Hydraulic resistance exerciser with relatively rotatable arms

Claim 2

A compact portable multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected relative to one-another at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from about one foot to about three feet; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; said hydraulic means for providing constant resistance including a spring biased flow controlling means movable to progressively reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said arms are operated at higher speed, said progressive reduction in resistance taking place throughout the normal range of speed of operation of the exercise devices; said hydraulic resistance means including an elongated chamber having longitudinally spaced ports, and means for mounting said flow controlling means within said chamber for movement between said ports, said flow controlling means having substantial space between the side thereof and the walls of said chamber to permit limited flow of fluid past said controlling means; and means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means.

Claim 3

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said arms includes a plurality of telescoping intercoupled sections for implementing said length adjustment means.

Claim 4

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 2 further comprising substantially flat thumb actuated locking detent means for holding said telescoping sections of said arms in fixed relative positions relative to one another.

Claim 5

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein at least one of said telescoping sections is provided with a plurality of closely spaced openings for receiving a locking detent means secured to an adjacent telescoping section.

Claim 6

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said locking means includes thumb actuated spring mounted detents mounted on outer sections of said arms and extending into openings or recesses in the underlying or inner telescoping sections of said arms.

Claim 7

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said hydraulic constant resistance means is in the form of a hydraulic bucket member having a concave region and means for directing hydraulic fluid onto said member.

Claim 8

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuators are handles, and further including means for mounting said handles at different angles relative to said arms.

Claim 9

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said actuators are pairs of handles mounted at the ends of each of said arms for actuation by the feet or ankles.

Claim 10

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from about one foot to about three feet; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; said hydraulic means for providing constant resistance including a spring biased flow blocking means movable to reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said arms are operated at high speed; means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means; and one of said actuators on one arm including a pair of rollers, and the other of said actuators on the other arm being a double handle extending substantially perpendicular to said other arm on each side thereof, to facilitate the execution of rowing type exercises.

Claim 11

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from about one foot to about three feet; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; said hydraulic means for providing constant resistance including a spring biased flow blocking means movable to reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said arms are operated at high speed; means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means; and one of said actuators on one arm including a pair of rollers, and the other of said actuators on the other arm being a double handle extending substantially perpendicular to said other arm on each side thereof, to facilitate the execution of rowing type exercises.

Claim 12

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second exercise members movable relative to one another; actuator means for moving said exercise members by the person performing the exercise; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two exercise members to provide substantially constant resistance to relative movement of said members with respect to one another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said members; said hydraulic means for providing substantially constant resistance including a spring-biased flow controlling means movable to progressively reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said members are operated at higher speed, said progressive reduction in resistance taking place throughout the normal range of speed of operation of the exercise device; said hydraulic resistance means including an elongated chamber having longitudinally spaced ports, and means for mounting said flow controlling means within said chamber for movement between said ports, said flow controlling means having substantial space between a side thereof and the walls of said chamber to permit limited flow of fluid past said controlling means; and means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means.

Claim 13

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second exercise members movable relative to one another; actuator means for moving said exercise members by the person performing the exercise; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two exercise members to provide substantially constant resistance to relative movement of said members with respect to one another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said members; said hydraulic means for providing substantially constant resistance including a spring-biased flow controlling means movable to progressively reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said members are operated at higher speed, said progressive reduction in resistance taking place throughout the normal range of speed of operation of the exercise device; said hydraulic resistance means including an elongated chamber having longitudinally spaced ports, and means for mounting said flow controlling means within said chamber for movement between said ports, said flow controlling means having substantial space between a side thereof and the walls of said chamber to permit limited flow of fluid past said controlling means; and means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means.

Claim 14

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said hydraulic resistance means is in the form of at least one hydraulic bucket member having a concave region and means for directing hydraulic fluid onto said member.

Claim 15

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, to rotate about an axis of rotation, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms, said actuators being adjustable to orientations substantially perpendicular to said arms and substantially parallel to said axis of rotation; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined overall length to a second overall length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said reistance means; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members; whereby the overall two-to-one reduction in length of the arms permits portability and convenient storage of the exercise apparatus.

Claim 16

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, to rotate about an axis of rotation, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms, said actuators being adjustable to orientations substantially perpendicular to said arms and substantially parallel to said axis of rotation; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined overall length to a second overall length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said reistance means; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members; whereby the overall two-to-one reduction in length of the arms permits portability and convenient storage of the exercise apparatus.

Claim 17

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein each of said arms includes at least three telescoping intercoupled sections for implementing said length adjustment means

Claim 18

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 12 further comprising substantially flat thumb actuated locking detent means for holding said telescoping sections of said arms in fixed relative positions relative to one another.

Claim 19

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein at least one of said telescoping sections is provided with a plurality of closely spaced openings for receiving a locking detent means secured to an adjacent telescoping section.

Claim 20

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said locking means includes thumb actuated spring mounted detents mounted on outer sections of said arms and extending into openings or recesses in the underlying or inner telescoping sections of said arms.

Claim 21

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said actuators are handles, and further including means for mounting said handles at different angles relative to said arms.

Claim 22

A compact multi-purpose exercise apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said actuators are stirrups mounted at the ends of each of said arms for actuation by the feet or ankles.

Claim 23

An apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein each of said arms includes at least three sections which telescope within one-another.

Claim 24

An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 19 further comprising spring biased piston means exposed to the hydraulic fluid in said apparatus, whereby changes in the volume of the hydraulic fluid may be accommodated.

Claim 25

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; and said hydraulic resistance means including at least one elongated hydraulic chamber having longitudinally spaced inlet and outlet ports, a flow control member mounted in said chamber and capable of being located in said chamber between said ports, said control member having substantial space around the sides thereof between the flow control member and the walls of said hydraulic chamber, spring biasing means for controlling the position of said control member between said two ports for movement from a position at or adjacent said inlet port when fluid pressure is low when said exercise system is being operated slowly, progressively to a position near said outlet port but with said control member still partially blocking said outlet port when said pressure is increased by significantly increasing the speed at which said exercise system is operated; and a housing adjacent the connection point of the arms and rigidly attached to one of said arms containing a fluid compartment, a paddle means within said fluid compartment connected to the other of said arms, and the hydraulic resistance means.

Claim 26

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; and said hydraulic resistance means including at least one elongated hydraulic chamber having longitudinally spaced inlet and outlet ports, a flow control member mounted in said chamber and capable of being located in said chamber between said ports, said control member having substantial space around the sides thereof between the flow control member and the walls of said hydraulic chamber, spring biasing means for controlling the position of said control member between said two ports for movement from a position at or adjacent said inlet port when fluid pressure is low when said exercise system is being operated slowly, progressively to a position near said outlet port but with said control member still partially blocking said outlet port when said pressure is increased by significantly increasing the speed at which said exercise system is operated; and a housing adjacent the connection point of the arms and rigidly attached to one of said arms containing a fluid compartment, a paddle means within said fluid compartment connected to the other of said arms, and the hydraulic resistance means.

Claim 27

A compact portable multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, to rotate about an axis of rotation, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms, said actuators being adjustable to orientations substantially perpendicular to said arms and substantially parallel to said axis of rotation means for adjusting the overall length of each of said arms from about one foot to about three feet; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; said hydraulic means for providing constant resistance including a spring biased flow controlling means movable to progressively reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said arms are operated at higher speed, said progressive reduction in resistance taking place throughout the normal range of speed of operation of exercise devices; means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means; and said exercise apparatus being portable, self-contained and independent of coupling to any additional frame or support members.

Claim 28

A compact portable multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, to rotate about an axis of rotation, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms, said actuators being adjustable to orientations substantially perpendicular to said arms and substantially parallel to said axis of rotation means for adjusting the overall length of each of said arms from about one foot to about three feet; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; said hydraulic means for providing constant resistance including a spring biased flow controlling means movable to progressively reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said arms are operated at higher speed, said progressive reduction in resistance taking place throughout the normal range of speed of operation of exercise devices; means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means; and said exercise apparatus being portable, self-contained and independent of coupling to any additional frame or support members.

Claim 29

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the overall length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; means coupled to said arms for sensing the length of said arms, and electronic display means mounted on said apparatus for visually displaying an indication of the length of said arms; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 30

A compact, multi-purpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the overall length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; means coupled to said arms for sensing the length of said arms, and electronic display means mounted on said apparatus for visually displaying an indication of the length of said arms; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 31

A compact portable multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected relative to one-another at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms by a factor of at least two; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; said hydraulic resistance means for providing constant resistance including a spring biased flow controlling means movable in a restricted channel to progressively reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said arms are operated at higher speed, said progressive reduction in resistance taking place throughout the normal range of speed of operation of the exercise devices; means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means, including arrangements which change the volume of the hydraulic fluid within said restricted channel included in the hydraulic resistance means portion of the exercise apparatus; and means coupled to said hydraulic resistance means and exposed to the hydraulic fluid within said exercise apparatus for accommodating said change in volume of the hydraulic fluid in said restricted channel.

Claim 32

A compact portable multi-purpose exercise apparatus having substantially constant resistance with variable speed of actuation, comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected relative to one-another at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms by a factor of at least two; hydraulic resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms with respect to one-another despite variations in the speed of actuation of said arms; said hydraulic resistance means for providing constant resistance including a spring biased flow controlling means movable in a restricted channel to progressively reduce hydraulic fluid flow resistance with higher velocities of fluid flow when said arms are operated at higher speed, said progressive reduction in resistance taking place throughout the normal range of speed of operation of the exercise devices; means for adjusting the resistance of said hydraulic resistance means, including arrangements which change the volume of the hydraulic fluid within said restricted channel included in the hydraulic resistance means portion of the exercise apparatus; and means coupled to said hydraulic resistance means and exposed to the hydraulic fluid within said exercise apparatus for accommodating said change in volume of the hydraulic fluid in said restricted channel.

Claim 33

An exercise device as defined in claim 24 wherein said means for accommodating said change in volume, includes a spring biased piston.

Claim 34

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; said resistance means is a hydraulic resistance unit and includes a hydraulic bucket member having a concave region and means for directing hydraulic fluid onto said member; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 35

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; said resistance means is a hydraulic resistance unit and includes a hydraulic bucket member having a concave region and means for directing hydraulic fluid onto said member; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 36

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; quick release means for separating said arms to permit compact storage of said apparatus, said quick release means including means for releasing by a single unidirectional actuation by a single finger; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 37

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; quick release means for separating said arms to permit compact storage of said apparatus, said quick release means including means for releasing by a single unidirectional actuation by a single finger; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 38

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at lease twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; quick release means for securing said actuators to the ends of said arms, said quick release means including means for releasing by a single unidirectional actuation by a single finger; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 39

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at lease twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; quick release means for securing said actuators to the ends of said arms, said quick release means including means for releasing by a single unidirectional actuation by a single finger; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 40

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; electronic display means mounted on said exercise apparatus for displaying exercise parameters involving the use of said apparatus and coupled to receive input signals from said apparatus for displaying exercise parameters involving the use of said apparatus; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.

Claim 41

A compact, multipurpose exercise apparatus comprising: first and second intercoupled arms, pivotally interconnected at one end of each of said arms, said arms having adjustable orientation actuators mounted at the other ends of each of said arms; means for adjusting the length of each of said arms from a first predetermined length to a second length at least twice as great as said first predetermined length; resistance means mechanically coupled to said two arms at their ends which are pivotally interconnected, to provide substantially constant resistance to relative pivotal movement of said arms; means for adjusting the resistance of said resistance means; electronic display means mounted on said exercise apparatus for displaying exercise parameters involving the use of said apparatus and coupled to receive input signals from said apparatus for displaying exercise parameters involving the use of said apparatus; and said apparatus being self-contained and free of any connection to additional frame or support members.