Exercise device utilizing body weight for resistance

An exercise device which includes a first and second lever pivotally attached to a frame and pivotally interconnected by a connecting rod. A first arm is pivotally connected to the frame and a second arm is pivotally connected to the ends of the first arm and the second lever opposite the ends connected to the frame. The second arm includes a seat for the user, whose body weight provides a resistance to rotation of the free end of the first lever. In one embodiment a slide assembly is engaged with the second lever to selectively vary the resistance to rotation of the first lever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to physical exercise devices. More specifically, the present invention pertains to portable exercise devices and methods for using these devices. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as an adjustable exercise device which utilizes the user's body weight as the resistive force and which allows the user to selectively adjust the magnitude of the exercise resistance.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of exercise devices are commercially available for purchase and use by individuals for the purpose of developing their strength and physical condition. In general, exercise equipment can be categorized as being portable or stationary. Portable exercise equipment is typically limited in the number of exercises that can be performed. Often, portable equipment is designed for one specific purpose, such as for exercising a single targeted muscle group, necessitating a separate exercise device for each muscle group that the user wants to strengthen or condition. Also, portable exercise equipment is frequently designed such that the user must get on the floor to use the device.

Alternatively, stationary exercise equipment is generally designed for a broad range of exercises, targeting most or all of the bodies major muscle groups. By definition, however, stationary exercise equipment is not portable, requiring a dedicated location for its placement. Typically, multi-purpose stationary exercise equipment is designed with floor mounted frames, cables and pulleys, and incorporate heavy weights, bows, band, springs or other mechanical means as the resistance force for the exercises. The more complex and comprehensive the exercise equipment becomes in terms of the type and number of exercises that can be performed with the equipment, the exercise equipment also becomes more complex, more bulky, more expensive, and less mobile. Because this type of exercise equipment is meant to be stationary, it's most often found in gyms, athletic facilities, training and rehabilitation centers, and to a lesser degree in homes.

In light of the above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a portable exercise device that does not require weights, bows, bands, springs or other mechanical means for creating the resistance force for the exercises. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that includes a structure that can be easily manipulated by the user to provide the desired level of resistance. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is compact, light-weight and portable. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that can be used to exercise several muscle groups in the body of the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is easy to use. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an exercise devise that is relatively easy to manufacture and is comparatively cost effective.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of examples, the principle of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exercise device according to the present invention includes a first lever, a second lever, a connecting rod, a first arm and a second arm. The connecting rod pivotally interconnects one end of the first lever with the second lever. The connections between the first lever and the connecting rod and between the second lever and the connecting rod define axes of rotation that are substantially perpendicular to the first lever, second lever and connecting rod. The end of the first lever that is closest to the interconnection with the connecting rod is pivotally connected to a frame about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the frame and the first lever. In one embodiment, the first lever includes a force input structure that is located at the end of the first lever opposite the end pivotally connected to a frame. In a preferred embodiment this structure is a handle. One end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the frame about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the frame and the second lever. The first arm is pivotally connected to the frame about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the frame. The other end of the first arm is pivotally connected to a second arm about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the first arm and the second arm. The other end of the second arm is pivotally attached to the end of the second lever that is not pivotally attached to a frame, about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the second arm and the second lever. In a preferred embodiment, a seat for the user is attached to the second arm.

In the operation of the exercise device, the first lever is rotated about its pivotal connection to the frame, which causes the connecting rod to apply a force against the second lever. In response to this force, the second lever rotates about its pivotal connection to the frame. As the second lever rotates, it causes the end of the second arm that is pivotally attached to the second lever to follow the rotational motion of the second lever at their pivotal interconnection. The consequences of the second arm's movement is that the pivotal interconnection of the second arm with the first arm effects a rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the frame.

As the first lever is rotated about its pivotal connection to the frame it encounters resistance that is proportional to the body weight of a user seated on the seat, the geometric relationships between the axes of rotation described above, and the lengths of the first lever, second lever, first arm and second arm.

In one embodiment of the exercise device, control over the amount of resistance there is to the rotation of the first lever is accomplished at the interconnection of the connecting rod and the second lever. For this embodiment the connecting rod is not attached directly to the second lever. Instead it is pivotally attached to a slide assembly about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the connecting rod and slide assembly. The slide assembly is positioned on the second lever in a manner that it can be slid along the second lever, positioned at various points along the second lever and be intermittently fixed at said various points by the insertion of a lock pin that interlocks the slide assembly and the second lever. This allows the distance between the axis of rotation about which the second lever rotates with respect to a frame and the axis of rotation between the connecting rod and the slide assembly to be adjusted. The closer that the slide assembly is positioned to the end of the second lever that is pivotally attached to the frame, and thus the shorter the distance between the second levers axis of rotation with the frame and the pivotal interconnection between the connecting rod and the slide assembly, the higher the force required to rotate the first lever, and therefore, the higher the exercise resistance. Conversely, the further that the slide assembly is positioned from the end of the second lever that is pivotally attached to the frame, and thus the greater the distance between the second levers axis of rotation with the frame and the pivotal interconnection between the connecting rod and the slide assembly, the lower the force required to rotate the first lever about its pivotal attachment to the frame, and therefore the lower the exercise resistance. Accordingly, depending on the position of the slide assembly on the second lever, the resistance to rotation of the first lever can be increased or decreased.

In one embodiment of the exercise device, the end of the first lever with the force input structure is pivotally connected to the end of the first lever that is pivotally connected to a frame. Specifically, for this purpose the end of the first lever with the input structure is inserted into an adopter, which is pivotally attached to the end of the first lever that is pivotally attached to the frame. With this cooperation of structure the user is able to rotate the end of the first lever with the input structure relative to the end of the first lever that is pivotally attached to the frame.

The exercise device of the present invention can be used by an individual to exercise, for example, gluteus maximus muscles. To do so, the individual sets the exercise resistance according to their strength and exercise goals. After setting the resistance, the individual places their feet on the input structure that is attached to the first lever. The individual can then exert force against the input structure causing the first lever to rotate about its pivotal connection to the frame. The user then reduces the amount of force they are exerting against the input structure, allowing the first lever to return to its original position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A first embodiment of an exercise device is shown inFIGS. 1A and 1Band is generally designated10. As shown inFIG. 1Athe device10includes a first lever12, which has a first end14and a second end16. Additionally, first lever12has pin24that can be manipulated in a manner well known in the art to adjust the length of first lever12.

Referring again toFIG. 1A, the first lever12has handles18aand18bthat are attached at second end16by means such as welding, or the like, and plates20aand20b(FIG. 1B) that are attached to first end14by means such as welding, or the like. The exercise device also has brackets22aand22bthat are attached to frame66by means such as welding, or the like. First end14is pivotally attached to brackets22aand22bat first axes100, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, such that first lever12can rotate about first axis100.

FIG. 1Aalso shows that the device10includes second lever32, which has first end34and second end36. The exercise device also includes brackets38aand38bthat are attached to frame66by means such as welding, or the like. First end34is pivotally attached to brackets38aand38bat second axes102, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, such that second lever32can rotate about second axis102. Slide assembly40is positioned on second lever32.

Turning now toFIG. 2A, slide assembly40and second lever32are shown in detail. As shown inFIG. 2A, the slide assembly40preferably includes bushing70, slider42and plates44aand44b. Slider42has hole72. Plates44aand44bare attached to slider42by means such as welding, or the like, and bushing70is installed internally to slider42by means such as a press fit, snap fit, adhesive, or the like. Bushing70has an internal surface74of a size and configuration to receive second lever32such that slide assembly40can slide on second lever32. Preferably, second lever32has holes,76a,76b,76c,76d,76eand76f. Referring toFIG. 3, holes76a,76b,76c,76d,76eand76fare spaced linearly along second lever32at distances from second axis102referenced as D1, D2, D3, D4, D5and D6respectively. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that more or less holes are suitable.

FIG. 2Bshows slide assembly40installed on second lever32. To position and affix slide assembly40along second lever32, hole72is aligned with one of the holes76a,76b,76c,76d,76eor76f, whereupon lock pin46is inserted through hole72and through the corresponding hole76a,76b,76c,76d,76eor76fthat it is aligned with.

FIG. 1Bshows that the device10includes connecting rod26, which has a first end28and a second end30. First end28is pivotally attached to plates20aand20bat third axis104, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, such that connecting rod26can rotate about third axis104. Second end30is pivotally attached to plates44aand44bat fourth axis106, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, such that connecting rod26can rotate about fourth axis106.

Still referring toFIG. 1B, the device10includes first arm48, which has first end50and second end52. The exercise device also has plates64aand64bthat are attached to frame66by means such as welding, or the like. First end50is pivotally attached to plates64aand64bat fifth axis108, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, such that first arm48can rotate about fifth axis108. The device10includes second arm58, which has first end60and second end62. Plates54aand54b(FIG. 1A) are attached to first end60by means such as welding, or the like, and plates56aand56bare attached to second end62by means such as welding, or the like. Plates54aand54bare pivotally attached to second end36(FIG. 1A) at sixth axes110, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, such that second arm58can rotate about sixth axis110. Plates56aand56bare pivotally attached to second end52at seventh axes112, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, such that second arm58can rotate about seventh axis112. Seat68is attached to second arm58by means such as screws (not shown). In an embodiment of the invention, second lever32, first arm48, second arm58or seat68is supported in the resting position shown inFIGS. 1A and 1Bby means such as a rubber stop (not shown) affixed to frame66.

FIG. 4illustrated the device10wherein the first lever12has been rotated counterclockwise about first axis100(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 4). As can be seen, this rotation of first lever12results in plates20aand20b(not shown) also rotating counterclockwise about first axis100. It will be appreciated by a skilled artisan that due to the pivotal interconnection of first lever12and connecting rod26at third axis104(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 4), a rotation of first lever12will cause connecting rod26to interact at fourth axis106with slide assembly40, affixed on second lever32, in a manner that will effect a rotation of second lever32about second axis102(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 4). The first end60of second arm58follows the rotation of second lever32at their pivotal interconnection at sixth axis110(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 4). The consequences of this is that it effects a rotation of first arm48about fifth axis108(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 4), caused by the pivotal interaction of second end62with second end52at seventh axis112(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 4).

Still referring toFIG. 4, a skilled artesian will recognize from the disclosure herein that first lever12can extended to the right from first axis100, versus to the left as shown inFIG. 4, in which case first lever12will have rotated clockwise about first axis100.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrates the device10having dimensions and angles according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring toFIG. 5A, the position of second axis102(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5A) relative to first axis100(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5A) is referenced as X1in the horizontal direction and as Y1in the vertical direction. The position of the fifth axis108(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5A) relative to the first axis100is referenced as X2in the horizontal direction and as Y2in the vertical direction. The angle of a line drawn between first axis100and third axis104(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5A) relative to first lever12is referenced as angle φ1, the angle of second lever32relative to the horizontal is referenced as angle φ2, and the angle of first arm48relative to the horizontal is referenced as angle φ3.

Referring toFIG. 5B, lever12has been rotated from angle0shown inFIG. 5Ato angle θ′ shown inFIG. 5B. The length of first lever12between first axis100(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) and ninth axis116(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) is referenced as “L1”, the distance between first axis100and third axis104(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) is referenced as “L2”, the length of second lever32between second axis102(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) and sixth axis110(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) is referenced as “L3”, the length of connecting rod26between third axis104and fourth axis106(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) is referenced as “L4”, the length of first arm48between fifth axis108(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) and seventh axis112(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 5B) is referenced as “L5”, and the length of second arm58between sixth axis110and seventh axis112is referenced as “L6”. The distance between fourth axis106and a line drawn between second axis102and sixth axis110is referenced as “L7”. The position of slide assembly40along second lever32relative to second axis102is referenced as “D”.

In an embodiment of the invention, the dimensions and angles referenced inFIGS. 3, 5A and 5Bhave the following respective values; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand from the disclosure herein that there are many values for the referenced dimensions and angles that are suitable for the device10:

In the operation of the device10, a user98(FIG. 8A) will first set the exercise resistance that is to be provided by device10by positioning slide assembly40along second lever32. Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B, this is accomplished by moving slide assembly40along second lever32such that hole72is aligned with hole76a,76b,76c,76d,76eor76f, and then inserting lock pin46to affix slide assembly40to second lever32. The shorter the distance D (FIG. 5B), the greater the resistance provided by device10. The greater the distance D (FIG. 5B), the lower the resistance provided by device10. Accordingly, if hole72is aligned with hole76aand lock pin46is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its maximum resistance. If hole72is aligned with hole76fand lock pin46is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its minimum resistance. The amount of resistance provided by the device10is also dependent upon the bodyweight of user98positioned on seat68.

FIG. 6illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein second end16is pivotally attached to first end14at variable angle β utilizing adapter78, which is pivotally attached to first end14utilizing pin24at eighth axis114, which is substantially perpendicular to frame66, by means well known to a skilled artisan. Turning toFIG. 7, the adopter78is shown in detail. There it can be seen that plates80aand80bare attached to tube82by means such as welding, or the like. Bushing84is installed internally to tube82by means such as a press fit, snap fit, adhesive, or the like. Bushing84has an internal surface86of a size and configuration to receive second end16. Adopter78has hole88. Referring again toFIG. 6, second end16is inserted into bushing84, and in the preferred embodiment, pin90is inserted through hole88and a corresponding hole (not shown) in second end16to retain second end16in adopter78. However, a skilled artisan would recognize a wide number of ways, from the disclosure herein, to pivotally interconnect second end16with first end14.

FIGS. 8A and 8Bshow an exemplary use of the device10for exercising the gluteus maximus muscles of user98seated on device10. Referring toFIG. 8A, after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user98places their feet on handles18A and18B (not shown), then as user98extends their legs, causing first lever12to rotate about first axis100(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 8A) from angle θ to angle θ′ (FIG. 8B), resistance force is generated by the body weight of user98as seat68raises to the position shown inFIG. 8B. The resistance force continues to be generated as user98reduces the force they are exerting on handles18aand18b, thereby returning to the starting position shown inFIG. 8A.

FIGS. 9A and 9Bshow a use of the device10for exercising the abdominal muscles of user98seated on device10. Referring toFIG. 9A, after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user98places their hands on handles18A and18B (not shown), then as user98rotates their upper body in a downward direction, forcing handles18A and18B towards the floor, which causes first lever12to rotate about first axis100(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 9A) from angle θ to angle θ′ (FIG. 9B), resistance force is generated by the body weight of user98as seat68raises to the position shown inFIG. 9B. The resistance force continues to be generated as user98reduces the force they are exerting on handles18aand18b, thereby returning to the starting position shown inFIG. 9A.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bshow a use of the device10for exercising the upper body and arm muscles of user98seated on device10. After first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user98places their hands on handles18A and18B (not shown), then as user98pushes their hands down, causing first lever12to rotate about first axis100(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 10A) from angle θ to angle θ′ (FIG. 10B), resistance force is generated by the body weight of user98as seat68raises to the position shown inFIG. 10B. The resistance force continues to be generated as user98reduces the force they are exerting on handles18aand18b, thereby returning to the starting position shown inFIG. 10A.

Another embodiment of an exercise device is shown inFIGS. 11A and 11Band is generally designated210. As shown inFIG. 11A, the device210includes a first lever212, which has a first end214and a second end216. Additionally, first lever212has pin224that can be manipulated in a manner well known in the art to adjust the length of first lever212.

Referring again toFIG. 11A, first lever212has handles218aand218bthat are attached at second end216by means such as welding, or the like, and plates220a(FIG. 11B) and220b(FIG. 11B) that are attached to first end214by means such as welding, or the like. The device10also has brackets222aand222bthat are attached to frame266by means such as welding, or the like. First end214is pivotally attached to brackets222aand222bat first axes300, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266, such that first lever212can rotate about first axis300.

Referring toFIG. 11B, the device210includes second lever232, which has first end234and second end236. The exercise device also includes brackets238aand238bthat are attached to frame266by means such as welding, or the like. First end234is pivotally attached to brackets238aand238bat second axes302, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266, such that second lever232can rotate about second axis302. Slide assembly240is positioned on second lever232.

Turning now toFIG. 12A, slide assembly240and second lever232are shown in detail. As shown inFIG. 12A, the slide assembly240preferably includes bushing270, slider242and plates244aand244b. Plates244aand244bare attached to slider242by means such as welding, or the like. Slide assembly240has hole272. Bushing270is installed internally to slider242by means such as a press fit, snap fit, adhesive, or the like. Bushing270has an internal surface274of a size and configuration to receive second lever232such that slide assembly240can slide on second lever232. Preferably, second lever232has holes,276a,276b,276c,276d,276eand276f. Referring toFIG. 13, holes276a,276b,276c,276d,276eand276fare spaced linearly along second lever232at distances from second axis302(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 13) referenced as D11, D12, D13, D14, D15and D16respectively. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that more or less holes are suitable.

FIG. 12Bshows slide assembly240installed on second lever232. To position and affix slide assembly240along second lever232, hole272is aligned with one of the holes276a,276b,276c,276d,276eor276f, whereupon lock pin246is inserted through hole272and through the corresponding hole276a,276b,276c,276d,276eor276fthat it is aligned with.

Referring again toFIG. 11B, device210includes connecting rod226, which has a first end228and a second end230. First end228is pivotally attached to plates220aand220bat third axis304, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266, such that connecting rod226can rotate about third axis304. Second end230is pivotally attached to plates244aand244bat fourth axis306, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266, such that connecting rod226can rotate about fourth axis306.

Referring toFIG. 11A, the device210includes first arm248, which has first end250and second end252. The exercise device also has plates264aand264bthat are attached to frame266by means such as welding, or the like. First end250is pivotally attached to plates264aand264bat fifth axis308, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266, such that first arm248can rotate about fifth axis308.

Referring again toFIG. 11B, the device210includes second arm258, which has first end260and second end262. Plates254aand254bare attached to first end260by means such as welding, or the like, and plates256aand256b(FIG. 11A) are attached to second end262by means such as welding, or the like. Plates254aand254bare pivotally attached to second end236at sixth axes310, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266, such that second arm258can rotate about sixth axis310. Referring toFIG. 11A, plates256aand256bare pivotally attached to second end252at seventh axes312, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266, such that second arm258can rotate about seventh axis312. Referring toFIG. 11B, seat268is attached to second arm258by means such as screws (not shown). In an embodiment of the invention, second lever232, first arm248, second arm258or seat268is supported in the resting position shown inFIGS. 11A and 11Bby means such as a rubber stop (not shown) affixed to frame266.

FIG. 14illustrated the device210wherein the first lever212has been rotated counterclockwise about first axis300(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 14). As can be seen, this rotation of first lever212results in plates220aand220b(not shown) also rotating counterclockwise about first axis300. It will be appreciated by a skilled artisan that due to the pivotal interconnection of first lever212and connecting rod226at third axis304(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 14), a rotation of first lever212will cause connecting rod226to interact at fourth axis306with slide assembly240, affixed on second lever232, in a manner that will effect a rotation of second lever232about second axis302(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 14). The first end260of second arm258follows the rotation of second lever232at their pivotal interconnection at sixth axis310(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 14). The consequences of this is that it effects a rotation of first arm248about fifth axis308(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 14), caused by the pivotal interaction of second end262with second end252at seventh axis312(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 14).

Still referring toFIG. 14, a skilled artesian will recognize from the disclosure herein that first lever212can extend to the right from first axis300, versus to the left as shown inFIG. 14, in which case first lever212will have rotated clockwise about first axis300.

In the operation of the device210, a user298(FIG. 15A) will first set the exercise resistance that is to be provided by device210by positioning slide assembly240along second lever232. Referring toFIG. 12A and 12B, this is accomplished by moving slide assembly240along second lever232such that hole272is aligned with hole276a,276b,276c,276d,276eor276f, and then inserting lock pin246to affix slide assembly240to second lever232. The closer slide assembly240is positioned to second axis302, the greater the resistance provided by device210. The further that slide assembly240is positioned from second axis302, the lower the resistance provided by the device210. Accordingly, if hole272is aligned with hole276aand lock pin246is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its maximum resistance. If hole272is aligned with hole276fand lock pin246is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its minimum resistance. The amount of resistance provided by the device210is also dependent upon the bodyweight of user298positioned on seat268.

FIG. 15illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein second end216is pivotally attached to first end214at variable angle a utilizing adapter78, which is pivotally attached to first end214utilizing pin224at eighth axis314, which is substantially perpendicular to frame266(and the plane ofFIG. 15), by means well known to a skilled artisan. Second end216is inserted into bushing84(FIG. 7), and in the preferred embodiment, pin290is inserted through hole88(FIG. 7) and a corresponding hole (not shown) in second end216to retain second end216in adopter78. However, a skilled artisan would recognize a wide number of ways, from the disclosure herein, to pivotally interconnect second end216with first end214.

FIGS. 16A and 16Bshow an exemplary use of the device210for exercising the gluteus maximus muscles of user298seated on device210. Referring toFIG. 16A, after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user298places their feet on handles218A and218B (not shown), then as user298extends their legs, causing first lever212to rotate about first axis300(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 16A) from angle θ to angle θ′ shown inFIG. 16B, resistance force is generated by the body weight of user298as seat268raises to the position shown inFIG. 16B. The resistance force continues to be generated as user298reduces the force they are exerting on handles218aand218b, thereby returning to the starting position shown inFIG. 16A.

FIGS. 17A and 17Bshow a use of the device210for exercising the abdominal muscles of user298seated on device210. Referring toFIG. 17A, after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user298places their hands on handles218A and218B (not shown), then as user298rotates their upper body down, forcing handles218A and218B towards the floor, causing first lever212to rotate about first axis300(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 17A) from angle θ to angle θ′ shown inFIG. 17B, resistance force is generated by the body weight of user298as seat268raises to the position shown inFIG. 17B. The resistance force continues to be generated as user298reduces the force they are exerting on handles218aand218b, thereby returning to the starting position shown inFIG. 17A.

FIGS. 18A and 18Bshow a use of the device210for exercising the upper body and arm muscles of user298seated on device210. Referring toFIG. 18A, after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user298places their hands on handles218A and218B (not shown), then as user298pushes their hands down, causing first lever212to rotate about first axis300(perpendicular to the plane ofFIG. 18A) from angle θ to angle θ′ shown inFIG. 18B, resistance force is generated by the body weight of user298as seat268raises to the position shown inFIG. 18B. The resistance force continues to be generated as user298reduces the force they are exerting on handles218aand218b, thereby returning to the starting position shown inFIG. 18A.

Although the invention has been disclosed in its presently preferred and alternate embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited thereby. Rather, a skilled artisan will recognize other combinations, omissions, substitutions, modifications and additions from the disclosure herein, including, without limitation, provision of equivalent, interchangeable or alternative embodiments which accomplishes substantially the same results as the disclosed embodiments, or constitutes an insubstantial change, that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be defined by reference to the appended claims.