Abstract:
A portable weightlifting device having a segmented, separable, tubular housing that can be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled by a single user. The housing contains a movable weight that is coupled to a user interface outside of the housing by a cable that traverses two pulleys. One of the pulleys can be adjustably positioned for allowing a user to perform a multitude of exercises.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates generally to the field of exercising devices and relates more particularly to a portable weightlifting device having a segmented, separable housing that can be quickly assembled and disassembled. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Many portable resistance training devices that are currently available incorporate conventional stretch cords or stretch bands. These devices are typically lightweight and consist of at least one elongated, elastomeric member having a handle or other user interface on one end, and another handle or a means for removably attaching the device to a stable structure on the opposite end. During operation, the user elongates the elastomeric member by pulling on it, and the resistance provided by the elastomeric member increases as the user stretches the member, and decreases as the user allows the member to unstretch. While these devices are sometimes preferred for their portability and ease of use, the variation of resistance over the device&#39;s range of motion can be undesirable. This is especially true in the contexts of physical therapy and athletic training, because the variation of resistance poorly approximates the forces that act upon a human&#39;s body when engaging in many routine and sports-related activities. 
   Traditional weight machines that use cables, pulleys and weights provide a user with consistent resistance over the machine&#39;s entire range of motion, but they are generally far too heavy to be easily transported. Free weights are lighter and more portable than weight machines, but they often must be used in conjunction with heavy benches or seats in order to properly isolate a user&#39;s muscles for a variety of exercises. Free weights are also prone to causing damage to walls and flooring adjacent a user. 
   It is therefore desirable to have a portable resistance training device that provides substantially consistent resistance over the device&#39;s range of motion, and is highly portable and easy to set up. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable weightlifting device having an elongated, tubular housing that is preferably about 8 feet in length. The housing is preferably separable into three segments of equal length for convenient portability. The housing can be quickly assembled at a desired location by a single user, and can be quickly disassembled and stored in a bag or case for transport. 
   When assembled and configured for use, the housing stands upright with its bottom end seated on a flat surface. Preferably, the housing is provided with at least two fastening straps for removably mounting the housing to adjacent structures, such as doors and fences, for stability during use. The device is also provided with several tie-down ropes and ground stakes for securing the housing in a free-standing configuration. 
   The housing has a first aperture adjacent its top end. A first pulley is mounted to the housing adjacent the first aperture. A cylindrical weight is disposed within the housing. A flexible member, such as a nylon rope, is removably mounted to the top of the weight. The flexible member extends upwardly from the weight, operatively engages the first pulley, and extends through the first aperture. The member terminates in a user interface, such as a handle or a cuff. 
   A second pulley is adjustably mounted between the first pulley and the user interface for operatively engaging and variably redirecting the flexible member. The second pulley can be removably attached to any one of several fastening rings on the housing, or to a structure adjacent the housing, such as a fence, for accommodating a multitude of exercises. For example, the second pulley can be attached to a fastening ring adjacent the bottom end of the housing, thus redirecting the flexible member upwardly to the hand of a standing user for allowing the user to perform a bicep curl. Alternatively, the second pulley can be omitted, with only the first pulley being used, for allowing a user to perform a pull-down exercise, such as a tricep pull-down, a cable crunch, or an assistive shoulder exercise. 
   Preferably, the housing has a second aperture adjacent its bottom end for allowing access to the weight, thus allowing the amount of weight to be conveniently changed. A securable cover preferably fits over the second aperture for preventing external elements from entering into the housing. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a side elevation view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in an unassembled state. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in a free-standing configuration. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention mounted to an adjacent structure. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in an alternative free-standing configuration with a portable base. 
       FIG. 8  is a front elevation view illustrating several housings of the present invention connected by brackets in a supportive configuration. 
       FIG. 9  is a front elevation view illustrating the spike attachment of the present invention. 
   

   In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific term so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected or term similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection, but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the portable weightlifting device  10  is generally provided with a housing  12 , a first pulley  14 , a weight  16 , a flexible member  18 , a user interface  20 , and a second pulley  22 . The housing  12  is an elongated, tubular body that is preferably fabricated from conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. Of course, all other sufficiently rigid and lightweight materials, such as aluminum, steel, and other plastics and composites are contemplated. The length of the housing  12  is in the range of about 5 feet to about 20 feet, and is preferably in the range of about 7 feet to about 12 feet. The inner diameter of the housing  12  is in a range of about 3 inches to about 10 inches, and is preferably in a range of about 4 inches to about 6 inches. Although it is preferred that the housing  12  be formed of a circular cylindrical tubing, it is contemplated that the tubing may have any other cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or triangular. 
   The housing  12  is axially separable into a bottom segment  24 , a middle segment  26 , and a top segment  28 . It is preferred that the segments  24 ,  26 , and  28  be of about equal length, and that each segment have a length not exceeding about 3 feet for maintaining convenient portability of the device  10 . Embodiments of the device  10  are contemplated that incorporate housings that are separable into more or less than 3 segments of equal or unequal length. For example, a 14 foot long housing can be separable into 4 segments of 3 feet and 1 segment of 2 feet, and a six foot long housing can be separable into 2 equal segments of 3 feet. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a conventional, threaded male pipe adapter  30  is mounted to the top end of the bottom segment  24 . The adapter  30  has a mounting portion  32  and a connecting portion  34 . The mounting portion  32  fits over, and is securely affixed to, the bottom segment  24 , preferably with silicon adhesive. Although silicon adhesive is preferred, all other means of securing the adapter to the bottom segment, such as with fasteners or with other adhesives, or by press-fitting or snap-fitting, are contemplated. The connecting portion  34  of the male adapter  30  has a threaded exterior surface and an interior diameter that is substantially equal to the interior diameter of the bottom segment  24 . The connecting portion  34  thus axially abuts the top end of the bottom segment  24  to form a contiguous, cylindrical interior surface traversing both components. 
   A conventional female pipe adapter  36  is mounted to the bottom end of the middle segment  26 . The female adapter  36  has a mounting portion  38  and a receiving portion  40 . The mounting portion  38  fits over, and is secured to, the middle segment  26  in a manner identical to the mounting portion  32  of the male adapter  30  described above. The receiving portion  40  of the female adapter  36  has a threaded interior surface for threadedly engaging the threaded connecting portion  34  of the male adapter  30 . Thus, the middle segment  26  attaches to the bottom segment  24  by threading the respective surfaces together. 
   Still referring to  FIG. 2 , a second conventional male pipe adapter  42  and a second conventional female pipe adapter  44  are mounted to the top end of the middle segment  26  and the bottom end of the top segment  28 , respectively, in a manner identical to the adapters  30  and  36  described above. A third conventional female pipe adapter  46  (described in greater detail below) is mounted to the bottom end of the bottom segment  24  in a manner similar to the female pipe adapters described above. The connectivity of the male adapters and the female adapters allows the housing  12  to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled for convenient portability of the device  10 . It is contemplated that the male adapters  32  and  42  can be omitted, and that threads can be formed directly on the exteriors of the three segments  24 ,  26 , and  28  for engaging the receiving portions of the female adapters  36  and  44 . Although threaded engagement is the preferred means of removably mounting the segments to one another, all other means of attachment that would similarly provide the assembled housing  10  with sufficient axial rigidity and a substantially contiguous, cylindrical interior surface, such as by snap-fitting or exterior coupling, are contemplated. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a pulley aperture  48  is formed in the top segment  28  of the housing  10  adjacent the top end of the segment  28 . The first pulley  14  is positioned within, and partially protrudes from, the pulley aperture  48 . The first pulley  14  has a mounting portion  52  that is welded to the interior surface of the top segment  28 . Although welding is preferred, all other means for securing the pulley  14  to the interior of the segment  28 , such as by conventional fasteners or adhesives, are contemplated. It is further contemplated that the first pulley  14  can be mounted to the exterior of the housing  10  adjacent the pulley aperture  48 . The pulley  14  rotates about an axis that is part of the mounting portion  52 , and is positioned in the pulley aperture  48  to permit movement relative to the housing  12 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the weight  16  is cylindrical and is positioned within the housing  12 . The outer diameter of the weight  16  is small enough to allow the weight  16  to slide longitudinally within housing  12  without substantial hindrance, but is large enough to prevent the weight  16  from swaying excessively relative to the housing&#39;s interior surface. Preferably, the weight  16  has an exterior shape that substantially matches the shape of the housing&#39;s  12  interior. The weight  16  is made from lead, although it is contemplated that any material or physical composition that is suitably heavy, such as an iron block or a bag of lead pellets, can alternatively be used. The weight  16  weighs 6 pounds, although weights that are heavier or lighter than 6 pounds are contemplated. A maximum weight of 20 pounds is preferred for maintaining convenient portability of the device. 
   A weight ring  54  extends from the top of the weight  16 . The flexible member  18 , which is preferably a rope or cable, is removably fastened to the weight ring  54  by a conventional bolt snap  56 . The flexible member  18  extends from the bolt snap  56  upwardly through the central interior of the housing  12  and engagingly traverses the top of the first pulley  14 . The pulley  14  redirects the flexible member  18  downwardly as the flexible member  18  exits the housing  12  through the pulley aperture  48 . The flexible member  18  terminates in a spool  58 , and a conventional carabiner clip  60  is used to connect the spool  58  to the user interface  20 . The user interface  20  shown in  FIG. 4  is a conventional cable machine handle, although it is contemplated that the interface can be any of a variety of conventional cable machine attachments that will be recognized by those skilled in the art, including a lateral bar, a curl bar, or an ankle cuff. The term “user interface” is defined herein as a structure that the user of the device  10  engages to enable the user to apply a tensile force to the flexible member  18 . 
   Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a longitudinally elongated weight aperture  64  is formed in the bottom segment  24  of the housing  12  for allowing access to the juncture of the flexible member  18  and the weight  16 . A user may thus reach through the aperture  64 , detach the bolt snap  56  from the weight ring  54 , remove the weight  16  from the housing  12 , insert a different weight into the housing  12 , and attach the bolt snap  56  to the weight ring of the new weight. The weight aperture  64  is formed by cutting away a portion of the bottom segment  24 . Preferably, the aperture  64  extends at least halfway around the housing&#39;s circumference so that the aperture  64  is sufficiently large to allow the weight  16  to be easily removed from, and inserted into, the housing  12 . It is contemplated that the weight aperture  64  can be omitted, and that the weight  16  can instead be accessed through the pulley aperture  48 , or either end of the segments  24  and  26 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 2 , a bracing collar  66  fits around the housing  12  adjacent the bottom edge of the weight aperture  64 . The collar  66  has an interior diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the housing  12 . The collar  66  provides the housing  12  with added structural rigidity to prevent the bottom segment  24  from buckling at or adjacent the weight aperture  64 . The bracing collar  66  is formed of PVC tubing, although all other sufficiently rigid and durable materials, such as aluminum and steel, are contemplated. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a weight door  68  fits over the weight aperture  64  for preventing external elements, such as water and debris, from entering the housing  12 . The door  68  is a shim formed of the portion of bottom segment  24  that was cut away to create the weight aperture  64  (described above). The door  68  thus matingly engages the housing  12  to form the original, cylindrical interior and exterior surfaces of the bottom segment  24 . It is contemplated that the door  68  can be hingedly mounted to the housing  12  adjacent the weight aperture  64  for allowing the door  68  to be pivotably opened and closed. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , a retaining collar  70  engages the bottom segment  24  of the housing  12  for releasably holding the weight door  68  in place in the aperture  64 . The collar  70  is formed of a segment of PVC tubing that is identical to the tubing used to construct the segments of the housing  12 , although the collar  70  is longitudinally slit and expanded to allow the collar  70  to fit around and slidably engage the bottom segment  24 . It is contemplated that the collar  70  can alternatively be formed of a segment of tubing that is not slit or expanded, but that instead has an interior diameter that is larger than the exterior diameter of the bottom segment  24 . When the retaining collar  70  is in a closed position, it abuttingly rests atop the bracing collar  66  and covers the weight door  68 . In order to move the collar  66  to an open position, a user manually slides the collar upwardly to fully expose the weight door  68 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , seven fastening rings  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82 , and  84  are mounted to the housing  12  by seven corresponding nylon fastening collars  86 ,  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 , and  98 . The fastening collars  86 - 98  snugly engage the exteriors of the middle and bottom segments  26  and  24  at different longitudinal positions. Friction prevents each of the collars  86 - 98  from freely sliding longitudinally relative to the housing  12 , although a moderate amount of force applied manually by a human is sufficient to longitudinally displace any of the collars  86 - 98 . If desired, adhesive or fasteners can be used to prevent relative movement. The fastening rings  72 - 84  are conventional D-rings, although it is contemplated that any similar ring, loop, or hook-like structures can be substituted in their place. It is further contemplated that the fastening collars  86 - 98  may be entirely omitted and that rings, loops, or hooks can alternatively be formed or mounted directly on the exterior surface of the housing  12 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 6 , the second pulley  22  is substantially identical to the first pulley  14 , and is configured to be mounted to the housing  12  or to an adjacent structure. A mounting strap  100  terminating in a bolt snap  102  is rigidly attached to the mounting portion  104  of the second pulley  22 . The strap  100  and the bolt snap  102  are used to removably attach the second pulley  22  to any one of the longitudinally disposed fastening rings  72 - 84 . The pulley  22  can alternatively be attached to a structure adjacent the housing  12 , such as the fence shown in  FIG. 6 , or any sufficiently sturdy structure. The pulley  22  can thus engage the flexible member  18  at a variety of positions for adjustably redirecting the member  18  as shown, in one example, in  FIG. 3 . The second pulley  22  is, when in use, between the first pulley and the user. The word “between” is defined herein to mean interposed along the flexible member  18  with the pulley  14  at one side and the user at another side, and not necessarily on a straight line connecting the pulley  14  and the user. 
   In another example, when the second pulley  22  is attached to the bottom-most fastening ring  98 , the flexible member  18  engagingly traverses the bottom of the second pulley  22  and is redirected upwardly to the hand of a standing user. This configuration is useful for accommodating exercises that require a user to provide a substantially upwardly-directed force, such as a bicep curl. In still another example, the second pulley  22  can be attached to the top-most fastening ring  86  for accommodating exercises that require a user to provide a substantially horizontally-directed force, such as a fly. In yet another example, the second pulley  22  can be left unattached, with only the first pulley  14  being used for accommodating exercises that require a user to provide a substantially downwardly-directed force, such as a tricep pull-down. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the flexible member  18  is preferably of sufficient length to traverse both the first pulley  14  and the second pulley  22  and to allow a user to be positioned at least 5 feet from the housing  12  when performing any exercise. Any excess length of the flexible member  18  is wrapped around the spool  58 . The flexible member  18  is preferably a conventional nylon rope, although it is contemplated that all other types of substantially inelastic ropes, cords, and cables that are conventionally used with traditional cable machines, such as composite plastic or steel cables, can alternatively be used. The term “flexible” is defined herein as being able to bend, such as around a pulley, but substantially inelastic, such as a metal cable, for example. 
   Referring back to  FIG. 2 , an end cap  104  fits over the top end of the top segment  28  of the housing  12  for preventing the entry of external elements, such as water and debris. The end cap  104  is preferably affixed to the top segment  28  with silicon adhesive, although all other means of securing the cap  104  to the segment, such as fasteners or other adhesives, or by press-fitting or snap-fitting, are contemplated. It is further contemplated that the cap  104  may be entirely omitted, or that the top segment  28  may alternatively be formed with a closed top end. 
   During operation, the device  10  must be firmly stabilized in an upright orientation so that the housing  12  will not shift or tilt when lateral forces are applied to it, typically by the mounting portion  52 , when a tensile force is applied to the flexible member  18 . Several means are thus provided for stabilizing the device  10 . The particular means selected will depend on the type of surface on which the housing  12  will be standing and whether the housing  12  will be free-standing or mounted to an adjacent structure. 
   For use on a substantially unyielding surface, such as concrete, asphalt, tile, or carpet, the device  10  is provided with a flat base attachment  106  for stabilizing the housing  12  without damaging the surface material. The attachment  106  includes a conventional male pipe adapter  108  (identical to those described above) that is mounted to a short pipe segment  110  that is filled with cured concrete (now shown) or another massive, hard material. The attachment  106  threadedly engages the third female pipe adapter  46  on the bottom of the housing  12 . A round weight pad  112 , having a diameter equal to the interior diameter of the short pipe segment  110 , is fastened to the top surface of the concrete preferably with silicon adhesive. The weight pad  112  absorbs the impact of the weight when it descends the bottom of the housing  12 . A round base pad  114  that is preferably identical to the weight pad  112  is fastened to the bottom surface of the concrete with silicon adhesive. The base pad  114  is provided for protecting the surface upon which the housing is seated from being scratched or scuffed. The base pad  114  also provides frictional engagement between the housing  12  and the surface to prevent the lower end of the housing from sliding. The pads  112  and  114  are formed of rubber padding, although any other pliable, shock absorbent material, such as carpet or foam padding, is contemplated. 
   For use on easily penetrable surfaces, such as grass and soil, the housing is provided with a spike attachment  111  for securing the base of the housing  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 . Like the flat base attachment, the spike attachment  111  includes a conventional male pipe adapter  113  (identical to those described above) mounted to a short pipe segment  115  that is filled with concrete. Also like the flat base attachment, a weight pad  117  is fastened to the top surface of the concrete filling with silicon adhesive. The attachment  111  also includes a steel spike  119  having a flat mounting plate  121 . The mounting plate  121  is fastened to the bottom surface of the concrete filling with silicon adhesive. The spike  119  measures 10 inches in length, although longer or shorter spikes are contemplated. 
   The spike attachment  111  mounts to the housing  12  in a manner identical to the flat base attachment  106 . During use, the spike  119  is driven into the ground until the mounting plate  121  is flush with the ground, thus securing the base of the housing  12  against lateral movement. 
   For using the device  10  in a free-standing configuration, such as in an open field, there are provided four mounting rings  120 ,  122 ,  124 , and  126  (ring  126  is not within view, but is identical to rings  120 - 124 ) that are secured to the housing by a nylon mounting collar  128 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . The mounting collar is positioned on the top segment  28  of the housing  12  adjacent the bottom of the pulley aperture  48 . The collar  128  and the rings  120 - 126  are substantially identical to the fasting rings  86 - 98  and fastening collars  72 - 84  described above, except that the mounting collar  128  is affixed to the housing  12 , such as with silicon adhesive. The mounting rings  120 - 126  are radially spaced 90 degrees apart from one another. Four tie-down ropes  130 ,  132 ,  134 , and  136  terminating in ground stakes  138 ,  140 ,  142 , and  144  are connected to the mounting rings  120 - 126  with conventional bolt snaps  146 ,  148 ,  150 , and  152  (bolt snaps  150  and  152  are not within view, but are identical to snaps  146  and  148 ). During use, each of the tie-down ropes  130 - 136  is drawn taught and each of the ground stakes  138 - 144  is planted in the ground about 10 feet from the base of the housing  12 . The housing  12  is thus laterally secured in the manner of a ship&#39;s mast or a tent pole. 
   In an alternative method for securing the device  10  in a free-standing configuration, there is provided a mounting base  160  and four tie-down ropes  162 ,  164 ,  166 , and  168 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The mounting base  160  is formed of steel and includes a base plate  170 , a mounting cuff  172 , and four stabilizing legs  174 ,  176 ,  178 , and  180 . The base plate  170  is a flat, circular body that is 3 feet in diameter, although plates having other shapes and sizes are contemplated. The mounting cuff  172  is cylindrical and extends upwardly from the center of the base. The cuff  172  has an inner diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the base attachment  106 , and has a length that is substantially equal to the length of the base attachment  106 . 
   The stabilizing legs  174 ,  176 ,  178  and  180  are hingedly mounted to the top surface of the base plate  170  and extend radially outwardly about 3 feet beyond the perimeter of the plate  170 . The legs  174 - 180  are spaced 90 degrees apart from one another and can be locked in an extended position for use, and can be unlocked and folded upwardly for transporting the base  160 . Four D-rings  182 ,  184 ,  186  and  188  are rigidly mounted to the top surfaces of the distal ends of the legs  174 - 180  for attachment of the tie-down ropes  162 - 168 , which are similar to the tie-down ropes  130 - 136  described above, but each rope terminates in a conventional bolt snap ( 190 ,  192 ,  194 ,  196 ,  198 ,  200 ,  202 , and  204 ) on each of its ends. 
   During use, the base attachment  106  of the housing  12  is coaxially mounted within the mounting cuff  172 , thus holding the housing  12  in an upright orientation. Each tie-down rope ( 162 - 168 ) is drawn taught and is fastened on one end to one of the D-rings ( 182 - 188 ), and is fastened on the other end to one of the mountings rings (see  120 - 126  in  FIG. 2 ). The base plate  170 , legs  174 - 180 , and tie-down ropes  162 - 168  thus provide the housing  12  with lateral stability. For additional stability, it is contemplated that the top end of the housing can be mounted to an optional ceiling cuff (not shown). The ceiling cuff is substantially identical to the mounting cuff, but is rigidly mounted to a ceiling or another overhead surface by a bracket for securing the top of the housing  12 . 
   For using the device adjacent a fixed structure, such as a fence, a door, or a pole, the device  10  is provided with two pairs of adjustable nylon tie-down straps  210  and  212  for mounting the device to the structure, as shown in  FIG. 4 . One pair of straps  210  extends from the housing  12  adjacent the bottom end of the top segment  28 , and the other pair of straps  212  extends from the housing  12  adjacent the bottom end of the bottom segment  24 . The straps  210  and  212  are wrapped around a structure, and then they are secured with clasps (not within view) or tied together. Although nylon straps are preferred, all other means of removably mounting the housing to an adjacent structure, such as with ropes, bungie cords, conventional fasteners or brackets, are contemplated. It is further contemplated that a greater number of straps may be used than shown. 
   In any of the above described configurations, it is contemplated that several of the devices can be set up adjacent one another and connected to one another by a series of removable brackets  220 ,  222 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228 , and  230  (see  FIG. 8 ) for providing all of the devices with additional stability while also allowing several users to exercise within close proximity of each other. It is further contemplated that several of the devices may laterally buttress one another in an outwardly facing configuration for the same purpose. 
   The following example illustrates the typical operation of the device  10  on a penetrable surface adjacent a fixed structure: the unassembled device  10  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) is carried in a duffel bag to a location such as a baseball field. A user removes the various components of the device  10  from the bag and assembles them with the spike attachment  111  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) being mounted to the bottom of the housing  12 . 
   The spike  119  is driven into the ground adjacent a fence with the first pulley  14  being directed away from the fence (as shown in  FIG. 6 ). The tie-down straps  210  and  212  are then used to tightly fasten the housing  12  to the fence. The bolt snap  102  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the second pulley  22  is attached to the bottom-most fastening ring  98 . The flexible member  18  is placed in engagement with the top of the first pulley  14  and the bottom of the second pulley  22  and is directed upwardly to the user interface  20  in the hand of a user. 
   To perform a bicep curl, the user grips the user interface  20  with his palm facing the housing and his arm extending downwardly. As the user urges the interface  20  upwardly by bending his arm at the elbow, the force applied by the user is transmitted through the flexible member  18  and the pulleys  14  and  22  to the weight  16 , thus lifting the weight  16  against the force of gravity and to move upwardly within the housing  12 . When the user extends his arm back downwardly, gravity causes the weight  16  to descend within the housing  12 . The upward and downward movement of the interface  20  is repeated in a conventional manner to perform the exercise. After completing his workout, the user disassembles the device  10  and returns its components to the duffel bag for transport. 
   This detailed description in connection with the drawings is intended principally as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention and that various modifications may be adopted without departing from the invention or scope of the following claims.