Exercise device

Abstract

An exercise device that includes a frame, a user interface; a connection cable and a plurality of components that provide resistance to the cable and user interface. These components include a programmable, driven carriage capable of vertical movement between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, wherein the cable extending away from the first end and user interface passes around the one or more pulleys on the carriage, a slider mechanism moveable between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, and a pneumatic resistance device that is secured to the frame and that is operatively associated with the slider mechanism to provide resistance to slider mechanism movement between the first and second positions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise device comprising:
 a frame;   a cable having first and second ends, with the first end provided with a user interface;   a carriage capable of movement between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon, wherein the cable extending away from the first end and user interface passes around the one or more pulleys on the carriage;   means for driving the carriage back and forth between the first and second positions during an exercise program;   a slider mechanism that is moveable between first and second positions and including one or more pulleys mounted thereon;   a pneumatic resistance device secured to the frame and operatively associated with the slider mechanism to provide resistance to slider mechanism movement between the first and second positions.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise device of  claim 1  wherein the user interface is a handle, an arm or leg band, a bar, or a seat. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise device of  claim 1  wherein the means for driving the carriage comprises a motor and an elongated member with the carriage operatively associated with the elongated member for reciprocal movement thereon. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise device of  claim 3  wherein the elongated member is cylindrical, the motor rotates the elongated member on its axis, the elongated member extends vertically in the frame and includes a spiral track thereon, and the carriage includes means for engaging the track such that rotation of the elongated member in one direction raises the carriage while rotation of the elongated member in the opposite direction lowers the carriage, with the carriage and elongated member configured for vertical movement over a distance of 2 to 5 feet. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise device of  claim 1  wherein the pneumatic device comprises a piston and cylinder and the exercise device further comprises an accumulator affixed to the frame and operatively associated with the cylinder of the pneumatic device to reduce pressure increases therein as the piston is moved. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise device of  claim 5  wherein the slider mechanism moves vertically along a cylindrical rod that is affixed to the housing frame and the exercise device further comprises a linkage between the piston of the pneumatic device and the slider mechanism so that upward movement of the slider mechanism is inhibited by the pneumatic device. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise device of  claim 6  further comprising a pulley block arrangement that includes one or more fixed and one or more vertically movable pulleys for increasing the tension on the cable, with the vertically movable pulley(s) of the pulley block arrangement connected to the slider mechanism by connection means. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise device of  claim 7  wherein the connection means comprises a separate cable or rod member wherein the slider mechanism is configured for vertical movement over a distance of ½ to 2 feet along the cylindrical rod, and the pulley block arrangement includes two fixed pulleys and two vertically movable pulleys and is also configured for vertical movement over a distance of ½to 2 feet. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise device of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of pulleys fixed to the frame for guiding the cable extending away from the carriage pulley(s) to the pulley block arrangement and back to the carriage wherein the second end of the cable is affixed to the carriage. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise device of  claim 1 , further comprising a computer controller for programming of an exercise routine, wherein the user is able to set parameters including at least an amount of resistance provided by the pneumatic device, and the travel distance and speed of travel of the carriage.