WO1986001735A1

WO1986001735A1 - Multiple device exercise system

Info

Publication number: WO1986001735A1
Application number: PCT/US1985/001824
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barre L. Rorabaugh
Original assignee: Rorabaugh Barre L
Priority date: 1984-09-24
Filing date: 1985-09-23
Publication date: 1986-03-27
Also published as: EP0195079A1; AU4950485A

Abstract

An exercise system utilizes a common linear structural element (38) which makes possible the incorporation of a multiplicity of exercise devices as part of the exercise system housed within a cabinet (21) or readily storable in a closet. The structural element (38) comprises an extrusion with a plurality of longitudinal channels (A through G) thereabout for accepting wheels (41), slide or locking plates (57) or similar devices for coupling various exercise devices to the structural element. The variety and multiplicity of such linear channels permits a dynamic relationship to exist among an infinite number of positioning points of coupling of the various exercise elements to the structural element. The problem that has existed is that home exercise equipments do not lend themselves to interrelating a large plurality of exercise devices. This problem has been overcome by the claimed invention which may be connected into a large number of exercise devices, and be stored in a cabinet.

Description

MULTIPLE DEVICE EXERCISE SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION Technical Field The invention relates to the field of exercise devices, particularly those suited for use within the home. The invention relates to a cabinet enclosed exercise system, the cabinet blending with the interior decor of the home, housing the exercise devices making up the system when the system is not in use, and acting to partially support the various exercise devices of the system while the system is in use.

Background Art More and more people are concerned with physical fitness. Health clubs with exercise machines, aerobic exercises, swimming and the like abound. Such clubs are costly and often crowded. While the desire to remain fit is on the rise, modesty and the annoyance with crowded places causes many people to look for other, more effective ways to workout. As a result, the home-exercise industry has topped the billion dollar a year mark in the United States and shows no sign of slowing. In-home exercise equipment ranges from things as simple as jump ropes and small hand-held weights to gravity- inversion systems and multi-function gym units which cost as much or more than $3,000.00. The big question for the in-home exerciser is where, in the home environment, is the best place to exercise. The weather often prohibits the use^" of the equipment on porch or patio. The indoor environment can be better controlled, but the location of the equipment within the home then becomes important. Few people have a room that can be devoted exclusively to exercise. Most residential bedrooms are too small to house both a suite of furniture and exercise equipment as well. Such devices usually find their way into the family room or living room of the home where they clash with the decor and impose themselves upon the family's living space.. The potential of the home exercise system to present itself as an eyesore is well recognized. The prior art abounds with cabinets for housing exercising equipment. Most such cabinets are intended to hide such clutter of bar bells, dumb bells, and cord and pulley exercise devices. The variety of exercisers available for use with such a cabinet housed exercise system has generally been limited. Attempts to house a great variety of exercise devices within an attractive cabinet have met with very limited success because of the complexity of assembling a plurality of exercise devices in a manner which permits the dynamic interaction of these devices while maintaining the overall cost of such exercise system at a reasonable level. Prior art cabinet housed exercise systems, in general, do not lend themselves to dynamically interrelating a great plurality of exercise devices primarily because of the limitations of the structural elements of which the prior art systems are made. Simple cylindrical or rectangular tubular structural elements are limited in their ability to support several moving elements such that the relative positions of the elements may be readily changed one with respect to the other without interference of one with another. it is an objective of the present invention to pro- vide a cabinet housed exercise system which will complement the decor of the home and impose itself minimally upon the living space of the home when the exercise system is not in use. it a further objective of the invention to provide a cabinet housed exercise system which houses a multiplicity of exercise devices without the structural constraints imposed upon prior art systems. It is another objective of the invention to provide a cabinet housing a plurality of exercise devices in dynamic interrelationship by use as a coupling device which permits the non-interfering longitudinal displacement of the points which a plurality of such exercise devices are coupled to the structural element.

Disclosureof the Invention The invention is an improvement in exercise systems which house a plurality of exercise devices within a cabinet which houses and supports the various devices. The improve- ment is a common lineal structural element which has a plurality of longitudinally disposed channels each c o mmuni- eating with the exterior element so as to allow each channel to accept one or more wheels or slide plates or ^'locking plates. By placement of such elements within the various channels, the common structural element is employed as a- coupling device which permits the cooperative assembly of a plurality of exercise equipment and which permits that equipment to be efficiently housed within- the cabinet. Importantly, the plurality of longitudinally disposed channels permits the non-interfering longitudinal displacement of the points at which several of the exercise devices are coupled to any one given structural element. When a framework is made up of . two or more lengths of the common^* structural element, the plurality of channels permits devices to be slidedly or fixedly coupled across the interior of the frame,or astraddle the frame when coupling is made to the exterior channels at the opposing cuter walls of the f ame. Channels in the top and bottom^' surfaces of the frame as well as in the inside and nominal outside walls of the frame may all be used to achieve fixed or slide coupling of exercise elements to the frame. As disclosed herein, such a frame may be used to couple a treadmill exercise device thereto as well as a weight bench, hydraulic system to simulate weight exercises, and pulley and cord exercise devices. A second frame may be employed in the assembling of a collapsible bicycle frame. The first frame may be used in conjunction with the bicycle frame permitting the bicycle exerciser to drive idler wheels supported by the first frame or to drive or be driven by the treadmill coupled to the first frame. If the first frame is provided with a central longitudinal beam so as to provide two rectangular and parallel voids therein the first frame may be provided with ski pads which are slidingly coupled one each within one of the parallel voids. Thus, a ski-type exercise may be performed in association with the ski pads and the hydraulic resistance units. The common structural element disclosed herein is an extrusion having, for example, seven channels about its periphery which channels may be employed for coupling wheels, slide plate and locking plates thereto.

Brief Description of Drawings Fig 1. is a perspective view of an exercise cabinet with doors ajar, weight bench, chinning bar and lateral bar disposed for use, with treadmill and coupling frame in storage position. Fig.2 is a perspective view illustrating coupling of exercise cord pulleys to coupling frame and hydraulic weight simulators and leg lift exercise extension of weight bench. Fig. 3 illustrates in perspective detail, the extrusion element which facilitates housing a multiplicity of exercise devices within a single cabinet. Fig. 4 is an end elevation view of the coupling frame indicating the positions of the treadmill and weight bench therein. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the coupling frame withdrawn from the cabinet and with treadmill positioned for use with hydraulic weight/resistance simulators. Fig. 6 is a perspective illustration of an alternate embodiment of the coupling frame with a central beam to 2 acco odate coupling of ski pads to the coupling frame. The

3 use of the frame as a rowing exerciser with either embodi-

4 ment, is also illustrated.

5 Fig. 7 is a side elevation of the coupling frame

6 showing details of the hydraulic weight simulators and

7 manner in which frame and simulator may be stowed in

8 cabinet or positioned for use with weight lifting exercises

9 and weight bench. 0 Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the coupling frame and 1 weight simulators showing pivoting of simulator handles to 2 accomodate skiing, rowing or cord associated exercises. 3 Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of a segment of the 4 coupling frame detailing the manner in which the treadmill 5 idler roller is coupled to the frame. 6 Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the coupling of the 7 rowing exerciser foot pad to the coupling frame. 8 Fig. 11 details the coupling of the seat of the- 9 rowing exerciser to the coupling frame. 0 Fig. 12 is a detail of the manner in which the 1 hydraulic weight/resistance simulators are coupled to the 2 coupling frame. 3 Fig. 13 details the adjustable coupling of pulleys 4 to the coupling frame for use in cord associated exercisers. 5 Fig. 14 is a detail of the coupling of the ski pads 6 to the coupling frame. 7 Fig. 15 is a perspective of the ski pad. 8 Fig. 16 is a side elevation of the bicycle exerciser 9 storable with the cabinet. 0 Fig. 17 is a plan view of the bicycle in its folded, 1 storable configuration. 2 Fig. 18 is a side sectional elevation of the 3 exercise cabinet with exercise devices stoed therein. 4 5 Best Mode for Carrying Out The Invention g For the purposes of promoting an understanding of 7 the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, neverthe- less, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustra- ted therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. The drawings of the invention illustrated here are not scale drawings. In certain of the perspective views, the cabinetry and framework is presented as broader or having greater depth than in actual fact. This is brought about by the desire to clearly present details to enable those skilled in the art to readily understand the disclosure of the invention. Thus the drawings are prepared for concep- tual communication rather than pictorial exactness. The invention 20 is presented in perspective view in Figure 1. A cabinet 21 houses a plurality of exercise devices. Cabinet doors 22 and 23 open outward to provide access to the various exercise devices and also act as support members to stabilize the cabinet when a person is employing certain of the exer- cise devices when they are extended outward from the cabinet. To this end floor contacting support units 24 are provided one at each of doors 22 and 23. In Figure 1 is seen a weight bench 25 which is pivotally coupled to a frame 26 at points P,. he undersurface of treadmill 27 appears in Figure 1 housed within framework 26. A chinning bar 29 maintains doors 22 and 23 in their open position at about a 45 degree angle with respect to the planeof the face of the cabinet 21. The bar 27 may be employed for chinning exercises and also supports pulleys 30 which communicate a resistance from hydraulic weight simulators 28 through cords 31 to exercise devices such as a lateral bar 32. Weight bench 25 has a leg lift extension 33 which may be extended as seen in Figure 2. Not shown but readily conceived by those skilled in the prior art is a mechanism which will limit the upward travel of leg lift extension 33 to the approximate conjunction of the plane of weight bench 25. In withdrawing the leg lift extension from its storage position, shown in Figure 1, the decision is made to emplace the extension 33 above or below the plane of weight bench 25. If emplaced above, the mechanism in ques- tion will limit the downward travel of extension 33 so that-it cannot pass through the plane of weight bench 25. Leg lift extension 33 may be coupled directly to hydraulic lever weight simulators 28 or, as shown in Figure 2, cords 34 may be employed to communicate the resistance provided by hydraulic lever units 28 to the leg lift extension 33. As will be disclosed in greater detail herein, hydraulic lever assemblies 28 are lockingly slide coupled to frame 26 so their longitudinal position on frame 26 may be selectively determined. Thus a person lying on weight bench 25 may readily make use of the hydraulic lever assemblies to perform weight pushes and weight pulls. Hand rings 39 which communicate with hydraulic resistance lever units 28 by means of cords 37 and pulleys 74 may be used alone or in conjunction with weight bench 25. As will be disclosed further in the discussion of Figure 7, hydraulic resistance lever assemblies 28 are adjustable to provide a range of resistance to suit the needs of the individual utilizing the exercise system. Weight bench 25 is provided wi-th support leg 35. Support leg 35 is foldable to permit convenient storage of

« the weight bench 25 within frame 26 in cabinet 21. When the weight bench 25 is extended in positions shown in Figures 1 and 2, and support leg is extended, weight bench 25 is generally parallel to the floor in which cabinet 21 sits. If support leg 35 is placed in its fold-down position, weight bench 25 may be utilized as a slant board, in which case foot strap 36 is available to hold the legs and feet of the person performing exercises on the slant board. A common lineal structural element is utilized to permit the incorporation of a multiplicity of exercisers within cabinet 21. This common structural element is an extrusion 38, a section of which is shown in perspective in Figure 3. Extrusion 38 is provided with a plurality of longitudinal disposed channels A through G which communicate with the exterior of extrusion 38. Within the channels may be incorporated wheels, slide plates, and locking plates so that a multiplicity of exercise devices may be coupled to structural element 38. Because of the configuration of extrusion 38 and the variety of channels therein, the points at which various exercise devices are coupled to element 38 may be selectively determined and adjusted each with respect to the others along a line parallel tσ the longitudinal axis of element 38. Thus each coupling point may be selec- tively disposed without interfering with other coupling points along the length of element 38. Frame 26 is comprised of four lengths of structural element 38 to provide a rectangular framework. As shown in Figure 2 and in somewhat greater detail in Figure 4, the treadmill 27 is coupled between interior opposing walls of frame 26. Idler rollers 41 are coupled to channels A of elements 38 in frame 26 as a rolling support for treadmill 27. Weight bench 25- is pivotally coupled within frame 26 in channels E of structural elements 38. When frame 26 is raised to the position shown in Figures 1 and 2, weight bench 25 may be pivoted upward for storage within frame 26. Weight bench 25 is lockable, by conventional means, within its stored position within frame 26. This permits the lowering of frame 26 to the position as shown in Figure 5. When frame 26 is so lowered, treadmill 27 is available for use. An idler roller 41 at each end of treadmill 27, only one of which is shown here, provides rolling support for treadmill belt 42. Between the two idler rollers 41 is a support surface 99 with a low-friction coating thereon. Such coating may comprise teflon or polypropylene. A driven roller 43 in frictional contact with belt 42 provides the necessary drive to treadmill belt 42. Drive motor 44 is coupled by belt drive 45 to drive roller 43 as a primary mover for treadmill 27. A variable speed control, housed in electronic monitor in control box 97 on the door of cabinet 21, Figure 1, provides infinite variation in the speed of drive motor 44 so that belt 42 may be driven at speeds infinitely variable up to 10 m.p.h. Hydraulic lever resis- tance assemblies 28 may be utilized by a person on the belt for support as well as exercise purposes. In Figure 6 is shown the provision of a rowing exercise device coupled to frame 26. The rower's seat 49 is slide coupled to a frame 26 and the person performing the rowing exercise sits on seat 49 and utilizes each of the hydraulic lever assemblies 28 as an oar. Footpads 50 are adjustably slide coupled to the top of frame 26 to provide a foot rest for the rower. Frame 26 is to be used for other purposes. Rowing seat 49 is positioned at the left most extreme of frame 26 as depicted in Figure 6. It should be noted here that the details of the rowing machine exerciser shown in Figure 6 might well have been illustrated in the drawing of Figure 5. It was omitted there to enable dis- closure of the details of treadmill 27. Frame 26 is seen in Figures 1, 2 and 5 as being slide coupled to two short lengths 40 of extrusion 38. This coupling between frame 26 and lengths 40 of extrusion 38 permits the pivotal coupling of frame 26 to cabinet 21 and also permits adjustment of the height of frame 26 which may be manipulated to permit the exercises to take place on an inclined plane. Cover 26 in Figure 5 is emplaced over the motor 44 and drive 45 and roller 43 when treadmill 27 is in use. If a purchaser of the invention decides to forego the expense of treadmill 27, a modification of frame 26 will provide a skiing type exercise. As seen in Figure 6, a central beam 47 is emplaced along the longitudinal axis of frame 26. Within the two voids within frame 26 which thus results, placed, one in each, is a ski pad which is slide coupled to central beam 47 in the interior walls of frame 26. When an exerciser places one foot on each of ski pads 48, he may utilize hydraulic lever assemblies 28 as ski poles thereby exercising arm, leg and back muscles. Frame 26 of- Figure 6 is coupled to lengths 40 of element 38 as depicted in Figure 5 and thus, frame 26 may have its left-most end, as depicted in Figure 6, raised or lowered to provide an incline or a level ski slope for the exerciser to practice on. Depending on which side of the hydraulic lever assemblies 28 the exerciser positions himself, the exerciser has a choice of uphill or downhill ski exercises. It has been found as a practical matter, that ski pads 48 may be employed in lieu of rower seat 49 when the exerciser wishes to perform rowing exercises.

One of the hydraulic lever assemblies 28 is shown in greater detail in Figure 7. It comprises a slide plate 51 which is coupled to channel D of element 38 of frame 26. The details of this coupling arrangement are illustrated in Figure 12. Locking screw 52 provides frictional engagement between plate 51 and the walls of channel D permitting plate 51 to be slide adjusted along the length of frame 26 and locked into position where desired. A riser 53 is pivotally coupled to plate 51 at 60. Riser 53 supports a height adjustable handle 54 which may be locked into position by means of locking adjustment 55. The hydraulic cylinder 56 is pivotally coupled to plate 51 at 61. Cylinder shaft 57 is removably coupled to riser 53 at 58. A series of coupling points 59 is provided along riser 53 to which cylinder shaft 57 may be coupled.. This provides a selectible varia- tion in the resistance experienced by an exerciser utilizing hydraulic lever assembly 28. To place frame 26 in its storage position, rowing seat 49 is slid to the extreme left-hand end, as depicted in Figure 7 and frame 26 is raised to the vertical position illustrated in phantom outline. Without more, hydraulic lever assembly would assume the position illustrated at 62 in phantom outline. This would impede storage within cabinet 21 and thus, it is necessary that cylinder shaft 47 be first decoupled from riser 43. When so decoupled, hydraulic lever assembly 28 will assume the position shown in phantom out- line at 63. To permit the use of hydraulic lever assemblies 24 for various exercises in front of cabinet 21, lever assembly may be rotated to position shown in phantom outline 64. In this position, the lever assemblies 28 may be used directly or in association with cords and pulleys or the weight bench. Figure 8 is an end view showing the pair of lever assemblies 28 mounted on frame 26. Handles 54 may be pivotally and lockingly disposed to vertical or horizontal position. The vertical position particularly lends itself ^• for use of the devices as the ski poles when utilized in association with ski pads 48 shown in Figure 6. Various aspects of the invention will now be dis- closed in greater detail for use of understanding the inven- tion and the facility provided by multi-channeled common structural element 38. Figure 9 is a cross sectional detail of the coupling of idler roller 41 of treadmill 27 to frame 26. Idler roller 41 is disposed across opposing inner walls of frame 26 where it is mounted on bearings 68 which are coupled to mounting plates 67 emplaced within channels A of extrusions 38 of frame 26. Mounting plate 67 is lockingly positioned in a manner analogous to that disclosed herein- after. The teflon support surface 99 is similarly coupled to opposing interior faces of frame 26 via channel A in each of elements 38 of frame 26. Details of the coupling of support 99 are now shown but are analogous to other coupling methods disclosed hereinafter. The foot rest 50 for the rowing machine exerciser is seen to comprise a coupling plate 69 which has a Tee- •

³ shaped base 70 for coupling to channel F of extrusion 38.

⁴ A foot pressure plate 71 is provided to resist the pressure of the rower's foot. A lever lock 72, not shown, but similar in concept to the locking device illustrated in

' Figure 13, permits the emplacement of the foot pad in the

" desired position along the length of frame 26.

⁹ As illustrated in Figure 6, rowing seat 47 is

10 slidingly coupled to frame 26 while straddling frame 26.

H This is achieved as shown in Figure 11, illustrating a section of extrusion 38 and a section of rowing seat 49. ³ The roller bearing wheel couples seat 49 to channel B of ⁴ extrusion 38. Two such wheels are emplaced on either

1 side of rowing seat A for coupling to either exterior side 1° of frame 26. Bearing wheels 73 provide a slide coupling of 7 rowing seat 49 to frame 26 as is required for optimum use of the device as a rowing exerciser. ^ Figure 12 which details the coupling of lever 0 assembly 28 to extrusion 38 of frame 26 has been mentioned 1 earlier in the discussion of Figure 7. The detail of 2 Figure 12 illustrates the manner in which locking screw 52 3 provides a frictional lock for lockingly positioning slide 4 plate 51 along the length of the frame 26. ⁵ Figure 13 should be viewed with reference to Figure 2 which shows the hand rings 39 being coupled to hydraulic lever assemblies* 28 by means of cords 37 via pulleys 74. 8 Position of pulley 74 may be located anywhere along the 9 length of frame 26 by means of the lock lever coupling 0 illustrated in Figure 13. Here a pressure plate 75, having 1 a threaded tang attached, is coupled to channel G of extrusion ² 38 of frame 26. When lock lever 78, thread coupled to 3 threaded tang 76, is rotated, pressure is exerted on washer 77_; and pressure plate 75 is drawn into frictional contact 5 with the walls of channel G. Thus, pulley 74 may be located 6 as desired anywhere along the length of channel G. 7 The ski pad 48 of Figure 6 is shown in greater detail in Figure 15. Two angle supports 79 are coupled to a cushioned base 81. A pair of roller wheels 80 are affixed to either of angle supports 79 for coupling to frame 26 or central beam 47 as detailed in Figure 14. Ski pad 48 may traverse the entire length of channel A in which bearing wheel 80 is emplaced. A person may place his feet on each of the cushioned surfaces of each of the ski pads 48 and utilize them for skiing exercises. Or alternately, a person may sit astride both of ski pads 48, Figure 6, and utilize the pair of ski pads as a rowing seat in lieu of using rowing seat 49, illustrated in Figure 6. By utilizing a second frame made up of extrusions 38, a bicycle exercise device may be provided which may be used in conjunction with frame 46. The exercise bike 82 is illustrated in Figure 16. Bike 82 comprises a frame 83 fabricated of extrusion elements 38. Bike 82 is assembled in a manner which permits its folding into a small package for storage within cabinet 21. The folded device is shown in Figure 17. A crank and peddle assembly 84 is coupled ^■ across the frame. Truss support 86, pivotally coupled at 91 to stanchion 85, is slide coupled by means of rollers 90 to frame 83. Rollers 90 are emplaced within channels on opposing walls of frame 83 in the manner reminiscent of that shown in Figures 11 to 14 for the rowing seats and s i pads. Locking device 87 inhibits the movement of rollers 90 when the cibycle is in its upraised position as illustrated in Figure 16. When latch 87 is released, supports 86 are permitted to slide forward on bearings 90 which causes stanchion 85 to rotate about a crank 84 so as to lie close to frame 83. When so rotated, the bike may be stored readily within cabinet 21. One end of frame 83 is pivotally coupled at 88 to a section 89 of extrusion 38. The length of element 89 need not be as long as indicated and, where economy dictates, a more conventional means of coupling frame 83 to the cabinet may be provided. Crank 84 drives a sprocket 92 which, via drive belt 93, drives wheel 94 of bicycle 82. A pair of idler rollers set atop frame 26 provide for the ready rotation of wheel 94. A friction brake 96 may be adjusted to control the amount of effort required to drive bicycle wheel 94. In the embodiment of the invention wherein treadmill 27 is emplaced within frame 26, bicycle wheel 94 may be placed directly in contact with treadmill belt 42 so that the person utilizing bike 82 will drive belt 42, contact drive roller 43, belt drive 45 and motor 44 as a load. Alternatively, an invalid or a person first beginning to exercise on bicycle 82, may activate motor 44 of treadmill 27 and permit the treadmill to drive wheel 94 of bike 82 and thus cause the crank 84 to be driven, moving the person's legs in response thereto. Bicycle 82 utilizes hydraulic lever assemblies 28 as a handle bar assembly for use by the person riding bike -82. Actuation of the hydraulic lever assemblies 28 provides ^'added exercise benefits to the rider of bike 82. Figure 18 is a side view of cabinet 21 with the equipment stored within and the cabinet doors 22 and 23 closed. Bicycle frame 82 is rotated upwards and locked in position within cabinet 21. Thereafter, frame 26 is rotated upwardly and locked in position within cabinet 21. The doors are then closed and the cabinet provides an appearance to complement the decor of the room in which the exercise system has been utilized. Electronic monitoring is provided by monitor and control 97 which provides a read out of pulse, elapsed time, mileage and speed. An infinitely variable speed control for treadmill drive motor 44 is also provided in monitor and control 97. A storage container 98 provides convenient storage of the pulse monitoring cables. To this point, the invention has been disclosed in an embodiment intended for housing in a special cabinet provided with the exercise system. However, an embodiment of the invention, made possible by use of the common linear 2 structural element, provides a plurality of exercise devices

3 in a configuration which may be readily stored in an existing

4 cabinet or a convenient αloset within the home. This free

5 standing embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 19 g through 21. η In Figure 6 is shown a rectangular frame 26 with

3 a central beam 47 similar to the frame shown in Figure 19. g Hydraulic resistance units are adjustably coupled to frame

10 26 in the manner earlier disclosed and as illustrated in the

11 details of Figure 12. Slide pads 48 are coupled to the

12 interior walls of frame 26 in the manner earlier disclosed 3 with respect to Figure 14. With handles 54 disposed in the

14 vertical position, as indicated in Figure 19, the device

15 functions as a skiing exerciser when the person utilizing

16 the invention places his feet on pads 48 and grasps handles

17 54 in the manner in which ski poles are grasped. A leg

18 ^■ arrangement 35 is provided so that uphill, skiing exercises

19 may be simulated. Leg 38 here comprises support elements

20 101, 102 and 103 pivotally coupled by pivot pin 104 and

2i rotatingly and slide coupled to frame 26 to provide the user

22 a choice of level or uphill skiing exercise. A similar leg

₂3 arrangement, not indicated in Figure 19, is provided to the

24 left of the illustration of Figure 19 to provide the user

25 with the choice of uphill or downhill skiing exercise.

2 By releasing lock screws 52, handles 54 may be

27 rotated to a horizontal position, openings 105 being provided

28 iⁿ the base of handle 54 to accomodate the alternatevertical

29 and horizontal positioning of handle 54 on hydraulic resis- ₀ tance levers 28.

3 In the illustration of Figure 20, handles .54 have

32 been rotated to the horizontal position to serve as the

33 means for grasping hydraulic resistance lever 28 when the ₃. invention is used as a rowing exerciser. When so employed, _Tc pads 48 are placed adjacent to one another and the person

36 performing the exercises sits on both pads 48. A bar 33,

-... which will be seen to also function as an aid in performing 2 leg lift exercises, is emplaced within supports 106, which

3 supports are slide coupled to frame 26 in a manner remines-

4 cent of the arrangement illustrated in Figure 13. Locking

5 screws 107 are provided to lock supports 106 in position. g Supports 106 may be positioned along the length of frame η 26 as may be desired by the person utilizing the invention. g When utilized as a rowing machine, as illustrated in Figure g 20, bar 33 provides a foot rest as a counter-resistance 0 element for use by the person manipulating hydraulic 1 resistance levers 28 in a manner similar to that of rowing 2 a boat. 3 Both of legs 35 are illustrated in Figure 20. 4 In Figure 21, the arms of hydraulic resistance units 5 28 have been rotated downward to lie in a plane essentially 6 parallel to the longitudinal axis of frame 26. Bar 33 has 7 been removed from supports 106 and captivated by handles 8 54 of hydraulic resistance levers 28. 9 The manner in which handles 54 are inserted within 0 bar 33 is illustrated in the exploded view of Figure 22. i Handles 54 are removed from adjustable height lever arms 53 2 ^an the handles inserted into bar 33. Handles 54 are again 3 placed on arms 53 and locked in place by locking screws 52. 4 The invention is now configured for use as a leg lift bench. 5 Pads 48 are placed adjacent each other and positioned under 6 the buttocks of the person performing the leg lift exercise 7 or under the small of his back as may be desired. ^' The person 8 performing the exercises may hook his feet below bar 33 to 9 utilize the device for leg lifting exercises. With arms of 0 hydraulic resistance units 28 raised, the person may place his 1 feet on bar 33 to perform leg pushing exercises. Legs 35 2 may be individually adjusted so that frame 26 may be utilized 3 as an inclined board. It will be readily understood that the _Λ use of frame 26 as an inclined board, exerciser may also be _c achieved by removal of bar 33 and the actuation of hydraulic resistance units 28 by hand grasping handles 54 to provide 6 an exercise for the upper portions of the body. 7 For purposes of definition, "hydraulic resistance means" as used ^'herein, is intended to encompass fluid, air, or spring loaded means adjustable for providing a selectedly variable degree of resistance to the person utilizing said means for exercise purposes. What has been disclosed is a multiple device exercise system. A common linear structural element makes possible the incorporation of a multiplicity of exercise devices as part of the exercise system housed within a cabinet or readily storable in a closet. The structural element comprises an extrusion with a plurality of longitudinal channels thereabout for accepting wheels, slide or locking plates or similar devices for coupling various exercise devices to the struc- tural element. The variety and multiplicity of such linear channels permits a dynamic relationship to exist among an infinite number of positioning points of coupling of the various exercise .elements to the structural element. The diversity of coupling arrangements permitted by use of this common structural element provides an improvement in a home exercise system in that a greater number and variety of exercise devices may be provided for use within the home in a manner which does not impose itself disadvantageously upon the living space of the home and which does not detract from the decor of the home. Those skilled in the art will conceive of other embodiments of the invention which may be drawn from the disclosure herein. To the extent that such other embodiments are so drawn, it is intended that they shall fall within the ambit of protection provided by the claims herein. Having described my invention in the foregoing description and drawings in such a clear and concise manner that those skilled in the art may readily understand and practice the invention, that which I claim is:

Claims

1. In an exercise system comprising a plurality of exercise equipment, the improvement making it possible to readily store and utilize such a multiplicity of equipment comprising: a common linear structural element having a plurality of longitudinally disposed channels • communicating with the exterior of said element for accepting at least one of wheels, slide plates and locking plates within selected ones of said channels, said common structural element being employed as a coupling device for the cooperative assembly of said plurality of exercise equipment and the storing of same, said plurality of longitudinally disposed channels permitting the infinitally variable noninterferring longitudinal selective displacement of the points at which a plurality of said exercise devices are coupled to a given element.

2. The improvement of Claim 1 further comprising: a rectangular frame comprised of at least two lengths of said common structural element to provide a plurality of said longitudinal channels in opposing interior walls of said frame for coupling exercise devices across opposed interior walls of said frame.

3. The improvement of Claim 2 further comprising: cabinet means for housing said rectangular frame; and coupling means for pivotally coupling said rectangular frame to said cabinet to provide in cooperation with said cabinet, partial support for said rectangular frame and for rotating said frame for storage within said cabinet. 2 4. The improvement of Claim 3 wherein said rec- tangular frame has a bicycle exercise device coupled thereto said bicycle exerciser device comprising: c a crank and sprocket drive coupled across g opposing inner walls of said frame;

₇ a seat support stanchion pivotally coupled g to the crank of said drive;

9 a truss support pivotally coupled to

10 said stanchion and slide coupled to opposing

11 interior walls of said frame; and 2 a belt driven wheel, belt coupled to the

1 sprocket of said drive and coupled to opposing

14 interior walls of said frame,

15 said pivotal and slide couplings of the members permitting lg the bicycle exercise device to be folded down to a relatively

1 flat package coupled to and storable within said cabinet. 13 5. The improvement of Claim 3 further comprising ₉ hydraulic resistance means coupled to said frame to be

2₀ used in association with exercise devices coupled across

21 opposed interior walls of said frame.

22 6. The improvement of Claim 5 further comprising:

23 pulley means lockingly, slidingly coupled to said frame;

24 and cord means coupled through a said pulley means to said

25 hydraulic resistance means for communicating a resistive 2 force from said hydraulic resistance means along said cord ₂ means and through said pulley means, said cord means

₂g thereby providing an exercise device.

29 7. The improvement of Claim 3, said frame being

3₀ pivotally coupled to said cabinet for storage therein and

3 further comprising a weight bench pivotally coupled at one

32 end within said frame and across opposing walls thereof for

33 use as an exercise deivce when said frame is stored within 3 -,4, said cabinet.

-._c 8. The improvement of Claim 7 further comprising hydraulic resistance means coupled to said frame for use in 36 association with exercises performed on said weight bench. 2 9. The improvement of Claim 8 further comprising:

3 pulley means lockingly, slidingly coupled to said frame;

4 and cord means coupled through said pulley means to said

5 hydraulic resistance means for communicating a resistive

6 force from said hydraulic resistance means along said cord

7 means and through said pulley means, said cord means thereby

8 providing an exercise device.

9 10. The improvement of Claim 3 wherein said rectangu- 0 lar frame comprises a first such frame having a bicycle 1 exercise device coupled thereto and a second such frame 2 cooperating therewith and having a treadmill exerciser 3 device coupled thereto, said bicycle exerciser device 4 comprising: 5 a crank and sprocket drive coupled 6 across opposing inner walls of said first 7 frame; 8 a seat support stanchion pivotally 9 coupled to the crank of said drive; 0 a truss support pivotally coupled to 1 said stanchion and slide coupled to 2 opposing interior walls of said first frame, 3 said pivotal and slide couplings of the members permitting 4 the bicycle exercise device to be folded down to a relatively 5 flat package coupled to and storable within said cabinet; 6 said treadmill exerciser device comprising: 7 a pair of idler rollers disposed 8 in spaced apart relationship each 9 coupled across opposing inner walls 0 of said second frame; 1 a low-friction surfaced support 2 coupled across opposing inner walls 3 of said second frame between said 4 pair of idler rollers; and 5 a treadmill belt emplaced about said pair g . of idler rollers and supported in part by said 7 low-friction surfaced support, said belt driven wheel of said bicycle exerciser being dis- posable- for contact with the surface of said treadmill belt when said bicycle exerciser is in use, said second frame being pivotally coupled to said cabinet for storage therein. 11, The improvement of Claim ^"42 further comprising a weight bench emplaced below said treadmill exerciser device and pivotally coupled at one end of said second frame and across opposing walls thereof for use as an exercise device when said second frame is stored within said cabinet. 12. The improvement of Claim 11 further comprising: hydraulic resistance means coupled to said second frame for use in association with exercises performed on said weight bench. 13. The improvement of Claim 12 further comprising: pulley means, lockingly, slidingly coupled to said frame; and cord means coupled through said pulley means to said hydraulic resistance means for communicating a resistive force from said hydraulic resistance means along said cord means and through said pulley means, said cord means thereby providing an exercise device. 14. The improvement of Claim 3 wherein said rectangular frame has coupled thereto a treadmill exerciser device said trademill exerciser device comprising: a pair of idler rollers disposed in spaced apart relationship each coupled across opposing inner walls of said frame; a low-friction surfaced support coupled across opposing inner walls of said frame between said pair of idler rollers; and a treadmill belt emplaced about said pair of idler rollers and supported in part by said low-friction surfaced support, said frame being pivotally coupled to said cabinet for storage therein. 15. The improvement of Claim 43 further comprising a weight bench emplaced below said treadmill exerciser device, pivotally coupled at one end of said frame and across oppo- sing walls thereof for use as an exercise device when said frame is stored within said cabinet. 16. - The improvement of Claim 15 further comprising hydraulic resistance means coupled to said frame for use in association with exercises performed on said weight bench. 17. The improvement of Claim 16 further comprising: pulley means lockingly, slidingly coupled to said frame; and cord means coupled through said pulley means to said hydraulic resistance means for communicating a resistive force from said hydraulic resistance means along said cord means and through said pulley means, said cord means thereby providing an exercise device. 18. The improvement of Claim 17 comprising a second said rectangular frame having a bicycle exercise device coupled thereto said bicycle exerciser device comprising: a crank and sprocket drive coupled across opposing inner walls of said second frame; a seat support stanchion pivotally coupled to the crank of said drive; a truss support pivotally coupled to said stanchion and slide coupled to opposing interior walls of said second frame; and a belt driven wheel, belt coupled to the sprocket of said drive and coupled to opposing interior walls of said second frame, said pivotal and slide couplings of the members permitting ^" the bicycle exercise device to be folded down to a relatively flat package coupled to and storable within said cabinet. 19. The improvement of Claim 3 further comprising an additional length of said common structural emplaced within said rectangular frame along the longitudinal axis^" thereof to provide two pair of opposed longitudinal interior walls each wall with a plurality of said longitudinal channels to which exercise devices may be coupled from one opposing interior wall to another. 20. The improvement of Claim 19 further comprising first ski pad means slidingly coupled across a first pair of said opposing interior walls; and second ski pad means slidingly coupled across a second pair of said opposing interior walls for providing a skiing-like exercise device. 21. The improvement of Claim 20 further comprising hydraulic resistance means coupled to said frame to be used in association with exercise devices coupled to said frame. 22. The improvement of Claim 21 further comprising a weight bench emplaced within said frame and below said additional length of said common structural element, pivotally coupled at one end of said frame for use as an exercise device when said frame is stored within said cabinet. 23. The improvement of Claim 22 further comprising: pulley means lockingly, slidingly coupled to said frame; and cord means coupled through said pulley means to said hydraulic resistance means for communicating a resistive force from said hydraulic resistance means along said cord means and through said pulley means, said cord means thereby providing an exercise device. 24. The improvement of Claim 23 comprising a second said rectangular frame having a bicycle exercise device coupled thereto said bicycle exerciser device comprising: a crank and sprocket drive coupled across opposing inner walls of said second frame; a seat support stanchion pivotally coupled • to the crank of said drive; a truss support pivotally coupled to said stanchion and slide coupled to opposing interior walls of said second frame; and a belt driven wheel, belt coupled to the sprocket of said drive and coupled to opposing interior walls of said second frame, said pivotal and slide couplings of themembers permitting the bicycle exercise device to be folded down to a relatively flat package coupled to and storable within said cabinet. 25. The improvement of Claim 1 further comprising a rectangular frame comprised of at least two lengths of said common structural element to provide a plurality of said longitudinal channels in opposing outer walls of said frame for coupling exercise devices across said frame to- opposed exterior walls thereof. 26. The improvement of Claim 25 further comprising hydraulic resistance means coupled to said. frame'to be used in association with exercise devices coupled across said frame to exposed exterior walls thereof. 27. ^'The improvement of Claim 26 further comprising seating means slidingly coupled across said frame and foot pad means coupled to said frame said seating means and said foot pad means, in cooperation with said hydraulic resistance means providing a rowing exercise device.. 28. The improvement of Claim 27 further comprising: cabinet means for housing said rectangular frame; and coupling means for pivotally coupling said rectangular frame to said cabinet to provide in cooperation with said cabinet, partial support for said rectangular frame and for rotating ^' said frame for storage within said cabinet. 29. The improvement of Claim 28, said frame being pivotally coupled to said cabinet for storage therein and further comprising a weight bench pivotally coupled at one end of said frame for use as an exercise device when said frame is stored within said cabinet. - 30. The improvement of Claim 29 further comprising pulley means lockingly, slidingly coupled to said frame; and cord means coupled through said pulley means to said hydraulic resistance means for communicating a resistive force from said hydraulic resistance means along said cord means and through said pulley means, said cord means thereby providing an exercise device. 31. The improvement of Claim 30 comprising a second said rectangular frame having a bicycle exercise device coupled thereto said bicycle exercise device comprising: a crank and sprocket drive coupled across opposing inner walls of said second frame; a seat support stanchion pivotally coupled to the crank of said drive; a truss support pivotally coupled to said stanchion and slide coupled to opposing interior walls of said second frame; and a belt driven wheel, belt coupled to the sprocket of said drive and coupled to opposing interior walls of said second frame, said pivotal and slide couplings of the members permitting the bicycle exercise device to be folded down to a relatively flat package coupled to and storable within, said cabinet. 32. The improvement of Claim 1 further comprising: a rectangular frame comprised of at least two or more lengths of said common structural element to provide a plurality of said longitudinal channels in opposing interior walls of said frame for coupling exercise devices across opposed interior walls of said frame, and further providing a plurality of said longitudinal channels in opposing outer walls of said frame for coupling exercise devices across said frame to opposed exterior walls thereof. 33. The improvement of Claim 1 further comprising: a rectangular. frame comprised of two outer lengths and a central length of said common structural element each said common structural element length being generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of said rectangular frame, said frame providing a plurality of longitudinal channels in opposing interior walls thereof for coupling exercise devices across said opposed interior walls and further providing a plurality of longitudinal channels in the exterior walls of said frame for further coupling exercise devices to said frame. 34. The improvement of Claim 33 further comprising resistance means lockingly, slidingly coupled to channels of said frame for providing a resistive force exercise device. 35. The improvement of Claim 34 further comprising a first pad means slidingly coupled across a first pair of opposed interior walls of said frame; and a second pad means slidingly coupled across a second pair of opposed interior walls of said frame. 36, The improvement of Claim 35 further comprising means for grasping said resistance means in the manner of ski poles, said resistance means cooperating with said first and second pad means to provide a skiing type exerciser. 37. The improvement of Claim 35 further comprising means for grasping said resistance means in the manner of oars, said resistance means cooperating with said first and second pad means to provide a rowing type exerciser. 38. The improvement of Claim 34 further comprising means for coupling a person's legs to said resistance means, said resistance means cooperating with said frame to provide a leg lift bench exerciser. 39. The improvement of Claim 35 wherein said ■ resistance means further comprise at least one of means for hand actuation and means for leg actuation whereby said improvement selectedly provides at least one of a skiing type exerciser, a rowing type exerciser, and a leg lift bench exerciser. 40. The improvement of Claim 39 wherein said frame further comprises means for inclining said frame so that exercises may be performed thereon on an inclined plane. 41. The improvement of Claim 3 further comprising a bicycle exercise device coupled to said rectangular frame. 42. The improvement of Claim 3 wherein said rectangular frame comprises a first such frame haying a bicycle device coupled thereto and a second such frame cooperating therewith and having a treadmill exerciser device coupled thereto. 43. The improvement of Claim 3 wherein said rec- tangular frame has coupled thereto a treadmill exerciser device.