WO1997033656A1

WO1997033656A1 - Exercise apparatus and method of use

Info

Publication number: WO1997033656A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/004618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Kallassey
Original assignee: Charles Kallassey
Priority date: 1996-03-15
Filing date: 1997-03-14
Publication date: 1997-09-18
Also published as: AU2540497A

Abstract

This invention is an exercise apparatus (1) that includes an elongated, upright pillar (10) having a plurality of stop positions (22); a surrounding member (25) slidably mounted on the pillar (10) and oversized to permit tilting; and an elongated horizontal support bar (28) fixedly connected to the surrounding member (25). The apparatus may also include an anti-rotation guide (13, 14), a back pad (44); forearm pads (58, 59), and a method of using the exercise apparatus for numerous exercises, such as pull-ups, triceps dip, supine rowing or pushups.

Description

EXERCISE APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to an adjustable apparatus facilitating unique methods to perform a wide variety of exercises, exercise intensities and optional workout style options generally in the manner of the common exercises known as pull ups, push ups, triceps dips, knee raises and knee bends.

Background of The Invention

The popularity of exercising and the use of exercise apparatus is increasing. Regular and proper exercise with such apparatus can provide increased muscle tone, strength, conditioning, improved posture and overall conditioning. However, most exercise products do not provide the user with a safe, effective, versatile and affordable means of exercising. Generally, the exercises possible on those apparatus do not hold up to the scrutiny of close biomechanical or kinesiologic evaluation. Often, the angle and position of the exercises possible on those apparatus not only limit the body's ability to move throughout a full range of motion but force the body into unnatural positions while performing exercises. This can place unnatural and dangerous loads and forces on the muscles, joints and tendons. This not only predisposes the exerciser to injury and an unnaturally developed physique, but usually results in short term use of the exercise apparatus and a failure to stick to or maintain a regular exercise program. When an exercise device is insubstantial in its design and awkward to use that is how the exerciser generally feels when using it. In addition, because of the limited exercises possible on many of those apparatus, the exerciser is forced to utilize a number of different apparatus or impracticably large and expensive multi-station gyms in order to facilitate a full body workout.

No other exercise apparatus utilizes the body's own weight for balanced and effective strength and stretch in the unique and novel manner of the apparatus described herein. The novel methods of exercise facilitated by this apparatus provide exceptional toning, shaping of the body and the development of a well balanced and naturally developed physique. Use of the apparatus promotes proper biomechanics. This novel approach to exercise is achieved, principally, by incorporating the body's innate ability to regulate the correct amount of resistance throughout a full range of motion during exercise. This innate ability is known as the body's proprioceptive or kinesthetic sense. This sense informs the user of the degree to which muscles are contracted, the amount of tension created in tendons, the change of position of a joint and the orientation of the head relative to the ground and in response to movements. It also allows the user to estimate weight and to determine the muscular work necessary to perform a task.

Although it is widely known that exercises like push ups, pull ups and triceps dips are very efficient exercises for overall strengthening and shaping, most people do not have sufficient strength to gain full benefit from these types of exercises. They are only able to achieve a few, if any, repetitions of these difficult exercises without straining. This high intensity low repetition type of exercise has a tendency to build a bulky type of musculature and predispose the, exerciser to overuse and injury.

In general, to build toned muscles and increase muscular endurance, a lower intensity and higher repetition approach to the exercises is required. However, not everyone can do 12-15 or more push ups, pull-ups or triceps dips in a set, even at a maximum level of exertion. And most would not then be capable of performing the multiple sets necessary in the progression of a well designed strength training program. With multiple quick, and easy adjustments of the exercise apparatus as disclosed herein, the exerciser is able to regulate the difficulty of each exercise naturally. The simple and efficient exercise programs possible with this apparatus provide variety and the ability to progress, which is important for long term benefits and enjoyment. With its fast, efficient and multiple adjustments, this apparatus adjusts to the exerciser's individual shape, size, physique and desired exertion level thus facilitating effective and enjoyable exercise for all users, from beginner to the advanced.

Good posture is one of the key elements to good health and a positive self image. Posture is one of the first things that others notice about a person and can be a sign of poor health and poor self esteem. Poor posture can result in forward tilt of the head, rounding of the shoulders, compression of the internal organs, unnatural curves of the back, and protrusion of the abdominal area. In addition, the spine is exposed to undo stresses which can contribute to chronic back pain, headaches and fatigue. By improving and maintaining correct posture it is possible to add inches to one's functional height. For most people there is very little that they do on a regular basis that promotes good posture. People often sit at desks, watch computer screens for hours on end and do little, on a regular basis, in the way of exercise. As the body ages the signs and symptoms of the detrimental effects of these habits and the struggle against the force of gravity become more and more manifest in the area of posture and body alignment. The apparatus described herein and the exercises and exercise programs made possible by its unique design can provide the exerciser with the option of a full body workout and help to facilitate biomechanically correct workouts. Thereby facilitating the strengthening, lengthening, and realigning the overstretched and weak slouched of the mid-back, and the tight, weak and unbalanced musculature of the chest, 4 arms, shoulders, legs and buttocks. This results in the development of proper posture, flexibility and a natural physique.

In addition, because the adjustments of the machine are quick and do not require the burden of adjusting pins, cams, bands or weight stacks, the exerciser can transition from exercise to exercise without interruption, thereby providing the opportunity not only for an exercise routine that strengthens, aligns and tones the body but one that provides the option of continuous cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise as well. This aerobic exercise option would generally require the exerciser to reduce the amount of load delivered during the exercises so as not to overexert into the anaerobic phase of exercise. This is inevitable while exercising with high loads, speeds and intensities.

Other devices do not provide for convenient means of adjusting the load and or intensity during exercises. The present machine achieves this by the unique load adjustments, body shape and size adjustments and exercise alignment options made possible by the lever locking pin-less vertical adjustment of the apparatus working in concert with the pin-less horizontal exercise handle width adjustments. This along with the unique integration of the proprioceptive senses to facilitate load and intensity provide the exerciser with instantaneous adjustments without interruption of the exercise or exercise session. It is not uncommon for exercisers to alternate the type, variety and intensity of their workout from one exercise day to another. This apparatus allows the exerciser that option. This application of these unique methods of exercise is novel to the invention and can be understood by the following descriptions: In the first case, while performing an exercise with the invention, a pull-up for example, the feet can remain on the ground with the chinning bar handles vertically positioned at such a height so that the complete pull up motion of the arms, full range of motion, can be achieved with the feet remaining on the ground to assist in the pull-up. In an exercise regime where the goal is to perform 15 pull up repetitions, by the 15th repetition of a set the exerciser can deliver the exact amount of arm resistance needed through leg assistance, without changing heavy weight plates. Many of the exercises that are made possible with this apparatus, supported pull ups and supported triceps dips for example, are compound exercises that involve more than one joint. Compound exercises, in general, more accurately emulate natural day-to-day use of the body and greatly increase the efficiency and enjoyment of exercising. The invention disclosed herein is, therefore, a single station exercise device with a single adjusting assembly allowing multiple adjustments that facilitates multiple supported and unsupported exercises not previously possible, performed with rapid adjustments without compromise to the biomechanics or desired exercise intensity of the user, thereby providing a full body workout.

As previously stated, several of the main features of my invention are the pin-less lever locking vertical adjustment mechanism and its associated relationship with the horizontal handles and their pin-less width adjustment and the unique exercises and exercise routines facilitated by such association. It is common in the exercise products industry to utilize a pin into a hole to adjust vertical height in some exercise equipment. Other products utilize resistance bands or weights or the lifting of weight, in the past no one has ever utilized, in concert, the combined adjustable height and width of the device with pin-less adjustments to allow the exerciser to utilize the body's sense of proprioception while exercising in this fashion. A problem with using a conventional pin locking system for the vertical adjustment in an exercise apparatus such as this for example, is that once the . in is removed if the pin is not placed correctly or if the user releases the device before re-pinning, the device to be adjusted can slide to the floor exposing the user to potential harm. This method of adjustment is also encumbering to the exerciser and can necessitate an undesirable and inefficient pause in some exercises and exercise routines. Another important aspect of this apparatus is the relationship of the pin-less lever locking vertical adjustment and the horizontal width adjustments of the exercising handles. Most pull up and or dip machines have their handles set at a fixed width. This does not allow for the wide variation of individual exercisers' size, shape or arm length, thus placing certain exercisers in an unnatural and biomechanically compromised position that does not allow them to perform the exercises safely or effectively. The importance of this unique relationship has many additional advantages in addition to the aforementioned but also when incorporating the previously described sense of proprioception to regulate the loads and forces to which the exerciser is subjected during the exercises. This method of exercising that will be referred to here as Supported Exercises, allows the exerciser to deliver the desired load to the muscles being exercised without the encumbrance of changing weight plates or resistance bands as required on other devices. Because different individuals, body shapes and sizes and fitness and strength levels and that exercisers commonly vary the intensity of their workouts/exercises within a workout and from workout to workout, these adjustments work uniquely in concert with each other to facilitate the exercises and allow optimal positioning of the individual exerciser. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame and upright vertical member is formed of round material. It is therefore necessary to prevent the exercising handle assembly from rotating around the upright vertical member for safe and effective use of the apparatus. Therefore, another unique aspect of this invention is the anti-rotation mechanism that is incorporated into the lever locking vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly.

Yet another novel feature of this invention is that with several of the embodiments of the frame of the apparatus as disclosed herein, there is provided open and unrestricted clear floor space access to the apparatus while preparing to or performing exercise on the apparatus. This provides unrestricted access to an exerciser confined to a wheelchair 7 or an exerciser that requires the support of a chair or stool or to one who would use a device commonly known as a Physioball™. This ball is used in much the same manner as a chair however this Physioball facilitates numerous therapeutic and other beneficial exercises especially when used in concert with the exercise device as described herein.

Detailed Description of The Preferrred Embodiments

While the invention will be described in connection with a number of preferred embodiments, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Shown in FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of the exercise apparatus 9. In general, this apparatus can be considered to include a pair of horizontally oriented handle members 80 and 82. These handle members consist of elongated members 83 and 84, which are parallel to one another projecting forward; continuing with radius bends 88 and 89 turning outward generally at right angles and away from the midline; continuing with members 92 and 93, that project laterally from the midline and are oriented substantially parallel to the ground and perpendicular to elongated members 83 and 84; continuing to downward radius bends 90 and 94, pointing downward at an angle of approximately 30 degrees; continuing and terminating with members 95 and 96 sloping downward at approximately 30 degree angles to the ground. Securely fixed to the terminal ends of members 95 and 96 are elastic cord clip receptacle eyelets 49 and 50. The length of members 83 and 84 should be such that their vertical plane of members 92 and 93 is rearward of the vertical plane of base cross member 157. Substantially all of the handle members 80 and 82 can be covered with soft foam rubber sleeves 190 and 191 shown in phantom lines, providing a comfortable grip for the exerciser.

Elongated members 83 and 84 extend forward from a horizontal supported bar 28 in a cantilevered arrangement. The horizontally disposed bar 28 is affixed to lever locking vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly 30; and the assembly 30 is mounted, in turn, upon a centrally located, vertically oriented pillar member 10.

Pillar 10, base assembly 101 and bar 28 can be formed of any suitable material. For example, pillar 10 and base assembly 101 can be formed of three inch round steel tubing, two inch square or two inch by three inch rectangular, oval or triangular columnar steel lengths, and bar 28 could be of one inch square or one inch by two inch rectangular columnar steel. However, in some cases the selected material will dictate the use of the vertical adjustment mechanism modifications corresponding to the selected material.

In this preferred embodiment of the invention the pillar 10 and base assembly 101 are formed of three inch round steel tubing and bar 28 is formed of one inch square columnar steel .

Turning now to FIG. 2. To insure that the pillar 10 can maintain support when subjected to the moment created by the cantilevered action of handles 80 and 82, especially with the weight of an exerciser thereon, the pillar 10 is continuous with or rigidly attached to base assembly 101; interconnector diagonal buttress, 123 is rigidly attached between base rail 150 and pillar 10; and rear leg assembly 147 is rigidly attached to pillar 10. These rigid attachments can be by weldment arrangement or, when a disassembling version of the apparatus is desired, by the attachment assembly 115 consisting of downward oriented end swedged receptacle 97, the internal diameter of which is of a dimension so as to snugly accept the outer diameter of proximal shaft end 107 of rail 150. Shaft end 107 although continuous with rail 150, is vertically oriented as a result of angle 110. Plate 113 is sha_ded so as to provide an intimate fit to receptacle 97 and is rigidly attached to buttress 123. Plate 114, also shaped to provide intimate fit to receptacle 97 and mirror the position of plate 113 is rigidly attached to rear legs assembly 147. Legs 143 and 144 project diagonally downward to the floor. Leg assembly 147 provides additional base stability and resists the sheer rearward movement of the apparatus across the floor surface.

During assembly, shaft end 107 is inserted into receptacle 97; holes 100 on receptacle 97 are in registry with holes 106 of shaft end 107, holes 120 of plate 113 and holes 117 of plate 114. Bolts and nut fasteners 103 are of such a length that when inserted into these registered holes, they extend completely through plate 113, receptacle 97 and through plate 114 and provide full thread attachment of nuts. Fasteners 103 thus secure a rigid support for pillar 10, secure attachment of leg assembly 147 and upward projecting end of buttress 123.

Plate 126 is rigidly attached to the downward end of buttress 123, and is aligned with rail 150, holes 129 in plate 126 are in registry with holes 132 on rail 150. Plate 126 is, in turn, secured to rail 150 with fasteners 103. Base panel 187 can be secured to rail 150 by weldment attachment or by the action of plate 126 when secured to rail 150. Base cross member 157 is attached, at its midpoint, by a weldment arrangement or a single plate system such as plate 115 described earlier in its attachment to receptacle 97, or any other suitable means of rigid attachment, in a perpendicular orientation to rail 150. Stability and good support are now provided by base assembly 101 and leg assembly 147. Securely fixed to the terminal ends of base cross member 157 are elastic cord clip receptacle eyelets 193 and 194.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the location of each handle 80 and 82, can be adjusted in a horizontal direction along the bar 28 so as to change the spacing between these handle. This permits individuals of different sizes and physiques to use the exercise apparatus without biomechanical or other compromise.

To this end, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, each handle 80 and 82 terminates at their proximal end and is attached by weldment arrangement or other rigid means, at rectangular sleeve fittings 85 and 86 which are slidably carried on bar 28.

Struts 78 and 79 are attached to the proximal ends of handles 80 and 82 and to sleeve fittings 85 and 86 by a weldment arrangement so as to provide reinforcement and support to handles 80 and 82. Although the moment created by the force of the cantilevered arrangement of handles 80 and 82, especially when loaded with the weight of an exerciser, is generally sufficient to resist unintentional sliding and horizontal relocation of the handles, if desired a simple pin or wedge system can be incorporated into the sleeve fittings 85 and 86 and bar 28. Referring to FIG. 4. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the lever locking vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly 30, and it's rockering adjustment sleeve 25, will now be described. Rotation resistor and locking track 19 has along it's entire length, locking grooves 22, spaced approximately every inch. Track 19 is rigidly attached, by weldment arrangement or other secure means, to the rear and center of pillar 10 from approximately the top of pillar 10 downward to approximately the topmost point of receptacle 97, as previously shown in FIG. 2. Vertical locking bar 16 is rigidly attached, by weldment arrangement or other secure means, to the inside and topmost rear area of sleeve 25 and is oriented in a generally horizontal position clearly above the horizontal plane of bar 28, thereby allowing for the rockering action of the sleeve assembly mechanism. It is of the approximate size so as to match the size of, and engage snugly into, grooves 22. Rotation resistor locking guides 13 and 14, the bottom portion of which are indicated by phantom lines, are oriented in a generally vertical position in parallel alignment to each other at a distance just slightly larger than the horizontal width of locking track 19 and are of approximately the same vertical height as sleeve 25. They are rigidly attached, by weldment arrangement or other secure means, to the inside and rearmost area of sleeve 25. Sleeve 25 and guides 13 and 14 can include a mutually curved shape 88 to insure that when, handles 80 and 82 are lifted to facilitate vertical adjustment of the assembly, the anti-rotational contact of guides 13 and 14 with track 19 is maintained and a smooth rockering and vertical adjusting action is achieved. Sleeve 25 is of a size and shape so as to allow free movement over pillar 10 yet provides enough gap to allow the rockering of the sleeve assembly at approximately location 89. This rockering action is actuated by either the lifting upward of handles 80 and 82 or, thereafter, while returning the assembly to the locked position.

Removable nub 55, is disposed at the top end of pillar 10 and is of such a size and shape so that, when sleeve 25 is in its topmost position, the top rim of the sleeve comes into contact with nub 55 and thereby prevents undesired removal of sleeve assembly 25 from pillar 10. Cap 52 performs much in the same way as nub 55 and provides a design element to the apparatus as well.

This force is transferred to sleeve 25 by handles' 80 and 82 previously described connection to bar 28 and therefore to sleeve 25. When raised, handles 80 and 82 disengage the bar 16 from bar receptacle 22 and allow the lever locking vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly 30 to be either raised or lowered to the desired height. Once the desired height has been achieved, and the user ceases the lift action on handles 80 and 82, the moment created by the weight of these handle levers the locking bar 16 into a corresponding groove 22. If the bar 16 is engaged on track 19 at a point somewhere between any two grooves 22, the greatest distance that the assembly 30 could drop would therefore be one inch to the next groove 22. However, this dropping is unlikely because the force of the moment created by the weight of the handles 80 and 82 in this locked position, combined with the friction between the two parts, is generally enough to hold the assembly 30 in such a position.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, in FIG. 3, nub eyelets 31 and 32 are located at the terminal ends of bar 28 and serve to insure that sleeves 85 and 86 do not slide off of bar 28. Forearm pad assemblies 58 and 59 have pad bases 70 and 71, formed of a rigid wood, metal, plastic or like material, which have fixed to their top surface, in any manner common in the art, soft foam like pads 72 and 74. These pads 72 and 74 can have a flat top surface or can be concave longitudinally so as to provide a more comfortable resting surface for the forearm. Hand grips 61 and 62, are rigidly fixed to pad bases 70 and 71 in any such manner as is so common to those skilled in the art. Pad assemblies 58 and 59 are shown in Fig. 3 in their locked functional position, extending out, and resting upon, the approximate length of elongated members 83 and 84, by means of forearm pad to handle braces 196 and 197, so that the user's forearms can be securely rested upon the pads. Forearm pad to handle braces 196 and 197 are securely attached to the bottom of pad bases 70 and 71 by screwmount arrangement or other conventional means. Hand grips 61 and 62, are then held in the user's hands to facilitate comfortable performance of knee raises and other like exercises.

When certain other exercises are to be performed and the elongated members 83 and 84 are required to support the hands, it is necessary to store the pads in a locked cache position (shown in phantom in Fig. 3) . In accordance with yet another novel aspect of the invention, forearm pad cache facilitating mechanisms 77 and 78 are provided, by means of which the pads are alternately locked in the cached position and locked into their functional position. This locked and cached position is indicated in phantom in FIG. 3, and is hereafter described. Mechanism 77 is best seen in Figs. 15 and 16. Mechanism 78 is a mirror image of mechanism 77. Sleeve 64, formed of steel or other like material, is oriented vertically, and fixed at its bottom end to the top, or rear panel of sleeve fitting 85 by a weldment arrangement or other secure means. Shaft 67, formed of steel or other like material, is oriented vertically, and fixed at it's top end to the bottom, of Pad bases 70 by common screw means, by weldment arrangement or other secure means. Shaft 67 is of such a size so as to fit into sleeve 64 and freely rotate without excessive drag or play. Tracking groove 76 is bored through the wall of sleeve 64 and is located such that pad assembly 58 may be maintained in its locked functional position, extending along the length of elongated members 83 and 84. Locking section 203, located at rearmost point of sleeve 64, oriented vertically downward, continues to a horizontally oriented section 204, then to another downward vertically oriented locking section 205, located at its lateral side. Section 205 connects to a horizontally oriented section 206, continuing forward to upward vertically oriented removal section 207, located at the front of sleeve 64, which opens at the top of sleeve 64 allowing for the removal of shaft 67, and thus pad assembly 58 from sleeve 64. Guide rod 73, formed of steel or other like material is rigidly fixed to shaft 67 by a weldment arrangement or other secure means and is of such a shape as to slide freely through tracking groove 76.

To adjust the position of pad assembly 58, the assembly is lifted and shaft 67 glides through groove 76 to the desired locking section 203 or 204 or to removal section 207. To remove the entire pad assembly 58 from the apparatus, the grip 61 end of the pad assembly 58 is rotated to point to the rearmost direction of the apparatus, thereby allowing shaft 67 to be lifted from and exit sleeve 64 through groove section 207.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, as best seen in FIG. 3, a back support pad assembly 42, illustrated here in transparent form, is provided. Pad base 44, formed of a rigid wood, metal, plastic or like material, has fixed to its front surface, by any means common to the art, a soft foam-like pad 45. Strut 34 is rigidly fixed to sleeve 25 by a weldment arrangement or other secure means, and is oriented diagonally upward. Mounting bracket 37 is then fixed to the terminal end of strut 34. Pad base 44 is attached to bracket 37 in a common screwmount fashion.

The upward diagonal angle of the strut 34 is of such a egree that, when the lever locking vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly 30, is at it lowest position on pillar 10, the bottom surface of pad base 44 does not come into loaded contact with buttress 123. The angle of the pad also provides a comfortable and safe position for the lower back while performing knee raises and other like exercises. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the pair of elastic cord handle assemblies 269 are provided (see Fig. 9) . Clip 271 is of a standard design and is securely attached, by any standard means common to the art, to a terminal end of elastic cord 272, which can be of any resistance type as is common to the art. The opposite end of cord 272 is securely attached, by a standard means common to those skilled in the art, to handle 273. This handle is of a common style as is common to the art. Elastic cord assemblies 269 are individually attached to the apparatus by the following various and novel means. Cord assemblies 269 can be attached to cord clip eyelets 49 and or 50, shown in FIG. 1. Exercises now facilitated include triceps extensions and triceps pressdowns, upright and bent- over cable crossover exercises. Cable crossover exercises are possible only because of the novel aspects of the invention and have not previously been possible in other than very bulky and expensive apparatus.

With elastic cord assemblies 269 attached to cord receptacle eyelets 193 and or 194 exercises facilitated include biceps curls, lateral raises, upright rows and calf raises. Calf raises can be performed with the forefoot placed on cross member 157, with or without the added resistance of the elastic cords. Referring to Fig. 10, in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, an elastic cord ankle cuff assembly 270 is provided. Clip 270 is of a standard design and is securely attached, by any standard means common to the art, to a terminal end of elastic cord 276, which can be of any resistance type as is in the art. The opposite end of cord 272 is securely attached, by a standard means common to the art, to ankle cuff 276. This ankle cuff is of a common style in the art.

With the ankle cuff assembly 274 attached to cord receptacle eyelets 193 or 194 by means of clip 270, exercise options include leg extensions, hamstring curls and adductor and abductor exercises of the legs. While performing cord and other exercises the feet can be placed on base panel 187 to insure stabilization of the apparatus. Elastic cord assemblies 269, are attached to the exercisers ankle by means of a cuff. Nub eyelets 31 and 32, shown in FIG. 3, can be used to store cord assemblies 269 and 270 and cuff assembly 274 when not in use.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there will now be described a modification of the apparatus: Lever locking vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly 211. Bar 28 is fixed to sleeve 212 by a weldment arrangement or other secure means. Rotation resisting guides 221 and 222 are fixed to the uppermost rear section of sleeve 212 and project out from sleeve in an approximately perpendicular alignment and are positioned in parallel alignment to each other at a distance just slightly larger than the horizontal width of locking track 19. Vertical locking bar 224 is rigidly attached to guides 221 and 222, so as to be continuous, by weldment arrangement or other secure means and is of the approximate size so as to match the size of, and engage snugly into, grooves 22 when in the locked position. Locking bar 224 is oriented in a generally horizontal position clearly above the horizontal plane of bar 28, thereby allowing for the rockering action of the sleeve assembly mechanism. Sleeve 212 is of a size and shape so as to conform to pillar 10 yet allow free movement over pillar 10 during vertical position adjustments and provide enough gap 223 to allow the rockering of the sleeve, but not so much as to allow the loss of contact of guides 221 and 222 to track 19 when the assembly is in the lifted position. This rockering action is actuated by either the lifting upward of handles 80 and 82 or, thereafter, while returning the assembly to the locked position.

Various embodiments of the apparatus are possible whereon pillar 10 and base assembly 101, as formerly described in FIG. 1, are formed of square, rectangular, oval, or triangular lengths of columnar steel. In such embodiments the anti-rotational aspects of assemblies 211 and 30 as previously described, are not necessary and modifications to the invention can be made. Some of these possible modifications will now be disclosed.

Turning now to FIG. 6, there is disclosed such a modification of the apparatus. Vertically oriented pillar member 11, formed of two inch by three inch rectangular steel, its round formed counterpart described earlier in the first preferred embodiment as vertically oriented pillar member 10, has located down and along its entire length and on the rear panel, locking grooves 242, bored into pillar member 11 and spaced approximately every two inches along its length and terminating at approximately the topmost area of receptacle 97. Receptacle 97 was previously shown in FIG. 2. Steel formed, or other like material, vertical locking bar 239 is rigidly attached, by weldment arrangement or other secure means, to the inside and topmost rear area of sides, oriented in parallel fashion, of sleeve 254, and is oriented in a generally horizontal position clearly above the horizontal plane of bar 28, thereby allowing for the rockering action of the sleeve mechanism. Bar 239 is of the approximate size so as to match the size of, and engage snugly into, grooves 242. Sleeve 254 is of a size and shape so as to conform to pillar 11 yet allow free movement over pillar 11 during vertical position adjustments. Turning now to FIG. 7, there is disclosed yet another modification of the apparatus. Vertically oriented pillar member 11, has disposed down and along its length on the rear panel, evenly spaced vertical adjustment locking nubs 251. Nubs 251 are formed of hard steel or other like material and are rigidly fixed, by weldment arrangement or other secure means to the rear panel of pillar 11. Vertical locking section 245 .s rigidly attached, by weldment arrangement or other secure means, to the inside and topmost rear area of both parallely disposed sides of sleeve 255 and is oriented in a generally horizontal position clearly above the horizontal plane of bar 28, thereby allowing for the rockering action of the sleeve assembly mechanism. Locking section 245, when the locked position rests on a nub 251 and thereby locks the sleeve assembly 255 and attached parts preventing undesired downward migration. Sleeve 255 is of a size and shape so as to conform to pillar 11 yet allow free movement over pillar 11 during vertical position adjustments. It should be understood that when there is no need to control rotation, as previously described, the moment created by the lever action of the handles 80 and 82 in the locked position, combined with the friction, here, between section 245 and the rear panel of pillar 11, is generally enough to hold sleeve assembly 255 and attached assemblies in a secure vertical position and resist downward migration of same. However, to insure a secure hold a locking mechanism, such as described herein, is preferably employed.

As a novel adaptation to the embodiment described in FIG. 7, locking nubs 251 could be disposed down the front panel instead of the rear panel as previously described. The bottom edge of the front section of sleeve 255 would now come to rest on a nub 251 and thereby provide locking of the sleeve assembly 255 in the desired vertical position. This novel adaptation can, in a like manner, be applied to other embodiments as disclosed herein.

In FIG. 8, there is disclosed yet another such modification of the apparatus. Vertically oriented pillar member 11, has disposed down and along its length on its rear, evenly spaced vertical adjustment locking holes 266. Holes 266 can be of round, square or other shape. Vertical locking section 260 is rigidly attached, by weldment arrangement or other secure means, to the inside and topmost rear area of both parallel sides of sleeve assembly 256 and is oriented in a generally horizontal position clearly above the horizontal plane of bar 28, thereby allowing for the rockering action of the sleeve assembly mechanism. Locking section 260 has projecting from it's inner surface a locking tab 263 that is formed of steel or other like material and is rigidly fixed to the inner surface of section 260 by a weldment arrangement or other secure means. Tab 263 is of such size and shape that, when in the locked position it engages into a hole 266 and thereby locks the sleeve assembly 256 into a locked position, thus preventing undesired downward migration of the assembly. Shown in phantom is lock nub 269. Nub 269 is formed of steel or other like material and is rigidly fixed to the inner surface of section 260 by a weldment arrangement or other secure means. This nub 269 can be used instead of tab 263 and would perform in much the same fashion. Sleeve 256 is of a size and shape so as to conform to pillar 11 yet allow free movement over pillar 11 during vertical position adjustments. Turning now to FIG. 11. Shown is an alternative base assembly that is assembled in much the same fashion as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, except that it has a curved support base cross member 160 and rear support legs 138 are curved downward at sections 139 and 140.

FIG. 12 shows yet another alternative base assembly. Here the upright vertical member 10 has a radius bend 182, projecting rearward at approximately the point at which buttress 123 is joined to Pillar 10. Radius bend 183 projects forward and thereby compensates for the radius bend of 182 so as to thereby maintain the upright and vertical orientation of pillar 10.

FIG. 13 shows yet another alternative base assembly, assembled in much the same fashion as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, alternative support base assembly, 163, is open at the front of the apparatus and is rigidly attached to pillar 10 at approximately the center point of its length. Support buttresses 178 and 179 are securely fixed to support base rails 164 and 165 and to pillar 10.

FIG. 14 shows yet another alternative base assembly, assembled in much the same fashion as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Here, alternative support base assembly 172 is rigidly attached to pillar 10 at approximately the center point of it's cross member 166. Cross member 166 is continuous with base support rails 173 and 174. Rear support leg assembly 200 is rigidly attached to pillar 10. Rear leg buttress 201 extends diagonally downward where it is rigidly attached to rear cross base member 202.

The individual component differences of the modified base assemblies and lever locking vertical height adjustment mechanism assemblies as shown and described herein, and the obvious variations not shown, but obvious to those skilled in the art, can be interchanged with one another in whole or in part and in a numerous variations and combinations. It should, therefore, be noted that only preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described. It is realized that various modifications of the described embodiments are possible without departing from the aspect and scope of the invention.

Method of Use

The following is a description of some of the variety of unique exercises and stretches that are facilitated by the novel apparatus as taught herein. These exercises and stretches affect other muscles along with the primary muscles and groups targeted by each.

A. Latissimus dorsi, shoulder, arm

1. Leg supported pull-ups, Figs. 18, 24, 25, and 26. The legs are used to assist the muscles performing the exercises. The degree of assistance desired is regulated by the conscious effort and control of the exerciser. These can be performed with a variety of grip alignments (Figs. 20, 24, 25 and 27 show a wide pronated grip while Fig. 26 shows a narrow supinated grip) , and hand placements thus concentrating different loads to different areas of the musculature. Conventional unsupported pull ups, shown in Figs. 20 and 27, can also be performed by simply delivering no assistance from the legs or by lifting the feet from the ground. 2. Cord exercises with an elastic cord attached to the apparatus by various means and held by the exerciser by a handle or handles. These exercises include lateral raises, upright rowing (shown in Fig. 38) and biceps curls.

The muscles exercised include the sternal portion of pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi and teres major, middle and lower portions of trapezius and rhomboids. With a pronated grip, the upper latissimus, brachialis & shoulder. With a supinated grip, the lower latissimus, biceps brachii, brachialis and brachioradialis. A wide grip on the exercise handles works, to a greater degree, upper latissimus. Chinning above the exercise handles uses more lower pectoral. Aligning the handle to the back of neck uses more latissimus.

B. Leg

3. Arm supported squat and knee bend exercises, Figs. 18, 24, 25, 26 and 32. More of the load value is concentrated to the legs, and the hands on the handles provide limited support and aid in balance.

4. Cord exercises with the elastic cord attached to the apparatus by various means and attached to the leg at the area of the ankle with a soft cuff allow exercises including leg extensions, hamstring curls (shown in Fig. 40), adductor and abductor exercises of the legs, and calf raises. The calf raises, Fig. 29, can be performed with the forefoot placed on the front base cross member and raised above the level of the heel (to allow a full range of motion) , with or without the resistance of the elastic cords. The muscles exercised include the quadriceps group, gluteal, hamstring group, soleus, gastrocnemius, gluteous medius, and adductor longus, brevis, agnus and gracillis.

C. Triceps 5. Supported triceps dips, Fig. 32. The legs are used to assist the muscles performing the exercises. The degree of assistance desired is regulated by the conscious effort and control of the exerciser. These can be performed with a variety of grip alignments and hand placements, thus delivering different loads to different areas of the musculature. For example, in Fig. 32, a neutral, narrow grip is , sed and in Fig. 33 a wide pronated grip is used. Conventional unsupported triceps dips can also be performed by simply delivering no assistance from the legs or by lifting the feet from the ground as shown in Figs. 17 and 33.

6. Cord exercises with the elastic cord attached to the apparatus by various means and held by the exerciser by a handle. These exercises include triceps extensions and triceps pressdowns, Fig. 23.

The muscles exercised can include the triceps. The anterior deltoid, pectoralis major and minor, coracobrachialis, rhomboid, lower trapezius. Latissimus dorsi, teres major.

D. Back

7. Device supported supine pulls, Figs. 22, 34 and 35. The legs are used to assist the muscles of the back while performing the exercises. The body is oriented in a generally supine position with the legs bent at the knee and the feet flat on the ground. The body is in a position generally parallel to the floor the hands hold the handle bars and the exercise is performed by pulling with the arms until the chest is at the level of the handle bars and then lowering to the starting position. The degree of load and the degree of assistance desired is regulated by the conscious effort, and control of the exerciser, by the vertical height position of the handle bars, and by straightening the legs (the length of the lever created by the body, as determined by the placement of the feet, changes the fulcrum point. A longer lever, feet further away, increases the load on the arms and makes the exercise more intense. A lower bar position will also provide greater load and make the exercise more intense, Fig. 35. However, the bar must be high enough to allow the arms to fully straighten without the back touching the ground. This exercise can be performed with a variety of grip alignments and hand placements thus delivering different loads to different areas of the musculature. 8. Cord exercises with the elastic cord attached to the apparatus by various means and held by the exerciser by a handle. These exercises include bent over rows, lateral raises and reverse fly exercises, Fig. 39.

The areas and muscles exercised include the lower pectoralis major, lower latissimus dorsi, teres major, posterior medial and anterior deltoid, teres minor, infraspinatus middle trapezius, rhomboid and quadratus lumborum. Superficial spinal extensors: erector spinae group (iliocostalis thoracis, iliocostalis lumborum longissimus dorsi, spinalis dorsi), Deep spinal erectors: intertransversarii, interspinalis, rotatores, multifidus)

E. Chest 9. Device supported push ups, Figs. 19 and 30. The degree of assistance desired is regulated by the vertical height position of the handle assembly. The higher the position the easier the exercise. The body is placed in the general position of a conventional push up with the hands placed on the handles and a push up is performed. The exerciser can by orienting the feet closer to the apparatus align the handles to the body in such a way as to emulate the alignment of a conventional decline press device and by orienting the feet further from the apparatus emulate the alignment of an incline press. These can be performed with a variety of grip alignments and hand placements thus delivering different loads to different areas of the musculature. As example, Fig. 19 shows a wide pronated grip and Fig. 30 shows a narrow neutral grip. 10. Cord exercises with the elastic cord attached to the apparatus by various means and held by the exerciser by a handle. These exercises include upright and bent over cable crossover exercises, Fig. 37.

The areas and muscles exercised include: anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, coracobrachialis, pectoralis minor, serratus anterior, triceps brachii. Also static (isometric) contraction of abdominal muscles and lower back.

F. Abdominal 11. Elbow supported, alternating leg raises, double knee raises, alternating straight leg raises and double straight leg raises.

12. With the forearm pads locked in their functional position and with the vertical height position of the handles positioned at a height that allows the exerciser to perform alternating knee raises, as shown in Fig. 31, double bent knee raises, as shown in Fig. 21, alternating straight leg raises and double straight leg raises along with twisting variations of same. The aforementioned exercises can also be performed while holding on to the handles and hanging from the arms.

The muscles exercised include the hip flexors, rectus abdominis, internal and external obliques, transversus abdominis, psoas, and spinal flexors.

G. Stretches

13. A variety of stretches are possible with the apparatus. Supported stretch positions are possible in a variety of positions and angles, thereby, providing assistance in balance and promotion of correct form while allowing for relaxed and optimal stretching of the muscles and tendons. These stretches can be leg stretches supported by the arms, as shown in Figs. 36 and 41, or arm, shoulder, back stretches performed while hanging from the handles with or without support from the legs, as shown in Fig. 28.

14. The supported hamstrings stretch, Fig. 41, can be performed facing the machine with hands resting lightly on the handles, one leg extended forward (heel on the floor) , and most of the bodies weight aligned and seated over the other leg

(with a straight back) . This provides optimal position and alignment for safe and effective stretching. The various adjustments possible with the apparatus allow correct positioning of individuals with varying degrees of flexibility.

Claims

What is Claimed: 1. An exercise apparatus comprising: an elongated upright pillar having a plurality of stop positions therealong; a surrounding member slidably mounted on said pillar and being sufficiently oversized to permit relative lengthwise tilting therebetween; an elongated horizontal support bar fixedly connected to said surrounding member, said horizontal support bar and said surrounding member being moveable between an upper and lower limit positions on said pillar, said surrounding member being tilted lengthwise relative to said pillar between stop positions at which said surrounding member is fixed to said pillar, said surrounding member sliding freely relative to said pillar between stop positions.

2. The exercise apparatus according to claim l, wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by the teeth of a rack.

3. The exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said surrounding member includes a locking bar that selectively meshes with said teeth of said rack in said locked position.

4. The exercise apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said surrounding member includes an anti-rotation guide to prevent said surrounding member from rotating with respect to said pillar.

5. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a back supporting pad is fixed exteriorly of said surrounding member.

6. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a back supporting pad is fixed to said horizontal member.

7. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of elongated handle members slidably mounted on said horizontal support bar so as to protrude laterally relative to the length thereof.

8. The exercise apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a forearm pad assembly supported on each of said elongated handle members .

9. The exercise apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said forearm pad assemblies are mounted to be moveable between a working position overlying a corresponding handle member and a cached position.

10. The exercise apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said forearm pad assemblies are further moveable to a removable position.

11. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a base supporting the lower end of said pillar.

12. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by a plurality of recesses.

13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by one of a group of recesses and a group of bores formed in said pillar.

14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of stop positions are a defined by plurality of nubs formed on said pillar.

15. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by a plurality of grooves formed in said pillar.

1 16. The exercise apparatus according to claim 1,

2 further comprising a retaining member at the upper end of said

3 pillar to prevent said surrounding member from being slidably

4 removed above said pillar.

1 17. The exercise apparatus according to claim l,

2 wherein said retaining mechanism provides a connection between

3 said pillar and said surrounding member at a single location.

1 18. An exercise apparatus comprising:

2 an elongated, upright pillar having a plurality

3 of stop positions therealong;

4 a surrounding member mounted on said pillar for

5 sliding movement between said stop positions;

6 a retaining mechanism locking said pillar and

7 surrounding member against relative movement at said stop 8. positions; and

9 a horizontal support bar fixedly connected to 0 said surrounding member.

1 19. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18,

2 further comprising a retaining member at the upper end of said

3 pillar to prevent said surrounding member from being slidably

4 removed above said pillar.

1 20. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18,

2 wherein said retaining mechanism provides a connection between

3 said pillar and said surrounding member at a single location.

4 21. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18,

5 wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by the

6 teeth of a rack.

1 22. The exercise apparatus according to claim 21,

2 wherein said surrounding member includes a locking bar that

3 selectively meshes with said teeth of said rack at said stop

4 positions.

23. The exercise apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said surrounding member includes an anti-rotation guide to prevent said surrounding member from rotating with respect to said pillar.

24. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a back supporting pad is mounted exteriorly of said surrounding member.

25. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a back supporting pad is fixed to said horizontal member.

26. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a pair of elongated handle members slidably mounted on said horizontal support bar so as to protrude laterally relative to the length thereof.

27. The exercise apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising a forearm pad assembly supported on each of said elongated handle members.

28. The exercise apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said forearm pad assemblies are mounted to be moveable between a working position overlying a corresponding handle member and a cached position.

29. The exercise apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said forearm pad assemblies are further moveable to a removable position.

,

30. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a base supporting the lower end of said pillar.

31. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by a plurality of recesses.

1 32. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18,

2 wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by one of

3 a group of recesses and a group of bores formed in said pillar.

1 33. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18,

2 wherein said plurality of stop positions are a defined by

3 plurality of nubs formed on said pillar.

1 34. The exercise apparatus according to claim 18,

2 wherein said plurality of stop positions are defined by a

3 plurality of grooves formed in said pillar.

1 35. A method for using an exercise apparatus having

2 an elongating, upright pillar, the pillar having with a

3 plurality of stop positions therealong, a sliding member 4. mounted on the pillar for sliding movement therealong, and a

5 horizontal support bar fixedly connected to the sliding member,

6 the method comprising the step of:

7 performing a compound exercise while gripping the

8 support bar with the hands while supporting part of the user's

9 body weight on the feet, whereby neither the upper nor lower 0 body is required to support the entire weight of the body.

1 36. The method according to claim 33, wherein the

2 compound exercise is a pull-up performed with the feet

3 remaining on the ground so that one of the legs can assist the

4 arms or the arms can assist the legs.

1 37. The method according to claim 33, wherein the

2 compound exercise is a tricep dip with the feet remaining on

3 the ground so that one of the legs can assist the arms or the

4 arms can assist the legs.

5 38. The method of claim 33, wherein the height of

6 the support bar is adjusted to achieve a desired relationship

7 between the weight supported by the upper body and the weight

8 supported by the lower body of the user.

39. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound exercise is a supine row performed with the feet remaining on the ground so that one of the legs can assist the arms or the arms can assist the legs.

40. The method of claim 33, wherein the compound exercise is a push-up performed with the hands at any one of said plurality of stop positions.