AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING GYMNASTIC EXERCISE, AND CONVERTIBLE INTO A TABLE, BED, CHAIR, OR THE LIKE
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Robert Lake, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake,
& Co., Patent Agents, Southampton Buildings, London, for an Invention of
"AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING GYMNASTIC EXERCISE, AND
CONVERTIBLE INTO A TABLE, BED, CHAIR, OR THE LIKE." A communication
from abroad by Charles Heman Gifford and Jesse Henry Gifford, both of the
Citer and State of Now Vaul IIin
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said William Robert Lake at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 26th August 1880.
WILLIAM ROBERT LAKE, of the Firm of Haseltine, Lake, & Co., Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, London. "AN IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING
GYMNASTIC EXERCISE, AND CONVERTIBLE INTO A TABLE, BED, CHAIR, OR THE
LIKE." [A communication from abroad by Charles Heman Gifford and Jesse Henry
Gifford, both of the City and State of New York, United States of America.]
The object of this Invention is to provide an apparatus for gymnastic exercise
in which are combined a rowing machine, chest bars, horizontal bar, and means for
exercising all the parts of the body not affected by the devices above mentioned,
and which apparatus will be capable of being converted into a bed, a crib having
a lateral motion, an adjustable table, a chair, or the like, all as hereinafter more
fully set forth.
In carrying the said Invention into practice I construct the base of the apparatus
with side-bars, end bars, and a platform. The said side bars are mortised at their
ends so as to fit over the end bars, where they are provided with slots which, when
the side bars are in position, fit over threaded apertures in the end bars, through
which and the said slots thumb screws will be passed, for the purpose of uniting in
an adjustable manner the sides and ends of the base of the apparatus. A series of
the said apertures may be provided in the end bars, in order that the side-bars may
be adjusted laterally, so as to either increase or diminish the width of the machine
according to the size of the person using it, or the particular exercise to be performed.

page_text: Upon the lower inner edges of the side-bars grooves are formed, baving suitable
inlets into which the ends of the cleats on the platform pass and enter the grooves,
wherein they are capable of a horizontal sliding movement.
The platform is made of suitable length to effect the objects required of it, and is
composed preferably of slats or strips connected by cross pieces. Upon the upper
surface of the strips grooves are cut, which run longitudinally with the platform
and nearly its entire length, forming a track upon which a sliding seat is placed.
This seat consists preferably of a rectangular top having sides in which are pivotted
sheave-wheels which extend for a suitable distance below the sides of the seat
and are convex on their periphery. When the seat is in position on the platform
these wheels will enter the grooves in the strips and travel backward and forward
therein when the seat is actuated. The depth and width of these grooves are of
somewhat greater dimensions than the convexity of the periphery of the wheels, in
order that the seat shall not leave the track under any ordinary usage. If preferred,
in lieu of the said grooves iron rods may be secured upon the platform so as to
form the track, and the periphery of the wheels are suitably conformed to travel
over them. The platform when the machine is in use may be arranged between
the side and end bars of the apparatus, or it may be drawn partly outward directly
in front thereof, according to the object to which it is to be applied. Upon the
side bars at about their centre, or slightly in rear thereof, are formed sockets
in which the lower ends of chest-bars are inserted and retained by screws or
otherwise, as may be deemed expedient. The chest bars extend upward parallel
with each other for a suitable distance, and are supplied adjacent to their upper
ends with pulley wheels, and below these with slots or clongated apertures, the
upper portions of which are of somewhat greater dimensions than the lower
portions. In these slots is placed a horizontal bar, which is first inserted in the
upper or larger portion of the slots and then drawn down into the smaller portions
thereof, where it is held firmly in position. Upon the bar adjacent to its ends are
formed annular shoulders which, when the bar is in position, prevent its moving
laterally or working out of the slots.
Upon the front edge of the upper portion of the chest bars are secured by a bolt,
or in any other suitable manner, bars which incline outward and downward one
from each chest-bar, and serve to brace the apparatus in a vertical position. The
upper ends of these inclined bars are secured, so as to permit the bars to fold
against the chest-bars when the parts of the machine are folded for shipment, and
the lower ends of the inclined bars when the apparatus is in condition for use will
be sufficiently far from the sides to serve as effectual braces, the extremities being
pressed closely against the surface upon which the machine or apparatus rests.
Upon the sides of the chest bars near their upper ends are secured, preferably by
means of a bolt, the upper ends of tramways, which may consist of two bars for
each, connected by suitable bolts bearing wooden thimbles for the purpose of
strengthening them and preserving their relation to each other. The lower ends
of these bars are fastened by bolts or otherwise upon opposite sides of the rear
ends of the side bars; thus the tramways will incline downward and rearward
parallel with each other, from the upper portion of the chest-bars to the ends of the
sides.
Adjacent to and in front of the lower extremities of the chest-bars are arranged
pulley-wheels mounted in hook-shaped casings, which have their longer sides secured
to the sides of the side-bars. The shorter sides of the casings project downward
upon the inner surface of and at a suitable distance below the pulleys, the object
being that their extremities shall approach within about half or three quarters of
an inch of the side-bars, which will prevent the ropes leaving the pulleys, except
when they are passed from under the shorter arms of the casings. Over the pulleys in
the chest bars and under the pulleys in the casings are then placed ropes, which are
of such length preferably as to extend from the lower ends of the tramways
up over the pulleys in the chest bars and down under the casing pulleys. At the
front ends of the ropes are attached in any convenient manner handles, which are

page_text: of suitable size and configuration to be readily grasped by the hand. Upon the ends
of the ropes in rear of the machine are fastened hooks, upon which are secured the
ends of bands enclosing the handles of dumb-bells. The ends of the bands, which
will preferably consist of leather, are provided with apertures, by means of which
one end is first secured on the hook, and the other end then passed around the
handle of the dumb-bell, and afterwards secured on the same hook. The bands may
be loosened, and a pair of dumb-bells of any desired weight secured upon the rear
ends of the ropes by them. The portions of the bands which rest against the
tramways will preferably be provided with pieces of thick leather, which will
protect the bands from chafing when the apparatus is operated.
A foot piece is adjusted across the space between the chest-bars near their base,
its ends being fastened by set screws upon the knobs secured upon the lower front
edges of the chest bars in close relation to the sides. The foot-piece consists of a
plain bar of wood or other suitable material, provided with suitable toe-straps, and
having its ends bifurcated and slit so as to permit the said ends to be compressed
upon their support by means of a set screw and bolt.
When the apparatus is arranged as above described, the platform being drawn
out to the front and the seat placed upon the same, the wheels in the seat being in
the grooves, it is in proper form for a rowing machine. The operator will sit upon
the seat, place his toes beneath the straps, and draw the dumb bells upward on the
tramways by means of the handles secured on the ends of the ropes. After the
dumb bells or weights have been drawn upward as far as the sweep of the
operator's arins can carry the handles toward the front, the exertion is relaxed and
the weight allowed to gradually descend on the tramways, which will draw the
seat and the operator inward, toward the chest-bars in convenient position for him
to again elevate the weights.
This movement, which is the same as that experienced in rowing a boat, may
be continued as long as desired. By placing the seat upon wheels there is no
friction to overcome, the seat consequently travels backward and forward easily
without affecting a strain on the operator, and without necessitating the use of
oil or grease on the track.
After the rowing exercise has been practised as long as desired, the seat is
removed, and the ropes passed from the pulleys by slipping them under the shorter
arins of the casings, when the apparatus will be in proper condition to be
employed for the exercise known as pulling weights. The operator will in this
exercise stand upon the platform with either his face or back toward the chest bars,
and draw the weights up the tramways, and allowing them to return by the usual
movements of the arms practised in pulling weights.
Upon the completion of this exercise, the ropes are again inserted under the
pulleys, when the apparatus may be used for chest-bar or horizontal-bar exercises.
For a stomach and back roller, I arrange the apparatus as follows:-The foot
piece is loosened from the knobs, and secured in like manner in a horizontal position
between the chest bars at a suitable elevation. Upon the rear edge of the foot
piece bar is then mounted in journals a roller which is about six inches in
diameter, and covered with a matting of any suitable description; after the roller
has been arranged, the platform will be elevated, and its rear end hooked upon eyes
secured on the front edge of the foot piece bar, suitable hooks being attached
to the edge of the platform. When the front portion of the platform is elevated,
legs which when the platform is down fold against its sides will assume a vertical
position and serve as supports. The legs consist of two or more sliding sections,
having corresponding vertical slots in which set screws are arranged so as to
enable the operator to regulate the length of the legs at will. The upper ends of
the legs will be provided with apertures, having narrow slots leading from them
by which they may be hung upon knobs or projections on the sides of the platform
at its front ends and retained by set screws. The length of the legs will be
adjusted by the set screws to bring the front end of the platform upon a level with

page_text: its rear end. A rope is passed from each side up over the front end of the platform
and rearward sufficiently far to permit the operator leaning forward over the roller
to grasp the handles on their ends with its hands. The lower ends of the ropes are
preferably provided with snap hooks, which will engage eyes on the sides. The
exercise of rolling the back and stomach is accomplished by the operator leaning
over the roller either on the back or face, and drawing himself or herself over
the same any suitable number of times by pulling on the ropes. In lieu of
employing the last named ropes, I may make the ropes first mentioned answer for
this exercise by simply loosening the bands and removing the dumb bells, when the
first named ropes may be drawn forward until the bands are at the upper ends of
the chest bars, which will bring the handles so far in front of the apparatus
that they may be thrown over the platform and take the place of the second ropes,
thus avoiding the use of two sets of ropes. After this exercise has been continued
a sufficient length of time, the stationary back and loin exercise may be
accomplished by adjusting a strap around the body and across the journals,
drawing the operator close to the roller. The fore part of the feet of the operator
should be inserted in the toe straps, secured upon the under surface of a seat
hereinafter described which is placed between the sides at the base of the
chest-bars. The legs of the operator being thus held, the exercise is consummated
by his bending the body forward, and sideways, and backwards, according to the
well established movements in this exercise.
The apparatus may be converted into a physician's adjustable operating table, by
simply dropping the ropes. The front end of the table or platform may be inclined
at will by simply adjusting the legs, and the rear end may be placed upon any
desired inclination by suitably adjusting the bar or foot piece between the chest
bars. The platform thus secured would also answer for a bed to sleep upon. For
transferring the bed into a cradle or crib having a lateral oscillatory movement, I
loosen the hooks at the rear end of the platform, and then place said end upon
the bar or foot piece, and secure it there by passing a bolt or headed pin centrally
through it and the said bar; I then remove or fold the legs inward, and support
the front end of the platform by cords or ropes, which will pass from near each
corner thereof to the centre of the horizontal bar. The platform thus secured may
be oscillated laterally upon the bolt securing it upon the bar. This effectually
overcomes the objection to the rocking movement of the ordinary child's crib.
If the platform is lowered to a suitable point nearer the floor by adjusting the
bar or foot piece lower down between the chest bars, and the legs shortened, a
durable spring board will be presented for the use of the operator.
An adjustable stool or bench for back, liver, and chest-exercises may now be formed
out of the apparatus as follows:-The platform is detached from the bar or foot
piece, and placed between the side bars at the base of the machine and the seat
secured to the bar by hooks fastened upon its end. The loose end of the seat will
be supported by the lugs, which will be hung upon knobs or projections formed
upon the end of the seat. These projections may be of rectangular form, but are
preferably rounded so as to snugly fit the apertures in the upper ends of the legs.
The seat will be covered with a suitable matting, and will preferably be concave
on its sides, so that the operator may straddle it without inconvenience with his
face towards the chest bars, and bend his body backward and sideways and in
other positions known in the liver and chest exercises. The operator may also lay
across the stool and assume other positions consonant with this exercise.
A chair may be formed by elevating the bar or foot piece between the chest bars,
and hooking the rear end of the platform on to it in the manner before described,
allowing the front end of the platform to rest upon the ground. The platform in
this position forms the back of the chair, the seat of which is constructed by
hooking the seat at its side into suitable eyes secured on the platform. The outer
side of the seat will be secured by cords, provided with snap-hooks, passing from its
edges to suitable points on the platform, where they will be attached to eyes

page_text: secured thereon. Preferably a series of eyes will be supplied on the platform
in order that the height and inclination of the seat may be adjusted at will.
For the purpose of constructing a ladder trapeze I employ what is known as a
collapsing ladder, having hooks at one end which will be hooked over the
horizontal bar, and a means at the other end for attaching the adjustable legs.
The sides of the ladder are rounded on their outer faces, and the rungs may be
attached to one side and arranged to fit in notches on the other side; thus the side
may be separated, and the rungs folded in forming arm-walking bars.
Upon the sides of the tramways may be attached buttons, which when the
apparatus is not in use for other purposes may be turned outward and the tramways
then used as a student's or artist's easel.
Upon the bifurcated ends of the bar or foot picco are secured small pieces of
india-rubber packing, which prevent any sliding or slipping when the bar is
adjusted upon the chest bars. Small pieces of packing may be secured at the base
of the tramways for the purpose of preventing the weights when they descend from
jarring the apparatus.
The apparatus herein described may be folded, and when in use it is perfectly
firm and need not be secured to the floor unless it is constructed very large and
submitted to violent performances.

page_text: Figure 2 is a front view of the same partly in section.
Figure 3 is a side view partly in section, shewing the machine in use for pulling
weights.
Figure 4 is a similar view, shewing the machine in position for the stomach and
back roller exercise.
Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views, shewing various parts of the said
apparatus,
Figure 7 is a plan shewing the machine folded.
The base of the said apparatus consists of the side-bars A, the end bars B, and
the platform C. The side-bars A are morticed at their ends so as to fit over the
end bars, and are provided with slots a, which, when the side-bars are in position,
fit over threaded apertures d in the end bars, through which and the said slots,
thumb screws will be passed for the purpose of uniting in an adjustable manner
the sides and ends of the base of the apparatus. A series of the said apertures &
may be provided in the end bars B in order that the side-bars A may be adjusted
laterally, so as to either increase or diminish the width of the machine according to
the size of the person using it, or the particular exercise to be performed. Upon the
lower inner edges of the side-bars A are formed the grooves e, having suitable
inlets e¹ into which the ends of cleats on the platform C pass and enter the
grooves, wherein they are capable of a horizontal sliding movement.
The platform C is made of a length suitable for the required objects, and is
composed preferably of slats or strips f connected by cross-pieces. Upon the upper
surface of the strips f are cut the grooves g which run longitudinally with the
platform, and nearly its entire length, forming a track upon which the sliding seat D
is placed. The seat D consists preferably of a rectangular top h, having sides in
which are pivotted the sheave-wheels i, which extend for a suitable distance below
the sides of the seat, and are convex on their periphery. When the seat is in position
on the platform C, the wheels i will enter the grooves g, and travel backward and
forward therein when the seat is actuated. The depth and width of the grooves g
are somewhat greater than required by the convexity of the periphery of the
wheels i, in order that the seat shall not leave the tract under any ordinary usage.

page_text: If preferred, in lieu of the grooves g, iron rods may be secured upon the platform
so as to form the track, and the periphery of the wheels i is suitably formed to
travel over them. The platform C when the machine is in use may be arranged
between the side and end bars of the apparatus, or it may be drawn partly
outward directly in front thereof, according to the object to which it is to be
applied.
Upon the side bars A, at about their centre or slightly in rear thereof, are formed
sockets in which the lower ends of the chest-bars E are inserted and retained by
screws or otherwise, as may be deemed expedient. The chest-bars E extend
upward parallel with each other for a suitable distance, and are supplied adjacent to
their upper ends with pulley wheels and below these with slots or elongated
apertures m, the upper portions of which are of somewhat greater dimensions than
the lower portions. In the slots m is placed the horizontal bar F, which is first
inserted in the upper or larger portion of the slots, and then drawn down into the
smaller portions thereof, where it is held firmly in position. Upon the bar F
adjacent to its ends are formed the annular shoulders n, which when the bar is in
position prevent its moving laterally or working out of the slots m. Two sets of
shoulders n are shewn in the present instance, which serve to secure the bar F
both when the sides A are adjusted at the extremity of the ends B or brought
nearer together.
Upon the front edge of the upper portion of the chest bars E are secured by a
bolt, or in any other suitable manner, the bars H which incline outward and
downward, one from each chest-bar, and serve to brace the apparatus in a vertical
position. The upper ends of the bars H are secured so as to permit the bars to
fold against the chest-bars E when the parts of the machine are folded for shipment
or transport, and the lower ends of the bars H, when the apparatus is in condition
for use, will be sufficiently far from the sides A to serve as effectual braces, the
extremities being pressed closely against the surface upon which the machine or
apparatus rests.
Upon the sides of the chest bars E near their upper ends are secured, preferably
by means of a bolt, the upper ends of the tramways I, which consist in the present
instance of two bars for each, connected by suitable bolts bearing wooden
thimbles for the purpose of strengthening them and preserving their relation to
each other. The lower ends of the bars s are fastened by bolts or otherwise upon
opposite sides of the rear ends of the bars A, thus the tramways will incline
downward and rearward parallel with each other from the upper portion of the
chest-bars to the ends of the sides A.
Adjacent to and in front of the lower extremities of the chest-bars E are
arranged the pulley-wheels t mounted in the hook-shaped casings u, which have
their longer sides secured to the sides of the bars A.
The shorter sides of the casings u project downward over the inner surface of,
and at a suitable distance below, the pulleys t, the object being that their
extremities shall approach within about half or three quarters of an inch of the
bars A, which will prevent the ropes leaving the pulleys except when they are
passed from under the shorter arms of the casings u.
Over the pulleys and under the pulleys t are then placed the ropes w, which
are of such length preferably as to extend from the lower ends of the tramways I
up over the pulleys and down under the pulleys t. At the front ends of the
ropes ware attached in any convenient manner the handles a, which are of
suitable size and configuration to be readily grasped by the hand. Upon the ends
of the ropes w in the rear of the machine are fastened the hooks ý, upon which are
secured the ends of the bands K enclosing the handles of the dumb-bells L. The
ends of the bands K, which will preferably consist of leather, though I do not limit
myself to its use, are provided with apertures, by means of which one end is first
secured on the hook, and the other end then passed around the handle of the
dumb-bell and afterwards secured on the same hook. It is clear that the bands K
may be loosened and a pair of dumb-bells of any desired weight secured upon the

page_text: rear ends of the ropes by them. The portions of the bands K which rest against
the tramways will preferably be provided with pieces of thick leather a¹, which will
protect the bands from chafing when the apparatus is operated.
A foot-piece M is adjusted across the space between the chest-bars near their
base, its ends being fastened by set screws upon the knobs N secured upon the
lower front edges of the chest bars in close relation to the sides A. The foot-
piece M consists of a plain bar of wood or other suitable material provided with
suitable toe-straps P, and having its ends bifurcated and slit, as shewn in Figure 5,
so as to permit the said ends to be compressed upon their support by means of the
set screw and bolt Q, as shewn in Figure 5.
When the apparatus is arranged as above described, the platform C being drawn
out to the front and the seat Ď placed upon the same, the wheels i being in the
grooves g it is in proper form to serve as a rowing machine. The operator will sit
upon the seat D, place his toes beneath the straps P, and draw the dumb bells L
upward on the tramways I by means of the handles x secured on the ends of the
ropes w.
After the dumb bells or weights L have been drawn upward as far as
the sweep of the operator's arm can carry the handles toward the front, the
exertion is relaxed and the weights allowed to gradually descend on the tramways,
which will draw the seat D and the operator inward toward the chest-bars into a
convenient position for him to again elevate the weights. This movement, which
is the same as that experienced in rowing a boat, may be continued as long as
desired. By placing the seat D upon wheels there is no friction to overcome, and
the seat consequently travels backward and forward easily without effecting a
strain on the operator, and without necessitating the use of oil or grease on the
track.
After the rowing exercise has been practised as long as desired the seat D is
removed, and the ropes w removed from the pulleys t by slipping them under the
shorter arms of the casings u, when the apparatus will be in the proper condition
to be employed for the exercise known as pulling weights. The operator will in this
exercise stand upon the platform C with either his face or back toward the chest-
bars and draw the weiglits L up the tramways I, allowing them to return by the
usual movements of the arms practised in pulling weights. Upon the completion
of this exercise the ropes ware again inserted under the pulleys t, when the
apparatus may be used for chest-bar or horizontal bar exercises.
For a stomach and back roller I arrange the apparatus as follows:-The bar M
is loosened from the knobs N and secured in like manner in a horizontal position
between the chest bars E at a suitable elevation. Upon the rear edge of the bar M
is then mounted in journals R the roller S, which is about six inches in diameter,
and covered with a matting of any suitable description. After the roller S has been
arranged the platform C is elevated, and its rear end hooked upon eyes secured on
the front edge of the bar M, suitable hooks being attached to the edge of the
platform. When the front portion of the platform C is elevated, legs T, which
when the platform is down fold against its sides, will assume a vertical_position
and serve as supports. The legs T consist of two or more sliding sections V having
corresponding vertical slots, in which set screws are arranged so as to enable the
operator to regulate the length of the legs at will. The upper ends of the legs T
are provided with apertures having narrow slots d' leading from them, by which
they may be hung upon knobs or projections on the sides of the platform at its
front ends, and retained by the set screw m¹. The length of the legs T will be
adjusted by the set screws to bring the front end of the platform C upon a level
with its rear end. A rope W is passed from each side A up over the front end of
the platform, and rearward sufficiently far to permit the operator leaning forward
over the roller S to grasp the handles on their ends with his hands. The lower
ends of the ropes W will be preferably provided with snap-hooks which will engage
eyes on the sides A. The health exercise of rolling the back and stomach is
accomplished by the operator leaning over the roller S either on the back or
stomach, and drawing himself or herself over the same any suitable number of

page_text: times by pulling on the ropes W. In lieu of employing the ropes W I may make
the ropes w answer for this exercise by simply loosening the bands K and removing
the dumb-bells L, when the ropes w may be drawn forward until the bands K
are at the upper ends of the chest-bars, which will bring the handles so far in
front of the apparatus that they may be thrown over the platform C and take the
place of the ropes W, thus avoiding the use of two sets of ropes. After this
exercise has been continued a sufficient length of time the stationary back and
loin exercise may be accomplished by adjusting the strap X around the body and
across the journals R, drawing the operator close to the roller S. The fore-part of
the feet of the operator should be inserted in the toe straps Y secured upon the
under surface of the seat Z hereinafter described, which is placed between the
sides A at the base of the chest-bars. The legs of the operator being thus held the
exercise is performed by bending his body forward sideways and backwards
according to the well established movements in this exercise.
The apparatus may be converted into a physician's adjustable operating table
by simply dropping the ropes W or w. The front end of the table or platform C
may be inclined at will by simply adjusting the legs T, and the rear end may be
placed upon any desired inclination by suitably adjusting the bar M between the
chest bars. The platform C thus secured would also answer for a bed or bedstead
to sleep upon.
For transforming the bed into a cradle or crib having a lateral
oscillatory movement I loosen the hooks at the rear end of the platform C, and
then place the said end upon the bar M, and secure it there by passing a bolt or
headed pin centrally through it and the bar M; I then remove or fold the legs
inward, and support the front end of the platform by cords or ropes, which will
pass from near each corner thereof to the centre of the horizontal bar F. The
platform thus secured may be oscillated laterally upon the bolt securing it upon the
bar M. This effectually overcomes the objection to the rocking movement of the
ordinary child's crib.
If the platform C is lowered to a suitable point nearer the floor by adjusting the
bar M lower down between the chest bars E and the legs T are shortened, a
durable spring board will be presented for the use of the operator.
An adjustable stool or bench for back, liver, and chest-exercises may be formed
of the apparatus as follows:-The platform C is detached from the bar M and
placed between the bars A at the base of the machine, and the seat Z secured to
the bar by hooks fastened upon its end. The loose end of the scat Z will be
supported by the legs T, which will be hung upon the knobs or projections A¹
formed upon the end of the seat. The projections A¹ are of rectangular form in the
present instance, but are preferably rounded so as to snugly fit the apertures in
the upper ends of the legs T. The seat Z will be covered with a suitable matting,
and will preferably be concave on its sides, so that the operator may straddle it
without inconvenience with his face towards the chest bars, and bend his body
backward and sideways, and in other positions known in the liver and chest
exercises. The operator may also lie across the stool Z and assume other positions
consonant with this exercise.
A chair may be formed by elevating the bar M between the chest bars, and
hooking the rear end of the platform Conto it in the manner before described,
allowing the front end of the platform C to rest upon the ground. The platform
in this position forms the back of the chair, the seat of which is constructed by
hooking the seat Z at its side into suitable eyes secured on the platform. The
outer side of the seat Z will be secured by cords provided with snap-hooks passing
from its edges to suitable points on the platform, where they will be attached to
eyes secured thereon. Preferably a series of eyes will be supplied on the platform
in order that the height and inclination of the seat Z may be adjusted at will.
For the purpose of constructing a ladder trapeze I employ what is known as a
collapsing ladder having hooks at one end which will be hooked over the horizontal
bar, and means at the other end for attaching the adjustable legs T. The sides of
the ladder are rounded on their outer faces, and the rungs attached to one side

page_text: and arranged to fit in notches on the other side; thus the sides may be separated
and the rungs folded in forming arm-walking bars.
Upon the sides of the tramways I may be attached buttons D', which when the
apparatus is not in use for other purposes may be turned outward and the
tramways then used as a student's or artist's easel.
Upon the bifurcated ends of the bar M are secured small pieces of india-rubber
packing El, which prevent any sliding or slipping when the bar is adjusted upon
the chest-bars. Small pieces of packing may be secured at the base of the tramways
for the purpose of preventing the weights L when they descend jarring the
apparatus.
The apparatus herein described may be folded, as shewn in Figure 7, and when
in use will be sufficiently firm without being secured to the floor unless it is very
large and subjected to violent performances.
Having thus fully described the said Invention, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents, and the manner of performing the same, I wish it understood
that I claim,—
First. In an exercising apparatus the combination with the chest-bars of the
horizontal bar secured across their upper ends, tramways which incline from the
said ends downward and rearward, and weights placed on the tramways and
secured to ropes which pass over pulleys at the upper ends of the apparatus, and
forward and downward under pulleys at the base thereof, where they are supplied
with handles, and with or without a sliding seat mounted upon a track in front of
the chest-bars, all substantially as and for the purposes specified.
Second. In an exercising apparatus a roller mounted upon a horizontal bar
adjustable between two vertical bars, in combination with a platform secured to
the horizontal bar, substantially as and for the purposes set forth.
Third. In an exercising apparatus a platform having its front end supported
upon legs and its rear end secured upon a horizontal bar adjustable between two
vertical bars, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Fourth. In an exercising apparatus a stool or bench having its front end sup-
ported by adjustable legs and its rear end secured upon a horizontal bar capable of
vertical adjustment between two vertical bars, substantially as and for the purpose
set forth.
Fifth. The chest bars extending upward from the sides, and connected by a
horizontal bar, in combination with the braces, the tramways, the weights, the
ropes, the platform, and the sliding seat, all substantially as and for the purposes
specified.
Sixth. The adjustable bar having bifurcated and slotted ends, and provided
with the bolts, whereby it may be secured to the knobs N or adjusted as a support
between the chest-bars, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.
Seventh. In an exercising apparatus the horizontal bar having shoulders in
combination with the chest-bars, the sides A and the ends B having recessed ends,
substantially as and for the purpose described.
Eighth. In an exercising apparatus the inclined tramways, in combination with
the
ropes and bands, whereby dumb-bells of different weights may be secured to
the ropes, substantially as specified.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Robert Lake, have hereunto set my
hand and seal, this Twenty fifth day of February, in the year of our
Lord One thousand eight hundred and eighty one.