US20150072835A1 - Exercise Machine With Controlled Motion and User Force Matching Resistance - Google Patents
Exercise Machine With Controlled Motion and User Force Matching Resistance Download PDFInfo
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- US20150072835A1 US20150072835A1 US14/020,895 US201314020895A US2015072835A1 US 20150072835 A1 US20150072835 A1 US 20150072835A1 US 201314020895 A US201314020895 A US 201314020895A US 2015072835 A1 US2015072835 A1 US 2015072835A1
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- arm
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- reciprocating drive
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00069—Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
- A63B21/00072—Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve by changing the length of a lever
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/005—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters
- A63B21/0058—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters using motors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
- A63B21/155—Cam-shaped pulleys or other non-uniform pulleys, e.g. conical
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/159—Using levers for transmitting forces
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
- A63B21/4035—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4047—Pivoting movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/03516—For both arms together or both legs together; Aspects related to the co-ordination between right and left side limbs of a user
- A63B23/03525—Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
- A63B23/0405—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously
- A63B23/0417—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously with guided foot supports moving parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane by translation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
- A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
- A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
- A63B2024/0093—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0228—Sitting on the buttocks
- A63B2208/0233—Sitting on the buttocks in 90/90 position, like on a chair
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
- A63B2220/801—Contact switches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
- A63B2225/093—Height
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
- A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
- A63B23/1236—Push-ups in horizontal position, i.e. eccentric movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
- A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
- A63B71/0619—Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills
- A63B71/0622—Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
Definitions
- Controlled movement exercise with user force matching resistance is recognized as a highly effective form of exercise since it allows the user to exert the maximum force he or she is capable of at each position throughout the full range of the exercise motion. It is also considered as among the safest forms of resistance exercise and is employed in machines used for physical therapy.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,801 to Schnell (1989) shows another device using a flexible transmission member attached to a motor-driven crank to a user-actuated member.
- this device requires that the user activate the motor by the separate act of activating a switch either by hand or foot.
- the motor-driven crank stop or start in any particular position to allow for ease of adjustment or having a definite starting point to begin the exercise.
- removal of the user force does not stop the motor.
- the stroke adjustment means shown will simultaneously change the starting and ending points of the exercise stroke, likely causing the user to have to change position.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise machine in accordance with a first embodiment.
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the frame subassembly from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the adjustable seat subassembly from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the exercise arm subassembly from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 5 shows an exploded detail view from FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the reciprocating drive from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the reciprocating mechanism from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the reciprocating mechanism from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the connecting rod subassembly from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 10 shows the connecting rod subassembly connections from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the control panel subassembly from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 12 shows an electrical schematic of the operating circuit from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 13 shows a block diagram detailing force measured and displayed from the first embodiment.
- FIG. 14 shows the user seated in the exercise machine from the first embodiment with the exercise arm in the fully contracted position.
- FIG. 15 shows the user seated in the exercise machine from the first embodiment with the exercise arm in the fully extended position.
- FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an exercise machine in accordance with a second embodiment.
- FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an exercise machine in accordance with a third embodiment.
- FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a second embodiment.
- FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a third embodiment.
- FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a fourth embodiment.
- FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a sixth embodiment.
- FIG. 1 A first embodiment of the exercise machine, designated broadly as 10 , is illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- machine 10 is configured to perform a chest press exercise.
- Machine 10 includes a base or frame subassembly 12 to which is slidably connected an adjustable user support or seat subassembly 14 .
- An exercise arm subassembly 16 is pivotally connected to frame 12 .
- a reciprocating drive subassembly 18 is fixedly connected to frame 12 .
- a control panel subassembly 20 is pivotally connected to frame 12 .
- the output of drive subassembly 18 is connected to arm subassembly 16 by a link or connecting rod subassembly 22 .
- frame 12 includes a group of longitudinal frame members 24 A, 24 B and 24 C.
- Member 24 B includes a series of holes 26 . Holes 26 extend through both vertical faces of member 24 B, and are used in adjusting the longitudinal position of seat subassembly 14 .
- Members 24 A, 24 B and 24 C are rigidly and fixedly connected to a transverse frame member 28 A and a transverse frame member 28 B.
- a group of threaded holes 30 through the top horizontal faces of members 24 A, 24 B and 28 B are used to attach drive subassembly 18 to frame 12 .
- These assembled members are held off the floor by a group of feet 32 .
- a threaded hole 34 is located at two places on the front vertical face of member 28 A.
- Each bearing subassembly 36 includes a bearing base section 38 having a set of through holes 40 and a bearing top section 42 having a set of through holes 44 . Both base section 38 and bearing top 42 have a half-cylindrical cut bearing surface 46 .
- a set of bolts 48 pass through holes 44 in bearing top 42 , holes 40 in base section 38 and into holes 34 , securing bearing assemblies 36 to member 28 A.
- FIG. 3 shows details of seat subassembly 14 which includes a back rest 52 connected to an upright column 54 using a set of bolts 56 through a group of holes 58 into threaded holes (not shown) in the rear face of back rest 52 .
- a seat holder bracket 60 is fixedly connected to the lower portion of column 54 .
- Bracket 60 includes a hole 62 that extends through both sides of bracket 60 .
- a seat adjustment bar 64 containing a group of adjustment holes 66 extending through both vertical side faces and a group of holes 68 in the top surface, is fixedly connected to the underside of a seat bottom 70 by a set of bolts 72 which go through holes 68 into a group of threaded holes (not shown) in the bottom face of seat bottom 70 .
- a seat adjustment pin 74 extends through hole 62 in bracket 60 and one of holes 66 in bar 64 .
- a carriage 76 is fixed to the bottom of column 54 .
- Carriage 76 has a hole 78 extending through both sides of carriage 76 and a set of holes 80 extending through both sides of carriage 76 .
- a pair of rods 82 extends through holes 80 .
- Rods 82 have a groove 84 at each end.
- An e-clip 86 fits into groove 84 at each end to hold rods 82 in carriage 76 .
- Carriage 76 is slidably mounted on member 24 B. Downward and sideways motion of carriage 76 is prevented by the body of carriage 76 , while upward motion is prevented by rods 82 .
- Carriage 76 and thereby seat subassembly 14 , can slide along the length of member 24 B.
- a pin 88 is inserted through hole 78 in carriage 76 and into one of holes 26 in member 24 B.
- arm subassembly 16 includes an arm tube 90 having a lower horizontal section, two vertical sections and two collinear upper horizontal sections separated by a gap.
- a group of flanges 92 A, 92 B and 92 C are fixedly attached to the lower horizontal section of tube 90 .
- Flange 92 C has a series of through holes 94 laid out in a circular pattern.
- a pair of strain gauges 96 A and 96 B is mounted on the front surface of one vertical section of tube 90 .
- a second pair of strain gauges 96 C and 96 D (not shown) is mounted directly behind the first pair on the rear surface of the same vertical section of tube 90 .
- a pair of strain gauges 96 E and 96 F is mounted on the front surface of the opposite vertical section of tube 90 .
- a second pair of strain gauges 96 G and 96 H (not shown) is mounted directly behind the first pair on the rear surface of the same vertical section of tube 90 .
- An adjustment plate 98 has a series of tapped holes 100 laid out in a circular pattern, and a cutout 102 which allows it to fit over the lower horizontal section of tube 90 .
- Plate 98 is attached to flange 92 C using bolts 104 .
- Plate 98 has a circular arc shaped channel 106 with a series of through holes 108 running along the center of the channel, and tapped holes 110 in the top surface.
- a cap 112 has a pair of through holes 114 and is mounted to the top of plate 98 with a pair of bolts 116 .
- drive subassembly 18 includes an electric motor 118 , a speed reducer 120 , a stand 122 and a reciprocating mechanism subassembly 124 .
- Speed reducer 120 is mounted to stand 122 using bolts (not shown).
- Stand 122 , motor 118 and mechanism 124 are mounted on a base plate 126 using bolts partially shown.
- a drive pulley 128 is mounted on the output shaft of motor 118 .
- a driven pulley 130 is mounted on the input shaft of speed reducer 120 .
- Drive pulley 128 drives driven pulley 130 through a flexible belt 132 .
- mechanism 124 includes a guide rail 134 , supported by a front post 136 A and a rear post 136 B.
- Rail 134 is attached to post 136 A and post 136 B by a pair of bolts 138 .
- a set of through holes 140 in the bottom flange of post 136 A and post 136 B allow mechanism 124 to be attached to plate 126 .
- a carriage 142 is slidably fixed over rail 134 .
- the outside vertical face of carriage 142 includes a stud 144 A, a stud 144 B and stud 144 C.
- An activation lever 146 contains a stud 148 A, a stud 148 B and a stud 148 C.
- Lever 146 is pivotally mounted on stud 144 A and is held in place by an e-ring clip 150 .
- a limit switch 152 A is mounted to the outside face of post 136 A using a set of screws 154 .
- a limit switch 152 B is mounted to the outside face of post 136 B using screws 154 .
- a limit switch 152 C is mounted to the top face of rail 134 using screws 154 .
- An extension spring 156 is connected between stud 144 B and stud 148 A.
- the inside vertical face of carriage 142 contains a slot 158 .
- a hub 160 is connected to a crank arm 162 which has a cam roller 164 mounted to its end. Roller 164 rides in slot 158 .
- Hub 160 is mounted on the output shaft of reducer 120 .
- rod subassembly 22 includes a tube 166 at the front end of which is connected a yoke 168 .
- Yoke 168 includes a through hole 170 and a slot 172 .
- a pair of cylindrical projections 174 A and 174 B are concentric to hole 174 and project a short distance past the inside faces of slot 172 .
- a flat end 176 is attached to the rear end of tube 166 .
- a through hole 178 is located at the rear end of end 176 .
- FIG. 10 shows how the output of mechanism 124 is transmitted to arm subassembly 16 through rod subassembly 22 .
- Flat end 176 is pivotally mounted on stud 148 B and is secured in place by an e-clip 180 .
- Cylindrical Projections 174 A and 174 B ride in channel 106 .
- the location of yoke 168 along channel 106 is selected by a locating pin 182 .
- control panel subassembly 20 includes a control box 184 which is mounted to a support tube 186 .
- Tube 186 is pivotally mounted on support stud 50 .
- Box 184 includes a display screen 188 , a three position DPDT control switch 190 , and a pair of normally open momentary push button switches 192 A and 192 B.
- FIG. 12 shows a control circuit schematic 194 which controls the operation of machine 10 .
- Components of circuit 194 contained in box 184 include a transformer 196 and a low voltage relay 198 .
- Circuit 194 is supplied with a standard AC voltage source 200 .
- Transformer 196 steps down the supplied 120 VAC to a safe lower level.
- Relay 198 operates at the low voltage supplied by transformer 196 and is capable of switching the supplied 120 VAC.
- Components of circuit 194 external to box 184 include switch 190 , switches 192 A and 192 B, switches 152 A, 152 B and 152 C, and motor 118 .
- Diagram 202 includes components internal and external to box 184 .
- External components include strain gauges 96 A, 96 B, 96 C and 96 D, connected to form a whetstone bridge 202 A, and strain gauges 96 E, 96 F, 96 G and 96 H, connected to form a second whetstone bridge 202 B.
- a source of electrical potential V supplies the excitation voltage to bridges 202 A and 202 B.
- Internal components include a pair of amplifiers 204 A and 204 B, a pair of analog to digital converters 206 A and 206 B, a micro-processer 208 and a multifunction display 210 .
- the arrangement shown in FIG. 13 is well known in the art.
- a user 212 first takes position in seat subassembly 14 as shown in FIG. 14 : seated on seat bottom 70 with his or her back against back rest 52 .
- Seat subassembly 14 acts as a positioning system to allow adjustment of the position of user 212 relative to the arm subassembly 16 . If control panel subassembly 20 is positioned in front of seat subassembly 14 , user 212 can rotate control panel subassembly 20 to one side to gain access to seat bottom 70 . Once seated, user 212 rotates control panel subassembly 20 to its position in front of seat subassembly 14 .
- user 212 first adjusts the position of seat subassembly 14 to suit user 212 's seated shoulder height and reach.
- arm subassembly 16 should be in the fully contracted position, referred to as the initial position. If arm subassembly 16 is not already in this position, it may be moved there by placing control switch 190 into the adjustment mode position and pressing and holding switch 192 B. This action supplies low voltage DC power to relay 198 , which is activated and provides 120 VAC power to motor 118 .
- drive subassembly 18 resumes its cycle at whatever point it stopped at previously, meaning that it may first cause arm subassembly 16 to move towards the fully extended position before moving towards the fully contracted position.
- seat subassembly 14 adjustment can be achieved.
- User 212 adjusts the vertical position of seat subassembly 14 to a comfortable position to grasp upper horizontal portions of tube 90 . This will put user 212 's shoulder joint generally even with the upper horizontal sections of tube 90 . This adjustment is accomplished by removing pin 74 from bracket 60 , moving seat bottom 70 and attached bar 64 up or down as required, and replacing pin 74 back through hole 62 in bracket 60 and hole 66 in bar 64 closest to the desired position.
- User 212 then adjusts the front to back position of seat subassembly 14 to a comfortable position to grasp upper horizontal sections of tube 90 as close to user 212 's chest as is comfortable.
- This adjustment is accomplished by removing pin 88 from hole 78 , moving seat subassembly 14 to the rear or front as required, and replacing pin 88 through hole 78 in carriage 76 and hole 26 in member 24 B closest to the desired position.
- This type of adjustable seat is well known in the art.
- user 212 adjusts the fully extended position of arm subassembly 16 to a comfortable position. Ideally this position will allow user 212 , with his or her back firmly against back rest 52 and applying considerable force against the upper horizontal sections of tube 90 , close to full extension of his or her arms without locking the elbows, as depicted in FIG. 15 .
- This adjustment is accomplished by removing pin 182 from hole 170 and moving yoke 168 of rod subassembly 22 up or down in channel 106 . Moving yoke 168 up will move arm subassembly 16 towards user 212 , resulting in a shorter total stroke.
- the fully extended position may be set while arm subassembly 16 is in the fully contracted position by removing pin 182 from hole 170 and moving yoke 168 of rod subassembly 22 up or down in channel 106 until hole 170 lines up with the pre-known hole 108 in channel 106 .
- seat subassembly 14 and arm subassembly 16 are adjusted, user 212 could choose to follow the steps outlined above and return arm subassembly 16 to the start position prior to beginning the exercise, or user 212 could begin the exercise from the fully extended position of arm subassembly 16 .
- user 212 places control switch 190 into the ON position. With user 212 's back against back rest 52 , user 212 then grasps the two collinear upper horizontal sections of arm subassembly 16 and pushes them away from the his or her body.
- Seat subassembly 14 acts as a buttress to counter the user force applied to arm subassembly 16 and keep user 212 in place.
- the force applied by user 212 creates tensile force in rod 22 which transmits the force to lever 146 .
- the force must be sufficient to overcome the pre-loaded tension in spring 156 .
- This pre-load is selected to provide a means to automatically shut off power to electric motor 118 and hence the motion of arm subassembly 16 once user 212 removes force from arm subassembly 16 , and to prevent inadvertent low force contact with arm subassembly 16 from starting the machine at an undesirable time.
- rod subassembly 22 pulls lever 146 against stud 144 D. This movement forces stud 148 C into limit switch 152 C.
- the power output of motor 118 is chosen so that the rotational speed of the motor 118 and reducer 120 , and hence the cycle speed of mechanism 124 do not vary significantly regardless of the force applied by user 212 to arm subassembly 16 .
- the cycle speed is chosen so that from the aspect of user 212 , the movement may be considered quasi-static, resulting in a natural reaction force generated by machine 10 through arm subassembly 16 that has the same magnitude but the opposite direction of the force applied by user 212 .
- User 212 may also chose to apply the minimum force necessary to overcome the pre-loaded tension in spring 156 during the movement of arm subassembly 16 towards the fully extended position, and then apply full available strength during the movement of arm subassembly 16 towards the fully contracted position.
- FIG. 16 A second embodiment of the exercise machine, designated broadly as 214 , is illustrated in FIG. 16 .
- machine 214 is configured to perform a shoulder press exercise.
- machine 214 contains seat subassembly 14 , arm subassembly 16 , drive subassembly 18 , control panel subassembly 20 and connecting rod subassembly 22 .
- These subassemblies have the same form and function as in the first embodiment described above.
- the only substantial difference in form is in the frame subassembly, herein designated as 12 ′.
- the frame members have been rearranged and additional members added to facilitate the different exercise movement.
- FIG. 17 A third embodiment of the exercise machine, designated broadly as 216 , is illustrated in FIG. 17 .
- machine 216 is configured to perform a leg press exercise.
- machine 216 contains seat subassembly 14 , drive subassembly 18 , control panel subassembly 20 and connecting rod subassembly 22 .
- These subassemblies have the same form and function as in the first embodiment described above. The only substantial differences in form are in the frame subassembly, herein designated as 12 ′′, and the arm subassembly, herein designated as 16 ′.
- the frame members in the third embodiment have been rearranged and additional members added to facilitate the different exercise movement.
- the arm subassembly has been reconfigured to interact with the user's feet.
- FIG. 18 studs 144 B, 144 C, and 144 D, switch 152 C and spring 156 in mechanism 124 are replaced with studs 144 B′, 144 C′, and 144 D′, switch 152 C′ and spring 156 ′.
- Switch 152 C′ is wired in circuit 194 just as switch 152 C is.
- This embodiment of mechanism 124 is designated broadly by 124 ′ in FIG. 18 . If mechanism 124 in machine 214 is replaced with mechanism 124 ′ then machine 214 embodiment becomes a pull down exercise machine embodiment.
- machine 10 embodiment shown in FIG. 1 if seat subassembly 14 is rotated 180 degrees about its vertical axis, and mechanism 124 is replaced with mechanism 124 ′, machine 10 embodiment becomes a rowing exercise machine embodiment.
- mechanism 124 may be configured as shown in FIG. 19 .
- Lever 146 is balanced between the two pre-tensioned springs 156 and 156 ′ such that rotation of lever 146 is resisted in both directions.
- Studs 144 C and 144 D′ are positioned to allow sufficient movement of lever 146 in both directions so that full movement in one direction causes stud 148 C to activate switch 152 C while full movement in the opposite direction causes stud 148 C to activate switch 152 C′.
- Switch 152 C′ is wired in parallel with switch 152 C so that activation of either switch 152 C or switch 152 C′ will activate circuit 194 .
- This embodiment of mechanism 124 is designated broadly by 124 ′′ in FIG. 19 . If mechanism 124 is replaced with mechanism 124 ′′ in machine 10 , then machine 10 becomes a combination chest press and rowing machine. If mechanism 124 is replaced with mechanism 124 ′′ in machine 214 , then machine 214 becomes a combination shoulder press and pull down machine.
- Mechanism 124 in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be modified to include a cam 218 and a follower 220 as shown in FIG. 20 , a face cam 222 and follower 220 as shown in FIG. 21 , or a six bar linkage 224 as shown in FIG. 22 .
- the exercise machines of the various embodiments will provide exercise for the user that has both controlled motion that does not vary significantly regardless of the force applied by the user, and supplies a resistance as a consequence of the natural reactive force that matches the force applied by the user, regardless of magnitude or fluctuation. Furthermore, the exercise machine has the additional advantages in that:
- frame 12 may include additional members, certain components may be formed from multiple pieces, motor 118 may be directly connected to speed reducer 120 , or motor 118 may be integrated with speed reducer 120 forming a gearmotor.
- motor 118 may be directly connected to speed reducer 120
- motor 118 may be integrated with speed reducer 120 forming a gearmotor.
Abstract
An exercise machine with controlled motion and user force matching resistance. The machine includes a frame to which is rigidly mounted a motor driven reciprocating drive. A user engageable arm is pivotally mounted to the frame. The reciprocating drive is connected to the arm by a rigid connecting rod. The reciprocating drive drives the arm through a predetermined stroke following a pre-determined velocity profile. The user performs the exercise by applying force to the arm. The arm applies a generally equal counterforce to the force applied by the user. The pre-determined motion of the arm is generally independent of the force applied by the user. The stroke of the arm has a fixed fully contracted position and a user adjustable fully extended position. Adjustments to the fully extended position are made by changing the location of the joint between the connecting rod and the arm. Motion of the arm starts upon application of force applied by the user, and stops when the user force is removed.
Description
- Controlled movement exercise with user force matching resistance is recognized as a highly effective form of exercise since it allows the user to exert the maximum force he or she is capable of at each position throughout the full range of the exercise motion. It is also considered as among the safest forms of resistance exercise and is employed in machines used for physical therapy.
- Despite these advantages, machines using controlled movement with user force matching resistance are rarely seen outside rehabilitation clinics due to their high cost, complexity and difficulty of adjustment and operation. Much of the complexity and cost comes from the motion and resistance controlling features themselves, as they include specialized electro-mechanical actuators, complex feedback features and often computer control in order to provide controlled movement resistance. Many make use of stepper or servo motors which in addition to being more expensive than a standard 120 volt single phase electric motor, have the additional expense of requiring a specialized power supply called an amplifier or driver.
- Most of the prior art machines use some form of geared drive between the motor and the output arm. However, there have been some attempts made at producing a machine using a linkage between the motor and the output arm, but all have had shortcomings. U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,933 to Schnell (1987) shows one such attempt using a crank mechanism driven by an electric motor. However, the design specifies that the electric motor be a reversible variable speed/variable torque type motor, which will require a control circuit to control the motor thereby adding to the expense of the machine. The means of adjusting the output stroke shown, simply changing the length of the crank or rocker arms, will simultaneously change the starting and ending points of the exercise stroke, likely causing the user to have to change position. The starting and stopping of the machine is in control of the user and is performed by an action of a body part, such as a hand or foot, which is not being exercised.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,801 to Schnell (1989) shows another device using a flexible transmission member attached to a motor-driven crank to a user-actuated member. However, this device requires that the user activate the motor by the separate act of activating a switch either by hand or foot. There is also no provision to have the motor-driven crank stop or start in any particular position to allow for ease of adjustment or having a definite starting point to begin the exercise. Also, removal of the user force does not stop the motor. Furthermore, the stroke adjustment means shown will simultaneously change the starting and ending points of the exercise stroke, likely causing the user to have to change position.
- Accordingly several advantages of one or more aspects are as follows: to provide an exercise device with controlled motion and user force matching resistance in which the motion and resistance features are driven by a standard 120 volt single phase electric motor, which supplies resistance in response to force generated by the user regardless of magnitude or fluctuation, which starts automatically on application of user force and stops automatically on removal of user force, which allows the user to perform both concentric and eccentric contractions, which does not require feedback or computer controls to provide resistance and maintain velocity, in which forced concentric contractions and eccentric contractions may be safely performed without a spotter, in which eccentric contractions only training is possible without a spotter, and which is simple for the user to adjust and operate. Other advantages of one or more aspects will be apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exercise machine in accordance with a first embodiment. -
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the frame subassembly from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the adjustable seat subassembly from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the exercise arm subassembly from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 5 shows an exploded detail view fromFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the reciprocating drive from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the reciprocating mechanism from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the reciprocating mechanism from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the connecting rod subassembly from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 10 shows the connecting rod subassembly connections from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the control panel subassembly from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 12 shows an electrical schematic of the operating circuit from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 13 shows a block diagram detailing force measured and displayed from the first embodiment. -
FIG. 14 shows the user seated in the exercise machine from the first embodiment with the exercise arm in the fully contracted position. -
FIG. 15 shows the user seated in the exercise machine from the first embodiment with the exercise arm in the fully extended position. -
FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an exercise machine in accordance with a second embodiment. -
FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an exercise machine in accordance with a third embodiment. -
FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a second embodiment. -
FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a third embodiment. -
FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a fourth embodiment. -
FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a fifth embodiment. -
FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a reciprocating mechanism in accordance with a sixth embodiment. - A first embodiment of the exercise machine, designated broadly as 10, is illustrated in
FIG. 1 . In thisembodiment machine 10 is configured to perform a chest press exercise.Machine 10 includes a base orframe subassembly 12 to which is slidably connected an adjustable user support or seat subassembly 14. Anexercise arm subassembly 16 is pivotally connected toframe 12. A reciprocatingdrive subassembly 18 is fixedly connected toframe 12. Acontrol panel subassembly 20 is pivotally connected toframe 12. The output ofdrive subassembly 18 is connected to arm subassembly 16 by a link or connectingrod subassembly 22. These components are described in detail below. - Referring to
FIG. 2 ,frame 12 includes a group oflongitudinal frame members Member 24B includes a series ofholes 26.Holes 26 extend through both vertical faces ofmember 24B, and are used in adjusting the longitudinal position of seat subassembly 14.Members transverse frame member 28A and atransverse frame member 28B. A group of threadedholes 30 through the top horizontal faces ofmembers frame 12. These assembled members are held off the floor by a group offeet 32. A threadedhole 34 is located at two places on the front vertical face ofmember 28A.Holes 34 are used to attach a pair ofsplit bearing assemblies 36. Eachbearing subassembly 36 includes abearing base section 38 having a set of throughholes 40 and a bearingtop section 42 having a set of throughholes 44. Bothbase section 38 and bearingtop 42 have a half-cylindricalcut bearing surface 46. A set ofbolts 48 pass throughholes 44 in bearingtop 42,holes 40 inbase section 38 and intoholes 34, securing bearingassemblies 36 tomember 28A. -
FIG. 3 shows details ofseat subassembly 14 which includes aback rest 52 connected to anupright column 54 using a set ofbolts 56 through a group ofholes 58 into threaded holes (not shown) in the rear face ofback rest 52. Aseat holder bracket 60 is fixedly connected to the lower portion ofcolumn 54.Bracket 60 includes ahole 62 that extends through both sides ofbracket 60. Aseat adjustment bar 64 containing a group of adjustment holes 66 extending through both vertical side faces and a group ofholes 68 in the top surface, is fixedly connected to the underside of a seat bottom 70 by a set ofbolts 72 which go throughholes 68 into a group of threaded holes (not shown) in the bottom face of seat bottom 70. Aseat adjustment pin 74 extends throughhole 62 inbracket 60 and one ofholes 66 inbar 64. Acarriage 76 is fixed to the bottom ofcolumn 54.Carriage 76 has ahole 78 extending through both sides ofcarriage 76 and a set ofholes 80 extending through both sides ofcarriage 76. A pair ofrods 82 extends through holes 80.Rods 82 have agroove 84 at each end. An e-clip 86 fits intogroove 84 at each end to holdrods 82 incarriage 76.Carriage 76 is slidably mounted onmember 24B. Downward and sideways motion ofcarriage 76 is prevented by the body ofcarriage 76, while upward motion is prevented byrods 82.Carriage 76, and therebyseat subassembly 14, can slide along the length ofmember 24B. To secure the position ofseat subassembly 14, apin 88 is inserted throughhole 78 incarriage 76 and into one ofholes 26 inmember 24B. - Referring to
FIGS. 4-5 ,arm subassembly 16 includes anarm tube 90 having a lower horizontal section, two vertical sections and two collinear upper horizontal sections separated by a gap. A group offlanges tube 90.Flange 92C has a series of through holes 94 laid out in a circular pattern. A pair ofstrain gauges tube 90. A second pair ofstrain gauges tube 90. A pair ofstrain gauges tube 90. A second pair ofstrain gauges tube 90. Anadjustment plate 98 has a series of tappedholes 100 laid out in a circular pattern, and acutout 102 which allows it to fit over the lower horizontal section oftube 90.Plate 98 is attached toflange 92 C using bolts 104.Plate 98 has a circular arc shapedchannel 106 with a series of throughholes 108 running along the center of the channel, and tappedholes 110 in the top surface. Acap 112 has a pair of throughholes 114 and is mounted to the top ofplate 98 with a pair ofbolts 116. - Referring to
FIG. 6 , drivesubassembly 18 includes anelectric motor 118, aspeed reducer 120, astand 122 and areciprocating mechanism subassembly 124.Speed reducer 120 is mounted to stand 122 using bolts (not shown). Stand 122,motor 118 andmechanism 124 are mounted on abase plate 126 using bolts partially shown. Adrive pulley 128 is mounted on the output shaft ofmotor 118. A drivenpulley 130 is mounted on the input shaft ofspeed reducer 120. Drivepulley 128 drives drivenpulley 130 through aflexible belt 132. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 ,mechanism 124 includes aguide rail 134, supported by afront post 136A and arear post 136B.Rail 134 is attached to post 136A and post 136B by a pair ofbolts 138. A set of throughholes 140 in the bottom flange ofpost 136A and post 136B allowmechanism 124 to be attached toplate 126. Acarriage 142 is slidably fixed overrail 134. The outside vertical face ofcarriage 142 includes astud 144A, astud 144B andstud 144C. Anactivation lever 146 contains astud 148A, astud 148B and astud 148C.Lever 146 is pivotally mounted onstud 144A and is held in place by ane-ring clip 150. Alimit switch 152A is mounted to the outside face ofpost 136A using a set ofscrews 154. Alimit switch 152B is mounted to the outside face ofpost 136 B using screws 154. Alimit switch 152C is mounted to the top face ofrail 134 usingscrews 154. Anextension spring 156 is connected betweenstud 144B andstud 148A. The inside vertical face ofcarriage 142 contains aslot 158. Ahub 160 is connected to a crankarm 162 which has acam roller 164 mounted to its end.Roller 164 rides inslot 158.Hub 160 is mounted on the output shaft ofreducer 120. - Referring to
FIG. 9 ,rod subassembly 22 includes atube 166 at the front end of which is connected ayoke 168.Yoke 168 includes a throughhole 170 and aslot 172. A pair ofcylindrical projections slot 172. Aflat end 176 is attached to the rear end oftube 166. A throughhole 178 is located at the rear end ofend 176. -
FIG. 10 shows how the output ofmechanism 124 is transmitted toarm subassembly 16 throughrod subassembly 22.Flat end 176 is pivotally mounted onstud 148B and is secured in place by ane-clip 180.Cylindrical Projections channel 106. The location ofyoke 168 alongchannel 106 is selected by a locatingpin 182. Referring toFIG. 11 ,control panel subassembly 20 includes acontrol box 184 which is mounted to asupport tube 186.Tube 186 is pivotally mounted onsupport stud 50.Box 184 includes adisplay screen 188, a three positionDPDT control switch 190, and a pair of normally open momentarypush button switches -
FIG. 12 shows a control circuit schematic 194 which controls the operation ofmachine 10. Components ofcircuit 194 contained inbox 184 include atransformer 196 and alow voltage relay 198.Circuit 194 is supplied with a standardAC voltage source 200.Transformer 196 steps down the supplied 120 VAC to a safe lower level.Relay 198 operates at the low voltage supplied bytransformer 196 and is capable of switching the supplied 120 VAC. Components ofcircuit 194 external tobox 184 includeswitch 190,switches motor 118. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , a display output diagram 202 is shown which details the operation of the display. Diagram 202 includes components internal and external tobox 184. External components includestrain gauges whetstone bridge 202A, andstrain gauges second whetstone bridge 202B. A source of electrical potential V supplies the excitation voltage tobridges amplifiers digital converters multifunction display 210. The arrangement shown inFIG. 13 is well known in the art. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 , thru 15, to usemachine 10, auser 212 first takes position inseat subassembly 14 as shown inFIG. 14 : seated on seat bottom 70 with his or her back againstback rest 52.Seat subassembly 14 acts as a positioning system to allow adjustment of the position ofuser 212 relative to thearm subassembly 16. Ifcontrol panel subassembly 20 is positioned in front ofseat subassembly 14,user 212 can rotatecontrol panel subassembly 20 to one side to gain access toseat bottom 70. Once seated,user 212 rotatescontrol panel subassembly 20 to its position in front ofseat subassembly 14. To perform the exercise,user 212 first adjusts the position ofseat subassembly 14 to suituser 212's seated shoulder height and reach. To begin these adjustments armsubassembly 16 should be in the fully contracted position, referred to as the initial position. Ifarm subassembly 16 is not already in this position, it may be moved there by placingcontrol switch 190 into the adjustment mode position and pressing and holdingswitch 192B. This action supplies low voltage DC power to relay 198, which is activated and provides 120 VAC power tomotor 118. At thispoint drive subassembly 18 resumes its cycle at whatever point it stopped at previously, meaning that it may firstcause arm subassembly 16 to move towards the fully extended position before moving towards the fully contracted position. Oncearm subassembly 16 moves near its fully contracted position,carriage 142 contacts and activateslimit switch 152B, opening the circuit, removing power fromrelay 198, which removes 120 VAC power frommotor 118. There will be some rotational inertia ofmotor 118 that will continue to movedrive subassembly 18 and hencearm subassembly 16 slightly further. The activation point oflimit switch 152B can be adjusted to account for this additional motion, so that the final stopping point is as close to the fully contracted position as possible. Alternately an electromagnetic brake may be added to quickly stopmotor 118's rotation. - Once
arm subassembly 16 is in the fully contracted position,seat subassembly 14 adjustment can be achieved.User 212 adjusts the vertical position ofseat subassembly 14 to a comfortable position to grasp upper horizontal portions oftube 90. This will putuser 212's shoulder joint generally even with the upper horizontal sections oftube 90. This adjustment is accomplished by removingpin 74 frombracket 60, moving seat bottom 70 and attachedbar 64 up or down as required, and replacingpin 74 back throughhole 62 inbracket 60 andhole 66 inbar 64 closest to the desired position.User 212 then adjusts the front to back position ofseat subassembly 14 to a comfortable position to grasp upper horizontal sections oftube 90 as close touser 212's chest as is comfortable. This adjustment is accomplished by removingpin 88 fromhole 78, movingseat subassembly 14 to the rear or front as required, and replacingpin 88 throughhole 78 incarriage 76 andhole 26 inmember 24B closest to the desired position. This type of adjustable seat is well known in the art. - The adjustments of
seat subassembly 14 being completed,user 212 next adjusts the fully extended point of the stroke ofarm subassembly 16. Withcontrol switch 190 in the adjustmentmode position user 212 presses and holdsadjustment switch 192A. This action supplies low voltage DC power to relay 198, which is activated and provides 120 VAC power tomotor 118. At thispoint drive subassembly 18 resumes its cycle at whatever point it stopped at previously, meaning that it may firstcause arm subassembly 16 to move towards the fully contracted position before moving towards the fully extended position. Oncearm subassembly 16 moves near its fully extended position,carriage 142 contacts and activateslimit switch 152A, opening the circuit, removing power fromrelay 198, which removes 120 VAC power frommotor 118. There will be some rotational inertia ofmotor 118 that will continue to movedrive subassembly 18 and hencearm subassembly 16 slightly further. The activation point oflimit switch 152A can be adjusted to account for this additional motion, so that the final stopping point is as close to the fully extended position as possible. Alternately an electromagnetic brake may be added to quickly stopmotor 118's rotation. - At this
point user 212 adjusts the fully extended position ofarm subassembly 16 to a comfortable position. Ideally this position will allowuser 212, with his or her back firmly againstback rest 52 and applying considerable force against the upper horizontal sections oftube 90, close to full extension of his or her arms without locking the elbows, as depicted inFIG. 15 . This adjustment is accomplished by removingpin 182 fromhole 170 and movingyoke 168 ofrod subassembly 22 up or down inchannel 106. Movingyoke 168 up will movearm subassembly 16 towardsuser 212, resulting in a shorter total stroke. Movingyoke 168 down will movearm subassembly 16 away fromuser 212, resulting in a longer total stroke. Once the desired fully extended position ofarm subassembly 16 is determined,pin 182 is reinserted intohole 170 inyoke 168 andhole 108 inplate 98 closest to the desired position. This adjustment of the fully extended position ofarm subassembly 16 does not affect the fully contracted position ofarm subassembly 16 thereby requiring no adjustments ofseat subassembly 14. This is because the pattern of adjustment holes 108 inplate 98 are located on an circular arc, the radius of which is equal to the distance betweenholes rod subassembly 22, and the center of which is concentric withstud 148B whenarm subassembly 16 is in the fully contracted position. This means that once the initial seat adjustments are made, they do not need to be further adjusted for changes to the fully extended position ofarm subassembly 16. This design feature allows an alternative method of fully extended position adjustment. Ifuser 212 has usedmachine 10 in the past and is familiar with the desired fully extended position ofarm subassembly 16, the fully extended position may be set whilearm subassembly 16 is in the fully contracted position by removingpin 182 fromhole 170 and movingyoke 168 ofrod subassembly 22 up or down inchannel 106 untilhole 170 lines up with thepre-known hole 108 inchannel 106. - Once
seat subassembly 14 andarm subassembly 16 are adjusted,user 212 could choose to follow the steps outlined above and returnarm subassembly 16 to the start position prior to beginning the exercise, oruser 212 could begin the exercise from the fully extended position ofarm subassembly 16. To begin the exercise,user 212 places controlswitch 190 into the ON position. Withuser 212's back againstback rest 52,user 212 then grasps the two collinear upper horizontal sections ofarm subassembly 16 and pushes them away from the his or her body.Seat subassembly 14 acts as a buttress to counter the user force applied toarm subassembly 16 and keepuser 212 in place. The force applied byuser 212 creates tensile force inrod 22 which transmits the force to lever 146. The force must be sufficient to overcome the pre-loaded tension inspring 156. This pre-load is selected to provide a means to automatically shut off power toelectric motor 118 and hence the motion ofarm subassembly 16 onceuser 212 removes force fromarm subassembly 16, and to prevent inadvertent low force contact witharm subassembly 16 from starting the machine at an undesirable time. Once this initial force is overcome,rod subassembly 22 pullslever 146 againststud 144D. This movement forcesstud 148C intolimit switch 152C. This completes the circuit supplying low voltage DC to relay 198 which thereby supplies 120 VAC toelectric motor 118. This causesdrive subassembly 18 to begin cycling through its motion, driving the stroke ofarm subassembly 16.Arm subassembly 16 will continue to cycle between the positions ofFIGS. 14 and 15 as long as sufficient force is applied byuser 212 to overcome the preloaded force inspring 156. As aconsequence user 212 can start out the exercise with his or her full strength and continue untiluser 212's strength is insufficient to overcome the pre-loaded tension inspring 156. The power output ofmotor 118 is chosen so that the rotational speed of themotor 118 andreducer 120, and hence the cycle speed ofmechanism 124 do not vary significantly regardless of the force applied byuser 212 toarm subassembly 16. In addition, the cycle speed is chosen so that from the aspect ofuser 212, the movement may be considered quasi-static, resulting in a natural reaction force generated bymachine 10 througharm subassembly 16 that has the same magnitude but the opposite direction of the force applied byuser 212.User 212 may also chose to apply the minimum force necessary to overcome the pre-loaded tension inspring 156 during the movement ofarm subassembly 16 towards the fully extended position, and then apply full available strength during the movement ofarm subassembly 16 towards the fully contracted position. This would constitute an eccentric contractions only exercise; know commonly in resistance training as negatives. These eccentric only contractions can also be added at the end of a concentric/eccentric exercise once the muscles become too exhausted to perform concentric contractions. These eccentric only or eccentric only after exhaustion movements are normally performed with the aid of a spotter who supplies the needed additional force to perform the concentric contraction, while allowinguser 212 to perform the eccentric portion. - A second embodiment of the exercise machine, designated broadly as 214, is illustrated in
FIG. 16 . In thisembodiment machine 214 is configured to perform a shoulder press exercise. As shown inFIG. 16 ,machine 214 containsseat subassembly 14,arm subassembly 16,drive subassembly 18,control panel subassembly 20 and connectingrod subassembly 22. These subassemblies have the same form and function as in the first embodiment described above. The only substantial difference in form is in the frame subassembly, herein designated as 12′. The frame members have been rearranged and additional members added to facilitate the different exercise movement. - A third embodiment of the exercise machine, designated broadly as 216, is illustrated in
FIG. 17 . In thisembodiment machine 216 is configured to perform a leg press exercise. As shown inFIG. 17 ,machine 216 containsseat subassembly 14,drive subassembly 18,control panel subassembly 20 and connectingrod subassembly 22. These subassemblies have the same form and function as in the first embodiment described above. The only substantial differences in form are in the frame subassembly, herein designated as 12″, and the arm subassembly, herein designated as 16′. As in the second embodiment above, the frame members in the third embodiment have been rearranged and additional members added to facilitate the different exercise movement. The arm subassembly has been reconfigured to interact with the user's feet. - Additional embodiments of some subassemblies of the machine can provide additional capabilities. For example, in
FIG. 18 studs spring 156 inmechanism 124 are replaced withstuds 144B′, 144C′, and 144D′,switch 152C′ andspring 156′.Switch 152C′ is wired incircuit 194 just asswitch 152C is. With these changes, application of a compressive force onrod 22 rather than a tensile force onrod 22 will rotate lever 146 towardswitch 152C′, forcingstud 148C intoswitch 152C′ to activatecircuit 194. This embodiment ofmechanism 124 is designated broadly by 124′ inFIG. 18 . Ifmechanism 124 inmachine 214 is replaced withmechanism 124′ thenmachine 214 embodiment becomes a pull down exercise machine embodiment. - Similarly in
machine 10 embodiment shown inFIG. 1 , ifseat subassembly 14 is rotated 180 degrees about its vertical axis, andmechanism 124 is replaced withmechanism 124′,machine 10 embodiment becomes a rowing exercise machine embodiment. - Additionally,
mechanism 124 may be configured as shown inFIG. 19 . In thisconfiguration studs Spring 156 are combined withstuds 144B′, and 144D′,switch 152C′ andspring 156′.Lever 146 is balanced between the twopre-tensioned springs lever 146 is resisted in both directions.Studs lever 146 in both directions so that full movement in one direction causesstud 148C to activateswitch 152C while full movement in the opposite direction causesstud 148C to activateswitch 152C′.Switch 152C′ is wired in parallel withswitch 152C so that activation of eitherswitch 152C or switch 152C′ will activatecircuit 194. This embodiment ofmechanism 124 is designated broadly by 124″ inFIG. 19 . Ifmechanism 124 is replaced withmechanism 124″ inmachine 10, thenmachine 10 becomes a combination chest press and rowing machine. Ifmechanism 124 is replaced withmechanism 124″ inmachine 214, thenmachine 214 becomes a combination shoulder press and pull down machine.Mechanism 124 inFIGS. 7 and 8 may be modified to include acam 218 and afollower 220 as shown inFIG. 20 , aface cam 222 andfollower 220 as shown inFIG. 21 , or a sixbar linkage 224 as shown inFIG. 22 . - Accordingly, the reader will see that the exercise machines of the various embodiments will provide exercise for the user that has both controlled motion that does not vary significantly regardless of the force applied by the user, and supplies a resistance as a consequence of the natural reactive force that matches the force applied by the user, regardless of magnitude or fluctuation. Furthermore, the exercise machine has the additional advantages in that:
-
- it is powered by a standard 120 volt single phase electric motor;
- it starts automatically on application of user force and stops automatically on removal of user force;
- it allows the user to perform both concentric and eccentric contractions;
- it does not require feedback or computer controls to provide resistance and maintain velocity;
- it allows forced concentric contractions and eccentric contractions may be safely performed without a spotter;
- it allows eccentric contraction only training without a spotter;
- it is simple for the user to adjust and operate.
- While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustration of some of several embodiments. For
example frame 12 may include additional members, certain components may be formed from multiple pieces,motor 118 may be directly connected to speedreducer 120, ormotor 118 may be integrated withspeed reducer 120 forming a gearmotor. Thus the scope of the embodiments the should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
Claims (20)
1. An exercise machine, comprising in combination:
a frame;
an arm pivotally connected to said frame, configured to engage an exercising user;
a reciprocating drive means for driving said arm, said reciprocating drive means being fixedly mounted to said frame;
a rigid connecting means for connecting said arm and said reciprocating drive means so that movement of said reciprocating drive means causes said arm to move in response thereto, said arm being constrained thereby to move along a stroke path between a fully contracted position closest to said user, and a fully extended position furthest from said user, said fully contracted position being fixed and said fully extended position being adjustable; and
adjustment means for adjusting said fully extended position of said arm without changing said fully contracted position.
2. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein said user achieves exercise by applying force against said arm during movement of said arm along said stroke path.
3. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein said reciprocating drive means includes an electric motor operatively connected to a mechanical speed reducer which is operatively connected to a reciprocating mechanism, said reciprocating mechanism providing the output of said reciprocating drive means.
4. The exercise machine defined in claim 3 , wherein the output power of said electric motor is predetermined such that a generally constant rotational speed is maintained, generally irrespective of the force applied to said arm by said user.
5. The exercise machine defined in claim 3 wherein said reciprocating mechanism includes a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a scotch yoke mechanism, a cam and cam follower, a face cam and cam follower, and a six bar linkage.
6. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein said reciprocating drive means provides a predetermined generally equal duration of the extension and contraction strokes of said arm.
7. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein said reciprocating drive means provides a predetermined unequal duration of the extension and contraction strokes of said arm.
8. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein said reciprocating drive means is activated upon said user applying a predetermined force against said arm.
9. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein said reciprocating drive means is deactivated upon said user removing applied force against said arm.
10. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , further including a bracing means for holding said user in a selected position relative to said arm and counteracting force exerted by said user upon said arm, said bracing means being slidably mounted to said frame, the position of said bracing means being adjustable in relation to said arm and fixable once desired position is reached.
11. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein a positioning means allows the user to activate said reciprocating drive means to move said arm to either said fully extended position and have it stop there or to said fully contracted position and have it stop there.
12. The exercise machine defined in claim 1 , wherein said adjustment means is comprised of a first attachment point of said rigid connecting means being pivotally connected to the output of said reciprocating drive means and a second attachment point of said rigid connecting means being slidably and pivotally connected to an element of said arm, said element having multiple attachment points laid out in a circular arc such that the radius of said circular arc is equal to the distance between said first attachment point of said rigid connecting means and said second attachment point of said rigid connecting means and the center point of said circular arc coincides with said connection between said first attachment point of said rigid connecting means and said output of said reciprocating drive means when said arm is in said fully contracted position, wherein adjustment is achieved by changing said connection of said second attachment point of said rigid connecting means from the existing said attachment point of said element of said arm to a nonidentical attachment point of said element of said arm selected from said multiple attachment points on said element of said arm.
13. An exercise machine, comprising in combination:
a frame;
an arm pivotally connected to said frame, configured to engage an exercising user;
a reciprocating drive fixedly mounted to said frame, said drive including an electric motor operatively connected to a mechanical speed reducer the output of which is operatively connected a reciprocating mechanism, wherein said reciprocating mechanism provides the output of said reciprocating drive;
a rigid connecting rod having a first attachment point and a second attachment point separated by a predetermined distance for connecting the output of said reciprocating drive to said arm so that movement of said reciprocating drive causes said arm to move in response thereto, said arm being constrained thereby to move along a stroke path between a fully contracted position closest to said user, and a fully extended position furthest from said user, said fully contracted position being fixed and said fully extended position being adjustable;
a adjustment feature for adjusting said fully extended position of said arm without changing said fully contracted position, said adjustment feature comprising said first attachment point of said rigid connecting rod being pivotally connected to said output of said reciprocating drive and said second attachment point of said rigid connecting rod being slidably and pivotally connected to an element of said arm, said element having multiple attachment points laid out in a circular arc such that the radius of said circular arc equal to the distance between said first attachment point of said rigid connecting rod and said second attachment point of said rigid connecting rod and the center point of said circular arc coincides with said connection between said first attachment point of said rigid connecting rod and said output of said reciprocating drive when said arm is in said fully contracted position, wherein adjustment is achieved by changing said connection of said second attachment point of said rigid connecting rod from the existing said attachment point of said element of said arm to a nonidentical attachment point of said element of said arm selected from said multiple attachment points on said element of said arm; and
a seat slidably mounted to said frame for receiving said user and countering force applied to said arm by said user, said seat including a seat bottom for said user to sit upon and a backrest for supporting the back of said user, the position of said seat being adjustable in a generally horizontal plane in a direction generally perpendicular to the pivotal axis of said arm and said seat bottom being adjustable in a generally vertical plane, said position of said seat being fixable once desired position is reached.
14. The device defined in claim 13 , wherein the output power of said electric motor is predetermined such that a generally constant rotational speed is maintained, generally irrespective of the force applied to said arm by said user.
15. The device defined in claim 13 wherein said reciprocating mechanism includes a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a scotch yoke mechanism, a cam and cam follower, a face cam and cam follower, and a six bar linkage.
16. The device defined in claim 13 , wherein said reciprocating drive provides a predetermined generally equal duration of the extension and contraction strokes of said arm.
17. The exercise machine defined in claim 13 , wherein said reciprocating drive provides a predetermined unequal duration of the extension and contraction strokes of said arm.
18. An exercise machine, comprising in combination:
a frame;
an arm pivotally connected to said frame, configured to engage an exercising user;
a reciprocating drive means for driving said arm, said reciprocating drive means being fixedly mounted to said frame;
a rigid connecting means for connecting said arm and said reciprocating drive means by having a first attachment point connected to the output of said reciprocating drive and a second attachment point connected to an element of said arm, so that movement of said reciprocating drive means causes said arm to move in response thereto, said arm being constrained thereby to move along a stroke path between a fully contracted position closest to said user, and a fully extended position furthest from said user, said fully contracted position being fixed and said fully extended position being adjustable;
adjustment means for adjusting said fully extended position of said arm without changing said fully contracted position, said adjustment means comprising said first attachment point of said rigid connecting means being pivotally connected to said output of said reciprocating drive means and said second attachment point of said rigid connecting means being slidably and pivotally connected to an element of said arm, said element having multiple attachment points laid out in a circular arc such that the radius of said circular arc is equal to said distance between said first attachment point of said rigid connecting means and said second attachment point of said rigid connecting means, and the center point of said circular arc coincides with said connection of said first attachment point of said rigid connecting means to said output of said reciprocating drive means when said arm is in said fully contracted position, wherein adjustment is achieved by changing existing said connecting of said second attachment point of said rigid connecting means from the existing said attachment point of said element of said arm to a nonidentical attachment point of said element of said arm selected from said multiple attachment points on said element of said arm; and
a user support means for receiving said user and countering force applied to said arm by said user, said user support means being slidably mounted to said frame, the position of said user support means being adjustable in relation to said arm and fixable once desired position is reached.
19. The device defined in claim 18 , wherein said reciprocating drive means provides a predetermined generally equal duration of the extension and contraction strokes of said arm.
20. The exercise machine defined in claim 18 , wherein said reciprocating drive means provides a predetermined unequal duration of the extension and contraction strokes of said arm.
Priority Applications (1)
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US14/020,895 US20150072835A1 (en) | 2013-09-08 | 2013-09-08 | Exercise Machine With Controlled Motion and User Force Matching Resistance |
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US14/020,895 US20150072835A1 (en) | 2013-09-08 | 2013-09-08 | Exercise Machine With Controlled Motion and User Force Matching Resistance |
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US20150072835A1 true US20150072835A1 (en) | 2015-03-12 |
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US14/020,895 Abandoned US20150072835A1 (en) | 2013-09-08 | 2013-09-08 | Exercise Machine With Controlled Motion and User Force Matching Resistance |
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