US20040009854A1 - Method and apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20040009854A1
US20040009854A1 US10/190,573 US19057302A US2004009854A1 US 20040009854 A1 US20040009854 A1 US 20040009854A1 US 19057302 A US19057302 A US 19057302A US 2004009854 A1 US2004009854 A1 US 2004009854A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
resistance
muscle strength
training
progressive
strength
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/190,573
Inventor
Tzyy Shiang
Chiang Liu
Shun Wei
Yu Liu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Unique Kinetech Corp
Original Assignee
Unique Kinetech Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Unique Kinetech Corp filed Critical Unique Kinetech Corp
Priority to US10/190,573 priority Critical patent/US20040009854A1/en
Assigned to UNIQUE KINETECH CORPORATION reassignment UNIQUE KINETECH CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LIU, CHIANG, LIU, YU, SHIANG, TZYY YUANG, WEI, SHUN HWA
Publication of US20040009854A1 publication Critical patent/US20040009854A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/06User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/0609User-manipulated weights consisting of loosely interconnected elements for progressively changing weight, e.g. heavy chains
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/06User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/062User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces
    • A63B21/0626User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means
    • A63B21/0628User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means for vertical array of weights
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/06User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/062User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces
    • A63B21/0626User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means
    • A63B21/0628User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means for vertical array of weights
    • A63B21/063Weight selecting means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/06User-manipulated weights
    • A63B21/062User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces
    • A63B21/0626User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means
    • A63B21/0628User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means for vertical array of weights
    • A63B21/0632User-manipulated weights including guide for vertical or non-vertical weights or array of weights to move against gravity forces with substantially vertical guiding means for vertical array of weights the weights being lifted by rigid means
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63BAPPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B21/00Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
    • A63B21/15Arrangements for force transmissions
    • A63B21/151Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
    • A63B21/154Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to method and apparatus for enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance, and more particularly to a muscle training apparatus that provides progressively increased resistance to a trainee's body area being trained to meet a curve of relation between joint angle and producible strength thereof.
  • Muscle contraction is a source of strength needed by humans in their motions.
  • bones connected to the muscles are brought to turn about joints as a result of leverage, allowing the torso and limbs to translate, turn, etc.
  • multiple joints cooperatively work at the same time, a person can do various motions, such as running, jumping, throwing, etc. Movement of joints involves leverage between muscles and bones, as well as the muscular contractible length.
  • the strength producible by muscles has relation to the lengths of muscles, and muscles are connected at outer ends to bones to provide points of application.
  • muscle contraction According to muscular physiology, by “muscle contraction”, it means a group of muscle fibers become shortened when they slide relative to one another. Generally speaking, muscle contraction can be divided into isometric contraction, isotonic contraction, isokinetic contraction, etc. according to the form of contraction. Wherein, the isotonic contraction can be further divided into concentric contraction and eccentric contraction according to the consistence in the directions of the applied force and the muscle contraction. Muscles can be trained in different ways based on the characteristics of muscle contraction as follows:
  • the isometric, the isotonic, and the isokinetic trainings are widely acceptable by the general public.
  • they are adopted by specific groups of people, such as athletes, patients requiring rehabilitation, etc.
  • the isometric training has the advantages of (a) not requiring any special instrument, (b) performable at any place and at any time, and (c) easy to perform; and the disadvantages of (a) having lower training effect, (b) tending to cause fatigued muscles, and (c) failing to provide concentrated training of particular muscle groups.
  • the isotonic training has the advantages of (a) providing pretty good training effect, (b) enabling concentrated training of particular muscle groups, and (c) easy to perform; and the disadvantages of (a) having theoretical limitations, (b) requiring training instruments, and (c) tending to cause fatigued and injured muscles.
  • the isokinetic training has the advantages of (a) providing very good training effect, (b) enabling concentrated training of particular muscle groups, and (c) meeting related theories, and the disadvantages of (a) requiring special training instruments, (b) requiring high cost for the special instruments, and (c) not easy to operate the special instruments.
  • the isotonic training must be performed with some instruments, such as free-weight and training machines.
  • Training machines are widely employed in muscle training and formed from rather simple link mechanisms.
  • the heaviness of weights serves as a resistance and is transmitted via a steel cord and many direction-control pulleys to a trainee's torso and limbs to be trained.
  • the training machine can be designed to train specific muscle groups and manufactured at rather low cost. It occupies only a very small space, and can be conveniently operated for a user to use it independently, and is therefore widely accepted among the general public.
  • a disadvantage of the isotonic training is it tends to cause delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) after performing the training.
  • the isotonic training does not provide so good training effect as compared with the isokinetic training.
  • the isokinetic training uses an isokinetic training machine to control the trainee's motion speed, so that the muscle groups to be trained always exert the maximal strength at any joint angle and contract dynamically at a fixed speed to adapt to contraction speeds of different types of motions. Therefore, the isokinetic training is a currently recognized most effective way of muscle training that does not easily cause any sequelae, such as fatigue or soreness of muscles.
  • a full set of isokinetic training machine typically includes many instruments, such as a computer for recording purpose, a monitor for displaying data, a strength measuring system, a multipurpose chair for taking measurements, and auxiliary brackets adaptable to different joints. These instruments occupy an area of at least 10 square meters, and require well-trained personnel to watch and operate, not to mention the extremely high cost thereof.
  • the isotonic training machine has combined advantages of economical cost, convenient operation, safe for use, and good training effect, and is currently the most common means for training muscles.
  • the isokinetic training machine is recognized as the most effective way for training muscles, general training organizations and users do not afford it due to the expensive price and high costs for management and maintenance thereof. As a result, the isokinetic training machine is not so popular as the isotonic training machine.
  • the isotonic training does not provide as good training effect as the isokinetic training mainly because a general isotonic training machine provides a fixed resistance and muscles being trained do not encounter a largest possible resistance when the joint is at an angle to produce the largest strength. It is therefore very natural only a reduced training effect can be obtained on an isotonic training machine.
  • the stick point means a joint angle at which the producible muscle strength is smaller than the fixed resistance and not sufficient to lift the load.
  • the joint angle increases and exceeds the stick point, the producible muscle strength is large enough to lift the load.
  • the stick point prevents the trainee from continuing the training motions and reduces the training effect. What is worse is the stick point would very possibly result in eccentric contraction of muscles and consequential injury, such as pulled tendon, due to the action of a suddenly generated reverse force.
  • An ideal training way is one that could always best respond to the strength that is producible by the muscles within the complete range of motion (ROM) of joint, and therefore allows the muscles to work at the largest tension. In this manner, the load to muscles could be effectively increased to achieve the best training effect.
  • Cams have been utilized in an attempt to change the resistance in the complete range of motion of joint, in order to eliminate or reduce the phenomenon of stick point that frequently occurs on general isotonic muscle training machines.
  • Scientific researches have proven the effect of using cams to change the resistance. The following summarizes results of researches on the effects of different training ways.
  • Silvester et al employed Nautilus and Universal variable-resistance training machines as well as the free weight training manner to train lower limb muscle groups for enhanced knee stretching and pushing strength.
  • the trainings continued for 13 weeks, 3 days each week.
  • Isometric muscle strength producible at the 135-degree stretched knee joint and at the 135-degree coxa as well as changes in vertical leap were measured and compared.
  • the isometric muscle strength and the vertical leap increased by 6.41 kg and 0.69 cm, respectively, on the average when trained with Nautilus machine, 6.46 kg and 2.91 cm when trained with Universal machine, and 8.49 kg and 8.49 cm when trained in the manner of free weight.
  • Braith et al employed the Nautilus variable-resistance machines to train 4 groups of trainees for their knee stretching strengths. There was a control group that did not do any training. The first group was trained for 10 weeks, 2 days per week; the second group for 18 weeks, 2 days per week; the third group for 10 weeks, 3 days per week; and the fourth group for 18 weeks, 3 days per week. All the four groups showed considerable improvements in muscle strength, no matter they were trained for 10 or 18 weeks. However, the groups trained for 3 days per week showed muscle strengths higher than that of the groups trained for 2 days per week.
  • variable-resistance training machines provide training effects that are somewhat better than or similar to that obtainable with general fixed-resistance training machines or free-weight training, but lower than that obtainable with the isokinetic training machine.
  • the variable-resistance training machine has been designed to meet the human engineering or not. Since there is not supporting material in the relevant literature, and the training items vary from machine to machine, it is still controvertible whether the comparison results are sufficient to represent the training effects.
  • the use of cams to change the action of resistance has the drawbacks of involving complicate manufacturing process, requiring high manufacturing cost, inconvenient for use, etc.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for implementing the method of enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance.
  • the apparatus is simple, economical, easily erectable, and conveniently operable, and may be used with all brands of weight training instruments.
  • the method of the present invention is established on the basis of a proven relation between the joint angle and the producible muscle strength thereof.
  • a resistance-varying device is included to convert a fixed-resistance training structure into a variable-resistance training structure to meet the human engineering and the relation between the joint angle and the producible muscle strength, so that the joints being trained are best trained in the optimal manner to increase the training effect and minimize injury possibly occurred during training.
  • the apparatus of the present invention uses the above-mentioned relation between the elbow joint flexion angle and the producible strength as its basis and includes a resistance transmitting mechanism to transmit progressive resistances provided through a resistance-varying device, so that a trainee's body area being trained is always given the most suitable load when the joint angle at the trained area changes. That is, the original load in the form of a fixed resistance is changed to a load of variable resistance, and the value of the variable resistance corresponds to the relation between the joint angle and the producible muscle strength.
  • the apparatus of the present invention applies a relative smaller resistance to the trainee; and when the elbow joint is flexed to an angle of 110 degrees, at which a largest possible muscle strength is producible, the apparatus of the present invention applies a largest possible resistance to the trainee.
  • the resistance applied to the trainee by the apparatus of the present invention gradually decreases when the elbow joint angle becomes smaller and produces less muscle strength.
  • the resistance-varying device of the present invention is embodied through a plurality of serially connected four-bar linkages, two-bar linkages, or tension cords being pivotally connected to one lateral side of weights of the apparatus with pins.
  • Strength exerted by the trainee at the trained body area is transmitted via a steel cord and many pulleys to pull a top weight upward and sequentially stretch the linkages or tension cords open, so that subsequent weights are pulled upward one by one until the last linkage or tension cord is fully stretched.
  • the method and the apparatus of the present invention for enhancing muscle strength use progressively increased resistance force that meets the theoretical requirement established on the curve of relation between the joint angle and the producible strength as well as the human engineering, allowing the trained joint to always have the optimal load.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a progressive-resistance type muscle-strength training machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a resistance-varying device adopted in the muscle-strength training machine of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the resistance-varying device included in the muscle-strength training machine of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 shows a curve of relation between elbow angle and torque, based on which the method and the apparatus of present invention are developed.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance.
  • the apparatus mainly includes a steel cord 1 preferred made of a rigid transmission member without elasticity which sequentially passing through a first pulley 8 , an intermediate pulley 2 , a second pulley 9 , and a third pulley 10 ; a grip 3 connected to a first end of the steel cord 1 ; an upper arm rest 5 provided on a body supporting structure of the apparatus to locate above the grip 3 and be adjustable with a movable pin 4 ; a group of weights 7 vertically movably stacked on and between two slide rails 11 , 12 with a top one of the weights 7 connected to a second end of the steel cord 1 ; and a main steel framework 15 , to which related components, such as the second and the third pulleys 9 , 10 , of the apparatus of the present invention are fixed.
  • the group of vertically stacked weights 7 is provided at one lateral side with a resistance-varying device.
  • a first embodiment of the resistance-varying device 14 is shown in FIG. 2 that is an enlarged perspective view of the group of vertically stacked weights 7 of FIG. 1.
  • the resistance-varying device 14 includes three sets of four-bar linkages.
  • FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the resistance-varying device 14 A that includes three sets of two-bar linkages
  • FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the resistance-varying device 14 B that includes a plurality of tension cords.
  • a trainee may sit or lie on the body supporting structure of the apparatus in a suitable position and hold the grip 3 to pull the steel cord 1 .
  • the first pulley 8 , the intermediate pulley 2 , and the second and the third pulleys 9 , 10 enable the force exerted by the trainee to transmit via the steel cord 1 to pull the weights 7 .
  • the four-bar or two-bar linkages or the tension cords of the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A or 14 B provided at the lateral side of the stacked weights 7 are sequentially stretched open to generate progressively increased resistance to the force exerted by the trainee. The trainee's muscle strength is therefore enhanced through the progressive resistance provided by the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A or 14 B.
  • the steel cord 1 that transmits the resistance from the weights 7 and the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A or 14 B to the trainee's body areas to be strengthened; the weights 7 that constitute a source of resistance; the first, the second, and the third pulleys 8 , 9 , 10 , and the intermediate pulley 2 that change directions in which the resistance is transmitted via the steel cord 1 ; and a connecting device that is connected to the steel cord 1 to transfer the resistance to the trainee's torso and limbs to be trained together constitute a resistance transmission mechanism.
  • the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A or 14 B connected to the weights 7 of the resistance transmission mechanism of the apparatus of the present invention is embodied based on the above-mentioned curve of relation Between joint angle and producible muscle strength. That is, when the trainee's joint is at an angle to exert a relatively larger strength, the resistance-varying device enables the apparatus of the present invention to provide a relatively larger resistance to the trainee's trained limbs. Similarly, when the trainee's joint is at an angle to exert only a relatively smaller strength, the resistance-varying device enables the apparatus of the present invention to provide a relatively smaller resistance to the trainee's trained limbs.
  • the training apparatus of the present invention is particularly different from the general isotonic training machine in the provision of the resistance-varying device.
  • the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A, or 14 B is formed from a plurality of mutually connected four-bar linkages, two-bar linkages, or tension cords.
  • the four-bar linkages, the two-bar linkages, or the tension cords are connected to the weights 7 by means of pins.
  • the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A, or 14 B is embodied based on the previously described curve of relation between joint angle and producible muscle strength.
  • the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A, or 14 B should be designed in consistence with the curve of relation between joint angle and producible muscle strength for the four-bar or two-bar linkages or the tension cords to increase and convert the fixed resistance provided by the group of stacked weights 7 and transmitted via the steel cord 1 into a variable resistance meeting the human engineering.
  • the resistance-varying device meeting the human engineering may always convert any load of resistance to be borne by the trainee into a resistance compatible with a strength that can be exerted by the trainee's muscles, and may also train the muscles to exert the largest possible strength against the resistance to obtain doubled effect in the training.
  • the weights 7 which are usually made of a metal material, play the role of transmitting the resistance source of the muscle training apparatus.
  • the weights 7 are caused to smoothly move up and down along the two slide rails 11 , 12 by pulling and releasing the steel cord 1 , respectively.
  • the provision of pulleys 2 , 8 , 9 , and 10 enables change of directions in which the steel cord 1 extends.
  • a user that is, the trainee, may first adjust the upper arm rest 5 to a vertical position suitable for his or her height and then lay his or her upper arm or arms on the rest 5 .
  • the grip 3 is then adjusted to a position corresponding to a length of the trainee's forearm.
  • combinations of different numbers of weights 7 may be properly selected according to the training plan to achieve an intended training effect.
  • an increased number of packaged trainings, an increased number of repetitions of trainings, and an increased duration of trainings may be performed on the apparatus of the present invention. Since the resistance-varying device 14 , 14 A, or 14 B in the resistance transmission mechanism of the apparatus of the present invention meets the human engineering, the trainee's muscles would not encounter an overlarge resistance when they are exerting force and can therefore avoid unwanted injury of the muscles.

Abstract

An apparatus for enhancing muscle strength is designed based on a curve of relation between joint angle and producible muscle strength, and includes a resistance-varying device that provides progressive resistances to give a trainee's body area being trained the most suitable load when the joint angle at the trained area changes. The resistance-varying device is embodied through serially connected four-bar linkages, two-bar linkages, or tension cords pivotally connected to one lateral side of weights of the apparatus with pins. Strength exerted by the trainee at the trained area is transmitted via a steel cord to pull a top weight upward and sequentially stretch the linkages or tension cords open, so that subsequent weights are pulled upward one by one until the last linkage or tension cord is fully stretched. A method using the apparatus to enhance muscle strength meets the human engineering and avoids unwanted injury of trained muscles.

Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to method and apparatus for enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance, and more particularly to a muscle training apparatus that provides progressively increased resistance to a trainee's body area being trained to meet a curve of relation between joint angle and producible strength thereof. [0001]
  • Muscle contraction is a source of strength needed by humans in their motions. When muscles contract, bones connected to the muscles are brought to turn about joints as a result of leverage, allowing the torso and limbs to translate, turn, etc. When multiple joints cooperatively work at the same time, a person can do various motions, such as running, jumping, throwing, etc. Movement of joints involves leverage between muscles and bones, as well as the muscular contractible length. The strength producible by muscles has relation to the lengths of muscles, and muscles are connected at outer ends to bones to provide points of application. When the muscles contract to produce strength, the produced strength acts on the bones at these points of application to cause turning of joints, and therefore changes the direction of applied force as well as the angle contained between arms of force (that is, the bones that turn about the joints). Thus, the strength producible at a joint has absolute relation to the joint angle. Similarly, the strength producible by a person's torso and limbs has relation to joint angles. And, the relation between the joint angle and the producible strength thereof varies with joint motions. Taking the flexion of an elbow joint as an example, a Curve of Relation Between Elbow Angle and Torque (Ping-chan Lai, (1999) Master's thesis from the Graduate Institute of Coaching Science National College of Physical Education & Sports) shown in FIG. 5 indicates when the elbow flexes from a horizontal position (stretched to 180 degrees) toward the torso, the producible strength increases with the increased degree of flexion (or decreased elbow angle), and the producible strength reaches a peak value when the elbow angle is about 110 degrees, and then the producible strength decreases with the gradually decreased elbow angle. [0002]
  • According to muscular physiology, by “muscle contraction”, it means a group of muscle fibers become shortened when they slide relative to one another. Generally speaking, muscle contraction can be divided into isometric contraction, isotonic contraction, isokinetic contraction, etc. according to the form of contraction. Wherein, the isotonic contraction can be further divided into concentric contraction and eccentric contraction according to the consistence in the directions of the applied force and the muscle contraction. Muscles can be trained in different ways based on the characteristics of muscle contraction as follows: [0003]
  • 1. Isoload training—In this way of training, muscles contract at a speed and in a tension that vary with time. [0004]
  • 2. Isometric training—In this way of training, muscles contract with the lengths thereof keeping unchanged. [0005]
  • 3. Isotonic training—In this way of training, muscles contract with the tensions thereof keeping unchanged. [0006]
  • 4. Isokinetic training—In this way of training, muscles contract at a constant speed. [0007]
  • 5. Functional isometric training—In this way of training, muscles first contract isometrically and then contract isotonically. [0008]
  • 6. Plyometrics training—In this way of training, muscles are first passively stretched (that is, to contract eccentrically) and then quickly contract concentrically. This type of training is characterized in a stretch shortening cycle (SSC). [0009]
  • 7. Train muscles by giving electrical stimulation to cause passive contraction of muscles. [0010]
  • Among the above-described muscle training ways, the isometric, the isotonic, and the isokinetic trainings are widely acceptable by the general public. As to other muscle training ways, they are adopted by specific groups of people, such as athletes, patients requiring rehabilitation, etc. [0011]
  • The isometric training has the advantages of (a) not requiring any special instrument, (b) performable at any place and at any time, and (c) easy to perform; and the disadvantages of (a) having lower training effect, (b) tending to cause fatigued muscles, and (c) failing to provide concentrated training of particular muscle groups. [0012]
  • The isotonic training has the advantages of (a) providing pretty good training effect, (b) enabling concentrated training of particular muscle groups, and (c) easy to perform; and the disadvantages of (a) having theoretical limitations, (b) requiring training instruments, and (c) tending to cause fatigued and injured muscles. [0013]
  • The isokinetic training has the advantages of (a) providing very good training effect, (b) enabling concentrated training of particular muscle groups, and (c) meeting related theories, and the disadvantages of (a) requiring special training instruments, (b) requiring high cost for the special instruments, and (c) not easy to operate the special instruments. [0014]
  • Currently, the isometric training is normally adopted only at an initial stage of rehabilitation and not widely utilized among the general public because it does not provide good effect in enhancing the muscle strength and fails to provide training of specific muscle groups, though it can be performed without using any special instrument. [0015]
  • Generally, the isotonic training must be performed with some instruments, such as free-weight and training machines. Training machines are widely employed in muscle training and formed from rather simple link mechanisms. In a machine for isotonic training, the heaviness of weights serves as a resistance and is transmitted via a steel cord and many direction-control pulleys to a trainee's torso and limbs to be trained. The training machine can be designed to train specific muscle groups and manufactured at rather low cost. It occupies only a very small space, and can be conveniently operated for a user to use it independently, and is therefore widely accepted among the general public. A disadvantage of the isotonic training is it tends to cause delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) after performing the training. Moreover, the isotonic training does not provide so good training effect as compared with the isokinetic training. [0016]
  • The isokinetic training uses an isokinetic training machine to control the trainee's motion speed, so that the muscle groups to be trained always exert the maximal strength at any joint angle and contract dynamically at a fixed speed to adapt to contraction speeds of different types of motions. Therefore, the isokinetic training is a currently recognized most effective way of muscle training that does not easily cause any sequelae, such as fatigue or soreness of muscles. However, a full set of isokinetic training machine typically includes many instruments, such as a computer for recording purpose, a monitor for displaying data, a strength measuring system, a multipurpose chair for taking measurements, and auxiliary brackets adaptable to different joints. These instruments occupy an area of at least 10 square meters, and require well-trained personnel to watch and operate, not to mention the extremely high cost thereof. [0017]
  • In conclusion, the isotonic training machine has combined advantages of economical cost, convenient operation, safe for use, and good training effect, and is currently the most common means for training muscles. Although the isokinetic training machine is recognized as the most effective way for training muscles, general training organizations and users do not afford it due to the expensive price and high costs for management and maintenance thereof. As a result, the isokinetic training machine is not so popular as the isotonic training machine. [0018]
  • As having been mentioned above, the strength producible by torso and limbs being trained varies with joint angle. The isotonic training does not provide as good training effect as the isokinetic training mainly because a general isotonic training machine provides a fixed resistance and muscles being trained do not encounter a largest possible resistance when the joint is at an angle to produce the largest strength. It is therefore very natural only a reduced training effect can be obtained on an isotonic training machine. [0019]
  • Another problem with the isotonic training machine is the existence of the so-called stick point. More specifically, when the resistance is fixed, the stick point means a joint angle at which the producible muscle strength is smaller than the fixed resistance and not sufficient to lift the load. However, when the joint angle increases and exceeds the stick point, the producible muscle strength is large enough to lift the load. The stick point prevents the trainee from continuing the training motions and reduces the training effect. What is worse is the stick point would very possibly result in eccentric contraction of muscles and consequential injury, such as pulled tendon, due to the action of a suddenly generated reverse force. [0020]
  • An ideal training way is one that could always best respond to the strength that is producible by the muscles within the complete range of motion (ROM) of joint, and therefore allows the muscles to work at the largest tension. In this manner, the load to muscles could be effectively increased to achieve the best training effect. [0021]
  • Cams have been utilized in an attempt to change the resistance in the complete range of motion of joint, in order to eliminate or reduce the phenomenon of stick point that frequently occurs on general isotonic muscle training machines. Scientific researches have proven the effect of using cams to change the resistance. The following summarizes results of researches on the effects of different training ways. [0022]
  • In 1982, Silvester et al employed Nautilus and Universal variable-resistance training machines as well as the free weight training manner to train lower limb muscle groups for enhanced knee stretching and pushing strength. The trainings continued for 13 weeks, 3 days each week. Isometric muscle strength producible at the 135-degree stretched knee joint and at the 135-degree coxa as well as changes in vertical leap were measured and compared. The isometric muscle strength and the vertical leap increased by 6.41 kg and 0.69 cm, respectively, on the average when trained with Nautilus machine, 6.46 kg and 2.91 cm when trained with Universal machine, and 8.49 kg and 8.49 cm when trained in the manner of free weight. Only the vertical leap indicated statistical difference between trainings with the variable-resistance training machines and the free weight manner. Another experiment was designed to compare the difference in elbow joint flexions separately trained with dumbbells and Nautilus variable-resistance machine. The trainings continued 8 weeks, 3 days per week. Both trainings indicated statistical difference in the achieved enhancements, but there was not significant difference in the enhancements between the two types of trainings. [0023]
  • In 1989, Braith et al employed the Nautilus variable-resistance machines to train 4 groups of trainees for their knee stretching strengths. There was a control group that did not do any training. The first group was trained for 10 weeks, 2 days per week; the second group for 18 weeks, 2 days per week; the third group for 10 weeks, 3 days per week; and the fourth group for 18 weeks, 3 days per week. All the four groups showed considerable improvements in muscle strength, no matter they were trained for 10 or 18 weeks. However, the groups trained for 3 days per week showed muscle strengths higher than that of the groups trained for 2 days per week. The fourth group that was trained for total 18 weeks, 3 days per week, showed the isometric muscle strength increased by 28.4%, while the first group that was trained for 10 weeks, 2 days per week, showed the isometric muscle strength increased by 13.5%. The control group did not show any change in the muscle strength. [0024]
  • From the above data, it is found the variable-resistance training machines provide training effects that are somewhat better than or similar to that obtainable with general fixed-resistance training machines or free-weight training, but lower than that obtainable with the isokinetic training machine. What is to be noted is whether the variable-resistance training machine has been designed to meet the human engineering or not. Since there is not supporting material in the relevant literature, and the training items vary from machine to machine, it is still controvertible whether the comparison results are sufficient to represent the training effects. On the other hand, the use of cams to change the action of resistance has the drawbacks of involving complicate manufacturing process, requiring high manufacturing cost, inconvenient for use, etc. Therefore, it is tried by the inventor to develop an improved method of training muscles that meets the human engineering, and a simple, economical, easily erectable, and conveniently operable apparatus for implementing the method, so that the muscles being trained are always under the largest possible and the most optimal stimulus in the whole training process to obtain enhanced strength and avoid unwanted injury. [0025]
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a method for enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance. [0026]
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for implementing the method of enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance. The apparatus is simple, economical, easily erectable, and conveniently operable, and may be used with all brands of weight training instruments. [0027]
  • The method of the present invention is established on the basis of a proven relation between the joint angle and the producible muscle strength thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, a resistance-varying device is included to convert a fixed-resistance training structure into a variable-resistance training structure to meet the human engineering and the relation between the joint angle and the producible muscle strength, so that the joints being trained are best trained in the optimal manner to increase the training effect and minimize injury possibly occurred during training. [0028]
  • To achieve the above and other objects, the apparatus of the present invention uses the above-mentioned relation between the elbow joint flexion angle and the producible strength as its basis and includes a resistance transmitting mechanism to transmit progressive resistances provided through a resistance-varying device, so that a trainee's body area being trained is always given the most suitable load when the joint angle at the trained area changes. That is, the original load in the form of a fixed resistance is changed to a load of variable resistance, and the value of the variable resistance corresponds to the relation between the joint angle and the producible muscle strength. Taking the elbow flexion as an example, since the elbow joint produces a relative smaller strength when it is at an initial angle of flexion of 180 degrees, the apparatus of the present invention applies a relative smaller resistance to the trainee; and when the elbow joint is flexed to an angle of 110 degrees, at which a largest possible muscle strength is producible, the apparatus of the present invention applies a largest possible resistance to the trainee. The resistance applied to the trainee by the apparatus of the present invention gradually decreases when the elbow joint angle becomes smaller and produces less muscle strength. [0029]
  • The resistance-varying device of the present invention is embodied through a plurality of serially connected four-bar linkages, two-bar linkages, or tension cords being pivotally connected to one lateral side of weights of the apparatus with pins. Strength exerted by the trainee at the trained body area is transmitted via a steel cord and many pulleys to pull a top weight upward and sequentially stretch the linkages or tension cords open, so that subsequent weights are pulled upward one by one until the last linkage or tension cord is fully stretched. [0030]
  • The method and the apparatus of the present invention for enhancing muscle strength use progressively increased resistance force that meets the theoretical requirement established on the curve of relation between the joint angle and the producible strength as well as the human engineering, allowing the trained joint to always have the optimal load.[0031]
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The structure and the technical means adopted by the present invention to achieve the above and other objects can be best understood by referring to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein [0032]
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a progressive-resistance type muscle-strength training machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0033]
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a resistance-varying device adopted in the muscle-strength training machine of FIG. 1; [0034]
  • FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the resistance-varying device included in the muscle-strength training machine of the present invention; [0035]
  • FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the resistance-varying device included in the muscle-strength training machine of the present invention; and [0036]
  • FIG. 5 shows a curve of relation between elbow angle and torque, based on which the method and the apparatus of present invention are developed.[0037]
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • Please refer to FIG. 1 that is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance. As shown, the apparatus mainly includes a [0038] steel cord 1 preferred made of a rigid transmission member without elasticity which sequentially passing through a first pulley 8, an intermediate pulley 2, a second pulley 9, and a third pulley 10; a grip 3 connected to a first end of the steel cord 1; an upper arm rest 5 provided on a body supporting structure of the apparatus to locate above the grip 3 and be adjustable with a movable pin 4; a group of weights 7 vertically movably stacked on and between two slide rails 11, 12 with a top one of the weights 7 connected to a second end of the steel cord 1; and a main steel framework 15, to which related components, such as the second and the third pulleys 9, 10, of the apparatus of the present invention are fixed.
  • The group of vertically stacked [0039] weights 7 is provided at one lateral side with a resistance-varying device. A first embodiment of the resistance-varying device 14 is shown in FIG. 2 that is an enlarged perspective view of the group of vertically stacked weights 7 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the resistance-varying device 14 includes three sets of four-bar linkages. FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the resistance-varying device 14A that includes three sets of two-bar linkages, and FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the resistance-varying device 14B that includes a plurality of tension cords.
  • A trainee (not shown) may sit or lie on the body supporting structure of the apparatus in a suitable position and hold the [0040] grip 3 to pull the steel cord 1. The first pulley 8, the intermediate pulley 2, and the second and the third pulleys 9, 10 enable the force exerted by the trainee to transmit via the steel cord 1 to pull the weights 7. The four-bar or two-bar linkages or the tension cords of the resistance-varying device 14, 14A or 14B provided at the lateral side of the stacked weights 7 are sequentially stretched open to generate progressively increased resistance to the force exerted by the trainee. The trainee's muscle strength is therefore enhanced through the progressive resistance provided by the resistance-varying device 14, 14A or 14B.
  • In the apparatus of the present invention, the [0041] steel cord 1 that transmits the resistance from the weights 7 and the resistance-varying device 14, 14A or 14B to the trainee's body areas to be strengthened; the weights 7 that constitute a source of resistance; the first, the second, and the third pulleys 8, 9, 10, and the intermediate pulley 2 that change directions in which the resistance is transmitted via the steel cord 1; and a connecting device that is connected to the steel cord 1 to transfer the resistance to the trainee's torso and limbs to be trained together constitute a resistance transmission mechanism. The resistance-varying device 14, 14A or 14B connected to the weights 7 of the resistance transmission mechanism of the apparatus of the present invention is embodied based on the above-mentioned curve of relation Between joint angle and producible muscle strength. That is, when the trainee's joint is at an angle to exert a relatively larger strength, the resistance-varying device enables the apparatus of the present invention to provide a relatively larger resistance to the trainee's trained limbs. Similarly, when the trainee's joint is at an angle to exert only a relatively smaller strength, the resistance-varying device enables the apparatus of the present invention to provide a relatively smaller resistance to the trainee's trained limbs.
  • The training apparatus of the present invention is particularly different from the general isotonic training machine in the provision of the resistance-varying device. The resistance-varying [0042] device 14, 14A, or 14B is formed from a plurality of mutually connected four-bar linkages, two-bar linkages, or tension cords. The four-bar linkages, the two-bar linkages, or the tension cords are connected to the weights 7 by means of pins. When the steel cord 1 is pulled to lift the top one of the group of the stacked weights 7, the first four-bar linkage, the first two-bar linkage, or the first tension cord in the resistance-varying device 14, 14A, or 14B, respectively, connecting the top weight 7 to the second weight 7 is stretched open and finally pulls the second weight 7 upward. In the course of pulling the steel cord 1 to sequentially stretch open the four-bar linkages, the two-bar linkages, or the tension cords until a corresponding lower weight 7 is finally pulled upward, the resistance provided by the weights 7 to the trainee is progressively increased. As mentioned above, the resistance-varying device 14, 14A, or 14B is embodied based on the previously described curve of relation between joint angle and producible muscle strength. It is known from theoretical deduction and physical experiments that the strength that is producible at a joint has absolute relation with the angle of the joint at that time. Thus, the resistance-varying device 14, 14A, or 14B should be designed in consistence with the curve of relation between joint angle and producible muscle strength for the four-bar or two-bar linkages or the tension cords to increase and convert the fixed resistance provided by the group of stacked weights 7 and transmitted via the steel cord 1 into a variable resistance meeting the human engineering. As a result, the resistance-varying device meeting the human engineering may always convert any load of resistance to be borne by the trainee into a resistance compatible with a strength that can be exerted by the trainee's muscles, and may also train the muscles to exert the largest possible strength against the resistance to obtain doubled effect in the training.
  • According to the above-described training method and apparatus for enhancing muscles through progressive resistance, the [0043] weights 7, which are usually made of a metal material, play the role of transmitting the resistance source of the muscle training apparatus. The weights 7 are caused to smoothly move up and down along the two slide rails 11, 12 by pulling and releasing the steel cord 1, respectively. The provision of pulleys 2, 8, 9, and 10 enables change of directions in which the steel cord 1 extends.
  • To use the apparatus for enhancing muscle strength through progressive resistance shown in FIG. 1, a user, that is, the trainee, may first adjust the [0044] upper arm rest 5 to a vertical position suitable for his or her height and then lay his or her upper arm or arms on the rest 5. The grip 3 is then adjusted to a position corresponding to a length of the trainee's forearm. At the beginning of training, combinations of different numbers of weights 7 may be properly selected according to the training plan to achieve an intended training effect. To obtain an enhanced training effect, an increased number of packaged trainings, an increased number of repetitions of trainings, and an increased duration of trainings may be performed on the apparatus of the present invention. Since the resistance-varying device 14, 14A, or 14B in the resistance transmission mechanism of the apparatus of the present invention meets the human engineering, the trainee's muscles would not encounter an overlarge resistance when they are exerting force and can therefore avoid unwanted injury of the muscles.
  • The present invention has been described with some preferred embodiments thereof and it is understood that many changes and modifications in the described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. [0045]

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:
1. A method for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise, comprising the steps of preparing a resistance transmission mechanism having a resistance-varying device adapted to change a load of said mechanism, and designing said resistance-varying device based on a curve of relation between joint angle and producible muscle strength to generate resistance variations on said resistance transmission mechanism, so that said resistance transmission mechanism provides different magnitudes of resistance relative to different magnitudes of strength producible by muscles at different joint angles.
2. The method for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resistance-varying device comprises a plurality of linkages that are sequentially stretched open when being subjected to a pull.
3. The method for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resistance-varying device comprises a plurality of tension cords that are sequentially stretched open when being subjected to a pull.
4. The method for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 1, wherein said resistance transmission mechanism includes a resistance source consisting of a plurality of vertically stacked weights made of a metal material.
5. The method for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 4, wherein said metal weights are in a number that can be freely selected to provide different resistance for training muscle strength.
6. An apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise, comprising:
a resistance transmission mechanism including a plurality of weights that constitute a source of resistance; a steel cord that has an end connected to said weights and transmits a resistance provided by said weights to a trainee's body areas to be trained; a group of pulleys that are connected to said steel cord to change directions in which the resistance is transmitted via said steel cord; and a connecting device that is connected to another end of said steel cord and transfers the resistance transmitted via said steel cord to the trainee's body areas to be trained; and
a resistance-varying device being provided at one lateral side of said resistance source of said resistance transmission mechanism, and being designed in accordance with a curve of relation between joint angle and producible muscle strength in order to change a load of said resistance transmission mechanism according to different magnitudes of strength producible by muscles at different joint angles.
7. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 6, wherein said resistance-varying device comprises a plurality of linkages that are sequentially stretched open when said resistance source is subjected to a force and moved upward.
8. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 6, wherein said resistance-varying device comprises a plurality of tension cords that are sequentially stretched open when said resistance source is subjected to a force and moved upward.
9. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plurality of weights are vertically stacked, and are in a number that can be freely selected to provide different resistance for training muscle strength.
10. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 6, wherein said steel cord is a rigid transmission member without elasticity.
11. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 6, wherein said resistance transmission mechanism is provided on a main steel framework, and includes slide rails to define a path along which said weights are moved upward and downward.
12. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 11, wherein said resistance transmission mechanism further includes a body supporting structure for a trainee to sit or lie thereon.
13. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 6, wherein said connecting device of said resistance transmission mechanism includes a grip at where the trainee holds to exert strength, and an upper arm rest on which the trainee's upper arms are positioned.
14. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 7, wherein said linkages of said resistance-varying device are four-bar linkages.
15. The apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise as claimed in claim 7, wherein said linkages of said resistance-varying device are two-bar linkages.
US10/190,573 2002-07-09 2002-07-09 Method and apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise Abandoned US20040009854A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/190,573 US20040009854A1 (en) 2002-07-09 2002-07-09 Method and apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/190,573 US20040009854A1 (en) 2002-07-09 2002-07-09 Method and apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20040009854A1 true US20040009854A1 (en) 2004-01-15

Family

ID=30114074

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/190,573 Abandoned US20040009854A1 (en) 2002-07-09 2002-07-09 Method and apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20040009854A1 (en)

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060128536A1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2006-06-15 Herrington William B Exercise apparatus
US20060252611A1 (en) * 2005-05-03 2006-11-09 Quick Leonard C Exercise apparatus with weight stacks and elastic bands
US20070137588A1 (en) * 2005-12-15 2007-06-21 Normand Bean Extensible animal leash with exponentially-increasing restraint and incremental weight therefor
WO2008119140A1 (en) 2007-04-02 2008-10-09 Damir Bahic Progressive load regulation mechanism at exercise machines
US20100105529A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2010-04-29 Ilan Sela Weight machine selector device and method of using same
US20100285927A1 (en) * 2009-05-05 2010-11-11 Ilan Sela Wrist exercise device and method of use thereof
US7841970B2 (en) 2006-07-28 2010-11-30 Michael Striar Variable weight device
US20110281697A1 (en) * 2009-03-25 2011-11-17 Gil Reyes Isolated curl machine and method of training therefor
US20120058859A1 (en) * 2009-03-03 2012-03-08 Automorphe Limited Automated weightlifting spotting machine
US20130237390A1 (en) * 2012-03-06 2013-09-12 Chiu-Hsiang Lo Adjustable weight asssembly for weight training machine
CN104414652A (en) * 2013-08-23 2015-03-18 光旴科技股份有限公司 Wearable muscle strength training detector device
USD745939S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-12-22 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching machine with adjustable arms
USD753246S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-04-05 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching machine
US9314658B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-04-19 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching system
US9555280B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-01-31 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Attachment assembly for an exercise device and an exercise device incorporating the same
USD777850S1 (en) 2015-01-16 2017-01-31 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Variable resistance band
US9555278B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-01-31 Arqfx Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching system and resistance band assembly for use therewith
US9630048B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-04-25 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Variable resistance band assembly and method of using the same
US9682267B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-06-20 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Insert for use with a resistance band assembly and a method of using the same
US9724553B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-08-08 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Resistance band assembly and a method of varying a resistive force applied thereby
US9731158B1 (en) * 2016-04-28 2017-08-15 Chiu-Hsiang Lo Weight training assembly
US20180272173A1 (en) * 2016-03-26 2018-09-27 Joel Farias Staged-resistance training device and method of use
CN112741989A (en) * 2019-10-31 2021-05-04 清河国际股份有限公司 Weight delay device of weight training equipment
CN113727760A (en) * 2019-04-25 2021-11-30 有限会社Pmg Weight training aid and method of using same

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3858873A (en) * 1971-08-17 1975-01-07 Arthur A Jones Weight lifting exercising devices
US4645197A (en) * 1984-09-26 1987-02-24 Mcfee Richard Bounce board exerciser
US4953855A (en) * 1989-05-18 1990-09-04 Shields William D Method and apparatus for variable proportional weight lifting exercises
US6336894B1 (en) * 1999-12-02 2002-01-08 W. David Kestila Convergent vector resistance device
US6659913B2 (en) * 2001-01-08 2003-12-09 Genesis Fitness Co., Llc Exercise recording and training apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3858873A (en) * 1971-08-17 1975-01-07 Arthur A Jones Weight lifting exercising devices
US4645197A (en) * 1984-09-26 1987-02-24 Mcfee Richard Bounce board exerciser
US4953855A (en) * 1989-05-18 1990-09-04 Shields William D Method and apparatus for variable proportional weight lifting exercises
US6336894B1 (en) * 1999-12-02 2002-01-08 W. David Kestila Convergent vector resistance device
US6659913B2 (en) * 2001-01-08 2003-12-09 Genesis Fitness Co., Llc Exercise recording and training apparatus

Cited By (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7503881B2 (en) * 2005-05-03 2009-03-17 Leonard Charles Quick Exercise apparatus with weight stacks and elastic bands
US20060252611A1 (en) * 2005-05-03 2006-11-09 Quick Leonard C Exercise apparatus with weight stacks and elastic bands
US20070137588A1 (en) * 2005-12-15 2007-06-21 Normand Bean Extensible animal leash with exponentially-increasing restraint and incremental weight therefor
US7353780B2 (en) 2005-12-15 2008-04-08 Normand Bean Extensible animal leash with exponentially-increasing restraint and incremental weight therefor
US20060128536A1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2006-06-15 Herrington William B Exercise apparatus
US7841970B2 (en) 2006-07-28 2010-11-30 Michael Striar Variable weight device
WO2008119140A1 (en) 2007-04-02 2008-10-09 Damir Bahic Progressive load regulation mechanism at exercise machines
US20100105529A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2010-04-29 Ilan Sela Weight machine selector device and method of using same
WO2010049934A1 (en) * 2008-10-29 2010-05-06 Ilan Sela Weight machine selector device and method of using same
US8192334B2 (en) 2008-10-29 2012-06-05 Ilan Sela Weight machine selector device
US20120058859A1 (en) * 2009-03-03 2012-03-08 Automorphe Limited Automated weightlifting spotting machine
US20110281697A1 (en) * 2009-03-25 2011-11-17 Gil Reyes Isolated curl machine and method of training therefor
US9050497B2 (en) * 2009-03-25 2015-06-09 Graa Innovations, Llc Isolated curl machine and method of training therefor
US20100285927A1 (en) * 2009-05-05 2010-11-11 Ilan Sela Wrist exercise device and method of use thereof
US8777820B2 (en) * 2012-03-06 2014-07-15 Chiu-Hsiang Lo Adjustable weight asssembly for weight training machine
US20130237390A1 (en) * 2012-03-06 2013-09-12 Chiu-Hsiang Lo Adjustable weight asssembly for weight training machine
US9630048B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-04-25 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Variable resistance band assembly and method of using the same
US9682267B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-06-20 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Insert for use with a resistance band assembly and a method of using the same
USD753246S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-04-05 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching machine
US9314658B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-04-19 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching system
US9555280B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-01-31 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Attachment assembly for an exercise device and an exercise device incorporating the same
US9724553B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-08-08 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Resistance band assembly and a method of varying a resistive force applied thereby
USD745939S1 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-12-22 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching machine with adjustable arms
US9555278B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-01-31 Arqfx Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Strength training and stretching system and resistance band assembly for use therewith
CN104414652A (en) * 2013-08-23 2015-03-18 光旴科技股份有限公司 Wearable muscle strength training detector device
USD777850S1 (en) 2015-01-16 2017-01-31 Arqex Outdoor Fitness Systems, Llc Variable resistance band
US20180272173A1 (en) * 2016-03-26 2018-09-27 Joel Farias Staged-resistance training device and method of use
US10758766B2 (en) * 2016-03-26 2020-09-01 Joel Farias Staged-resistance training device and method of use
US9731158B1 (en) * 2016-04-28 2017-08-15 Chiu-Hsiang Lo Weight training assembly
CN113727760A (en) * 2019-04-25 2021-11-30 有限会社Pmg Weight training aid and method of using same
CN112741989A (en) * 2019-10-31 2021-05-04 清河国际股份有限公司 Weight delay device of weight training equipment

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20040009854A1 (en) Method and apparatus for training muscle strength through progressive resistance exercise
Page et al. Strength band training
US9993683B2 (en) Upper body exercise equipment with lower body pedals and methods of using the same
RU2606944C2 (en) Improved exercise apparatus
US5005832A (en) Portable abdominal exerciser
US9950211B2 (en) Weight stack pushup exercise device
US5318494A (en) Elastically resilient exercise device
US7485079B2 (en) Abdominal exercise machine
US7455633B2 (en) Abdominal exerciser device
US20080139369A1 (en) Exercise apparatus and method of using same
US7931575B2 (en) Apparatus for performing body exercises
US20100227744A1 (en) Asymmetric physical exercise system
US20190022459A1 (en) Systems and methods for simultaneously contracting body core
US7651451B2 (en) Multiple muscle exercising device
US6244994B1 (en) Method of exercising the upper body by tension and torsion
US4395039A (en) Method of exercising
US20220080247A1 (en) Wearable exercise apparatus
US8425381B2 (en) Exerciser and rehabilitative device
EP4245380A1 (en) Fitness device
US20190336816A1 (en) Upper body exercise equipment with lower body pedals and methods of using the same
JPWO2007144945A1 (en) Exercise equipment
Siff The functional mechanics of abdominal exercise
CN2480009Y (en) Multiple load point javelin force exerciser
US20030171195A1 (en) Arm extension machine
AU2010100231A4 (en) Boxing Exercise Device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: UNIQUE KINETECH CORPORATION, TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHIANG, TZYY YUANG;LIU, CHIANG;WEI, SHUN HWA;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013087/0502

Effective date: 20010619

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION