EP1334750A1

EP1334750A1 - Exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP1334750A1
Application number: EP02250878A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Simon Alan Hogg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-08
Filing date: 2002-02-08
Publication date: 2003-08-13

Abstract

A strength-resistance machine includes a support frame (1) including a pair of spaced vertically extending slide bars (7), and a support structure including a slide block (10) having sliding engagement with each of said vertically extending slide bars (7). Each of the support structures includes a horizontally extending slide bar (15). There is a generally horizontal training bar (17), handgrips (18) movable longitudinally of the training bar (17), and slide blocks (16) at the ends of the training bar (17). The slide blocks (16) have sliding engagement with the horizontally extending slide bars (15) of the support structures.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to exercise apparatus and is concerned with the provision of an improved form of apparatus, which can be used to test, train and rehabilitate the human musculo-skeletal system perfectly safely.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Since 1971, when Arthur Jones of Nautilus launched his unique cam-assisted line of strength resistance machines, there has been very little real technological advancement in this field, particularly with regard to ensuring the correct bio-mechanical functioning of strength-resistance machinery.
Until recently, most changes have been directed towards the mechanical workings of the machinery in order to enhance the basic functional efficiency of the machinery or, more commonly, to satisfy a particular market trend in relation to styling changes.
In recent years, however, manufacturers have realised that these small structural and cosmetic amendments no longer command exclusivity of their products and do not satisfy a public, which is becoming more bio-mechanically aware. As a result, a few of the more proactive market leaders are beginning to appreciate that, in order to maintain an edge in this highly competitive market, it has become imperative to invest time and money on research on ways of improving the bio-mechanical efficiency of their strength-resistance machinery.
The first step towards achieving this very important end has been the teaming up of manufacturers with personnel holding professional medical and sports positions. Liaising with these professionals has given the machinery manufacturers a wealth of important working knowledge, with the areas of most value proving to be information on human performance and, more importantly, human body movements.
This collaboration has led to the gathering of valuable data and its analysis to assist in the defining of the areas of weakness in present resistance design technology, resulting in bio-mechanical improvements being made to the latest offerings of strength-resistance machinery. These have achieved varying degrees of success.
Levers have traditionally been used in the construction of the more advanced strength-resistance machines. Past and present thinking has assumed that, if the body utilises levers, in the form of the long bones of the human skeleton, as a means of transmitting force as provided by muscular contraction, it makes sense to provide the resistance machine with a lever assembly as the means by which the musculo-skeletal system of its human operator can be worked. This logic has remained since the beginning of resistance machine designs to the present day.
However, a person versed in the art of applied human bio-mechanics will quickly realise the limitations placed upon the designers in their quest to match complex musculo-skeletal and joint actions with the use of a lever system. Recent attempts at improving the ability of the resistance machines to provide a more bio-mechanically correct exercise movement have all been attempted by the utilisation of a variety of forms of lever system. The levers are still grasped at one end in the traditional way, though modified linkage systems have been employed to provide variations of movement.
One system is designed to provide resistance over an arc and follows a fixed plane of movement, while a more advanced system allows more than one plane of movement to be employed.
These designs have, however, reached the pinnacle of lever design technology so that, although they are a vast improvement over previous designs, there is a clear need for a new concept in strength resistance machine design to aid in advancement of the correct bio-mechanical correlation of movement between the machine and its operator. It is an object of the present invention to meet this need.
A particular problem associated with apparatus utilising levers is that the use of the apparatus has an adverse effect on the joints of the user so that, for some people, exercising can be a very painful process, whereas for others, exercises designed to be of benefit to the user's muscles cause problems for the user's joints.
To avoid the above problems, the following set of principles are now set forth.
A prerequisite for the safe and effective performance of a strength-resisted movement is that, during both the loading and transitional phases of a weight-resisted exercise, all participating joint actions are allowed to operate without restrictions being placed upon their natural planes of movement.
Full, unrestricted freedom of joint movement during exercise serves to promote the correct, uninhibited sequential firing of the muscles acting to move the joints, thereby facilitating optimal muscle fibre recruitment and effectively minimising articular stress.
In addition, it is of paramount importance to ensure and maintain the correct anatomical positioning of the human form relative to the body segmentation/musculature requiring the resistance, in order that the maximum muscle isolation can occur while ensuring safety by preserving the integrity of the human support and movement systems throughout the exercise movement.
Having established physiological criteria from which to work, the system described herein has been created to satisfy this end. Logic dictated that such a system would require a working mechanism that would allow an infinite number of resisted and non-resisted planes of movement to be engaged. In effect the creation of a mechanism which enjoys the freedom of, for example free weight dumbbells, whilst at the same time it ensures a stable working environment for the user (machine characteristics). Further extending this logic, the working assembly is also required to adapt automatically to accommodate the full spectrum of body sizes and their individual bio-mechanical needs, in essence following the natural movements, as dictated by the human body in action.
A first aspect of the invention relates to an M.D.C.S multi-purpose proving machine. (M.D.C.S is an abbreviation for Multi-Directional Converging Slide).
The design of the proving machine has been conceived in order that;
1. The benefits of a free-floating mechanism may be physically tested.
2. The unique movements offered by the working M.D.C.S. mechanism may be interpreted, refined and ultimately incorporated within the individual designs, relating to a full range of single station strength resistance/rehabilitation machinery.
3. The machine can act as a test bed for various attachments and mechanisms, such as the V.L.P.C.S, which is also described herein.
4. The M.D.C.S. proving machine can be cost-effectively re-engineered, to provide a full body training system complete with accessories and folding bench, which with the obvious bio-mechanical advantages would operate around the one working mechanism, negating the need for multiple weight stacks and work-out stations.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a strength resistance exercise system, which offers:-
A) Greatly improved bio-mechanical efficiency.
B) Improved ergonomics.
C) A completely new method of machine training.
D) A completely new concept, leading to improved standards of safety and efficiency in training and rehabilitation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a range of single-station exercise machines, each of which is designed to stimulate a specific body segmentation so that, collectively, the machines serve to provide a comprehensive all-over body work-out with improved safety and enhanced method of training.
Additional objects of the invention include the following:-
a) to provide an apparatus and method for providing resisted exercise in which the participating joint actions of the machine operator are allowed freedom of movement during exercise,
b) to offer three planes of movement, two of which can be resisted,
c) to provide an exercise apparatus offering three planes of movement, two of which are resisted and can be tuned independently of each other,
d) to provide an exercise apparatus offering three planes of movement, two of which are resisted, and which allows for the disengagement of either one or both forms of resistance.
e) to provide an exercise apparatus incorporating ergonomic features, which are specifically designed to enhance the bio-mechanical advantage, offered by the apparatus,
f) to provide a full range of fulcrumless training apparatus,
g) to provide training apparatus which automatically adjusts to accommodate each individual's bodily proportions,
h) to allow for the engagement of both resisted and non resisted planes of movement as required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an exercise apparatus which includes means providing for three planes of movement and means resisting movement in at least one of said planes.
More specifically, this aspect of the present invention provides an exercise apparatus in the form of a strength-resistance machine which includes a support frame including a pair of spaced vertically extending slide bars, a support structure including a slide block having sliding engagement with each of said vertically extending slide bars, each of said support structures including a horizontally extending slide bar, a generally horizontal training bar, handgrips movable longitudinally of the training bar, and slide blocks at the ends of the training bar, which slide blocks have sliding engagement with the horizontally extending slide bars of the support structures.
Each of said support structures preferably includes a bracing member which is attached to the slide block and extends horizontally parallel to the associated horizontal slide bar, being provided at its end remote from the slide block with an upward extension which is connected to the end of the slide bar remote from the slide block. Each of said bracing bars preferably carries an actuating member for operation of a locking mechanism for locking the support structure against downward movement relative to the support fame. Each actuating member is preferably operable in response to appropriate movement of the training bar and each locking mechanism preferably includes a lever movable into engagement with slots or notches in a vertically extending part of the support frame.
The slide blocks of the two support structures are preferably interconnected by means of a spanning bar whereby the two support structures are movable in unison upwardly and downwardly relative to the support frame. The spanning bar is preferably connected by cables, which pass over pulleys mounted on the support frame, to a counter-balance and to a weight stack.
The handgrips may be freely slidable longitudinally of the training bar and the training bar is preferably releasably mounted in its associated sliding blocks.
An alternative training bar is preferably provided which includes adjustable restraint means for opposing movement of the handgrips towards one another.
The restraint means is preferably such that the extent by which the restraint means opposes movement of each handgrip increases as the handgrips are moved towards the mid-point of the bar.
The restraint means preferably include pneumatic cylinders, however spring loaded compression blocks arranged for movement with the handgrips can also be effectively used, the compression blocks preferably being arranged for movement along guide rails which are moveable relative to the axis of the bar.
The whole working M.D.C.S. assembly converges and floats around the operator.
The machine adapts to accommodate user build and individual movement characteristics during exercise, simultaneous movement in all planes to respond entirely to the body's physiological needs. M.D.C.S. technology is not restricted to the facilitation of upper body movements only, e.g. a knee extension machine may be provided. There are no fulcrum points to align, a perfect training arc, no lever length adjustments to make, the elimination of unnatural joint compression, by being centrally mounted, the mechanism provides equal operational tension to avoid the dangers associated with rotational forces.
In addition the system;

Eliminates the need for the alignment of fulcrum points.
Automatically adjusts to individual lever length.
Provides the perfect training arc for all individuals.

With free-floating handgrips (also described herein) allowing for the perfect hand spacing, this serves to accommodate the joint locking out phase, e.g. an eighth of an inch lateral movement of the handgrips on tricep press downs, resulting in the distressing of the elbow joints, allowing for the natural plane of joint movement.
It allows for three planes of movement, which is essential for the safe and effective execution of multi-joint/compound movements. It ensures that the correct anatomical positioning of the human body is maintained throughout movement, thus ensuring quality physiological movement, e.g. Lateral pull-down movement. M.D.C.S. offers user-defined movement in the anterior posterior horizontal plane, thus allowing for the correct anatomical positioning of the trunk (erector spinae/rectus abdominis works at equal tension) with unrestricted retraction of the shoulder girdle and rotation of the scapula, which is essential for isolation and optimal functioning of the Lattisimus dorsi.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided exercise apparatus comprising a bar, a bearing collar providing for longitudinal sliding movement of the bar relative to the collar, a pivot mounting for the collar, a handgrip mounted on the bar for free longitudinal sliding movement relative to the bar, stop means at one end of the bar limiting the extent of sliding movement of the hand grip relative to the bar and spring or pneumatic means acting between the other end of the bar and the collar.
The spring means acting between the other end of the bar and the collar is preferably a helicoil compression spring surrounding that portion of the bar adjacent said other end thereof, the compression spring normally serving to bias said other end of the bar away from the collar during sliding movement of the handgrip between the collar and said one end of the bar whereas, when the handgrip is in engagement with the stop means at said end of the bar, the spring can be compressed so as, in effect to provide a longer lever arm for the user to turn the bar about the pivot.
The exercise apparatus may have an attachment in the form of a variable load peak contraction system.
The attachment has been designed to provide for specific bio-mechanical requirements of certain muscle groups and can be set to provide variable resistance from medial to lateral or lateral to medial positions. The V.L.P.C.S. will be described fully herein.
The collar is preferably rotatable about its axis and can preferably also be fixed at any given point within its radial range of movement. The collar preferably contains a linear bearing for the longitudinal sliding movement of a hardened steel rod, however roller wheels can be used in place of linear bearings.
An example of this aspect of the invention can be found within the following description of a chinning bar.
Constructed of milled steel, an H-shaped small gauge frame is provided, with drilled holes for fixation with bolts to a suitable wall surface. Welded to a point nearing the superior aspect of each right and left hand portion of the frame can be found two short projections, one positioned on each side, with each projection sporting a single bracing arm. Each projection preferably has a single circular plate welded to its distal aspect, with each plate also presenting with a single spigot, which arises from its central aspect. Equally spaced holes are preferably present towards the outer margins of each circular plate. Two further steel over plates are provided, each with a centrally placed hole, the plates also presenting with a spring loaded plunger mounted towards its outer margin. Welded towards the outer margin on the superior aspect of each over plate can preferably be found a collar fitted with a single cylindrical linear bearing. The over plate is preferably fitted over the first circular plate and held in place with a single shoulder bolt, which passes through the centrally placed hole on the over plate and then passes into the tapped distal end of the spigot.
The collars mounted on each circular over plate preferably receive a hardened steel rod, with each rod being fitted with a rubber/plastic handgrip at their proximal ends.
In operation the user first positions and fixes the two rotatable collars to an angle, which will either incline or decline the hardened steel rods. This may be achieved by pulling on the spring-loaded plunger on each over plate, which disengages the plunger pin from one of the corresponding placed holes drilled into the outer margins of the plate beneath and then releasing the plunger into one of the holes on the same.
By altering the proximal angle of each hardened steel rod by following the above procedure, the difficulty of the exercise will thus be affected. Having set the angle for training, the operator takes a grasp of each training handle and hangs from the apparatus. It will be found that, when the proximal ends of the two training handles are set in a parallel position, the operators' hands will be closed together and as he or she performs the chinning movement and the ascent is made, the hands will be displaced laterally, with the operator having to overcome both the resistance provided by their own body weight (main resistance) and the lateral aspect, as provided by the displacement of the two training handles.
The more the proximal ends of the training handles are declined the harder it will be for the operator to overcome the lateral aspect of the exercise movement.
In an alternative arrangement, each collar is preferably fixed to maintain the training handles in a horizontal plane and air rams are included in order to provide variable resistance to the lateral aspect of the movement, although an auxiliary weight stack or other well known form of resistance can all effectively be used.
In addition, the above arrangement can also be fitted to and used in conjunction with the M.D.C.S. mechanism to provide lateral resistance in both directions.
If the training resistance is set to provide resistance from a medial to lateral position either by the declining of the training handles or through the introduction of an outside form of resistance, the muscles of the upper back will be the primary muscle group exercised with the main emphasis being placed upon the latissaes dorsi muscle. If however the apparatus is set to provide resistance from a lateral to medial position then the deltoid and trapezius will be the muscles primarily stressed, as the operator attempts to adduct the handles toward one another. The above is assuming that one is in the hanging position.
In an alternative arrangement, the same principles as described above i.e. a frame fitted with either a fixed or rotatable collar with or without an outside form of resistance but with longitudinally sliding bars fitted, may be arranged so as to provide resistance for additional muscle groups, such as those of the chest, etc. For example, a floor-mounted frame fitted with the above arrangement may provide a completely new training dimension in relation to performing the press-up movement.
A wide variety of training angles may be achieved and muscles trained, simply by arranging the body for training around similarly constructed apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front angled view of the M.D.C.S. proving machine,
Figure 2 is a front angled view of the M.D.C.S. proving machine with weight plates fitted,
Figure 3 is a close-up side view of the bracing arm of the M.D.C.S. machine showing the safety locking mechanism and sliding blocks,
Figure 4 shows a single-station chest press machine with the V.L.P.C.S. in place,
Figure 5 shows a rear view of the single-station chest press machine,
Figure 6 shows a side view of the single station chest press machine,
Figure 7 is a cut-away side view of the single-station chest press machine, with the pneumatically operated locking mechanism exposed.
Figure 8 shows bush-type sliding handgrips.
Figure 9 shows linear-bearing-type sliding handgrips,
Figure 10 shows a pivoted guide rod fitted with a linear-bearing-type sliding handgrip,
Figure 11 shows a guided-rod-type single-station strength resistance unit, and
Figure 12 shows a cut away drawing of the V.L.P.C.S.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

THE M.D.C.S. PROVING MACHINE

The apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes an upstanding frame 1 having ground-engaging feet and consisting of a right hand portion and a left hand portion. The two portions of the frame 1 are connected by three cross members 2, 3 and 4. Cross member 4 connects and stabilises the top of the frame 1 while cross members 2 and 3 provide stability at ground level.
Four vertical bars (not shown) extend between lower cross member 3 and the upper cross member 4, two on each side of the machine. Front and rear cover plates 5 and 6 are attached to the vertical bars and to the cross members 3 and 4. The bars and cover plates define housings in which weights are received. When viewing the machine from the front, as in Figure 1, the left-hand side housing contains a counterbalance weight (not shown) and the right hand side housing contains a selectorised weight stack (also not shown), access to which is obtained via a vertical slot in the front cover plate (as can be seen from Figure 1).
Two heavy duty, hardened steel slide bars 7 also extend between the front lower cross member 3 and the upper cross member 14. The two slide bars 7 form integral parts of the frame 1 and are positioned at the forefront and on the outside of each half of the frame. A fixed positioning collar is provided at the top and bottom of each slide bar 7.
At a height of about 350mm. above each of the lower positioning collars on each vertical slide bar 7 will be found a further collar 8 that supports a damper spring 9. A heavy duty slide block 10 is mounted on each vertical slide bar 7. Each slide block 10 runs freely on its associated slide bar 7 upon linear bearings and is movable between the damper spring 9 and the top locating collar of its associated slide bar 7. The two slide blocks 10 are interconnected by a specially shaped spanning bar 11.
The spanning bar 11 provides an attachment point for two cables that pass over angled pulleys 12,12 and 13,13 that are mounted upon the top cross member 4 that connects the two halves of the frame 1, One cable runs from the spanning bar 11 over the two angled pulleys 12,12 to the counterbalance weight, while the other cable runs from the spanning bar 11 over the two angled pulleys 13,13 to the selectorised weight stack. The mass of the counterbalance weight is such as to provide a counterbalance to the weight of the assembly comprising the spanning bar 11 slide blocks 10 and associated components which is movable upwardly and downwardly relative to the vertical guide bars 7.
Attached to the front aspect of each heavy duty slide block 10 can be found a horizontal, forwardly extending bracing arm 14. Each bracing arm 14 terminates at its front end in an upward extension which provides support for a horizontal, heavy duty, hardened steel slide bar 15 which runs parallel to and is positioned above its associated horizontal bracing arm 14. A freely movable slide block 16 runs freely upon each horizontal slide bar 15, each slide block 16, again being provided with linear bearings to ensure smooth operation of the slide blocks 16 relative to the slide bars 15. Each horizontally movable slide block 16 houses a releasable holding mechanism so that various types of training bar can be interchangeably mounted on the slide blocks 16.
One such training bar comprises a hardened steel rod 17 whose intended use is to provide attachment for freely sliding handgrips 18 that utilise either linear bearings or standard bushes for their free-running operation, depending upon the intended exercise application.
The horizontally sliding blocks 16 can also provide mountings for the variable load peak contraction system described below.
On the lateral aspect of each horizontal bracing arm 14 can be found a user-activated push rod 19 that carries a spring 20. One end of the push rod 19 locates with a hinged lever assembly 21 mounted on the posterior face of the associated vertically sliding block 10. The other end of the push rod 19 is connected to pivotally mounted sear 22. The hinged lever assembly 21 when activated via the sear and push rod assembly 22,19 engages with slots or notches 23 that are cut into the adjacent portion of the main frame 1.
When activated, this mechanism prevents downward movement of the whole working slide assembly, thereby providing an important safety facility for the operator. The push rod and hinge assembly is activated when the horizontal block 16 has been moved along the horizontal hardened steel slide bar 15 in an anterior direction until it engages the activating sear 22, this being the favoured direction for the racking of a weight-training bar.
To disengage the lever from the locking slots or notches 23 on the main frame 1, the training bar 17 connecting the two horizontally sliding blocks 16 is simply pushed in a posterior direction away from the sear 22, and any vertical movement of the training bar 17 will then disengage the locking mechanism.
In addition to housing the hinged locking levers 21, the vertically sliding blocks 10 provide mountings for horizontal bars 24 which protrude from the lateral faces of the sliding blocks 10. The horizontal bars are typically 50 mm. in diameter and 400 mm. in length and provide means for attachment of Olympic size weight discs (not shown).
When pulling down on the training bar 17, the operator will select the desired weight by means of the selectorised weight stack and when pushing up on the training bar 17, the operator will place the required disks on the bars 24.
Figure 8 shows an arrangement in which two bush type sliding handgrips 25 are mounted on a training bar 17. Each hand grip 25 includes a cylindrical centre portion 26, the surface of which is formed as to facilitate gripping thereof, and a pair of increased diameter end portions 27 within which the bearing bushes (not shown) are contained. Each handgrip 25 will thus be freely slidable relative to the training bar 17. Each handgrip 25 will also be freely rotatable about the axis of the training bar 17.
In the alternative arrangement shown in Figure 9, a pair of linear-bearing sliding handgrips 28 are shown mounted on the training bar 17. Each hand grip 28 includes a first cylindrical portion 29, which fits on the bar 17 and contains the linear bearings (not shown), and a second cylindrical portion 30, the outer surface of which is so formed as to facilitate gripping thereof. The ends of the second cylindrical portion 30 are connected by straps 31 to the ends of the first cylindrical portion 30 of the hand grip 28. The second cylindrical portions 30 will be rotatable about their longitudinal axes relative to mountings 32 and fixed to the straps 31 so that not only will the hand grips be slidable relative to the bar and rotatable as a whole about the axis of the bar but the portions 30, which are actually gripped by the hands of the user, will be rotatable about their longitudinal axes.
Turning next to Figure 10, this shows an arrangement including a guide rod 33, in the form of a hardened steel bar which is provided at its one end with a stop 34, and at the other end with a mounting block 35, including a pivot by means of which the guide rod may be pivotally mounted on an appropriate exercise apparatus. A handgrip 36 is freely slidable longitudinally of the rod 33, and is carried by a linear bearing 37. The guide rod/handgrip combination may be incorporated in, for example, a rowing machine.
Turning next to Figure 11, this shows an exercise apparatus which includes a support base 38 on which a seat 39 is mounted so that, in use the user will sit on the seat 39 and will grip a pair of handgrips 40 freely slidable along pivoted guide rods 41.
The M.D.C.S strength resistance machine shown in Figures 1 to 2 and the V.L.P.C.S. both utilise round section linear bearings for smooth operation. However, square-section torque-resistance linear bearings, rollers, roller wheels and guide tracks can all be effectively used.
The M.D.C.S. mechanism allows for the following movements ;-
A) By the vertically sliding main blocks 10 - inferior and superior movement.
B) By the horizontally sliding blocks 16 - anterior and posterior movement.
C) By the training bar 17 fitted with hand grips - medial and lateral movement.
D) The V.L.P.C.S - variably resisted medial and lateral movement, and
E) By the use of linear type sliding handgrips 0 to 10 variable angle adjustment, also rotatable about its axis.
Lateral instability or tilt can be introduced via an attachment that fastens to the horizontally sliding blocks 16, this is of value in proprioception.
These basic mechanical movements allow for an infinite number of human bio-mechanical movements to be engaged.
It will be appreciated that the apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 2 is designed to provide a general use or multi-purpose testing machine and it is highly successful in achieving an all-over bodily training effect.
More importantly the invention provides a strength-resistance system that will ergonomically and bio-mechanically accommodate each and every individual who uses the apparatus. This means, in effect, that the different moving parts of the apparatus move in accordance with the movements of the operator rather than the operator trying to fit the apparatus, as is typical of most prior art systems. The range of motion and infinite planes of movement that the working sliding mechanisms afford results in a quality of movement that is of a non-conflicting nature with that of a human operator.
For example, if an operator is pulling down on the training bar 17 and is holding on to the two freely sliding hand grips 18, the spacing between the operator's hands will adjust automatically by sliding of the hand grips 18. At the same time, the slide blocks 16 will slide freely relative to the horizontal slide bars 15 thereby ensuring that no adverse strain is applied to the joints associated with the relevant muscles.

THE V.L.P.C.S. SYSTEM

As stated before the variable load peak contraction system (V.L.P.C.S.) is a removable part of the proving machine, which can be mounted upon the horizontally sliding blocks 16. Its purpose is to provide for specific bio-mechanical requirements of certain upper body muscle groups.
In addition the V.L.P.C.S can be used as an independent form of resistance and could be fitted in place of a weight stack for instance, having the necessary resistance capacity and range of adjustment to successfully fulfil this role.
However the preferred function of the device is to provide adjustable resistance from a lateral to medial position, or adjustable resistance from a medial to lateral position For instance, when fitted to a chest press machine the V.L.P.C.S. would be set to offer resistance from a lateral to medial position and vice versa when fitted to a machine where pulling movements were involved, such as a back machine.
The V.L.P.C.S. system is contained within a steel/carbon fibre or plastic outer casing 69, within which are two centrally placed opposing air rams 70. The air rams 70 are push-fixed at their distal ends into two side-by-side apertures, i.e. one for each air ram, cut into and passing straight through the face of a single medially placed locating plate 71 and fixed at either end by two further removable locating plates 72. The medially placed locating plate 71 is fixed inferiorly and superiorly by bolts.
Running through the medially placed internal locating plate 71 and positioned inferiorly and centrally to both air rams 70 can be found a single 25mm. round-section spanning bar 73 which is fixed at each end by laterally positioned removable end plates 72. Two metal-cased slides 74 containing linear bearings are positioned on and freely slidable longitudinally of the spanning bar 73. The slides 74 each have a training handle 75 attached to and centrally mounted on their inferior aspect. Mounted to the superior aspect of each slide 74 can be found a roller wheel 76. Each roller wheel 76 is machined slightly under sized to engage and be freely slidable within the side walls of the main V.L.P.C.S. casing 69. The purpose of the roller wheels 76 is to ensure the correct positioning of the training handles 75relative to the main V.L.P.C.S. casing 69 and to counteract the effects of side-imparted forces during an individual slide movement.
The slides 74 are separated by the medially placed locating plate 71, sliding through the air ram locating apertures of the medially placed locating plate 71. Each air ram piston rod lines up with and connects proximally to the superior, opposing, off-centre aspect of each freely moving slide and is held in place with lock nuts 77.
The outer casing 69 has three holes cut into its superior surface. Following the middle of the superior aspect of the outer casing, one hole is centrally placed, residing directly above the medially positioned internal locating plate 71. The other two holes are spaced at equal distances away from the end plates of the outer casing 69. The three holes serve as locating points for three hollow, round- section spigots 78, 79 and 80, which are recessed at each end.
The three spigots 78, 79 and 80 serve three primary functions;-
A) They act as dividing and locating spacers for the positioning of a housing 81 which sits on top of the outer casing 69 and contains two air lines 82 that emanate from each air ram,
B) The central spigot 79 receives a bolt which passes into the superior aspect of the medially placed internal locating plate and serves to secure the housing to the outer casing.
A single air line passes from each of the two air rams 70 within the outer casing 69 through each of the laterally positioned hollow spigots 78 and 80, with each air line following a route towards the medial aspect of the air-line housing and finally being united by joining together at a press-fit T junction fitting 82, whose singular aspect protrudes from the posterior surface of the airline housing 81.
A single slot (not shown) is milled laterally and longitudinally of the central locating spigot 79 and in the superior surface of the airline housing 81. This slot allows the insertion of the T junction fitting 82 within the body of the air-line housing 81 and its singular aspect to locate and pass through a hole positioned on the posterior aspect of the air-line housing 81. The T junction fitting 82 is secured in place by a threaded bolt which passes from an anterior to posterior position on the air-line housing 81 and unites with the posterior aspect of the T junction fitting 82. The singular aspect of the air line assembly press fits in to a manually operated air restrictor valve (not shown), the operation of which serves to alter the pressure of the two air rams 70 during piston movement, and thus the resistance imparted to the user of the machine during operation.

THE PLATE-LOADED SINGLE-STATION CHEST PRESS MACHINE.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7.
The objective of this design is to refine both the M.D.C.S. and V.L.P.C.S. principles and incorporate them within a single station unit, with this machine representing just one interpretation of how the system might be used.
It is envisaged that two versions of the chest press machine might be developed, one presenting with a weight stack and the other plate-loaded.
It is the plate-loaded version which is described herein.
A base 42 constructed of 160 mm. X 120 mm. box-section steel, constitutes the base of the machine. The base 42 is formed by one long length of box-section steel, in addition to two shorter lengths of the same cross-sectional dimensions. The two short lengths of box section unite with the longer box section at about three quarters of the way along its length and in effect represent a true crucifix in form.
At the point where the three lengths of box sections unite a single 25 mm. X 160 mm. X 60 mm. steel plate is welded in place. It covers and joins together the insertion point of all three lengths of box section. The 25 mm. X 160 mm. X 300 mm. steel plate is drilled and tapped towards each corner to accept 10 mm. fixing bolts. In addition the steel plate also presents with a hole (not shown) which is located off-centre to the mid-line of the plate, the purpose of which is to allow the passing through of an air pipe 43, which is related to a pneumatically operated system and which is described below.
A further length of 250 mm. X 60 mm. box section 44, presenting with a 25 mm. x 160 mm. steel plate and also having an off-centrally drilled hole (not shown) to correspond with the hole drilled in the base plate is welded to its distal end and fixed via bolts to the aforementioned base plate to form an upright portion of the strength-resistance machine.
The upright portion of the frame 44 serves two main functions. Firstly it provides a point to which the working M.D.C.S. mechanism and the V.L.P.C.S. system can be fixed and secondly the hollow box section houses a weight (not shown) to counterbalance the same.
Still referring to the upright portion 44 of the strength resistance frame, it will be found that two heavy duty profiled flat steel fixing plates 45, 45 protrude from its posterior face. The first fixing plate is situated near the top of the upright and the second is positioned mid-way up from the base on the upright. Spanning both the inferior and superior fixing plates a length of 50 mm. hardened steel bar 46 is fixed at each distal end by 10 mm. bolts.
Positioned at the top and held in place with a bracket within the main upright, is a pulley wheel 47. The pulley wheel 47 is grooved to accept the running of two high tensile steel cables. The cables are fastened at one end to the counterbalance weight within the upright portion of the machine's frame and to a square-section cross member 48 which forms part of the M.D.C.S. mechanism.
The cross member 48 consists of a length of 75 mm. x 75 mm. box section passing straight through the centre of the box section and. taking a vertical line, a hole is cut, with a bearing housing 49, 49 being bolted to each aperture. With bearings fixed in place the cross member 48 is mounted upon the 50 mm. hardened steel bar 46, for the vertical longitudinal sliding of the cross member 48.
Towards the distal end of the box section and taking a horizontal plane, two more holes are cut. Each hole receives a bearing collar 50, to which hardened steel bars 51, 51 are fitted. Both hardened steel bars 51, 51 are drilled and tapped to allow the fitting of the V.L.P.C.S. SYSTEM 52, on their anterior aspect and range-limiting stops 53, 53 on their posterior aspect. The V.L.P.C.S. 52 is thus allowed movement in the horizontal plane.
Positioned on both distal superior aspects of the cross member 48, are two angled spigots 54, which exist to allow for the fitting of Olympic size weight plates (not shown).
The chest press machine has a pneumatically operated racking facility.
The racking facility is foot-operated and consists of the following components - mounted pivotally and laterally on the upright portion of the frame and inferiorly of the M.D.C.S. cross member is a safety sear 55. Positioned inferiorly to the sear 55, and contained within a mounting box 56, can be found a small air ram 57. Mounted on the superior distal aspect of the base of the frame, can be found two laterally opposing brackets 58. Positioned pivotally between the brackets, a T-shaped bar 59 unites pivotally at its distal end with the piston rod 60 of a small air ram 61, the air ram being fixed within the distal end of the base of the frame.
An air-line 43 spans both the air ram 57, on the upright position of the frame 44, and the air ram 61, positioned within the distal end of the base of the frame.
In operation, the foot lever 59 is depressed, which in turn compresses the air ram 61 mounted on its distal aspect. Air is forced via the connecting air-line 43 into the second air ram 57, situated inferiorly to the sear 55, which is mounted upon the lateral aspect of the upright portion of the frame. The plastic-tipped distal end of the piston rod 62, from the second air ram 57, connects distally and inferiorly with the sear 55, which in turn lifts the sear 55 into the vertical position, thus allowing the horizontal cross member 48 freedom of movement in the vertical plane above and below the sear 55. Removing pressure from the foot-operated lever 59 returns the sear 55 to its original horizontal position thus providing a racking point for the M.D.C.S. mechanism by preventing the downward travel of the horizontal cross member 48 and associated assembly.
The foot operated lever 59 has a helicoil return spring 63 attached to its distal end. The spring 63 also surrounds the piston rod 60 of the air ram attached to it.
The base of the frame 42 also serves for the attachment of a short upright 64, whose purpose is for the pivotal attachment of a training bench 65, which can assume a flat or incline position. Mounted upon the anterior aspect of the upright and at bench height is a bracket 66, to which the proximal end of the bench can rest and be adjusted via a short lever 67 from a flat position to around 30 degrees incline.

M.D.C.S. TRAINING METHOLOGY

The effectiveness of prior art strength resistance systems have always been compromised by the lack of user-defined movement. For instance, a system offering only one plane of movement will not adapt to the physiological needs of the human body during the exercise movement. Thus, in effect, the body will be subjected to unnatural forces as dictated by the exercise apparatus and will precipitate adverse long-term effects.
The introduction of two-plane systems such as that of US Patent Specification No. 5,643,152 has improved the situation considerably. This system allows for two planes of user-defined movement to be engaged to include the all-important adduction phase.
However, this system still has a bio-mechanical weak link, i.e. the lack of a third plane of user-defined movement.
The provision of three planes of user-defined movement is an essential element in assuring that optimal joint function can occur during a compound exercise movement.
The following operating description relates to the above M.D.C.S. single-station chest press machine fitted with the V.L.P.C.S. system. However the features and benefits of the machine in action could quite easily apply to any machine utilising the same working M.D.C.S. & V.L.P.C.S. mechanisms.
The operator assumes a supine position on the bench of the machine, he or she having already selected the amount of resistance relative to both the lateral and vertical plane. The training handles are angle-adjustable and thus set, the feet having already been positioned on the now depressed safety locking bar with the racking sear now having been disengaged.
The operator now has freedom of movement in all three planes, two of which can be resisted and either or both of these can be disengaged.
With the training handles in a horizontal position, the operator may choose to assume a traditional vertical pressing movement, or to move the training handles together under resistance. Or he or she may chose to disengage resistance to the lateral aspect of the movement to enhance the development of his or her proprioceptive skills.
The operator will find that he or she can change the width of grip in an instant to enhance the training effect by altering the stress to the muscles being trained. In addition, the training handles can be positioned low down or high up on the chest, also in an instant.
Ultimately the pressing movement can be started at nipple level and then completed at around eye level, whilst at the same time moving the handgrips together against resistance. An angled change of the training handles will further enhance the training effect by predisposing the stress towards the pectoralis muscles, in addition to opening up new planes of movement and combinations thereof.
As can be seen from the short description above, the M.D.C.S. mechanism offers exceptional versatility of movement and it is this versatility of movement which goes a long way to solving the problems associated with prior art systems.
When the operator has finished the training set, the training handles are moved vertically past the locking sear and the pressure removed from the foot rest and the mechanism will thus be racked.
Listed below and by their relative systems are some of the strength resistance machines which practice the present invention, others are possible.

M.D.C.S. (multi-directional converging slide).

1. Single-station horizontal chest press fitted with V.L.P.C.S. system.
2. Single-station horizontal chest press without V.L.P.C.S., straight bar fitted with sliding handgrips.
3. Sliding handgrip M.D.C.S. standing or seated tricep machine.
4. Sliding handgrip M.D.C.S. standing or seated bicep machine.
5. Leg curl machine.
6. Knee extension machine.
7. Multi-purpose proving machine.
8. Seated or standing shoulder press machine.

E.L.M. (Extendable lever machines).

1. Vertical chest press machine counter-balanced and fitted with V.L.P.C.S. system.
2. Vertical chest press machine straight bar with sliding handgrips.
3. Lateral pull-over machine with sliding rotatable handgrips.
4. Mounted above head independent lever arm bio-lateral pull-down machine.
5. Seated tricep machine.
6. Seated row sliding handgrip machine.
7. Fixed collar seated shoulder press machine.
8. Bench row sliding handgrip machine with face hole.
9. Fixed or rotatable collar chinning bar.
10. Fixed or rotatable collar floor-mounted press-up station.

Claims

An exercise apparatus which includes means providing for three planes of movement and means resisting movement in at least one of said planes.
An exercise apparatus in the form of a strength-resistance machine which includes a support frame including a pair of spaced vertically extending slide bars, a support structure including a slide block having sliding engagement with each of said vertically extending slide bars, each of said support structures including a horizontally extending slide bar, a generally horizontal training bar, handgrips movable longitudinally of the training bar, and slide blocks at the ends of the training bar, which slide blocks have sliding engagement with the horizontally extending slide bars of the support structures.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, in which each of said support structures includes a bracing member which is attached to the slide block and extends horizontally parallel to the associated horizontal slide bar, being provided at its end remote from the slide block with an upward extension which is connected to the end of the slide bar remote from the slide block.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, in which each of said bracing bars carries an actuating member for operation of a locking mechanism for locking the support structure against downward movement relative to the support fame.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 4, in which each actuating member is operable in response to appropriate movement of the training bar and in which each locking mechanism includes a lever movable into engagement with slots or notches in a vertically extending part of the support frame.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, in which the slide blocks of the two support structures are interconnected by means of a spanning bar whereby the two support structures are movable in unison upwardly and downwardly relative to the support frame, and in which the spanning bar is connected by cables, which pass over pulleys mounted on the support frame, to a counter-balance and to a weight stack.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, in which the handgrips are freely slidable longitudinally of the training bar and in which the training bar is releasably mounted in its associated sliding blocks.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, in which an alternative training bar is provided which includes adjustable restraint means for opposing movement of the handgrips towards one another, and in which the restraint means is such that the extent by which the restraint means opposes movement of each handgrip increases as the handgrips are moved towards the mid-point of the alternative training bar.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, in which the restraint means includes compression blocks arranged for movement with the handgrips, the compression blocks being arranged for movement along guide rails which are moveable relative to the axis of the bar.
An exercise apparatus comprising a bar, a bearing collar providing for longitudinal sliding movement of the bar relative to the collar, a pivot mounting for the collar, a handgrip mounted on the bar for free longitudinal sliding movement relative to the bar, stop means at one end of the bar limiting the extent of sliding movement of the hand grip relative to the bar and spring or pneumatic means acting between the other end of the bar and the collar.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, in which the spring means acting between the other end of the bar and the collar is a helicoil compression spring surrounding that portion of the bar adjacent said other end thereof, the compression spring normally serving to bias said other end of the bar away from the collar during sliding movement of the handgrip between the collar and said one end of the bar whereas, when the handgrip is in engagement with the stop means at said end of the bar, the spring can be compressed so as, in effect to provide a longer lever arm for the user to turn the bar about the pivot.
An exercise apparatus as claimed in Claim 2, in combination with a variable load peak contraction system.