DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN EMBODIMENT

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a portable exercise device in accordance with the present invention generally designated as 10.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 1 the exercise device which includes sectional platform structures 11, 13 and 14 are coupled together by separable tounge and groove joint means at 12 and 15. The joint means are integrated into mating surfaces of the platform structures. Each section when coupled together is sturdy and rigid forming the platform of the exercise device. A sturdy post 25 is secured by L-brackets 31 welded onto section 11. A bolt 81 secures the post to the brackets, a removable drift pin 49 allows the post to be rigid or pivotable. Another set of L-brackets 37 welded to section 13 secure a telescoping spar 41, a bolt 61 attaches the spar to the brackets. A removable drift pin 39 allows the spar to extend and retract, when inserted into corresponding holes 51 drilled through the spar. A bolt 71 hingably attaches a seat back support 45 to the distal end of the spar and a cushioned seat back 35 is securely attached to the support. Another removable drift pin 21 hingably attaches the lower portion of the support 45 to the top of the post 25 and to a seat support 47. Securely attached to seat support 47 is a cushioned seat 33. A drift pin 29 attaches a racked stanchion 27 to the seat support, the opposite end of the stanchion rests on section 11, a bore 89 is drilled through seat support 47 to adjust the angle of the cushioned seat.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows housings 32, each is having a hollow interior cavity. Each interior cavity has a bolt 40 secured to its base with a threaded end portion extending through an aperture 99 on the top surface of the housing. A lumen in an axle shaft 46 allows it to be rotatably mounted onto the bolt, the axle shaft has a first portion which is square in section and a second portion being round in section. A sheave 55 has a square section cutout in the center and mounts onto the corresponding square section of the axle. A helically wound spring 56 is secured into a concavity in the bottom portion of the sheave 55. A one-way clutch means 54 which is square in section and is rotatably mounted onto the round portion of the axle 46. The clutch means permits free rotation of the sheave and shaft in a recoil direction shown by arrow 1, but locks onto the axle and sheave in a opposite unwinding direction. A friction pad 42 is wedged non-rotatably against the corners of the housing 32, with a central bore permitting the bolt 40, axle 46 and clutch means to extend through it. A friction disc 41 is secured to clutch 54 and a second friction pad 42 identical to the first pad mounted in the same fashion sandwiches the disc 41. A resistance control knob 22 with its lower portion extending into an aperture 99, is threaded into the bolt 40 and when engaged creates frictional forces between the pads and the disc. Another aperture 98 in the housing allows a flexible cord 34 to extend with a free end attached to a hand grip 30 or other accessory and the opposite end wound around sheave 55. Secured to sections 14 are exercise handles 26 and can be used as push-up handles or to carry device 10.

[0018] Operation of a Preferred Embodiment

[0019] Once device 10 is assembled in accordance with the above, a user joins platform sections 11, 13 and 14 together using the tounge and groove joints at couplings 12 and 15. Then the user may adjust the incline of the cushioned seat back 35 by inserting pins 49, 39, 51 and 29 into into their respective positions. When the user achieves a desired position she may lay or sit on the cushioned bench 33 and use the hand grips 30 to exert a force on the cords 34. An adjustable amount of friction may be applied to resist the users pull on the cords, by manually turning knobs 22. Also when drift pins 49,39, 51 and 29 are removed and platform sections 11, 13 and 14 are uncoupled the exercise device 10 is compact and can be stored in a small case.

[0020] Description of an Additional Embodiment

[0021] FIG. 3. Shows an additional embodiment which sectional platform structures 14 are coupled together by separable tounge and groove joint means at 15. This additional embodiment does not utilize the adjustable incline bench seat.

[0022] Operation of Second Embodiment

[0023] The user may sit or stand directly on the structures 14 and exert a pulling force on cords 34. If substantial resistance is desired knobs 22 may be adjusted. Additionally push-ups can be performed using handles 26 to increase the effectiveness of the movement.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0024] Accordingly, the reader will see that the exercise device can be use safely and efficiently to workout every major muscle group in the human body. In addition it offers the user a greater variety of exercise than other devices of its kind.

[0025] Furthermore, the exercise device has additional advantages in that;

[0026] 1. It permits the user to perform push-ups, utilizing the exercise handles long considered the best chest exercise.

[0027] 2. It provides independent resistance mechanisms for the right as well as the left side of the body.

[0028] 3. It offers the user compactability, and portability.

[0029] 4. It provides opportunities for add-on accessories.

[0030] Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.