. The arrangement is such that, in use of the apparatus 10, the further weight table 86 is moved from a further first position adjacent to the frame 12 to a second position thereof away from the frame 12 as shown in FIG. 5.
FIG. 6 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 5 but shows the further weight table 86 disposed in the first position adjacent to the frame 12.
As shown in FIG. 6, the further weight table 86 is inclined relative to the frame 12 when in the further first position thereof for facilitating guiding further weights 90 onto and along the further weight guide 88 onto the further weight table 86.
As shown in FIG. 5, the further weight table 86 is substantially horizontal when in the further second position thereof.
As shown in FIG. 1, an interlock mechanism generally designated 112 has a first and a second mode such that when the mechanism 112 is in the first mode, the weight table 36 and the further weight table 86 are connected together. However, when the mechanism 112 is in the second mode, the weight table 36 and the further weight table 86 are disconnected from each other. The arrangement is such that, when in the first mode, the user by moving the handles 32 and 80 moves the weight tables 36 and 86 between the first and second positions thereof. However, when in the second mode, the user by moving the handles 32 and 80 moves the weight table 36 only between the first and second position thereof.
A foot pedal 114 is operatively connected to the interlocking mechanism 112 for selective operator movement, as indicated by the arrow 115, of the mechanism 112 between the first and the second modes thereof.
As shown in FIG. 1, the first side 14 of the frame 12 includes a first and second member 116 and 118 respectively, the first member 116 having an end 120 and a further end 122. The second member 118 has an extremity 124 and a further extremity 126.
The first side 14 also includes a base 128 from which the members 116 and 118 extend and a platform 130 supported by the base 128.
A beam 132 is secured to the end 120 of the first member 116 and a transverse beam 134 extends between the beam 132 and the extremity 124 of the second member 118.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the second side 16 of the frame 12 is a mirror image of the first side 14 of the frame 12.
As shown in FIG. 4, the at least one spacer 18 includes a first and a second support 136 and 138 respectively, the supports 136 and 138 extending between the beams 132 of the sides 14 and 16 of the frame 12. The second support 138 is disposed spaced and parallel relative to the first support 136.
As shown in FIG. 4, the axle 20 and the further axle 68 are rotatably supported by the first and the second supports 136 and 138 respectively of the frame 12 such that the axles 20 and 68 are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.
As shown in FIG. 2, the orbital direction 34 and the further orbital direction 82 are opposite relative to each other.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6, the weight tables 36 and 86 are selectively movable in an eccentric path as indicated by the arrow 62.
Additionally, the weight tables 36 and 86 when disposed in the first positions thereof are disposed substantially parallel to the transverse beam 134.
As shown in FIG. 4, the transmission 64 further includes a reel 140 which is rigidly secured to the axle 20. A further reel 142 is rigidly secured to the further axle 68.
As shown in FIG. 3, a drum 144 is rotatable secured to the frame 12. A flexible drive 146 extends between the reel 140 and the drum 144.
As shown in FIG. 5, a further flexible drive 148 extends between the further reel 142 and the drum 144. The arrangement is such that, when the handles 32 and 80 are moved by the user, the drum 144 is rotated relative to the frame 12 as indicated by the arrow 150.
As shown in FIG. 3, a lever 152 is rigidly secured to one of the table supports 42 or 52 adjacent to the frame 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the lever 152 is secured to the table support 42 such that the lever 152 is disposed angularly relative to the table support 42, the lever 152 having a first and a second anchor 154 and 156 respectively.
A connector 158 has a first and a second end 160 and 162, the first end 160 of the connector 158 being connected to the drum 144. The second end 162 of the connector 158 is selectively connected to the first or the second anchor 154 and 156 respectively. The arrangement is such that when the second end 162 of the connector 158 is connected to the first anchor 154 as shown in FIG. 3, when the user moves the handles 32 and 80, the weight table 36 is moved from the first position towards the second position thereof as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 3, but shows the second end 162 of the connector 158 connected to the second anchor 156 so that when the user moves the handles 32 and 80, the weight table 36 is moved, as indicated by the arrow 62, from the second position as shown in FIG. 7 towards the first position of the table 36.
FIG. 8 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 7 but shows the table 36 disposed between the second and first positions thereof.
FIG. 9 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 2 but shows the handles 32 and 80 being moved downwardly.
FIG. 10 is a similar view to that shown in FIG. 9 but shows the handles 32 and 80 moved even further downwardly.
The pedal 114 includes a first operation in which both weight tables 36 and 86 are locked against movement thereof, a second operation in which the weight table 36 is unlocked for movement thereof, a third operation in which both of the weight table 36 and 86 are unlocked for movement thereof, a fourth operation in which the further weight table 86 is locked against movement thereof and a fifth operation in which both weight tables 36 and 86 are again locked against movement thereof.
In operation of the apparatus 10, the user moves the handles 32 and 80 such that the handles move in the orbital directions 34 and 82 respectively. Such movement is transmitted to the weight table 36 or to both weight tables 36 and 86. When the interlocking mechanism 112 is disconnected, only the table 36 and the weights 40 thereon will be moved. However, when the interlocking mechanism 112 is connected by operation of the user operated foot pedal 114, both of the weight tables 36 and 86 are moved as a result of movement of the handles 32 and 80. Additionally, by disconnecting the second end 162 of the connector 158 from the first anchor 154 and connecting such second end 162 of the connector 158 to the second anchor 156, effort will be required on the part of the user in a reverse direction of the orbital and further orbital direction 34 and 82 respectively, thus providing further exercise configurations.
The exercise apparatus according to the present invention provides an arrangement in which weights can easily be added or removed from both weight tables and the direction of movement of the weight tables between the first and second positions thereof can be readily reversed by changing the linkage of the connector from the first to the second anchor.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof, said apparatus comprising:

a frame having a first side and a second side spaced relative to said first side and at least one spacer extending between said sides;

an axle rotatably supported by said frame, said axle having a first and a second end;

an arm having a first and a second extremity, said first extremity of said arm being rigidly secured to said first end of said axle;

a handle extending from said second extremity of said arm such that in use of the apparatus, when the user moves said handle in an orbital direction about said axle, said axle is rotated relative to said frame;

a weight table movably supported by said frame;

a weight guide extending from said weight table for permitting weights to be guided onto said weight table;

a first table support having a proximal and a distal end, said proximal end being pivotally secured to said frame at a first location, said distal end being pivotally secured to said weight table at a first disposition;

a second table support having a first and a second termination, said first termination being pivotally secured to said frame at a second location spaced relative to said first location, said second termination being pivotally secured to said weight table at a second disposition, said second disposition being spaced relative to said first disposition such that in use of said apparatus, said weight table is moved from a first position adjacent to said frame to a second position away from said frame;

said weight table being inclined relative to said frame when in said first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along said weight guide onto said weight table, said weight table being substantially horizontal when in said second position thereof; and

a transmission for transmitting rotational movement of said axle when said axle is rotated relative to said frame, said rotational movement of said axle being transmitted to said weight table for moving said weight table between said first position and said second position thereof.

2. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 1 further including:

a further axle rotatably supported by said frame, said further axle having a further first and a further second end;

a further arm having a further first extremity and a further second extremity, said further first extremity of said further arm being rigidly secured to said further first end of said further axle;

a further handle extending from said further second extremity of said further arm such that in use of the apparatus, when the user moves said further handle in a further orbital direction about said further axle, said further axle is rotated relative to said frame;

a further weight table movably supported by said frame;

a further weight guide extending from said further weight table for permitting weights to be guided onto said further weight table;

a further first table support having a further proximal and a further distal end, said further proximal end being pivotally secured to said frame at a further first location, said further distal end being pivotally secured to said further weight table at a further first disposition;

a further second table support having a further first and a further second termination, said further first termination being pivotally secured to said frame at a further second location spaced relative to said further first location, said further second termination being pivotally secured to said further weight table at a further second disposition, said further second disposition being spaced relative to said further first disposition such that in use of said apparatus, said further weight table is moved from a further first position adjacent to said frame to a further second position away from said frame;

said further weight table being inclined relative to said frame when in said further first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along said further weight guide onto said further weight table, said further weight table being substantially horizontal when in said further second position thereof.

3. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 2 further including:

an interlock mechanism having a first and a second mode such that when said mechanism is in said first mode, said weight table and said further weight table are connected and when said mechanism is in said second mode, said weight table and said further weight table are disconnected such that, when in said first mode, the user by moving said handles moves said weight tables between said first and second positions thereof and when in said second mode, the user by moving said handles moves said weight table only between said first and second position thereof.

4. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 3 further including:

a foot pedal operatively connected to said interlocking mechanism for selectively operator movement of said mechanism between said first and said second mode.

5. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein

said first side of said frame includes:

a first and second member, said first member having an end and a further end, said second member having and extremity and a further extremity;

a base from which said members extend;

a platform supported by said base;

a beam secured to said end of said first member;

a transverse beam extending between said beam and said extremity of said second member;

said second side of said frame being a mirror image of said first side of said frame;

said at least one spacer including:

a first and a second support, said supports extending between said beams of said sides of said frame, said second support being disposed spaced and parallel relative to said first support.

6. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein

said axle and said further axle are rotatably supported by said first and said second support of said frame such that said axles are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other.

7. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein

said orbital direction and said further orbital direction are opposite relative to each other.

8. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein

said weight tables are selectively movable in an eccentric path.

9. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 5 wherein

said weight tables when disposed in said first position thereof are disposed substantially parallel to said transverse beam.

10. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein

said transmission further includes:

a reel rigidly secured to said axle;

a further reel rigidly secured to said further axle;

a drum rotatably secured to said frame;

a flexible drive extending between said reel and said drum;

a further flexible drive extending between said further reel and said drum such that when said handles are moved by the user, said drum is rotated relative to said frame;

a lever rigidly secured to one of said table supports adjacent to said frame such that said lever is disposed angularly relative to said one of said table supports, said lever having a first and a second anchor;

a connector having a first and a second end, said first end of said connector being connected to said drum, said second end of said connector being selectively connected to said first and said second anchor such that when said second end of said connector is connected to said first anchor, when the user moves said handles, the weight table is moved from said first towards said second position thereof and when said second end of said connector is connected to said second anchor, when the user moves said handles, the weight table is moved from said second towards said first position thereof.

11. An exercise apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein

said pedal includes:

a first operation in which both weight tables are locked against movement thereof;

a second operation in which said weight table is unlocked for movement thereof;

a third operation in which both of said weight table are unlocked for movement thereof;

a fourth operation in which said further weight table is locked against movement thereof;

a fifth operation in which both weight tables are again locked against movement thereof.

12. An exercise apparatus for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof, said apparatus comprising:

a weight table movably supported by said frame;

said weight table being inclined relative to said frame when in said first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along said weight guide onto said weight table, said weight table being substantially horizontal when in said second position thereof;

a further weight table movably supported by said frame;

said further weight table being inclined relative to said frame when in said further first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along said further weight guide onto said further weight table, said further weight table being substantially horizontal when in said further second position thereof; and

13. An exercise apparatus for strength training and physical therapy of a user thereof, said apparatus comprising:

a weight table movably supported by said frame;

a transmission for transmitting rotational movement of said axle when said axle is rotated relative to said frame, said rotational movement of said axle being transmitted to said weight table for moving said weight table between said first position and said second position thereof;

a further weight table movably supported by said frame;

said further weight table being inclined relative to said frame when in said further first position thereof for facilitating guiding weights onto and along said further weight guide onto said further weight table, said further weight table being substantially horizontal when in said further second position thereof;

an interlock mechanism having a first and a second mode such that when said mechanism is in said first mode, said weight table and said further weight table are connected and when said mechanism is in said second mode, said weight table and said further weight table are disconnected such that, when in said first mode, the user by moving said handles moves said weight tables between said first and second positions thereof and when in said second mode, the user by moving said handles moves said weight table only between said first and second position thereof;

a foot pedal operatively connected to said interlocking mechanism for selectively operator movement of said mechanism between said first and said second mode;

said first side of said frame including:

a base from which said members extend;

a platform supported by said base;

a beam secured to said end of said first member;

said at least one spacer including:

a first and a second support, said supports extending between said beams of said sides of said frame, said second support being disposed spaced and parallel relative to said first support;

said axle and said further axle are rotatably supported by said first and said second support of said frame such that said axles are disposed spaced and parallel relative to each other;

said orbital direction and said further orbital direction are opposite relative to each other;

said weight tables are selectively movable in an eccentric path;

said weight tables when disposed in said first position thereof are disposed substantially parallel to said transverse beam;

said transmission further including:

a reel rigidly secured to said axle;

a further reel rigidly secured to said further axle;

a drum rotatable secured to said frame;

a flexible drive extending between said reel and said drum;

a lever rigidly secured to one of said table supports adjacent to said frame such that said lever is disposed angularly relative to said one of said table supports, said lever having a first and a second anchor; and