WO2004050191A1 - Appareil d'exercice se fixant a des parties du corps de l'utilisateur - Google Patents

Appareil d'exercice se fixant a des parties du corps de l'utilisateur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004050191A1
WO2004050191A1 PCT/US2000/026354 US0026354W WO2004050191A1 WO 2004050191 A1 WO2004050191 A1 WO 2004050191A1 US 0026354 W US0026354 W US 0026354W WO 2004050191 A1 WO2004050191 A1 WO 2004050191A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
treadmill
human body
frame
resistance
resistance means
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/026354
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
R. Clayton Lee
Michael A. Karr, Jr.
Original Assignee
Clayton Lee R
Karr Michael A Jr
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 Clayton Lee R, Karr Michael A Jr filed Critical Clayton Lee R
Priority to PCT/US2000/026354 priority Critical patent/WO2004050191A1/fr
Publication of WO2004050191A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004050191A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
    • A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
    • 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
    • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
    • A63B21/023—Wound springs
    • 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
    • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
    • A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
    • A63B21/0552—Elastic ropes or bands
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B21/153—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains wound-up and unwound during exercise, e.g. from a reel
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B21/4001—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor
    • A63B21/4009—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the waist
    • 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
    • A63B21/4001—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor
    • A63B21/4011—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs
    • A63B21/4013—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs to the ankle
    • 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
    • A63B21/4001—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor
    • A63B21/4017—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the upper limbs
    • 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
    • A63B21/4001—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor
    • A63B21/4017—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the upper limbs
    • A63B21/4021—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the upper limbs to the wrist
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
    • A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
    • A63B21/0442—Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
    • 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
    • A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an exercise and rehabilitation apparatus and particularly to a resistance apparatus that can be used with or without a treadmill that includes a means for exercising a user's leg and/or arm and its connecting muscles with an independently adjustable restraining or resisting force for each individual leg and/or arm.
  • Exercise equipment includes a multitude of devices for use with arm and leg members for the purpose of stimulating and developing muscle tone, strength and agility as well as for reducing weight and fat tissue.
  • walking is a natural form of exercise and that the use of a treadmill apparatus has definite beneficial values in walking, jogging and running exercises by providing a movable surface on a stationary platform unit.
  • the speed and slope of the walking surface can be controlled to the needs and fitness level of the participant.
  • the treadmill has many advantages, fitness enthusiasts, physical therapists, trainers and others may desire to provide additional beneficial muscle exercises concurrently with the type of exercise provided by a treadmill.
  • a new form of exercise is a parachute training device.
  • the user will use a small parachute.
  • the person begins a running motion so as to open the parachute and to create a resistance to the forward movement.
  • This rearward resistance force greatly enhances the speed training of the human body.
  • the use of such a parachute device requires a relatively large open area.
  • These type of devices are not adapted nor suitable for indoor training.
  • the cords associated with the parachute can often become tangled with the legs of the user so as to cause the user to fall.
  • sufficient speed is not applied to the parachute, it will not open properly so as to create the necessary resistance force.
  • the present invention provides a system for adding and controlling exercise resistance force to the leg, thigh, calf and trunk muscles as well as certain other body muscle groups such as the arms.
  • This resistance force is applied to each leg or arm in an independent manner.
  • the major leg muscles involved are the quadriceps, the upper thigh, anterior and posterior, hamstrings, buttocks and lower back.
  • the major arm muscles involved are the deltoids, triceps, biceps, brachialis, flexors and the other interacting arm muscle groups.
  • muscle groups in the body which interact with the leg and arm muscles and other major muscle groups of the body can be exercised.
  • This system can be connected to the trunk of the body so as to exercise the legs, abdomen and stomach muscles.
  • Another benefit of the present invention is that the force resistance is provided from the back of the body rather than from the front of the body. As such, the benefit of the present invention follows the common position of usual resistance forces. Furthermore, the resistance provided by the present invention allows for positive loading to the body during exercise in that the tension or resistance being applied to the body is constant. This differs from the prior art in which treadmills typically provide resistance from the front. As such, the exercise is carried out on conventional treadmills in an inefficient and ineffective way. Proper resistance from the back is most desirable.
  • the present invention is a resistance apparatus for use in fitness exercising and rehabilitation having a treadmill with a forward end and a rearward end, a frame connected to the treadmill and positioned behind the rearward end of the treadmill, and a resistance means affixed to the frame and having an end connectable to a human body.
  • the resistance means exerts a resistance force onto the human body from a back of the human body as the human body carries out a forward motion on the treadmill.
  • the resistance means includes a cord which can extend from the frame and includes a mechanism at the opposite end suitable attachment to either the legs, arms or trunk of a human body.
  • the frame can be integrally connected to the treadmill or can be detachably connected to the treadmill, as the need would be.
  • the resistance means used by the present invention can be an elastomeric cord which is connected to a frame positioned behind the treadmill.
  • the resistance means can also include stacks of weights which are pulley-supported or otherwise movable in relation to the motion of the human body on the treadmill.
  • the resistance means can also include particle brakes, gas or air compression cylinders, low load coil springs, higher load coil springs attached to an elastomeric cord, a dual bow action attached to cords, or elastomeric members having cords extending therefrom.
  • the resistance means can include a housing, a first pulley
  • the adjustment mechanism is interconnected to the first and second pulleys so as to adjust a tension of the cable as extending from the second pulley.
  • This adjustment mechanism includes a spring which is connected to the second pulley, a nut threadedly connected to the spring, and an adjustment screw threadedly received by the nut.
  • the adjustment screw has a head portion extending outwardly of the housing. The head portion is adapted for manual adjustment exterior of the housing.
  • FIGURE 1 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the present invention in use with a treadmill
  • FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the present invention of FIGURE 1;
  • FIGURE 3 is a side plan view taken along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2;
  • FIGURE 4 is partial, cross sectional front plan view of FIGURE 3;
  • FIGURE 5 is a side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the support frame of the embodiment of FIGURE 5;
  • FIGURE 7 is a partial cross sectional side plan view of a portion of the frame of FIGURE
  • FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of the resistance apparatus of the embodiment of FIGURE
  • FIGURE 9 is a partial cut-away perspective view of the apparatus of FIGURE 8;
  • FIGURE 10 is an exploded cross sectional view of a detail of the apparatus of FIGURE 8;
  • FIGURE 11 is a top partial cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIGURE 8;
  • FIGURE 12 is a partial cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIGURE 8;
  • FIGURE 13 is a partial front plan view of a detail of the apparatus of FIGURE 9;
  • FIGURE 14 is a partial side plan view of a detail of the apparatus of FIGURE 9;
  • FIGURE 15 is a side cross sectional view of a portion of embodiment of FIGURE 5;
  • FIGURE 16 is a side plan view of an alternate configuration of the invention of FIGURE
  • FIGURE 17 is a side plan view of an alternate configuration of the invention of FIGURE
  • FIGURE 18 is a side view of a simplified form of the present invention and shown as attached to the legs of a human body;
  • FIGURE 19 is a side plan view of a another simplified form of the present invention and shown as attached to the trunk of a human body;
  • FIGURE 20 is a side view with a housing/pulley mechanism as the resistance means.
  • FIGURE 21 is a side view of the spring/pulley mechanism of FIGURE 20 as applied for exercising the legs of the human body.
  • FIGURE 22 shows the spring/pulley mechanism of FIGURE 20 as applied to a treadmill for the exercise of the arms of a human body.
  • the present invention is a resistance apparatus for use in fitness exercise and rehabilitation.
  • the apparatus includes a treadmill having a forward end and a rearward end, a frame connected to the treadmill and positioned behind the rearward end of the treadmill, and a resistance means affixed to the frame and an end connectable to a human body.
  • the resistance means serves to exert a resistance force onto the human body from the back of the human body as the human body carries out a forward motion on the treadmill.
  • FIGURES 18 and 19 The simplest form of the present invention is illustrated in FIGURES 18 and 19. However, within the scope of the present invention, various other configurations of the present invention can be adopted, as illustrated in FIGURES 1 - 17.
  • the resistance means can include a spring mechanism (as illustrated in FIGURES 1 - 17), elastomeric cords, weight stacks, particle brakes, gas or air compression cylinders, low load or higher load coil springs connected individually to the user or to cords extending to the body of the user, a dual bow action attached to the human body directly or thorough the use of elastomeric cords, or to elastomeric members having cords extending therefrom.
  • the “resistance means” can also include a pulley/spring mechanism (as illustrated with particularity in FIGURES 20 - 22).
  • the frame can either be integrally formed with the treadmill (as shown in FIGURES 18, 19, 21 and 22) or can be detachably connected to the frame of the treadmill (as illustrated in FIGURES 1 - 17).
  • a treadmill 10 is illustrated in FIGURE 1 with a body frame 9 which includes parallel floor side rails 11 , 12, and an endless movable belt 13 which can be mounted on transverse rollers in the body frame 9.
  • the belt can be manual or motor driven, as desired.
  • the resistance apparatus 8 of the present invention includes a frame member 15 with parallel sides 16 and 18 which are releasably attachable to the side rails 11 and 12 of the treadmill 10 by bolts 19, clamps or other means.
  • the side rails 16 and 18 can be L-shaped with overlapping central ends 20 and 21 which provide a width adjustment to accommodate various widths of treadmills.
  • each side rail 16 and 18 Attached to each side rail 16 and 18 is a pair of spools 22 and 24 of wire or line in which the spools 22, 24 are respectively rotatable on a journal or supporting member 36 about an axis 37.
  • Each spool 22, 24 is connected to one end of an adjustable spiral, or clock spring 30 or 32 located in the journal 36.
  • Each spring 30, 32 has its other end independently connected to an adjustable arm 34 on the journal 36.
  • the spring 30 has one end attached to the spool 22 and the other end attached to the arm 34.
  • the arm 34 is pivotally adjustable about the horizontal axis 37 and can be moved rotatively through an arc about the axis 37 and can be fixed at any location along the arc of travel.
  • the location of the arm 34 adjusts the relaxed location of an ankle cuff 40 (the length of the line 26) relative to the ends 42 of the frame member 16, 18.
  • a normal foot location on the treadmill belt 13 is a location of a foot arch in alignment with the ends 42.
  • the tensioning of the springs 30, 32 is a fairly uniform function of the spring forces and that each leg or arm is independently controlled. Additional control of the torsion/tension force of the springs 30, 32 in either a forward or rearward step motion, is effected by independently adjustable brakes 55 applied to the spools 22, 24. By adjusting the braking force on the spools 22, 24, the range of torsion/tension control of the springs is increased.
  • the line or wire 26 or 28 passes from the spools 22 or 24 to a first transverse pulley and gimbal 44 located on a vertical post 46.
  • the line passes through a slot 48 in an elongated and transverse tension arm 50 to a second pulley and gimbal 47 at the end of the arm 50 and thence to an ankle cuff 40.
  • One end of the arm 50 is rotatably mounted on the post 46 between arcuate limit positions, and an adjustable spring 52 is connected between the arm 50 and an adjustable knob 54.
  • the spring 52 can locate the arm 50 against the rearward limit position so that additional spring torsion/tension can be required initially to move the line 26, 28 with a step.
  • torsion/tension By controlling the degree of torsion/tension required to move the tension arm 50 between the limit positions, additional torsion/tension can be required by a leg motion in the initial step and when the foot is lifted. Because the tension arm 50 has a limited arc movement by virtue of limit stops between the post 46 and the arm 50, the torsion/tension is selective to the initial motion until a limit stop is reached where the torsion/tension is applied to the spring 30. Thus, the resistance is principally applied at the forward and rearward step motions. However, with the combination of spring force, a variable and infinite range (between limits) of resistance is provided.
  • a resistance apparatus 100 utilizes a spiral or clock spring to supply torsion/tension or resistance to the limbs or trunk.
  • the resistance apparatus 100 is attached to a tubular frame 110 that includes an inverted generally U-shaped portion 112 that is attached to a pair of longitudinally extending leg members 114 (FIGURE 6).
  • the frame is preferably made of metal.
  • the leg members 114 have an outer end portion 116 that allows for longitudinal adjustment of the leg members 114.
  • the end portion 116 includes a generally rectangular shaped outer channel 118 that is positioned perpendicular to and intersecting the legs of the end portion 116.
  • An inner channel 120 formed of two sections 120a and 120b, is positioned within the outer channel 118.
  • the two sections 120a and 120b of the inner channel 120 allow channel 120 to be adjusted outwardly along the length of the outer channel 118 in order to accommodate the varying widths of different kinds of treadmills.
  • the inner channels 120a and 120b are secured to the outer channel 118 by nuts and bolts (not shown) or any other appropriate fastening means.
  • the channels 118 and 120 are sized and shaped to accommodate a back end portion 11 of the treadmill 10 in which the back end portion 11 is securely placed within the inner channel 120 when the resistance apparatus 100 is used in conjunction with the treadmill 10.
  • the inner channel 120 can include a skid-resistance surface on its under side so that it can be turned over and the end 11 of the treadmill 10 can be place on top of the inner channel 120.
  • the U-shaped portion 112 of the frame 110 has a front portion 112a and aback portion 112b with a cross bar 122 attached to the front portion 112a at approximately the mid-point of the U- shaped portion 112 (FIGURE 6).
  • the cross bar 122 can be bolted to the U-shaped portion 112 or attached by any other securing means.
  • the cross bar 122 includes two spaced apart, generally oblong openings 124 sized and shaped to thread a cable through the opening 124. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the cross bar 122 can be adjustably positioned at other points on the U- shaped portion 112 or two cross bars 122 can be attached to the U-shaped portion 112.
  • Resistance apparatus 100 includes a housing 130, a cable reel 140 and a spiral or clock spring 150.
  • the housing 130 is generally in the shape of a cylindrical drum having walls and a chamber, with a central or shaft opening 134 through which a rotatable shaft 136 is placed.
  • the housing 130 also includes an open portion 138 that can take the form of a slot or some other form of opening.
  • the housing 130 is attached to a U-shaped bracket 132 through the attachment of each end of the bracket 132 to each end of the shaft 136.
  • the U-shaped bracket 132 attaches to the back portion 112b of the frame 110 with bolts or other securing means (FIGURE 11).
  • the cable reel 140 (Figs. 9 and 11), also cylindrical in shape, is positioned within the housing chamber 130.
  • the outer surface or peripheral portion 142 of the reel 140 includes helical grooves 144 (FIGURE 12) that are sized and shaped to accommodate a cable 160.
  • the grooves 144 allow the cable 160 to be wound and guided around the outer surface 142 of the cable reel 140.
  • the reel 140 also includes two slots 146, as shown in FIGURE 12, that are sized and shaped to accommodate a portion of the spring 150.
  • the spring 150 is formed of a spiral or clock spring and has a first end 152 and a second end 154.
  • the first end 152 is fastened to the shaft 136 and the spring 150 is spirally wound around the shaft 136.
  • the ends 152, 154 of the spring 150 can each include two tabs 156 oppositely placed on each side of the spring 150, as shown in FIGURE 13.
  • Each tab 156 includes an opening 158 that is sized to accommodate the cable 160 and to attach the spring 150 to the shaft 136.
  • the spiral spring 150 is wound around the shaft 136 and placed within the cable reel 140.
  • the spring tabs 156 are placed through the slots 146 of the reel 140 that allow the tabs 156 to extend slightly below the surface 142 of the reel 140.
  • a first end of the cable 160 is then threaded through the opening 158 of one of the tabs 156 and secured in place with a cable lock 162 or other securing means (FIGURE 14).
  • a portion of the cable 160 is wound into the grooves 144 of the cable reel 140 and then around the reel 140.
  • the assembled spring 150 and cable reel 140 are placed within the housing 130 with the shaft 136 being placed through the opening 134 in the housing 130.
  • a cover 131 can be placed on the housing 130 in order to completely encase the spring 150 and reel 140 within the housing 130.
  • a second end of the cable 160 is threaded through the opening 138 of the housing 130 and up and over an idler spool 164 that is rotatably attached to the back portion 112b of the frame 110 (Figs. 7 and 8).
  • the idler spool 164 can be attached to the frame 110 by means of a strut 168 or some other suitable fastening means (FIGURE 7).
  • the cable 160 is then threaded through the opening 124 in the cross bar 122. After threading the cable 160 through the opening 124, the second end of the cable 160 is attached to one opening 172 of a connector 170 having two parallel openings 172, 174. The second opening 174 is used to connect the cable 160 to the ankle or arm cuffs 40, 41.
  • one end of the shaft 136 preferably includes a worm gear 176 integral with the shaft, which engages a worm 180 attached to one end of a tension control rod 182.
  • a knob 184 is placed on the other end of the control rod 182.
  • the control rod 182 is used to regulate the torsion/tension of the spiral spring 150 by either increasing or decreasing the torsion/tension on the spring 150 around the shaft 136, and thus controlling the torsion/tension or the resistance on the cable 160.
  • other mechanisms can be used to regulate the torsion/tension on the spiral spring 150.
  • the cable 160 is first preset by pulling the second end of the cable 160 out from the cross bar 122 a predetermined distance appropriate for a particular user's stride requirements.
  • a stop (not shown) is attached to the cable 160 on the front portion 112a of the frame 110 in order to prevent the cable 160 from pulling through the opening 124 in the cross bar 122.
  • the knob 184 is then turned clockwise or counter clockwise in order to wind the spiral spring 150 tighter to produce more torsion/tension, or to unwind the spiral spring 150 to produce less torsion/tension on the cable 160.
  • the torsion/tension then transferred to the limbs of a user as resistance.
  • the resistance apparatus 100 can also be turned 180° in order to pull the cable 160 in an opposite direction.
  • the resistance apparatus 100 can be attached to either the legs or the arms of a user or to both the legs and arms simultaneously. To do this the idler spool 164 is moved to the upper portion of the frame 110 so that the cable 160 can be attached to the arms. Alternatively, a second pair of resistance apparatus 100 can be attached to the upper portion of the frame 110 so that both the arms and legs may be exercised simultaneously.
  • the cuffs 40, 41 can be attached to any part of the arm or leg and the cuffs 40, 41 can be moved along the limb as the user is using the resistance apparatus 100.
  • an elastomeric cord of various strengths can be attached between the cable 160 and the cuffs 40, 41 in order to reduce the amount of tension placed on the limbs and provide additional potential benefits to the user.
  • An inventive feature of the resistance apparatus 100 is the configuration of the spiral spring 150.
  • the spring 150 is configured to provide a predetermined pattern of resistance force to the cable 160. This force is than transferred to the user's limbs or any desired muscle group, in response to the normal movement of the limbs, when the user is walking or running on the treadmill or when the user is engaging in other forms of exercise. By altering the width, thickness and length of the spring during the manufacturing process, the resistance force of the spring 150 can be controlled.
  • any of the dimensional characteristics of the spring 150 will alter this force, however, it is easiest to alter the width and/or length of the spring 150 while maintaining a constant thickness.
  • a further advantage of using the spiral spring 150 in the resistance apparatus 100 is that the immediate recoil of a spiral spring, it works with the speed of the body so that both the body and the spring are working in unison. Because both the body and the spring are in unison, there is constant resistance on the muscles of the body, producing the most effective kind of exercise. Since the preferred method of exercising is to maintain constant resistance on the body at all times, the resistance apparatus 100 of the present invention provides this constant tension.
  • the treadmill 10 has the frame 200 integrally connected thereto.
  • the frame 200 can be part of the frame of the treadmill 10 or can be placed and affixed directly beneath the bottom surface of the treadmill 10.
  • a person 202 is walking on the treadmill belts 204 in a forward direction (as illustrated by the arrow in FIGURE 18).
  • the frame 200 includes a horizontal portion 206 and a vertical portion 208.
  • the resistance means 210 is connected to the vertical portion 208 of the frame 200.
  • the resistance means 210 includes a first elastomeric cord 212 which has one end connected to a cuff 214 around the leg 216 of the person 202.
  • This elastomeric cord 202 is fastened, by conventional means, to the vertical section 208 of the frame 200.
  • a second elastomeric cord 216 is connected to a cuff 218 around a leg 220 of the person 202.
  • the opposite end of the elastomeric cord 216 is fastened to the vertical section 208 of the frame 200.
  • the elastomeric cords 202 and 216 will exert a resistance force onto the legs 216 and 220 of the person 202 as the person 202 is moving in a forward direction.
  • FIGURE 19 shows another simplified embodiment 300 of the resistance apparatus of the present invention.
  • the treadmill 10 is connected to a frame 302.
  • a vertical section 304 of frame 302 extends upwardly from behind the rearward end 306 of the treadmill 10.
  • the resistance means 308 includes a first elastomeric cord 310 and a second elastomeric cord 312.
  • Each of the elastomeric cords 310 and 312 is connected to a belt 314 extending around the trunk of the person 316.
  • the elastomeric cord 310 and 312 are fastened, by conventional means, to the vertical section 304 of the frame 302.
  • the resistance means 308 can include a single elastomeric cord 310.
  • the embodiment shown in FIGURE 19 will provide exercise similar to parachute training techniques.
  • the use of the elastomeric cords 310 and 312 as part of the "resistance means 308" will provide similar parachute-type forces to the person 316 as the person 316 is moving in a forward motion along the belt of the treadmill 10. As such, this form of resistance means greatly improves speed training for the person 316 without the large space requirements associated with parachute training techniques.
  • the use of the cords 310 and 312 will eliminate the possibility of tripping or falling caused by the inadvertent tangling of the cords associated in parachute training devices.
  • the resistance means is the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the resistance means 400 is made up of a housing 402 with a first pulley 404 fixedly connected to the housing 402, a second pulley 406 resiliently connected to the housing 402 and a cable 408 extending around the first pulley 404 and the second pulley 406 and having an end extending outwardly of the housing.
  • the housing is a box which can be suitably connected to the frame associated with the treadmill apparatus.
  • the cable 408 will extend around an idler sheave 410 and passes outwardly through opening 412 of housing 402.
  • the first pulley 404 is suspended from the top of the housing 402 by a supporting member 414.
  • the pulley 404 can freely rotate within the supporting member 414.
  • the cable 408 will extend over the idler sheave 410, around the second pulley 406, around the first pulley 404 and back for fixed attachment to the second pulley 406.
  • the second pulley 406 is resiliently mounted within the housing 402 by attachment to a tensioning spring 416.
  • Tensioning spring 416 has one end connected to an arm 418 which engages the second pulley 406.
  • the pulley 406 is rotatable relative to the arm 418.
  • the opposite end of the spring 416 is connected to a bracket 420 associated with a nut 422.
  • Nut 422 has an adjustment screw 424 threadedly received therein.
  • the adjustment screw 424 is rotatably mounted through a wall of the housing 402 such that a head 426 extends outwardly of a surface of the housing 402. A rotation of the head 426 will cause the nut 422 to adjust the tensioning of the spring 416 by translatable movement along the threaded adjustment screw 424. For example, as the bracket 420 is moved toward the head 426 by the rotation of the adjustment screw 424, the spring 416 will exert greater tension on the pulley 406. When the bracket 420 moves away from the head 426, the spring 416 will compress so as to relax the tension on the pulley 406.
  • the resistance mechanism 400 has several advantages over the tensioning mechanism described herein previously in conjunction with FIGURES 1 - 17. Initially, and most importantly, the resistance mechanism 400 can be made without specialized tooling. With a predetermined number of cable/pulley arrangements, the cable travel can be obtained with a small displacement of the spring. A small displacement of the spring will minimize the space requirements and size of the spring 416. The tensioning can be easily accomplished by the use of the adjustment screw 424.
  • FIGURES 21 and 22 show how the resistance mechanism 400 can be used in conjunction with the exercise apparatus described herein previously.
  • FIGURE 21 it can be seen that the human body 400 is walking in a conventional forward motion on the treadmill 402.
  • the resistance mechanism 400 is secured to an adjustment bracket 504 which is adjustably mounted on vertical frame member 506.
  • the head 426 of the adjustment screw 424 extends outwardly beyond the bottom of the resistance mechanism 400.
  • the cable 408 extends outwardly of the housing 402 and includes cuff members 508 and 510 attached to the ankles of the human being 500. As such, the resistance mechanism 400 is in a proper position for the exercising of the legs of the person 500.
  • FIGURE 22 shows the resistance mechanism 400 in an inverted arrangement.
  • the head 426 of the adjustment screw extends outwardly of the top of the housing 402.
  • the resistance mechanism 402 is affixed to support member 504 attached to the vertical frame portion 506.
  • the cable 408 extends outwardly from a bottom of the housing 402 so as to be in a proper position for attachment to wrist cuffs 520 and 522 attached to the human 500.
  • a proper arm exercise can be carried out by using the resistance apparatus 400 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil d'exercice destiné à être utilisé pour effectuer des exercices de conditionnement physique et de rééducation. Cet appareil comprend un tapis roulant (10) présentant une extrémité arrière, un cadre (15) relié à ce tapis roulant (10) et placé derrière l'extrémité arrière de celui-ci, ainsi qu'un appareil de résistance (8) qui est fixé au cadre (15) et qui présente une extrémité (40) pouvant être fixée à une partie du corps de l'utilisateur. Cet appareil de résistance (8) exerce une force de résistance sur le corps de l'utilisateur par l'arrière de celui-ci de sorte que l'utilisateur exécute un mouvement en avant sur le tapis roulant (10). Le cadre (15) comporte une section horizontale reliée au tapis roulant et une section verticale s'étendant vers le haut à partir de cette section horizontale. L'appareil de résistance (8) est relié à la section verticale. Ledit appareil de résistance comprend un câble s'étendant à partir du cadre et présentant un mécanisme (40) fixé à une de ses extrémités, ce mécanisme (40) permettant de relier le câble à une partie du corps de l'utilisateur.
PCT/US2000/026354 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Appareil d'exercice se fixant a des parties du corps de l'utilisateur WO2004050191A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2000/026354 WO2004050191A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Appareil d'exercice se fixant a des parties du corps de l'utilisateur

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2000/026354 WO2004050191A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Appareil d'exercice se fixant a des parties du corps de l'utilisateur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004050191A1 true WO2004050191A1 (fr) 2004-06-17

Family

ID=32467096

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/026354 WO2004050191A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Appareil d'exercice se fixant a des parties du corps de l'utilisateur

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2004050191A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012062283A3 (fr) * 2010-11-12 2012-07-26 Franz Harrer Ergomètre à tapis roulant comportant des unités de traction et de mesure adaptées pour des applications thérapeutiques, la rééducation et l'entraînement à la marche
JP2015535704A (ja) * 2012-09-26 2015-12-17 ウッドウェイ ユーエスエー，インコーポレイテッド 統合歩行リハビリテーション装置を有するトレッドミル
US10449403B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2019-10-22 Accessportamerica, Inc. Gait pattern training device
US20210244995A1 (en) * 2017-11-17 2021-08-12 Laura Andrei Kynetic Workout Station

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1016729A (en) * 1911-02-28 1912-02-06 Timothy R Barrett Apparatus for athletic and theatrical purposes.
US2017128A (en) * 1934-09-12 1935-10-15 Jr Frank O'neill Exercising device
US5632708A (en) * 1992-01-09 1997-05-27 Wilkinson; William T. Resistance apparatus for exercise equipment

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1016729A (en) * 1911-02-28 1912-02-06 Timothy R Barrett Apparatus for athletic and theatrical purposes.
US2017128A (en) * 1934-09-12 1935-10-15 Jr Frank O'neill Exercising device
US5632708A (en) * 1992-01-09 1997-05-27 Wilkinson; William T. Resistance apparatus for exercise equipment

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012062283A3 (fr) * 2010-11-12 2012-07-26 Franz Harrer Ergomètre à tapis roulant comportant des unités de traction et de mesure adaptées pour des applications thérapeutiques, la rééducation et l'entraînement à la marche
US9737760B2 (en) 2010-11-12 2017-08-22 Franz Harrer Treadmill ergometer having adapted pulling and measuring units for therapeutic applications and for gait training and running training
JP2015535704A (ja) * 2012-09-26 2015-12-17 ウッドウェイ ユーエスエー，インコーポレイテッド 統合歩行リハビリテーション装置を有するトレッドミル
US9981157B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2018-05-29 Woodway Usa, Inc. Treadmill with integrated walking rehabilitation device
US10449403B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2019-10-22 Accessportamerica, Inc. Gait pattern training device
US11406859B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2022-08-09 Accessportamerica, Inc. Gait pattern training device
US11602660B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2023-03-14 Accessportamerica, Inc. Gait pattern training device
US20210244995A1 (en) * 2017-11-17 2021-08-12 Laura Andrei Kynetic Workout Station

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6123649A (en) Resistance apparatus for connection to a human body
EP1615704B1 (fr) Appareil à exercices avec lanieres non elastiques reglables
CA2182550C (fr) Exerciseur
US5855538A (en) Leg extension machine with upwardly curved tracks
US7785242B2 (en) Variable unweighting and resistance training and stretching apparatus for use with a cardiovascular or other exercise device
US7651448B2 (en) Method of using an adjustable exercise device
US5234395A (en) Adjustable asymmetric-resistance upper body exerciser
EP1945319B1 (fr) Prise combinée pour un dispositif d'exercice
US5492515A (en) Climbing exercise machine
US5709633A (en) Reciprocating exercise machine
US4911434A (en) Weight apparatus for exercising
US20020086779A1 (en) Resistance devices, total-body exercise machines outfitted therewith, and exercise methods using such devices and machines
US7402128B2 (en) Abdomen, leg and multifunctional body toning exercise machine
US4079933A (en) Exercise device for use in the performance of sit-ups
US20070027005A1 (en) Exercise device grips and accessories for exercise devices
US20050049121A1 (en) Exercise device with centrally mounted resistance rod and automatic weight selector apparatus
CA2628774C (fr) Prise combinee pour un dispositif d'exercice
WO2014138228A1 (fr) Systèmes de perte pondérale à élément élastique courbé
WO2004050191A1 (fr) Appareil d'exercice se fixant a des parties du corps de l'utilisateur
WO1998035725A2 (fr) Appareil d'exercice pour les membres

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CA CN JP KR

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase