WO1991012854A1

WO1991012854A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1991012854A1
Application number: PCT/AU1991/000062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albertus Daniel Oosthuizen
Original assignee: Tamalla Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1990-02-22
Filing date: 1991-02-22
Publication date: 1991-09-05

Abstract

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and in particular relates to an exercise apparatus which advantageously comprises a single device which can be used for a plurality of different exercises. Presently known exercise apparatus, such as, for example, weightstacks, free weights, etc., are bulky and expensive. In order to carry out a complete exercise routine it is usually necessary to have a large amount of apparatus, i.e., weight bench, squat stands, barbells, dumbells, in the case of free weights, and in the case of weightstacks usually a number of different machines are needed to exercise each body part. The present invention provides an exercise apparatus which can provide an overall body workout with a single piece of apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a double lever arrangement attached to a base. Each lever arrangement is attached to the base by means of a universal joint. The levers in the lever arrangement are attached to each other by a hinge joint. The whole apparatus in some ways resembles the human shoulder girdle and arm arrangement. Resistance is provided by a power spring housed in the 'shoulder joint', and may be varied by altering the position of the point of action for resistance on the double lever arrangement.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to a versatile exercise apparatus which enables a user to perform a range of exercises with a single item of apparatus.

The present invention also relates to a means for providing an easily adjustable resistance, particularly, but not exclusively for use with exercise apparatus. Resistance training is used for strength, muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness, speed and power,^' muscle toning and body building. It is generally accepted that when training to improve any of the above, the exercise regimen must be based on the overload principle, i.e., the muscles of the body must be forced to work against greater workloads than that to which they are normally accustomed.

The resistance may be isotonic, isokinetic or isometric depending on the purpose of the exercise. Isotonic resistance is the most widely used as the resistance obtained from lifting free weights or of utilizing weight stacks.

Exercise apparatus currently available use a variety of mechanisms to achieve resistance against which the user must exert himself. Still the most commonly used are free weights and exercise machines utilizing weight stacks and pulleys or mechanical lever arrangements which the user applies force to in order to move the weight stacks. Also used in various specific designs are pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, friction devices, electromagnetic brakes, resilient bands and/or springs used singly or in various combinations together with means by which the user may apply force against the devices.

Resistance training is typically performed in groups of repetitive exercise movements, wherein each group of movements is called a set and each repetitive movement is called a repetition. Many combinations of movements and resistive forces are possible and the best effect is achieved when the combination is tailored to the application, with applications such as professional body building, rehabilitation and sport and general fitness exercises having differing requirements. For example, an^' aerobics programme utilizes low intensity workloads sustained over an extended time period in order to improve muscular endurance and cardiovascular fitness. An anaerobic programme utilizes high intensity workloads for short time periods to improve strength and power and to build and tone muscle.

In order to provide a complete exercise regimen the exercise apparatus used must be arranged to allow a number of combinations of movements for working different parts of the body. For example, basic exercises for providing a complete body workout comprise the bench press, for working the chest and arms, the upright row or the overhead press for working the shoulders and arms, the squat, for working the thighs, buttocks and lower back, the bentover row for working the back, the bicep curl for working the upper arm, the deadlift for working the low.er back, the sit-up, for working the abdomen and calve raises for working the lower legs. In addition, numerous isolation exercises can be used to isolate specific muscle groups in the training programme. Combinations of these movements with predetermined resistances can be arranged in an exercise programme to provide an aerobic or anaerobic workout, or a combination thereof.

A problem with presently known exercise apparatus is that in order to provide the basic movements discussed above a large amount of apparatus is required. In the case of free weights, heavy benches (for bench press) and weight stands (for squats) are required, as well as the free weights themselves. In the case of stacked weights, it is often the case that a separate weight machine is provided for each exercise. Similar problems occur with the other devices discussed above. Most equipment is therefore unsuitable for use at home. Known equipment that is compact and lightweight enough for use at home tends to be limited in terms of the exercises possible on them, such that one would not be able to perform all the basic movements discussed above. In any exercise routine, within a single exercise repetition resistance may be applied to the concentric (positive) movement and/or eccentric (negative) movement. Common weightlifting exercises provide both concentric and eccentric resistance, and it has been found that applying resistance both concentrically and eccentrically provides the most beneficial results for the user. The problem with devices which utilize pneumatic cylinders and hydraulic cylinders, etc., to provide the necessary resistances is that they do not provide resistance both concentrically and eccentrically.

Exercise movements may be performed in an unguided or guided manner. Free weights and pulley weight stacks provide unguided movement where the user must balance the weight, and the movement pattern follows th natural movement of the user. Exercise machine syscems, with the user utilizing weight stacks or other methods of resistance, predetermine the exercise movement pattern by means of mechanical levers, hence providing guided movement requiring little balance by the user. Where the aim of an exercise programme is also to enhance balance and co-ordination, unguided movement is preferred. Further, where an exercise apparatus is, designed for unguided movement anybody can use the apparatus regardless of their body size. The movement is determined by the user not the machine. In the case of exercise machines which predetermine the movement of the user, these machines may be found uncomfortable by users who are not of the size for which the machine was specifically designed. The present invention provides an exercise apparatus, comprising a generally rigid base and two extendible members mounted spaced apart from each other on the base, the members being extendible by a user, and means for providing a predetermined resistance against extension. Preferably, each extendible member comprises a pair of levers joined to each other by a joint to enable articulation. The joint preferably comprises a hinge. One end of one lever is mounted ovably at the base and the other end of the other lever is preferably grippable by a user, a handle being provided at that end.

Preferably, the levers comprise two "arms" joined together by the base, similar to human arms joined to the shoulder girdle. Each arm being hinged in the middle like the human elbow. The space between the levers at the base is preferably predetermined to be able to accommodate the width of the shoulders of the user. The extendible members are preferably extendible at least a distance equivalent to the length of the arms of the user away from the base. It is preferred that this distance be greater than the length of the arms of the user.

Each pair of levers is preferably joined to the base by means of a universal joint. To use the human shoulder girdle analogy, each arm is attached to the shoulder girdle by means of a universal joint similar to the human shoulder joint.

The resistance to extension is preferably applied r.. across the hinge joint between the two levers, i.e., the resistance tends to pull the two levers together about the hinge. The force applied is preferably a constant force as the members are extended, i.e., isotonic resistance, and is preferably adjustable in magnitude.

Handles may be provided on the extendible members for gripping by the user. The application of a resistance against extension of the extendible members has the advantage that concentric and eccentric resistance is applied in any exercise.

The present: invention further has the advantage that many exercises can be performed with this single piece of apparatus, including all those discussed above.

Advantageously, the apparatus may be portable. The apparatus has the further advantage that it is well suited for home use as it need not be bulky and can conveniently be stored when not being used. Application of a universal joint between the arm (ie each pair of levers) and the base gives the advantage that the exercise apparatus provides unguided movement. The movement is determined by the user and not the machine. The extendible members are also preferably operable unilaterally, so that the resistance provided is similar to that provided using dumbells (i.e., both members are free from each other and operable separately) . This has the advantage that both sides of the body will be evenly worked against the same resistance, rather than one side unconsciously putting in more effort than the other side, as may happen when bilateral devices, such as barbells, for example, are used.

The resistance to extension of each pair of levers is preferably adjustable by moving the point of action of said resistance on said levers. The resistance is preferably transmitted via a flexible member, preferably a cable, extending between said levers. The resistance is adjusted by moving the cable closer to or further away from the "elbow joint" in order to adjust the leverage". in a preferred embodiment, the flexible member extends between brackets mounted on said levers, the brackets being slidable along the levers in order to adjust the resistance to extension.

The resistance is preferably provided by a constant force spring mounted at the joint of the lever and base.

A number of "constant force" springs are available in the art. It is preferred to use a conventional spirally wound "power"- spring wound on a central pin and restrained within a drum. The spring is preferably preset so that over its operating range the output force will be substantially constant. A cable is attached to the rotatable drum and extends therefrom over pulleys on the brackets and is attached at the "elbow joint".

The slidable brackets which define the point of action of the resistance on the levers are preferably arranged to become fixed in position as soon as the user exerts a force against the resistance. In the preferred embodiment each bracket is provided with a projection arranged to fit in cooperating recesses along the length of each lever in a pair.

This technique of adjusting the point. of action of a force on a lever can be used generally, although it has particular application to exercise devices, particularly the exercise device in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention further provides an apparatus for adjusting the point of action of a force on a lever, comprising a mounting from which extends a flexible member arranged to transmit said force, said mounting being movable along the lever in order to adjust the point of action of the force on the lever.

The mounting is preferably a bracket which is arranged to grip the lever when a resistance is applied against the force. The bracket preferably has a projection arranged to cooperate with recesses spaced along the lever when resistance is applied against the force.

The present invention yet further provides an exercise apparatus arranged to resemble the human shoulder girdle and arms comprising an elongate base as the

"shoulder girdle", a lever arrangement mounted proximate each end of the elongate base as the "arms", each lever arrangement comprising a pair of levers articulated together at respective ends thereof by a joint, as the "elbow joint", one of said levers of said pair being mounted at its other end to said elongate base by means of a universal joint, as the "shoulder joint", and the other end of said other lever being free.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic front-on view of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows one extendible member of the apparatus of Figure 1, illustrating one method of adjusting the resistance against extension;

Figure 3 shows one extendible member of the apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating one method of providing resistance against extension;

Figure 4 shows one extendible member of the apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating a further method of providing resistance to extension; Figure 5 shows a further embodiment an extendible member for use with the apparatus of Figure 1 in place of the extendible member shown therein;

Figure 6 shows a more detailed schematic diagram of a perspective view of an embodiment of apparatus in accordance with the present invention, including exercise bench;

Figure 7 shows a side elevation of one extendible member of the apparatus of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a further side elevation of one extendible element of Figure 6, the member being extended;

Figure 9 shows a detail of the join between the extendible member and base of the exercise apparatus of Figure 6, with the cover removed_frpm the_^spring housing to illustrate the force providing means; Figure 10 shows a cutaway cross-sectional view through the spring housing illustrated in Figure 9, showing an example of how the spring may be mounted;

Figure 11 show a graph of TORQUE VS OUTPUT TURNS for a conventional constant force power spring, such as may be used with the present invention;

Figures 12a and 12b show schematic diagrams of a cut-away of the extendible members illustrating the operation of a means arranged to adjust the resistance to extension; Figures 13 through 20 show various views of the exercise apparatus of Figure 6 being operated by a user carrying out various exercises; and

Figure 21 shows a further embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention mounted to a fixed mounting.

Fig. 1 shows an exercise apparatus having a base 1 and two extendible members 2 spaced apart from each other and mounted on the base 1. The members 2 are extendible in a direction away from the base 1 (illustrated by arrows 3) against a resistive force (indicated by arrows 4). The members 2 are mounted, for "unguided" movement, and may therefore be moved in any direction away from the base.

In more detail, the apparatus of Fig. 1 is formed generally in the manner of the human shoulder girdle and arm structure. That is, the base 1 comprises the shoulder girdle, the extendible members 2 comprise the arms, which are attached to the girdle by means of universal joints 5, in a similar manner to a shoulder joint. "Elbows" are formed in the arms 2 by hinges 6, which divide the arms 2 into upper 4a and lower 4b levers. Handles 7 are provided for gripping by a user. The use of universal joints at the shoulder joints of the apparatus enable movement of the exercise apparatus to be "unguided", requiring_^ the user to apply his muscles to balance the resistance provided by the apparatus in a similar manner to free weights. The "unguided" ability allows the members 2 to be moved in any direction, allowing many different exercises to be performed. Further, the members 2 are each independently operable, thus providing a unilateral resistance for each side of the body, in a similar manner to the use of a dumbell.

The anthropometries of the apparatus are preferably designed to accommodate in the order of a 98 percentile human being. That is, the dimensions of the apparatus are arranged such that it will be able to accommodate all but the largest person one would be likely to find in the general population. Because of the fact that the movement of the apparatus is determined by the user, not by the apparatus, persons who are smaller than the 98 percentile human being will still easily be able to use the apparatus The resistance to extension of the extendible members 2 is provided across the hinge joint 6 between the upper 4a and lower 4b levers. The resistance is preferably constant, or isotonic. Figure 2 illustrates the mechanism by which the closing force or resistance against extension of the members 2 may be varied. The actual mechanism for providing the force may comprise elastic/rubber bands, extension springs, spring reels, power springs, constant force springs or any other convenient means. These are i preferably arranged to provide a constant output. In order to change the magnitude of the force acting on the levers, it is preferred to change the leverage by moving the points of action on the levers closer to or further away from the hinge 6. In Figure 2, this is illustrated by the position of force transmitting means 8a. The closer 8a is moved to the hinge joint 6 (see ghost outline 8b)- the less the resistance against extension of the member 2. Alternatively, the magnitude of the force generated by the resistance mechanism may be adjusted by using stronger or weaker resistance mechanisms (e.g. stronger or weaker springs).

As a further alternative, adjustable friction devices, electromechanical brakes, etc., may be installed in the hinge joint 6 to provide exercise resistance.

One form of resistance illustrated in Figure 3, is by means of an assembly, mounted on one side of each of the arms 2 , comprising a power spring providing relatively constant torque over the operational range to a drum 10 around which is wound a flexible element 11, the free end of which is attached to the opposite side of each of the arms. Fig. 3 illustrates one arm only, the other arm 2 would have a similar arrangement 10, 11. The arrangement 10, 11 provides a relatively constant resistance against extension of the member 2, i.e., no matter how far the member 2 is extended the resistance will still be the same. The preferred form of spring for providing the relatively constant torque is a constant force power spring. Any form of power spring may be utilized.

A torsion spring 11a (Fig. 3) may also be used to provide the constant resistance to extension of member 2. Here the torsion spring is arranged so that the main part of the spring 11a sits outside the elbow joint 6, as illustrated in the figure. The distance outside the elbow joint 6 is predetermined so that constant force is applied as the arm 2 is extended.

In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 3 the force may be varied by moving the arrangement 10 and 11 towards or away from the elbow joint 6. The arrangement 10, 11 could conveniently be mounted on slides on the levers 4a and 4b, the arrangement 10, 11 being fixable at any point within the slide.

Fig. 5 illustrates another arrangement for extensible member 2. Here the upper 4a and lower 4b levers are bent towards each other at a point 100, 101. Then; force applied between the levers 4a and 4b, as indicated by arrow 102 will not cause the levers to close upon each other at any time, reducing the risk of injuring the user. Note that the force between the upper 4a and lower 4b levers provides the exercise resistance when the user pulls or pushes against the arm handles 7, providing both concentric and eccentric resistance which preferably remains relatively constant irrespective of the elbow joint 6 angle.

Reference will now be had to Figures 6 through 12 which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. Referring firstly, to Figures 6 through 8, a base 12 mounts proximate either end thereof extendible members 13. Each extendible member 13 comprises an upper lever 13a and a lower lever 13b. Upper 13a and 13b levers are connected to each other by a hinge joint 14. The hinge joint 14 preferably comprises two substantially circular plates 14a, 14b mounted back to back with a pin 15 passing from one plate through the other plate. Each plate has a mounting block 16a, 16b integral therewith, each mounting block having a socket 17a, 17b therein for receiving a respective end of' a lever 13a, 13b, which may be fixed therein by welding, screwing or other means. Appropriate bearings to allow free movement of the hinge may be provided between the plates 14a, 14b.

The lower lever 13b of each extendible member 13 is mounted to the base 12 by means of a "shoulder joint", generally designated by reference numeral 18. Referring to Figure 9, each shoulder joint 18 comprises a bracket 19 mounted for pivotal movement in a first plane on a first axis (illustrated by arrows 22). Within the bracket 19 is mounted a further bracket 21, pivotally mounted to the first bracket 19 for motion about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis (illustrated by reference numeral 20). The lower lever 13b is integral with said bracket 21. The combination of the two axes of rotation 20 and 22 allows universal motion of the shoulder joint 18. Also pivotally mounted within bracket 19 is a drum 23, which may be fixed to the further bracket 21 for rotation coincident therewith. A pin 24 may mount both bracket 21 and drum 23 for rotation thereabout.

In use, the drum 23 has a cover 25 (see Fig. 5) with a slot therein (not shown) to allow egress of cable 26. In Figure 9 the drum 23 is shown without the cover 25.

The cable 26 is wound about the drum 23, which contains a conventional power spring (not shown) providing relatively constant force over its preset operational range and acting on the drum whereby to transfer the force to the cable 26.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the cable 26 passes through brackets 27 and 28 mounted on said levers 13a, 13b and is fixed to one of the plates 14a, 14b on the hinge joint 14 at point 14c. The cable 26 and brackets 27 and 28 provide a means by which the force of the power spring may be transferred as a resistance to extension of the extendible member 13. As can be seen in Figure 8, when the member 13 is extended the portion of the cable 26 extends between the brackets 27 and 28 providing a resistance against extension transferred from the force of the spring. The cable 26 passes over pulleys 27a and 28a in the brackets 27 and 28.

The amount of resistance provided against extension can be adjusted by moving the point of action of the force exerting cable 26 on the levers 13a and 13b. This is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 by showing alternative positions of brackets 27 and 28 in ghost outline, indicated by reference numerals 29 and 30, respectively. The closer to the hinge joint 14 the pulleys 27 and 28 are moved, the less the resistance to extension of the extendible member 13. Handles 31 for gripping by the user are provided at the ends of arms 13a.

Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional diagram through the drum 23, illustrating in cross-section the mounting of constant force spring 23a. The spring 23a is fixed at point X on pivot mounting 24, which is arranged so as not to rotate with drum 23. The other end of the spring 23a is fixed on the inside of the drum 23 at point Y. The spring 23a thus provides a resistive force against rotation of drum 23 in the direction of extension of cable 26.

Figure 11 shows a torque vs output turns curve for this type of constant force power spring. The spring 23a is preset so that over its operational range (full extension of members to no extension of members) it operates on the part of the curve bounded by lines A, B, to give a relatively constant torque output.

Other types of springs with similar characteristics may be used. There are a number of such springs available. The method by which the resistance against extension of the members 13 can be adjusted will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 12a and 12b, which show cutaways through portions of a lever (either 13a or 13b), showing a bracket (either 27 or 28) in a first "unlocked" position (Figure 12a) and a second "unlocked" position (Figure 12b).

A plurality of slots or recesses 32 are provided along each lever 13a, 13b. The corresponding bracket 27, 28 is provided with a catch 33, or projection, arranged to fit into the slot or recess 32. When no force is being exerted on the lever 13a, 13b one may easily adjust the position of the bracket 27, 28 on the lever 13a, 13b by sliding the bracket 27., 28 therealong. When force is applied to the lever 13a,13b, pin 34 on the bracket co-operates with the downward force on cable 26 being drawn over pulley 34a (ghost outline 26a shows position of cable before force is exerted) to cause catch 33 to be pressed into recess 32. The catch 33 will therefore engage the slot 32, preventing movement of the bracket and keeping the force on the lever 13a, 13b substantially constant. This is illustrated in Figure 12b.

Figures 13 through 20 illustrate examples of the wide range of exercise movements which can be performed with the apparatus of the present invention, using the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 as an example. Note that the bench 40 is provided with the apparatus for support of the user. The bench 40 may be hollow and will have a slot 41 therein enabling it to fit over the base- 12. In operation, the base 12 is not fixed to any point. The user's weight on the bench acts to maintain the base 12 in a firmly anchored position. It will be seen that the device of the present invention is therefore completely portable. The hollow bench 40 may indeed provide part of a case used to carry the exercise device. Reference numerals have not been used in Figures 13 through 20 in order to keep the drawings clear. It will be appreciated that the same components as already described in relation to Figures 6 through 10 are present in the device of Figures 11 through 18. Figure 13 illustrates the bench press. The user lies with his shoulders on the bench 40 and grasps the handles 31 of the extendible members 13. He alternately straightens his arms and brings them back towards his chest. This exercise works the chest. Figure 14 illustrates the overhead press, which works the shoulders. The user again grasps the handles 31 and pushes the extendible members 13 out in a direction generally coincident with the longitudinal axis of his body. Figure 15 illustrates the bent over row, which is used to work the upper and lower back. The user stands on the bench 40, grasps the handles 31 of the extendible members 13 and bends over so that his trunk is approximately at a 90° angle to his legs. He then pulls the handles 31 towards his abdomen and then allows them to go back to the starting position.

Figure 16 illustrates the hack squat, for working the legs, particularly the upper legs. The user stands with his knees bent and grasps the handles 31. He then straightens his legs and then brings them back to the starting position to perform the exercise.

Figure 17 illustrates the bicep curl, for working the biceps. The user kneels on the bench 40 as illustrated, grasps the handles 31 and brings the handles up towards his chest and alternately lets them back down to the starting position in order to work the biceps.

Figure I t illustrates the upright row, for working the shoulders and the legs. The user kneels on the bench 40 as illustrated and grasps the handles 31 at about the width of his shoulders. He then pulls the handles up towards his chest and gently lowers them.

Figure 19 illustrates the calf raise. The user stands on the bench 40 with his heels over the edge as illustrated. He grasps the handles 31 in a standing position and alternately raises and lowers his heels in order to exercise his calves.

Figure 20 illustrates the sit up, for'exercising the abdominal muscles. The user first lies back on the bench and grasps the handles 31. He then raises his trunk to the position shown in Figure 18 and then lies back on the bench again, in order to exercise his abdominals.

Many other exercises than those illustrated and described can be performed with this extremely versatile exercise device. The full range of movements can^* be carried out to perform a fairly complete all body routine. A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 21. Again, reference numerals have not been used in this Figure for the purposes of clarity. The apparatus is the same as that illustrated in Figure 6 apart from the base member 12. The base has been replaced by a upright post 50 attached to a bench 51. Rather than a portable exercise device the device illustrated in Figure 19 has been converted to a fixed-type exercise machine, in this case the type where one exercises the lats by pulling downwards against a resistance while sitting with one's back against the post. This is a viable alternative to present day exercise devices which ultilise stack weights or other methods of resistance. It is believed that the device as illustrated in Figure 21 would be simpler and cheaper whilst providing as beneficial effects and whilst not having the bulk and weight of a weightstack arrangement.

As well as force being applied across the elbow joint in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, it is possible that force could be applied at the joint with the base 1. This would provide an additional resistance.

The elbow joint of the described example is a hinge. It is possible that it could be a universal joint.

It is possible that a simplified version of the present invention could be implemented by utilizing a rigid base having extensible straps mounted thereon, as opposed to extensible levers. Many exercises could still be carried out using straps, the only problem being the freedom of motion provided by the levers would not be as available if straps were utilized.

It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications may be made to the invention as described above without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described.

Claims

CLAIMS: -

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising a generally rigid base and two extendible members mounted spaced apart from each other on the base, the members being extendible by a user, and means for providing a predetermined resistance against extension.

2. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 1, .wherein said predetermined.resistance.is adjustable.

3. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claims 1 or 2, each extendible member comprising a pair of levers articulated to each other at respective ends thereof by a joint.

4. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 3, wherein the articulated joint is a hinge joint.

5. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claims 3 or 4, wherein one of said levers of each pair of levers is joined at its other respective end to said generally rigid base, by means of an articulated joint.

6. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein said articulated joint is a universal joint, whereby to allow substantially unguided operation of said apparatus.

7. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, each extendible member being provided with a handle at the end remote from said generally rigid base.

8. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the end of each extendible member remote from said generally rigid base is free.

9. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any of claims 3 to 8 wherein said predetermined resistance acts between said levers of each pair across said articulated joint.

10. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein said resistance is adjustable by moving the point of action of said resistance along at least one of said levers in each pair.

11. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein the resistance is transmitted via a flexible member extending between said levers.

12. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 11, wherein the flexible member extends between brackets mounted on said levers, the brackets being movable_, along the leyers in order to adjust the resistance to extension.

13. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 12, wherein the means for providing the resistance is mounted at the joint between each pair of levers and the generally rigid base and said flexible member extends from said resistance providing means via the brackets mounted on said levers to the articulated joint between the levers.

14. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein the means for providing the resistance comprises a power spring.

15. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is portable.

16. An exercise apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the generally rigid base is mounted on a fixed mounting to provide a fixed exercise device.

17. An apparatus in accordance with any of claims 1 to 15, wherein there is provided a shaped bench arranged to fit over the generally rigid base to provide support for a user who is exercising.

18. An apparatus for adjusting the point of action of a force on a lever, comprising a mounting from which extends a flexible member arranged to transmit said force, said mounting being movable along the lever in order to adjust the point of action of the force on the lever.

19. An apparatus in accordance with claim 18, wherein said mounting is arranged to become fixed with respect to said lever when a resistance is applied against said force.

20. An apparatus in accordance with claim 19, wherein said mounting is a bracket arranged to grip said lever when a resistance is applied against that force.

21. An apparatus in accordance with claim 20, wherein a projection on said bracket is arranged to cooperate with recesses spaced along the lever in order to enable the bracket to grip the lever when resistance is applied against said force. ^"- ^'

22. An apparatus in accordance with any of claims 18 to 21, wherein there are provided two levers which are articulated together at respective ends thereof by a joint, a first bracket being provided on one lever and a second bracket being provided on the other lever, said force transmitting flexible member extending between said first and second brackets.

23. An apparatus in accordance with claim 22, wherein a means for providing said force is mounted proximate an end of one lever remote from said joint, and wherein said extendible member extends from said force providing means over a pulley on said first bracket, over a pulley on said second bracket and is fixed proximate or to said joint.

24. An apparatus in accordance with claims 22 or 23, wherein said articulated joint is a hinge joint.

25. An apparatus in accordance with any of claims 18 through 24, arranged to provide a means for adjusting resistance on an exercise machine.

26. An exercise apparatus arranged to resemble the human shoulder girdle and arms comprising an elongate base as the "shoulder girdle", a lever arrangement mounted proximate each end of the elongate base as the "arms", each lever arrangement comprising a pair of levers articulated together at respective ends thereof by a joint, as the "elbow joint", one of said levers of said pair being mounted at its other end to said elongate base by means of a universal joint, as the "shoulder joint", and the other end of said other lever being free.

27. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 26, wherein there is provided means for providing a resistance between the two levers of each pair across the elbow joint, whereby to give a resistance against extension of the levers.

28. An exercise apparatus, comprising a means of providing a resistance to movement of a lever, said means for providing a resistance comprising a power spring mounted on an arbour within a hollow drum such that rotation of the drum is resisted by the spring, the spring having an end attached to the inside of the drum, a cable being attached to the drum and having an end attached to the lever.

29. An exercise apparatus, comprising a lever arrangement mounted on a base, said lever arrangement comprising at least one lever mounted for universal movement with respect to said base.

30. An exercise apparatus in accordance with claim 29, wherein said lever arrangement comprises two levers joined together by a hinge.