Method and device to enable and assist the elderly and females to exercise their leg and chest muscles

Abstract

This combined chest press and leg press exercise machine is comprised of an inclined seat with a weight resistance mechanism attached to handles and a foot-plate for providing adjustable resistance to arm and leg movement. At least one hand rail is positioned to aid entry to and exit from the machine and to stabilize the user while exercising. A method for using the chest and leg exercise machine is for the user to sit on the inclined seat, hold the weight resistance handles and place his feet on the weight resistance foot-plate. He then pushes with his hands, the said handles forwards, away from the direction of the user's body. Simultaneously, he pushes with his legs on the said foot-plate also away from the direction of the user's body. The said handles and the said foot-plate are then controllably returned to their starting position and the exercise is repeated as desired. Other methods for using the chest and leg exercise machine could be to operate the chest press and leg press independently or alternately or mostly the chest press with some help from the leg press or visa versa.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An exercise machine comprising
 a frame,   a seat at an incline,   a back-rest at an incline,   handles to push away from the exerciser,   a foot-plate to push with his feet, the said foot-plate being at such a height and angle that the exerciser can easily place his feet onto the said foot-plate, thereby enabling him to extend his legs at a downward angle for natural movement,   a connection rod between the said handles and the said foot-plate,   a means to apply resistance to the said handles and foot-plate,   at least one handle for the user to hold for the purpose of stabilization,   whereby people generally and especially the elderly, the infirm and females can exercise their chest and/or leg muscles with a chosen degree of resistance.   
     
     
         2 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said seat is placed at an angle of 110° from the said backrest. 
     
     
         3 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the said seat is placed at an angle of 110°±3° from the said backrest. 
     
     
         4 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said backrest is placed at an angle 55° from the base of the said frame. 
     
     
         5 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the said backrest is placed at an angle 55°±3° from the base of the said frame. 
     
     
         6 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said resistance is created by using a stack of weights attached by means of a cable and pulleys to the said handles and said foot-plate. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 6  where the extent of the resistance is chosen by means of inserting a pin in a horizontal hole passing through the width of a chosen weight and into a bored pin-rod that is attached to the said cable whereby that weight and all the weights above it are lifted by the said cable when the said handles and/or foot-plate is pressed. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the distance between the said foot-plate and the said chest-press handles is adjustable. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 8  wherein where the said adjustment is effected by a spring loaded knob that slides up and down a connection rod and can lock into one of the holes in the said rod. 
     
     
         10 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a counter-weight to neutralize the weight of the said foot-plate and apparatus attached thereto. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a gas piston whereby the gas pressure created therein is used to neutralize the weight of the said foot-plate and apparatus attached thereto 
     
     
         12 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising at least three wheels for transporting the machine where at least one wheel mechanism lifts the said exercise machine off the ground causing the weight of the said exercising machine to rest on the said wheel and of which at least one wheel is lockable thereby enabling the said exercise machine to rest firmly on the ground or optionally, be moved on the said wheels. 
     
     
         13 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the access to the said exercise machine is open and uncluttered thereby easing the entry to and exit from the said exercising machine by the elderly or infirm and easing the work of a helper of the said elderly or infirm user. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said stabilization handle bar is used during entry to and exit from the said exercising machine. 
     
     
         15 . An exercise machine comprising
 a seat at an incline,   a back-rest at an incline,   handles to push away from the exerciser,   a foot-plate to push with his feet,   a connection rod between the said handles and the said foot-plate,   a means to apply resistance to the said handles and foot-plate,   at least one handle for the user to hold for the purpose of stabilization,   instructions for use of the said exercising machine, at least one picture of an everyday task that is enhanced by the use of the said exercising machine, whereby people can exercise their chest, arms and/or leg muscles and with a chosen degree of resistance.   
     
     
         16 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the said seat is placed at an angle of 110°±3° from the said backrest. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the said backrest is placed at an angle from the horizontal of 55°±3° from the base of the said frame. 
     
     
         18 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the said resistance is created by using a stack of weights attached by means of a cable and pulleys to the weight bearing arm and the said handles. 
     
     
         19 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the access to the said exercise machine is open and uncluttered thereby easing the entry to and exit from the said exercising machine by the elderly or infirm and easing the work of a helper of the said elderly or infirm user. 
     
     
         20 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the said stabilization is during entry to and exit from the said exercising machine. 
     
     
         21 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the said instructions are in large clear print well contrasted with the background of the said print being visible and readable by the user of the said exercise machine from the position of the user when ready to exercise. 
     
     
         22 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the said picture of an everyday task is on the body of the said exercise machine in a position easily visible and designed to be easily understandable which task is being represented. 
     
     
         23 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the said everyday task is pushing a shopping cart. 
     
     
         24 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said footplate is not higher than 38 centimeters from the floor. 
     
     
         25 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the said footplate is not higher than 38 centimeters from the floor. 
     
     
         26 . An exercise machine as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the said cable is substituted by a belt or chain.