Abstract:
The present invention provides an exercise device which includes at least one pair of independently movable leg supports which are pivotally connectable to a main body support to raise and lower, either separately and/or together, a user&#39;s legs during exercise between upper and lower positions and an adjustment device to allow the positions of said the upper and lower positions to be changed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates, in general, to an exercise device and relates more particularly, though not exclusively, to an exercise device which can allow the user to perform multiple exercises on one and the same machine or piece of equipment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention in aspect provides an exercise device which includes at least one pair of independently movable leg supports which are pivotally connectable to a main body support to raise and lower, either separately and/or together, a user&#39;s legs during exercise between upper and lower positions and an adjustment device to allow the positions of said upper and lower positions to be changed. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise device which includes at least one pair of independently movable leg supports which are pivotally connectable to a main body support to raise and lower a user&#39;s legs, either separately and/or in unison, during exercise between upper and lower positions, a C-shaped support member having a pair of side arms and a vertical link arm whereby the side arms are pivotally mounted to provide a swivelling or swinging action for said vertical link arm, and wherein at least one pair of said leg supports are pivotally attached to opposing sides of said vertical link to allow a swivelling or swinging movement for said leg supports. 
     Preferably said exercise device further includes an adjustment device to allow the positions of said upper and lower positions to be changed. Preferably a seat is attached to the uppermost of said side arms. 
     In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an exercise device which includes at least one pair of independently movable leg supports which are pivotally connectable to a main body support to raise and lower, either separately and/or together, a user&#39;s legs during exercise between upper and lower positions, and means for allowing said at least one pair of independently movable leg supports to be swung in a plane transverse to the plane of the raising and lowering movement of said leg supports. 
     Preferably said exercise device includes an adjustment device to tilt up or down the operating position of said at least one pair of leg supports. In a further aspect said exercise device includes a base frame which can be moved along a floor and is adapted to be clamped to said floor and a main frame which can be reciprocally moved relative to said base frame. Preferably said means for allowing said at least one pair of independently movable leg supports to be swung in a plane transverse to the plane of the raising and lowering movement of said leg supports includes a turntable having said pair of leg supports attached thereto. 
     In practical embodiments said exercise devices may include one or more additional exercise components which can be selectively activated by a control means. 
     Additional exercise components may include a rowing device, a rhythmic movement of said exercise device, an oscillating shoulder pad, a pair of oscillating posterior seats, vibrationary devices, heating devices and any other suitable devices in various combinations. It is preferred that said control means can control individual exercise elements or combinations thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an especially preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise device made in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial plan view similar to that of  FIG. 3  showing an oscillating seat option; 
         FIG. 5  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 5  showing one end of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to that of  FIG. 5  showing the other end of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a planar cross-sectional view adjacent the top of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  9 - 9  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 6  showing adjustment of the leg members of the exercise device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  of a second embodiment of an exercise device made in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 11A  is the same view as  FIG. 11  showing movement of the exercise device; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  13 - 13  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  14 - 14  of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a view similar to  FIG. 7  of the second embodiment of the exercise device; 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  17 - 17  of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the lower support frame of the second embodiment of the exercise device; 
         FIG. 20  is a plan view of the upper and lower frames of the second embodiment of the exercise device; 
         FIG. 21  is a view similar to  FIG. 6  of a third embodiment of an exercise device made in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  22 - 22  of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  23 - 23  of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  24 - 24  of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  25 - 25  of  FIG. 22  with the leg supports in the horizontal position; 
         FIG. 26  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 25  with the leg supports in a raised position; 
         FIG. 27  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 25  with the leg supports in a lowered position; 
         FIG. 28  is a similar view to that of  FIG. 15  of a fourth embodiment of an exercise device made in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIG. 29  is a cross-sectional view along and in the direction of arrows  29 - 29  of  FIG. 28 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the drawings there is shown an exercise device  10  which is capable of performing many different movements to allow different exercises to be undertaken by a user (not shown). The exercise device  10  has a wedge shaped body  12  formed from various panels which are attached to a main frame  14 . A control panel  16  has buttons, switches, etc which, when activated, provide operational control for the various movements realised by the exercise device. The nature of the control panel  16  will not be further described as the switching functions can be programmed or actioned by a skilled electrical engineer. For example, the control panel  16  can be replaced by a touch screen panel mounted on a swivel pendant. The pendant could be swivelable 180° to allow for easy access when programming of the exercise device is required. The required electronics/hydraulics can be housed in a control box  17  inside wedge shaped body  12 . If desired, a hand held remote control (not shown) could emulate the functions of control panel  16 , or could replace control panel  16 . Located inside main frame  14  is a main electric motor  18  coupled to a reduction gearbox  20 . A main shaft  22  extends from either side of reduction gearbox  20  to provide the majority of rotation transmission to various components of exercise device  10 . A secondary drive shaft  24  is driven by main shaft  22  by sprockets  26 ,  28  and chain  30 . 
     A first exercise is a rowing exercise where a rowing handle  32  is movable in the direction of arrows  34  ( FIG. 5 ) and shown in faint lines  32   a . Rowing handle  32  can be any suitable shape, but generally has two rotatable hand grips  36  and a shaft  38  which can be rotated to provide the up and down movement indicated by arrows  34 . Shaft  38  is coupled to a lobe  40  having an offset pin  42  which is coupled to a connecting rod  44  at one end  46 . The other end  48  of connecting rod  44  is coupled to a further offset pin  50  on a further lobe  52  extending from a rotatable shaft  54  supported by bearings  56 . A sprocket  58  is secured to shaft  54  and rotated by sprocket  60  ( FIG. 8 ) via chain  62 . A clutch  64  will selectively cause rotation of sprocket  60  from main shaft  22 . 
     In use, when clutch  64  is activated from control panel  16 , sprocket  60  will cause rotation of sprocket  58  through chain  62  and shaft  54  will rotate to cause further lobe  52  to rotate and cause a reciprocal motion of connecting rod  44 . The connection of connecting rod  44  to lobe  40  on shaft  38  will result in the up and down motion of rowing handle  32 . When a user is seated on exercise device  10  and holds hand grips  36 , this enables the user to undertake the rowing exercise from a seated position. For a variation, shaft  38  can be split (not shown) to provide independent up and down movement for each rowing handle  32 . The split shaft arrangement could have the split shafts driven independently to allow a selection of parallel movements of the rowing handles  32  together, or separately in opposing directions. 
     A second type of exercise is the rhythmic movement of the exercise device  10  per se. A pair of wheels  66  provides a pivot point for lifting the exercise device  10  from the opposite end. A pair of triangles  68  at the opposite end has link rods  70  at their vertices. Triangles  68  are rotated by a shaft  72  driven by a sprocket  74  through chain  76  via sprocket  78 . Sprocket  78  is coupled to secondary drive shaft  24  and is activated through clutch  80  from control panel  16 . In order to provide the lift of exercise device  10  from the floor  82 , eccentric stub axles  84  from shaft  72  are coupled to triangles  68  in an offset disposition. 
     In use, when clutch  80  is activated from control panel  16 , sprocket  78  will cause rotation of sprocket  74  through chain  76  and shaft  72  will rotate to cause triangles  68  to rotate and lift exercise device  10  from floor  82  by moving a respective vertex along the floor  82 . The vertex will slide along the floor through the eccentricity of stub axles  84  to raise exercise device  10  from the floor  82  for the first half of its movement and then lower the exercise device  10  in its second half of its movement. This movement will provide a gentle rocking motion. This motion can be activated in combination with any one of the other exercises to stimulate the blood and lymphatic circulatory systems. 
     A third type of exercise uses an oscillating shoulder pad  86  which is disposed between two stationary cushions  88 . A shaft  90  is secured centrally to a base  92  and projects through aperture  94  of body  12 . Shaft  90  has a pivot pin  96  which is attached to brackets  98  on main frame  14 . A connecting rod  100  is pivotally attached at one end of shaft  90  and pivotally attached at the other end to a lobe  102  through offset pin  104 . Lobe  102  rotates with sprocket  106  through chain  108  via sprocket  110  attached to secondary drive shaft  24 . A clutch  112  is activated from control panel  16  for selectively controlling operation of pad  86 . If desired, pad  86 , or any of the pads, can include a heating coil  114  to take the chill off the pad  86  and a vibratory device  116  to stimulate the blood supply. 
     In use, when clutch  112  has been activated shoulder pad  86  will oscillate in the direction of arrows  118  in a forwards/backwards motion. Shoulder pad  86  will move in a tilting action through the pivoting action of shaft  90  about pivot pin  96 . Shaft  90  will pivot through its coupling to connecting rod  100  and the rotation of offset pin  104  on lobe  102 . 
     A fourth type of exercise uses a pair of oscillating posterior seats  120 , 122  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3  and  10 ). Seats  120 , 122  have stub shafts  124  which are slidably but non-rotatably located in hollow shafts  126 . Hollow shafts  126  are pivotally attached to bracket  128  on main flame  14  through pivot pin  130 . Hollow shafts  126  are oscillated by a pair of connecting rods  132  pivotally attached at a respective end of shafts  126  and pivotally attached at the other ends to lobes  134  through offset pins  136 . Lobes  134  rotate with sprockets  138  through chain  140  via sprockets  142  attached to secondary drive shaft  24 . A clutch  144  is activated from control panel  16  for selectively controlling operation of seats  120 , 122 . 
     The operational movement of seats  120 , 122  is identical to that of the movement of shoulder pad  86  and, accordingly, does not have to be repeated. Seats  120 , 122  will move in opposing directions as indicated by arrows  146 , 148 . Seats  120 , 122  are removable from shafts  126  to allow the use of a fifth exercise option. 
     The fifth exercise option is a single swivelable seat  150 . Seat  150  has a stub shaft  152  which is slidably but non-rotatably located in a hollow bore of extension arm  154 . Extension arm  154  extends at right angles from the top side arm  156  of a C-shaped support  158 . C-shaped support  158  has a lower side arm  160  and a link arm  162 . Side arms  156 , 160  are pivotally attached to frame  14  by pivot pins  164 , 166  respectively. A further extension arm  168  extends from lower side arm  160  in the manner of a bell crank and is pivotally attached at its free end to a connecting rod  170 . Connecting rod  170  is pivotally attached at its other end to a lobe  172  through offset pin  174 . Lobe  172  rotates with sprocket  176  through chain  178  via sprocket  180  attached to main drive shaft  22 . A clutch  182  is activated from control panel  16  for selectively controlling operation of seat  150 . 
     In use, when clutch  182  has been activated seat  150  will swivel in the direction of arrows  184  in a swivelling sideways motion. C-shaped support  158  will pivot around pivot pins  164 , 166  through its coupling to connecting rod  170  and the rotation of offset pin  174  on lobe  172 . As seat  150  is located within extension arm  154  on C-shaped support  158 , seat  150  will move in its swivelling sideways motion. 
     A sixth exercise option is a pair of leg raisers in the form of padded longitudinal leg supports  186 , 188 . Supports  186 , 188  can be any suitable shape and are not restricted to the bi-pillow arrangement shown. Each support  186 , 188  is pivotally attached to axle  190  on either side of link arm  162  of C-shaped support  158  in a lever action. A frame element  192  provides a pivot arm  194  which at each respective free end is pivotally attached to a respective link  196 . Each link  196  is pivotally coupled to a respective connecting rod  198 . A respective rotatable lobe  200  is driven by a respective gear box  202  through electric motors  204 . Offset pins  206  on each lobe  200  will allow a reciprocal motion when lobes  200  are rotated. As each support  186 , 188  is connected to a separate electric motor  204  each support  186 , 188  can be moved independently of the other. 
     In use, each leg support  186 , 188  can be raised and lowered in an up and down motion as indicated by arrow  208 . The phantom lines  210 , 212  indicate this movement. Each electric motor  204  is activated from control panel  16  to allow the leg supports  186 , 188  to be raised together, or in opposite directions. Rotation of lobes  200  from gearboxes  202  will allow connecting rods  198  to move up and down and through the pivotal connections of links  196  allow pivot arms  194  to raise and lower leg supports  186 , 188  about axle  190  in a lever action. As leg supports  186 , 188  are pivotally attached to link arm  162  through axle  190 , the leg supports will also move in synchronism when seat  150  is activated. 
     The position of leg supports  186 , 188  can also be varied. Each gearbox  202  is secured to a base plate  214  and a swing plate  216 . Each swing plate  216  is coupled to a pivot pin  218  through link arm  162 . An extension arm  220  is mounted perpendicular to base plates  214  to provide a pivot  222  at the free end of extension arm  220 . A hydraulic cylinder  224  is attached to pivot  222  at one end and to the end of piston  226  of hydraulic cylinder  224  at the other end. Piston  226  is attached to link arm  162  through pivot pin  228 . 
     The operation to vary the starting position for the leg supports  186 , 188  will now be described. Turning to  FIG. 10 , leg supports  186 , 188  are at their lowest angle. When connecting rod  198  raises and lowers leg supports  186 , 188  they will move between the position shown in  FIG. 10  to a horizontal position. To allow movement from the horizontal position to the position shown by  212  in  FIG. 5 , hydraulic cylinder  224  can be actuated from control panel  16 . The outward movement of piston  226  will cause motors  204  to rotate anticlockwise ( FIG. 10 ) and lower the position of gearboxes  202 . Connecting rod  198  will be pulled downwardly causing leg supports  186 , 188  to be raised as indicated by arrow  230 . The length of extension of piston  226  from hydraulic cylinder  224  will determine a new lowermost position for leg supports  186 ,  188 . 
     In an alternative arrangement (not illustrated) a single motor—with associated control apparatus—can be employed to allow for the desired movement of the leg supports  186 ,  188 , either separately or in unison. 
     The preferred embodiment includes a plurality of exercise components which can be operated independently or in various combinations to suit requirements. Although the preferred embodiment describes the use of sprockets, chains, lobes, offset pins, connecting rods the invention is not limited to that particular type of construction or operation. It is clear to the man skilled in the art that there are many options for providing the various movements required by the exercise components and accordingly, the invention is not limited to the particular constructions or operations shown. The exercise device described could include all the options described in the preferred embodiment or a sub-set thereof. 
     Further modifications and additions may be made to the overall device in accordance with the invention, as for example by the incorporation of means/equipment allowing the user to perform exercises additional to those previously described. In particular a further pair of leg supports may be provided at the other end of the device, that is the end remote from the leg supports  186 ,  188 . Once again, this further pair of leg supports is adapted to be movable either separately or together. 
       FIGS. 11 to 20  show a second embodiment of an exercise device. The same reference numerals have been used for similar components to reduce repetition of description. 
     The exercise device in  FIGS. 11 to 20  has a rectangular base frame  338  and a main frame  340  on which most components are fitted. Base frame  338  has wheels  342  which allows the exercise device to be readily moved into position. Once in position, the exercise device can be set into a locked non-movable position on floor  82  by releasable locking clamps  344 . Main frame  340  can be moved in a reciprocal movement relative to base frame  338  by lineal bearings  346  which link the base frame  338  to main frame  340 . The relative movement is a result of a coupling of one end of link arm  348  to a pin  350  which is affixed to base frame  338 . The other end of link arm  348  is coupled to a radially offset pin  352  on pulley  354  rotatably attached to main frame  340 . Pulley  354  is driven by clutch  356  which is powered by motor  358 . The backwards and forwards motion caused by the relative movement of base frame  338  with respect to main frame  340  will provide a gentler rocking motion than the triangles  68  of the first embodiment. 
     The longitudinal leg supports  186 ,  188  are operated in a different manner to the leg supports  186 ,  188  shown in  FIGS. 1 to 10  of the first embodiment. Each leg support  186 ,  188  is pivotally attached through pins  360  to brackets  362  secured to arm member  364 . Arm member  364  is pivotally mounted about pivot pin  366  which is attached to a support  368  projecting from a frame element  370 . Frame element  370  is connected to a turntable frame  372  which rotates with pin  374 . Pin  374  is coupled to arm  376  which causes rotation of pin  374  through the backward and forward motion of arm  376 . Arm  376  is attached to crank  378  which is moved by link arm  380 . Link arm  380  is coupled to a bell crank  382  from clutch  384  which is driven by motor  18 . Accordingly, arm member  364  and turntable frame  372  will rotate by movement of arm  376  about bearing  386  attached to main frame  340 . In this manner, leg supports  186 ,  188  together with seats  120 ,  122  can be swivelled from side to side to provide a twisting exercise for the back. 
     Leg supports  186 ,  188  can be moved in a scissor action or together. The leg supports  186 ,  188  do not require separate motors as described in  FIGS. 1 to 10  but obtain their movement from motor  18 . Clutches  388  drive pulleys  390  through chains  392  with bell cranks  394  linked to drive arms  396 . The other ends of drive arms  396  are pivotally attached to extensions  398 . Rotation of bell cranks  394  will result in upward and downward pivotal movement of leg supports  186 ,  188 . 
     Seat  122  and leg supports  186 ,  188  can also be raised and lowered together as best seen in  FIG. 1  IA. Turntable frame  372  and arm member  364  can be pulled from the position shown in  FIG. 11 , to the position shown in  FIG. 1  IA through the pivoting about arm  376 . The pivoting is caused by ring  400  which surrounds a sleeve  402  over pivot pin  366 . Ring  400  is coupled to a potentiometer  404  and a linear actuator  406  which are pivotally held at their other ends on bracket  408  secured to main frame  340 . As can be seen from  FIG. 1  IA, retraction of rod  412  of linear actuator  406  will cause seat  122  and leg supports  186 ,  188  to be pulled downwardly, which is the lower plane for several of the exercises. It will also allow the exercise device to be used as a flexion/distraction table for treatment of a patient with a prolapsed disc. By controlled movement of linear actuator  406  additional leg movement exercises are possible as well. The linear actuator  406  will also allow the operating position of leg supports  186 ,  188  to be set at a particular angle, or allow a predetermined degree of lowering of leg supports  186 ,  188  and seat  122  to occur. Leg supports  186 ,  188  are independent of one another and can have their movements controlled independently in both the horizontal and vertical dispositions as required. It is also preferred that the leg supports  186 ,  188  automatically return to their neutral position i.e. horizontally disposed in a straight-ahead position when the particular exercise has been completed. In this position, leg supports  186 ,  188  are locked and held by a hand operated, side locking device (not shown). 
     In  FIGS. 15 to 20  there is shown a knee extension device  300  at one end—of the exercise device  10 . A pair of foot plates  302  are attached to a tube or rod  304  through an arm  306 . The tubes or rods  304  slide within a bearing block  308 , which is secured, to a main frame  310 . At the opposite end of tube or rod  304  is a connecting crank  312 , which is pivotally mounted between tube or rod  304  and an endless chain  314 . Chain  314  is located on sprockets  316 ,  318  attached to rotatable shafts  320 ,  322 . Shafts  322  are connected to clutches  324  through chain  328  and pulley  326 . A rotatable shaft  330  rotates clutches  324  and is driven by chain  332 , which is coupled to the main electric motor  18 . 
     In use, knee extension device  300  can be used in conjunction with rowing handles  32  for combination exercises using the arms and legs together simultaneously. The hands hold the rowing handles  32  and the feet are placed on the foot plates  302 . The foot plates  302  are moved backwards and forwards together, singly or in an alternate manner depending on the exercise selection. As tubes or rods  304  are connected to connecting crank  312 , rotation of sprockets  316 ,  318  will cause the reciprocal motion of tubes or rods  304  as indicated by arrows  334  and shown in phantom lines on  FIG. 17 . Connecting crank  312  will be moved with endless chain  314  between sprockets  316 ,  318 . This movement will cause tubes or rods  304  to be withdrawn or extended through bearing block  308 . If required, tubes or rods  304  can be telescopically configured, as shown, to allow for adjustment of the length of movement. 
     The rowing exercise device shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  is very similar to that shown in the first embodiment and similar reference numerals have accordingly been used. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  has individual control for both rowing handles  32  as each is coupled to respective clutches  64 . Clutches  64  are driven by belts  336  via pulleys on main shaft  22 . In all embodiments the length of rowing handles  32  may be adjustable e.g. by telescopic sleeves to suit the differing sizes of the participant. 
     In  FIGS. 11 and 12  the oscillating posterior seats  120 ,  122  of the first embodiment operate in a similar manner. The single oscillating seat  150  of the first embodiment has been substituted by having seats  120 ,  122  being able to oscillate in a horizontal manner. This improvement provides the advantage of seat  150  without having to remove seats  120 ,  122 . 
     The exercise device shown in this embodiment allows exercise options not available on prior alt machines. If the rowing handles  32  are lowered to a horizontal position, and the leg supports  186 ,  188  are moved in a scissors action, a swimming type action can be simulated. Various movements are possible as follows:— 
     (a) scissors type movement of arms and legs with left leg up whilst right arm is down and right leg down whilst left arm is up—and then a reverse of these movements. 
     (b) dolphin type action with both legs moving up with both arms moving up and then both legs moving down as both arms move down. 
     (c) reverse dolphin action with both arms up as both legs are down and then both arms down as both legs are up. 
     For additional exercise strengthening, the leg supports  186 ,  188  and rowing handles  32  could be subject to variable resistance to provide a selection of reactive forces. Similarly, foot plates  302  could be subject to variable resistance and could move together or in a walking motion. 
       FIGS. 21 to 27  show a third embodiment of a part of the exercise device. The same reference numerals have been used for similar components to reduce repetition of description. In this embodiment, the raising and lowering of seats  120 ,  122  and leg supports  186 ,  188  shown in  FIGS. 11 and 1  IA 5  through pivoting about arm  376  has been removed. The scissor type action of leg supports  186 ,  188  is similar in action to that shown in  FIGS. 11 to 20 . Arm member  364  of the second embodiment is no longer connected to pin  366  and has simplified construction. Turntable frame  372  is coupled to pin  374  which rotates in bearing  500  secured to main frame  340 . Turntable frame  370  includes an angled arm member  502 , side support members  504  and rear member  506 . As a link arm is attached at one end to a pivot  508  on main frame  380 , turntable frame  372  will swivel from side to side with rotation of bell crank  382 . As leg supports  186 ,  188  together with seats  120 ,  122  are attached to turntable frame  372  through angled arm member  502 , leg supports  186 ,  188  and seats  120 ,  122  will be swivelled from side to side to provide a twisting exercise for the back. 
     The raising and lowering of leg supports  186 ,  188  uses the movement of drive arms  396  through rotation of bell cranks  394  as discussed with reference to the second embodiment. The angle of the range of movement of leg supports  186 ,  188  can be controlled by moving drive arms  396  towards or away from motor  18 . This is best seen in  FIGS. 24 to 27 . A bifurcated arm member  510  has a fork  512  which supports drive half axles  514  which include bell cranks  394 . The other end of each arm member  510  includes a pivotal plate  516  which is pivotally mounted to drive shaft  24 . 
     In order to hold bifurcated arm members  510  in position a U-shaped bracket  518  is used. Bracket  518  has main arms  520  and a cross arm  522 . The free ends of main arms  520  are pivotally attached to half axles  514 . A linear actuator  524  is pivotally attached to rear member  506  at one end and is pivotally attached to cross arm  522  at the other end.  FIGS. 25 and 27  show the operation of the adjustment of the range of movement of leg supports  186 ,  188 .  FIG. 25  shows the neutral position where the leg supports  186 ,  188  are in the horizontal position. In  FIG. 27  the ram  526  of linear actuator  524  has been retracted which will tilt bifurcated arm member  510  away from the position shown in  FIG. 25 . Accordingly, drive arms  396  will be forced upwardly which will lower leg supports  186 ,  188  because of the pivotal connections. Conversely, the extension of ram  526  will cause leg supports  186 ,  188  to be raised. Leg supports  186 ,  188  can thus be moved to a predetermined position. If required, the leg supports  186 ,  188  can then be moved up and down by movement of drive arms  396  through bell cranks  394 . 
     The leg supports  186 ,  188  in this embodiment will allow the following features to be realised:— 
     (1) Move up to approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal and down again together. 
     (2) Move one leg up approximately 60 degrees whilst the other leg is lowering down to the horizontal or to approximately 15 degrees below horizontal. 
     (3) Move one leg up and down only whilst the other is stationary. 
     (4) Swivel from side to side approximately 25 degrees from the horizontal. 
     (5) Swivel to one side only approximately 25 degrees and then return to the horizontal. 
     (6) Lower from the horizontal in one degree increments to 25 degrees to enable functioning as a Flexion/Distraction table. 
     (7) Lowering of legs together to approximately 45 degrees and then returning to approximately 5 degrees above horizontal. 
     (8) Movement so that wherever the legs finish when an exercise program is completed the legs will always come back again to their horizontal starting position. 
     (9) Ability of the legs to move in combination with the rowing handles  32  with the two legs lowering as the rowing handles  32  move forward and vice versa or for the right leg to lower as the left rowing handle moves forward whilst the left leg lifts whilst the right rowing handle moves back and vice versa. 
     (10) Ability for one leg and one rowing handle only to move together whilst the other leg and rowing handle remain stationary. 
     (11) Ability of the legs to be controlled in their movement from one degree to any desired setting up to 100 degrees of their possible movement when moving up or when swivelling to the side. 
       FIGS. 28 and 29  show a fourth embodiment of the exercise device, namely a knee curl device  530 . The same reference numerals have been used for similar components to again reduce repetition of description. The knee curl device has a pair of leg members  532  which has an angled section  534  which is received in a rotatable journal  536 . At the end of leg members  532  is provided a pair of foot plates (not shown) but similar to foot plates  302 . A coupling lever  538  is located in journal  536  to provide a pivotal movement of leg member  532 . A connecting rod  540  is pivotally linked to coupling lever  538  at one end and to offset pin  542  on rotatable disk  544  at the other end. A clutch  546  will provide rotation of disk  544  through shaft  548 . Clutch  546  is driven by chain  550  from shaft  552 . Shaft  552  is driven by chain  554  from shaft  556 . In order to apply a resistance to movement of disk  544  a braking unit  558  is provided. The resistance can be controlled and clutch  546  will be disengaged, when required, so the user can press against leg members  532  rather than have the legs raised and lowered via drive shaft  552 . 
     In use, in the lowered position the legs are bent. When the leg members  532  rise they lift up and out, thus lifting and straightening the leg. When the leg members  532  lower, the legs also lower and bend back to the rest position. This action therefore exercises the knee joint. The function can be performed as a dual leg exercise with both legs rising and lowering together or as a split leg function with one leg rising and straightening whilst the other lowers and bends. If an adjustable elbow joint (not shown) is provided at the bend of leg member  532 , then by adjusting the elbow joint on the leg members  532  can be re-positioned to a near vertical position for a Hip Flexor Function. From this position the leg members  532  lift straight up and down with the legs in a bent position throughout, rather than out and up and then down and in the Knee Curl. The effects of the Hip Flexor Function with the legs being raised and lowered in a bent position will cause rotation at the hip thus exercising the hip joint. The Hip Flexor Function can also be undertaken as a dual leg or split bar function. Both the Knee Curl and Hip Flexor Functions can be undertaken as one leg only functions and both can be combined with a dual leg or split leg rowing function with one or two arms rowing. Each rowing handle  32  may be automatically locked into a vertical upright position when not in use. Similarly, each oscillating cushion  86 ,  120 ,  122  may be automatically locked into a horizontal position when not in use via a hydraulically operated solenoid (not shown) for each rowing handle and for each cushion. 
     Other variations to the construction and operation of the exercise device are envisaged. Front arm bars may be fitted or the existing rowing bars  32  may be adjusted in length and position to allow a scissor type arm movement in combination with the legs lifting up and down from a seated position. Side arm bars may be fitted or the existing rowing bars  32  may be adjusted in length and position at the head of the exercise device so that from a supine position the bars will move up and down in a rowing type action with graded resistance, either together or in opposite directions. These side arms could also slide up and down vertically from a prone position and also have graded resistance. The head end of the exercise device could be extended to allow for the addition of a height adjustable seat. From a safety aspect, safety bars can be fitted to one or both sides of the exercise device to prevent a user from rolling or falling off the exercise device. Any of the devices which include a clutch can be provided with a variable resistance component similar to braking unit  558 . Braking unit  558  could also be replaced by hydraulic cylinders or other suitable devices. 
     Throughout this specification the use of sprockets and chains, and belts and pulleys has been described. It is clear to a man skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to these drive means as they could be replaced by any other suitable drive means. 
     The invention will be understood to embrace many further modifications as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the alt and which will be deemed to reside within the broad scope and ambit of the invention, there having been set forth herein only the broad nature of the invention and a certain specific embodiment thereof by way of example.