Negative lift exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus for use by a sole individual user. In the preferred embodiment, a frame having a base is provided. A mast is attached to the base. A pivotable platform or bench on which the user can be positioned is operatively connected to the base and, in the quiescent state of the apparatus, parallel to the base. A handlebar unit, preferably comprising two grips, is connected to the mast, the handlebar unit having at least one sensor operable by the individual user. A drive element is operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit. The exercise apparatus operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, so when the user releases at least one of the handlebar unit sensors, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus for use by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising:
 a) a frame having a base;   b) a mast attached to the base;   c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned;   d) a handlebar unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state, the handlebar unit having at least one sensor operable by an individual user thereof; and   e) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit;   whereby, when the user releases at last one of the handlebar sensors, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus for use by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and is selected from a group of mechanisms consisting of: i) a hydraulic system; ii) a pneumatic system, and iii) a linear motor. 
     
     
         3 . An exercise apparatus for performing Lat Pulls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising:
 a) a frame having a base;   b) a mast attached to the base;   c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned;   d) leg restraints to accommodate an individual when force applied to the legs of a user the exceeds body weight thereof;   e) a handlebar unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state, the handlebar unit having at least one sensor operable by an individual user thereof; and   f) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit;   whereby, when the user releases at last one of the handlebar sensors, the handlebar unit returns to an initial position relative to the mast, and the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.   
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus for performing Lat Pulls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and comprises a hydraulic system. 
     
     
         5 . An exercise apparatus for performing standing curls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising:
 a) a frame having a base;   b) a mast attached to the base;   c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned;   d) a T-bar unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state; and   e) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the handlebar unit;   whereby, the T-bar returns to an initial position relative to the mast when the user ceases demonstrating readiness, the T-bar reaches end of travel, or the T-bar motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches a predetermined set point, at which time the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.   
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus for performing standing curls by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and is selected from a group of mechanisms consisting of: i) a hydraulic system; ii) a pneumatic system, and iii) a linear motor. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise apparatus for leg exercises by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology, comprising:
 a) a frame having a base;   b) a mast attached to the base;   c) an adjustable support member for supporting part or all of a user, the support member being operatively connected to the base, and substantially parallel thereto in its quiescent state, on which the user can be positioned;   d) a foot plate unit operatively and slidably connected to the mast and disposed at an initial position relative thereto in its quiescent state, the footplate unit having at least one sensor operable by an individual user thereof; and   e) a drive element operatively connected to the mast for producing resistance to the footplate unit;   whereby, the apparatus returns to an initial position when the user ceases demonstrating readiness, the footplate reaches end of travel, or the footplate motion slows or stops if resistance is near or reaches a predetermined set point, at which time the user can rest, start again, or depart from the apparatus.   
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus for leg exercises by a sole individual user that operates on the principle of negative resistance technology in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the drive element further comprises a source of power operatively connected thereto and is selected from a group of mechanisms consisting of: i) a hydraulic system; ii) a pneumatic system, and iii) a linear motor.