U.S. patent application number 10/675620 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for exercise machine.
Invention is credited to Lightbody, William S..
Application Number | 20040063551 10/675620 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28455004 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040063551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lightbody, William S. |
April 1, 2004 |
Exercise machine
Abstract
In an exercise machine having a resistance, the improvement of
means to impart an inertial quality to the resistance.
Inventors: |
Lightbody, William S.;
(Pepper Pike, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William S. Lightbody
Woodling, Krost & Rust
530 National City East 6th Bldg.
Cleveland
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
28455004 |
Appl. No.: |
10/675620 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10675620 |
Sep 30, 2003 |
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07491274 |
Mar 9, 1990 |
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6626805 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/93 ; 482/6;
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/51 20130101;
A63B 21/00181 20130101; A63B 21/063 20151001; A63B 2230/04
20130101; A63B 2230/60 20130101; A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B
21/00058 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/093 ;
482/008; 482/006 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/005; A63B
071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. In a Nautilus machine having a presettable weight resistance for
use with an exercise having an ascertainable parameter, the
improvement of means to selectably vary the preset weight
resistance in order to retain the exercise within the ascertainable
parameter.
2. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 wherein the exercise
utilizes repetitions and characterized in that the ascertainable
parameter is time per repetition.
3. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized by the
addition of means to impart an inertial quality to the selectably
variable resistance.
4. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized in that
said automatic adjustment means includes a generator.
5. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized by the
addition of means to separate the selectably variable resistance
from direct mechanical connection to the exerciser.
6. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized in that
said automatic adjustment means includes an initial range
adjustment sensor.
7. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized in that
each exerciser has a memory area associated therewith and said
automatic adjustment means utilizes said memory area.
8. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized in that
said memory area is on a card.
9. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized in that
there are a limited number of presettably weight resistances.
10. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 9 characterized in that
there is a single presettable weight resistance.
11. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 wherein the machine
has bidirectional forces and characterized in that said means is
not symmetric in respect to the bidirectional forces.
12. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 11 characterized in that
said means substantially eliminate the resistance in one of the
bidirectional forces.
13. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized in that
said modifying means modifies the resistance based upon the time of
initial repetition and thereafter retains the resistance at a
constant level.
14. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized in that
said modifying means begins with a resistance too high for the
particular exerciser.
15. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 1 characterized by the
addition of the previous resistance for a particular exerciser
being held in memory and in that said modifying means utilizes said
previous resistance to begin the resistance for that particular
exerciser.
16. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 15 characterized in that
said memory is on an exchangeable card.
17. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 15 characterized in that
said memory is in a computer.
18. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 17 characterized by the
addition of sensor means to identify the particular exerciser.
19. In a Nautilus machine having resistance for use with an
exercise, the improvement of an inertial means to impart an
inertial quality to the resistance.
20. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 19 wherein the exercise
is bidirectional having a forward and return stroke and
characterized by the addition of means to provide a resistance
during the return stroke.
21. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 19 wherein the exercise
has a time per. repetition and characterized by the addition of a
modifying means to modify the resistance based upon the time per.
repetition.
22. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 21 wherein said
modifying means lowers the resistance upon increasing time per
repetition.
23. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 21 characterized in that
said modifying means modifies the resistance based upon the time of
initial repetition and thereafter retains the resistance at a
constant level.
24. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 21 characterized in that
said modifying means begins with a resistance too high for the
particular exerciser.
25. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 21 characterized by the
addition of the previous resistance for a particular exerciser
being held in memory and in that said modifying means utilizes said
previous resistance to begin the resistance for that particular
exerciser.
26. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 25 characterized in that
said memory is on an exchangeable card.
27. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 25 characterized in that
said memory is in a computer.
28. The improved Nautilus machine of claim 27 characterized by the
addition of sensor means to identify the particular exerciser.
29. In an exercise machine having a selectably variable resistance
for use with an exercise having an ascertainable parameter, the
improvement of a means to automatically adjust the selectably
variable resistance in order to retain the exercise within the
ascertainable parameter.
30. The exercise machine of claim 29 wherein the exercise utilizes
repetitions and characterized in that the ascertainable parameter
is time per repetition.
31. The exercise machine of claim 29 characterized by the addition
of means to impart an inertial quality to the selectably variable
resistance.
32. The exercise machine of claim 29 characterized in that said
automatic adjustment means includes a generator.
33. The exercise machine of claim 29 characterized by the addition
of means to separate the selectably variable resistance from direct
mechanical connection to the exerciser.
34. The exercise machine of claim 29 characterized in that said
automatic adjustment means includes an initial range adjustment
sensor.
35. The exercise machine of claim 29 characterized in that each
exerciser has a memory area associated therewith and said automatic
adjustment means utilizes said memory area.
36. The exercise machine of claim 35 characterized in that said
memory area is on a card.
37. The exercise machine of claim 29 wherein the selectably
variable resistance is a presettable Nautilus-type weight pack and
characterized in that said automatic adjustment means include a
means to override the presettable weight pack.
38. The exercise machine of claim 37 wherein the machine has
bidirectional forces thereon and characterized in that said
override means are not symmetric in respect to the bidirectional
forces.
39. The exercise machine of claim 38 characterized in that said
override means substantially eliminate the resistance in one of the
bidirectional forces.
40. The exercise machine of claim 29 characterized in that the
setting of the parameter optimizes the exercise.
41. The exercise machine of claim 40 characterized in that the
parameter is ascertained empirically.
42. The exercise machine of 40 characterized in that the parameter
is ascertained theoretically.
43. The exercise machine of claim 29 wherein the exercise has
multiple parameters and characterized in that the means optimizes
the exercise in respect to the multiple parameters.
44. The exercise machine of claim 43 characterized in that the
parameters vary during the duration of the exercise.
45. In an exercising machine for performing an exercise having a
desired parameter, the improvement of an analog readout and said
analog readout indicating the degree of deviance from the desired
parameter.
46. The exercising machine of claim 45 characterized in that said
analog readout is a tone with said tone varying depending on the
degree of deviance.
47. The exercising machine of claim 45 characterized in that said
analog readout is a string of lights.
48. The exercising machine of claim 45 wherein the exercise machine
has a resistance and characterized by the addition of a means to
automatically vary the resistance to meet the desired parameter if
the exercise deviates therefrom by a certain predetermined
amount.
49. In a Nautilus machine having a presettable weight resistance
for use with an exercise, the improvement of means to alter the
resistance during the exercise.
50. the Nautilus machine of claim 49 characterized in that said
means is programmed with preset values of alteration.
51. The Nautilus machine of claim 49 characterized in that said
means is individually set with values of alteration.
52. The Nautilus machine of claim 49 wherein the exercise has a
parameter and characterized in that the means alters the resistance
to override the machine should the exercise deviate significantly
from the parameter.
53. The Nautilus machine of claim 49 wherein the exercise has
desired parameters and characterized in that said means varies the
resistance in order to keep the exercise within the desired
parameters.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an improved exercise machine
utilizing inertial loads, positive control, and bio-feedback.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Exercise machines come in various forms. The most popular
type of exercise machines currently include the Nautilus system (a
system using weight blocks and cams to exercise various specific
muscle groups on specialized machines) and exercising machines such
as the Randall Wind Racer, the Concept II Ergometer, and the
Stairmaster (devices that exercise more general muscle groupings
and provide aerobic conditioning). Although some of the exercising
machines can utilize variable loadings, these loadings are normally
only the machines preprogrammed workout levels. The consumer must
therefore normally accept the exercising of specialized muscles
bidirectionally (Nautilus machines), or a more complete general
workout without bidirectionally or much individual control (the
other named machines).
[0003] This present invention is directed to providing an
exercising machine combining both specific and general conditioning
with feedback and inertial load capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to providing an exercising
machine utilizing inertial load capabilities.
[0005] It is an object of this invention to increase the
effectiveness of exercising machines.
[0006] It is an object of this invention to increase the longevity
of exercising machines.
[0007] It is an object of this invention to allow for the
incorporation of feedback into exercising machines.
[0008] It is an object of this invention to reduce the cost of
exercising machines.
[0009] It is an object of this invention to reduce the size of
exercising machines.
[0010] Other objects and a more complete understanding of the
invention may be had by referring to the following description and
drawings in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exercising machine
incorporating a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an abdominizer exercising machine incorporating
the invention of the application;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top view of the abdominizer exercising machine
of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a partial view of the incorporation of the
invention of the application into a Nautilus machine;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a side view of the partial view of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side representational view of a feedback
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a conceptual description of the invention;
and,
[0018] FIG. 8 is a graph of some of the alterations to resistance
possible with the invention of the application.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
[0019] This invention relates to an improved exercising machine. A
generic description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is
shown in FIG. 7. In this figure there is a repetitive input of
force 10 into a controllable variable resistance 11. The repetitive
force 10 may or may not be bidirectional depending upon the
particular muscle group being exercised. For example with a bicycle
machine having pedal input as the repetitive force 10, the
repetitive force 10 would be the unidirectional pedalling force
occasioned by the exerciser. However if the force 10 was resultant
from a back press Nautilus machine, the force would be
bidirectional--a positive force when the exerciser moves his back
against the resistance (weights) and the negative force which
occurs as the exerciser returns to his original position holding
back against the now positive force of the previous resistance. The
controllable variable resistance 11 takes the force 10 and utilizes
it by driving or moving a load 12. Preferably this load has an
inertial quality to it. This would provide the exerciser with an
additional personally controlled parameter that can be manipulated
independently of the machine (if desired). For example a Nautilus
machine incorporating this additional parameter would allow the
exerciser to accomplish the exercise repetition quickly at a high
but uneven effort or more slowly at a lower but even effort (while
retaining the same overall time per repetition). Note that since it
is easier to work against a reducing resistance, it is preferred
that the machine be initially set for a high resistance in an
automatic universal mode, reducing it as necessary to match the
exerciser (beginning with a lower resistance, although harder to
control, may be more satisfying to some users who need to feel a
sense of accomplishment early on). In the embodiment of FIG. 7 the
load 12 is a preset inertial fan having both flywheel and
resistance capabilities. This particular load is suitable most
specially for a unidirectional force such as that produced by a
bicycle machine having a pedal input. With other types of
exercising equipment, other loads might be selected (such as
variable resistances, weights, flywheels, springs, motors, etc.).
(Note that in the instance of a bidirectional force combined with
an inertial type load it may be desirable to install a reverse
drive mechanism and a forward/reverse clutch or some kind of a
reverse load, such as a motor, into the resistance 11 such that
power or resistance can be returned to the exerciser on the return
stroke--for example in a manner similar as occurs with the weights
of the Nautilus system.)
[0020] The effective strength (and reversibility if appropriate) of
the controllable variable resistance 11 is under the control of a
separate control box 13. This control box 13 is preferably
programmed with the desired exercise coefficients that the
particular exerciser or machine designer deems appropriate. The
programming can be preset into the machine, entered by a keyboard
or card, or otherwise determined. The exercise set by the
programming can vary parameters both during the exercise and
between modes of the exercise. (For example in a bidirectional
exercise vary the effective weight while also loading the return
stroke differently than the forward stroke.) Preferably the
programming would be set to optimize a particular exercise. This
would provide the exerciser with a certainty that the particular
exercise was being accomplished as intended. This avoids undue
strain on the exerciser while also acting to provide an optimal
exercise. This programming can easily be provided by creating a
base program suitable for the "typical" exerciser. This base
program can be created empirically (by actually measuring the
parameters of the exercise while a number of persons are
accomplishing it and then placing these parameters or some sort of
summary thereof into the control box 13 as a look up table or
reference program for other persons) or theoretically (by computing
the optimum parameters for the exercise and using these optimum
parameters or some sort of summary thereof in the look up table or
reference program for other persons). It is preferred that the
exerciser have a choice of differing parameters at least available.
For example, if the exerciser wants to have a continual resistance
of a known quantity, the exerciser merely programs the control to
provide such perimeters. (An example of this would be an individual
who wants to work against a constant 100 pound force.) If on the
other hand, the exerciser wants to have a long rhythmic resistance
whereby the resistance is small at the beginning but then increases
based on the time the force 10 is continued to be applied, the
control 13 can easily be programmed to provide such a control. (An
example of this would be an individual who wants a force beginning
at ten pounds and then increasing logarithmically to 100 pounds at
the very end of the exercise travel for the machine.) Other types
of control are in addition possible (some described later)
including the total removal of resistance (for example on a back
return stroke of a machine). Note also that if the force 10 is a
bidirectional force, the controllable variable resistance 11 may
include an automatic reversing feature such that the resistance
effectively remains unidirectional irrespective of the
bidirectional input therein. The reversibility is easily provided
by a sliding gear in respect to a mechanical resistance or a double
pull double throw switch in respect to an electrical resistance.
This reversibility would be especially helpful in the event of a
flywheel type resistance.
[0021] In an added refinement of the concept of FIG. 7, an altering
mechanism 14 would be utilized interconnected to the controllable
variable resistance 11 on load 12 to directly alter the base line
of the exercise. This would be especially helpful if the load for
the controllable variable resistance 11 was itself relatively
non-adjustable. An example of this would be if the load was a
non-adjustable weight stack in a Nautilus machine or other not
easily changed resistance. The altering mechanism 14 would
preferably be under the control of the control mechanism 13 to
provide an additional variable parameter by a control line 15 for
the controllable variable resistance 11. This altering mechanism 14
could be utilized as a feedback mechanism for the force 10, it
could be utilized to modify the load for the exerciser at
particular moments in the exercise cycle, or otherwise utilized as
appropriate. An example of this motor could be utilized as an
altering mechanism 14 to reduce (or increase) the effective
resistance felt by the exerciser at various points during the
exercise cycle. This example would allow the machine to provide a
varying load with an otherwise constant resistance by effectively
using the motor to add to or subtract from such resistance--i.e. to
vary the resistance over time in a predetermined manner. This would
allow an individual to change the exercise parameters of a Nautilus
machine, for example to feature one specific muscle over another
muscle or to vary the resistance curve set by the cams in the
machine. It would also allow an override should, for example, the
machine move too quickly at high settings (i.e. the exerciser has
difficulties with a return stroke) or too slowly at any setting
(i.e. the exerciser has set the machine load himself but with too
much weight). The various parameters of alteration could be set
individually or be programmed in. The motor could also be utilized
in conjunction with a sensor to match the workout with certain
preset parameters. An example of this would be for the motor to
increase (or reduce) an otherwise constant resistance to maintain
the exerciser's heart rate within certain preset limits--i.e. to
maintain the period of an exerciser's accomplishment of a
repetitive task within the predetermined limits of a certain
parameter or set of parameters. (Whether such task is the time to
move a 100 pound weight one foot or to move the pedal of a bike one
revolution). Note that if the control box 13 is programmed with a
time per movement or repetition or other such relatively known or
determinable parameter as a primary factor, it would be possible to
provide for many users with but one setting. For example with the
control box 13 set for a time per repetition of four seconds (two
seconds out, two seconds return) and the box 13 also set to control
the resistance as necessary to accomplish this, no further settings
or adjustments are necessary to allow either a light user (who
might only be able to do ten such repetitions at 50 pounds total
resistance), or the heavy user (who might be able to do twenty
repetitions at 200 pounds total resistance) or both to use the
machine--i.e. the machine would automatically adjust the resistance
to keep the time per repetition within the four second parameter
for both users by matching the resistance to the user. Preferably
the exercise machine would accomplish this adjustment by measuring
the degree of difficulty that the exerciser is having with the
resistance. While direct measurements of individual effort are
preferred (i.e. blood pressure change, heart rate change,
electrical muscle activity change, etc.), these direct measurements
utilize sensors and complicated electronics that can fail or become
maladjusted. It is thus far easier to utilize indirect exercise
dependent measurements (such as the suggested time) that need no
personal sensors or complicated electronics. The control box 13
would in any event be programmed to match the resistance to the
parameter(s). For example with the parameter four seconds per
repetition, the control box would be programmed to alter the
resistance until the exerciser is able to move such resistance at a
set rate of movement corresponding to the four second repetition
(i.e. so many linear inches per second). With heart rate as the
parameter, the control box 13 would likewise alter the resistance
until the exerciser is within the desired range. Although the
resistance once set could thereafter remain constant for the
particular exerciser, the machine would preferably alter this
resistance continually through the ongoing exercise to enable the
exerciser to maintain the workout within the designated parameters
(in the example instance with time as a parameter normally reduce
the resistance as the exerciser tires during successive
repetitions). A feedback indicator 16 (a series of lights or a
changing tone for example) would inform the exerciser of his or her
success in maintaining the desired rate of exercise (in the example
instance, the four second repetition rate). An analog feedback is
preferred for being easier to comprehend. Note that the exercise
parameters could also be varied over time--in the example instance
beginning with a rate of four seconds per repetition and end at a
rate of sixteen seconds per repetition (i.e. tired exerciser), or
beginning with the resistance needed to produce four seconds per
repetition and ending with a 250 pound resistance (hard to do).
This would be particularly pertinent to a Nautilus machine
incorporating the invention as this increasing time is a natural
phenomenon in a Nautilus exercise. Thus both the nature and amount
of measurement could be varied if desired. (Note, however, that the
use of a single preset measurement and/or quality of exercise
provides a simplicity and universality of use--i.e. the machine
would need no setup to accommodate many different users.)
[0022] In an example use of FIG. 7, the exerciser would position
his/herself on the machine and lightly strain against the solid
resistance of the machine. The exerciser would then feel the
resistance reducing as the machine seeks to produce the desired
exercise level. Quickly the exerciser would be moving the machine
against the resistance at the desired level (with both exerciser
and machine working to maintain such level). (Note that if desired
a strain gauge could be utilized to sense the exerciser's initial
effort or a personalized memory/body weight look Up chart could be
consulted to provide an initial range of suitable resistance--i.e.
provide a quick path to near the desired resistance. This would
speed the initial set up of the machine for that individual.) The
feedback 16 would inform the exerciser of success or failure. The
exerciser would thus obtain the level of exercise suitable for the
individual at that particular time irrespective of that
individual's then condition, tiredness, etc. This would provide a
quality not present in exercising machines. In addition due to the
universality of the machine's initial set up, no individual
adjustment would be necessary for multiple exercisers to use the
machine (unless individual programming desired). This would allow
an exerciser to move from machine to machine quickly with no
concern for the various machine's previous settings. This would
speed the exercising process.
[0023] FIG. 8 graphs various resistance curves possible with the
invention. Line 50 is a constant resistance. Line 51 is a
constantly increasing resistance. Line 52 is a logarithmically
inverse loading. Line 53 is a logarithmically positive loading.
These lines 50-53 denote typical parameters that can be preset into
the control box 13. The line 54 is constantly varying to recognize
the changing resistance that may be necessary to maintain
compliance between a particular exerciser's performance and the
parameter programmed into the machine. For example in order to
retain a particular exerciser's time per repetition to be constant
or a Nautilus machine. The resistance is therefore varied to
accomplish this. Note that the inclusion of other factors (such as
inertia into a machine) would provide additional variables (such as
the difference of speed of the applied force between successive
routines) to the actual programming.
[0024] Normally there would be a certain curve of resistance preset
into the machine, which resistance would then be varied by the
motor in order to conform the exercise to the desired parameters.
The resistance preset would preferably be the median for the
exercisers that would utilize the machine--i.e. the most common
type of exercise curve. This preset resistance would then be varied
by the motor in order to provide the desired exercise. In an added
refinement a number of certain presets (for example light, medium,
and heavy) would be provided. The applicant notes that while this
use of a motor to vary the resistance would decrease the efficiency
of the exercising machine (i.e. the electric power for the motor
may consume more power than the exerciser is generating resulting
in a net loss of power), the addition of the control over the
exercise parameters is worthwhile under certain circumstances. (The
motor could also be disengaged if desired.)
[0025] FIG. 6 discloses a compact practical arrangement for the
parts of an embodiment of the invention using what effectively is
an electric controllable variable resistance. In this embodiment of
FIG. 6, the force 10 is produced on an input shaft 20
(bidirectional force shown). This bidirectional input shaft is
interconnected to a generator 21 and a feedback motor 22. The
generator 21 translates the force on the bidirectional shaft 20
into electricity, which represents in electrical terms the force on
the bidirectional shaft 11. The generator is thus the sensor for
this particular device. As discussed other sensors could also be
utilized (torque sensors, force sensors, individual condition
sensors, individual weight sensors, etc.). The electricity in turn
is fed through a control box 23 to a drive motor 24. In this it is
preferred that the control box 23 utilize direct current because
direct current is more amenable to reliable electronic manipulation
than alternating current. The motor 24 in turn drives a resistance
26, in this case a series of paddles 27 driving water in a self
contained tank. The amount of this resistance can be varied adding
resistors in parallel with the motor windings, by increasing the
volume of water or number of paddles, or otherwise. Note that in
this particular embodiment the only connection between the
exerciser and the resistance is the electrical force through the
control box 23. This allows a bidirectional force to be utilized on
the shaft 20 by switching the electrical lines to the motor 24. In
other embodiments of the invention there may be a direct mechanical
25 interconnection between the exerciser and the resistance
(perhaps including a torque rod or other lost motion
interconnection to allow for an accurate load/work sensing
irregardless of the presence of a feedback or resistance drive
motor.) Again it this was done the functions of the motors 22 and
24 could be combined.
[0026] The feedback motor 22 connected to the bidirectional shaft
20 provides the exerciser with a sense of a resistance (to the
extent that such resistance is not already being provided by the
generator 21. Note that a reduced perceived load could also be
provided by siphoning off part of the output of the generator
21--i.e. effectively driving no load with part of the output of the
generator while an increased perceived load can be provided by
loading down the generator. Feedback could thus be provided by the
generator alone if desired). The feedback motor 22 also allows the
perceived resistance to be increased or reduced as appropriate
and/or desired (as previously discussed). The use of this feedback
motor 22 provides for a finer control of the feedback to the
exerciser than would be possible through the utilization of the
generator 21 alone. This is especially so if a feedback sensor is
utilized for a direct input and control of such resistance. The
feedback motor 22 could also allow the exercise equipment to be
utilized over a much greater range of resistance than would
otherwise be possible. For example in a machine having a 100 pound
maximum resistance, the feedback motor 22 could provide an extra 50
pounds of resistance thereby increasing the perceived workload
available from a set machine. This allows one to optimize a machine
for the broad range of average exercisers while also providing for
the non-average individual (above or below). The power for the
feedback motor 22 is normally provided by an external connection 28
to the control box 23. Note that the feedback motor 22 is normally
applying a force opposite to the force of the exerciser on the
bidirectional shaft 20. In this regard it is preferred that the
feedback motor 22 be inoperative if the generator 21 is not
producing a positive output (i.e. the exerciser is not in direct
control of the force input into the machine). In addition a
physical stop and/or cutoff switch would be included to prevent
motion of the input shaft beyond a certain point so as to provide
the exerciser with a position of no resistance. This would
contribute to the exerciser's control of the exercising
equipment.
[0027] The preferred embodiment of the invention can be used with
preexisting Nautilus style equipment by incorporating a sprocket 29
on the end of the bidirectional input shaft 20 and connecting such
sprocket 29 to the customary chain 30 from the Nautilus equipment
(shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). In the event of an unidirectional force
on the chain 30 (with the usual return spring 31), the control
circuit 23 would preferably disconnect the generator 21 and
feedback motor 22 from the shaft 20 so that there is no load on the
return cycle against which the spring 31 must act. In the event of
a bidirectional force on the chain 30, both sides of the chain
would be normally active such that no return spring 31 would be
necessary. In the preferred embodiment of this adaptation the
resistance is provided by the Nautilus weights already in place on
the machine. For this reason the feedback 22 and resistance 24
drive functions can be combined into a single motor. This motor is
utilized to alter the resistance already in place by adding to or
subtracting therefrom as previously discussed. the retention of the
existing Nautilus weights has the advantage of allowing individual
settings by hand if preferred by a particular exerciser. In keeping
with the philosophy of a Nautilus machine, it is envisioned that
the major application for the invention in such machines would be
to alter the resistance such that the predetermined number of
repetitions can be accomplished by the exerciser with a
predetermined degree of difficulty. To accomplish this the control
box 23 would normally determine the relative ease by which the
exerciser accomplishes a particular repetition and then the control
box 23 would increase or reduce the perceived resistance based on
such a determination. In the simplest system the determination
would be based by a comparison of the elapsed time (start to
finish) for the repetition against a previously established time
(i.e. quicker than such established time resistance increased,
slower resistance lowered). In a much more sophisticated system (of
this or other application of the invention) each individual
exerciser would carry an electrically preprogrammed memory card 32
with such individual 's own previous performance on each machine
recorded on the card or on a central memory referencing such card
(for example base resistance weight, speed for each repetition,
feedback provided, etc.). Upon the exerciser putting the memory
card 32 into the control box 23 for a particular machine or the
machine otherwise sensing such card (for example proximity
transmission cards), such machine would automatically set itself
for that particular exerciser based on the exerciser's previous own
workouts instead of any arbitrary values. This would, for example,
allow an individual's own parameters to be utilized--i.e. an
individual who starts off slow and finishes faster could be
accommodated. In any event an override/alternate programming entry
keyboard would allow any exerciser to have a direct input into any
particular workout. Again in any event many parameters could be
utilized to match the exercise to the individual.
[0028] As Shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the invention can be also
utilized in specially designed equipment. This incorporation has
the added advantages of small size in respect to existing Nautilus
equipment. The particular configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a
rotary abdominal machine. In this machine a user sits on the seat
33 with his/her arms wrapped behind the two bent shaped arm pieces
34, 35. As the user rotates his/her upper body about the axis of
the shaft 20, the shaft 20 is in turn rotated in a bidirectional
manner to provide the input force for the loading and feedback
mechanism of the invention of this present application. Note that
the rotational axis of the shaft 20 of this particular machine is
in line with the exerciser's spine. Note also that this particular
incorporation of the invention provides other benefits as well. For
example in the present Nautilus abdominal machine the user works
against a constant weight load during each direction of rotation.
The preferred Nautilus device of FIGS. 2 and 3 selectively provides
for this and more. For example one can program the control box 23
to provide for an inertial quality. With this quality the exerciser
would feel as if the machine was interconnected to a flywheel--i.e.
the speed (and force) of an exerciser's movements would have a
marked effect on the quality of exercise (by effectively allowing
the exerciser to spread the resistance over any length of time at
his/her option). This would enable one to have an aerobic exercise
utilizing a unique muscle group toning the muscle more
expeditiously than Nautilus could. It would also allow one to
exercise a muscle group longer than with a Nautilus machine.
Therefore in addition to altering the resistance, the invention
also allows other benefits as well.
[0029] FIG. 1 discloses a preferred complete control circuit for
the preferred embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes
an input generator 101, a feedback motor 102, a rectifier 103, a
motor 106, a motor load 107, a ballast 108, a control circuit 109,
a keyboard 110, a prom 111, a readout 112, and a heart monitor
113.
[0030] The generator 101 takes the forces of the input shaft 120
and converts such mechanical force into an electric output 150.
This electric output is normally a sinesodal wave with the
amplitude and frequency depending upon the forces input into the
generator from the input shaft 120. The signal 150 representing the
output of the generator is fed into the rectifier control 103. This
rectifier converts the amplitude modulated signal 150 into a DC
signal having an amplitude directly related to the power being
applied on the input shaft 120 (a DC signal is preferred as being
easier to control). In addition the sensed attributes from the
generator 101 is fed into the control means 109 along line 151 for
purposes later described. In the particular embodiment disclosed,
the output of the AC generator is the same irregardless of which
way the generator input 101 is rotated. For this reason the
direction of rotation of the generator is also separately sensed
and fed into the central processing unit 109 via a control line
151. The rectifier control 103 takes the direct current output of
the generator 101 and modifies such output as needed for use by the
motor 106. The amplitude (and frequency if AC) of the output of the
rectifier control 103 is under the control again of the central
processing unit 109 via the control line 153. The motor 106 rotates
the load 107 by the physical connection of the shaft 200. It is
preferred that the rotation of the motor 106 be unidirectional so
as to present a constant force for the load. The amount of the load
is varied via a ballast machine 108 which increases or decreases
the load depending upon the power control line 154. The speed of
rotation of the motor 106 and load 107 are separately sensed by
lines 155 and 156.
[0031] The control central processing unit 109 itself has three
other inputs and one other output. The first input is a keyboard
110 which allows an individual to preset the various modes for the
operation of the device if desired. The second input is a prom
control which has various preset parameters (including
default/override settings if desired) utilized in the control of
the various aspects of the invention. The third input is a heart
monitor 113 or other physical condition sensor which allows the
constant modification of the operating parameters of the device
based on that individual's heart rate (or other direct parameter if
desired). The readout 112 notifies the individual of the various
operational modes of the machine as well as aiding in the initial
setup thereof and providing feedback to the exerciser. The control
unit 109 also actively modifies the feedback motor 102 as
appropriate by line 152.
[0032] The use of the circuitry of the preferred embodiment of the
invention as disclosed in FIG. 1 allows for many variations of an
individual's exercise routine. For example in ordinary use the
feedback motor 102 may be preset to establish a certain preload on
the input shaft 120. An example of this preload would be a constant
100 pound reverse force. The individual who manipulated the input
shaft would therefore have to overcome this force in the
manipulation of the input shaft. The generator 101 would inform the
central processing unit 109 of the speed and ease at which the user
was successful in overcoming this constant force applied by the
feedback motor. If the individual was working too quickly, the
central processing unit 109 would increase the load. If on the
other hand, the individual was having too tough a time, the central
processing unit 109 would reduce the load. Examples of this have
been previously described. The load modification could be
occasioned by removing/adding to the generator's effective load, or
by supplementing/detracting from the power going to the motor, or
by changing the ballast. The former is preferred as being the most
expeditious. Again if desired a direct mechanical connection 201
can be established between the input shaft 120 and shaft 200
driving the load 107. This would be appropriate, for example, in
the case of an existing Nautilus machine. Note that with a direct
mechanical connection to a load, the feedback motor 102 can be
combined with the drive motor 106 (and even the generator 101 with
appropriate modifications such as a torque differential sensor
between the shaft 120 and 200) to either add to or detract from the
effective load on the shaft 120 as necessary (i.e. the modification
of the effective force provides both functions). Other examples of
how the central processing unit 109 would control the apparatus of
FIG. 1 has been previously described in respect to the other
embodiments of the invention, all of which control parameters are
possible through the use of the central processing unit 109.
[0033] Although this invention has been described in its preferred
embodiment with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be
understood that numerous changes can be made without deviating from
the invention as hereinafter claimed.
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