U.S. patent application number 10/611763 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-04 for exercise device for exercising upper body simultaneously with lower body exercise.
Invention is credited to Somers, Micah Tobias, Theisen, Paul Michael, Wilkinson, William T..
Application Number | 20040043873 10/611763 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31982193 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040043873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkinson, William T. ; et
al. |
March 4, 2004 |
Exercise device for exercising upper body simultaneously with lower
body exercise
Abstract
Exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body simultaneously
with lower body exercise, comprising a lower body exercise machine
and at least one upper body exercise module positioned for use in
conjunction with the lower body exercise machine. The upper body
exercise module comprises an elongated connector having first and
second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated connector
first end for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a
user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a force applied to
the first end of the elongated connector. Each upper body exercise
module is adapted to provide resistance to a full, natural arm
swing of at least one arm of the user. Various types of lower body
exercise machines, resistance devices, user engagements,
relationships between the upper body exercise module and the lower
body exercise machine, and exercise methods using the apparatus are
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Wilkinson, William T.;
(Salem, NJ) ; Theisen, Paul Michael; (Waconia,
MN) ; Somers, Micah Tobias; (Minneapolis,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RATNERPRESTIA
P.O. BOX 1596
WILMINGTON
DE
19899
US
|
Family ID: |
31982193 |
Appl. No.: |
10/611763 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10611763 |
Jul 1, 2003 |
|
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10033108 |
Dec 28, 2001 |
|
|
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60259293 |
Dec 29, 2000 |
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60463534 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 ;
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2022/0041 20130101;
A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 23/0355 20130101; A63B 22/0005 20151001;
A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 22/203 20130101; A63B 2022/0079
20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 2022/0035 20130101; A63B
69/0057 20130101; A63B 22/0235 20130101; A63B 2022/0652 20130101;
A63B 5/11 20130101; A63B 22/0012 20130101; A63B 21/4017 20151001;
A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2022/0658 20130101; A63B 21/153
20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 22/00 20130101; A63B 23/03541
20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B
2022/0051 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B 22/0087 20130101;
A63B 2022/067 20130101; A63B 21/015 20130101; A63B 22/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/054 ;
482/052 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04; A63B
022/02 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; and at least one upper body exercise
module attached to the lower body exercise machine, each upper body
exercise module comprising: an elongated connector having first and
second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated connector
first end for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a
user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force
applied to the first end of the elongated connector; each upper
body exercise module adapted to provide resistance to a full
natural forward arm swing of at least one arm of the user; each
upper body exercise module attached to the lower body exercise
machine via a mounting device comprising a mounting arm adapted to
position the upper body exercise module behind and to one side of
the user when the user is in a normal use position on the lower
body exercise machine, the mounting arm positioned to avoid
interference with an egress path directly behind the user in the
normal use position on the lower body exercise machine.
2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising a first upper body
exercise module and associated mounting device on a left side of
the machine and a second upper body exercise module and associated
mounting device on a right side of the machine.
3. The exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the mounting arm for
the left side of the machine is not connected to the mounting arm
for the right side of the machine.
4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower body
exercise device comprises a treadmill.
5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
is movable from a use position to a non-use position.
6. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mounting device
is pivotable from the use position to the non-use position.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the mounting device
is pivotable on a vertical plane.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the mounting device
is pivotable on a horizontal plane.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mounting device
is adjustable to a plurality of use positions.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 5, wherein the mounting device
is slidable from the use position to the non-use position.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
is adapted to fasten to a side of the lower body exercise
machine.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
is adapted to fasten to a foot of the exercise machine.
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
has only a single, non-adjustable use position.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
comprises means for adjusting height of the upper body exercise
device relative to the exercise machine.
15. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting device
comprises a mounting bar and an extension arm attached to the
mounting bar, the mounting bar adapted to fasten to a foot of the
exercise machine.
16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the extension arm
comprises a lower portion, an upper portion, and an angle A between
the upper portion and the lower portion, the angle A comprising an
angle in the range of 90.degree. to 180.degree..
17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16, wherein the mounting device
is adapted to fasten to the foot of the exercise machine 'such that
the extension arm creates an angle B to a horizontal plane, the
angle B comprising an angle in the range of 0.degree. to
90.degree..
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the mounting device
is fastened to the foot of the exercise machine using a pin that
extends through a hole in the mounting bar and through a brace
plate on the foot of the lower body exercise machine.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the foot of the
exercise machine comprises a receiving member into which one end of
the mounting bar is inserted, the receiving member having a first
feature and the mounting bar having a second feature that
interfaces with the first feature to prevent rotational movement of
the mounting bar relative to the first member.
20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein the receiving
member comprises a sleeve having as the first feature one or more
notches and the mounting bar comprises as the second feature one or
more pins for interfacing with the notches.
21. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a
biasing member for interfacing with the mounting bar to bias the
first feature to interface with the second feature.
22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the biasing member
comprises a mounting cap that affixes to the end of the mounting
bar that is inserted in the receiving member, the mounting cap
comprising a spring mounted between an end of the mounting cap and
a surface of the foot to provide the bias.
23. The exercise apparatus of claim 21, wherein the receiving
member has a plurality of first features that provide the mounting
bar with a plurality of rotational positions relative to the
receiving member and the biasing member provides a degree of bias
that is sufficiently great to cause the first feature to interface
with the second feature when not being manipulated by a user, and
that is sufficiently small to allow a user to manipulate the
mounting arm to overcome the bias and move the mounting bar from a
first rotational position to a second rotational position relative
to the receiving member.
24. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper body
exercise module attaches to the mounting arm in plurality of
different rotational positions relative to an axis of the mounting
arm.
25. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper body
exercise module is adapted for both (a) upper body exercise
simultaneous with use of the lower body exercise machine and (b)
upper body exercise independent of use of the lower body exercise
machine.
26. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper body
exercise module is adapted to attached to the mounting arm in at
least a first position for use of the upper body exercise module
while a user is in a use position on the lower body exercise
machine, and in a second position for use while the user is not in
the use position.
27. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pulley
or guide positioned in front of the normal use position on the
lower body exercise machine adapted for engaging and redirecting
the elongated connector to provide resistance to a backward arm
swing of the user.
28. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the upper body
exercise machine is detachable from the mounding arm, the apparatus
further comprising a forward mounting device attached to a forward
portion of the lower body exercise machine and on which the upper
body exercise module is adapted to be mounted to provide resistance
to a backward arm swing of the user.
29. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lower body
exercise machine is adapted to allow a full, natural arm swing of
the user without the user's arm hitting any portion of the lower
body exercise machine or attachment to the lower body exercise
machine.
30. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; and at least one upper body exercise
module attached to the lower body exercise machine, each upper body
exercise module comprising: an elongated connector having first and
second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated connector
first end for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a
user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force
applied to the first end of the elongated connector; each upper
body exercise module adapted to provide resistance to a full
natural forward or backward arm swing of at least one arm of the
user; wherein the lower body exercise machine comprises a machine
selected from a group consisting of: air walkers/gliders, upright
and recumbent bicycle machines, torso-twisting disks,
cross-trainers, steppers, elliptical exercise machines,
cross-country and downhill ski machines, trampolines, squat
machines, rowing machines, stretching machines, and abdominal
machines.
31. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; and at least one upper body exercise
module attached to the lower body exercise machine, each upper body
exercise module comprising: an elongated connector having first and
second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated connector
first end for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a
user; a spool connected to the elongated connector second end and
on which the elongated connector is adapted to be wound; a
resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force applied to the
first end of the elongated connector, the resistance mechanism is
adapted to provide frictional resistance to unwinding of the spool;
and a retraction mechanism for automatically rewinding the spool;
each upper body exercise module adapted to provide resistance to a
full natural forward arm swing of at least one arm of the user.
32. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, wherein the upper body
exercise module resistance mechanism comprises a braking cylinder
and a band brake for frictionally engaging the braking
cylinder.
33. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, wherein the upper body
exercise module resistance mechanism comprises a disk and a pair of
calipers for frictionally engaging the disk.
34. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, wherein the upper body
exercise module resistance mechanism has an adjustable resistance
levels.
35. The exercise apparatus of claim 34, wherein the upper body
exercise module further comprises a visual indicator of the
resistance level.
36. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, wherein: the elongated
connector has a length sufficient to allow a universal user's arm
to swing forward to the user's eye-level while engaging the
elongated connector; and the spool has a size adapted to hold
substantially all of the elongated connector length.
37. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, wherein the user engagement
is adapted for engaging or being engaged by the user's hand in an
open or loose grip.
38. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, further comprising a clutch
for disengaging the resistance mechanism during rewinding of the
spool.
39. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, wherein the retraction
mechanism comprises a coil spring.
40. The exercise apparatus of claim 31, wherein the upper body
exercise module operates independently of the lower body exercise
machine.
41. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; at least one upper body exercise
module attached to the lower body exercise machine, each upper body
exercise module comprising: an elongated connector having first and
second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated connector
first end for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a
user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force
applied to the first end of the elongated connector; each upper
body exercise module adapted to provide resistance to a full
natural forward arm swing of at least one arm of the user; and a
support structure for preventing the user from being pulled off of
the lower body exercise machine by the resistance of the upper body
exercise module.
42. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; at least one upper body exercise
module attached to the lower body exercise machine, each upper body
exercise module comprising: an elongated connector having first and
second ends; a hand grip connected to the elongated connector first
end for being gripped the user with an open or loose grip; and a
resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force applied to the
first end of the elongated connector; each upper body exercise
module adapted to provide resistance to a full natural forward arm
swing of at least one arm of the user.
43. The exercise device of claim 42, wherein the hand grip
comprises a flared-top grip.
44. The exercise device of claim 43, wherein the flared-top grip
comprises a padded, smooth, non-chafing material.
45. An upper body exercise module for attaching to a lower body
exercise machine to allow exercising the upper body simultaneously
with lower body exercise, the upper body exercise module
comprising: a mounting interface for mounting the upper body
exercise module to the lower body exercise machine; an elongated
connector having first and second ends; a user engagement connected
to the elongated connector first end for engaging or being engaged
by a body appendage of a user; a spool connected to the elongated
connector second end and on which the elongated connector is
adapted to be wound; a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile
force applied to the first end of the elongated connector, the
resistance mechanism is adapted to provide frictional resistance to
unwinding of the spool; and a retraction mechanism for
automatically rewinding the spool; the resistance device adapted to
provide resistance to a full natural arm swing of the user.
46. The upper body exercise module of claim 45, wherein the
mounting interface comprises a mounting arm adapted to position the
upper body exercise module behind and to one side of the user when
the user is in a normal use position on the lower body exercise
machine, the mounting arm positioned to avoid interference with an
egress path directly behind the user in the normal use position on
the lower body exercise machine.
47. The upper body exercise module of claim 45, wherein the
mounting interface is adapted to retrofit the lower body exercise
machine with the upper body exercise module..
48. The upper body exercise module of claim 45, wherein the
mounting interface is adapted to be permanently attached to the
lower body exercise machine.
49. The upper body exercise module of claim 45, wherein the
mounting interface comprises a member for attaching the module
directly to the lower body exercise machine or to a mounting arm
attached to the machine.
50. An exercise reel comprising: an elongated connector having
first and second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated
connector first end for engaging a body appendage; a spool
connected to the elongated connector second end and on which the
elongated connector is adapted to be wound; a shaft on which the
spool is axially mounted; a resistance mechanism for resisting
unwinding of the spool; a retraction mechanism for automatically
rewinding the spool; and a clutch located at an interface between
the spool and the shaft for engaging the shaft when the spool is
being unwound and disengaging the shaft when the spool is being
rewound, such that the resistance mechanism is engaged only when
the spool is being unwound.
51. The exercise reel of claim 50, wherein the clutch comprises a
needle-roller clutch bearing.
52. A method of exercising, the method comprising the steps of: (a)
an exerciser walking on a treadmill having a plurality of
rear-mounted upper-body resistance devices, each upper body
resistance device independently mounted behind and along one side
of a walking space on the treadmill such that the exerciser is able
to step onto and off of the treadmill from the rear of the
treadmill unimpeded by the resistance devices or any mounting
structure associated therewith; (b) the exerciser loosely gripping
a user engagement of each rear-mounted resistance device in each
hand; (c) the exerciser walking with a stride that is longer and
lower than a normal walking stride for that exerciser; and (d) the
exerciser experiencing a metabolic exercise rate when engaged only
in a walking stride that is equivalent to a metabolic exercise rate
experienced by that exerciser for a running stride.
53. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; and at least one upper body exercise
module attached to the lower body exercise machine, each upper body
exercise module comprising: an elongated connector having first and
second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated connector
first end for engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a
user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force
applied to the first end of the elongated connector; each upper
body exercise module adapted to provide resistance to a full
natural forward arm swing of at least one arm of the user; a
docking engagement located forward of a user position on the
lower-body exercise machine for receiving the user engagement in a
non-use position with the elongated connector in an extended
configuration, the docking engagement adapted to permit the user to
optionally disengage and re-engage the user engagement while using
the lower body exercise machine.
54. The exercise machine of claim 53, wherein the docking
engagement comprises a post for receiving an eyelet connected to
the user engagement.
55. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; and one or more upper body exercise
modules for attachment to the lower body exercise machine, each
upper body exercise module comprising: a mounting interface for
mounting the upper body exercise module directly to the lower body
exercise machine or to an extension for mounting to the exercise
machine; an elongated connector having first and second ends; a
user engagement connected to the elongated connector first end for
engaging or being engaged by a body appendage of a user; and a
resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force applied to the
first end of the elongated connector; each upper body exercise
module adapted to attach to and detach from the lower-body exercise
machine or extensions; the lower body exercise machine comprising a
plurality of locations for attaching the one or more upper body
exercise modules or extensions.
56. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein each upper body
exercise module is adapted to provide an adjustable level of
resistance.
57. The exercise apparatus of claim 56, wherein the adjustable
level of resistance is provided by a plurality of upper body
exercise modules, each having a different fixed level of
resistance.
58. The exercise apparatus of claim 56, wherein the adjustable
level of resistance is provided by one or more upper body exercise
modules, each having a variable level of resistance.
59. The exercise apparatus of claim 58, wherein each upper body
exercise module comprises a visual indicator for indicating the
level of resistance.
60. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein the user engagement
of each upper body exercise module is detachable.
61. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein the elongated
connector comprises a clip for attaching and detaching a plurality
of interchangeable user engagements.
62. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein the plurality of
locations for attaching the one or more upper body exercise modules
or extensions include locations where the one or more upper body
exercise modules may be positioned for exercising an arm or a leg
of the user.
63. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein the plurality of
locations for attaching the one or more upper body exercise modules
or extensions include locations where the one or more upper body
exercise modules may be positioned behind or in front of the
user.
64. The exercise apparatus of claim 55, wherein at least one of the
plurality of locations for attaching the one or more upper body
exercise modules or extensions includes a rearward location where
at least one upper body exercise module may be positioned behind
the user to provide resistance to a full, natural forward arm swing
of the user.
65. The exercise apparatus of claim 64, wherein the one or more
upper body exercise modules each attach to an extension mounted to
the rearward location of the lower body exercise machine, and the
rearward extension has one or more use positions and at least one
non-use position.
66. The exercise apparatus of claim 65, wherein the extension
comprises a locking mechanism for locking the extension in the one
or more use positions and an unlocking mechanism to enable movement
to another use position or the non-use position.
67. The exercise apparatus of claim 66, wherein the locking
mechanism comprises a pin on a portion of the extension that
interfaces with a notch on a portion of the lower body exercise
machine and a spring that biases the extension so that the pin
remains engaged by the notch, and the unlocking mechanism comprises
a manipulator for overriding the spring bias to push the pin out of
the notch.
68. The exercise apparatus of claim 64, wherein the one or more
upper body exercise modules each attach to an extension mounted to
the rearward location of the lower body exercise machine, the
rearward extension located such that the extension does not
interfere with a user stepping backward off of the machine.
69. An exercise apparatus for exercising the upper body
simultaneously with lower body exercise, the apparatus comprising:
a lower body exercise machine; and at least one upper body exercise
module positioned for use in conjunction with the lower body
exercise machine, each upper body exercise module comprising: an
elongated connector having first and second ends; a user engagement
connected to the elongated connector first end for engaging or
being engaged by a body appendage of a user; and a resistance
mechanism for resisting a force applied to the first end of the
elongated connector; each upper body exercise module adapted to
provide resistance to a full, natural arm swing of at least one arm
of the user.
70. The exercise apparatus of claim 69 comprising a plurality of
interchangeable upper body exercise modules that provide different
levels of resistance.
71. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the upper body
exercise module is adapted to be attached and detached to the lower
body exercise machine in a plurality of locations, in a plurality
of positions in one or more locations, or a combination
thereof.
72. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the upper body
exercise module is permanently installed on the lower body exercise
machine.
73. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the upper body
exercise module provides action that is independent of action of
the lower body exercise machine.
74. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the upper body
exercise module provides action that is dependent upon action of
the lower body exercise machine.
75. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, further comprising one or
more adaptations to the lower body exercise machine to stabilize
the user against forces transmitted by the resistance of the upper
body exercise module.
76. The exercise apparatus of claim 75, wherein one adaptation
comprises a back support for use with an upper body exercise module
mounted behind the user.
77. The exercise apparatus of claim 75, wherein one adaptation
comprises an oversized or at least full-sized foot support for use
with a stepper.
78. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the upper body
exercise module is adapted to attached to the lower body exercise
machine in at least a first position for use while a user is in a
use position on the lower body exercise machine, and in a second
position for use while the user is not in the use position.
79. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the first position
is adapted for conducting an aerobic workout and the second
position is for conducting strength training.
80. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the lower body
exercise machine comprises an exercise bike.
81. The exercise apparatus of claim 80, wherein each upper body
exercise module is mounted such that the resistance to the full
natural arm swing of the user emanates from a point behind, below,
and to one side of the user.
82. The exercise apparatus of claim 81, wherein the upper body
exercise module is mounted directly to the lower body exercise
machine or on mounting arm.
83. The exercise apparatus of claim 81 comprising a guide or pulley
mounted in a first position at the point behind, below, and to one
side of the user to direct the connector to the user from a
mounting position of the upper body exercise module in a second
position remote from the first position.
84. The exercise apparatus of claim 81, wherein the upper body
exercise module is mounted on a mounting arm that is adjustable in
an upward/downward direction relative to the user, a
forward/backward direction relative to the user, or a combination
thereof.
85. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the at least one
upper body exercise module is mounted on a mounting arm that is
adjustable in an upward/downward direction relative to the user, a
forward/backward direction relative to the user, or a combination
thereof.
86. The exercise apparatus of claim 69, wherein the at least one
upper body exercise module is mounted on a platform on which at
least a portion of the lower-body exercise machine is adapted to
rest.
87. The exercise apparatus of claim 87, wherein the at least one
upper body exercise module comprises interchangeable user
engagements, at least one user engagement designed for use of the
upper body exercise module in conjunction with the lower body
exercise machine, and a at least another user engagement designed
for use by a user standing directly on the platform not in
conjunction with the lower body exercise machine.
88. A method of total body exercise-comprising the step of an
exerciser performing an upper body exercise simultaneously with a
lower body exercise, wherein the upper body exercise comprises
exercising with a full, natural, multiplanar arm swing against a
resistance force, the resistance force transmitted to the exerciser
via a user engagement at one end of a connector connected to a
source of the resistance force, wherein the exerciser engages the
user engagement with a loose or open grip.
89. The method of claim 79 comprising the user adopting a slower
pace and taking deeper, more rhythmic breaths as compared to the
user using the lower body exercise machine without simultaneously
using the upper body exercise module.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 10/033,108, filed Dec. 28, 2001, which claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/259,293, filed on Dec. 29, 2000, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference. This application also claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/463,534, filed on
Apr. 17, 2003, incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to exercise machines, and more
particularly to treadmills having an upper body exercise component
for providing total-body exercise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The exercise and fitness industry continues to be an area of
high growth, marked by a proliferation of exercise machines. Among
many of the most popular exercise machines are aerobic leg exercise
machines, such as but not limited to: treadmills, air
walkers/gliders, upright and recumbent bicycle machines,
torso-twisting disks, cross-trainers, steppers, elliptical exercise
machines, cross-country and downhill ski machines, trampolines,
squat machines, rowing machines, stretching machines, abdominal
machines and the like.
[0004] Many exercise machines have some sort of handrail, grip, or
handlebars for resting the arms, while other embodiments provide
nothing to hold on to, and still other embodiments have some type
of mechanism to enable simultaneous exercising of the arms and/or
upper body. Such mechanisms may include but are not limited to
poles, shafts, or arms that, for example, move back and forth.
Machines with such mechanisms for exercising both the legs or lower
body and arms or upper body are often referred to as "dual action"
or "total body" exercise machines.
[0005] Dual action or total body machines have a number of
benefits, including offering a more complete total body exercise
that includes both the arms and/or the upper as well as the lower
body. The increased work raises the user's metabolism and heart
rates more quickly than single action machines, and maintains the
higher metabolism and heart rate throughout the workout. Such
machines are therefore more efficient, providing more exercise in
less time. The arm exercise features also strengthen, tone, or
shape the arm muscles during the aerobic workout. The overall
safety of machines with such features is also typically enhanced,
as the arm exercise mechanisms typically provide improved balance
to the user as compared to embodiments without such mechanisms.
[0006] There are, however, a number of disadvantages inherent in
presently available dual action machines. Typically, the upper body
or arm motion provided by such machines is an unnatural motion,
requiring the user to push forward and/or pull backward. For
example, certain cross-country ski machines, have a cable or reel
system for the arms that is mounted at chest level in front of the
user. The front-mounted arm system produces an awkward,
pull-down/backward motion on the backswing of the arms. This causes
the body to lean so uncomfortably forward that a separate structure
is typically provided as a stomach/mid-section support.
[0007] Additionally, arm-exercise mechanisms, such as poles, on
existing machines typically require the user's arms to be raised
above the waist during the entire push/pull cycle. The poles or
exercise arms are generally mounted in a fixed position, in front
of the user, often making the user lean forward, straining the
lower back and neck, rather than being in a more comfortable,
upright posture position. Additionally, the poles or exercise arms
typically travel in a fixed arc in a single plane, thus limiting
the range of motion of the arms and upper body to a predetermined
distance traveled and to a single plane of motion that is
unnatural.
[0008] The poles or arms may often be dependent on or tied into the
motion of the leg exercise device. This limits the motion of the
arms or upper body to the motion of the legs or lower body,
typically in a one-for-one cycle. Poles that are dependent upon the
leg motion typically keep moving, even when not engaged by the
exerciser. This creates the safety risk of striking the user. Also,
because the poles or exercise arms keep moving and do not fold
away, the user is basically forced to use them and has no choice of
exercising in a non-dual-action, arms-free mode because the poles
interfere with a natural arm swing. In many machines, the arms or
poles do not fold away or fold down flat for more compact
storage.
[0009] Arm exercise poles and many other arm-exercise devices
currently available typically must be held in a closed grip fashion
by the hands, which may cause fatigue, strain or cramping of the
hand, wrist, and/or arm. A closed grip may also have the
undesirable effect of raising blood pressure. Additionally, the act
of pushing a pole forward may put considerable pressure on the palm
of the hand, causing a discomfort in a sensitive pressure
point.
[0010] In summary, many current dual action exercise machines
typically require arm motion that may be unnatural and/or
uncomfortable, and in some circumstances, that may be unsafe.
Additionally, the various arm exercise mechanisms known in the art
are often relatively expensive.
[0011] It is particularly desirable, therefore, to provide a source
of resistance behind a user of an exercise machine that allows the
user's arm to perform a forward swinging motion in a natural,
free-swinging arm position while providing adequate resistance to
that motion to facilitate an upper body workout. It is also
advantageous to provide structures for affixing such an exercise
device to a treadmill or other lower body exercise machine to
provide resistance behind the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] One aspect of the invention is an exercise device for
exercising the upper body simultaneously with lower body exercise.
The exercise device comprises a lower body exercise machine; an
upper body exercise module attached to the lower body exercise
machine, and a mounting device on which the upper body exercise
module is mounted for attachment to the lower body exercise
machine. The upper body exercise module comprises an elongated
connector having first and second ends, a user engagement connected
to the elongated connector first end for engaging a body appendage
of a user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a tensile force
applied to the first end of the elongated connector. The mounting
device comprises a mounting arm adapted to position the upper body
exercise module behind and to one side of the user when the user is
in a normal use position on the lower body exercise machine. The
resistance device is adapted to provide resistance to a full
natural arm swing of the user. The mounting arm is positioned to
avoid interference with an egress path directly behind the user in
the normal use position on the lower body exercise machine.
[0013] In one embodiment, one upper body exercise module is mounted
on a left side of the machine and one upper body exercise module
mounted on a right side of the machine. The mounting arm for the
left side of the machine is preferably not attached to the mounting
arm for the left side of the machine.
[0014] The lower body exercise device may be a treadmill or an air
walker/glider, upright or recumbent bicycle machine, torso-twisting
disk, cross-trainer, stepper, elliptical exercise machine,
cross-country or downhill ski machine, trampoline, squat machine,
rowing machine, stretching machine, or abdominal machine.
[0015] The mounting device may be movable from a use position to a
non-use position, or fixed in a single position. The mounting
device may, for example, be pivotable in a horizontal or vertical
plane or slidable from the use position to the non-use position and
may be adjustable to a plurality of use positions, including having
a mechanism for adjusting the height of the upper body exercise
device relative to the exercise machine. The mounting device may be
adapted to fasten to a side or to the foot of the lower body
exercise machine.
[0016] In one embodiment, the mounting device comprises a mounting
bar and an extension arm attached to the mounting bar, the mounting
bar adapted to fasten to a foot of the exercise machine through a
hole in the foot of the exercise machine. In such an embodiment,
the extension arm may comprise a lower portion, an upper portion,
and an angle (a) between the upper portion and the lower portion,
the angle (a) comprising an angle in the range of 90.degree. to
180.degree.. In this embodiment, the mounting device may also be
adapted to fasten to the foot of the exercise machine such that the
extension arm creates an angle (b) to a horizontal plane, the angle
(b) comprising an angle in the range of 0.degree. to
90.degree..
[0017] The lower body exercise machine may be adapted to allow a
full, natural arm swing of the user without the user's arm hitting
any portion of the lower body exercise machine or attachment to the
lower body exercise machine.
[0018] Another aspect of the invention comprises an upper body
exercise device for attaching to a lower body exercise machine to
allow exercising the upper body simultaneously with lower body
exercise. The upper body exercise device comprising an upper body
exercise module and a mounting device on which the upper body
exercise module is mounted for attachment to the lower body
exercise machine. The upper body exercise module comprises an
elongated connector having first and second ends, a user engagement
connected to the elongated connector first end for engaging a body
appendage of a user, and a resistance mechanism for resisting a
tensile force applied to the first end of the elongated connector.
The mounting device comprises a mounting arm adapted to position
the upper body exercise device behind and to one side of the user
when the user is in a normal use position on the lower body
exercise machine. The resistance device is adapted to provide
resistance to a full natural arm swing of the user, and the
mounting arm is adapted to be positioned on the lower body exercise
machine in a position that avoids interference with an egress path
directly behind the user in the normal use position on the lower
body exercise machine. The mounting device may be adapted to be
retrofitted onto the lower body exercise machine or permanently
attached to the lower body exercise machine.
[0019] Another aspect of the invention comprises an exercise reel
comprising an elongated connector; a user engagement connected to
one end of the elongated connector for engaging a body appendage; a
spool connected to the other end of the elongated connector on
which the elongated connector is adapted to be wound; a shaft on
which the spool is axially mounted; and a resistance mechanism for
resisting unwinding of the spool. The resistance mechanism
comprises a braking cylinder fixed axially to the shaft, and a band
brake for frictionally engaging the braking cylinder. A retraction
mechanism automatically rewinds the spool. A clutch located at an
interface between the spool and the shaft engages the shaft when
the spool is being unwound and disengages the shaft when the spool
is being rewound, such that the braking cylinder turns only when
the spool is being unwound.
[0020] Another aspect of the invention comprises an exercise
apparatus for exercising the upper body simultaneously with lower
body exercise, the apparatus comprising a lower body exercise
machine and at least one upper body exercise module positioned for
use in conjunction with the lower body exercise machine. Each upper
body exercise module comprises an elongated connector having first
and second ends; a user engagement connected to the elongated
connector first end for engaging or being engaged by a body
appendage of a user; and a resistance mechanism for resisting a
force applied to the first end of the elongated connector. Each
upper body exercise module adapted to provide resistance to a full,
natural arm swing of at least one arm of the user.
[0021] Still another aspect of the invention comprises a method of
total body exercise comprising an exerciser performing an upper
body exercise simultaneously with a lower body exercise, wherein
the upper body exercise comprises exercising with a full, natural,
multiplanar arm swing against a resistance force. The resistance
force transmitted to the exerciser via a user engagement at one end
of a connector connected to a source of the resistance force,
wherein the exerciser engages the user engagement with a loose or
open grip. The user may adopt a slower pace and take deeper, more
rhythmic breaths as compared to the user using the lower body
exercise machine without simultaneously using the upper body
exercise module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustration of a user on an
exemplary treadmill outfitted with exemplary upper body exercise
modules.
[0023] FIG. 1B is a perspective view illustration of a user on a
treadmill similar to that of FIG. 1A but with a single upper body
exercise module embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 1C is a perspective view illustration of a single upper
body exercise module embodiment similar to that of FIG. 1B but with
guides for the cable.
[0025] FIG. 1D is a perspective view illustration of a arrangement
for resting the user engagement in a non-use position.
[0026] FIG. 2A is an exploded plan view illustration of an
exemplary spring-return cable spool mechanism.
[0027] FIG. 2B is perspective view illustration of the partially
assembled exemplary spring-return cable spool mechanism of FIG. 2A,
with the housing shown removed to reveal the inner workings.
[0028] FIG. 3A is an illustration of a hand loop user
engagement.
[0029] FIG. 3B is a plan view illustration of an exemplary
micro-hook/micro-loop adjustable hand loop embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 3C is an illustration of an exemplary adjustable
cable-through-ring hand loop embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 4A is a plan view illustration of an exemplary single
reel embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 4B is a partial cross-section side view illustration of
an exemplary resistance mechanism on the single reel embodiment
shown in FIG. 4A.
[0033] FIG. 5A is an illustration of an exemplary cross-country ski
machine having two forward-stroke upper body exercise modules.
[0034] FIG. 5B is an illustration of an exemplary elliptical
machine having two forward-stroke upper body exercise modules, two
backward-stroke upper body exercise modules, and a support
structure.
[0035] FIG. 5C is an illustration of an exemplary trampoline having
two forward-stroke upper body exercise modules and a support
structure.
[0036] FIG. 5D is an illustration of an exemplary stepper having
two forward-stroke upper body exercise modules and a support
structure.
[0037] FIG. 5E is an illustration of an exemplary recumbant
exercise bicycle having two forward-stroke upper body exercise
modules.
[0038] FIG. 5F is an illustration of an exemplary rowing machine
having two backward-stroke upper body exercise modules.
[0039] FIG. 5G is an illustration of an exemplary torso-twisting
disk exercise machine having two forward-stroke upper body exercise
modules.
[0040] FIG. 5H is an illustration of an exemplary air walker/glider
exercise machine having two forward-stroke upper body exercise
modules.
[0041] FIG. 5I is an illustration of an exemplary upright exercise
bicycle having two forward-stroke upper body exercise modules
mounted to a foot of the machine.
[0042] FIG. 5J is an illustration of another exemplary upright
exercise bicycle having two forward-stroke upper body exercise
modules mounted to a crossbar mounted to the back of the machine
and depicting an alternate embodiment where the exercise modules
may be mounted at the front of the machine.
[0043] FIG. 5I is an illustration of an exemplary upright exercise
bicycle resting on top of an exemplary platform having two
forward-stroke upper body exercise modules mounted thereon.
[0044] FIG. 6A is an illustration of an exemplary exercise reel in
a freestanding floor-mounted configuration with a crossbar as a
user engagement.
[0045] FIG. 6B is an illustration of an exemplary exercise reel in
a freestanding wall-mounted configuration with a crossbar as a user
engagement.
[0046] FIG. 6C is an illustration of an exemplary exercise reel in
a freestanding ceiling-mounted configuration with a crossbar as a
user engagement.
[0047] FIG. 6D is an illustration of an exemplary freestanding
platform having two exercise reels mounted thereto for upper body
exercise.
[0048] FIG. 6E is an illustration of an exemplary freestanding
platform having a single-reel exercise reel embodiment mounted
thereto.
[0049] FIG. 6F is an illustration of an exemplary freestanding
platform having a two exercise reels mounted thereto for leg
exercises.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary treadmill
embodiment having a plurality of exercise reels mounted
thereon.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a side view of an exemplary treadmill embodiment
having helical spring resistance devices mounted underneath the
treadmill.
[0052] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an exemplary treadmill embodiment
having a single reel mounted to the front thereof, with guides to
direct the cable to a point behind the user.
[0053] FIG. 10 is a partial longitudinal section illustration of an
exemplary pole mounted on a helical spring for mounting to an
exercise machine.
[0054] FIG. 11A is an illustration of an exemplary treadmill having
poles mounted thereon with a ball and socket resistance
mechanism.
[0055] FIG. 11B is an illustration of an exemplary articulated pole
embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary stepper exercise
machine having the resistant units attached to the steps.
[0057] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary foot surface for
providing enhanced balance for a user.
[0058] FIG. 14 is a side view illustration of an exemplary
treadmill having an upper body exercise device mounted on a
vertically pivotable mounting device attached to the treadmill,
showing the mounting device in a use position in solid lines and in
a non-use position in dashed lines.
[0059] FIG. 15A is a side view illustration of an exemplary
treadmill having an upper body exercise device mounted on a
vertically pivotable mounting device that attaches to a foot of the
treadmill, showing the mounting device in a use position in solid
lines and in a non-use position in dashed lines.
[0060] FIG. 15B a plan view illustration of a side portion of the
treadmill showing the mounting device in a non-use position.
[0061] FIG. 16A is a side view illustration of an exemplary
treadmill having an upper body exercise device mounted on a
slidable mounting device that attaches to the side of the
treadmill, showing the mounting device in one of a number of
selectable use positions.
[0062] FIG. 16B is a side view illustration of the exemplary
treadmill, upper body exercise device, and slidable mounting device
of claim 16A, showing the mounting device in a non-use
position.
[0063] FIG. 17A is a side view illustration of an exemplary
treadmill having an upper body exercise device mounted on a
horizontally pivotable, vertically adjustable mounting device that
attaches to the side of the treadmill, showing the mounting device
in a use position in solid lines and in a non-use position in
dashed lines.
[0064] FIG. 17B is a side view illustration of an exemplary
treadmill having an upper body exercise device mounted on a
horizontally pivotable, non-vertically adjustable mounting device
that attaches to the side of the treadmill, showing the mounting
device in a use position in solid lines and in a non-use position
in dashed lines.
[0065] FIG. 17C is a side view illustration of an exemplary
treadmill having an upper body exercise device mounted on a
horizontally pivotable, vertically adjustable mounting device that
attaches to the side of the treadmill, showing the mounting device
in a first use position in solid lines and pivoted to a second use
position in dashed lines.
[0066] FIG. 18A is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary
mounting device that attaches to the foot of a lower-body exercise
device such as a treadmill.
[0067] FIG. 18B is a side view illustration of a foot of a lower
body exercise machine taken from underneath the machine to show how
the mounting bar portion of the mounting device of FIG. 18A
attaches to the foot in an exemplary embodiment.
[0068] FIG. 18C is a rear view illustration of the foot of the
lower body exercise machine of FIG. 18B.
[0069] FIG. 18D is a side view illustration of the foot of the
lower body exercise machine of FIG. 18B taken from the opposite
side shown in FIG. 18B.
[0070] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustration of an exemplary
flared-top hand grip.
[0071] FIG. 20A is a plan view illustration of an exemplary
exercise device with a top mounting piece removed.
[0072] FIG. 20B is a top view, partial-cut-away illustration of the
exemplary exercise device of FIG. 20A.
[0073] FIG. 21 shows a top view of an exemplary flared-top hand
grip being held in a user's hand.
[0074] FIG. 22A shows a perspective view of an exemplary interface
between an exercise machine and an exemplary mounting bar of an
exemplary mounting arm, shown from a perspective to one side of the
machine.
[0075] FIG. 22B shows a perspective view of one end of the mounting
bar shown in FIG. 22A.
[0076] FIG. 22C shows a side view of the mounting bar end assembly
for holding the mounting bar in place on the machine.
[0077] FIG. 22D shows a perspective view of the exemplary interface
of FIG. 22A, shown from underneath the machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0078] The invention will next be illustrated with reference to the
figures. The figures are intended to be illustrative rather than
limiting and are included herewith to facilitate the explanation of
this invention.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a user 14 on an
exercise machine 10, namely a treadmill. Machine 10 comprises two
resistance modules of this invention, namely exercise reels 1800
(shown in more detail in FIGS. 18A, 20A, and 20B), mounted behind
user 14 to be used for exercising the user's arms. Reels 1800 are
positioned on mounting arms 1802 to enable the natural,
free-swinging back and forth motion of arms 16 of user 14. User 14
swings each arm 16 forward in an upward arc along arrow A,
extending from below the waist or preferably behind the user's body
at or to the rear of point B, and moving alongside to point C in
front of the user's body. Most of the effort is exerted by pulling
and lifting the arms on the upswing (in the direction of arrow A),
while letting the arms swing backward freely on the downswing
(opposite the direction of arrow A).
[0080] It should be noted that some figures in this application and
text corresponding thereto show or refer to one or more reels 1800
and while others show or refer to one or more reels 12. Reels 12
and 1800 are interchangeable, however, with respect to all of the
embodiments shown or discussed herein. Reels 12 and 1800 may
alternatively be referred to herein generically as "resistance
modules" or specifically as "exercise reels" or simply "reels."
[0081] One aspect of the invention allows the user to maintain this
natural arm swing motion while exercising, and in so doing provides
a superior exercise workout. Resistance modules 12 or 1800 may be
permanently attached to exercise machine 10 or may be detachable,
and may be used to retrofit a pre-existing machine. Although
mounting the devices behind the user for use in providing an arm
workout is one preferred embodiment, the resistance devices of this
invention may be placed anywhere on an exercise device in relation
to the user, for use in working-out any portion of the user's body.
Although any number of resistance units may be provided, a
preferred embodiment comprises two resistance units, one for each
arm and/or leg. Although four units may be provided so that both
legs and both arms may be exercised simultaneously, one preferred
embodiment comprises two units that may be adjustable for use with
either arms or legs.
[0082] The resistance units may be permanently affixed to the
machine, or may be detachable and removable. The resistance units
may also be fixed in a particular place on the machine, but are
preferably adjustable in one or more dimensions. For example, as
shown in FIG. 7, each reel 12 may be mounted on a shaft 700, each
shaft pivotable in the direction of arrow Z to provide
adjustability forward and backward relative to the user. Each reel
may also be slidable up and down shaft 700 along arrow Y, such as
on a track, providing vertical adjustability. Although not shown in
FIG. 7, shaft 700 may be jointed to allow pivoting toward and away
from each other, to provide right-to-left adjustability relative to
the user. The arrangement shown in FIG. 7 is merely one example of
how resistance mechanisms can be provided with adjustability in
more than one direction. Any other structural arrangements known in
the art may be used to provide one, two, or three directions of
adjustability (up/down, forward/back, or left/right). Shafts 700
may be provided as part of the original equipment for the exercise
machine, or may comprise a retrofit kit for attaching to existing
exercise machines.
[0083] The resistance units may allow for adjustment in the amount
of resistance, but units that are not adjustable may also be used.
The adjustable resistance may be continuously adjustable within a
certain range, may comprise incremental, stepped, non-continuous
adjustment, or a combination thereof. For example, a kit may be
provided having a first set of resistance devices for providing
continuous adjustment between 1-5 pounds of resistance, and a
second set of resistance devices interchangeable for the first set
for providing continuous adjustment between 5-10 pounds of
resistance. Although typically exercise machines may be marketed
with resistance devices having only a single range of resistance,
machines may also be marketed with multiple ranges of resistance
available, or conversion kits may be available for interchanging
resistance units having one range with units having a different
range. Instead of interchangeability, the resistance units may be
stackable, one on top of the other, such as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,733,231 to Corn et al., which is hereby incorporated by
reference. The noted ranges of resistance are merely exemplary,
however, as any range of resistance may be provided. The resistance
may be adjustable, for example, using a dial, such as dial 1851
shown in FIG. 18A, and the resistance level may be visually
indicated using a gauge 1852. Gauge 1852 comprises a pin 1854 that
moves in association with the chosen resistance level relative to
markings 1856 on the device cover 1858.
[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there is shown an
exemplary exercise reel 12 in further detail. Reel 12 is depicted
in FIGS. 2A and 2B as a spring-return cable spool reel, but other
types of reels may also be used. In the embodiment shown in FIGS.
2A and 2B, however, cable 217 is attached to cable spool 207 at one
end and comprises user engagement, such as hand loop 219 on the
opposite end. Although the cable may preferably be a
plastic-coated, twisted-metal cable as is well known in the art,
the term "elongated tension member" or "elongated connector" may be
used herein to generically refer to any type of non-rigid
connection member, such as a cable, line, cord, tubing, band,
strip, rope, chain, string, or other means known in the art
suitable for transmitting tensile resistance to the arm movement of
the user from spool 207. Such a connector allows a full and free
range of motion (motion in multiple planes) of the user's arm or
other body part engaged by the user engagement. Even a rigid
elongated connector may be used, however, for example as shown in
FIGS. 11A and 11B, where a pole is provided as at least a portion
of the connector and yet still allows a full and free range of
motion.
[0085] For simplicity, however, many of the embodiments are
described herein with respect to a "cable" (except where specific
to other types of elongated connectors), but it should be
understood that any applicable elongated connector may be
substituted for the cable described in any of these embodiments. It
is desirable for exterior surface of the cable to be smooth,
however, and for any edges against which the cable is likely to
rub, such as for example edges of opening 1859 in covering 1858 as
shown in FIG. 18A, to be beveled and/or also smooth to reduce
noise.
[0086] Cable 217 may be non-elastic or may have some elasticity.
Cable 217 is preferably just long enough to stretch from the
mounting location of the reel to the furthest point of the user
engagement from the mounting location during a standard arm swing.
This furthest point, for example, may be chosen to be the length at
which the universal user standing in a location farthest from the
resistance device would pull out the cable when his forward arm
swing is at eye level. As used herein, the term "universal user"
means a hypothetical user requiring system dimensions that would be
sufficient to accommodate any other intended user. Thus, for a reel
mounted behind the user, the length corresponds to the length of a
full forward arm swing, and for a reel mounted in front of the
user, the length corresponds to a full backward arm swing. The
spool is preferably sized to just hold substantially all of the
length of the cable. By "substantially all," it is meant the
portion of the cable not including user engagement 219 or any
portion of the cable between the cable thimble 218 and the user
engagement. By "just hold" it is meant that the spool is preferably
not substantially oversized, so as to conserve weight and size and
to minimize cost. Restricting the length of cable and spool
capacity enables a more compact unit than if, for example, the
length of cable were indiscriminately long and the size of the
spool were correspondingly large. For example, previously known
reel devices for use in aquatic training would be unreasonably
bulky for use in the present application.
[0087] In one embodiment, the user engagement may be a comfortable,
"hands-free" design that may be in the form of a padded, soft,
non-chafing hand loop 219, such as is shown in FIG. 2B, or any
other type of strap or grip that fits around the hand without
requiring a closed grip by the hand. A material such as a dense
foam rubber may provide the padded, soft, and non-chafing
qualities. The user engagement may comprise any of the suitable
mechanisms known in the art for enabling engagement by or
attachment to a portion of the upper body, however, such as but not
limited to handles, grips, bars, wraps, gloves, straps, cuffs, and
the like. In other embodiments, where the exercise reel of this
invention is used for the exercise of other muscles, the user
engagement may be any device for engaging any part of the body,
including the feet or legs, the waist, the torso, the head, the
shoulders, and the like. Thus, although referred to as a "hand
loop" herein, it should be understood that loop 219 may be used for
engagement of other parts of the body. The user engagement may be
permanently attached to or detachable from cable 217. Upper body
user engagements may be designed to be attached to, engaged by, or
held by any portion of the arms, wrists, hands, or fingers of the
user. The user engagement may be securable to the arm or hands by
any mechanism known in the art, such as but not limited to the user
grasping or holding the means, or the means being secured to the
user by any type of fastener such as one or more buckles,
Velcro.RTM. fasteners, snaps, pressure fittings, hooks, loops,
clips, and the like. User engagements for other parts of the body
may be securable to the feet, legs, waist torso, head, shoulders,
and the like. The user engagement is preferably padded for comfort,
and/or lined for sweat absorption.
[0088] Although the user engagement may be a member suitable for
gripping by the user, a loop is advantageous because it may simply
engage the user's hand 17 in a naturally open position as shown in
FIG. 3A with the loop passing between the user's thumb 19 and
forefinger 20. Loop 219 may also be adjustable for sizing and
comfort, while allowing for a quick release of the hands. For
example, as shown in FIG. 3B, loop 319 comprises a section 302 of
micro-hooks and mating section 304 of micro-loops (or vice versa),
such as a commonly known Velcro.RTM. fastener, that enables the
diameter D of loop 319 to be adjusted. Any number of equivalent
devices for providing adjustability are known in the art and may be
used, however, such as but not limited to snaps, buttons, a
"cable-through-ring" mechanism 419 such as is shown in FIG. 3C with
cable 417 and ring 418, and the like.
[0089] Another desirable embodiment for the user engagement is
shown in FIGS. 19 and 21. Hand grip 1900 comprises a flared top
1910 and a plurality of indents 1920 and 1921. Although shown with
one indent 1920 for the user's thumb and one indent 1921 for the
remaining fingers, any number of indents may be provided, including
but not limited to, no indents, a single indent for the thumb and
fingers together, or an indent for each of the thumb and fingers.
Flared top 1910 distributes the pressure of the forward swing to
the top of the hand 2100 to the thumb 2102 and fore-finger 2104,
which stop the grip from slipping through the user's hand as shown
in FIG. 21, and therefore allow the user to use a loose grip. Grip
1900 is also shown with an eyelet 1930 for engagement by, for
example, a pinch-type clip 1940 at the end of elongated connector
1950. A detachable user engagement provides interchangeability of
user engagements, which is a particularly desirable feature,
because it allows the user to change the type of user engagement to
accommodate the type of exercise. For example, a flared-top grip
1900 may be preferable for an aerobic exercise, whereas a more
standard pull-type handle (not shown) may be more desirable for use
for strength exercises, and a loop-type engagement may be more
desirable for use with another part of the body, such as for leg
exercises.
[0090] The use of a padded, non-chafing loop or a flared-top grip
for engaging the hand provides an open engagement by the hand that
exerts less pressure on the hand or wrist than a closed grip. The
open engagement of a padded loop or flared-top grip also avoids the
undesirably higher blood pressure that, according to some sources,
may be promoted by a closed grip. An open engagement as permitted
by the flared-top grip or hand loop also does not tire or cramp the
hand or fingers, nor does it rub or chafe the hand or fingers,
making exercise over a longer time period possible. An adjustable
and/or padded cuff (not shown) or hand loop 219 (such as is shown
inn FIG. 3A) that merely slips around the user's wrist or hand, may
also be used to avoid the drawbacks of a closed grip.
[0091] While the flared-top grip 1900 and loop or cuff type grips
all offers the advantages of an open engagement, the flared-top
grip offers the additional advantage of allowing the user to more
quickly disengage the user engagement, by dropping it, if
necessary. A loop may be somewhat more difficult to disengage
quickly. The flared-top grip user engagement is particularly
advantageous over the cuff-type user engagements, such as those
shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,649 to Lee et al.,
incorporated herein by reference, which may tend to snare or catch
the hand or arm and in which a user may be more likely to be
tangled upon stumbling or falling, creating a potential safety
issue. The flared-top grip 1900 is preferably made of a padded,
soft, non-chafing material, such as, for example, a dense foam
rubber material.
[0092] Returning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, reel 12 further comprises
a split housing having a left component 201 and right component 202
that enclose the moving parts. Shaft end caps 220 are attached to
either end of shaft 205 to keep the assembled housing in place.
Reel 12 also may comprise a swivel mount, such as yoke 203 and
swivel tongue 204, that allows the reel to swivel with respect to
its attachment point to the exercise machine. Although the
yoke/swivel tongue mechanism allows only a single degree of freedom
(pivoting in the either direction along arrow X), the swivel mount
may comprise multiple swivel mechanisms, each of which provides
additional degrees of freedom, or may comprise a single mechanism,
such as a ball-and-socket mechanism that provides multiple degrees
of freedom. Instead of being attached to shaft 205 running through
cable spool 207, the swivel mount may also be attached to one or
both of the housing components 201 or 202. A swivel mounting, in
general, may protect the reel mechanism by reducing stresses on the
reel. In other embodiments, however, the reel may be attached to
the exercise machine, mounting bracket, wall, bench, platform, or
the like, by a non-swiveling mechanism.
[0093] Reel 12 preferably has a retraction mechanism so that cable
217 is wound back on the reel as the user's arm moves backward on
the back swing. As shown in FIG. 2A, an exemplary retraction
mechanism embodiment comprises a retractor spring 206, such as a
coil spring. Other retraction mechanisms may also be used. Spring
206 is loaded as cable 217 is unwound from spool 207 (and also
exerts some resistance) and then automatically springs back to
rewind the cable as the user moves hand loop 219 back below the
waist and behind the body so that it can be pulled forward again to
point C on the upswing to complete a full cycle of the arm swing.
The retraction mechanism also enables reel 12 to retract cable 217
so that cable stop 218 abuts reel 12 when the reel is not being
engaged by a user, to neatly store the cable when not in use. Cable
stop 218 prevents too much cable, including hand loop 219, from
being pulled into housing 201 and 202. Opening 230 in the housing
is sized to keep cable stop 218 from being drawn inside.
[0094] The cord on the reel mechanism may fully retract up to cable
stop 218, providing compact storage. In other embodiments, holders
may be provided forward of the user for resting the user
engagements where they may be readily picked up and put down by the
user. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, console 18 in front of user
14 may comprise wings 20 having upright posts 22 around which the
loops 219 (shown in FIG. 2B) or upper eyelets 1960 of flared-top
grip 1900 (shown in FIG. 19) may be optionally placed. For safety,
posts 22 preferably have rounded, snubbed ends with a length just
long enough to provide the required capability of docking the user
engagement while not in use, without being cumbersome for
retrieving the user engagement from the posts. So, a user wanting
to discontinue the arm exercise portion of the workout for a period
of time may merely continue exercising his legs while temporarily
docking the user engagements on the machine where they can be
readily picked up again without discontinuing the leg workout.
[0095] Although shown with posts 22, it should be recognized that
any type of docking engagement mechanism may be used for
temporarily storing the user engagement, including other
male-female type engagements, for example, where a post is on the
flared-tip grip and an eyelet is on the machine, or a partial ring
engagement 1961 such as shown in FIG. 1D through which cable 217
can be threaded but which prevents the relatively larger diameter
of user engagement 1900 from being pulled through. The invention is
not limited to any particular type of docking arrangement. Another
exemplary docking arrangement 59 is shown with respect to an
upright bicycle in FIG. 5I, wherein the docking station is
positioned where a user can easily reach below the seat of the
bicycle to grab the user engagement when desired. The docking
station in this case comprises a crosswise rod 556 having an
upturned end 557 over which eyelet 1960 may be placed. The
crosswise rod may be attached to collar 558 which fits around seat
pole 558 for attaching backrest 61.
[0096] Although shown in FIG. 2A as a spring 206, the retraction
mechanism on reel 12 may be of any type known in the art, however,
such as but not limited to a spring, weight, or elastic member. The
cable retraction mechanism may even be motorized, if desired. The
retraction mechanism may be adjustable to provide a range of
retraction forces or may be non-adjustable. Preferably, the cable
retraction mechanism has sufficient strength to allow for a full
backswing without line slack, which is some embodiments, for
example, has been found to require a cable retraction mechanism
exerting at least 0.5 pounds of force. In the exemplary embodiment
shown in FIG. 1B and described herein later in which a single reel
has a cable with one end used by the user's right arm and the other
end used by the user's left arm, the retraction mechanism for one
arm is powered by the forward stroke of the opposite arm.
[0097] Reel system 12 also has at least one resistance mechanism.
In some embodiments, the resistance mechanism and retraction
mechanism may be the same mechanism, or at least a portion of the
resistance mechanism may also comprise at least a portion of the
retraction mechanism. In other embodiments, at least some
substantial portion of the resistance mechanism may be separate
from the retraction mechanism. For example, spring 206 provides
some resistance force as well as the retraction force. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the resistance mechanism
additionally comprises a brake disk 211 and a pair of caliper arms
212 and 213. The element providing the resistance may be anything
known in the art, however, such as but not limited to a spring; an
elastic member, including a tension band or ring; a weight,
including weights that are lifted by pulling a cable wound about a
pulley; a friction brake, including a brake on a reel or on the
cable itself; a pressure pad; a screw; a device using magnetic,
hydraulic, or pneumatic resistance; a bendable shape memory
material such as a composite (i.e. a BOWFLEX.RTM. rod); or the
like.
[0098] The resistance mechanism may be adjustable, such as for
example, by turning caliper adjustment knob 216 which is connected
to shaft 214. Shaft 214 is coaxially mounted within spacer 215 and
has a threaded end that interfaces with threaded portion of left
caliper arm 212 to change the distance between left caliper arm 212
and right caliper arm 213, as shown in FIG. 2A. Shaft 214 protrudes
through housing component 202 via opening 221, allowing adjustment
knob 216 to be accessible without removing the housing.
[0099] The resistance mechanism may also be non-adjustable. For
example, if permanently set to be used for an aerobic workout, the
arm mechanism may be nonadjustable and set to provide less than
about 5 pounds of resistance, or even more preferably less than 3
pounds of resistance. If the arm mechanism is designed to provide a
simulation of weight exercise, the arm mechanism may be adjustable
to offer a range of different resistance forces that may typically
exceed 5 pounds. This range of resistance forces may be infinitely
adjustable within the range along a continuum, or the range may be
adjustable stepwise.
[0100] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the resistance mechanism
typically further comprises a clutch mechanism, such as roller
clutch 210 that disengages from spool clutch hub 208 when spool 207
spins in the direction for retraction of cable 217, and engages it
again when the cable causes the spool to spin in the opposite
direction. The clutch mechanism allows retractor spring 206 to
quickly rewind cable 217 on spool 207 without resistance.
Embodiments without a clutch may also be provided.
[0101] Although shown in FIG. 1A with two reels 1800 with
independent cables 2004 coming from each reel 1800, referring now
to FIG. 1B, a single reel 112 may be shared by both arms. Reel 112,
as shown in greater detail in FIGS. 4A and 4B, may comprise one
cable 117a for one arm and another cable 117b for the other arm,
each cable wound on spool 107 in a different direction. Cables 117a
and 117b may be two distinct cables or may comprise a common cable
with its middle section wound around spool 107. Reel 112 as shown
in FIG. 1B may be mounted so that it can swivel up and down to
accommodate users of different height while assuring that the
tension forces on the cable are perpendicular to the axis of the
spool. Referring now to FIG. 1C, to further facilitate a natural,
straight forward and backward arm motion and to keep the cable from
touching the back of the user's body, the single reel embodiment
may further comprise a set of pulleys or guides 114 which move the
origin point of the resistance force more toward the outside of and
behind the body.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 4B, resistance may be provided in the
single reel embodiment by a spring 110 mounted around shaft 120 of
knob screw 122. As knob screw 122 is screwed downward to advance
threads 123 into nut 126, which abuts one end of spool 107 via
washer 128, knob 124 compresses spring 110 so that the pressure
exerted by the spring on spool 107 increases. FIG. 4B shows only
one exemplary mechanism for providing resistance, however, and
other mechanisms may be used as are known in the art without
limitation. The advantages of a single reel embodiment include the
simplicity of design and the economic benefit of having only a
single reel and cable. Single reel embodiments may limit the motion
of one arm to the opposite motion of the other arm, however, which
in some circumstances may not be desirable. Furthermore, single
reel embodiments can provide only the same resistance for each arm,
and the cable is not fully retractable when not in use.
[0103] Although arm exercise reels 12 or 1800 are particularly
useful for providing total body workouts for aerobic leg lower body
exercise machines, such as on a cross-country skiing machine 510 as
shown in FIG. 5A, an elliptical machine 520 as shown in FIG. 5B, a
trampoline 530 as shown in FIG. 5C, a stepper 540 as shown in FIG.
5D, exercise bikes 550 (recumbent) and 555 (upright) as shown in
FIGS. 5E and 5I-K, respectively, a torso-twisting disk 560 as shown
in FIG. 5G, or an air walker/glider 570 as shown in FIG. 5H, the
invention is not limited thereto. This invention may be used in
conjunction with any type of exercise machine, such as but not
limited to home gyms, strength training machines, upper body
exercise machines, and the like, including specific machines such
as but not limited to treadmills, air walkers/gliders, upright and
recumbent bicycle machines, torso-twisting disks, cross-trainers,
steppers, elliptical exercise machines, cross-country and downhill
ski machines, trampolines, squat machines, rowing machines,
stretching machines, abdominal machines and the like. It should be
noted that although FIGS. 5A-5K show the exercise machines with
reels 12 or 1800 mounted at the foot level of the user, any type of
resistance module may be used. Regardless of resistance module
type, the resistance module may be provided with or without
mounting arms, such as arm 1802 shown in FIG. 18A or the arms shown
in FIGS. 14-17C, that raise the level of the resistance module
above foot level. Mounting stub 2001 of reel 1800 may be attached
directly to an exercise machine, such as to mounting post 1880 on
bicycle foot 559, as shown in FIG. 5I. In other embodiments, the
resistance devices may be placed on a platform 50, such as shown in
FIG. 6D and 5K, and the exercise machine placed atop the platform
so that the weight of the machine and the user provides the
necessary force to hold the platform with the resistance devices in
place.
[0104] Because of the backward resistance force applied by the
arm-exercise mechanism, in some embodiments it may be desirable to
include one or more attendant structures for counteracting forces
transmitted by the resistance device that may tend to destabilize
the user. Such structures may include a support structure behind
the user, and/or, for devices such as steppers with a limited area
for engaging the foot, an oversized or at least full-sized foot
support. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, foot support 1300 has a
length L and width W greater than the comparative length and width
of a human foot 1302, and optionally further comprises a raised lip
or railing 1304 on the periphery to make it easier for the foot to
stay in the foot support area. The foot support area surface 1306
may optionally comprise a high-traction material.
[0105] Exemplary support structures 60 behind the user are
illustrated in FIGS. 5B, 5E, and 5G-I, and may be provided to
minimize the possibility that a user may lose his or her balance.
The support structure may be designed to support the back or
buttocks of the user, and may be adjustable in one or more
directions, such as up/down, right/left, and forward/back. For
example, as shown in FIG. 5D, support 60 may rest on a pole 63 that
pivots forward and backward in the direction of arrow Z, and
support 60 may further be adjustable up and down the pole along
arrow Y. Other mounting means for support 60 may also be used,
however, such as a crossbar behind the user supported by a pair of
posts. Any means for mounting the support may be used, but
optimally should not interfere with the natural, free-swinging arm
motion of the user. In an exemplary recumbent exercise bicycle
embodiment 550, back support 60 may comprise a back rest that is
part of the seat 62, as shown in FIG. 5E. In another embodiment, as
illustrated with respect to upright exercise bicycle 555, an
independent back support 61 may be provided. Support structures may
be particularly desirable for machines where there may be a risk of
imbalance or instability, such as, for example, with an elliptical
machine 520, trampoline 530, stepper 540, torso-twisting disk 560,
or air glider 570, as shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, 5G, and 5H,
respectively, where the user is in a somewhat elevated position
when using the machine. Support structures are not limited to use
only with these machines, however, and may be provided on any
machine, including but not limited to treadmills. Embodiments
without such a support structure may also be provided for any type
of machine.
[0106] Additional attributes may also be desirable for facilitating
use of a resistance device mounted behind the user intended to
provide resistance to a forward arm swing of a user on an exercise
machine. For example, some known treadmill embodiments provide side
railings and a console or control panel in front of the user. In
such embodiments, the side rails are preferably spaced radially
from the treadmill frame far enough, have a height low enough,
and/or only extend from the front to the back of the machine far
enough to avoid interfering with the natural arm swing of universal
user. Similarly, any console, control panel, or grab rail mounted
in front of the user are desirably either permanently fixed far
enough forward that they do not interfere with the natural arm
swing, or are adjustable so as to allow a full natural arm swing of
a universal user.
[0107] The resistance provided by the exercise device is preferably
unidirectional, preferably provided on the forward arm swing as
shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 5A-5E, 5G, 5H, 8, 9, and 12. The
unidirectional resistance allows for two phases of exercise: an
exertion phase (on the foreswing for rear-mounted devices) and a
resting phase (on the backswing for rear-mounted devices). As shown
in FIG. 5F, however, reel 12 may also be used to provide resistance
for backward arm motion, such as for use with a rowing machine 560.
Reels 12 or 112 may be used to provide resistance to forward or
backward arm motion on any exercise machine known in the art.
Although reel 112 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is generally known for
providing upper body exercise in conjunction with a cross-country
ski machine, it has not been known for use with other exercise
machines. Accordingly, it is within the scope of this invention to
use reel 112 to provide resistance to forward arm motion when
mounted to any exercise machine and to provide resistance to
backward arm motion when mounted to any exercise machine other than
a cross-country ski machine. Furthermore, the scope of this
invention includes the use of any source of multi-planar
(non-pole-type) arm swing resistance on any lower body exercise
machine other than treadmill or a cross-country ski machine and the
use of any source of multi-planar (non-pole-type) arm swing
resistance permanently integrated with a treadmill. By "permanently
integrated" it is meant that the arm-swing resistance is not a
retrofit unit. Thus, this invention serves needs and fills gaps
currently not addressed by existing exercise machines on the
market.
[0108] A plurality of reels 12 or 1800 may also be used to provide
bi-directional resistance both on the forward and backward swing.
An exemplary bidirectional resistance design, shown in FIG. 5B,
shows one reel 12a in front of the user and one reel 12b behind the
user for each arm. The user may optionally use both reels 12a and
12b at the same time to provide resistance on the upswing and
backswing, or may only use one reel at a time, to provide
resistance on the upswing or the backswing, depending upon user
preference. Although shown in FIG. 5B with use on an elliptical
machine 520, the bi-directional resistance design is not limited to
use on elliptical machines, nor are elliptical machines limited
only to bi-directional designs.
[0109] Preferably the arm exercise mechanism has at least one
anchor point for each reel 12 or 1800. The anchor point or points
may be located anywhere, but are preferably located on the exercise
machine itself, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, 5A-5J, 7-9, and 12 or on a
platform for mounting under the exercise machine, as shown in FIG.
5K. The anchor point may be located on the base or lower frame of
the exercise machine, and preferably to the rear of the user at a
height within a range between and including the user's feet to the
user's hips, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1A-1C and, 5A-5E, 5G-K
and 7. In other embodiments, discussed herein later, the anchor
point for the resistance device may actually be located somewhere
other than behind the user, with guides used for bringing the
cables to the rear of the user. Reels 12 or 1800 may be detachable
or permanently or semi-permanently anchored. The attachment
mechanism at the anchor point may be a quick-connect mechanism that
allows for reels 12 or 1800 to be quickly replaced or moved easily
from place to place around the machine, from machine to machine, or
from machine to non-machine or free-standing locations. The
attachment mechanism may also be a standard bolt and nut
combination (with washers or special brackets as needed to adapt to
each machine), or a pin 1810 and corresponding hole combination as
shown in FIG. 18A. The attachment mechanism may be adapted for easy
detachment by the user, or may be intended to remain fixed without
routine detachment by the user.
[0110] Reels 12 or 1800 may also be used in a free-standing mode.
For example, one or more reels 12 may be mounted to any type of
floor 600, wall 610, ceiling 620, pole, bench, or the like in a gym
or home at a desired height to provide an arm and/or leg workout,
as shown in FIGS. 6A-C. For these embodiments, the user interface
may at the end of cable 217 may comprise hand loops 219 or
handgrips 1900 as shown and described previously, may have a
crossbar 619 similar to a weight-lifting bar on which weights are
typically mounted, or may have any type of user engagement known in
the art, including but not limited to handle-type grips 2300 as
shown in FIG. 6D.
[0111] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6D a pair of reels
12 or 1800 may be mounted on a platform 50 on which a user 14 may
stand, with the opposite end comprising any of the user interfaces
described previously. A user standing on platform 50 may thus
approximate a curling or lifting exercise using free weights using
the reel mechanisms of this invention, optionally with a bar (such
as crossbar 619 shown in FIGS. 6A-C). A user lying on his or her
back on platform 50 between reels 12 with a crossbar 619 connected
to the respective cables may approximate a bench press exercise. A
single reel 112 may also be used in a freestanding mode with or
without a platform 50, as shown in FIG. 6E mounted on a platform.
Single reel 112 may be mounted at an angle or on a swivel or cable
guides may be used so that the pulling force is always
perpendicular to the axis of the spool for smooth operation
regardless of the height or position of the user. In one embodiment
(not shown), the platform may be relatively small, with just enough
size for the user to stand on, such that the user typically must
keep one foot down at all times to prevent the platform from
moving. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6D, the platform may
be relatively large and heavy. An advantage of a relatively large,
heavy platform is that the platform does not rely on the user
stepping on it to keep it in place. Thus, the user may run in
place, jump, stretch, perform kneebends, or other lower body
exercises while using a relatively heavy platform. Although some
lower body exercises may be possible in conjunction with upper body
exercise on a lightweight platform, exercises such as jumping and
running in place are not readily facilitated. Platform 50 may also
be used in conjunction with a lower-body exercise machine by
placing the lower-body exercise machine on top of the platform, as
shown in FIG. 5K.
[0112] Reels 12 or 1800 may also be used to exercise other body
parts, such as the legs, in a natural motion. In one embodiment,
loop 219 may be placed around the user's foot or leg, as shown in
FIG. 6F and the user may perform leg lifts with a natural motion.
For example, reels may be connected to a platform 50 and the user
may position himself or herself against a wall 610 for balance.
Such exercise may be beneficial for developing leg muscles above
the knee and muscles in the waist and buttocks, and may further
provide an enhanced aerobic workout. The use of reels for leg
exercises is not limited to freestanding reels as shown in FIG. 6F,
however, but may include reels mounted to exercise machines,
benches, poles, walls, floors, and the like. The uses of the reels
of this invention are not limited to exercising leg and arm
muscles, however, as other muscles may also be exercised, such as
muscles in the neck, midsection, shoulders, waist, and the like.
Neck muscles may be exercised, for example, by using a headband as
the user engagement means.
[0113] Thus, in one aspect, the subject invention solves a number
of the problems associated with present dual action machines in one
simple, compact, economic, easy-to-use mechanism. Embodiments
including placement of the mechanism behind the user allow for a
more natural, free-swinging arm motion and promotes a more natural,
upright body position, which is safer for the user. The natural,
free-swinging motion promotes better overall body coordination
during exercise, as the upper body typically sets the rhythm for
performing the exercise. As compared to pole-type mechanisms, the
present invention provides a more flexible and versatile range of
motion, allowing the user to choose the amount of upswing and
backswing distance most comfortable for him or her and to choose
the plane of motion relative to body most comfortable. Furthermore,
the user may choose between dual action or non-dual action mode,
and in some embodiments, unidirectional or bidirectional
resistance.
[0114] The arm exercise mechanisms discussed herein, such as reels
12 or 1800, are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and are
relatively easy and inexpensive to repair or replace. The
mechanisms discussed herein are also lightweight and are compact
for storage.
[0115] Other mechanisms besides reel mechanisms may also be used to
provide total body workouts on lower-body-focused exercise
machines. The use of elastic members for enhancing a workout is
taught generally in U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,305, No. 5,476,431, and No.
5,632,708, incorporated herein by reference. As used herein the
term "elastic member" refers to any type of exercise bands, tubing,
ropes, or cords known in the art that provide resistance to being
stretched, and include any type of materials of construction,
including natural and synthetic materials. Elastic members can also
be made to have an adjustable resistance force. For example, by
shortening the length of the elastic member that is allowed to
stretch, the resistance provided by that member can be increased.
Devices are known in the art to provide such shortening capability
with relative ease of adjustment. One such device for use with
exercise tubing is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,096 to Ponce,
incorporated herein by reference, and another such device is
marketed by Innotrainer of Tanumshede, Sweden, as described
generally with respect to adjusting the distance between handles
for aerobic exercise on www.innotrainer.com, also incorporated
herein by reference. Thus, a pair of adjustment devices may be
mounted to the frame of an exercise device, such as in the position
of reels 12 shown in FIG. 7, and elastic members may be used to
provide the resistance from behind the user.
[0116] Another mechanism for providing adjustable resistance with
elastic members is to use a plurality of elastic members, with the
ability to engage or disengage selected members to increase or
decrease the resistance force. Use of the adjustable and/or padded
user engagements described herein may be particularly advantageous
over standard user engagements typically used with such elastic
members, for all of the reasons discussed herein.
[0117] Although described above with respect to self-contained
resistance mechanisms mounted behind the user, the resistance
mechanism may be mounted elsewhere on the machine and directed to a
point behind the user with rollers, pulleys or guides. For example,
as shown in FIG. 8, the resistance mechanism may comprise an
elastic member or helical spring 800 mounted underneath the
machine, with guides such as rollers or pulleys 802 for directing
the cable to the user. Adjustability of the amount of resistance
may be provided by increasing or decreasing the amount of prestress
on the spring or elastic band, such as by shortening the length of
the spring or band allowed to expand as a result of the workout, or
by preloading the spring or band. An exemplary method of adjusting
the preload on a helical spring is shown in FIG. 20 of U.S. Pat.
No. 6,123,649, incorporated herein by reference. The spring or
elastic member may be enclosed in a tube if desired for aesthetic
or safety purposes. Only one helical spring mechanism 800 is. shown
in FIG. 8, but it should be understood that optimally there is one
spring mechanism for each arm to provide independent resistance.
One embodiment (not shown), however, may comprise a single spring
configured so that each end of the single spring serves as a spring
mechanism for one of the arms.
[0118] As shown in the treadmill embodiment of FIG. 9, a single
reel 112 may also be mounted in front of the user or under the
machine with guides such as pulleys 900 and stays 902 provided for
guiding the cables to a point behind the user to provide an
exercise workout for the natural arm swing of the user. The use of
a resistance device mounted in front of the user and guided to a
point behind the user is not limited to treadmills, however, and
may be used with respect to any type of exercise machine.
[0119] Although rear mounting of the resistance modules is
preferred for providing resistance to a full, natural forward arm
swing of a user, it may still be desirable to offer the user the
option of alternatively providing resistance to the backswing. One
simple way of providing this functionality, is to provide a pulley
or guide 1875 at the front of the exercise machine, such as on
console 18 as depicted in FIG. 1A, around which the cable 2004 can
be wrapped to provide resistance from in front of the user. An
alternative arrangement, is to provide mounting posts 1880 at the
front of the machine to which the resistance devices 1800 can be
mounted and held in place by inserting pins 1810 through holes
1882. The use of mounting posts allows a user to optionally place
reels at both the front and the back of the exercise machine to
provide resistance to both the foreswing and the backswing, using
the upper and lower rings 1930 and 1960 of a single grip 1900 as a
point to which the cables from each reel can be fastened, such as
using clips 1940 as shown in FIG. 19. Where a forward pulley or
guide is used to enable a user to covert a rear-mounted resistance
device to provide resistance to the user's arm backswing, it is
important that the length of the cable and the carrying capacity of
the spool is sized appropriately to provide enough cable to reach
from the mounting point of the reel to the pulley and through a
fully backswing of any sized user standing in any operating
position on the machine. It may be desirable to provide the pulley
or guide with a deep groove or channel to ensure that the cable
stays engaged with the pulley or guide despite a non-zero angle
between the portion of the cable entering the pulley/guide from the
resistance device and the portion of the cable exiting the
pulley/guide to the user. It may also be desired to provide a
pulley that can swivel or rotate to provide an optimal orientation
to accommodate such a non-zero angle.
[0120] When used with a treadmill, the resistance devices of the
present invention provide an increased workout without requiring,
for example, an inclined or motorized treadmill. The resistance
devices of the present invention also enable a natural,
free-swinging motion when walking or running on the treadmill.
Thus, the relatively inexpensive addition of resistance mechanisms
may eliminate the need for more expensive mechanisms, such as
inclines or motors, typically used with treadmills known in the
art. Of course, the resistance mechanisms may also be coupled with
inclined and motorized treadmills for an even greater workout.
[0121] As described herein, one aspect of the invention comprises
an exercise machine for exercising a user, the machine comprising
an upper body exercise component comprising one or more resistance
devices adapted to provide resistance to a forward swinging motion
of an arm of the user while allowing the user's arm to perform the
natural, free-swinging forward motion in a naturally extended arm
position. The resistance device comprises a elongated connector
having first and second ends and a user engagement connected to the
elongated connector first end, wherein the user engagement is
padded, adjustable, or a combination thereof. Although the
resistance device is preferably the exercise reel described herein,
or one of the other resistance systems described above, any
resistance device known in the art may be used in conjunction with
such an exercise machine. For example, the following U.S. patents,
each incorporated herein by reference, describe exemplary
resistance mechanisms, all of which may be used to provide
resistance for the upper body workout: U.S. Pat. No. 518,967 to
Poole; No. 3,929,331 to Beeding; No. 4,114,875 to Deluty; No.
4,557,480 to Dudley; No. 4,779,866 to Marshall et al.; No.
5,147,264 to Braathen; No. 5,176,599 to Beliakov; No. 5,486,149 to
Smith et al.; No. 5,618,249 to Marshall; No. 5,733,231 to Corn et
al.; Nos. 5,876,310 and 6,149,559 to Mackey, and No. 6,123,649 to
Lee et al. This list is not limiting, however, as a multitude of
other resistance devices are known in the art, and applicable for
use as described generally herein.
[0122] Using resistance devices to provide upper body workouts on
machines otherwise designed for lower-body workouts, provides
greater exercise in less time, enabling a total body workout with
more aerobic benefit. The increased exercise provides increased
calorie consumption, as compared to equal time on a machine without
the additional resistance mechanisms, ultimately leading to
increased weight loss for those incorporating exercise into a
weight loss regimen. The resistance devices also provide
strengthening, toning, shaping, and stretching of the muscles using
the devices.
[0123] Although described primarily herein where the resistance
devices are independent from the lower body workout, the upper body
resistance devices may be dependent upon the lower body exercise
device. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, in a stepper-type machine
1200, each resistance unit 12 may be attached to one of the steps
1202 so that the stepping motion and upper body exercise motion are
tied together. The feature of making the upper body exercise
dependent on the lower body exercise may also be extended, as
applicable, to any of the exercise machines discussed herein.
[0124] The resistance devices may be provided as original equipment
on an exercise machine, or provided as retrofit units. Retrofit
units may have components allowing universal or near-universal
attachment to any machines known in the art.
[0125] Reel 12 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and reel 1800 as shown
in FIGS. 18A, 20A, and 20B have a manual resistance adjustment
effected by turning knob 216 or 2019, respectively. It should be
understood that the resistance adjustment may also be motorized,
such as with a remote control that activates a motor which turns
shaft 214 or 2018. Motorized adjustment also enables adjustment of
the resistance "on-the-fly", such as with a remote control
integrated into the user engagement, or provided on the exercise
machine, such as on a panel in front of or beside the user. Thus,
the user may increase or decrease the resistance without stopping
the exercise. The remote control may be provided by a knob or push
button. For knob control, turning the knob one direction may
increase resistance whereas turning the knob the other direction
may decrease resistance. In push button embodiments, dual or single
push button control may be provided, and the button or buttons may
be integrated into the user engagement, such as hand grip 1900, if
desired. In a single button mode, the adjustment may continuously
run through a loop of increasing and decreasing resistance when the
button is depressed, such that the user need merely hold the button
down until the desired resistance is achieved. In a dual button
mode, one button increases resistance and the other button
increases resistance. Mechanical, as opposed to electrical,
on-the-fly adjustment mechanisms may also be provided.
[0126] Although the devices as described herein for use with
exercise machines have numerous advantages, one of the advantages
is providing freedom of movement in multiple planes, which is
typically not provided by the types of poles typically included for
upper body exercise on lower-body exercise machines. Poles may be
provided, however, that enable this functionality. In one
embodiment, for example as shown in FIG. 10, a pole 1000 may be
mounted axially on a heavy-gauge helical spring 1002 to enable
movement in more than one plane. Resistance adjustment may be
provided by adjusting the length of the portion of the spring
allowed to bend. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 11A, pole
1100 may have a ball 1102 at the end that mounts in a socket 1104,
with an adjustable member, such as a compression screw 1106, for
adjusting the radial pressure on the ball for increasing and
decreasing the resistance to movement of the ball within the
socket. In some embodiments, to overcome the disadvantage of
typical pole grips 1108 (shown on pole 1100), a user engagement 219
as described herein may be attached to the poles (illustrated with
respect to right pole 1110), with an elastic or spring member 1112
provided to increase resistance and to provide a retraction
mechanism for the pole on the backswing.
[0127] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 11B, an articulated
pole 1113 may used to provide resistance to a full natural arm
swing. Pole 1113 comprises a lower portion 1118 that attaches to a
ball 1102 that interfaces with a socket similar to socket 1104
shown in FIG. 11A. Additional ball and socket interfaces 1117 and
1115 may be present between upper portion 1116 and lower portion
1118 and between upper portion 1116 and grip holder 1114,
respectively. Grip holder 1114 is adapted to hold a grip 1900 that
enables a loose, open grip. The resistance at each ball and socket
interface may be adjustable, or only at one of the interfaces, such
as at the interface between ball 1102 and socket 1104 as shown in
FIG. 11A.
[0128] The various embodiments described herein lend themselves to
novel methods of exercising, including any exercise using the
physical embodiments. A particularly novel exercise method
comprises exercising the upper body with a natural, free-swinging
arm motion, wherein resistance is provided to the arm motion by a
resistance device providing tensioned resistance from a point of
origin behind the user, and the resistance device is engaged by the
user's upper body by means other than a closed grip, for example
engagement by the hand in an open, loose grip such as provided by a
user engagement described herein. The various exercise methods may
comprise combining the upper body exercise with a lower body
exercise, such as provided by any of the exercise machines
discussed herein. The methods of exercise may include performing
warm-up exercises, aerobic and/or strength training exercises, or
cool-down exercises, and preferably may comprise a combination
thereof integrated into an exercise program.
[0129] Band-Brake Type Resistance Module
[0130] Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, exemplary resistance
module 1800 is shown in more detail. As noted earlier, the reel
embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B and the reel embodiment shown
in FIG. 2A and 2B are interchangeable with respect to use with any
of the exercise machines, exercise methods, or other accessories as
described herein. Reel 1800 comprises a spool 2002 on which cable
2004 is wound and braking cylinder 2006 over which band brake 2008
is wrapped to provide resistance. A clutch mechanism 2007, such as
a sprag clutch (also known in the art as a "needle-bearing clutch"
or"needle-roller clutch bearing" as listed in the
MCMASTER-CARR.RTM. online catalog, viewable at www.mcmaster.com),
is mounted on shaft 2026 between the shaft and spool 2002 so that
the shaft 2026 (and thus braking cylinder 2006) only turns when
cable 2004 is being unwound from the spool. Coil spring 2010 powers
the retraction mechanism. As shown in FIG. 20A, coil spring 2010 is
mounted in a pocket 2005 formed by spool 2002, and fixed at one end
to a pin 2011 attached to casing 2030 with the opposite end
inserted in a slit 2013 that communicates with a channel 2015 in
the outer wall of the pocket. A plurality of channels 2015 may be
provided in the spool to reduce the weight of the spool. Any method
of attaching the coil spring to an element that rotates with the
spool at one end and to a fixed element at the other end, however,
may be used.
[0131] Adjustable resistance is provided by tightening and
loosening band brake 2008 using dial mechanism 2012. Dial mechanism
comprises U-bracket 2014 attached to band brake 2008, traveler 2016
mounted on threaded shaft 2018, and helical spring 2020 mounted
between the U-bracket and the traveler 2016. Threaded shaft 2018
rotates freely within mounting bracket 2022 and is kept from
pulling out axially by end pin 2024. As shaft 2018 is rotated in a
clockwise direction using dial 2019, traveler 2016 moves downward
in the direction of arrow A, thereby also pushing U-bracket 2014
down in the direction of arrow A. This tightens band brake 2008
around braking cylinder 2006, creating a greater frictional
resistance to turning the braking cylinder as cable 2004 is unwound
from spool 2002. Spool 2002 and braking cylinder 2006 are mounted
coaxially on a shaft 2026 which rotates within bearings 2028 and
2029 on first and second casing members 2030 and 2031,
respectively. First casing member 2030 has been removed in FIG. 20A
to expose the contents between the casing members. As shown in
FIGS. 20A and 20B, casing members 2030 and 2031 together comprise a
two-piece contoured cover, preferably molded plastic to make the
system lightweight, although the casing members may be any
materials of construction and may have any type of geometry. In one
embodiment, the casing members may comprise flat metal mounting
plates, wherein a lightweight protective and/or decorative cover
(not shown) may be provided over the mounting plates to create a
look similar to the design shown in FIG. 18A.
[0132] Clutch mechanism 2007 and bearings 2028 and 2029 are shown
only schematically in FIG. 20B, and thus it should be understood
that reel 1800 may comprise any types of clutches or bearings that
are known in the art in any configuration. Although not visible in
FIG. 20A, a pin 1854 such as shown in FIG. 18A may be attached to
traveler 2016 and protrude through the mounting plate and cover
1858 to enable a user to quickly gauge the resistance level by
viewing the pin relative to markings 1856 on the cover.
[0133] Mounting stub 2001, such as for mounting directly on an
exercise machine via a mounting post 1880 as shown in FIG. 1A or
for mounting at the end of an extension arm 1822 as shown in FIG.
18A, is provided between casing members 2030 and 2031. Particularly
where casing members 2030 and 2031 may be made of lightweight
plastic, mounting stub 2001 may be metal and attached to a metal
frame 2003 to provide a strong attachment point.
[0134] Ball stop 2040 may be provided at the end of cable 2004 to
prevent the cable from being rewound too far into the spool. Knob
2019 may be provided with visual indicia 2042 that indicates which
direction to turn the knob to increase or decrease resistance.
[0135] At least some of the distinctions between the reel mechanism
shown in FIG. 20A and 20B and a band-brake resistance reel system
known in the art, marketed under the name CABLEFLEX.TM., the
exterior design of which is shown in U.S. Pat. No. D467,632, should
also be understood. In addition to not being adapted for use with
other exercise machines, the CABLEFLEX system also has other
drawbacks. For example, although the CABLEFLEX system includes a
sprag clutch to prevent the band brake from being engaged during
the recoil cycle, the location of the sprag clutch in the CABLEFLEX
machine is between the shaft and the braking cylinder. By locating
the sprag clutch at the interface between the spool and the shaft,
the inventors have made the action of the spool smoother than that
provided by the CABLEFLEX system when the cable is being unwound.
By utilizing a band-brake resistance reel system for use behind a
user on a lower-body exercise machine, the inventors have enabled
providing resistance to a full, natural, forward arm swing of a
user while performing lower body exercises, which greatly increases
the workout available from the lower-body exercise machine.
[0136] Mounting Systems
[0137] There are typically at least 3 elements involved in mounting
a resistance device to an exercise machine: a bracket for
attachment to the machine, a fixed or movable arm for attachment to
the bracket, and the exercise module itself. It should be
understood, however, that the various elements may comprise a
single integral device or may comprise any number of individual,
separable pieces. Some embodiments may have no mounting arm. FIGS.
1A, 5A-5K, 7, and 14-18D show treadmills or other lower-body
exercise machines with exemplary mounting systems to provide
resistance devices behind the user. While some figures, such as
FIG. 5A, show a mounting bracket 13 to which the reel is directly
attached to the exercise machine at approximately the foot level of
the user without a mounting arm, FIG. 7 shows a mounting arm 700
that allows the reels to be elevated substantially above the user's
foot level. The mounting arms may be permanently attached to the
exercise machine, or detachable.
[0138] A plurality of other embodiments may be provided, however,
some examples of which are shown in FIGS. 14-18D. FIG. 14 shows a
mounting arm similar to that shown in FIG. 7, but is shown with
only a single resistance module 1800 mounted thereon, for
simplicity. Although shown with resistance modules 12 or 1800 in
the figures that follow, the resistance unit may be any type of
resistance unit known the art, and each mounting arm embodiment is
adaptable for use with either of reels 12 or 1800. Also, although
shown only from one side in each of FIGS. 14-17C, the opposite side
of the machine typically contains a similar mounting arm in mirror
image. To the extent possible, however, left-hand arms and
right-hand arms may have identical features to minimize parts to be
manufactured. Finally, it should be understood that the bracket for
mounting the mounting arm to the machine and the mechanism for
mounting the resistance device to the mounting arm may be comprise
any mounting system known in the art, including but not limited to
bolts, screws, welds, adhesives, VELCRO.RTM. fasteners, notches,
pins, rivets, and. the like.
[0139] One advantage of the arms for mounting resistance units as
shown and described herein as compared to frames mounted behind a
treadmill, such as those shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,123,649 to Lee et al., is that individual arms do not pose a
similar risk of the user stepping back off the machine and tripping
over the frame. The arms are mounted behind and to the sides of the
user, thereby leaving a clear path for stepping back off of the
machine. The arms may even be provided with a breakaway mechanism
in the use position so that if a user were to hit the arm while
falling backward, the arm would break away from the machine to
avoid injury to the user. Additionally, the resistance module
casing and arm may be provided with rounded edges and/or cushioned
padding to prevent injury from users accidentally striking the arm
or resistance device.
[0140] The embodiment shown in FIG. 14, comprises arm 1400 and
pivot joint 1402. Pivot joint 1402 allows arm 1400 to pivot in a
vertical plane along arc A between a use position shown in solid
lines and a non-use or storage position shown in dashed lines.
Pivot joint 1402 may comprise elements for limiting the range of
motion to inhibit pivoting beyond the non-use position shown in
dashed lines, and/or a rest 1410 may be provided on the side of the
treadmill. Pivot joint 1402 and arm may be attached directly to the
treadmill side rail, or may be attached to a mounting bracket 1404.
Mounting bracket 1404 may be particularly well-suited for
retrofitting existing treadmills, and may be provided with clamps,
screws, or any other means known in the art for affixing the
mounting bracket to the side rail 1403 of a treadmill or other
component of any type of exercise machine. Mounting bracket 1404
may comprise a pin, such as for example a spring-loaded post 1405,
designed to interface with one or more holes 1406 in pivot joint
1402 to fix arm 1400 at a desired angle .alpha. from the non-use
position. Post 1405 may then be depressed. to allow arm 1400 to
rotate about pivot joint 1402 again. Rather than a post on the
bracket which interfaces with a hole on the pivot joint, the pivot
joint may comprise the post and the bracket may comprise the holes
into which the post clicks when the joint is in the desired
position. In such an embodiment, the post is pulled outward to
allow the arm to rotate again. Although shown in a preferable use
position where .alpha. is approximately equal to 135.degree., pivot
joint 1402 may allow rotation to 180.degree. or more, or may enable
only limited rotation to some other angle.
[0141] Another arm mounting system is shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B.
This system is particularly well-suited as a retrofit for
pre-existing units. As used herein, the term "retrofit" is used to
mean. something not attached to original equipment at the factory.
Typically, a retrofit unit is purchased by the consumer long after
purchase of original equipment, but in some circumstances a
retrofit unit may be packaged together with original equipment for
installation by the purchaser.
[0142] The system shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B comprises a base 1500
adapted to receive foot 1502 of treadmill 1504, and to which is
pivotably attached arm 1506 having resistance device 180.0 attached
thereto. One or more bolts 1508 or other similar means may be
provided to firmly secure base 1500 to foot 1502. As shown in the
overhead view of FIG. 15B, arm 1506 is pivotably attached to base
1500 at pivot point 1510 by a pin or other means known in the art,
and pivot point 1510 is preferably radially offset from foot
1502.
[0143] FIGS. 16A and 16B show another system for mounting a
resistance device behind a user in a way that allows for adjustment
between a use position shown in FIG. 16A, and a non-use or storage
position shown in FIG. 16B. Arm 1600 has a horizontal component
1602 and a vertical component 1604. Horizontal component is adapted
to slide in a horizontal plane along arrow A within bracket 1606.
Horizontal component 1602 has holes 1603 adapted to align with
holes 1607 in bracket 1606 such that pins 1608 and 1609 can be
inserted through the holes in both the bracket and the horizontal
component to affix the arm in a desired position (the portion of
FIGS. 16A and 16B showing pins 1608 and 1609 has been enlarged for
easier viewing). Vertical component 1604 may also have one or more
holes 1610 into which resistance device 12 may be mounted to enable
vertical adjustment of the location of device 12. Other methods of
vertical adjustment may also be provided.
[0144] FIGS. 17A-17C show arm mounting systems which allow the arm
to pivot along a horizontal plane along axis I at pivot point 1701
from a use position as shown in solid lines to a non-use position
shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 17A and 17B. Only the use position
is shown in FIG. 17C. Arm 1700 shown in FIG. 17A has a horizontal
component 1702 attached to the treadmill siderail 1704 and a
vertical component 1706 attached to the horizontal component.
Vertical component 1706 shown in FIG. 17A comprises an inner
component. 1708 which is vertically slidable within outer component
1710 to enable vertical height adjustment of resistance device 12
along arrow B. Holes 1712 in outer component 1710 align with holes
1714 in inner component 1708 and interface with pins 1716 to lock
the inner and outer components in a desired configuration to
provide the desired height for resistance module 1800. Brace 1718
is option, and may or may not be required for structural rigidity,
depending on the robustness of construction. Any type of bracing or
structural enhancement may be provided for any of the embodiments
shown schematically herein, as desired.
[0145] In the arm configuration shown in FIG. 17B, resistance
module 1800 attaches to the end of horizontal component 1734, which
is attached to the vertical component 1732 of arm 1730, which is
attached to the treadmill siderail 1704.
[0146] The arm configuration shown in FIG. 17C depicts another way
in which vertical adjustment can be provided. Resistance module
1800 is provided at the end of an angled, component 1770 which
pivots along a vertical plane at pivot point 1772 as shown by the
dashed lines.
[0147] FIGS. 18A-18D show another exemplary embodiment for mounting
a reel-type resistance device to the rear of an exercise machine
such as a treadmill. The system comprises module 1800, extension
arm 1802, and mounting bar 1804 perpendicular to the extension arm.
As shown in FIGS. 18B-18C, mounting bar 1804 extends through foot
1806 of treadmill 1808 and is held in place by pin 1810 that
extends through brace 1812 to rotationally lock arm 1802 in a fixed
position. Pin 1810 may have a spring-biased depressible knob 1811
to allow quick insertion and removal of the pin from the mounting
bar 1804. Although shown with a ring 1809 on the opposite end of
the pin from the knob in FIG. 18A, any element may be provided that
prevents the pin from being pushed into the mounting bar too far.
When it is desired to place the extension arm in a non-use
position, the pin may be removed from the brace 1812, and the arm
pivoted forward to a resting position, such as shown with respect
to the arm shown in FIG. 14. A rest, such as rest 1410 shown in
FIG. 14 may be provided for resting the arm in the non-use
position, or a second brace and hole may be provided on the foot in
which to replace the pin to hold the arm in the non-use
position.
[0148] A similar pin 1810 and corresponding hole may be provided at
the point where mounting stub 2001 of module 1800 interfaces with
arm 1802, so that the modules having different ranges of resistance
may be interchanged, or so that the module may be reversed
180.degree. so that it faces the back of the machine. A user may
then use the module without being on the machine, for warm-up
exercises, strength exercise, or any other type of use desired.
Additional holes may be provided in arm 1802 so that the module may
be rotated more or less than 180.degree., or an interface between
the module and the arm may be provided that allows infinite or
stepped adjustment in a plurality of rotational positions. The
interface between the module and the arm is not limited to any
particular engagement, and may comprise any type of engagement
known in the art for allowing a device to be fixed in a first
rotational position and then subsequently manipulated and fixed in
another rotational position.
[0149] Arm 1802 is has a lower portion 1820 and an upper portion
1822, with an angle .alpha. between the upper and lower portions.
As shown in FIG. 18A, angle .alpha. is roughly 150.degree., but any
angle between 90.degree. and 180.degree. inclusive may be provided.
As shown in FIG. 18D, lower portion 1820 is angled relative to
horizontal at angle .beta. at approximately 45.degree.. The angle
.beta. may be any angle between 0.degree. and 90.degree.,
inclusive, however. It is desirable for the cooperation of angles
.alpha. and .beta. to orient module 1800 behind the user a desired
distance at a desired height and at a desired angle to the user
that provides for smooth, natural operation of the device.
[0150] One advantage of the mounting arm shown in FIGS. 18A-18D is
that it is easily removable from the exercise machine when desired,
and provides a mounting behind the machine that is not likely to be
in the user's way when the user steps off the machine.
[0151] FIG. 18A shows an extension arm 1802 and mounting bar in
solid lines for mounting the arm to the user's left when the user
is facing forward on the machine. Such an embodiment may require
manufacture of a left-oriented arm and a right-oriented arm that is
a mirror image of the left-oriented arm. To reduce manufacturing
costs, however, an arm having a T-shaped mounting bar such as shown
in the combination of solid and dashed lines in FIG. 18A may be
provided to allow for use of the arm on either side of the machine.
In another alternative, not shown, the treadmill may be provided
with a mount on each side of the machine into which extension arm
1802 (without the horizontal mounting bar portion 1804) may be
pinned. The interface between the treadmill and the machine is not
limited to any particular type of interface, however, and may
provide for a single arm structure that fits both sides, or
different arm structures for each side.
[0152] Another mounting bar embodiment is shown in FIGS. 22A-22D.
FIG. 22A shows mounting bar 2200, which is part of mounting arm
2202, inserted into mounting sleeve 2204, which is part of foot
2206 of exercise machine 2208. Mounting sleeve 2204 comprises at
least one, and preferably a plurality of, notches 2210. These
notches interface with positioning pin 2212 on the mounting arm
2202 to hold the arm in a particular rotational position relative
to the mounting sleeve. Once the mounting arm is aligned in the
desired rotational position as shown in FIG. 22A, mounting cap 2220
is affixed to the end of mounting bar 2200 from underneath the
machine. Mounting bar 2200 comprises a bolt hole 2214 having female
threads as shown in FIG. 22B and mounting cap 2220 comprises a male
threaded bolt 2216 which screws into bolt hole 2214. shown in FIG.
22D, spring 2222 extends over the portion of mounting sleeve
located underneath the machine and abuts an inner surface of the
machine foot to provide resistance to movement of the mounting bar
in an outward direction. This spring provides enough resistance to
keep the positioning pins securely in the notches during normal
operation of the resistance device, but allows a user to pull the
mounting bar outwardly far enough to disengage the pins from the
notches to rotationally move the arm, such as to put the arm in a
storage position. Thus, once the user has attached the mounting arm
to the machine with mounting cap 2220, it is unnecessary to
repeatedly remove mounting cap 2220 to re-position the arm.
[0153] Although shown in an exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 22A-D,
any number of embodiments having a similar function can be devised,
whereby an element or elements on the mounting bar or mounting arm
(such as the mounting pins) interfaces with an element of the
mounting sleeve or equivalent thereof (such as the notches) to
prevent rotational movement until manipulated in a particular way
by the user (such as by pulling against spring-biased mounting
cap). Similarly, although the mounting cap is shown with a bolt and
mounting bar with a bolt hole, the position of the male and female
members may be reversed, or any type of interfacial elements may be
used. What is important is that the mounting bar and the exercise
machine interface in such a way so as to have multiple positions
including at least a use position and a non-use position.
[0154] It should also be understood that while it is desirable in
some embodiments to provide a mounting arm or extension of some
sort on which to mount the upper body exercise module to the lower
body exercise machine, the upper body exercise module may be
attached directly to the machine without such an extension or arm.
For example, mounting posts 1880 as shown in FIG. 1A have show no
appreciable extension from the machine, and although shown in the
front of the machine, may be similarly mounted in the rear of the
machine. In other embodiments, the upper body exercise module, or
some portion thereof, may be attached directly to some portion of
the lower body exercise machine without any type of mounting post
or bracket, such as, for example attachment using a bolt through
the casing of the module. FIG. 5E shows such an installation, which
may also utilize a mounting bracket, if desired.
[0155] Applicability to All Types of Exercise Machines
[0156] Although various exercise machines are shown and discussed
herein, many of the inventive concepts have been illustrated
particularly with respect to treadmills. No limitation to
treadmills is intended for any of these concepts, however, and to
further illustrate this point, a number of the concepts previously
discussed will now also be illustrated with respect to exercise
bicycles, with no limitation intended with respect to bicycles.
[0157] As shown in FIG. 5I, an exercise bike may have resistance
units 1800 mounted directly to the exercise bike, for example at
the foot of the unit, so that the resistance force emanates from a
points to the rear, below the seat, and to the right and left sides
of the user. This position allows a full, natural arm swing. As
with other exercise machine embodiments, however, the resistance
devices may be mounted anywhere on the machine and may provide a
resistance force that emanates from any direction desired. The
location below and behind the seat, however, is desirable because
it allows full extension of the arm backward so that resistance is
available from the start of the foreswing, and the location to the
side of the user prevents interference with the path of the bike
pedals. Also as with other embodiments, the resistance module may
be permanently attached to the exercise bike, or removably
attached.
[0158] The resistance unit may also be mounted to the machine
indirectly via a mounting arm, as shown with solid lines in FIG.
5J. Mounting arms may be mounted to the foot of the bicycle, or to
other parts of the unit, depending on the bicycle design. For
example, for a SPINNER.RTM. bicycle design such known in the art
such as is shown in FIG. 5J, a mounting arm 2314 may be mounted on
shaft 2310 that extends to the foot 2312 of the machine. Mounting
arms may be adjustable vertically, such as in one or more placement
positions on shaft 2310 in the direction of arrow A, and/or
horizontally, such as by having a variable extension distance from
the shaft in the direction of arrow B. Mounting arms designs such
as arm 1802 shown in FIG. 18A, or any type of mounting arm that
places the resistance device in a desired location, may be used.
Referring now to the dashed lines in FIG. 5J, and as has been
illustrated in a number of other exercise machine embodiments, an
exercise bicycle embodiment may instead have the resistance modules
1800A mounted to the front of the machine, with a guide or pulley
2320 mounted to the rear of the machine to redirect connector 2400A
to the user.
[0159] As noted with respect to other exercise machine designs,
specifically treadmills, for a bicycle the path of connector 2400
to the resistance unit from each point in the path of the user's
natural arm swing must be clear of any interference from the
bicycle. Specifically, the path of the bicycle pedals 2300 and the
location of the handlebars 2302 must not interfere with the path of
the handgrip 1900, connector 2400, or resistance unit 1800 itself,
or any mounting device for connecting the resistance unit to the
bicycle. To accommodate different sized users, the location of the
bicycle seat may be adjustable frontward and backward on the
machine along arrow C as well as vertically along arrow D as is
known in the art. The handlebars may also be adjustable
horizontally and vertically along arrows E and F, respectively, and
may also be rotatable along arrow G. The handlebars are preferably
adjustable into at least one position in which the handlebars are
completely out of the way of the natural arm swing of the user.
Pegs 2350 on which to rest the eyelets 1960 of handgrips 1900, or
other means for resting the handgrips when not in use, may be
provided in a location readily accessible by the user.
[0160] In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5K, resistance
modules 1800 may be mounted on a plate 50, such as the plate shown
in FIG. 6D, where the weight of the machine resting on top of the
plate keeps the resistance device stable while in use. Additional
brackets or clamps 2340 may also be used, if desired, and may take
any form known in the art. It should be noted that the use of clips
1940 at the end of connectors 2400 (as illustrated in FIG. 19)
allows handgrips 1900 to be used when the plate is being used in
connection with a lower body exercise machine, and then
interchanged with handle-type grips 2330 for a workout without a
lower body exercise machine wherein the user stands directly on the
plate as depicted in FIG. 6D. As previously noted, any type of
resistance device may be used with respect to any of the
embodiments discussed above, as is illustrated by the use of reel
12 in FIG. 6D and module 1800 in FIG. 5K, with no limitation to
even these particular resistance module types.
[0161] Exercise Methodology and Results
[0162] Some of the advantages of the various combinations discussed
herein may be particularly well understood with respect to the
unique method of exercise engendered by the use of an upper-body
exercise device in conjunction with a treadmill as claimed herein.
The use of such a combination essentially turns a walking exercise
on a treadmill into an exercise having the metabolic equivalent of
a run, without the impact associated with running. A walker on a
treadmill outfitted with rear-mounted arm resistance devices
providing resistance to a full natural arm swing of the user tends
to adopt a longer, lower, slower stride with the knees more bent
than the normal walking stride of the user. The arm resistance not
only exercises the user's arms, but also causes the user to push
off harder with the legs, thereby increasing the involvement of the
hip, thigh, calf, and buttocks muscles in the exercise as the lower
body counteracts the resistance applied to the upper body. The
inventor has found that the synergistic and unexpected effect of
such a workout is that a walker on a treadmill using 1.5 lbs. of
resistance on the upper-body resistance devices and engaging in a
walk at 3.3 mph, experiences a workout equivalent to that of a 6 to
7 mph run, or 62% increase in the metabolic workout.
[0163] On any type of lower body exercise machine, use of an upper
body exercise module as described in the present invention causes
the user to adopt a slower pace and take deeper, more rhythmic
breaths as compared to the user using the lower body exercise
machine without simultaneously using the upper body exercise
device. The slower pace may be particularly beneficial for
maximizing the aerobic workout without having to adopt an overly
vigorous exercise rate that may be undesirable for some
individuals. For example, instead of having to vigorously pedal a
bicycle to get a certain degree of workout, a user may instead
develop a slower pedaling pace while using the upper body
resistance modules as described herein to provide an overall
workout that is just as effective.
[0164] The combination of the lower body exercise machine, upper
body resistance devices placed such that the vector of resistance
for each device is behind and to the side of the user, and
loose-grip user engagement that is resistant to hand cramps and
elevated blood pressure of the user while still safely allowing
quick disengagement from the user's hands, therefore represents not
only a unique exercise device, but also promotes a unique method of
exercising as well.
[0165] The use of resistance behind the user increases the workout
as compared to walking with weights, because weights tend to have a
pendulum effect on the arms of the user, allowing gravity to assist
in pulling the arms downward in the early part of a forward swing,
whereas a rear-mounted resistance device, for example, provides
resistance throughout the entire forward swing.
[0166] Although various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be understood that the invention is not limited
to these embodiments, but is capable of numerous modifications of
parts, elements and materials without departing from the
invention.
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References