Hydraulic resistance exerciser with relatively rotatable arms

Abstract

A compact multi-purpose exercise device includes two adjustable length arms which are pivoted together at one end and which has adjustable angle handles or actuators at their other ends. At the pivot point of the two arms a hydraulic resistance member is provided which has a substantially constant force, which may be adjusted, and which is substantially independent of the speed at which the handles are actuated relative to one another. The constant force is provided by a reverse Pelton bucket, which includes a spring-biased member in the hydraulic fluid flow path which is moved to reduce hydraulic flow resistance with increased velocity of the hydraulic fluid flow. Hydraulic fluid is directed to the reverse Pelton bucket assembly by a vane which is rotatable in a hydraulic fluid chamber as the arms are rotated relative to one-another. The two arms of the exercise device are made up of four telescoping sections, with spring-mounted thumb-actuated detents operating into apertures in the inner telescoping arm sections, to hold them at any desired extension from about one foot to about three feet in length. Instead of single handles at the free ends of each of the arms, double handles or stirrups may be provided for easy operation with a person's feet or ankles, or roller wheels may be used to facilitate rowing-type excercises.