Abstract:
An exercise apparatus includes a base and an elongated upright pillar connected to the base. The pillar has a plurality of stop positions therealong. A surrounding member is slidably mounted on the pillar and is sufficiently oversized to permit relative lengthwise slidable movement therealong. An elongated horizontal support bar is fixedly connected to the surrounding member. The horizontal support bar and the surrounding member is moveable between an upper and lower limit positions on the pillar. The surrounding member is selectively fixed to the pillar at the stop positions. The surrounding member slides relative to the pillar between stop positions. A lifting force is applied to the surrounding member by a mechanical lifting aid to assist the surrounding member when sliding relative to the pillar.

Description:
This application is based upon Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/042,675 filed Apr. 3, 1997, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Applicant claims the benefit of the filing date of the aforesaid provisional application under 35 U.S.C. §119. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to exercise apparatus, and more particularly to an adjustable apparatus facilitating 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. 
     2. Discussion of the Related Art 
     As disclosed in United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/013,959, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 15, 1996, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and in PCT Application No. PCT/US97/04618, entitled “Exercise Apparatus and Method of Use”, which claims priority from the above-identified U.S. Provisional application and was filed on Mar. 14, 1997, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, 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, and this 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 apparati, the exerciser is forced to utilize a number of different apparati or impracticably large and expensive multi-station gyms in order to facilitate a full body workout. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This exercise apparatus utilizes the body&#39;s own weight for balanced and effective strength and stretch in the manner described herein. The 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 approach to exercise is achieved, principally, by incorporating the body&#39;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&#39;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 tone 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&#39;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&#39;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 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, 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 multiple pins, cams, bands or weight stacks, the exerciser can smoothly 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 tensile aided, counterweight aided and or the lever locking pin or pin-less vertical adjustment of the apparatus working in concert with the pin or 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 this method of exercise 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. Additionally, in an exercise regime where the goal is to perform 15 leg squat repetitions, throughout a set and by the 15th repetition of a set the exerciser can deliver the exact amount of leg resistance needed through arm 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 variety of unique means by which to aid in the vertical adjustment of an exercise device and a unique method by which to fold a single station exercise device with a single adjusting assembly allowing multiple adjustments that facilitates multiple supported and unsupported exercises for easy storage and portability. 
     As previously stated, several of the features of my invention are the variety of unique means by which to aid in the vertical adjustment of an exercise device. The method of achieving such aid as taught herein generally could include an elastic band, a spring or a cord that has exerted on it some form of tensile resistance much as does a retractable dog leash or retractable tape measure and would provide enough tensile aid so as to effectively reduce the weight of the vertical adjustment assembly as it is relocated along the length of the upright pillar of the apparatus causing the vertical adjustment assembly to effectively glide as it is being relocated along the pillar. 
     It is common in the exercise products industry to utilize a pin into a hole to adjust vertical height in some exercise equipment. Although the use of such a pin into a hole adjustment is by reference, included in the scope of the apparatus, the use of a pin or plurality of pins is not required. 
     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 pin 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. The use of a spring loaded pin as is so known to those familiar with the art, can be incorporated to reduce the possibility of such unwanted sliding however, this method of adjustment can be encumbering to the exerciser and can necessitate an undesirable and inefficient pause in some exercises and exercise routines. 
     Another important aspect of this invention is a unique method by which to fold a single station exercise device facilitates multiple supported and unsupported exercises for easy storage and portability. 
     In one embodiment of the apparatus, the upright vertical member and portions of the frame are formed of square material. 
     While the invention will be described in connection with United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/013,959, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 15, 1996, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and a number of preferred embodiments, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to this reference or 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 and would be so obvious to those skilled in the art. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of a specific embodiment thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mechanically aided exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the exercise apparatus; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the end of the base cross member; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in a folded configuration; 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the wheel assembly; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the upper end of the pillar; 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the upper end of the pillar showing a modification of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a partial side view of the upper portion of the pillar; 
     FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the upper portion of the pillar showing a further modification of the mechanically aided lifting apparatus; 
     FIG. 10 is a rear view of another modification of the mechanically aided lifting device; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a spring compression tab assembly; 
     FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the upper portion of the pillar; 
     FIG. 13 is a partial side view of the upper portion of the pillar; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an elastic cord assembly; 
     FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the upper portion of the pillar showing the forearm pad assemblies; 
     FIG. 16 is a partial side view of the forearm pad assembly; 
     FIG. 17 is a top view of the forearm pad assembly; 
     FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the forearm pad assembly; 
     FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mechanically aided exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 20 is a side view of the exercise apparatus illustrated in FIG. 19; 
     FIG. 21 is a rear view of the exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 19; and 
     FIG. 22 is a partial side view of the connection between two of the bars of the apparatus shown in FIG.  19 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Shown in FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of the mechanically aided 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. Bored into the terminal ends of members  95  and  96  are elastic cord clip receptacle bores  48  and  49 . 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 the distal ends of base members  150  and  151 . 
     Elongated members  83  and  84  extend forward from a horizontal supported bar  28  in a cantilevered arrangement. The horizontally disposed bar  28  is rigidly attached in this embodiment for example by a weldment arrangement, to sleeve  110  which is of such a dimension so as to allow the free sliding of itself and subsequently the entire pin locking mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  30  to which it is rigidly attached, along the length of centrally located, vertically oriented pillar member  10  onto which sleeve  110  is slidably mounted. 
     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 as previously taught in my United States Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/013,959, filed in the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office on Mar. 15, 1996. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the pillar  10  is formed of three inch square steel tubing. 
     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 buttress support  123  is securely attached at its terminal ends by mounting and pivot axis bolts and nut attachments  146  and  148  to base members  150 ,  151  respectively and such nut and bolt attachment will provide a pivot for interconnector buttress support  123  when folding of the frame is desired and as will be taught below. Interconnector buttress support  123  is rigidly connected at its midpoint by weldment arrangement to connector plate  116 , formed of flat or in this embodiment angled steel which is of a dimension so as to fit onto or snugly accept the outer dimension of base end of pillar  10  at location  97  and can be attached by screwmount attachment through bores  143  corresponding to aligning bores in pillar  10  at location  97 . 
     Pillar  10  is rigidly attached, such as by weldment arrangement, at its base end, to the center of base cross member  147 . Rails  150  and  151  are rigidly attached to base cross member  147  by weldment arrangement or in this case, where a disassembling is desired, by connectors  44  and  45 , formed of angled steel, which are rigidly attached to the terminal ends of base cross member  147  and attached by a nut and bolt attachment to rails  150  and  151  through bore sets  157  and  158  and their corresponding aligning bores on rails  150  and  151 . 
     Connector anchor bar  51  is rigidly attached to the rear most ends of rails  150  and  151  respectively and has at its mid point bore  56  which is of such a dimension so as to accept connector ring  54 . Ring  54  is attached to elastic cord  50  in a manner that is known to those skilled in the art. 
     Bore sets  62  and  64  are disposed at the forwardmost ends of rails  150  and  151  respectively and are of such a dimension so as to freely accept the clip end of an elastic cord assembly  66  that is known to those skilled in the art. Foot plates  58  and  60  are rigidly connected to the forwardmost ends of rails  150  and  151  and are attached in a manner such as a weldment attachment. These foot plates are stood upon by the user when using elastic cord assembly  66  to perform an exercise such as a biceps curl exercise and prevent undesirable lifting of the apparatus  9 . 
     So as to provide the free and unrestricted movement of and proper alignment of elastic cord  50  a pulley system is incorporated, in this case the use of two pulleys  74  and  76 . Pulleys  74  and  76  are of a type that is known to those skilled in the art. Pulleys  74 ,  76  are disposed at the topmost end of pillar  10  and are of such a size so as to freely accept the dimension of elastic cord  50  into their respective grooves. Pulleys  74  and  76  are in this case, mounted to the inside of pillar  10  by means of bolt and nut fasteners  124  which are of such a length that when inserted into bores  70  and  72  disposed in alignment with their mirror bores on the opposite sides of the upward end of pillar  10  and through the registered and aligning center axis bores of pulleys  74  and  76  extend completely through pillar  10  and provide full thread attachment of nuts. Cord lock rod  78  is disposed at the topmost end of pillar  10  in such a manner so as to resist the disengaging of elastic cord  50  from the grooves of pulleys  74  and  76 . Notch  102  and its mirror, notch  104 , are disposed at the top of the front and back sides of pillar  10  and are aligned in such a relationship with pulleys  74  and  76  so as to allow the pulleys to be somewhat recessed into the top of pillar  10  and, thus, allows the free and unobstructed movement of elastic cord  50  thereby reducing the vertical height of the apparatus  9 . 
     Connector ring  68  is attached to the upper terminal end of elastic cord  50  in any manner that is known to those skilled in the art. Connector tab  66  is rigidly attached to one of the sides of sleeve assembly  30 , in this embodiment to the mid point of horizontal supported bar  28  by weldment arrangement, and includes bore  106 , which is of such a dimension so as to receive connector ring  68 . Elastic cord assembly  108  is of such a length and tensile resistance so that when attached to bores  56  and  106  and disposed so as to freely glide over pulleys  74  and  76  it exerts a lifting force on pin locking mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  30  thereby aiding in quick and smooth transitions between various vertical height positions along the length of pillar  10 . 
     Sleeve  110  has mounted to one of its sides, in this case the front, spring loaded adjusting pin assembly  78 , a pin assembly that is known to those skilled in the art. The central shaft of pin assembly  78  is of such a shape so as to freely seek and insert into bores  22  which are disposed along the vertical length, in this case down the front, of pillar  10 . Such a relationship provides a locking mechanism that prevents unwanted sliding of pin locking mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  30  down the length of pillar  10 . 
     Turning now to FIG.  2 . In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, as it is foreseeable that some users of the apparatus  9  may desire a means of conveniently folding the apparatus, described below is an embodiment of the apparatus that includes a unique means via a pivot folding configuration by which to fold the frame of apparatus  9 . Although only one embodiment is taught below it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to this reference or this embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be within the spirit and scope of the invention and would be so obvious to those skilled in the art. 
     Base cross member  132  is formed of a circular steel tube that is rigidly attached to the base end of pillar  10  by weldment arrangement at the mid point of base cross member  132 . Each corresponding end of base cross member  132  is of such a dimension so as to fit snugly into sleeves  160  and  162  respectively yet still allow free rotation of base cross member  132 . Sleeves  160  and  162  are rigidly attached to connectors  44  and  45  by weldment arrangement. Rear base cross member  170  is rigidly attached at it terminal ends to the rearward terminal ends of base members  150  and  151  and is attached by weldment arrangement but can be attached by means of a common bolt and nut configuration if more compact shipping of the apparatus  9  is desired. Wheel assemblies  172  and  174  are of the type known to those skilled in the art and are attached to the rearward terminal ends of base rails  150  and  151  by weldment arrangement. Connector bracket  98  is formed of angled steel which is of a dimension so as to snugly accept the outer dimension of pillar  10  at frame support position location  97  and is securely attached to pillar  10  by knobbed bolt and nut fasteners  176  which are of such a length that when inserted into bores  178  and  180  on connector bracket  98  and through registered and aligning bores  186  and  188  through the mirror bores of bores  186  and  188  on pillar  10  and through the mirror bores of  178  and  180  and they extend completely through plate connector bracket  98 , pillar  10  and provide full thread attachment of nuts. 
     There is disclosed yet another such modification of the apparatus here in FIG. 2, the front end of cord  114  is attached to connector ring  68  in any manner that is known to those skilled in the art and is in turn attached to tab  66  at bore  106 . The back end of cord  114  is attached to connector ring  116  in any manner that is known to those skilled in the art. Cord  114  passes over and engages pulley  74  and connector ring  116  is now disposed down into the inside of pillar  10  where it is attached to the top end of spring  118  by any such means that is known to those skilled in the art. Spring  118  is disposed inside pillar  10 , at a lower most portion thereof. Connector ring  120  is attached to a lower most end of spring  118  and is in alignment and registration with bore  122  that is disposed through both parallel sides of pillar  10 . Bolt and nut fastener  124 , which is of such a length that when inserted into bore  122  and through registered and aligning connector ring  120  and then through bore&#39;s  122  mirror bore and then extends completely through pillar  10  to provide full thread attachment of nuts. Spring cord assembly  119  is of such a tensile resistance so as to exert, via its connection to assembly  30  at tab  66 , sufficient mechanical aid to the lifting of assembly  30  throughout the vertical adjustment length of pillar  10 . 
     In FIG. 3 nubs  164  and  168  are disposed at each end of base cross member  132  respectively in such a manner so as to border the inner edge of sleeves  160  and  162  respectively so as to prevent unwanted horizontal sliding of base cross member  132  in sleeves  160  and  162 . Similarly, nubs  166  and  167  are disposed at each end of base cross member respectively in such a location so as to border the outer edge of sleeves  160  and  162  respectively so as to prevent unwanted horizontal sliding of base cross member  132  in sleeves  160  and  162 . Nubs  164 ,  168 ,  166  and  167  are attached in a screwmount arrangement. 
     In FIG. 4 the apparatus is shown in its folded arrangement. Handle members  80  and  82  have been removed and relocated from their horizontal orientation to a vertical apparatus folding and storage orientation; knobbed bolt and nut fasteners  176  have been removed from their frame support position at location  97 ; connector bracket  98  has been moved to frame folded and cached position at location  99 ; interconnector buttress support  123 , via its weldment attachment to connector bracket  98  and the pivot action of mounting and pivot axis bolts and nut attachments  146  and  148  is now in its frame folded and cached alignment; pillar  10  has been rotated via the pivot axis of base cross member  132  and its relationship with sleeves  160  and  162 ; pillar  10  now in its frame folded and cached position and is now generally parallel to base rails  150  and  151 ; knobbed bolt and nut fasteners  176  have been inserted into bores  178  and  180  and extend through bracket  98 ; through registered and aligning bores  190  and  192  on pillar  10 , and extend completely through plate connector bracket  98 , pillar  10  and therefore provide full thread attachment of nuts thus securing the apparatus in its folded and cached position. Apparatus  9  can now be easily moved to any convenient storage location by holding the upper end of pillar  10  and rolling the apparatus on the wheel assemblies  172  and  174  which can now engage the floor. 
     Turning now to FIG.  6 . Shown here is a modification of the mechanically aided lifting assembly. Retractable cord assembly  194  is mounted to the inner surface of the upper end of pillar  10  in a screwmount arrangement and is a retractable cord device such as is employed in the use of a retractable dog leash or retractable tape measure, which are known to those skilled in the art. Cord  196  is attached to connector ring  68  in any manner that is known to those skilled in the art, and is of such a length and under such a tensile resistance that when said cord is connected to mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  30 , via its attachment to bore  106  of connector tab  66 , there is exerted a lifting force that aids in the lifting of assembly  30  throughout its entire vertical adjustment range on pillar  10 . 
     In FIG. 7, there is disclosed yet another such modification of the apparatus. Pillar  10 , has disposed down and along its length on its rear, evenly spaced vertical adjustment locking holes  210 . Holes  210  can be of round, square or other shape. Vertical locking section  212  is rigidly attached, by weldment arrangement or other secure means, to the inside and topmost rear area of both parallel sides of sleeve assembly  214  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  212  has projecting from it&#39;s inner surface shown in phantom is lock nub  216 . Nub  216  is formed of steel or other like material and is rigidly fixed to the inner surface of section  212  by a weldment arrangement or other secure means. Tab  216  is of such size and shape that, when in the locked position it engages into a hole  210  and thereby locks the sleeve assembly  214  into a locked position, thus preventing undesired downward migration of the assembly. Although the drag and friction created on the contact surface of pillar  10  by the rockering action of sleeve assembly  214  can be adequate to resist downward migration of the assembly to insure a secure hold a locking mechanism, such as described herein, is preferably employed. Sleeve  256  is of a size and shape so as to conform to pillar  10  yet allow free movement over pillar  10  during vertical position adjustments. 
     Retractable cord assembly  194  as disposed at the top end of pillar  10  is in this modification rearward facing. Cord  196  is attached to connector ring  68  in any manner that is known to those skilled in the art, and is of such a length and under such a tensile resistance delivered by retractable cord assembly  194  that when cord  196  is connected to mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  214 , via its attachment of connector ring  68  to bore  106  of connector tab  66 , there is exerted a lifting force that aids in the lifting of assembly  214  throughout its entire vertical adjustment range on pillar  10 . 
     Shown in FIG. 8 is another modification of the mechanically aided lifting apparatus. Elastic cord  202  is attached to connector ring  68  in any manner that is known to those skilled in the art and is in turn attached to tab  66  at bore  106 . Elastic cord  202  passes over pulley  74  and down into the inside of pillar  10 . The base end of elastic cord  202  is attached to connector ring  200  and is disposed down inside pillar  10  to a point that connector ring  200  is in alignment and registration with bore  198  that is through both parallel sides of pillar  10 . Bolt and nut fastener  176  which is of such a length that when inserted into bore  198  and through registered and aligning connector ring  200 , extend completely through pillar  10  and provide full thread attachment of nuts. Elastic cord  202  is of such a tensile resistance so as to exert, via its connection to assembly  30 , sufficient mechanical aid to the lifting of assembly  30  throughout the vertical adjustment length of pillar  10 . 
     Directing your attention now to FIG. 9, shown here is another modification of the mechanically aided lifting apparatus. Cord  204  is attached to connector ring  68  in any manner that is known to those skilled in the art and is in turn attached to tab  68  at bore  106 . Cord  204  passes over pulley  74  and down into the inside of pillar  10 . The end of cord  204  is laced through bore  208  which is disposed at the top of counterweight  206 . Counterweight  206  is of such a dimension so as to move freely in a vertical manner inside the dimension of pillar  10  and is of such a weight so as to, via its connection to assembly  30 , provide sufficient mechanical aid to the lifting of assembly  30  throughout the vertical adjustment length of pillar  10 . 
     Turning now to FIGS. 10-13. Shown here is another aspect of a modification of the mechanically aided lifting apparatus. Spring  100  is inserted down and into pillar  10  and rests securely on the top surface of base cross member  147 . Spring  100  is of such a dimension so as to move freely within the inner dimension of pillar  10 . 
     Shown in FIG. 11 is spring compression tab assembly  103 . Tab  112  is formed of plate steel and is of such a width so that when horizontally aligned can move freely within the inner dimension of pillar  10  yet large enough to serve as a compression tab to spring  100 . Tab  112  has welded to its edge threaded shaft  107 . 
     Shown in FIG. 12 is bored track  111  which is disposed down the backside of pillar  10  and is of such a dimension so as to freely accept threaded shaft  107 . Track  111  ends somewhat before the top end of pillar  10  creating stop edge  113  of pillar  10 . 
     Shown in FIG. 13 is spring compression tab  103  having been inserted into and through track  111  from the inside out with the threaded end of shaft  107  projecting rearward and outside of pillar  10 . Shaft  107  is of such a length that when inserted through track  111  extends completely through pillar  10  and provide full thread attachment of nut  109  thus rigidly attaching tab assembly  103  to sleeve  110 . With the downward adjustment of mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  30  spring  100  is compressed by tab  112  and spring  100  creates such compression that there is exerted an adequate lifting force on pin locking mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  30  to aid in quick and smooth transitions between various vertical height positions along the length of pillar  10 . 
     Turning now to FIG. 15, a pair of forearm pad assemblies  218  have a pad base  220  formed of a rigid wood, metal, plastic or like material, which has fixed to their top surface, in any manner known in the art, soft foam like pad  222 . These pads  222  can have a flat top surface or can be concave longitudinally so as to provide a more comfortable resting surface for the forearm. Hand grip assembly  226 , is rigidly fixed to pad base  220  in any such manner as is known to those skilled in the art. Such as by a screwmount arrangement as shown in FIG. 18 with screws inserted through bores  230  on brackets  228  and into pad base for secure assembly. Referring once again to FIG. 15, a pair of pad assemblies  218  are shown, one mounted in its locked functional position on handle  82  and one shown in its removed position over handle  80 . Forearm pad  218  is shown with handle  224  end oriented forward, and locked upon, the approximate length of elongated member  84 , by means of forearm pad to handle rod  232  and angled forearm pad to handle rod  234 , so that the user&#39;s forearms can be securely rested upon the pads. Forearm pad to handle rod  232  and angled forearm pad to handle rod  234  are formed of steel and are attached to the bottom of handle grip support rail  227  in a weldment arrangement or other conventional means. Hand grips length  224  is oriented upward at a 90° angle so as to be in a position to be held in the user&#39;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 remove the pads  218  as is shown with pad assembly  218  removed from elongated member  83  and above handle  80 . 
     In accordance with yet another novel aspect of the invention, forearm pads  218  are removable. To remove the pads  218 , the front end of the pad assembly  218  is lifted thereby removing rod  232  from bore  240  which is disposed at the forward end of elongated members  83  or  84  and is bored completely through the diameter of elongated members  83  and  84 ; now the pad assembly  218  can be lifted in a forward direction thereby removing angled forearm pad to handle rod  234  from its position inside of elongated members  83  or  84  with elongated member  236  inside of, rearward facing and parallel with the elongated members  83  or  84 . 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, as best seen in FIG. 15, a back support pad assembly  244 , illustrated here in transparent form, is provided. Pad base  246 , formed of a rigid wood, metal, plastic or like material, has fixed to its front surface, by any means known to the art, a soft foam-like pad  248 . A pair of plates  250 , formed of steel, are rigidly fixed, and mirror each other, to the parallel sides of sleeve  110  by a weldment arrangement or other secure means; pad attachment bracket  252  is continuous with the forward edge plate  250  and oriented at a 90° angle diagonally outwardly. Pad base  220  is attached to bracket  252  in a common screwmount fashion through bores  254 . 
     The angle of the pad also provides a comfortable and safe position for the lower back while performing knee raises and other like exercises and are used in concert with the forearm pads  218  to provide comfort and support while performing knee lift exercises that are known to those skilled in the art. 
     Turning know to FIGS. 19-22, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The mechanically aided exercise apparatus  9  illustrated in this embodiment is intended to rest against the floor by horizontal bar  268  and against an upstanding wall, which is typically perpendicular with respect to the floor, through substantially vertically oriented mounting pads  260 ,  262  each of which is fixedly connected to pillar  10 . For example, pad  260  is fixedly connected to pillar  10  essentially adjacent to the radius bend  276  by connecting rod  264 . Likewise, pad  262  is fixedly connected to the upper portion of pillar  10  by connecting rod  266 . Pin locking mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism assembly  30  can be made by any of the embodiments described herein. Pillar  10  is connected to horizontal bar  268  by a selectively disconnectable connection between bar  284  and bar  278  for ease of assembly and disassembly of the apparatus and for small shipping size. More specifically, bar  278  includes a reduced stepped portion  282  that is matingly received within a blind bore  283  in bar member  284 . Bar  284  is fixedly connected to horizontal bar  268 , preferably by a weldment or a bolt connection (See FIG.  21 ). As illustrated, reduced portion  282  and blind bore  283  have a correspondingly similar shape in cross section (illustrated as being square) to assure a mating connection between these two parts. Of course, if desired a set screw or other mechanism may be used to selectively lock the connection between bar  278  and bar member  284 . 
     The individual component differences of the mechanical lifting aids to a sleeved exercise device, modified base assemblies, pin locking mechanically aided vertical height adjustment mechanism 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 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. For example, the connection of the connector ring  68  on the end of the cord assembly to the horizonal bar  28  through connector tab  66  can be effected to the sides of the pillar or in back of the pillar.