Abstract:
A portable exercise machine for performing upper extremity exercises including seated chest press, seated-row, seated triceps pull down, and modified seated abdominal crunches. It has two adjacent vertical pieces and one opposing taller vertical piece, each attached to a base member. It also has a pivoting member oriented in an operator-selected direction and an adjustable articulated arm bar with holes at various locations for handgrip attachment and adjustment according to operator stature for optimal user comfort during exercises. Mass resistance is secured by a filamentous member to the pivoting member and moved via pulley systems. The portable exercise machine provides functional body alignment and mimics the range of motion and type of movement needed for daily living, in activities such as but not limited to feeding and dressing. Most importantly, the present invention maximizes the productivity and efficiency of the user and the therapist in a rehabilitation setting.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to the field of resistance type exercise machines, and more particularly to a portable machine for exercising the upper body muscle groups in a wide range of motion. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
   Exercise apparatuses have been designed to strengthen particular muscle groups of the body. They are typically expensive multi-station gyms which occupy a large area of floor space. However, as these apparatuses have developed, their size and accessibility have been a constraint to people with physical limitations. For example, people that are obese, amputees, and have undergone total hip replacements, secondary to the hip precautions, are unable to functionally transfer into the seat incorporated into the mechanical structure of the machine and required for its use. In addition, the seats of such exercise machines have little or no trunk support and people with vestibular problems and poor proprioception will have difficulty sitting up in a seat that has a poor trunk support, which increases the chance of the operator falling out of the seat. 
   One of the challenges in a physical rehabilitation setting is to provide a wide variety of strengthening exercises for a particular muscle group. However, with prior art exercise machines it is difficult to achieve the maximum rehabilitation potential if the intended operator is limited to a sitting position in a wheelchair or other chair. In addition, people with misalignments of trunk, upper and lower extremities will also encounter discomfort from the resistance pulling against the functional joint range of motion. For example, in a wall pulley exercise apparatus the starting range of the upper extremity for a chest press exercise is in a hyper extended position, which increases the chance of joint dislocation. More over, a wall pulley apparatus requires a substantial effort to regulate the resistance level and without proper supervision will cause rope/cable burn. More importantly, the use of a wall pulley apparatus or free weights does not follow a predetermined exercise path which the operable member is unable to isolate and strengthen a specific muscle group. In contrast, the present invention can be used to minimize muscle atrophy in individuals with functional limitation, as well as provide a means for accomplishing progressive resistive exercises. More importantly, the present invention provides strengthening of the muscle groups as well as implementation of the functional range of motion needed to increase the activity of daily living. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a compact, portable, and easily accessible exercise machine for performing a variety of upper extremity exercises. Another object of the present invention is to provide functional body alignment and functional range of motion that mimics the range of motion of the type of movement needed for daily living. In addition, yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for performing a seated chest press, seated row, seated triceps pull down and modified abdominal crunches in an efficient and timely transition of each exercise. 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages of prior exercise apparatuses and in contrast thereto, the present invention provides a portable exercise machine with two spaced-apart vertical pieces and one opposing taller vertical piece attached to a base member. A pivoting member that has a first end and a second end, which can be alternated to perform different exercises, is attached between the two shorter vertical pieces by a rod. The first end of a filamentous member is attached to a fastener that adheres to a mass resistance. The second end of the filamentous member is attached to a clamp that removably latches to the concavity of the pivoting member. A pulley is mounted on the base member between the spaced-apart vertical pieces and the opposing taller vertical piece, with two additional pulleys attached in spaced-apart relation to the top portion of the taller vertical piece. During use of the present invention, the filamentous member glides over the pulley members and raises the mass resistance. An L-shaped bracket or primary articulated arm used with the present invention is attached to the second end of the pivoting member by a locking pin that is inserted into a selected operator-selected hole appropriate to the intended exercise to be performed and operator stature. Several different extensions, bars, or other handgrip or handle configurations are then attached to the L-shaped bracket or primary articulated arm, with handle/handgrip/bar/extension selection being determined by the intended exercise to be performed, rehabilitation goals, and operator stature. The L-shaped bracket is adjustable vertically and also permits handle/handgrip/bar/extension adjustment toward and away from the operator&#39;s body. The primary articulated arm is adjustable vertically, can be lengthened horizontally, and can be extended towards the operator&#39;s body to place an extension, handle, bar, or handgrips in optimum relation to the operator for use during exercise. For example, bilateral handgrips can be laterally attached by clamps at or near the opposed ends of an adjustable T-shaped extension that is secured within the upper end of the L-shaped bracket or primary articulated arm for performing bilateral seated row exercise, as shown in  FIG. 7 . As a further example and in the alternative, one or more adjustable primary articulated arms can also be attached to the second end of the pivoting member, with a laterally adjustable U-shaped bicycle-type of handle configuration secured to the uppermost end of the articulated arm bar extension or extensions, so as to allow the operator to perform bilateral triceps pull down exercise, as shown in  FIG. 11 . In addition, to perform seated chest press exercise, a laterally adjustable T-shaped extension/bar can be secured to the upper end of the L-shaped bracket or primary articulated arm, as shown in  FIG. 4 . This same configuration that can also be used by an operator to perform modified abdominal crunch exercise in a seated position. 
   Use of the preferred configurations of the present invention to perform a variety of upper extremity exercises is uncomplicated. The seated chest press exercise is performed by placing the present invention in front of the operator in a chair or wheelchair and the operator then gripping the handle/handgrip/bar/extension attached to the operator end of the pivoting member via an L-shaped bracket or the primary articulated arm and pulling the handle/handgrip/bar/extension from a retracted position of the upper extremity to a protracted motion in an isotonic resistance and in a predetermined controlled path. Furthermore, modified abdominal crunch exercise in a seated position is achieved by adjusting and extending the handle/handgrip/bar/extension secured to the L-shaped bracket or primary articulated arm into a position near the chest area of the operator. As the operator secures the handle/handgrip/bar/extension with his/her grip in a supinated forearm position, the operator then crunches forward by contracting and strengthening the abdominal muscles. The configuration of the present invention for such exercise is visible in  FIG. 4 . Additionally, the seated row exercise is performed with the present invention by the operator gripping the handle/handgrip/bar/extension and moving it from a protracted position of the upper extremity to a retracted motion in an isotonic resistance and in a predetermined controlled path. The configuration of the present invention for such exercise is visible in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Further, the seated triceps pull down exercise is performed unilaterally by positioning the present invention beside a wheelchair or chair with the chair occupant gripping the second end of the pivoting arm member from an elbow flexion position to an elbow extension motion in an isotonic resistance and in a predetermined controlled path. The configuration of the present invention for such exercise is visible in  FIG. 1 . Also, adding an articulated arm and one or more handle/handgrip/bar/extension, as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , allows the user to perform bilateral triceps pull down exercise. The present invention is positioned in front of the operator, with the operator then bilaterally gripping the handle/handgrip/bar/extension from an elbow flexion position to an elbow extension motion. The configuration of the present invention for such exercise is visible in  FIG. 11 . 
   Most importantly, in accordance with the statements above, the present invention is a portable device that can break down for convenient storage and/or transport, and allows the performance of a variety of exercises that mimic the functional range of motion required for a person to successfully conduct the activities of daily living, while most prior art devices are not as versatile. For example, when getting up from a wheelchair or a chair a person has to use mainly the triceps and shoulder depressor muscles. The starting position is elbow flexion and then he/she pushes up from the arm chair fully extending the triceps muscle and elbow joint. The seated triceps pull down using the present invention strengthens the group of muscles that mimics this motion. Another example of the present invention mimicking the functional range of motion required for daily living relates to the propelling of a wheelchair, where a person has to use mainly chest, triceps, biceps, and latissimus dorsi muscles. The starting position is elbow flexion and the bilateral upper extremities are in a retracted position. As he/she propels the wheelchair wheels forward, the end position of the bilateral upper extremities are in a protracted position and the elbow in full extension. The present invention strengthens the group of muscles that are used to propel a wheelchair. Other functional activities of daily living that the present invention mimics, while not limited thereto, are the motions of opening and closing a door, feeding, dressing, and the pulling on and removal of pants. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention shall now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show and disclose one non-limiting preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of a machine according to the present invention set up for unilateral triceps pull down exercise, with the three line body arrow on the upper right side representing the operator applied force. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of the left side of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, also shown in  FIG. 1 , with the clamp on the end of the filamentous member visible. 
       FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view in an enlarged scale of the pivoting member used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a schematic perspective view in an enlarged scale of the clamp used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is also shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 3C  is a schematic perspective view in an enlarged scale of the rod used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention to anchor the pivoting member for rotation, which is also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3D  is a schematic perspective view in an enlarged scale of the fastener used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention for attachment of the mass resistance to the filamentous member, which is also shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3E  is a schematic perspective view in an enlarged scale of the handgrip used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is also shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       FIG. 3F  is a schematic perspective view in an enlarged scale of the locking pin used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention to rigidly secure the articulated arm bars and extensions to the pivoting member, and which is also shown in  FIGS. 5A and 7 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention as it appears with an L-shaped bracket and T-shaped extension for chest press and modified seated abdominal crunches exercise with the three line body arrow on the upper right side representing the direction of operator applied force needed to move the mass resistance. 
       FIG. 5A  is a side view in an enlarged scale section of the L-shaped bracket in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention with the two double sided arrows representing the directions in which it is adjustable. 
       FIG. 5B  is a frontal view in an enlarged scale section of a first primary articulated arm or L-shaped bracket extension in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 4 , with the two double sided arrows representing the directions in which it is adjustable. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention as it appears for demonstrating seated rowing exercise with the three line body arrow on the upper right side representing the operator applied force. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention as it appears with bilateral handgrips for demonstrating seated rowing exercise with the three line body arrow on the right side representing the operator applied force. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged scale of the handgrip attachment in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 7  with the double sided arrow representing the directions in which it is adjustable. 
       FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10A  is a top view in an enlarged scale section of a preferred U-shaped bilateral handle configuration used as a part of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 11 , with two double sided arrows representing the directions in which it is adjustable. 
       FIG. 10B  is a side view in an enlarged scale section of the preferred L-shaped bracket and preferred U-shaped bilateral handle configuration shown in  FIG. 11  and used as a part in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the single sided upwardly-directed arrow on the left side representing the hinge joint vertical motion in the articulated arm bar and the double sided arrow representing the directions of adjustability of the extension relative to the articulated arm bar. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic perspective view of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention as is appears for demonstrating seated bilateral triceps pull down with the three line body arrow on the upper right side representing the operator applied force. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In  FIG. 1 , the number  10  includes, in the entirety, a portable machine for exercising the upper body muscle groups in a wide range of motion. Preferably, although not shown, the present invention has rounded corners and blunt edges to address safety issues. Also, it is to be understood that the brackets/arms/attachments/handles/handgrips/bars/extensions which can be used with the pivoting member  13  of the present invention to adapt it for differing upper extremity exercises are not limited to those shown in the accompanying drawings. Further, to facilitate transport and storage, pivoting member  13  is separable from the two vertical pieces  11  and mass resistance  22  can be separated via fastener  16  from filamentous member  14 . In addition, although some preferred embodiments have vertical pieces  11  and  12  welded to base member  20 , vertical pieces  11  and  12  can also be made to be separable from base member  20 . As can be seen in the accompanying illustrations, pivoting member  13  is long and slender with a small width in proportion to its length. 
   With reference to  FIG. 1 , machine  10  comprises two spaced-apart and substantially parallel vertical pieces  11  each of which is attached on its lower end to a base member  20 , and an opposing taller vertical piece  12  the lower end of which is also supported rigidly by the base member  20 . Preferably, although not limited thereto, the vertical pieces  11  and  12  are made from steel and welded securely onto a base member  20  that is also made from steel for strength and durability. Although the preferred configurations and relative dimensions of vertical pieces  11  and  12  are shown in  FIG. 1 , other configurations and dimensions are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. A pivoting member  13  is centrally mounted for rotational movement relative to vertical pieces  11  and can be tubular or have any cross-sectional dimension that will allow it to fulfill its intended function. As shown in  FIG. 3 , pivoting member  13  has a pivoting axis  19  that is located between the two concavities  17  and  18 . The length of pivoting member  13  must be sufficiently short so that it does not contact vertical piece  12  during operator exercise.  FIGS. 1 and 3  show several holes  23  are located between concavity  18  and the end of pivoting member  13  that is most adjacent to concavity  18 , which allow the locking pin  24  to be inserted and rigidly support the L-shaped bracket  28 , articulated arm  29 , and/or handle/handgrip/bar/extension  25 ,  26 ,  30 ,  31 , or  32  that are visible in  FIGS. 4-8  and  10 - 11 .  FIG. 1  also shows pivoting member  13  attached between the two spaced-apart vertical pieces  11  by a rod  27 , the configuration of which is shown in more detail in  FIG. 3C . 
     FIG. 1  further shows an elongated filamentous member  14  with opposing ends. For some exercises, filamentous member  14  is attached to cavity  17 , and for other exercises filamentous member  14  is attached to cavity  18 . While it is preferred for filamentous member  14  to be a cable or rope, it is not limited thereto and the materials from which filamentous member  14  is made can be any material or combination of materials that can support the mass resistance and fulfill its intended function. The first end of the filamentous member  14  is attached to a fastener  16  that secures filamentous member  14  to the mass resistance  22 . Fastener  16  should also provide a strong and secure grip on mass resistance  22 , and more than one fastener  16  can be used. Further, each fastener  16  used can also be easily releasable for rapid substitution of one mass resistance  22  by another of a different weight, or in the alternative, fasteners  16  can be non-releasable with the mass resistance  22  being configured for easily adjustable weight variability. In addition, the configuration for fastener  16  shown in  FIG. 1  is preferred, but not critical. The second end of the filamentous member  14  is attached to a clamp  15 , not visible in  FIG. 1  but readily visible in  FIG. 2 , that is configured to latch filamentous member  14  to the concavity  17  of the pivoting member  13 .  FIG. 1  also shows several pulleys  21  that are used to guide the movement of filamentous member  14  during operator exercise. One pulley is mounted upon base member  20  between vertical pieces  11  and  12 , while  FIG. 1  shows a second pulley  21  mounted to the top end of vertical piece  12  and a third pulley secured by a support member  12   a  to vertical piece  12  in a position remote from vertical pieces  11 . Although three pulleys  21  are preferred, the size and number are not critical and can vary from that shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is set up for unilateral triceps pull down exercise and shown in its pre-exercise position, with the three line body arrow on the upper right side representing the operator applied force needed to initiate movement of mass resistance  22 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 2 , filamentous member  14 , vertical piece  12 , and pulleys  21  are shown without pivoting member  13 , vertical pieces  11 , or base member  20 . Thus, the clamp  15  on the end of filamentous member  14  remote from mass resistance  22  is visible. As in  FIG. 1 , three pulleys  21  are shown, all shown in close association with vertical piece  12 . One pulley  21  is secured in a fixed position adjacent to the lower end of vertical piece  12  and on the side of vertical piece  12  that is remote from mass resistance  21 . A second pulley  21  is secured to the top end of vertical piece  12 , with a third pulley  21  being fixed by a support member  12   a  in a position that allows a portion of filamentous member  14  to extend directly downward to mass resistance  22  and provide a connection between mass resistance  22  and pivoting member  13 , with filamentous member  14  being used to raise mass resistance  22  in response to an operator applying force to the end of pivoting member  13  not connected to filamentous member  14 . Although  FIG. 2  shows the second pulley  21  not being mounted to the top of vertical piece  12 , such top mounting is a contemplated option. Also, the length of support member  12   a,  the size of pulleys  21 , and the connection of the third pulley  21  to support member  12   a  can be different from that shown in  FIG. 2 . Conventional pulleys with a variety of dimensions can be used as pulleys  21  in the present invention, as long as they facilitate and guide the movement of filamentous member  14  while it lifts mass resistance  22  during operator exercise. Although not limited thereto, for the attachment of the second and third pulleys  21  that guide the movement of filamentous member  14  over the top of the taller vertical piece  12 , support member  12   a  is fixed at an angle of approximately 60 degrees relative to vertical piece  12  to place the third pulley  21  in an inferior position to the second pulley  21  that is directly attached to vertical piece  12 . As operator exercise begins, the center portion of the filamentous member  14  glides over the three pulleys  21  and moves toward pivoting member  13 , while at the same time lifting mass resistance  22 . As operator exercise continues, the center portion of the filamentous member  14  alternatively reverses position as it glides over the three pulleys  21  to alternatively raise and lower mass resistance  22 . Mass resistance  22  is provided by conventional means, such as but not limited to a dumbbell or any weight stack that will allow the present invention to fulfill its intended function. 
     FIGS. 3A to 3F  respectively show the pivoting member  13 , clamp  15 , rod  27 , fastener  16 , handgrip  26 , and locking pin  24  used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3A  shows pivoting member  13  having a pivoting axis  19  that is located between the two concavities  17  and  18 .  FIG. 3  also shows pivoting member  13  having several holes  23  are located between concavity  18  and the end of pivoting member  13  that is most adjacent to concavity  18 , which allow the locking pin  24  to be inserted therein and rigidly support the L-shaped bracket  28 , articulated arm  29 , and/or handle/handgrip/bar/extension  25 ,  26 ,  30 ,  31 , or  32  that are visible in  FIGS. 4-8  and  10 - 11 . Pivoting member  13  is mounted for rotational movement relative to vertical pieces  11  so that for some operator exercises concavity  17  is adjacent to vertical piece  12  and for other exercises concavity  17  is positioned remotely from vertical piece  12 . Although  FIG. 3A  shows pivoting member  13  having a tubular configuration, it may also have any cross-sectional configuration or dimension that will allow it to fulfill its intended function. Also, the length of pivoting member  13  must be in proportion to the distance between vertical pieces  11  and vertical piece  12  so that pivoting member  13  does not contact vertical piece  12  during operator exercise. With reference to  FIG. 3B , one example of a clamp  15  is provided that can be used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention between the end of filamentous member  14  remote from mass resistance  22  and pivoting member  13 . Although  FIG. 3B  shows clamp  15  in the form of a closed loop, other configurations of fastener or clamp having a locking type of mechanism are also contemplated. It is preferred for clamp  15  to be constructed of steel, thereby providing sturdy construction, however other sturdy materials are also contemplated.  FIG. 3C  shows the rod  27  used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention to anchor the pivoting member  13  to vertical pieces  11  for rotation. The cylindrical configuration shown for rod  27  is preferred for most effective and efficient rotation of pivoting member  13 . In addition, in reference to  FIG. 3D , a fastener  16  that is used to support the mass resistance  22  is shown in the form of a sleeve with at least one hole  23  centrally therethrough. Fastener  16  can be constructed of flexible metal and is configured to centrally hold mass resistance  22  in a balanced manner. When mass resistance  22  is in the form of a dumbbell, fastener  16  securely embraces the body of the dumbbell configuration, locking it into position through use of a locking pin, such as that shown in  FIG. 3F  by the number  24  through a hole  23 . The locking pin  24  has a ring at one end for use by an operator to pull locking pin out of the associated hole  23 . A springy or positively biased protuberance (visible but not identified by a number in  FIG. 3F ) on the other end of locking pin  24  remote from its ring assures that locking pin  24  stays in its targeted hole  23  until deliberately released.  FIG. 3E  shows the configuration of handgrip  26  that is used in the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and shown in  FIG. 7  attached to the ends  32  of articulated arm bar extension  25 . Although it is preferred for handgrips  26  to be made from durable and resilient material, and be configured for comfort in an operator&#39;s hand, their configuration and the materials from which they are made are not critical. 
     FIG. 4  shows the L-shaped bracket  28  attached to one end of pivoting member  13  so that an operator can perform chest press exercise and modified seated abdominal crunch exercise from an independent chair or wheelchair (not shown). Although a T-shaped bar or extension  25  is connected to the distal end of L-shaped bracket  28  with a locking pin  24  inserted through holes  23  in both L-shaped bracket  28  and extension  25 , extensions  25  with configurations other than that shown as  25  may also be used. While the number of holes  23  used in L-shaped bracket  28  and extension  25  is not critical, holes  23  permit upward adjustability of L-shaped bracket  28  and outward adjustability of extension  25  according to operator stature and rehabilitative need.  FIG. 4  further shows a lateral hole  23  within the portion of extension portion  25  that would be facing an operator and which can be used to attach handgrips  26  or other means for the operator to use in lifting mass resistance  22  via filamentous member  14 . The three line body arrow on the upper right side of the illustration represents the direction of operator applied force needed to move mass resistance  22 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the present invention is in a pre-exercise condition with mass resistance  22  positioned upon the same surface supporting base member  20 . Modified abdominal seated crunches are accomplished with the extension  25  extended towards the operator&#39;s chest area. As the user secures the extension  25  with his/her grip in a supinated forearm position, the operator then crunches forward by contracting and strengthening the abdominal muscles. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 5A &amp; 5B ,  FIG. 5A  shows L-shaped bracket  28  having holes  23  that adjustment according to operator stature and comfort, with the vertically oriented double-sided arrow showing the vertical direction of its adjustment relative to pivoting member  13 . The height of the L-shaped bracket  28  can be raised or lowered by inserting a locking pin  24  into a selected one of the holes  23  in its L-shaped tubular structure and also inserting the same locking pin  24  into a corresponding selected hole  23  in pivoting member  13 . Also, in  FIG. 5A , the extension  25  shown in  FIG. 5B  is inserted and secured into the upper end of L-shaped bracket  28  by a second locking pin  24 . As indicated by the horizontally oriented double-sided arrow, extension  25  can be lengthened horizontally relative to L-shaped bracket  28  to move extension portion  25  towards the operator&#39;s body or retract extension portion  25  further within the L-shaped bracket  28  to shorten the distance between extension portion  25  and the operator&#39;s body. In  FIG. 5A , extension portion  25  is in an intermediate position, while in  FIG. 5B , extension portion  25  is shown in a fully retracted position.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  further show lateral holes  23  within the portion of extension portion  25  that would be facing an operator and which can be used to attach handgrips  26  or other means for the operator to use in lifting mass resistance  22  via filamentous member  14 . In addition,  FIG. 5B  has two double-sided arrows showing the outward adjustability of extending ends  32  relative to opposed distal ends of extension  25 . The means by which the length of extending ends  32  are fixed relative to extension  25  is not critical. The usable positions of L-shaped bracket  28  and extension  25  can be established by a locking pin  24 , or any other means that can be used to accomplish the same purpose and is capable of being inserted through a hole  23  in L-shaped bracket  28  and a corresponding receiving hole  23  in either pivoting member  13  or extension  25 . Although in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  the holes  23  in extension  25  are all hidden within L-shaped bracket  28 , it is preferred that they are similar in size and configuration to the holes  23  in L-shaped bracket  28  that are visible in  FIG. 5A . Preferably, the L-shaped bracket  28  is tubular, although any cross sectional configuration that will allow it to fulfill its intended function is also contemplated. Further, although the angular and substantially L-shaped configuration shown for bracket  28  is preferred, it is not critical and for special applications or design considerations a different configuration can be used. 
     FIG. 6  shows the most preferred embodiment of the present invention as it appears for demonstrating seated rowing exercise with the three line body arrow on the upper right side representing the direction of operator applied force to initially move mass resistance  22 . In contrast to the end of filamentous member  14  remote from mass resistance  22  being secured via clamp  15  to the concavity  17  on pivoting member  13 , the end of filamentous member  14  remote from mass resistance  22  is secured via clamp  15  to the concavity  18  on pivoting member  13 . L-shaped bracket  28 , extension  25 , and pivoting member  13  are used for transferring the operator applied force to filamentous member  14 , which then causes mass resistance  22  to be raised and lowered. Although  FIG. 6  shows the mass resistance (identified by the number  22  in  FIG. 1 ) as a dumbbell, other configurations and dimensions are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention.  FIG. 6  further shows a lateral hole  23  within the portion of extension portion  25  that would be facing an operator and which can be used to attach handgrips  26  or other means for the operator to use in lifting mass resistance  22  via filamentous member  14 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 7 , bilateral handgrips  26  are attached to the holes  23  in the opposing ends of extension  25 . Although  FIG. 7  shows use of a clamp  15  for the attachment of handgrips  26  to extension  25 , the use of clamps  15  is not critical and other means of secure and/or locking attachment are also contemplated. Preferably, the handgrips  26  are removable, and made from foam rubber or other suitable material which provides cushioning and a non-slip surface for the operator.  FIG. 8  is an enlarged scale section that views a handgrip  26  attached to one end of extension  25  via a clamp  15  that connected through a lateral hole  23 . Although the configuration of clamp  15  is not critical, it should have a locking configuration.  FIG. 8  also shows extension  25  connected via a locking pin  24  to L-shaped bracket  28  via one of several horizontally extending spaced-apart holes  23 , and a locking pin  24  inserted through one of several vertically extending spaced-apart holes  23  for connection of the adjacent end of L-shaped bracket  28  to pivoting member  13 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   With reference to  FIG. 9 , the filamentous member  14 , is attached to the concavity  17  of the pivoting arm  13 . The present invention is situated at the side of the wheelchair or chair (not shown) so that the operator sitting thereupon can perform unilateral triceps pull down exercise. When the operator grips pivoting arm  13  and applies force in a flexed elbow position and then applies force by extending the elbow joint using the triceps muscles, the triceps pull down exercise is accomplished. The lower end of the two vertical pieces  11  are preferably welded to the top of base member  20 , with base member  20  being shaped to accommodate the positioning of the wheelchair front wheels or a chair (not shown) for added stability of the present invention. 
   More over, with reference to  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  11 , an alternate articulated arm bar  29  is shown, which is typically contemplated for attachment to the operator end of pivoting member  13  in place of L-shaped bracket  28 . An alternate extension  31  is also shown in  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B, and  11  attached to articulated arm  29 , with horizontally-extending and substantially parallel integrated grips  30  outwardly extending toward the operator. To use the present invention with alternate articulated arm bar  29  and alternate extension  31  in place, the present invention is placed in front of the operator so that he/she can perform the bilateral triceps pull down exercise. Bilateral triceps pull down is accomplished by attaching the alternate articulated arm bar  29  to the pivoting arm  13  by use of a locking pin  24  and the operator bilaterally gripping the grips  30  integrated into alternate extension  31  and moving integrated grips  30  from an elbow flexion position to an elbow extension motion. The articulated arm  29  is preferably a hinge joint that limits its angle to approximately 90 degrees when vertical force is applied. The three line body arrow on the upper right side represents the direction of operator applied force needed to initiate movement of mass resistance  22 . 
   Preferably, the present invention is constructed of steel, aluminum alloys, and industrial strength plastics, but is not limited thereto, and it is contemplated for any materials to be used that will allow it to fulfill its intended function. More importantly, in the descriptions mentioned above, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific numbers, dimensions, materials, etc. are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well known mechanical elements are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail. Thus, one should look for the definition of the present invention in the claims and not limit it to the examples provided in the accompanying text and illustrations.