U.S. patent application number 10/293016 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for range limiting device for exercise machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cybex International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gillen, Arnold B..
Application Number | 20030092540 10/293016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26967697 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030092540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gillen, Arnold B. |
May 15, 2003 |
Range limiting device for exercise machine
Abstract
A range-limiting device allows a user to establish a range of
motion, while maintaining the proper mechanical advantage provided
by the cam assembly. The range-limiting device includes a shaft
containing a lever and a cam disposed thereon. The radial
orientation of the lever with respect to the cam is selectable,
such that the effective radius of curvature of the cam with respect
to the lever is automatically changed as the radial orientation is
changed. The range-limiting device is operatively connected to an
exercise machine, such that a lever is connected to the shaft, for
rotation of the shaft, and the cam is connected to a resistance
mechanism.
Inventors: |
Gillen, Arnold B.;
(Faribault, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John Christopher
Christopher & Weisberg, P.A.
Suite 2040
200 East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale
FL
33301
US
|
Assignee: |
Cybex International, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26967697 |
Appl. No.: |
10/293016 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60338035 |
Nov 13, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 ;
482/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 21/155 20130101; A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 21/0617 20151001;
A63B 23/03525 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/99 ;
482/100 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/062 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a shaft pivotally
mounted to the frame; a lever enjoining the shaft, for rotation of
the shaft; a cam disposed on the shaft, wherein the radial
orientation of the cam with respect to the shaft is selectable,
such that an effective radius of curvature of the cam with respect
to the lever is automatically changed as the radial orientation of
the cam with respect to the lever is changed and; a resistance
mechanism operably connected to the cam.
2. The exercise machine according to claim 1, further comprising a
user support structure.
3. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the cam
comprises: an eccentric plate affixed to the shaft and an
adjustable cam rotateably mounted about the eccentric plate,
wherein the adjustable cam is selectively engageable with the
eccentric plate.
4. The exercise machine according to claim 3, wherein the eccentric
plate is attached to the shaft at an offset distance from a central
axis of the eccentric plate.
5. The exercise machine according to claim 3, wherein the
adjustable cam has a varying radius profile.
6. The exercise machine according to claim 1, further comprising a
lever stop pivotally mounted on the shaft, wherein the lever stop
is selectively engageable with the frame.
7. The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the lever is
an input assembly engageable by a user.
8. An exercise machine comprising a range-limiting device
comprising: a frame; a user support structure mounted to the frame;
a shaft pivotally mounted to the frame; an end-positioning device
pivotally mounted to the shaft; a start-positioning device affixed
to the shaft; an input assembly affixed to the shaft, such that the
input assembly is in proximal relation with the user support
structure; and a resistance mechanism operably connected to the
start-positioning device.
9. The exercise machine according to claim 8, wherein the
start-positioning device comprises: an eccentric plate affixed to
the shaft; a cam configured for receiving the eccentric plate and
rotateably mounted about the eccentric plate; and a cam plate
attached to the cam, wherein the cam plate is selectively
engageable with the eccentric plate.
10. The exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein the
eccentric plate is attached to the shaft at a distance offset from
the eccentric plate's central axis.
11. The exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein the cam has
a varying radius profile.
12. The exercise machine according to claim 8, wherein the
end-positioning device includes an input-assembly stop selectively
engageable with the frame.
13. A range-limiting device for use with an exercise machine
comprising: a shaft; a lever enjoining the shaft, for rotation of
the shaft; and a cam disposed on the shaft, wherein the radial
orientation of the cam with respect to the shaft is selectable,
such that an effective radius of curvature of the cam with respect
to the lever is automatically changed as the radial orientations of
the cam with respect to the lever is changed.
14. The range-limiting device according to claim 13, further
including lever stop pivotally mounted on the shaft, wherein the
lever stop is selectively engageable to the exercise machine.
15. The range-limiting device according to claim 13, wherein the
lever is an input assembly engageable by a user.
16. The range-limiting device according to claim 13, wherein the
cam is connected to a resistance mechanism.
17. The range-limiting device to claim 13, wherein the cam
comprises: an eccentric plate affixed to the shaft; an adjustable
cam configured for receiving the eccentric plate and rotateably
mounted about the eccentric plate; and a cam plate attached to the
adjustable cam, wherein the cam plate is selectively engageable
with the eccentric plate.
18. The range-limiting device according to claim 17, wherein the
eccentric plate is attached to the shaft at a distance offset from
the eccentric plate's central axis.
19. The range-limiting device according to claim 17, wherein the
adjustable cam has a varying radius profile.
20. A start-positioning device for use with an exercise machine
comprising: an eccentric plate; a cam configured for receiving the
eccentric plate, such that the cam is rotateable about the
eccentric plate; and a cam plate affixed to the cam, wherein the
cam plate is selectively engageable with the eccentric plate.
21. An adjustable range of motion exercise device comprising: a
user input structure selectively positionable to an approximate
anatomical zero point; a cam coupled to the user input structure,
wherein the cam is adjustable to provide a selected mechanical
advantage; and a resistance mechanism coupled to the cam.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application Serial No. 60/338,035, filed Nov. 13, 2001,
entitled LEG EXTENSION EXERCISE APPARATUS, the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] n/a
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to exercise equipment, and
more particularly to a device for adjusting the range of motion of
exercise machine moveable components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Selectorized weight machines have been used in fitness clubs
and athletic facilities for many years. These machines allow the
user to select the weight to be lifted during a certain exercise or
training protocol.
[0005] One type of a selectorized weight machine allows for
variable-resistance along the range of motion of the exercise being
performed. These selectorized, variable-resistance machines use a
cam having a variable radius or cam profile. A tether, such as a
wire cable, a chain, a belt, or the like is attached at one end to
a weight stack and is attached at the other end to the cam. The
changing cam profile varies the mechanical advantage in an attempt
to approximate the change in anatomical mechanical advantage for
the user at different points of a range of motion.
[0006] For example, when a user is at a "weak" point, where the
user is unable to lift much weight, the cam profile will minimize
the mechanical advantage that the weight stack has on the user.
Similarly, at a user's "strong point", the cam profile is
configured to maximize the mechanical advantage that the weight
stack has on the user. This process is accomplished by varying the
radius of the cam profile such that in the ideal situation, the
user is lifting as much weight he or she can at each point in the
user's range of motion.
[0007] The "selectorized" aspect of selectorized,
variable-resistance exercise machines allows the user to select a
desired number of weight plates from a stack of plates, that the
user wishes to engage or lift for a particular exercise. The
desired number of plates is typically chosen by the user, by
inserting a pin through a hole in a rod that passes through all of
the plates, thus establishing plates above the pin as the weight
load. Selectorized, variable-resistance weight machines are well
known art.
[0008] Selectorized, variable-resistance weight machines are used
in the rehabilitation field, as well as for exercise and training.
For rehabilitation purposes, it is often important to limit the
range of motion for the patient. For example, after certain knee
injuries, it is important that the patient avoid loading muscles
with weights at certain points in the range of motion. However, for
other points in the range of motion, use of a weight machine may
play an important part in the rehabilitation routine. Thus,
selection of the correct start and stop point in the range of
motion is critical to prevent injury. Sports medicine and
rehabilitation physicians and physical therapists have long
recognized that there are certain safe ranges of motion for
rehabilitation for certain injuries, and that the use of
selectorized variable-resistance exercise machines can aid in
rehabilitation within the critical range limits.
[0009] However, when selecting a range of motion, the cam profile
may provide inefficient, and sometime undesirable, loads for a
selected range of motion. For example, during certain muscular
joint rehabilitation therapies, maximum loading may be applied at
inappropriate points, resulting in an ineffective therapy, or
provide adverse results.
[0010] Thus, there remains a need for a simple range-limiting
device and adjustable cam device for exercise machines that can
easily provide the appropriate range of motion and desired
mechanical advantage configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The subject invention provides a range-limiting device for
use with an exercise machine. The range-limiting device allows a
user to establish a range of motion, while maintaining the proper
mechanical advantage provided by the cam assembly.
[0012] The range-limiting device includes a shaft having a cam and
a lever disposed thereon. The range-limiting device is operatively
connected to an exercise machine, wherein the lever is used for
rotation of the shaft within the exercise machine and the cam is
connected to a resistance mechanism. The radial orientation of the
lever with respect to the cam is selectable, such that the
effective radius of curvature of the cam with respect to the lever
is automatically changed as the radial orientation is changed.
Additionally, a plate is pivotally mounted about the shaft, where
the plate limits the radial range of motion of the lever.
[0013] An exemplary exercise machine includes a support frame,
where the shaft is pivotally mounted to the support frame. The cam
is a start-positioning device, including an eccentric plate affixed
to the shaft and an adjustable cam configured for receiving the
eccentric plate and rotateably mounted about the eccentric plate. A
cam plate is attached to the adjustable cam, wherein the cam plate
is selectively engageable with the eccentric plate. The resistance
mechanism is operably connected to the adjustable cam.
[0014] The plate is an end-positioning device configured to be
selectively engageable with the support frame, where the
end-positioning device can be used to adjust the stop position of
the lever. The end-positioning device and start-positioning device
are used in conjunction to vary the start and stop positions of an
exercise movement, while maintaining the correct mechanical
advantage for the range.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and
the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description when
considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the range-limiting device of
the subject invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a leg extension machine of
the subject invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a front view of a leg extension machine of the
subject invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a leg extension machine of the
subject invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a left side perspective view of the
start-positioning device of the subject invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the
start-positioning device of the subject invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a leg curl machine for the
subject invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The subject invention provides a range-limiting device for
use with an exercise machine. As described herein, the
range-limiting device allows a user to establish a range of motion,
while maintaining a selected mechanical advantage provided by the
cam assembly.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, the range-limiting device 10 includes a
shaft 12 having a cam 16 and a lever 18 disposed thereon. The
range-limiting device 10 is operatively connected to an exercise
machine, where the lever 18 is used for rotation of the shaft 12
within the exercise machine and the cam 16 is connected to a
resistance mechanism. The radial orientation of the lever 18 with
respect to the cam 16 is selectable, such that the effective radius
of curvature of the cam 16 with respect to the lever 18 is
automatically changed as the radial orientation is changed.
Additionally, a plate 14 is pivotally mounted about the shaft 12,
where the plate 14 limits the radial range of motion of the lever
18. The radial orientations of the plate 14 and cam 16 are
independently selectable, such that the reference points R1 and R2
are selectively rotateable with respect to each other. The
particular orientation and spacing of the plate 14, cam 16, and
lever 18 on the shaft 12 is for illustrative purposes only, and can
vary depending on the structural requirements of the exercise
machine in which the range-limiting device 10 is being
employed.
[0025] The range-limiting device 10 can be more fully understood
when described in conjunction with an exemplary exercise machine.
As shown in FIG. 2, the exemplary exercise machine is a leg
extension machine 20, having a support frame 22 on which a user
support structure 24 is mounted. The user support structure 24
includes a seat surface 26 and an adjustable backrest 28. The
adjustable backrest 28 can be adjusted in a forward and rearward
direction, such that once the backrest 28 is in the appropriate
position, the backrest 28 is secured in position by the backrest
adjustment mechanism 30.
[0026] An input assembly 32 is positioned in front of the seat 26,
and mounted to the support frame 22 for rotation about a horizontal
axis A-A, as defined by the range-limiting device 10. The input
assembly 32 includes a padded member 34 for a user's lower shins. A
horizontal arm 38 is disposed between the vertical arm 36 and a
curved offset arm 40, where the curve offset arm 40 is affixed to
the range-limiting device 10, such that the padded member 34 is
positioned in proximal relation to the seat 26. (See also FIG. 3) A
counterweight 42 is attached to the range-limiting device 10 to
balance the input assembly 32 about the horizontal axis A-A.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the input assembly 32 includes an
adjustable vertical arm 44, such that the padded member 34 can
automatically be positioned correctly on the lower shins of a user.
The adjustable vertical arm 44 is slideably mounted within a collar
element 48, such that the adjustable vertical arm 44 freely floats
within the collar element 48. As the user is positioned within the
exercise machine, the padded member 34 is automatically positioned
against the user's shins. Optionally, the adjustable vertical arm
44 can be secured in position with locking element 50. A handle
element 52 is affixed to the adjustable vertical arm 44 to aid in
sliding the adjustable vertical arm 44 through the collar element
42.
[0028] Referring again to FIG. 2, a weight stack brace 54 is
attached to the support frame 22 by beams 50a and 50b and secondary
support frame 58, such that the weight stack 60 is easily accessed
by a user seated in the seat 26. Weight stack pulleys 62a and 62b
are mounted to the top of the weight stack brace 54, with pulley
62a being aligned with the range-limiting device 10 and pulley 62b
being aligned with the weight stack 60. Rails 64 are mounted
vertically within the weight stack brace 54, where the individual
plates of the weight stack 60 are slideably mounted to the rails 64
and provide a resistance to the exercise.
[0029] The weight stack 60 is selectively connected to one end of a
cable 70 by inserting a pin in one of a plurality of holes in a
lifting post 68 that passes vertically through the plates, as is
well known in the art. For example, the weight stack 60 is formed
by a stack of rectangular, brick-shaped plates 66. Each plate 66
further has at least one horizontal channel or hole, wherein a pin
may be disposed to slideably engage any of a series of horizontal
channels which are vertically oriented on the lifting post 68 in a
spaced apart manner to match the vertical spacing of the stacked
weight plates 66. The pin thereby engages a portion of the stack of
weight plates 66, such that when vertical force is applied to the
lifting post 68, the selected stack of weight plates 66 is moved
upwards to create a resistance. Typically, the weight stack 60
apparatus is oriented such that the further down the pin is entered
into the lifting post 68, the greater the number of plates 66 are
engaged, thereby increasing the resistance of the machine.
[0030] The cable 70 extends up from the weight stack 60 and an
intermediate portion of cable 70 extends over pulleys 62a and 62b.
The second end of the cable 70 is connected to the range-limiting
device 10, thereby inhibiting rotation of the range-limiting device
10
[0031] Additionally, the weight stack 60 can be connected to the
range-limiting device 10 by other means known in the art,
including, but not limited to, belts, cables, chains, or tethers,
so as to inhibit rotation thereof.
[0032] In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms for providing
resistance, such as friction fittings, springs, elastic bands,
pneumatic or electromagnetic resistance, or an air resistance fan
could be employed (either alone or in combination) and still
practice the invention. Additionally, free weights could be
operably engaged to the input assembly 32 to resist the
movement.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the range-limiting device 10 includes a
horizontal shaft 72, defining the horizontal axis of rotation A-A,
the horizontal shaft 72 being pivotally connected to the support
frame 22 and the secondary support frame 58. An end-positioning
device 78 and a start-positioning device 90 are affixed to the
horizontal shaft 72. The end-positioning device 78 includes a
detent plate 80 having a horizontal stop 81, a handle element 82,
and defining a plurality adjustment holes 84. (See also FIGS. 3 and
4). The detent plate 80 is rotateably affixed about the horizontal
shaft 72 and affixable to the support frame's stop arm 86 by the
engagement of stop pin 88 to one of the detent plate's adjustment
holes 84. The detent plate's vertical stop 81 is positioned for
engagement of the curved offset arm 40, where the horizontal stop
81 limits the angle of rotation of the input assembly 32.
[0034] To adjust the input assembly's 32 stop position, the user
grasps the handle element 82 and disengages the stop pin 88 from
the detent plate 80, rotating, pushing or pulling, the detent plate
80, about the horizontal shaft 72, to the desired stop position.
The stop pin 88 is reengaged with the detent plate 80, securing the
horizontal stop 81 in the desired stop position.
[0035] The detent plate's adjustment holes 84 are equally spaced,
and marker designations, such as the numbers "0" through "15," are
used to identify the stop locations. The adjustment hole 84
locations "0" represent the approximate full range of motion (as
that term is understood by therapists and clinicians) for various
exercise and rehabilitation protocols. Use of the "0" designation
allows the therapist or clinician to quickly set the input assembly
of the machine to the full range of motion.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the start-positioning device 90
is affixed to the horizontal shaft 72, and includes a cam 92,
eccentric plate 94, and a cam plate 96. The cam 92 is configured to
receive the eccentric plate 94, such that the eccentric plate 94 is
rotateable within the cam 92. The cam plate 96 is attached to the
cam 92, sealing the eccentric plate 94 within the cam 92, such that
the cam 92 and cam plate 96 are rotateable about the eccentric
plate 94. The eccentric plate 94 includes a cam pin 100 for
engaging the cam plate's adjustment holes 98. The eccentric plate
94 is attached to the horizontal shaft's offset mounting arm 104,
such the axis of rotation of the eccentric plate 94 is offset from
the eccentric plate's central axis.
[0037] The cam 92 and cam plate 96 have a variable radius profile
which changes the mechanical advantage over the range of motion.
The shape of the cam 92 and cam plate 96 attempt to match the
change in anatomical mechanical advantage at each point in the
range of motion. The cam's 92 profile depends upon the type of
exercise or rehabilitation protocol contemplated (e.g., leg
extension, leg curl, arm curl, shoulder press, etc.) The manner in
which the cam profile is established is well known to those skilled
in the art.
[0038] The inputs assembly's 32 start position is adjusted by
disengaging the input assembly 32 from the cam 92 and rotating,
pushing or pulling, the input assembly 32 to the desired start
position and reengaging the cam 92. To disengage the input assembly
32 from the cam 92 the eccentric plate's cam pin 100 is disengaged
from the cam plate 96, allowing eccentric plate 94 to rotate within
the cam 92 and cam plate 96. The input assembly 32 is secured in
the desired start position by the cam pin 100 reengaging the cam
plate 96, securing the eccentric plate 94 to the cam 92 and cam
plate 96.
[0039] As noted above, the eccentric plate 94 is attached to the
horizontal shaft's offset mounting arm 104, such the axis of
rotation of the eccentric plate 94, is offset from the eccentric
plate's central axis. Accordingly, as the eccentric plate 94
rotates within the cam 92 the radial positioning of the cam 92
about the horizontal shaft 72 is changed, changing the effective
radius of curvature of the cam 92 with respect to the input
assembly 32. The automatic change in the effective radius of
curvature of the cam 92 provides an automatic change in the
mechanical advantage over the adjusted range of motion, thus
providing the correct anatomical mechanical advantage for the
adjusted range of motion.
[0040] When the cam 92 is disengaged from the eccentric plate 94,
the cam 92 is free to rotate in response to the tension in the
cable 70. As shown in FIG. 6, the rotation of the cam 92 is limited
by the cam stop 108 affixed to the secondary support frame 58 and
the cam follower 106 attached to the cam plate 96, where the cam
follower 106 engages the cam stop 108, preventing the cam 92 from
rotating in response to the tension on the cable.
[0041] The cam plate's adjustment hole 98 locations are equally
spaced, and marker designations, such as the numbers "0" through
"15," are used to identify the locations. The adjustment hole 98
locations "0" represent the approximate anatomical zero point (as
that term is understood by therapists and clinicians) for various
exercise and rehabilitation protocols. The cam plate's adjustment
holes' 100 numbers enable the therapist or clinician to quickly set
the input assembly 32 to the anatomical zero position.
[0042] In an exemplary method of use, the end-positioning device 78
and the start-positioning device 90 are used in conjunction to
adjust the exercise start and stop positions. Initially, the user
adjusts the start position as noted above. In doing so, the
effective radius of curvature of the cam 92 is changed, providing
the appropriated mechanical advantage for the new start position.
The user can then adjust the stop position as noted above, thereby
provided a limited range of motion for the exercise.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 7, the present invention is shown in
the context of a leg curl machine 110. In the leg curl machine 110,
an input assembly 112 is provided with two spaced pads for
receiving a portion of the legs below the knees. The upper pad 114
engages the top of the legs just above the knees while the lower
pad 116 engages the back of the legs just above the ankle area,
wherein the lower pad 116 is mounted for rotation about a
horizontal axis as defined by the range-limiting device 10. To
perform the exercise, the user places pressure on the lower pad 116
with his legs to rotate the movement arm about the movement arm
axis during which time the upper pad 114 serves to maintain the
proper position of the legs with the knees generally aligned with
the pivotal axis of the movement arm.
[0044] The above-described exercise machines are only exemplary
embodiments and should not be considered limiting to the types of
exercise machines the range-limiting device 10 can be incorporated
into. For example, the range-limiting device 10 can be used in a
variety of push or pull exercise machines, including but not
limited to, chest press machines, rowing machines, pull-down
machines, back extension machines, arm extension and curl
machines.
[0045] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was
made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the
accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications
and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is
limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *