Exercise machine

An exercise machine (2) includes side frame members (6). Electromagnetic brakes (62) supported on movable carriages (66) slide along side frame members (6). Carriage (66) includes a hinge (100) for allowing each brake (62) to pivot between multiple positions. Both types of motion allow the output shafts (64) on brakes (62) to be reoriented relative to a support bench (20) on which a user of machine (2) is located. Various exercise attachments may be coupled to brake shafts (64) for contacting various body members to perform different exercises. A controller (200) regulates the force levels of brakes (62).

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates to an exercise machine for exercising many of 
the major muscle groups of the body. More specifically, the present 
invention relates to such a machine which is very versatile, which uses 
electrically operated brakes as the resistance means against which the 
muscles work, and which has a novel controller for regulating the force 
levels provided by the brakes. While the exercise machine is primarily 
used for anaerobic exercise, it may also be used for aerobic exercise. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The health benefits of a well-rounded exercise program have become 
increasingly well known in recent years. Current medical thinking suggests 
such a program should include both aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Aerobic 
exercise is any exercise which conditions the cardiovascular system by 
increasing the heart rate of the person undergoing the exercise and 
maintaining that heart rate in an elevated range for at least 10-15 
minutes. On the other hand, anaerobic exercise seeks to increase muscle 
size and the capacity of the muscle for performing work, i.e. the 
so-called "body building" exercises. Anaerobic exercise does not generally 
provide any aerobic benefit. 
Aerobic exercise can be accomplished by walking, running, swimming or 
undertaking any physical activity which causes the elevated heart rate. 
Moreover, various machines have been developed for use as aerobic 
exercisers. Such machines include stationary bicycles, treadmills, rowing 
machines, cross country skiing machines and the like. Such machines can 
also be used indoors and are often desirable when weather conditions would 
otherwise make it difficult to perform outside forms of aerobic exercise. 
Similarly, many devices have been developed to exercise muscle groups 
anaerobically. The most traditional of these is the freestanding barbell 
or weight set. In addition, however, various machines have been developed 
for use in gyms, such as the Universal weight machines or the machines 
embodied in the Nautilus system. For example, a typical Universal weight 
machine comprises a rectangular frame having a plurality of stations 
located along the sides of the frame. A plurality of weight stacks are 
carried by the frame and are connected to various implements or 
attachments. The weight stacks can have the weight varied by means of a 
releasable lock pin. Basically, the operator goes from one station to 
another performing different exercises at each, for example, the chest 
press, the leg press and the like. 
The Nautilus system is also notable. This system includes many specialized 
exercise machines which are devoted generally to performing just one, or 
at most a few, of the many exercises required for exercising all the 
muscle groups of the body. In fact, there are at least 17 individual 
machines in the complete Nautilus system for performing in excess of 25 
exercises. Each of the machines generally includes a support bench on 
which the operator sits or lies and a weight stack. The weight stack is 
connected through a rotatable cam to an implement which the operator 
rotates or pushes against as the case may be. The purpose of the cam is to 
cause a relatively constant exercising force against the muscle throughout 
the entire range of motion of the exercise. Some of the principles behind 
the Nautilus system, and particularly the use of the cam, are explained in 
more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,858,873 to Jones. 
While the Universal and Nautilus systems are effective, they have numerous 
disadvantages. For example, the basic rectangular Universal exercise 
machine is relatively heavy, bulky and is limited in the number of 
exercises it can perform. For example, a second separate machine is 
required, even in the Universal system, to perform leg curl and leg 
extension exercises. However, this machine cannot perform leg abduction or 
adduction exercises. Moreover, the Nautilus system best typifies the 
practice of having separate machines for performing separate exercises, 
thereby requiring a vast array of machines to exercise the body in a 
reasonably complete fashion. Obviously, the expense required in purchasing 
such machines, and the relatively large area in which such machines need 
to be installed, render them unfit or unsuitable for use by the consumer 
in his home. They generally appear only in gymnasiums, health clubs or 
other organized sports facilities. 
In fact, when one considers the equipment available to be purchased by the 
consumer for home use at the current time, it is relatively limited. Most 
of this equipment usually involves some type of exercise bench having 
pivotal rollers at one end which can be used to perform leg extension and 
leg curl exercises. The other end of the bench often has a crosspiece 
member for holding barbells or the like. In addition, spring tension 
exercisers are often included on such benches. 
Various recent patents suggest that it would be desirable for a consumer to 
have in his home an exercise machine for exercising many different muscle 
groups. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,429,871 to Flechner and 4,465,274 to Davenport 
are two recent examples showing how those skilled in the art have 
approached this problem. The basic thrust behind the devices shown in 
these patents is to have a support member on which the user sits which 
allows rotary motion of the arms and legs about the horizontal pivot axes 
through the knees, elbows and shoulders. However, these machines also 
allow further pivoting motions about the vertical axes through the hips 
and the shoulders. The Flechner device accomplishes this by having 
separate stations at which the user is positioned depending on which type 
of pivoting motion is required. Davenport accomplishes this by having a 
separable attachment which connects to the machine when differently 
oriented pivot axes are required. 
While these two patents have recognized the need for a more versatile 
machine, they again have numerous disadvantages. For example, most of the 
exercise attachments against which the user pushes to exercise require 
their own separate hydraulic cylinders as the force resisting elements. 
The use of so many separate hydraulic cylinders increases the complexity 
and expense of the machine. Moreover, hydraulic cylinders are not ideally 
suited for use in the home since they can leak hydraulic fluid. In 
addition, the approach to solving the problem of exercises requiring 
movement about the vertical axes through the hips or the shoulders is 
somewhat clumsily achieved. Basically, it requires totally separate force 
resisting elements, in one case arranged at a separate station, for 
accomplishing this. In addition, it also requires the user to be 
positioned on the support bench in less than the ideal exercise position 
because of the geometric limitations of the machine. 
It has been suggested that electromagnetic brakes have some utility in 
aerobic exercise machines. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,810 to Forsman 
discloses an electromagnetic brake used as the force resister in a 
stationary bicycle. However, the Applicant is not aware of any 
electromagnetic brakes used in an exercise machine capable of exercising 
both sides of the body in an anaerobic fashion. U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,050 to 
Engalitcheff shows an electromagnetic brake that is mounted to the top of 
a table. The brake can be pivoted so that its armature shaft is either 
vertically pointing toward the ceiling or horizontally pointing toward the 
wall. Various attachments simulating everyday implements, such as 
screwdrivers or the like, can be attached to the armature. These 
attachments are then gripped by a person having damaged muscles who 
attempts to turn the implement in an ordinary fashion to rehabilitate his 
muscles. While this is a use of an electromagnetic brake in other than a 
stationary bicycle, it does not teach the use of such a brake in a fashion 
which is effective as an anaerobic exercise machine. 
Finally, Applicant is aware of an International Application, Publication 
Number WO80/00308, which was published Mar. 6, 1980. This application 
discloses a device used for measuring muscular strength having a support 
bench which can be raised up and down on a scissors framework and which 
can be slid longitudinally front to back on the framework as well. A 
carriage is arranged to carry a force resistor from one side of the bench 
to the other for measuring the muscular strength of the muscles on each 
side of the body. The force resistor is also pivotally arranged so that 
its working axis can be shifted from a horizontal to a vertical 
orientation. It is also recognized that some exercise benefit could be 
obtained from this arrangement. 
While the International Application referenced above discloses a movable 
and pivotable force resistor, it does not disclose an effective exercise 
machine. For one thing, it appears to disclose testing or exercising only 
one-half of the body at a time since the brake has to be moved from one 
side to the other. In addition, it does not disclose use of an 
electromagnetic brake, but a different type of force resistance means 
which is relatively complex. In addition, many of the exercises could be 
accomplished on this mechanism only in less than ideal positions. 
Accordingly, this publication does not disclose an effective versatile 
exercise machine. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to an exercise machine utilizing an 
electrically operated brake, i.e. perferably an electromagnetic brake, 
which is bodily movable for exercising many of the major muscle groups of 
the body. In fact, the exercise machine of this invention utilizes two 
such brakes capable of simultaneously exercising the opposed sides of the 
body. 
One aspect of the present invention is an exercise machine having a frame 
on which two force resisters are longitudinally movable for exercising the 
muscle groups in both the lower body and the upper body. The force 
resisters are pivotally mounted so that they are also effective in 
exercising body members that pivot in different planes. 
Another aspect of this invention is the use of an electrically operated 
brake or resistance means in an exercise machine in which the resistance 
is separately controlled during muscle extension and muscle contraction. 
Another aspect of the present invention is an exercise machine in which an 
electromagnetic brake can be used to exercise muscle groups in both an 
aerobic manner and an non-aerobic manner. Aerobic exercise is allowed by 
setting the force levels of the brake relatively low to allow a large 
number of repetitions. Anaerobic exercise is achieved by setting force 
levels relatively high with a corresponding fewer number of repetitions. 
Another aspect of this invention is an exercise machine having a frame in 
which two side frame members extend from a position generally beneath the 
operator to a position above the operator. Force resistance means are 
movable along each of the side frame members. The side frame members are 
inclined outwardly in a transverse direction so that the shafts of the 
force resisters are spaced apart further when they are located above the 
operator than when they are located beneath the operator. Moreover, 
another aspect of this invention is such an exercise machine in which the 
side frame members extend in an arcuate curve from front to back. 
Another aspect of this invention is the provision of an exercise machine 
that is amazingly versatile. For example, a single exercise machine is now 
capable of performing various exercises while the user is supported in the 
optimum position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exercise machine according to the present 
invention is generally illustrated as 2. By way of introduction, exercise 
machine 2 comprises a frame 4 that includes a support bench 20 on which a 
user may sit or lie as the case may be. Frame 4 carries resistance means 
for exercising various muscle groups on each side of the body of a user 
who is supported on bench 20. The resistance means comprises two 
electrically operated brakes 62, preferably electromagnetic brakes, which 
are longitudinally movable on frame 4 for exercising both lower body and 
upper body muscles, and which are also pivotal on frame 4 so that the 
working axes of brakes 62 can be shifted between different orientations to 
accommodate exercising movements that require body members to pivot in 
different planes. The resistance afforded by brakes 62 is controlled by a 
novel controller 200 which also displays various physiological data to the 
user of machine 2. 
The Frame 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, frame 4 includes a rectangular base frame 5 
sized to cover an area on the floor sufficiently large so that the overall 
exercise machine 2 is stable during use. Two left and right side frame 
members 6 are attached to each side of base frame 5 somewhat in back of 
the front edge thereof. Side frame members 6 extend vertically upwardly in 
an arcuate curve from front to back such that their upper ends are located 
generally above the rear edge of base frame 5. A top rail 7 integrally 
connects the upper ends of side frame members 6 together. Thus, side frame 
members 6 and top rail 7 can be said to define a U-shaped frame in which 
the opposed legs of the U are defined by the transversely spaced apart 
side frame members 6 while top rail 7 defines the closed end of the U. In 
addition, a transverse crosspiece 8 extends between side frame members 6 
adjacent their lower ends to reinforce the same. 
Frame 4 also includes two rear rails 9 which extend vertically between top 
rail 7 and base frame 5 to further rigidify and reinforce frame 4. In 
addition, frame 4 includes a longitudinally extending rail 10 having a 
generally horizontal rear portion 11 and a downwardly inclined forward 
portion 12. Forward portion 12 of rail 10 is attached to the mid-point of 
base frame 5 adjacent the front edge thereof. The rear end of horizontal 
portion 11 of rail 10 is attached to a horizontal crosspiece 13 that 
extends between rear rails 9 about a third of the way up the length 
thereof. Rail 10 provides means for slidably supporting a support bench 20 
on frame 4 as will be described hereafter. 
All of the portions of frame 4 described thus far, i.e. bae frame 5, side 
frame members 6, etc., comprise or are made from generally cylindrical, 
hollow tubes made of steel or any other sufficiently strong material. 
Except for some welding in base frame 5 and at the points of attachment of 
crosspieces 8 and 13, the tubes are connected together by opposed T-shaped 
clamps 14 secured together by bolts 15. These bolts 15 extend through the 
opposed clamps 14 and may also extend through a hole in the end of one of 
the tubes being secured together. However, other materials could be used 
for the frame pieces along with any appropriate methods of securing them 
together. For example, base frame 5 could be a solid rectangular piece 
rather than the open rectangular framework defined by the cylindrical 
tubes. 
Frame 4 has two significant geometric characteristics which should be noted 
initially here. The first is the aforementioned arcuate curve on side 
frame members 6 as they rise vertically from front to back as shown in 
FIG. 2. The second is the fact that the side frame members 6 are also 
slightly inclined or bowed outwardly in a transverse direction as they 
rise vertically from front to back, i.e. the transverse distance between 
side frame members 6 (denoted as X in FIG. 1) gradually and progressively 
increases as they rise vertically from bottom to top. Both of these 
characteristics help properly orient the working axes of the brakes for 
accomplishing various exercises as will be explained in more detail 
hereafter. 
The Support Bench 
Referring now to FIGS. 2-4, a support bench 20 for the user of machine 2 is 
located on longitudinal rail 10 between side frame members 6. Bench 20 
includes a generally horizontal seat 22 and a back rest 24 that may be 
inclined relative to seat 22. Both seat 22 and back rest 24, which are 
similar except for their lengths, comprise a padded or resilient cushion 
27 attached to a base 28. Back rest 24 may be moved from a position in 
which it is generally in the same plane as seat 22, i.e. to allow the user 
to lie flat thereon, to a position where it is inclined upwardly at any 
desired angle relative to seat 22, i.e. to allow the user to sit at least 
partially upright. This infinite adjustment of back rest 24 is 
accomplished with a seat adjuster 26 of the type commonly found on 
automobiles, specifically the one illustrated herein is taken from a Honda 
automobile. 
Seat 22 is slidably mounted for longitudinal adjustment on rail 10 by two 
longitudinally extending support rods 30. Each rod 30 is fixed to seat 22 
by placing it between inner and outer L-shaped mounting brackets 31 and 32 
and securing it to the vertical walls thereof by bolts 33. Each outer 
bracket 32 has a horizontal wall 35 that is secured to the underside of 
base 28 of seat 22 by tap bolts 36 or the like. In FIG. 3, one rod 30 is 
broken away to illustrate the attachment of horizontal wall 35 to seat 22 
with the other rod 30 being shown in full to illustrate the attachment of 
rod 30 to brackets 31 and 32. Inner bracket 31, which is considerably 
longer and thus extends further forwardly than outer bracket 32, also 
includes a horizontal wall 38. Wall 38 defines a support surface which 
rests on one end 39 of a saddle-shaped rod 40 fixed to the underside of 
rail 10 slightly in back of the junction between the horizontal and 
inclined portions thereof. The engagement between inner brackets 31 and 
rod 40 secure and stabilize support bench 20 on frame 4. In addition, seat 
22 includes two forwardly inclined hand grips 41 which are threaded into 
the front end of outer brackets 32. Hand grips 41 may be held by the user 
while performing various exercises. 
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the longitudinal rods 30 slide in 
sleeves 42 which are fixedly mounted on longitudinal rail 10 by a 
cross-bracket 43. At least one sleeve 42 has a transverse hole 44 all the 
way therethrough which can be aligned with various ones of a set of holes 
45 in one rod 30. A lock pin 46 having a spring biased ball (not shown) on 
the outer end thereof can be inserted through holes 44 in sleeve 42 and 
through any selected one of the holes 45 in rod 30 to lock support bench 
20 in place on rail 10. Support bench 20 can be repositioned when 
necessary by releasing lock pin 46 to free rods 30 in sleeves 42 and by 
then pulling or pushing on seat 22 to slide the entire support bench 20 on 
rail 10. Obviously, inner brackets 31 should be long enough to always 
remain in engagement with rod 40 over the entire range of movement of 
bench 20. 
Referring now to FIG. 4, seat adjuster 26 includes inner and outer seat 
brackets 48 and 49. Inner bracket 48 is bolted to the outside of one of 
the seat support brackets 32, e.g. using one of the bolts 33 and a second 
bolt 50, and includes a generally circular ear 51 that overlies the rear 
edge of seat 22. Outer bracket 49 is similarly secured to back rest 24 by 
bolts 50 and also includes a circular ear 52 which is pivotally received 
on a pivot pin 53 that extends outwardly from ear 51 of bracket 48. Pivot 
pin 53 includes a slot in its outer end in which one end of a torsion 
spring 54 is placed. The other end of torsion spring 54 is engaged by a 
tab 55 on outer bracket 49 so that torsion spring 54 is wound up or 
tensioned as back rest 24 lies flat, i.e. as it rotates in the direction 
of arrows A in FIG. 4. Thus, torsion spring 54 forms a means for 
counterbalancing the weight of back rest 24 and allows back rest 24 to 
flip up because of the spring tension when back rest 24 is released. A 
washer 56 overlies the hub of spring 54 and a spring clip 57 engages the 
outer end of pivot pin 53 to hold the parts of adjuster 26 in an assembled 
relationship. A circular cover 58 preferably encloses the ear 52 and 
spring 54. See FIG. 1. Seat adjuster 26 is used only on one side of seat 
22. Appropriate hinge brackets and a simple hinge pin along the same axis 
as pivot pin 53 are used on the other side of seat 22. 
As is typical in seat adjusters of this type, there is a ratchet and pawl 
connection (not shown) located on the mating or adjacent surfaces of ears 
51 and 52 for locking back rest 24 relative to seat 22 in an adjusted 
position. The pawl is releasably actuated by a lever 59 which extends out 
through a slot 60 in outer bracket 49 and up along back rest 24 for 
actuation by the user. When lever 59 is pulled forwardly from its solid to 
its phantom line position, the pawl is disengaged from the ratchet to 
allow back rest 24 to be rotated around pivot pin 53. When the user 
releases lever 59, a spring restores lever 59 to its solid line position 
and reengages the pawl with the ratchet to relock back rest 24 relative to 
seat 22. While a seat adjuster 26 of the type shown herein is preferred 
because it allows a substantially infinite amount of variation of the 
angle of back rest 24 as determined by the spacing of the teeth on the 
ratchet, means for adjustably securing back rest 24 to seat 22 in only one 
or a few inclined positions could also be used. 
Support bench 20 has been shown carried on frame 4 and slidably adjustable 
relative thereto. However, this is not strictly necessary to the present 
invention. It would be possible to delete longitudinal rail 10 and use a 
support bench having a seat and inclinable back rest which is entirely 
unconnected to frame 4, but which is supported instead on the floor. 
The Resistance Means 
The resistance means carried on frame 4 for providing the force against 
which the user exercises comprises two electrically operated brakes shown 
generally as 62, and preferably two electromagnetic brakes of any 
generally conventional type as is well known in the art. Brake 62 includes 
a generally circular case 63 that has an output shaft 64 projecting from 
one side thereof. Output shaft 64 forms part of or is connected to the 
armature of the brake with the armature being surrounded in a known manner 
by electrical windings. When electricity is supplied to the windings, a 
magnetic field is generated which resists rotation of the armature. Thus, 
rotation of output shaft 64 will be resisted by a variable force that is 
directly dependent upon the current supplied to the windings. The greater 
the amount of current, the greater the resistance to rotation, i.e. the 
greater the force against which the user exercises. 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, each side frame member 6 carries one brake 
62 in both a longitudinally movable and pivotal fashion using a generally 
identical slide or movable carriage 66 that incorporates a hinge 100. Each 
carriage 66 comprises opposed top and bottom clamps 67 and 68 that 
surround the circumference of side frame member 6 and are secured together 
by suitable bolts 69 or the like. Top clamp 67 is made from one piece and 
is basically semi-circular with side flanges 70 through which bolts 69 
extend. Bottom clamp 68 actually comprises three separate parts which are 
individually bolted to top clamp 67, i.e. two small semi-circular clamps 
71 on either side of a thickened central module 72 having a semi-circular 
bore that fits around side frame member 6. However, the parts comprising 
bottom clamp 68 could be integrally fashioned into a single part. While 
clamps 67 and 68 have been shown in the drawings as tightly clamped on 
side frame members 6, sufficient clearance or low friction bushings 
between the clamps and the side frame member are used to ensure smooth, 
non-binding movement of support carriage 66. 
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the underside of each side frame member 6 
includes a gear toothed rack 74 along the arcuate curve thereof 
substantially from the top to the bottom: The gear teeth 75 of rack 74 
face to the outside of side frame member 6. Central module 72 includes a 
cavity 76 which contains a rotatable pinion 77 that is engaged with rack 
74, thereby forming a rack and pinion connection between side frame member 
6 and carriage 66. Pinion 77 is mounted or keyed to the end of a shaft 79 
which extends outwardly through module 72 to be coupled by a roll pin 80 
to the end of a rotary handle 81. A rotatable ball 82 on the free end of 
handle 81 can be gripped to turn the handle. When handle 81 is rotated, 
pinion 77 will rotate in engagement with rack 74 to cause carriage 66 to 
move up and down along side frame member 6. This rack and pinion also 
helps support the weight of carriage 66 and eases the task of moving it up 
and down side frame member 6. 
There are two separate locking means, i.e. a main lock and a secondary 
lock, for locking support carriage 66 in position on side frame member 6. 
The main lock is illustrated in FIG. 6 and comprises a rectangular block 
83 located in cavity 76, or in a totally separate second cavity, above the 
location of pinion 77. Block 83 is suited to bear against the side of rack 
74, i.e. it spans across a number of gear teeth 75. A threaded handle 84 
has its inner end 85 located in cavity 76 in close proximity to block 83. 
The outer end 86 of handle 84 is located outside module 72 where it can be 
gripped by the user of machine 2. When handle 84 is turned in the 
appropriate direction, block 83 is forced into engagement with the outside 
of rack 74 to lock carriage 66 on side frame member 6. This main lock is 
desirably used whenever the brakes 62 are in use as an exercise device 
since it has more holding power than the secondary lock now to be 
described. 
When it is desired to move carriage 66 from one position to another, the 
main lock defined by block 83 must first be released. However, if the user 
is not at the same time holding onto handle 81, Applicant has found that 
the weight of brake 62 will move the entire support carriage 66 in a rapid 
fashion down rack 74. Thus, handle 81 is provided with the secondary lock 
to prevent this, i.e. it serves to retain the support carriage 66 in its 
position, even when the main lock has been released, until it is also 
gripped and released by the user. 
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, the secondary lock includes a push button 
87 retained in any suitable manner in ball 82 on handle 81. Push button 87 
has an inner end that bears on one end 89 of a bell crank lever 90 that is 
rotatably journalled on a pivot pn 91 carried on the back of handle 81. 
The opposed end of bell crank lever 90 is formed as a fork 92 that is 
connected to a lock pin 93. Pin 93 is carried in a sleeve 94 on handle 81 
and is normally spring biased upwardly by a spring 95 toward a plate 96 on 
one face of module 72. A plurality of circumferentially spaced locking 
holes 97 are provided on plate 96 for receiving lock pin 93. However, when 
the user wishes to turn handle 81 and cause a rotary movement of pinion 77 
to move carriage 66, he must first push inwardly on push button 87 to 
cause lock pin 93 to be moved downwardly against the bias of spring 95 
until it moves out of one of the locking holes 97. Rotary movement of 
handle 81, and hence movement of carriage 66, is then allowed. 
Obviously, both the main lock and secondary locks could have any suitable 
form. For example, a secondary lock could also be provided by journalling 
handle 81 on pivot shaft 79 such that handle 81 could be rocked slightly 
toward and away from the rear face of module 72. A locking lug or the like 
could be provided on handle 81 which would then be swung into engagement 
with one of a plurality of recesses on the rear face of module 72. A 
spring could be used on handle 81 that would normally bias the handle into 
this locked position. Then, to unlock the handle, the operator would first 
have to rock the handle in an appropriate diretion to disengage the 
locking lug before the handle is rotated. 
However, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, longitudinal movement of 
support carriage 66 is allowed on side frame members 6 by first unlocking 
the main lock by rotating threaded handle 84 outwardly, by engaging ball 
82 on handle 81 with one hand, by then pushing inwardly on push button 87 
to release the auxiliary lock, and by then rotating handle 81 in an 
appropriate direction to cause pinion 77 to either climb or descend rack 
74 depending on the direction of handle rotation. In addition to this 
longitudinal movement up and down each of side frame members 6, each brake 
62 may also be pivoted from a first position in which the working axis or 
output shaft 64 of brake 62 is generally horizontal to a second position 
in which it is generally vertical. This pivoting motion is allowed by the 
hinge structure generally referred to as 100 in FIG. 8 and 9. 
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, top clamp 67 of each support carriage 66 
includes a generally outwardly extending L-shaped support flange 101 the 
free leg 102 of which points downwardly. Leg 102 includes a circular boss 
103 that carries therein a hinge pin 104 which is fixedly pinned at 105 to 
boss 103 so as to be non-rotatable. In addition, support flange 101 also 
includes a generally vertical circular boss 106 having a locking pin 107 
contained therein. Pin 107 is spring biased downwardly by a spring 108 
contained inside boss 106 which bears against the top of boss 106 and an 
enlarged washer 109 or the like on pin 107. Locking pin 107 can be moved 
upwardly against the bias of spring 108 by pulling upwardly on a handle 
110 at the top end of pin 107. 
Rotatably carried on hinge pin 104 is a support frame 112 having a fairly 
large circular opening 113 in the middle thereof and having two enlarged 
circular bosses 114 at each side thereof along the top edge. Each of these 
bosses 114 includes a flanged bushing 115 which receives hinge pin 104 for 
rotatably journalling support frame 112 on the pin in the fashion of a 
hinge. One of the circular bosses 114 includes a generally raised portion 
forming a cam having first and second locking recesses 116 spaced apart 
90.degree.. Recesses 116 are sized to engage the tapered end of locking 
pin 107 for locking support frame 112, and hence brakes 62, in either one 
of two positions. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, case 63 of brake 62 includes 
a plurality of threaded bores 117 around the periphery thereof which are 
accessible from either side of case 63. Brake case 63 is preferably 
mounted to the outside of each of the support frames 112 by bolts 118 
which engage in bores 117. In this mounting brake shaft 64 extends 
inwardly through the open circular opening 113 to be pointed inwardly 
toward the interior of exercise machine 2. 
Each brake 62 has a first position in which the brake is generally 
vertical, with output shaft 64 being generally horizontal, all as shown in 
solid lines in FIG. 9. However, when it is desired to pivot brake 62 to a 
generally horizontal position, with output shaft 64 then being generally 
vertical, pin 107 is first pulled upwardly to disengage the pin from one 
recess 116. The entire support frame 112 is then rotated about hinge pin 
104 until brake 62 reaches its horizontal position shown in phantom lines. 
At this position the other recess 116 will be generally in alignment with 
the end of pin 107. When pin 107 is released, it will engage the other 
recess 116 and lock brake 62 in its horizontal position. Accordingly, each 
brake 62, in addition to being longitudinally movable along side frame 
members 6, is also pivotal relative thereto by virtue of hinge 100. 
Applicant has found that when brakes 62 are mounted on support carriages 66 
the entire assembly is relatively heavy. The rack and pinion means are 
desirably included for helping cary this weight and for moving carriage 66 
along side frame members 6. However, some electrically operated brakes may 
be light enough such that the rack and pinion mechanism may not be needed. 
In such a case, simple slide members carried on the side frame members may 
suffice. 
The Exercise Attachments and Connection Means Therefor 
Obviously, for exercise machine 2 to perform useful exercising functions, 
various body contacting exercise attachments must be coupled to the rotary 
output shafts 64 of brakes 62. FIG. 1 illustrates a first attachment 119 
which is useful for performing arm and chest exercises. FIG. 9 illustrates 
a second attachment 120 which is useful for performing various leg 
exercises. Generally, each of these attachments, along with two other 
attachments which comprise the entire set of attachments for machine 2, 
include a hollow sleeve that fits onto brake shaft 64, an elongated bar or 
arm that extends outwardly from the sleeve, and a body contacting member 
or set of members that are positioned at the end of the arm, or along the 
length of the arm, for contacting the body member being exercised. The 
exercise attachment shown in FIG. 9 will be described in detail, but the 
same major components are included in each of the other attachments. 
FIG. 9 illustrates an exercise attachment 120 of the type used in leg 
extension and leg curl exercises. Attachment 120 comprises an L-shaped bar 
122 having a padded roller 124 at one end. Although roller 124 is shown 
fixed to bar 122, it could be adjustably securred to bar 122, by 
connecting it to one of a series of spaced holes along bar 122, to vary 
the effective length of attachment 120 to suit the individual user. An 
adjustable strap 126, which could have Velcro type fasteners, is attached 
to roller 124 to help strap the user's foot thereto. Because of the use of 
brakes 62 which do not normally have a restoring force, strap 126 is 
needed in certain exercises to help the user return attachment 120 and 
brake shaft 64 to their initial positions. Attachment 120 is the only one, 
however, which requires such a strap. The other end of bar 122 includes a 
hollow sleeve 128 which may be slipped over shaft 64 of brake 62. Sleeve 
128 includes a cross hole 129 which may be aligned with a cross hole 130 
in shaft 64. A locking pin 131 having a ball 132 at one end which is 
spring biased outwardly may be inserted through holes 129 and 130 when 
they are aligned to lock attachment 120 to shaft 64. Thus, attachment 120 
must be rotated by the user to cause rotary movement of shaft 64. 
FIGS. 10 and 11 disclose a second embodiment for coupling attachment 120, 
or any of the other attachments, to brake shaft 64. This embodiment does 
not utilize a separate locking pin 131 which could inadvertently by lost 
by the user. In the second embodiment sleeve 128 generally has an inclined 
annular ramp 134 located generally adjacent the same spot at which cross 
hole 129 was. Ramp 134 could also be formed as groove having a rectangular 
cross section. In addition, the outer end of shaft 64 now includes two 
locking lugs 136 which are biased radially outwardly by springs 137. 
Locking lugs 136 normally project outwardly from the exterior 
circumference of shaft 64 so as to be engaged in ramp 134 and couple 
attachment 120 to shaft 64. The bore of sleeve 128 and the outer surface 
of shaft 64 have mating splines that allow resistance torque to be 
transmitted between brake 62 and attachment 120. In addition, the second 
embodiment also includes a means for releasing or camming lugs 136 
radially inwardly to disengage ramp 134 and allow attachment 120 to be 
slipped off shaft 64. This releasing means comprises a circular knob 138 
held in place in a cavity 139 at the outer end of shaft 64 by a snap ring 
140. Knob 138 is rotatable and includes two drive pins 141 which extend 
inwardly and are coupled to lugs 136 respectively. When knob 138 is turned 
in the appropriate direction, the drive pins 141 will retract lugs 136 
against the bias of springs 137. This allows lugs 136 to disengage ramp 
134 to allow removal of attachment 120. 
The Controller 
As previously mentioned, an electronic controller or control system 200 is 
provided for allowing the user to set the effort level or force provided 
by brakes 62 depending upon the configuration of the apparatus and the 
muscle groups being exercised, and the overall conditioning level of the 
user. Further, the electronic control system permits the user to set a 
first torque setting for one direction of movement of the brake shafts 64, 
corresponding to a first half-cycle of the exercise, and a second torque 
setting for the return movement or second half-cycle. Applicant believes 
this is important since it allows the user to set or "tailor" the force 
levels in each half-cycle to the strength of the muscle groups being 
exercised in that particular half-cycle. Thus, the force levels in the 
second half-cycle could be higher or lower than the force levels in the 
first half-cycle. during exercise the control system also monitors 
operation and provides the user with convenient displays of the number of 
repetitions of the exercise cycle per minute, total number of repetitions 
per session, rate of energy expended per hour and the cumulative total 
energy expended during the session. 
Although the control system of this invention could take a number of 
different forms, the preferred form is a microprocessor-based controller 
such as indicated in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is shown in block diagram form with 
signal connections between functional blocks generally indicated by single 
control lines. It will be appreciated, however, that in practice multiple 
signal or control lines may be required, depending on the number and type 
of ports of the microprocessor, i.e. serial or parallel, and requirements 
for providing chip select and clock signals to individual circuits, as 
well as power and ground connections as are generally known in the art. 
These have been omitted from the figure for purposes of clarity and 
because such details are generally known in the art and will vary 
depending on the particular type of microprocessor and other circuits 
used. 
In FIG. 12, reference 210 designates a microprocessor, which has a number 
of input and output ports, and which includes a ROM memory containing an 
operating program for the control system as is explained further below. A 
keyboard 220 is provided to enable the user to enter torque settings into 
the controller. The preferred embodiment permits 20 to 200 foot-pound 
settings, although the machine could be designed for other values. 
Keyboard 220 is a conventional keypad comprising an array of 16 switches, 
one for each of the digits zero through nine, plus four for direction 
indicating switches and two reset switches. The direction indicating 
switches are for "up" and "down", "in", and "out", corresponding to the 
possible movements of the brakes depending on the orientation thereof. The 
two reset switches are for resetting the total repetitions and the total 
energy burned, respectively. Keyboard 220 communicates with microprocessor 
210 over data line 221, which for convenience, is shown as a single lead 
in FIG. 12, but which in reality may comprise a number of data leads 
depending upon the design of the keyboard and the input port structure of 
the microprocessor, as is generally known. 
A plurality of mode indicator lights 231-236 are provided on the control 
panel for indicating the current modes of the displays, and these are 
controlled by microprocessor 210 through data output line 237, which in 
reality comprises a number of individual data leads. Control lights 
231-236 can consist of LED's with suitable transistor drivers as is 
generally known. 
In addition to the mode indicator LED's, three numeric digital displays 
240, 245 and 250 are provided for displaying numeric data for torque, 
repetitions and energy burn. These can comprise liquid crystal displays or 
LED displays as are generally known, and preferably provide 4 digits of 
display each. Displays 240, 245 and 250 are driven by display drivers 241, 
246 and 251, respectively, which in turn receive data from a data line 
260. For convenience in circuit layout, a serial output port of the 
microprocessor may be used with a single data line 260 going to all three 
display drivers, and with chip select lines (not shown) connecting from 
the microprocessor to the drivers 241, 246 and 251 separately to address 
data thereto. The drivers include latches for holding data received from 
the microprocessor. 
The controller, or at least a portion thereof containing the keyboard, 
indicator LED's and displays are preferably mounted in a control box 
mounted on or adjacent the exercise machine, and preferably with the 
control panel thereof positionable for convenient access and viewing by 
the user. 
Reference number 270 designates the sensing potentiometer associated with 
one of the brakes. This potentiometer is used for reading out the angular 
position of the brake shaft to provide position input information to the 
control system. Preferably, potentiometer 270 is manufactured integrally 
with one of the brakes 62 and is positioned within the housing thereof. 
Sources of voltage and ground are applied to potentiometer 270, and the 
variable tap thereof connects via lead 211 to an analog to digital 
converter 212. The digital output of A/D converter 212 is output over data 
lines 213 to an input port of microprocessor 210. 
A data output port of microprocessor 210 connects over data line 280 to 
digital to analog converter 281. The analog output from this converter 
connects through line 282 to an offset, gain and balance control network 
283, which in turn connects to inputs to operational amplifiers 284 and 
285. The outputs of these amplifiers connect to power transistors 286 and 
287, whose emitters are connected to ground and whose collectors are 
connected to control current flow through the windings of the brakes 62. 
Thus, the output signals provided at data line 280 will be converted into 
analog signals which are amplified and used to control the torque of the 
brakes 62. The network 283 is provided as a factory adjustment to provide 
offset and gain adjustments to allow matching of the output torque of 
brakes 62, to correct for any manufacturing tolerance in their 
torque-current characteristics, so that in operation both will provide the 
same torque. 
A real time clock input is provided to the microprocessor, which for 
convenience is derived from the 60-cycle line current, since this is fast 
enough for purposes of this control system. The line voltage is applied to 
a switch transistor 290 which causes switching on control lead 292 at the 
60 Hz line frequency, and this is conected to an input of the 
microprocessor as a clock reference. A separate high frequency clock (not 
shown) is provided as is generally known for operation of the 
microprocessor itself. 
A further output of microprocessor 210 connects via line to a one-shot 
circuit 296, the output of which connects via line 297 to a reset input of 
microprocessor 210. This circuit serves a "watchdog" function which is 
explained below. 
The general operation of the control system is as follows. Upon power up 
the total repetitions and total energy counts are cleared and the torque 
for both half cycles of the brakes are preset at the default setting of 20 
foot-pounds. The operator may then enter the desired foot-pounds of torque 
for the up or in directions, and the down or out directions, by entering 
the appropriate numbers on the keyboard and the appropriate direction 
symbol, i.e. up, down, in or out. The user then begins the exercise. 
During the exercise the controller continually senses position of the 
brakes by sensing voltage on the sensing potentiometer 270 and commands 
the preselected torque corresponding to the presently occurring direction 
of motion. By comparing successive position measurements, direction of 
motion of the brake can be determined as well as the beginning and ending 
of the half cycles. This is preferable to using limit switches or the like 
for sensing brake position, since that technique would assume or require 
that the user always move the brakes through a given arc. However, 
different arc lengths will be used depending on the user and the specific 
muscle group being exercised, and will also vary slightly on different 
repetitions within a set. For these reasons it is preferable to sense 
position only and let the user define his own repetition half-cycle 
starting points. The position of the sensor is read 60 times a second and 
by comparing the previous value from the sensor, the processor can 
determine the direction of movement or if movement of the brakes has 
stopped. When the user stops, marking the end of a half cycle of the 
exercise, stoppage of the brake shafts will be detected. If the stoppage 
lasts for more than a predetermined small increment of time, for example 
1/10 of a second, the controller commands an output of the minimum of 20 
foot-pounds. When motion is again detected and has exceeded a small 
predetermined amount, for example three degrees, the controller sets the 
appropriate preselected torque corresponding to the direction of the 
sensed motion, i.e. up/in or down/out. Setting the torque to a minimum 
value upon detection of stoppage is preferable to changing torque only on 
a change of direction, because if the user has set a high differential in 
torque for the two half-cycles, a situation might occur when at the end of 
an extension the user would not be able to start the return contraction 
because the torque is too high. If the controller is waiting for a change 
of direction before changing the torque, this may as a practical matter 
prevent the user from starting the return half-cycle. Setting to a 
nominally small torque upon stoppage, then quickly to the preset value on 
the return half-cycle avoids that problem. 
At the end of a cycle, the controller calculates the number of repetitions 
per minute based on the length of time for the cycle as measured by the 
real time reference for beginning and ending of the cycle. The controller 
also calculates the energy, in kilo-calories, required for the half-cycle 
by noting the difference between the starting and stopping positions of 
the sensor for the half-cycle (the relationship of potentiometer voltage 
and brake shaft angle being known), and multiplying by the set torque for 
that half cycle and the appropriate conversion factor. The time rate of 
energy used (power) time can be calculated since the real time for the 
cycle is also measured. This is calculated in kilocalories per hour and 
displayed. At the same time, the total kilocalories of energy used for the 
exercise session, since power on, is updated. 
Different types of display are possible, but for convenience the preferred 
embodiment uses displays 240, 245 and 250 to display one quantity during 
the first half-cyle and a separate, related quantity during the second 
half-cycle of the exercise cycle. Specifically, display 240 displays the 
preset torque corresponding to the current half-cycle. Display 245 
displays repetitions per minute on the first half-cycle of the exercise 
cycle, and total repetitions on the second half-cycle, with the 
appropriate signal LED 233 or 234 indicating the quantity being displayed. 
Similarly, display 250 is used to show the rate of energy in kilocalories 
per hour on the first half-cycle and the total kilocalories shown on the 
second half-cycle, with the corresponding LED 235 or 236. Obviously, 
separate displays could be used for these functions, or an operator 
adjustable mode selection switch could be provided, but this technique is 
believed to be more advantageous since it uses fewer displays while still 
giving full information and not requiring operator action. 
If desired, the operator can reset the total repetitions and total energy 
by pushing the appropriate reset keys. 
Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, a flowchart for the programming for 
microprocessor 210 is indicated. Upon occurrence of initial power up, or 
upon occurrence of a reset due to the time-out of watchdog timer 296, 
control begins as indicated by reference number 301 in FIG. 13. Control 
then proceeds to block 302 for system initialization. Specifically, the 
displays are zeroed, the accumulated repetitions and kilocalories are 
zeroed, and the minimum value of 20 foot-pounds of torque is commanded to 
the brakes. Control then passes to the decision block of the flowchart 
indicated by reference number 303. The 60 Hz input from lead 392 is 
tested. If low, control loops back and the processor waits for a high 
input. When that occurs control passes to block 304. The real time is then 
updated, which, of course, occurs every cycle of the 60 Hz input so that 
the real time is available for calculations. The time is also accumulated 
for the present direction of motion of the brakes, i.e. up/down or in/out 
as the case may be. 
Control then passes to block 305, where the present brake position is read 
from potentiometer 270 through A to D converter 212. This brake position 
value will subsequently be used for detecting occurrence of end of a 
half-cycle, but certain other tasks are performed first. Decision block 
310 and control blocks 311 and 312 are used in conjunction with the 
watchdog one shot 296 of FIG. 12, to guard against malfunction. It is 
theoretically possible that some error condition for example caused by 
electrical interference or the like could cause faulty data or instruction 
bits to occur, and the watchdog feature protects against system hang-up. 
Also, at decision block 310 is an incorrect torque value, i.e. one below 
20 foot-pounds or one higher than 200 foot-pounds, is present, control 
branches to block 311 which causes waiting until a reset occurs from the 
watchdog time-out. If an appropriate value is found at decision block 310, 
control passes to block 312 which causes a strobe output on line 295 of 
FIG. 12 to the watchdog one shot 296. In normal operation, the 
microprocessor will pass all the way through the entire flowchart of FIGS. 
13 and return to block 312 prior to the time-out value of one shot 296, 
with the result that the watchdog one shot is continually reset and never 
times out. However, if control has passed to block 311 as previously 
described, or if due to some faulty instruction caused by interference or 
errors, the program has hung up at some point, re-strobing of the watchdog 
will not occur and it will time-out, resulting in a reset and new 
initialization, at blocks 301 and 302 above. 
In normal operation, following the strobing of the watchdog at block 312, 
control passes to block 313 in which the keyboard is scanned for key 
activation. If a numerical key activation occurs, the corresponding 
numbers are accumulated for use in setting a torque value. If a direction 
key, i.e. up, in, down or out, is depressed, the accumulated torque value 
is accepted as the new torque value for the corresponding half-cycle. If a 
reset key for total repetitions or total energy burn is depressed, then 
the appropriate value is reset to zero. If there is a change in a torque 
value or if total repetitions or energy has been reset, the appropriate 
change is made in the display at blocks 314 and 315. Control then passes 
to block 316 which times out and clears any keyboard entries older than 8 
seconds without depression of a direction key. 
At decision block 317, the 60 Hz input from lead 292 is again tested, this 
time for a low condition. If it is not low, control loops back and waits 
until the input does go low. Then control passes to a decision block 318 
which tests whether brake movement has occurred. This is done by reading 
the present brake position, which was done in control block 305, and 
comparing it to the previous value. If movement has occurred, this means 
that the preset cycle, i.e. extension or retraction as the case may be, is 
still occurring, and control passes to control block 321. If the answer at 
decision block 318 is no, this means that the brake is stopped and control 
passes to decision block 319 which tests whether the brake has been 
stopped for more than a predetermined value, 1/10 of a second being used 
in the preferred embodiment. If not, control is passed again to decision 
block 303 on FIG. 13A, and the cycle just described for reading a new 
position etc. is repeated. Eventually control returns again to decision 
block 319 and if there has been more than 1/10 of a second without 
movement, control block 320 causes commanding of the output torque to the 
minimum setting of 20 foot-pounds. Control then returns to decision block 
303 and the processor stays in the loop just described until eventually 
brake movement occurs again and is detected at decision block 318. Control 
then passes to block 321. If there has been a change of directions, 
calculations for repetition rate, total repetitions, energy burn rate and 
total energy are updated. 
If the calculations are completed or if there was no change of direction, 
control passes to block 322, where the appropriate torque for the present 
direction of motion is output to the brakes. Thus, if the user stops 
during a cycle then continues in the same direction, the torque will first 
drop to the default value, but then will return to the selected value for 
that direction. If the user stops then starts back on the return 
half-cycle, torque is first set to the default value then quickly set to 
the preselected value for the return cycle. After control block 322, 
control passes again to decision block 303 and the process continues as 
described above. 
While the flowchart of FIG. 13 is one way of programming the controller to 
achieve the desired result, many variations and alternatives are equally 
possible as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. 
Operation of the Exercise Machine 
Applicant believes that exercise machine 2 according to the present 
invention is versatile to an unprecedented degree. One machine 2 allows 
the user thereof to properly isolate and exercise most of the major muscle 
groups of the body and, in fact, can do a number of exercises which before 
required entirely separate or unduly cumbersome machines. All of the 
exercises which machine 2 is capable of performing will be described in 
conjunction with FIGS. 14-22. For the purpose of clarity only brakes 62, 
and not carriages 66 are shown. Of course, each of the brakes 62 in each 
exercise must have its resistance programmed and controlled in the manners 
previously described with respect to operation of controller 200. 
Referring first to FIG. 14, machine 2 is shown with back rest 24 flat 
allowing the user to lie on his back to perform a hip and back exercise 
which is effective on the gluteus maximus and hamstring muscles. The user 
desirably holds the hand grips 41 while performing this and other 
exercises all as shown in the drawings or as a matter of personal 
preference. Each brake 62 is positioned as shown with its output shaft 64 
horizontal. Attachment 120 is then coupled to brake shaft 62 using either 
of the connection means described in FIGS. 9-11. The normal initial 
position of attachment 120 for this exercise will be generally in a raised 
position, as shown in engagement with the user's right leg with leg roller 
124 generally in back of the knee and strap 126 secured around the top of 
the user's leg. To exercise, the user then presses downwardly with his leg 
to rotate attachment 120 to its horizontal position shown generally by the 
left leg. When the user raises his leg in a return movement, attachment 
120 is carried back to its initial position by strap 126. The legs may be 
alternately raised and lowered in this motion as shown in FIG. 14 or may 
be raised and lowered simultaneously. 
FIG. 15 shows machine 2 set up for a leg extension exercise which is 
effective on the frontal thighs or quadriceps. In this exercise, brakes 62 
are somewhat further down side frame members 6 and attachments 120 are now 
coupled thereto so that their initial position will be one where they hang 
generally vertically downwardly. The user then sits partially upright on 
support bench 20, i.e. back rest 24 is raised, with his legs hanging 
downwardly over seat 22 and again holds hand grips 41. The user places his 
ankles behind leg rollers 124 and secures straps 126 around the back of 
his legs. He then simultaneously raises both legs to rotate attachment 120 
from its initial position to a second position in which it is generally 
horizontal. FIG. 15 illustrates the legs when they are relatively close to 
this horizontal position. 
FIG. 16 shows machine 2 set up for a leg curl exercise which is effective 
on the hamstrings. In this exercise, attachment 120 is generally 
horizontal in its initial position and extends out from brake 62 away from 
seat 22. The user lies face down on support bench 20, i.e. back rest 24 is 
flat again, with his legs underneath rollers 124. Straps 126 are secured 
around the front of his legs. Hen then bends or curls his legs upwardly to 
raise the rollers from their first horizontal position to the second 
generally vertical position shown in FIG. 16. 
The exercises shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 involve exercises in which the user 
bends his legs about substantially horizontal pivot axes through the 
knees. Brakes 62 are positioned on side frame members 6 so that their 
output shafts 64 generally align with the knee joints. However, there is a 
desirable set of exercises in which the legs are exercised by a 
scissors-type pivoting motion through the generally vertical axes 
extending through the hips and buttocks. These exercises are known as the 
leg abduction and adduction exercises and are shown being performed in 
FIG. 17. For this exercise, brakes 62 are still on the lower portion of 
the side frame members 6, but have been pivoted to their horizontal 
position so that brake shafts 64 now extend generally vertically and are 
located beneath the buttocks. In addition, another attachment 143 is now 
coupled to the shaft of each brake. Attachment 143 is of the same general 
construction as attachment 120 (i.e. a sleeve and elongated bar), but uses 
two, upwardly facing, U-shaped leg cradles 144 spaced along the length of 
the attachment bar as opposed to the leg roller 124. Each leg of the user 
fits between the opposed side pads of cradles 144 as shown in FIG. 17. 
Referring now to FIG. 17, machine 2 is shown set up for performing leg 
abduction and adduction exercises which are effective both on the muscles 
of the inner thighs and outer hips. The exercises may be performed in two 
ways determined by the initial position of attachment 143. One way is for 
the user to start with his legs spread apart as shown in FIG. 17. He then 
closes his legs together against the resistance of brakes 62 by bearing 
inwardly against the inner pads on each of cradles 144. The legs may then 
be spread apart to reset attachments 143 to their initial orientation. 
When the major resistance force is encountered when the operator closes 
his legs as just described, it is particularly effective for exercising 
the inner thigh muscles. The other way for performing these exercises is 
basically the reverse of that just described. In other words, the initial 
positions for attachments 143 are closed together and the major resistance 
is applied as the user attempts to spread his legs apart to open them into 
the position shown in FIG. 17. When this is the case, this exercise is 
particularly effective for exercising the muscles of the outer hips, such 
as the gluteus medius muscles. 
This completes the description of the lower body exercises which machine 2 
is primarily designed to accomplish. Consideration will now be given to 
various upper body exercises which may be performed. For such exercises 
each of the brakes 62 is moved upwardly along the curve of side frame 
member 6 to be positioned in generally appropriate spots as illustrated in 
the following drawings. Each brake 62 is moved individually and is lined 
up with the other brake by eye. It would be possible for each side frame 
member 6 to have a scale or indicia thereon which would assist the user in 
placing each brake 62 at generally the same vertical elevation along side 
frame members 6. 
Referring now to FIG. 1, attachment 119 is used for many of the arm and 
chest exercises. It again includes a sleeve 145 and an outwardly extending 
arm or bar 146 which is secured to brake shaft 64 similarly to that of 
attachment 120. The end of arm 146 includes a U-shaped handle 147 having 
top and bottom grips 148 and 149. Handle 147 may be attached to arm 146 in 
one of several holes, depending on the size of the user. Use of the 
attachment 119 for various exercises will now be described. 
FIG. 18 shows machine 2 set up for performing a chest press-type exercise 
which is effective for exercising the muscles of the chest and shoulders. 
Brakes 62 have been moved up side frame members 6 to the positions shown 
and attachments 119 are coupled to each brake. The initial or starting 
position of the attachments 119 are in close proximity to the body with 
the arms being bent or cocked. The user then grabs handles 147 on each 
attachment 119 and pushes out away from him to extend his arms straight 
out into the position shown in FIG. 18. Because attachments 119 rotate on 
shafts 64, handles 147 do not move purely in a linear relationship 
relative to the body, but will follow a slight arc generally represented 
by the arrows B. However, the amount of such an arc can be minimized by 
appropriate longitudinal positioning of support bench 20 on frame 4 
relative to the position of brakes 62 such that the arc closely simulates 
a straight-line linear pushing motion. While FIG. 18 shows the chest press 
exercise being performed with the user in a partially upright position, 
the user could lie flat and perform the same type of exercise with a 
repositioning of the brakes 62 and attachments 119. 
FIGS. 19 and 20 disclose, respectively, machine 2 set up for performing a 
biceps curl exercise and a triceps extension exercise. The brake shafts 64 
are aligned with the pivot through the elbows. In this exercise, a flat 
pad or plate 150 is suitably releasably connected either to support bench 
20 or to brake cases 63 in any suitable manner so as to overlie the 
abdomen of the user. Plate 150 helps the user properly isolate the biceps 
and triceps muscles while doing these exercises. Basically, in the biceps 
curl shown in FIG. 19, the user grips top grips 148 of handle 147 and 
curls his arms upwardly from a first position in which they are extended 
away from the body to a final position close to the body. Having 
accomplished this portion of the exercise, the user may then do the 
triceps extension shown in FIG. 20. This exercise involves releasing the 
top hand grips 148 and rotating the hands 90.degree. to bear on edge 
against the lower hand grips 149 of attachment 119. The user then rotates 
his arms downwardly to extend them from the position in which they are 
close to his body to a position in which they are again spaced away from 
his body as shown in FIG. 19. Attachment 119 could have a longitudinal pad 
or support surface connected to or adjacent lower hand grip 149 for 
further helping support the edge of the user's hands in the triceps 
extension exercise. 
Referring now to FIG. 21, machine 2 is shown set up for performing an arm 
pull-over exercise which is particularly effective for exercising the 
latissimus dorsi muscles. In this exercise, the user is again supported in 
a partially upright position and brakes 62 have been moved further up side 
frame members 6 until the shaft 64 aligns with the shoulder joint. The 
initial position for each of the attachments 119 is now one in which they 
point generally vertically upwardly. The user grips one of the hand grips 
148 or 149 on handle 147 and then pulls his arms downwardly from the first 
or initial position shown in FIG. 21 to a second position or final 
position in which the arms have been rotated about 180.degree. to lie 
close along the sides of the body. This range of movement is represented 
by the arrow C. 
Finally, FIG. 22 again illustrates the versatility of exercise machine 2. 
Brakes 62 are pivoted again into their horizontal position with their axes 
pointing generally vertically although they are now on the upper portions 
of side frame members 6. In such a position, a fourth attachment 152 is 
illustrated which includes a bar 153 for coupling through the 
aforementioned sleeve to the output shaft of the brake. The lower end of 
the bar 153 includes a rearwardly facing arm cradle 154 having inner and 
outer pads between which the arm of the user is received. The user's hands 
can grip bars 153 adjacent arm cradle 154 or a separate handle could be 
provided on bars 153 for the user's hand to grip. In any event, the user 
is now able to perform an arm cross exercise which is particularly 
effective for exercising many of the muscles of the chest, such as the 
pectoralis majors and the deltoids. The initial position of attachments 
153 is shown FIG. 22. The exercise may be performed by closing the arms 
together in a scissors fashion pivoting them about the vertical axes 
through the shoulders. The arms can then be spread back apart to the 
initial position, thus exercising the trapezius muscles of the upper back. 
It should be apparent at a glance that exercise machine 2 is quite 
versatile. It uses a resistance means comprising two brakes 62 for 
performing many different exercise movements which properly isolate and 
exercise specific muscle groups. Moreover, it does this while the user is 
supported in the position which is generally considered to be the optimum 
position for performing each such exercise. In this regard, support bench 
20 can be move longitudinally along rail 10 to help position the user 
properly for the different exercises. In addition, back rest 24 which may 
be inclined relative to seat 22 allows the user to be supported in a 
sitting position substantially upright for performing many of the 
exercises, but also allows the user to lie flat for certain other 
exercises. Both the amount support bench 20 is slid forwardly or back on 
rail 20, and also the amount of inclination of back rest 24, is dictated 
by the exercise to be performed and the personal preference of the user. 
Accordingly, the user will be more inclined to utilize machine 2 and will 
derive more benefit therefrom. 
It has been noted previously that side frame members 6 are inclined 
slightly outwardly as they rise from top to bottom. The reason why this is 
significant can be seen primarily with respect to the exercises being 
performed in FIGS. 17 and 22, i.e. the leg abduction and adduction 
exercise and arm cross exercise in which brakes 62 are horizontal with 
their pivot axes being generally vertical. In FIG. 17, the pivot axes 
defined by brake shafts 64 are desirably located immediately beneath the 
hip joints while in FIG. 22 the pivot axes are desirably aligned with the 
shoulder joints. However, the shoulders in most people are spaced farther 
apart than are the hip joints. Thus, the use of outwardly inclined side 
frame members 6 automatically lines up the pivot axes of the brakes with 
the pivot axes of the body parts since the brakes will have their pivot 
axes spaced farther apart in the upper position shown in FIG. 22 than in 
the lower position of FIG. 17. This insures the proper orientation of 
brakes 62 relative to the body while doing these exercises. 
Moreover, the generally arcuate curve disclosed for side frame members 6 
and shown in FIG. 2 is also important for much the same reason. Referring 
to the two positions of the brake shown in FIG. 2, and keeping in mind 
that the pivot axes are pointing vertically upwardly when brakes 62 are 
horizontal rather than vertical as shown in FIG. 2, the leg abduction and 
adduction exercises are performed in FIG. 17 with the user being seated 
generally in an upright position. It is desired that the pivot axes of the 
brake pass generally vertically upwardly through his buttocks and hip 
joints. However, in the arm cross exercise shown in FIG. 22, the pivot 
axes should be oriented generally along the plane extending through the 
shoulders and hips to be generally parallel to the upper part of the body 
and should not be skewed or inclined relative thereto. Because brakes 62 
are mounted on arcuate side frame members 6, the arcuate curve 
automatically tips or inclines the generally vertically oriented brake 
axes so that they will be substantially parallel to the upper body of a 
user who is supported in a partially upright position when performing the 
arm cross exercise. Thus, the term "generally vertical" as used herein 
means simply that the brake axes are pointing more toward the vertical 
than the horizontal. Thus, in FIG. 22 the brake axes are not purely 
vertical, but are inclined somewhat to the vertical to be parallel to the 
body of the user, but can be still said to be "generally vertical". 
Aerobic Exercise Using Machine 2 
The primary use of exercise machine 2 is certainly as an anaerobic 
exerciser in which muscle capacity and size is increased using the 
exercises described or any combination or sequence of them which is 
desirable to the user. However, Applicant believes that it would be 
possible to also use exercise machine 2 as an aerobic exercise device 
since movement of the attachments and the brake shafts do not create any 
substantial inertial forces. Thus, it would be possible for a user to sit, 
for example, in the position of the arm cross exercise shown in FIG. 22 
and set the force levels on brakes 62 relatively low in both phases or 
directions of the exercise movements. He could then fairly rapidly rotate 
his arms back and forth in a continuous fashion with a very large number 
of repetitions. He could do this sufficiently fast to elevate his heart 
rate into the recommended range for aerobaic benefit and could keep this 
up for a sufficient length of time to derive the aerobic benefit. Again, 
this would be possible since there are no substantial inertial forces 
which must be resisted when the direction of rotation of the attachments 
changes. This is unlike a weight stack device, or other exercise machines 
of that type, since the inertial forces imposed by the weight stack going 
in one direction would not allow a rapid universal and accompanying return 
motion. However, when it is desired purely to perform anaerobic exercise, 
it would be possible for the user to simply set the force levels on brakes 
62 into the ranges required for such exercise, i.e. at higher force levels 
and in the manner previously described with respect to controller 200, and 
use a correspondingly lower number of repetitions. 
The foregoing description has detailed the preferred embodiment of an 
exercise machine 2 according to this invention. Obviously, many variations 
and modifications are possible and would be within the skill of those in 
the art. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is to be limited only by 
the appended claims.