Exercise device and method

An exercise device for performing isometric exercises comprises a pair of vertical exercise bars, slidably mounted on a frame so that the spacing therebetween is adjustable. Each of these exercise bars mounts respective ring-shaped exercise handles. The exercise handles are rotatable, about a horizontal axis, and are movable, both vertically, along the bars, and rotatably, about the bars, to permit adjustment to virtually an infinite number of positions. The exercise device permits an improved form of isometric exercise, which is dynamic, rather than static. By applying force to the exercise handles or bars, and maintaining muscle tension as the user moves in a smooth, fluid motion to change his body position, the user's muscles are isometrically exercised throughout a continuous range of positions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to exercise devices, and methods of 
exercising, and particularly to isometric exercise methods and devices. 
Exercise devices and programs in use today may be classified into two 
types: isotonic, and isometric. 
When performing isotonic exercises, the exerciser's movements are opposed 
by the force of gravity, or by a spring. All weight-lifting exercises are 
isotonic exercises. Such exercises are commonly performed using barbells 
or exercise machines, which utilize either springs or weights to oppose 
the users's movements. 
Isotonic exercise machines typically exercise only a specified muscle or 
group of muscles, and thus, a variety of different exercise devices may be 
needed to exercise the various muscle groups throughout the body. 
Purchasing such a variety of equipment can involve a sizable monetary 
investment. In addition, a substantial amount of floor space may be 
required to set up the various exercise machines desired. 
Moreover, in isotonic type exercises, the use of fixed weights does not 
permit compensating for individual variations in energy output from day to 
day. On one day the exerciser may be at a physical peak and have no 
difficulty in performing the desired number of repetitions of a particular 
exercise with a fixed weight comfortably. However, a day or two later the 
exerciser may not be at that physical peak and may have to struggle to 
perform the same exercise. 
Isometric exercises alleviate many of the problems associated with isotonic 
exercise, since, in this type of exercise the exerciser pushes or pulls 
against an immovable object, thereby permitting him to automatically 
adjust the load on his muscles to match his physical condition. 
When performing an isometric exercise, the exerciser typically pushes or 
pulls against a wall, or a piece of furniture. Alternatively, he may push 
or pull against himself--e.g. by grasping a portion of his body with a 
hand. The exerciser tenses a muscle or small group of muscles, then locks 
it into a fixed position and maintains such tension for an extended period 
of time. Inherently, this is a static form of exercise, and the exerciser 
must assume a different position each time he wants to exercise a 
different muscle or part thereof. Thus, it is extremely difficult, if not 
impossible, to build strength evenly along the muscle being exercised. 
Since it is desirable to tone the entire muscle rather than only one part 
of it, most people prefer to use isotonic exercises, despite their 
disadvantages. 
A problem common to both isometric and isotonic exercises is that neither 
emphasizes overall cardiovascular fitness. Since these exercises generally 
utilize only a single muscle or small group of muscles at a time, the 
entire body is not involved in performing an exercise. While the heart 
rate of the exerciser may increase during performance of isotonic or 
isometric exercises, the increased blood flow is required only by the 
muscles being exercised, therefore resulting in a less than complete 
exercise of the cardiovascular system. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention alleviates the above problems by providing an 
isometric exercise device which permits use of a dynamic, rather than 
static, form of isometric exercise. The device allows the user to exercise 
his entire body in a fluid, coordinated manner which enhances bodily 
strength, flexibility, grace and fitness. The exercise device of the 
present invention is designed so that virtually any person regardless of 
age, size, weight, sex, or level of physical fitness can utilize the 
device to improve his physical condition and health. 
The device comprises a pair of vertical exercise bars which may be set at 
variable spacings relative to each other. Each of these exercise bars 
mounts respective ring-shaped exercise handles. The exercise handles are 
rotatable, about a horizontal axis, and are movable, both vertically, 
along the bars, and rotably about the bars, to permit adjustment to 
virtually an infinite number of positions. For example, they may be 
located at a height ranging from a few inches above the ground to a 
position well over the user's head. Further, by changing the spacing of 
the vertical exercise bars the handles may be separated by a distance of 
only a few inches, or by a distance sufficient to allow the user to grasp 
the handles with his arms outstretched from the sides of his body. In 
effect, the exercise rings provide the equivalent of an exercise bar or 
pair of exercise bars having virtually infinitely variable orientations, 
which, when grasped by the user, permit the user to exercise in a wide 
variety of positions. 
Thus by changing the orientation of the exercise handles and bars, a wide 
variety of exercises may be performed. Each change in the height, distance 
or position of the handles is easily and quickly accomplished by the use 
of quick-setting locks to freeze the position of the handle. 
A significant advantage of the present invention is that, by applying force 
to the exercise rings or bars to tense muscles in the user's body, and 
maintaining such tension as the user moves his torso in a smooth, fluid 
motion to change his body position, the tensed muscles are isometrically 
exercised throughout a continuous range of positions, from a starting 
position to a finish position. 
Each muscle, therefore, may be exercised from a position where it is fully 
contracted to a position where it is fully extended, thus evenly 
exercising the muscle along its entire length and providing strength 
throughout the muscle. Further, since there are essentially an infinite 
number of positions and exercises which may be performed on this device, a 
wide assortment of muscles may be exercised. In this way, muscles can be 
built up and toned substantially faster than they can by performing either 
isotonic or static-type isometric exercises. 
Another advantage of the isometric exercise device of the present invention 
is that muscles throughout the entire body can be exercised 
simultaneously, rather than only a single muscle or small group of muscles 
at a time. The upper body and lower body may alternately oppose and aid 
each other, with the opposing or aiding being done through pressure 
passing through the midsection of the body. Virtually every type of 
isotonic exercise may be paralleled by the use of this isometric exercise 
device, and a substantial number of exercises which cannot be performed on 
isotonic exercise devices are now possible because of the enhanced number 
of exercise positions associated in the present invention. Further, this 
device is the only piece of equipment required for a complete exercise 
program, thus resulting in a considerable savings in both floor space and 
equipment investment. 
Moreover, there are no weights or springs involved in an exercise program 
utilizing the device of the present invention, and thus, the possibility 
of injury is substantially reduced. The exerciser may determine exactly 
what he is capable of doing, and if at any time in performing an exercise 
he feels a strain developing, he can immediately decrease his muscle 
tension and/or use another part of his body to assist, thereby preventing 
that strain from developing into an injury. For example, if the exerciser 
is using his arms to pull his body upward, and during performance of this 
exercise feels a strain in a shoulder muscle, he can easily reduce or 
eliminate such strain by using his legs and the lower part of his body to 
help lift his body weight upward. In this way, injury to the person's 
muscles and ligaments may be prevented. 
Since the entire body is involved in performing an exercise on this device, 
the user receives a good cardiovascular workout, which enhances his 
overall fitness to a considerably higher level than that resulting from 
performance of isotonic or isometric exercises. In addition, since the 
exerciser can use one part of his body to aid another in performing an 
exercise, the exerciser need no longer choose between straining and 
risking injury, or stopping the exercise and feeling as if he has not 
accomplished anything. 
Another advantage of the present invention is that the user, while 
exercising, not only builds strength, but also can train his body to move 
in a graceful, coordinated manner. By maintaining muscle tension and, 
gradually changing positions, different muscle groups are brought into 
action in a smooth, fluid manner, so that his body is taught to function 
as a single coordinated unit. The invention thus avoids the excessive 
straining and jerky movements associated with prior art isotonic 
exercises. Using the present device allows the exerciser to actually build 
faster since, if the user begins to tire, repetitions may be continued by 
decreasing muscle tension, or by using another part of the body to aid in 
performing the exercise. 
Persons wishing to increase the level of their physical fitness can do so 
by using the present invention, regardless of their current level of 
physical fitness. By using this device anyone can experience an increase 
in strength, flexibility, fitness potential, and grace in body movement. 
Further, it is believed that the present invention is particularly 
suitable for use in a weightless environment, and thus, may be 
advantageously used by astronauts to prevent body deterioration during 
prolonged missions in space.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The present invention comprises a pair of rods, referred to herein as 
"exercise bars" 94, 96, retained in a vertical upstanding position by a 
frame 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The bars 94, 96 are movable on the frame 10, 
so that the spacing therebetween is adjustable. A pair of ring-shaped 
exercise handles, 73, 74 are mounted on the bars 94, 96 respectively by 
means of handle mounting assemblies 70, 72, respectively. The bars 94, 96 
and handles 73, 74 therefore, may be adjusted to a virtually infinite 
number of positions, so that a wide variety of exercises can be performed. 
The ring-shaped exercise handles 73, 74 are mounted to be rotatably 
adjustable about an axis perpendicular to the bars, while the assemblies 
70, 72 are mounted to slide on, and rotate about the bars 94, 96. 
The frame 10, which supports the bars 94, 96, comprises a horizontal upper 
frame 12 and a horizontal lower frame 14, joined together by a pair of 
vertical side frames 50, 52. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upper frame 12 is an elongate box-like 
structure, horizontally disposed, and comprised of four members: a pair of 
elongate plates or beams 34, 36, which form the sides of the upper frame 
12, and second pair of elongate plates or beams 40, 42 which form the top 
and bottom respective of the upper frame 12. The top beam 40 and the 
bottom beam 42 have respective longitudinal slots 43, 44 therein, for 
receiving the upper ends of the exercise bars 94, 96. These slots 43, 44 
are sufficiently long to permit movement of the exercise bars 94, 96 from 
the side frame 50 to the side frame 52, and thus, run substantially the 
length of the upper frame 12. Although only the slot 43 is shown in FIG. 
1, both slots 43, 44 are visible in FIG. 2. In addition, the bottom beam 
42 of the upper frame 12 includes a pair of notches at its ends, 
respectively, to receive the two side frames 50, 52. 
The lower frame 14 rests on the floor, and is comprised of two elongate 
plates or beams 30, 32, disposed in spaced, parallel relationship to form 
a channel 29 (FIG. 2 therebetween for receiving the lower ends of the 
vertical exercise bars 94, 96. As shown in FIG. 1, the beam 32 includes a 
notch 33 between the points A and B. The beam 30 has a similar notch (not 
shown). These notches provide access to hardware at the lower ends of the 
exercise bars 94, 96. 
The device also includes a platform having sections 20, 22 upon which the 
user stands while performing his exercises. The platform sections 20, 22 
rest on the floor, and are oriented to project from opposite sides of the 
lower frame 14. They may be made of wood, and covered with an exercise 
mat. Respective perimetrical frames 24, 26 are attached to the sections 
20, 22 at their perepheral edges. These frames 24, 26 are fastened to the 
lower frame 14, e.g. by bolting or welding, to attach the platform 
sections 20, 22 to the frame 14. For added support and strength, each of 
the side frames 50, 52 includes three angular support beams 54, 55, 56 and 
58, 59, 60, respectively. The angular supports 55, 59, connect the outer 
ends of the lower frame 14 to the upper ends of the side frames 50, 52, 
respectively. The angular supports 54, 58 connect the platform frame 24 to 
the side frames 50, 52, respectively. The angular supports 56, 60 connect 
the platform frame 26 to the side frames 50, 52, respectively. Angle 
brackets 62, 64 and 66, 68 are included on the side frames 50, 52, 
respectively, for connecting the supports 54, 56 and 60, 58, respectively 
to the side frames 50, 52, respectively. The portions of the frame may be 
fastened together by any suitable means, such as by bolts or welding. 
The details of the exercise bars 94, 96 are best shown in FIG. 2. The 
exercise bars 94, 96 comprise hollow rods or tubes, and are made, e.g., of 
a chrome-molybdenum alloy. Each of these bars 94, 96 is identical in 
construction, and thus, only the details of the bar 94 will be described. 
As shown in FIG. 2, a steel rod 110 telescopes within the exercise bar 94. 
The steel rod 110 is threaded on its lower end 114. This end 114 is 
inserted through a washer 122, disposed on the top side of the lower frame 
14. A second washer 120, disposed on the bottom side of the lower frame, 
receives the threaded end 114, so that the frame 14 is sandwiched between 
the washers 120, 122, with the rod 110 in the channel 29. A pair of lock 
nuts 116, 118 are then screwed onto the threaded portion 114 to support 
the washers 120, 122. 
The upper end of the steel rod 110 extends through the slots 43, 44 in the 
upper frame 12. A cam lock 100, having a slot (not shown) for receiving 
the end of rod 110, is rotatably mounted on the rod 110 by means of a pin 
112. The cam lock 100 has a camming surface 103, which, upon rotation of 
the cam lock 100, cams against the top plate 40 of the upper frame 12 to 
selectively move the rod 110 upward or downward relative to the frame 10. 
A rod-shaped handle 101 is provided on the cam lock 100 to assist in 
rotation thereof. When the cam lock 100 is rotated to the position shown 
in solid lines in FIG. 2, the cam surface 103 allows the steel rod 110 to 
drop slightly, thus providing play between the rod 110 and frame 10, to 
permit the exercise bar 94 to be moved across the length of the upper 
frame 12 and the lower frame 14. However, when the cam lock 100 is moved 
to the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, the cam surface 103 will 
lift the steel rod 110, and draw the lock nut 116 against the washer 120 
so that it bears tightly against the bottom of the beams 30, 32 of the 
lower frame 14, thereby causing the entire assembly to be locked into 
position. Thus, the cam lock 100 permits the exercise bar 94 to be 
adjusted to any position along the frame 10, and locked in position. A cam 
lock 102 (FIG. 1), identical to the cam lock 100, is included on the bar 
96, to permit adjustment and locking of this bar in the same manner as 
just described for the bar 94. Thus, by using the cam locks 100, 102 the 
spacing between the bars can be adjusted for various types of exercises. 
To insure that the exercise bars 94, 96 do not rotate about their 
respective steel rods 110, prongs 98, 99 project from the upper and lower 
ends of each of the bars 94, 96. The prongs 98, 99 on the upper end of the 
bar 94 are received by the slot 44 in the upper frame 12, while the prongs 
98, 99 on the lower end of the bar 94, are received as shown in FIG. 3, by 
a pair of cut-outs 104, 105 in the washer 122, through which the prongs 
pass, as they are inserted into the channel 29 of the lower frame 14. 
Although only the bar 94 is shown in detail in the drawings, it will be 
understood that the bar 96 is identical. The width of the prongs 98, 99 on 
the upper end of the bars is slightly less than the width of the slot 44, 
while width of the prongs 98, 99 on the lower end of the bars is slightly 
less than the width of the channel 29. This permits the bars to be moved 
along the frames 12, 14, but prevents them from rotating relative thereto. 
The details of the handle-mounting assemblies 70, 72 are shown in FIGS. 4 
through 9. Although only the assembly 70 is shown in the drawings, it will 
be understood that the assembly 72 is identical. Referring initially to 
FIG. 4, the assembly 70 comprises an elongate box-like housing 120. This 
housing 120 is formed from a pair of elongated plates 122, 124, in 
parallel relationship, with a third elongate plate 126 therebetween, 
oriented mutually perpendicularly to each of the plates 122, 124. Thus, 
the plates 122, 124, and 126 form a three-sided box, open on one side, as 
well as the top and bottom. The plates may be fastened together by any 
suitable means, such as by bolts 128, 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the plates 
122, 124 each include upper recesses 132, 134, respectively, and lower 
recesses 136, 138, respectively. The upper recesses 132, 134 are in 
opposed facing relationship, while the lower recesses 136, 138 are also in 
opposed facing relationship. Each of the recesses is square, having a 
width sized to receive tongue portions 140, 142, on opposite sides of a 
generally square plate 144, shown in phantom lines in FIG. 4. This plate 
144 is sized to fit within the three-sided box formed by the plates 
122,124,126, and is oriented generally perpendicular to the plates 122, 
124 and 126. The plate also includes a third tongue portion 143, 
projecting from the open side of the three-sided box, in a direction away 
from the plate 126. The purpose of this tongue portion 143 is discussed 
below. 
Although only a single plate 144 is shown in FIG. 4 (with the tongues 140, 
142, inserted into the lower recesses 136, 138, respectively, of the 
plates 122, 124, respectively), it will be understood that both the lower 
recesses 136, 138 and the upper recesses 132, 134 receive respective sets 
of five such plates 144, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In each set of plates, 
the plates 144 are stacked, one on top of the other. The upper set of 
plates 144 will be referred to collectively as the upper "leafed plates" 
145, while the lower set of plates 144 will be referred to collectively as 
the lower "leafed plates" 146. The recesses 132,134 and 136,138, which 
mount the sets of leafed plates 145,146, respectively, have vertical 
dimensions slightly greater than the combined thickness of each leafed 
plate set 145,146, so that the sets 145,146 may be inclined at an angle 
(e.g., 30.degree.) from the horizontal. 
Each of the plates 144 are identical, and thus, the leaf plate sets 145,146 
are identical. Further, each plate 144 has a central aperture 147, sized 
to receive the bar 94 to mount the housing 120 of the assembly 70 thereon, 
with the bar 94 parallel to the plates 122, 124, 126, and generally 
perpendicular to the plates 144. The diameter of the circular aperture 147 
is slightly larger than the diameter of the bar 94, to permit the plates 
144 to slide relative to the bar 94, when the plates 144 are generally 
perpendicular thereto. However, the apertures 147 are sufficiently large 
to permit the plates 144 to be inclined at an angle, (e.g., 30 degrees) 
relative to the bar 94. When so inclined, the plates 144 slide relative to 
each other, so that the edges of each plate aperture presses against the 
surface of the exercise bar 94 to grip the bar 94, and thus prevent 
relative movement between the assembly 70 and bar 94. The assembly 70, 
therefore, may be locked in any position on the bar 94 by inclining the 
upper and lower sets of leafed plates 145,146. 
Selective inclination of the leafed plates 145,146 is accomplished by means 
of an over-center mechanism 150, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This mechanism 
150 comprises a lever arm 152, one end of which is pivotally mounted to 
bear against the lower set of leafed plates 146, while the other end has a 
handle grip 151 for use in pivoting the arm 152. The over-center mechanism 
150 also includes a pivotable link 154, one end of which is pivotally 
mounted in a slot 153 formed in the arm 152, while the other end is 
pivotally mounted to bear against the upper surface of the lower set of 
leafed plates 146. Thus, the over-center mechanism 150 is mounted between 
the upper and lower leafed plate sets 145,146, in a manner resembling a 
clevis. 
Mounting of the arm 152 and link 154 against the upper and lower plate sets 
145,146, respectively, is accomplished by means of a bolt 155, passing 
vertically through apertures 156 (FIG. 7) in the tongue portions 143 (FIG. 
7) of the upper and lower leafed plate sets 145,146. The aperture 156 
(FIG. 7) is oval in shape so that the bolt 155 does not bind on the edges 
of the aperture 156 when the plate sets 145,146 are inclined. The bolt 155 
also passes through apertures (not shown) in the ends of the arm 152 and 
link 154. The arm 152 and pivotable link 154 are not secured relative to 
the bolt 155, so that they may slide thereon. Further, the upper leafed 
plate set 145 is also not secured to the bolt 155, so that it too is 
slidable thereon. The bolt 155 is sufficiently long to prevent the upper 
plate set 145 from traveling off the end of the bolt 155 when the plate 
sets 145,146 are inclined. 
By moving the arm 152 from the position shown in FIG. 5, where the arm 152 
and pivotable link 154 are disposed at an angle relative to one another, 
to the position shown in FIG. 6, where the arm and pivotable link are 
parallel to the bolt 155, the upper and lower leafed plate sets 145,146 
are biased apart, along the bolt 155, so that the plate sets 145,146 are 
inclined from the perpendicular relative to the bar 94, causing the plates 
144 to grip the bar 94 and lock the assembly 120 into position. The 
assembly 120 may be released by returning the arm 152 to the position 
shown in FIG. 5 so that the plates 144 may return to a position generally 
perpendicular to the bars 94. Such return of the plates 144 is assisted by 
a spring 160 attached to the tongue portions 143 of the upper and lower 
plate sets 145,146, by upper and lower clips 162,164, respectively. The 
clip 162 has a hook (not shown) which engages the lever arm 152 to keep it 
in bearing relationship with the upper leafed plate set 145. Thus, the 
clip 162 supports the arm 152 to prevent it from falling down, along the 
bolt 155, and against the lower leaf plate set 146. 
Therefore, by pivoting the arm 152 of the over-center mechanism 150 to 
cause the plates 144 to selectively grip the bars 94, the user may 
selectively lock the assembly 70 into position. 
As shown in FIG. 8, a cover 162 is provided to close the open side of the 
housing 120, between the plates 122,124. The cover 162 has a slot 164, 
through which the over-center mechanism 150 projects, so that the 
mechanism may be operated without removing the cover 162. 
The ring shaped handle 74 is mounted on the plate 126 of the housing 120 by 
means of a socket 170 comprising a cyclindrical tubular member projecting 
perpendicularly therefrom, as shown in FIG. 9. The socket 170 has an 
octagonal opening 172 for receiving a corresponding octagonal lug 174. 
This lug 174 projects outwardly from the ring 74, but in the plane 
thereof. The eight flats on the octagonal lug 176, as well as the eight 
flats on the octagonal opening 172 are the same size, so that the lug 176 
may be inserted into the opening 172 in any of eight different positions. 
These eight positions correspond to four different orientations of the 
ring shaped handle, namely, vertical, horizontal, and inclined at 45 
degrees in either direction from the vertical. The lug 176 may be secured 
to the socket 170 by means of an annular groove 178, formed upon the 
surface of the lug 176. A pair of holes 180 are provided in the socket 170 
for receiving a pin 184, attached to the housing 120 by a chain 186. The 
holes 180 are spaced so that, when the pin 184 is inserted therethrough, 
it rests within the groove 178 to prevent the lug 176 from sliding out of 
the socket 170. Thus, the pin 184 selectively locks the lug 176 of the 
ring shaped handle relative to the socket 170 of the housing 120. 
From the foregoing, it will be understood that the ring shaped handles may 
be adjusted to virtually any position on the bars 94, 96. Further, either 
handle may be rotatably adjusted so that it lies in a horizontal plane, 
vertical plane, or 45 degrees inclined plane. Although the lug and socket 
arrangement shown in FIG. 9 is preferred, at the present time, due to 
manufacturing convenience, it will be understood by those skilled in the 
art that other arrangements, (e.g., a locking ball joint), may be 
alternatively utilized. 
The exercise device of the present invention, therefore, provides a pair of 
handles 73, 74, which slide up and down the exercise bars, and rotate 
about the exercise bars. The horizontal spacing between the handles can be 
varied by changing the separation between the exercise bars 94, 96, and 
the vertical height and orientation of the handles 73, 74 may be varied by 
adjusting the position of the handles 74, 74 relative to the bars 94, 96 
by means of the mounting assemblies 70, 72. These handles 73, 74 can 
therefore be placed in virtually any desired position, thereby permitting 
a wide variety of exercises to be performed. Several exemplary types of 
novel exercises suitable for performance on this device are described 
below. 
One type of exercise, which involves lateral movements, is shown in FIGS. 
10A and 10B. The user stands close to the lower frame 14, spaced a few 
inches therefrom, facing the vertical exercise bars 94, 96 with his body 
midway therebetween. His feet are separated at a comfortable 
distance--e.g. 2 feet. The exercise bars 94, 96 are horizontally separated 
by a distance equivalent to aproximately one-half of the user's total arm 
span. The user grasps the exercise bar 94 with his right hand, and the 
exercise bar 96 with his left hand, with each hand at about chin-height, 
and with the palms facing each other. The user then applies force to the 
bars 94, 96, e.g. in a direction which tends to push the bars towards each 
other, and this force is maintained, at least partially, throughout the 
exercise. To begin the exercise, the user may position himself, as shown 
in FIG. 10A, so that his right arm is bent at the elbow with his face 
adjacent, and in close proximity, to the exercise bar 94. He then changes 
position, maintaining the force against the bars, and the concommitant 
tension in his muscles, to the position shown in FIG. 10B, by pivoting on 
the balls of his feet. This position change is accomplished in a smooth, 
fluid motion, so that the user's body gracefully moves to a position where 
his face is adjacent, and in close proximity to the bar 96, with his left 
arm bent at the elbow and his right arm outstretched. Thus, the user moves 
between a first position and second position, while maintaining the force 
of the bars in the same direction (e.g., in this example, continually 
pushing the bars towards each other), thereby exercising in an isometric 
manner through a continuous range of positions. This permits the user's 
muscles to be exercised along their entire length, and allows the user to 
automatically adjust the tension on his muscles to match his physical 
condition, and/or degree of fatigue. Further, it is significant that, 
while this exercise is directed primarily towards muscles in a particular 
part of the body (the upper portion in this example), virtually the entire 
body is used in performing the exercise. For example, the legs are 
exercised by moving the body from side to side, between the first and 
second positions, and the midsection is exercised by twisting during such 
movement. 
Preferably, the above-described exercise is repeated for various directions 
of force against the bars 94, 96. For example, the user may perform the 
same exercise by pushing the bars in an outward direction, perpendicular 
to the frame 14. After performing the desired number of repititions while 
pushing outward, the user may then perform an additional number of 
repititions while pushing downward on the bars, maintaining the force and 
concommitant tension in his muscles as he performs the exercise. 
Additionally, the user may push upward on the bars, which drives his body 
downward, thereby permitting him to resist with his leg muscles. This 
directs the force applied to the bars to the lower part of the body, 
thereby setting the upper body muscles against the lower body muscles, 
with the stress passing through the midportion of the body. From the 
foregoing, it will be understood that "direction of force", as used in the 
context of these exercises, refers to a set of two directions, i.e., one 
direction for each hand, which may or may not be directed along same line. 
Thus, for example, pushing down, pulling up, pushing outward, or pushing 
inward, each comprise a particular "direction of force". 
The foregoing exercises may be repeated with the users hands at various 
heights on the bars. Further, it will be understood that these exercises 
may be performed using the rings instead of the bars. In such case, the 
rings are oriented in vertical planes projecting perpendicular to the 
frame, since, in this orientation, the rings provide the equivallent of 
vertical bars. Accordingly, as used herein to describe these exercises, 
the term "vertical bars" includes not only the bars 94, 96, but also the 
rings when they are overted in vertical planes. In practices, however, it 
may be easier to perform the exercise using the bars 94, 96, rather than 
the vertically oriented rings, since the height of the users hands can be 
changed simply by grasping the bars at the desired location. On the other 
hand, if the rings are utilized, the position of the rings must be 
adjusted for each position of the users hands. 
Regardless of whether the rings are used to provide the "vertical bars", 
these rings are required for a variation of the exercise which will now be 
described. In this variation, the exercise is performed in the same way, 
except that the rings are oriented in a horizontal plane, so that the user 
can grasp the rings, with his hands rotated 90.degree.--e.g. with his 
palms facing downward instead of towards each other. Thus, the rings, in 
this position provide "horizontal bars". By repeating the exercises with 
the user's hands in this horizontal position, additional parts of his 
muscles are exercised. 
Further variations on the above exercises are practically endless. For 
example, the user may repeat these same exercises by standing in different 
positions, each slightly further away from the bars (and frame 14) than 
the other. Moreover, the user may repeat the exercise with the bars 
horizontally spaced at different positions. Because of the virtually 
infinite number of positions through which the user can move his body, 
virtually, all parts of a muscle may be fully exercised, from contraction, 
at one extreme, to extension, at the other extreme. Although the above 
exercises are directed primarily towards the muscles in the arms, 
shoulders, and upper torso, virtually the entire body is exercised, 
regardless of the direction of force applied to the bars 94, 96. Thus, the 
user receives a good cardiovascular workout, in addition to toning, 
building, and strengthening his muscles. 
In another type of exercise, shown in FIGS. 11A, B, and C, the user adjusts 
the ring-shaped handles 73,74 so that they are slightly below waist level 
and facing inward, with the rings lying in a horizontal plane and directed 
towards each other. More specifically, the rings 73, 74 may be at a height 
which permits the user to grasp them, with his arms extended at his sides, 
when he stands directly between the bars 94, 96. The bars 94, 96 are 
spaced so that the user can freely walk therebetween with his arms at his 
sides, grasping the rings. Although only the exercise bar 94 is shown in 
the drawings, it will be understood that the exercise bar 96 is 
therebehind, hidden from view. 
The user begins the exercise by assuming a crouching position with his arms 
and shoulders forward, as shown in FIG. 11A, and applies force to the 
rings in a first direction. For the purposes of this discussion, it will 
be assumed that this first direction is e.g. inwardly on the rings 73,74, 
so as to pull the rings towards each other. While maintaining this force, 
and the concommitant tension on the user's muscles, the user gradually 
moves forward, towards the bars 94,96, and simultaneously lifts his body 
upward as he approaches the bars, as shown in FIG. 11B. The user then 
moves between and through the bars, as shown in FIG. 11C, maintaining the 
force on the rings in the same direction, with arms extended (i.e. elbow 
straight or only slightly bent) all the while. Preferably, the user moves 
as far forward as the flexibility of his body will permit. Ultimately, the 
user should be able to move sufficiently forward as to assume a crouching 
position, similar to that shown in FIG. 11A, but on the other side of the 
bars, with his arms outstretched behind him, still grasping the rings and 
maintaining the force thereon. The user then moves back through the bars 
94,96 to the original position, always maintaining the force against the 
rings 73,74 in the same direction. Additional repetitions may be 
performed. 
As in the previously described exercise, the user can exercise different 
parts of his muscles by repeating this exercise, with the force, applied 
to the rings, directed in another direction. For example, the user may 
push down on the rings for a set of repetitions, pull up on the rings for 
another set of repetitions, or push outward on the rings (i.e. in a 
direction tending to separate the bars) for still another set of 
repetitions. Whatever the direction of the applied force, this direction 
is maintained for each set of repetitions so that the muscles are 
exercised throughout a continuous range of positions, from the starting 
position to the finish position. Variations on this exercise, to work 
different parts of the user's muscles, may be performed by adjusting the 
position of the handles 73,74, or the position of the bars 94,96, or both. 
Like the above-described exercise, this exercise also involves the entire 
body, so that it too enhances cardiovascular fitness. 
In another type of exercise (not shown), the rings 73,74 are positioned at 
about chin level, spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the 
shoulder span of the user. The user stands between the bars 94, 96 with 
his heels on the lower frame 14. The rings are oriented to lie in a 
horizontal plane, and are oriented so that when the user grasps the rings 
with his hands, they are slightly in front of his body. By pushing upward 
on the ring with his hands, and resisting with his legs, the user 
gradually lowers himself until his arms are completely extended. He then 
raises himself upward, pushing with his legs, but resisting such upward 
movement by continuing to push upward on the rings. When he reaches an 
upright position, he does not stop but raises on his toes to fully extend 
his body and tense additional muscles. He may then perform additional 
repetitions by repeating such downward and upward movement, continuously 
maintaining upward force on the rings with his hands. Typically, multiple 
sets of repetitions will be performed, e.g. one with the palms of the 
hands facing each other, and another with the palms parallel, facing 
outward, away from the user's body. As discussed above, changing the 
orientation of the user's hands is advantageous, since it causes different 
parts of his muscles to be exercised. Further, because this exercise sets 
lower body muscles against upper body muscles, the user's muscles can be 
highly stressed, if desired, in order to build bulk. 
In a variation of this exercise, the user pulls down on the rings and works 
against his body weight, using his legs to assist during upward movement. 
This variation may be performed with the hands in three different 
positions, i.e. palms facing toward each other; palms parallel, facing to 
the front; and palms parallel, facing to the back. 
As with the above-described types of exercises, the user, in this type of 
exercise, maintains muscle tension throughout the full range of positions, 
e.g. between the upright position and the squatting position, thereby 
exercising muscles along their complete length. Further, the entire body 
is again used so that cardiovascular fitness is enhanced. Variations of 
this type of exercise may be performed by adjusting the height of the 
handles 73,74 and/or the spacing therebetween. For example, the user may 
place the ring-shaped handles 73,74 at approximately knee level and pull 
up on the rings, while resisting downward movement with the legs. The user 
gradually moves downward until he is in a squatting position, at which 
time he pushes upward with his legs, resisting with his arms. In yet 
another variation, the handles are adjusted so that the user, standing 
upright, can grasp them with his arms extended at his sides. The user then 
moves downward, resisting at least a portion of his weight with his arms, 
into a "dip" position. He then assists with his legs, to move himself back 
towards an upright position. 
The above-described exercises are illustrative of the types of exercises 
that can be performed on the exercise device disclosed herein. Those 
skilled in the art will understand that other types of exercises, 
utilizing one or more of the techniques or principles outlined in the 
above examples, may also be performed. 
Although the exercise device and method of the present invention is 
suitable for home use, as well as gym use, the invention is believed to be 
particularly advantageous for use in a weightless environment, as in 
space. Astronauts are currently encountering problems with body 
deterioration, such as joint separation, due to prolonged exposure to 
weightlessness. It is believed that exercise device of the present 
invention, adapted for use in a spacecraft or space station, will provide 
a solution to these problems. For certain exercises, suitable straps or 
other supports to anchor the astronauts' feet may be necessary; however, 
otherwise the exercises may be performed as described. Accordingly, it is 
anticipated that the present invention is a tremendous breakthrough, not 
only in terms of enhancing the fitness of the general public, but also in 
terms of maintaining the health of astronauts and prolonging the potential 
length of missions in space.