Exercise Device

Abstract

A non-gravity type resistance exercise apparatus that includes a plurality of elastomeric cords which can be quickly and easily selectively coupled with a body engaging member to provide precise resistance to the performance of several different kinds of exercises. The apparatus includes a mechanism for selectively interconnecting the body engaging member with the selected resistance imparting cords of the apparatus. The elastomeric cords can be selected so that a wide range of effective resistance can readily be achieved.

1 . An exercise apparatus for use by a trainee in the performance of exercises comprising:
 (a) a base assembly;   (b) a connector strut having a first end pivotally connected to said base assembly and a second end spaced apart from said first end;   (c) a body engaging member having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion, said second end of said connector strut being pivotally connected to said intermediate portion of said body engaging member, said body engaging member being movable between a first position and a second position; and   (d) resistance means for yieldably resisting movement of said body engaging member from said first to said second position, said resistance means comprising a stretchable member interconnecting said body engaging member with said connector strut.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said connector strut includes a first guide member and in which said body engaging member includes a second guide member, said stretchable member being entrained about said first and second guide members. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  further including a selector assembly connected to said body engaging member for movement between first and second positions, said stretchable member being connected to said selector assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said base assembly includes a central portion and a pair of spaced apart foot engaging members pivotally connected to said central portion. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said base assembly includes a central portion and a pair of spaced apart chair engaging members pivotally connected to said central portion. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said body engaging member further includes a pair of spaced apart handgrips extending outwardly from said second end of said body engaging member. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise apparatus for use by a trainee in the performance of exercises comprising:
 (a) a base assembly including a central portion and a pair of spaced apart foot engaging members pivotally connected to said central portion;   (b) a connector strut having a first end pivotally connected to said central portion of said base assembly and a second end spaced apart from said first end;   (c) a body engaging member having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion, said second end of said connector strut being pivotally: connected to said intermediate portion of said body engaging member, said body engaging member being movable between a first position and a second position;   (d) resistance means for yieldably resisting movement of said body engaging member from said first to said second position, said resistance means comprising a plurality of stretchable members interconnecting said body engaging member with said connector strut; and   (e) a selector assembly connected to said body engaging member for movement between first and second positions, said stretchable members being connected to said selector assembly.   
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 1  in which said connector strut includes a first guide member and in which said body engaging member includes a second guide member, said stretchable members being entrained about said first and second guide members. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 7  in which said base assembly includes a central portion and a pair of spaced apart foot engaging members pivotally connected to said central portion. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 7  in which said body engaging member further includes a pair of spaced apart handgrips removably connected to said second end of said body engaging member. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 7  in which said base assembly further includes a pair of chair engaging members pivotally connected to said central portion. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 7  in which each of said plurality of stretchable members has a first and a second end, said first end being connected to said selector assembly and said second end being connected to said connector strut. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 12  in which a connector hook is connected to said first and second ends of each of said plurality of stretchable members. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise apparatus for use by a trainee in the performance exercises comprising:
 (a) a base assembly including a corral portion and a pair of spaced apart foot engaging members pivotally connected to said central portion;   (b) a connector strut having a first end pivotally connected to said central portion of said base assembly and a second end spaced apart from said first end;   (c) a first guide member connected to said connector strut;   (d) a body engaging member having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion being provided with a plurality of spaced apart apertures, said second end of said connector strut being pivotally connected to said intermediate portion of said body engaging member, said body engaging member being movable between a first position and a second position;   (e) a second guide member connected to said body engaging member;   (f) resistance means for yieldably resisting movement of said body engaging member from said first to said second position, said resistance means comprising a plurality of stretchable members interconnecting said body engaging member with said connector strut, said stretchable members being entrained about said first and second guide members; and   (g) a first selector assembly connected to said body engaging member for movement between first and second positions, said stretchable members being connected to said first selector assembly, said first selector assembly comprising a sleeve and a connector pin removably receivable within a selected one of said apertures provided in said body engaging member.   
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 14  in which said body engaging member further includes a pair of spaced apart handgrips removably connected to said first end of said body engaging member. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 14  further including a second selector assembly connected to said connector strut for movement between first and second positions, said stretchable members being connected to said second selector assembly. 
     
     
         17 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 16  in which said base assembly further includes a pair of chair engaging member pivotally connected to said central portion. 
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 16  in which each of said plurality of stretchable members has a first and a second end, said first end being connected to said first selector assembly and said second end being connected to said second selector assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 18  in which a connector hook is connected to said first and second ends of each of said plurality of stretchable members. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise apparatus as defined in  claim 18  in which each of said plurality of stretchable members comprises an elongated elastomeric cord.