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

Full Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/940,978, filed on Feb. 18, 2014. The contents of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/940,978 are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention pertains generally to physical exercise devices. More specifically, the present invention pertains to portable exercise devices and methods for using these devices. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful as an adjustable exercise device which utilizes the user&#39;s body weight as the resistive force and which allows the user to selectively adjust the magnitude of the exercise resistance. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A wide variety of exercise devices are commercially available for purchase and use by individuals for the purpose of developing their strength and physical condition. In general, exercise equipment can be categorized as being portable or stationary. Portable exercise equipment is typically limited in the number of exercises that can be performed. Often, portable equipment is designed for one specific purpose, such as for exercising a single targeted muscle group, necessitating a separate exercise device for each muscle group that the user wants to strengthen or condition. Also, portable exercise equipment is frequently designed such that the user must get on the floor to use the device. 
         [0004]    Alternatively, stationary exercise equipment is generally designed for a broad range of exercises, targeting most or all of the bodies major muscle groups. By definition, however, stationary exercise equipment is not portable, requiring a dedicated location for its placement. Typically, multi-purpose stationary exercise equipment is designed with floor mounted frames, cables and pulleys, and incorporate heavy weights, bows, band, springs or other mechanical means as the resistance force for the exercises. The more complex and comprehensive the exercise equipment becomes in terms of the type and number of exercises that can be performed with the equipment, the exercise equipment also becomes more complex, more bulky, more expensive, and less mobile. Because this type of exercise equipment is meant to be stationary, it&#39;s most often found in gyms, athletic facilities, training and rehabilitation centers, and to a lesser degree in homes. 
         [0005]    In light of the above, it is the object of the present invention to provide a portable exercise device that does not require weights, bows, bands, springs or other mechanical means for creating the resistance force for the exercises. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that includes a structure that can be easily manipulated by the user to provide the desired level of resistance. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is compact, light-weight and portable. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that can be used to exercise several muscle groups in the body of the user. Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise device that is easy to use. Yet another object of the invention is to provide an exercise devise that is relatively easy to manufacture and is comparatively cost effective. 
         [0006]    Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of examples, the principle of the invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    An exercise device according to the present invention includes a first lever, a second lever, a connecting rod, a first arm and a second arm. The connecting rod pivotally interconnects one end of the first lever with the second lever. The connections between the first lever and the connecting rod and between the second lever and the connecting rod define axes of rotation that are substantially perpendicular to the first lever, second lever and connecting rod. The end of the first lever that is closest to the interconnection with the connecting rod is pivotally connected to a frame about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the frame and the first lever. In one embodiment, the first lever includes a force input structure that is located at the end of the first lever opposite the end pivotally connected to a frame. In a preferred embodiment this structure is a handle. One end of the second lever is pivotally connected to the frame about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the frame and the second lever. The first arm is pivotally connected to the frame about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the frame. The other end of the first arm is pivotally connected to a second arm about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the first arm and the second arm. The other end of the second arm is pivotally attached to the end of the second lever that is not pivotally attached to a frame, about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the second arm and the second lever. In a preferred embodiment, a seat for the user is attached to the second arm. 
         [0008]    In the operation of the exercise device, the first lever is rotated about its pivotal connection to the frame, which causes the connecting rod to apply a force against the second lever. In response to this force, the second lever rotates about its pivotal connection to the frame. As the second lever rotates, it causes the end of the second arm that is pivotally attached to the second lever to follow the rotational motion of the second lever at their pivotal interconnection. The consequences of the second arm&#39;s movement is that the pivotal interconnection of the second arm with the first arm effects a rotation of the first arm about its pivotal connection to the frame. 
         [0009]    As the first lever is rotated about its pivotal connection to the frame it encounters resistance that is proportional to the body weight of a user seated on the seat, the geometric relationships between the axes of rotation described above, and the lengths of the first lever, second lever, first arm and second arm. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment of the exercise device, control over the amount of resistance there is to the rotation of the first lever is accomplished at the interconnection of the connecting rod and the second lever. For this embodiment the connecting rod is not attached directly to the second lever. Instead it is pivotally attached to a slide assembly about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the connecting rod and slide assembly. The slide assembly is positioned on the second lever in a manner that it can be slid along the second lever, positioned at various points along the second lever and be intermittently fixed at said various points by the insertion of a lock pin that interlocks the slide assembly and the second lever. This allows the distance between the axis of rotation about which the second lever rotates with respect to a frame and the axis of rotation between the connecting rod and the slide assembly to be adjusted. The closer that the slide assembly is positioned to the end of the second lever that is pivotally attached to the frame, and thus the shorter the distance between the second levers axis of rotation with the frame and the pivotal interconnection between the connecting rod and the slide assembly, the higher the force required to rotate the first lever, and therefore, the higher the exercise resistance. Conversely, the further that the slide assembly is positioned from the end of the second lever that is pivotally attached to the frame, and thus the greater the distance between the second levers axis of rotation with the frame and the pivotal interconnection between the connecting rod and the slide assembly, the lower the force required to rotate the first lever about its pivotal attachment to the frame, and therefore the lower the exercise resistance. Accordingly, depending on the position of the slide assembly on the second lever, the resistance to rotation of the first lever can be increased or decreased. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment of the exercise device, the end of the first lever with the force input structure is pivotally connected to the end of the first lever that is pivotally connected to a frame. Specifically, for this purpose the end of the first lever with the input structure is inserted into an adopter, which is pivotally attached to the end of the first lever that is pivotally attached to the frame. With this cooperation of structure the user is able to rotate the end of the first lever with the input structure relative to the end of the first lever that is pivotally attached to the frame. 
         [0012]    The exercise device of the present invention can be used by an individual to exercise, for example, gluteus maximus muscles. To do so, the individual sets the exercise resistance according to their strength and exercise goals. After setting the resistance, the individual places their feet on the input structure that is attached to the first lever. The individual can then exert force against the input structure causing the first lever to rotate about its pivotal connection to the frame. The user then reduces the amount of force they are exerting against the input structure, allowing the first lever to return to its original position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The novel features of the present invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings which are meant to illustrate and not limit the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0014]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a partially exploded perspective view of a slide assembly and a second lever of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a slide assembly installed on a second lever of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a view of a second lever of an exercise device of the present invention as would be seen along the line  2 - 2  in  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5A  is a side elevation view of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevation view of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a partially exploded perspective view of an adapter; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side elevation views of a user with the exercise device shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , with the user&#39;s feet on the handle; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are side elevation views of a user with the exercise device shown in  FIG. 6 , with the user&#39;s hands on the handle; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are side elevation views of a user with an exercise device shown in  FIG. 6 , with the user&#39;s hands on the handle; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  are perspective views of an alternate embodiment of an exercise device; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12A  is a partially exploded perspective view of a slide assembly and a second lever of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of a slide assembly installed on a second lever of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a view of a second lever of an exercise device of the present invention as would be seen along the line  202 - 202  in  FIG. 12A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of an exercise device of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16A and 16B  show an exercise device configured for exercising the gluteus maximus muscles of a user; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  show an exercise device configured for exercising the abdominal muscles of a user; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 18A and 18B  show an exercise device configured for exercising the upper body muscles of a user. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0035]    A first embodiment of an exercise device is shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  and is generally designated  10 . As shown in  FIG. 1A  the device  10  includes a first lever  12 , which has a first end  14  and a second end  16 . Additionally, first lever  12  has pin  24  that can be manipulated in a manner well known in the art to adjust the length of first lever  12 . 
         [0036]    Referring again to  FIG. 1A , the first lever  12  has handles  18   a  and  18   b  that are attached at second end  16  by means such as welding, or the like, and plates  20   a  and  20   b  ( FIG. 1B ) that are attached to first end  14  by means such as welding, or the like. The exercise device also has brackets  22   a  and  22   b  that are attached to frame  66  by means such as welding, or the like. First end  14  is pivotally attached to brackets  22   a  and  22   b  at first axes  100 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , such that first lever  12  can rotate about first axis  100 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 1A  also shows that the device  10  includes second lever  32 , which has first end  34  and second end  36 . The exercise device also includes brackets  38   a  and  38   b  that are attached to frame  66  by means such as welding, or the like. First end  34  is pivotally attached to brackets  38   a  and  38   b  at second axes  102 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , such that second lever  32  can rotate about second axis  102 . Slide assembly  40  is positioned on second lever  32 . 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIG. 2A , slide assembly  40  and second lever  32  are shown in detail. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the slide assembly  40  preferably includes bushing  70 , slider  42  and plates  44   a  and  44   b . Slider  42  has hole  72 . Plates  44   a  and  44   b  are attached to slider  42  by means such as welding, or the like, and bushing  70  is installed internally to slider  42  by means such as a press fit, snap fit, adhesive, or the like. Bushing  70  has an internal surface  74  of a size and configuration to receive second lever  32  such that slide assembly  40  can slide on second lever  32 . Preferably, second lever  32  has holes,  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c ,  76   d ,  76   e  and  76   f . Referring to  FIG. 3 , holes  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c ,  76   d ,  76   e  and  76   f  are spaced linearly along second lever  32  at distances from second axis  102  referenced as D 1 , D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , D 5  and D 6  respectively. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that more or less holes are suitable. 
         [0039]      FIG. 2B  shows slide assembly  40  installed on second lever  32 . To position and affix slide assembly  40  along second lever  32 , hole  72  is aligned with one of the holes  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c ,  76   d ,  76   e  or  76   f , whereupon lock pin  46  is inserted through hole  72  and through the corresponding hole  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c ,  76   d ,  76   e  or  76   f  that it is aligned with. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1B  shows that the device  10  includes connecting rod  26 , which has a first end  28  and a second end  30 . First end  28  is pivotally attached to plates  20   a  and  20   b  at third axis  104 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , such that connecting rod  26  can rotate about third axis  104 . Second end  30  is pivotally attached to plates  44   a  and  44   b  at fourth axis  106 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , such that connecting rod  26  can rotate about fourth axis  106 . 
         [0041]    Still referring to  FIG. 1B , the device  10  includes first arm  48 , which has first end  50  and second end  52 . The exercise device also has plates  64   a  and  64   b  that are attached to frame  66  by means such as welding, or the like. First end  50  is pivotally attached to plates  64   a  and  64   b  at fifth axis  108 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , such that first arm  48  can rotate about fifth axis  108 . The device  10  includes second arm  58 , which has first end  60  and second end  62 . Plates  54   a  and  54   b  ( FIG. 1A ) are attached to first end  60  by means such as welding, or the like, and plates  56   a  and  56   b  are attached to second end  62  by means such as welding, or the like. Plates  54   a  and  54   b  are pivotally attached to second end  36  ( FIG. 1A ) at sixth axes  110 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , such that second arm  58  can rotate about sixth axis  110 . Plates  56   a  and  56   b  are pivotally attached to second end  52  at seventh axes  112 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , such that second arm  58  can rotate about seventh axis  112 . Seat  68  is attached to second arm  58  by means such as screws (not shown). In an embodiment of the invention, second lever  32 , first arm  48 , second arm  58  or seat  68  is supported in the resting position shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  by means such as a rubber stop (not shown) affixed to frame  66 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrated the device  10  wherein the first lever  12  has been rotated counterclockwise about first axis  100  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 4 ). As can be seen, this rotation of first lever  12  results in plates  20   a  and  20   b  (not shown) also rotating counterclockwise about first axis  100 . It will be appreciated by a skilled artisan that due to the pivotal interconnection of first lever  12  and connecting rod  26  at third axis  104  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 4 ), a rotation of first lever  12  will cause connecting rod  26  to interact at fourth axis  106  with slide assembly  40 , affixed on second lever  32 , in a manner that will effect a rotation of second lever  32  about second axis  102  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 4 ). The first end  60  of second arm  58  follows the rotation of second lever  32  at their pivotal interconnection at sixth axis  110  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 4 ). The consequences of this is that it effects a rotation of first arm  48  about fifth axis  108  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 4 ), caused by the pivotal interaction of second end  62  with second end  52  at seventh axis  112  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0043]    Still referring to  FIG. 4 , a skilled artesian will recognize from the disclosure herein that first lever  12  can extended to the right from first axis  100 , versus to the left as shown in  FIG. 4 , in which case first lever  12  will have rotated clockwise about first axis  100 . 
         [0044]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrates the device  10  having dimensions and angles according to an embodiment of the invention. Referring to  FIG. 5A , the position of second axis  102  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5A ) relative to first axis  100  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5A ) is referenced as X 1  in the horizontal direction and as Y 1  in the vertical direction. The position of the fifth axis  108  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5A ) relative to the first axis  100  is referenced as X 2  in the horizontal direction and as Y 2  in the vertical direction. The angle of a line drawn between first axis  100  and third axis  104  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5A ) relative to first lever  12  is referenced as angle φ 1 , the angle of second lever  32  relative to the horizontal is referenced as angle φ 2 , and the angle of first arm  48  relative to the horizontal is referenced as angle φ 3 . 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 5B , lever  12  has been rotated from angle  0  shown in  FIG. 5A  to angle θ′ shown in  FIG. 5B . The length of first lever  12  between first axis  100  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) and ninth axis  116  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) is referenced as “L 1 ”, the distance between first axis  100  and third axis  104  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) is referenced as “L 2 ”, the length of second lever  32  between second axis  102  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) and sixth axis  110  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) is referenced as “L 3 ”, the length of connecting rod  26  between third axis  104  and fourth axis  106  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) is referenced as “L 4 ”, the length of first arm  48  between fifth axis  108  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) and seventh axis  112  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 5B ) is referenced as “L 5 ”, and the length of second arm  58  between sixth axis  110  and seventh axis  112  is referenced as “L 6 ”. The distance between fourth axis  106  and a line drawn between second axis  102  and sixth axis  110  is referenced as “L 7 ”. The position of slide assembly  40  along second lever  32  relative to second axis  102  is referenced as “D”. 
         [0046]    In an embodiment of the invention, the dimensions and angles referenced in  FIGS. 3, 5A and 5B  have the following respective values; however, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand from the disclosure herein that there are many values for the referenced dimensions and angles that are suitable for the device  10 : 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 3 : 
         [0048]    D 1 =1⅝ inches 
         [0049]    D 2 =⅝ inch 
         [0050]    D 3 =⅝ inch 
         [0051]    D 4 =⅝ inch 
         [0052]    D 5 =1 inch 
         [0053]    D 6 =1 inch 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 5A : 
         [0055]    X 1 =5⅝ inches 
         [0056]    X 2 =2 inches 
         [0057]    Y 1 =10 3/16 inches 
         [0058]    Y 2 =9⅞ inches 
         [0059]    φ 1 =140 degrees 
         [0060]    φ 2 =20 degrees 
         [0061]    φ 3 =15 degrees 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIG. 5B : 
         [0063]    L 1 =22 inches 
         [0064]    L 2 =1¼ inches 
         [0065]    L 3 =10 inches 
         [0066]    L 4 =10 11/16 inches 
         [0067]    L 5 =14¼ inches 
         [0068]    L 6 =12 inches 
         [0069]    L 7 =1¾ inches 
         [0070]    In the operation of the device  10 , a user  98  ( FIG. 8A ) will first set the exercise resistance that is to be provided by device  10  by positioning slide assembly  40  along second lever  32 . Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , this is accomplished by moving slide assembly  40  along second lever  32  such that hole  72  is aligned with hole  76   a ,  76   b ,  76   c ,  76   d ,  76   e  or  76   f , and then inserting lock pin  46  to affix slide assembly  40  to second lever  32 . The shorter the distance D ( FIG. 5B ), the greater the resistance provided by device  10 . The greater the distance D ( FIG. 5B ), the lower the resistance provided by device  10 . Accordingly, if hole  72  is aligned with hole  76   a  and lock pin  46  is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its maximum resistance. If hole  72  is aligned with hole  76   f  and lock pin  46  is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its minimum resistance. The amount of resistance provided by the device  10  is also dependent upon the bodyweight of user  98  positioned on seat  68 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein second end  16  is pivotally attached to first end  14  at variable angle  0  utilizing adapter  78 , which is pivotally attached to first end  14  utilizing pin  24  at eighth axis  114 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  66 , by means well known to a skilled artisan. Turning to  FIG. 7 , the adopter  78  is shown in detail. There it can be seen that plates  80   a  and  80   b  are attached to tube  82  by means such as welding, or the like. Bushing  84  is installed internally to tube  82  by means such as a press fit, snap fit, adhesive, or the like. Bushing  84  has an internal surface  86  of a size and configuration to receive second end  16 . Adopter  78  has hole  88 . Referring again to  FIG. 6 , second end  16  is inserted into bushing  84 , and in the preferred embodiment, pin  90  is inserted through hole  88  and a corresponding hole (not shown) in second end  16  to retain second end  16  in adopter  78 . However, a skilled artisan would recognize a wide number of ways, from the disclosure herein, to pivotally interconnect second end  16  with first end  14 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show an exemplary use of the device  10  for exercising the gluteus maximus muscles of user  98  seated on device  10 . Referring to  FIG. 8A , after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user  98  places their feet on handles  18 A and  18 B (not shown), then as user  98  extends their legs, causing first lever  12  to rotate about first axis  100  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 8A ) from angle θ to angle θ′ ( FIG. 8B ), resistance force is generated by the body weight of user  98  as seat  68  raises to the position shown in  FIG. 8B . The resistance force continues to be generated as user  98  reduces the force they are exerting on handles  18   a  and  18   b , thereby returning to the starting position shown in  FIG. 8A . 
         [0073]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a use of the device  10  for exercising the abdominal muscles of user  98  seated on device  10 . Referring to  FIG. 9A , after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user  98  places their hands on handles  18 A and  18 B (not shown), then as user  98  rotates their upper body in a downward direction, forcing handles  18 A and  18 B towards the floor, which causes first lever  12  to rotate about first axis  100  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 9A ) from angle θ to angle θ′ ( FIG. 9B ), resistance force is generated by the body weight of user  98  as seat  68  raises to the position shown in  FIG. 9B . The resistance force continues to be generated as user  98  reduces the force they are exerting on handles  18   a  and  18   b , thereby returning to the starting position shown in  FIG. 9A . 
         [0074]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  show a use of the device  10  for exercising the upper body and arm muscles of user  98  seated on device  10 . After first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user  98  places their hands on handles  18 A and  18 B (not shown), then as user  98  pushes their hands down, causing first lever  12  to rotate about first axis  100  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 10A ) from angle θ to angle θ′ ( FIG. 10B ), resistance force is generated by the body weight of user  98  as seat  68  raises to the position shown in  FIG. 10B . The resistance force continues to be generated as user  98  reduces the force they are exerting on handles  18   a  and  18   b , thereby returning to the starting position shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         [0075]    Another embodiment of an exercise device is shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  and is generally designated  210 . As shown in  FIG. 11A , the device  210  includes a first lever  212 , which has a first end  214  and a second end  216 . Additionally, first lever  212  has pin  224  that can be manipulated in a manner well known in the art to adjust the length of first lever  212 . 
         [0076]    Referring again to  FIG. 11A , first lever  212  has handles  218   a  and  218   b  that are attached at second end  216  by means such as welding, or the like, and plates  220   a  ( FIG. 11B ) and  220   b  ( FIG. 11B ) that are attached to first end  214  by means such as welding, or the like. The device  10  also has brackets  222   a  and  222   b  that are attached to frame  266  by means such as welding, or the like. First end  214  is pivotally attached to brackets  222   a  and  222   b  at first axes  300 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266 , such that first lever  212  can rotate about first axis  300 . 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 11B , the device  210  includes second lever  232 , which has first end  234  and second end  236 . The exercise device also includes brackets  238   a  and  238   b  that are attached to frame  266  by means such as welding, or the like. First end  234  is pivotally attached to brackets  238   a  and  238   b  at second axes  302 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266 , such that second lever  232  can rotate about second axis  302 . Slide assembly  240  is positioned on second lever  232 . 
         [0078]    Turning now to  FIG. 12A , slide assembly  240  and second lever  232  are shown in detail. As shown in  FIG. 12A , the slide assembly  240  preferably includes bushing  270 , slider  242  and plates  244   a  and  244   b . Plates  244   a  and  244   b  are attached to slider  242  by means such as welding, or the like. Slide assembly  240  has hole  272 . Bushing  270  is installed internally to slider  242  by means such as a press fit, snap fit, adhesive, or the like. Bushing  270  has an internal surface  274  of a size and configuration to receive second lever  232  such that slide assembly  240  can slide on second lever  232 . Preferably, second lever  232  has holes,  276   a ,  276   b ,  276   c ,  276   d ,  276   e  and  276   f . Referring to  FIG. 13 , holes  276   a ,  276   b ,  276   c ,  276   d ,  276   e  and  276   f  are spaced linearly along second lever  232  at distances from second axis  302  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 13 ) referenced as D 11 , D 12 , D 13 , D 14 , D 15  and D 16  respectively. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that more or less holes are suitable. 
         [0079]      FIG. 12B  shows slide assembly  240  installed on second lever  232 . To position and affix slide assembly  240  along second lever  232 , hole  272  is aligned with one of the holes  276   a ,  276   b ,  276   c ,  276   d ,  276   e  or  276   f , whereupon lock pin  246  is inserted through hole  272  and through the corresponding hole  276   a ,  276   b ,  276   c ,  276   d ,  276   e  or  276   f  that it is aligned with. 
         [0080]    Referring again to  FIG. 11B , device  210  includes connecting rod  226 , which has a first end  228  and a second end  230 . First end  228  is pivotally attached to plates  220   a  and  220   b  at third axis  304 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266 , such that connecting rod  226  can rotate about third axis  304 . Second end  230  is pivotally attached to plates  244   a  and  244   b  at fourth axis  306 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266 , such that connecting rod  226  can rotate about fourth axis  306 . 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 11A , the device  210  includes first arm  248 , which has first end  250  and second end  252 . The exercise device also has plates  264   a  and  264   b  that are attached to frame  266  by means such as welding, or the like. First end  250  is pivotally attached to plates  264   a  and  264   b  at fifth axis  308 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266 , such that first arm  248  can rotate about fifth axis  308 . 
         [0082]    Referring again to  FIG. 11B , the device  210  includes second arm  258 , which has first end  260  and second end  262 . Plates  254   a  and  254   b  are attached to first end  260  by means such as welding, or the like, and plates  256   a  and  256   b  ( FIG. 11A ) are attached to second end  262  by means such as welding, or the like. Plates  254   a  and  254   b  are pivotally attached to second end  236  at sixth axes  310 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266 , such that second arm  258  can rotate about sixth axis  310 . Referring to  FIG. 11A , plates  256   a  and  256   b  are pivotally attached to second end  252  at seventh axes  312 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266 , such that second arm  258  can rotate about seventh axis  312 . Referring to  FIG. 11B , seat  268  is attached to second arm  258  by means such as screws (not shown). In an embodiment of the invention, second lever  232 , first arm  248 , second arm  258  or seat  268  is supported in the resting position shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  by means such as a rubber stop (not shown) affixed to frame  266 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 14  illustrated the device  210  wherein the first lever  212  has been rotated counterclockwise about first axis  300  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 14 ). As can be seen, this rotation of first lever  212  results in plates  220   a  and  220   b  (not shown) also rotating counterclockwise about first axis  300 . It will be appreciated by a skilled artisan that due to the pivotal interconnection of first lever  212  and connecting rod  226  at third axis  304  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 14 ), a rotation of first lever  212  will cause connecting rod  226  to interact at fourth axis  306  with slide assembly  240 , affixed on second lever  232 , in a manner that will effect a rotation of second lever  232  about second axis  302  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 14 ). The first end  260  of second arm  258  follows the rotation of second lever  232  at their pivotal interconnection at sixth axis  310  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 14 ). The consequences of this is that it effects a rotation of first arm  248  about fifth axis  308  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 14 ), caused by the pivotal interaction of second end  262  with second end  252  at seventh axis  312  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 14 ). 
         [0084]    Still referring to  FIG. 14 , a skilled artesian will recognize from the disclosure herein that first lever  212  can extend to the right from first axis  300 , versus to the left as shown in  FIG. 14 , in which case first lever  212  will have rotated clockwise about first axis  300 . 
         [0085]    In the operation of the device  210 , a user  298  ( FIG. 15A ) will first set the exercise resistance that is to be provided by device  210  by positioning slide assembly  240  along second lever  232 . Referring to  FIG. 12A and 12B , this is accomplished by moving slide assembly  240  along second lever  232  such that hole  272  is aligned with hole  276   a ,  276   b ,  276   c ,  276   d ,  276   e  or  276   f , and then inserting lock pin  246  to affix slide assembly  240  to second lever  232 . The closer slide assembly  240  is positioned to second axis  302 , the greater the resistance provided by device  210 . The further that slide assembly  240  is positioned from second axis  302 , the lower the resistance provided by the device  210 . Accordingly, if hole  272  is aligned with hole  276   a  and lock pin  246  is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its maximum resistance. If hole  272  is aligned with hole  276   f  and lock pin  246  is inserted in said holes, the exercise device will provide its minimum resistance. The amount of resistance provided by the device  210  is also dependent upon the bodyweight of user  298  positioned on seat  268 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 15  illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein second end  216  is pivotally attached to first end  214  at variable angle a utilizing adapter  78 , which is pivotally attached to first end  214  utilizing pin  224  at eighth axis  314 , which is substantially perpendicular to frame  266  (and the plane of  FIG. 15 ), by means well known to a skilled artisan. Second end  216  is inserted into bushing  84  ( FIG. 7 ), and in the preferred embodiment, pin  290  is inserted through hole  88  ( FIG. 7 ) and a corresponding hole (not shown) in second end  216  to retain second end  216  in adopter  78 . However, a skilled artisan would recognize a wide number of ways, from the disclosure herein, to pivotally interconnect second end  216  with first end  214 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  show an exemplary use of the device  210  for exercising the gluteus maximus muscles of user  298  seated on device  210 . Referring to  FIG. 16A , after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user  298  places their feet on handles  218 A and  218 B (not shown), then as user  298  extends their legs, causing first lever  212  to rotate about first axis  300  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 16A ) from angle θ to angle θ′ shown in  FIG. 16B , resistance force is generated by the body weight of user  298  as seat  268  raises to the position shown in  FIG. 16B . The resistance force continues to be generated as user  298  reduces the force they are exerting on handles  218   a  and  218   b , thereby returning to the starting position shown in  FIG. 16A . 
         [0088]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  show a use of the device  210  for exercising the abdominal muscles of user  298  seated on device  210 . Referring to  FIG. 17A , after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user  298  places their hands on handles  218 A and  218 B (not shown), then as user  298  rotates their upper body down, forcing handles  218 A and  218 B towards the floor, causing first lever  212  to rotate about first axis  300  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 17A ) from angle θ to angle θ′ shown in  FIG. 17B , resistance force is generated by the body weight of user  298  as seat  268  raises to the position shown in  FIG. 17B . The resistance force continues to be generated as user  298  reduces the force they are exerting on handles  218   a  and  218   b , thereby returning to the starting position shown in  FIG. 17A . 
         [0089]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a use of the device  210  for exercising the upper body and arm muscles of user  298  seated on device  210 . Referring to  FIG. 18A , after first setting the exercise resistance as described above, user  298  places their hands on handles  218 A and  218 B (not shown), then as user  298  pushes their hands down, causing first lever  212  to rotate about first axis  300  (perpendicular to the plane of  FIG. 18A ) from angle θ to angle θ′ shown in  FIG. 18B , resistance force is generated by the body weight of user  298  as seat  268  raises to the position shown in  FIG. 18B . The resistance force continues to be generated as user  298  reduces the force they are exerting on handles  218   a  and  218   b , thereby returning to the starting position shown in  FIG. 18A . 
         [0090]    Although the invention has been disclosed in its presently preferred and alternate embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited thereby. Rather, a skilled artisan will recognize other combinations, omissions, substitutions, modifications and additions from the disclosure herein, including, without limitation, provision of equivalent, interchangeable or alternative embodiments which accomplishes substantially the same results as the disclosed embodiments, or constitutes an insubstantial change, that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be defined by reference to the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0