Multi-degree of freedom resistance exercise device

Abstract

A rehabilitative and/or exercise machine that has a frame with attachments to multiple independent bidirectional resistance devices (pneumatic, hydraulic, spring actuated, pulley system, cam, or any other resistance devices) used by the arms and/or legs to provide resistance against movement of the user's appendages in two substantially opposed directions. The resistance devices may have a mechanism such as one or more valves, brakes, springs, or the like that control bi-directional resistance. The action of the arms and/or legs in bi-directional resistance offers near full body exercise of the agonist/antagonist muscles using flexion and extension action of the larger muscle groups in a gait pattern, simultaneously. Hand engaging members attach to the arm resistance devices and foot engaging members attach to the leg resistance devices. The unit may include an attached inclined backboard, mat, bench, or cushion to fully or partially support the user, such as for the user to sit or lay on. The unit may have separate adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the height and/or length of the various portions of the unit to adjust the range of motion of the appendages. The unit may have devices to monitor pulse, oxygen flow and other vital signs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a base having a first base side and a second base side, and a platform having a first platform side and a second platform side, the base and platform being connected by one or more supports;   a first pair of resistance elements, each having a first end and a second end, the pair of resistance elements pivotally attached to the first and second base sides at the first end and further comprising a foot plate connected to each resistance element at the second end, each resistance element providing resistance against linear movement; and   a second pair of resistance elements, each having a first end and a second end, the resistance elements pivotally attached to the first and second platform sides at the first end and further comprising a hand engaging member attached to the resistance element at the second end, each resistance element providing resistance against linear movement.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second pair of resistance elements are pneumatic cylinders. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second pair of resistance elements are hydraulic cylinders. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second pair of resistance elements are spring actuated. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second pair of resistance elements comprise a pulley system. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first and second pair of resistance elements further comprise a valve to control bi-directional resistance. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the base is trapezoidal. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the base is a cube. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise apparatus for permitting simultaneous exercise of left and right arms, and left and right legs, of a user, the apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   first and second arm resistance elements, each arm resistance element defining a hand engaging member connected to a proximal end thereof, distal ends of the first and second arm resistance elements being connected to a first support structure defined by the frame;   first and second leg resistance elements, each leg resistance element defining a foot engaging member connected to a proximal end thereof, distal ends of the first and second leg resistance elements being connected to a second support structure defined by the frame; and   a bench for supporting the user, the bench being connected to the frame by at least one further support structure.   
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the support structure for the bench defines aligned holes with removable locking pin for adjusting the configuration of the bench. 
     
     
         11 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first support structure is elevated higher relative to the base than the second support structure. 
     
     
         12 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first support structure is farther from the bench relative to the second support structure. 
     
     
         13 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the frame defines a removable locking pin allowing for folding of the frame. 
     
     
         14 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the first support structure defines aligned holes for adjusting the distance of the first and second arm resistance elements relative to the bench. 
     
     
         15 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second support structure defines aligned holes for adjusting the distance of the first and second leg resistance elements relative to the bench. 
     
     
         16 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the support structure for connecting the first and second leg resistance elements is the same support structure for supporting the bench. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise apparatus for permitting simultaneous exercise of left and right arms, of a user, the apparatus comprising:
 a frame;   first and second arm resistance elements, each arm resistance element defining a hand engaging member connected to a proximal end thereof, distal ends of the first and second arm resistance elements being connected to a support structure defined by the frame; and   a bench for supporting the user, the bench being connected to the frame by at least one further support structure.   
     
     
         18 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the support structure for the bench defines aligned holes and removable locking pin for adjusting the configuration of the bench. 
     
     
         19 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the frame defines a removable locking pin allowing for folding of the frame. 
     
     
         20 . The exercise apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the frame includes at least one wheel for pivotally-lifting and moving of the exercise apparatus.