U.S. patent application number 10/921611 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for velocity weight training devices and method.
Invention is credited to Matt Slyter.
Application Number | 20060040800 10/921611 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35910348 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060040800 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Slyter; Matt |
February 23, 2006 |
Velocity weight training devices and method
Abstract
An exercise training device for enabling a user to practice
velocity weight training includes a frame, a weight support
associated with the frame and a dampening assembly associated with
the weight support. The dampening assembly may be configured to
retard movement of the weight support through a reverse range of
motion.
Inventors: |
Slyter; Matt; (Louisville,
KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DINSMORE & SHOHL, LLP
1900 CHEMED CENTER
255 EAST FIFTH STREET
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Family ID: |
35910348 |
Appl. No.: |
10/921611 |
Filed: |
August 19, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/94 ;
482/97 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/078 20130101;
A63B 21/0626 20151001; A63B 21/0783 20151001; A63B 21/0615
20130101; A63B 21/00181 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/094 ;
482/097 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06; A63B 21/08 20060101 A63B021/08 |
Claims
1. An exercise training device for velocity weight training, said
training device comprising: a frame; a weight support associated
with said frame; a dampening assembly associated with said weight
support, said dampening assembly configured to selectively retard
movement of said weight support through a reverse range of
motion.
2. The exercise training device of claim 1, further comprising a
base and wherein said dampening assembly is secured to said
base.
3. The exercise training device of claim 2, wherein said dampening
assembly is interposed between said base and said weight
support.
4. The exercise training device of claim 1, wherein said dampening
assembly is interposed between said frame and said weight
support.
5. The exercise training device of claim 1, wherein said dampening
assembly comprises a velocity assembly and a dampener.
6. The exercise training device of claim 5, wherein said velocity
assembly comprises a base lever pivotally associated with a weight
lever.
7. The exercise training device of claim 6, wherein said base lever
is pivotally associated with a base and said weight lever is
associated with said weight support.
8. The exercise training device of claim 7, wherein said weight
lever is pivotally associated with said weight support.
9. The exercise training device of claim 5, wherein said dampener
comprises a hydraulic speed controller.
10. The exercise training device of claim 1, wherein said reverse
range of motion comprises substantially the full distance between
an apex of a working range and a starting point.
11. The exercise training device of claim 1, wherein said reverse
range of motion comprises a lift range of motion.
12. An exercise training device for velocity weight training, said
training device comprising: a frame; a variable weight resistance
associated with said frame; a dampening assembly associated with
said weight resistance, said dampening assembly configured to
retard movement of said weight resistance from the apex of a
working range of motion through a reverse range of motion.
13. The exercise training device of claim 12, wherein said working
range comprises a lift range of motion and a throw range of
motion.
14. The exercise training device of claim 13, wherein said lift
range comprises a distance between a starting point and a point
that said weight resistance effectively enters said throw range of
motion.
15. The exercise training device of claim 13, wherein said throw
range comprises a distance between a point that said weight
resistance effectively enters said throw range of motion and an
apex of said throw range.
16. The exercise training device of claim 12, wherein said reverse
range of motion comprises the distance between an apex of a working
range and a starting point.
17. The exercise training device of claim 12, wherein said reverse
range of motion comprises a lift range of motion.
18. The exercise training device of claim 12, further comprising a
base and wherein said dampening assembly is secured to said
base.
19. The exercise training device of claim 18, wherein said
dampening assembly is interposed between said base and said weight
resistance.
20. The exercise training device of claim 12, wherein said
dampening assembly is interposed between said frame and said weight
resistance.
21. A dampening assembly for use with exercise training equipment
comprising: a base lever configured to be supported on a stationary
surface; a weight lever configured to be secured to a weight
support; and a dampener operably associated with said base lever
and said weight lever, said dampener configured to retard movement
of said weight support through a reverse range of motion.
22. The exercise training device of claim 21, wherein said base
lever is pivotally associated with a weight lever.
23. The exercise training device of claim 21, wherein said base
lever is pivotally associated with a base and said weight lever is
associated with said weight support.
24. The exercise training device of claim 23, wherein said weight
lever is pivotally associated with said weight support.
25. The exercise training device of claim 21, wherein said dampener
comprises a hydraulic speed controller.
26. The exercise training device of claim 21, wherein said reverse
range of motion comprises the distance between an apex of a working
range and a starting point.
27. The exercise training device of claim 21, wherein said reverse
range of motion comprises the distance between an apex of a throw
range and a starting point.
28. The exercise training device of claim 21, wherein said reverse
range of motion comprises a lift range of motion.
29. A method for facilitating velocity weight training, comprising
the steps of: providing an exercise training device having a base,
a variable weight resistance configured to allow training movement
relative to said base through a working range of motion, and a
dampening assembly interposed between said weight resistance and
said base, said a dampening assembly associated with said weight
resistance, said dampening assembly configured to selectively
retard movement of said weight resistance through a reverse range
of motion; setting a predetermined effective load for a particular
user and exercise; moving the weight resistance through a working
range including a throw range of motion; and automatically
dampening said weight resistance for controlled return from an apex
of said throw range of motion to a starting position.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to exercise training
devices. In particular, the present invention relates to exercise
training devices configured to allow a user to perform velocity
weight training exercises.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Velocity weight training is a form of exercise founded on
the physics principle: Power=Force.times.Velocity. Most weight
lifters concentrate on "force" (e.g. total amount of weight to be
lifted), and not much attention is given to the "velocity" portion
of the equation. A velocity weight training regimen enables a
weight lifter to use both aspects of the equation by, in effect,
"throwing" or accelerating the weight away from their body,
therefore placing more emphasis on the velocity portion of the
above-referenced equation.
[0003] Conventional velocity weight training techniques present
certain problems. First, because the weight lifter requires a
wide-open space for a "thrown" weight to travel and land, velocity
weight training is not practical for most gymnasiums. Secondly,
because the weight lifter in the conventional techniques literally
throws the weight away from his/her body, he/she must gather and
"reload" with another weight. These efforts dramatically increase
time between repetitions and create difficult facility and
equipment demands, therefore hindering the training process.
[0004] To solve these problems, weight lifting machines have been
developed for velocity weight training. For example, some machines
are configured to "catch" the weight through claws associated with
the weight support or electronic cable systems in close proximity
to the release point or height of the repetition. The problem with
such machines is that the lifter must rotate the bar carrying the
weight or perform some other "release" action in order to literally
release the weight support and prepare for another repetition.
Again, such efforts hinder the training process. Moreover such
mechanisms are expensive to manufacture and are subject to failure
due to the relative stresses resulting from physical release and
"catching" of the weight apparatus.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an exercise training device
configured to allow a user to effectively throw weight through a
working range of motion and to controllably and automatically
dampen and direct the return of the weight to a convenient starting
position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide exercise
training devices that address the problems associated with prior
velocity weight training devices in practical and reliable
manners.
[0007] To achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance
with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an
exercise training device for enabling a user to perform velocity
weight training includes a frame, a weight support associated with
the frame and a dampening assembly associated with the weight
support. The dampening assembly may be configured to retard
movement of the weight support through a reverse range of
motion.
[0008] To still further achieve the foregoing and other objects in
accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
an exercise training device for enabling a user to perform velocity
weight training includes a frame, a variable weight resistance
associated with the frame and a dampening assembly associated with
the weight resistance configured to retard movement of the weight
resistance from the apex of a working range of motion through a
reverse range of motion.
[0009] To yet further achieve the foregoing and other objects in
accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention,
a dampening assembly for use with exercise training equipment
includes a base lever configured to be mounted on a stationary
surface, a weight lever configured to be secured to a weight
support and a dampener operably associated with the base lever and
weight lever. The dampener may be configured to retard movement of
the weight support through a reverse range of motion.
[0010] Still other embodiments, combinations, advantages and
objects of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following descriptions and
illustrations wherein there are shown and described alternative
exemplary embodiments of this invention for illustration purposes.
As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different
aspects, objects and embodiments all without departing from the
scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, objects, and
description should be regarded as illustrative and exemplary in
nature only and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is
believed the same will be better understood from the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a velocity training
device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the dampening assembly of FIG. 1 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of the exercise training device of
FIG. 1 illustrating exemplary ranges of motion in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Turning now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numbers
indicate the same or corresponding elements throughout the views,
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an exercise training
device 10 including a frame 20, a variable weight resistance or
weight support 40 and a dampening assembly 60. The frame 20 and
weight support 40 of exercise training device 10 may comprise any
variety of variable weight resistance setups, such as conventional
weight lifting equipment, for example, comprising a Smith machine,
bench press, shoulder press, lateral pull down, rowing, etc. Thus,
although the present invention has been described for use with a
Smith machine, the exercise training device 10 and associated
dampening assembly 60 according to the present invention are not
limited to a Smith machine and could comprise any machine or
combination of machine, such as, for example, a bench press,
shoulder press, leg press, lateral pulldown, rowing, or any other
leverage or plate loaded equipment. Variable weight resistance
could similarly be provided with weight stacks in the form of one
or more plates which can be engaged, along with an appropriate
pulley system connected to user handles or a bar, hydraulic or
pneumatic resistance arrangements or the like.
[0016] As illustrated, a weight support 40 may be associated with
frame 20. As illustrated in FIG. 1, frame 20 may comprise a Smith
machine assembly comprising left and right vertical posts 22a-c and
24a-c, respectively, supported on horizontal surface 26. Vertical
posts 22a-c and 24a-c may be secured at top and bottom via beam
assemblies 28 and 30, respectively. In such an example, a weight
bar 44 may be freely moveable between left and right vertical posts
22a-b and 24a-b and rest on arms 50. Weight bar 44 may support any
amount of plated weight 46 or load. It should be understood,
however, that in another embodiment wherein exercise training
device comprises something other than a Smith machine, weight
support 40 may comprise any apparatus configured to support any
physical weight, including weight plates and/or an apparatus
configured to apply resistance such as plastic or rubber rods
commonly used with a BOWFLEX.RTM. machines or other machine
incorporating rubber bands. In FIG. 1, weight bar 44 may comprise a
standard 45 lb. bar made from solid steel, chrome, and/or
aluminum.
[0017] As will be discussed later herein, and as shown in FIG. 3,
exercise training device 10 may comprises a variety of ranges of
motion to enable performance of velocity weight training. For
example, training device may comprise a working range of motion 90
including a lift range of motion 92 and a throw range of motion 94.
At the top of the throw range 94 (or working range 90) is the apex
96. Training device 10 may also comprise a reverse range of motion
98 from the apex 96 to a starting point 50. As will be discussed,
dampening assembly 60 may be configured to limit, retard and/or
dampen weight support through the reverse range of motion 98.
[0018] As discussed, the exercise training device 10 is illustrated
as comprising a dampening assembly 60 interposed between the weight
support 40 and a base mounted on a horizontal surface 26. As
discussed later herein, while dampening assembly 60 is illustrated
in FIG. 1 as being interposed between the weight support 40 and a
horizontal surface 26, dampening assembly 60 may similarly be
interposed between weight support 40 and frame 20 or any other
location so as to retard and control the reverse range of motion of
the weight support 40.
[0019] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, dampening assembly 60
comprises a velocity assembly 62 and a control arrangement or
dampener 80. The velocity assembly 62 may include, for example, a
weight lever 64 having first and second ends 65 and 66,
respectively, and a base lever 68 similarly having first and second
ends 69 and 70, respectively. First ends 65 and 69 of weight lever
64 and base lever 68 may be pivotally mounted to or associated with
one another at point C. As discussed later herein, first end 65 of
weight lever 64 may further comprise plate 59 for pivotal mounting
of piston arm 84 of dampener 80. Second end 66 of weight lever 64
may comprise a collar 55 with ball bearings, a bushing arrangement
or similar bearing setup, and can be configured to pivotally
receive a portion of the variable weight resistance such as weight
bar 44. In addition, second end 70 of base lever 68 may be
pivotally mounted to or associated with stationary base 72 at point
D for support on exercise surface 26.
[0020] In this example, dampener 80 is similarly illustrated as
being pivotally secured or associated with between plate 59 of
weight lever 64 and extension 67 of base lever 68 such as at points
E and F, respectively. As seen best in FIGS. 1 and 3, a dampening
assembly 60 can be secured to both sides of the exercise training
device for enhanced stability, however, it is possible to have but
one dampening assembly 80 secured to one side of training device
10. In addition, it should be understood that dampening assembly 60
may be similarly secured between base lever 68 and weight lever 64
such as at any location such as at or around angle .alpha., or
simply attached between first end 65 of weight lever 64 and base 72
or surface 26.
[0021] In one embodiment, dampener 80 comprises a hydraulic speed
controller such as those produced by Ace Controls, Inc and/or
Enidine, Inc. Sizes and models may vary depending on the relative
weight resistance ranges and the exercise training device. In such
an arrangement, the dampener 80 comprises an outer body 82 and a
piston rod 84. Such hydraulic speed controls are self-contained,
sealed units designed for precise control of speed in both
directions of travel. In the Ace device contemplated in this
example, travel speed can be adjusted independently in each
direction (e.g. compression speed and extension speed) with
compression speed knob 88 and piston speed knob 89. Accordingly, as
applied to the present invention, compression speed may be freely
fluid (e.g., as will be described in further detail below, when a
weight lifter accelerates weight bar 44 through a working range of
motion), whereas extension speed may be hindered (e.g., when weight
lifter effectively releases weight bar 44 for the "throw" portion
of the exercise, and weight bar 44 thereafter returns through a
reverse range of motion).
[0022] While the present invention has thus far been described with
the use of a velocity assembly 62 and a dampener 80 comprising a
dual velocity hydraulic control, it should be understood that
dampening assembly 60 may comprise any assembly of mechanisms
configured to dampen and appropriately control the weight
resistance during a reverse range of motion. For example, dampening
assembly may simply comprise dampener 80 described above configured
to be secured to a frame and weight support of any conventional
weight training device, including, but not limited to, leverage or
plate loaded equipment. In such embodiment (not shown), plate 59
and extension 67 may be substituted for weight and base levers 64
and 68, respectively. More specifically, plate 59 may be secured to
a weight support, while extension 67 may be secured to a horizontal
or vertical surface and/or frame of a training device with dampener
80 interposed between. In another embodiment, weight bar 44 may
comprise a collet system configured to be telescopingly secured to
vertical posts 22b and 24b. In such a system (not shown), vertical
posts 22b and 24b may be slightly conical in shape with the
narrowest end upward. Weight may be freely moveable through a
working range of motion (e.g. as weight travels up vertical posts
22b and 24b) and hindered through the reverse range of motion
starting at the apex of the working range (e.g. as weight travels
down vertical posts 22b and 24b, collet system engages conical
vertical posts 22b and 24b to dampen the speed of travel). Collet
system may also be used with dampening assembly as illustrated in
FIG. 2 in which collet system could be configured to arrest weight
bar at the apex of the throw range of motion and allow dampening
assembly to lower weight bar after collet is manually disengaged.
In yet another embodiment, dampening assembly 60 may comprise one
or more tension shocks, pneumatic shocks, compression shocks and/or
spring assemblies connected between a weight support and a
stationary surface. It should be understood that all of these
systems can be applied to a multitude of conventional exercise
training devices. So as to selectively retard and control movement
of the variable weight resistance through a reverse range of
motion.
[0023] Also, it should be further understood that dampening
assembly 60 can be retrofit onto conventional exercise training
devices to effectively convert the conventional training device
into a velocity training device. For example, if frame 20 and
weight support 40 were conventional exercise equipment existing in
a gymnasium, such as a Smith machine, a dampening assembly 60 may
be secured to a base 72 and to the weight support 40 on both sides
of the exercise training device 10 so that the reverse range of
motion (described below) may be hindered or retarded. If desired,
the dual velocity control dampener described above allows a
retrofitted velocity strength training device to act as a
conventional device by simply adjusting the extension speed
(discussed above) and allowing the working range of motion and the
reverse range of motion to be free flowing. Retrofit of the
dampening assembly may not work with certain conventional weight
training devices that only provide a path of travel for normal
repetitions (e.g. no throw range discussed below because stop
members preventing the weight support from traveling past a normal
repetition range of motion). In such circumstances, frames may be
custom designed to provide desired ranges of motion and to work
with the dampening assemblies contemplated by the present
invention. However, as previously discussed, it is contemplated
that dampening assembly 60 or variations thereof may be retrofit
onto any conventional exercise equipment such as, for example, a
bench press, shoulder press, leg press, lateral pulldown, rowing,
or any other leverage or plate loaded machine. In addition, it is
contemplated that a concealment assembly (not shown) may be
utilized with the dampening assembly to shield moving parts from
users.
[0024] As previously suggested, in order to provide a functioning
velocity weight training exercise device, certain ranges of
exercise motion are contemplated by the present invention. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, one aspect of the present invention is to
provide an exercise training device having a working range of
motion to allow a weight lifter to effectively accelerate or
"throw" the weight away from their body. More particularly, in
order to properly utilize velocity weight training, a weight lifter
must accelerate and effectively throw weight from his/her body.
Thus, the exercise training device must provide a range of motion
(path of travel) for a normal repetition and a range of motion
(path of travel) for the weight to continue once the lifter
accelerates the weight and effectively releases the weight at the
end of the repetition. As will be understood, due to the relative
weight resistance, there may be no physical separation at all
between the user's hand and the weight resistance or weight support
during the "throw" range of motion. More particularly, only a
difference in effective weight resistance (e.g. as opposed to
complete release of the weight) might be experienced as a result of
the acceleration of the weight and the end of the user's muscle
extension.
[0025] Still referring to FIG. 3, the velocity weight training
device of the present invention is configured to provide for a
working range of motion 90. More particularly, the working range of
motion 90 is comprised of a lift range of motion 92 and a throw
range of motion 94. The lift range 92 includes the distance from
the starting point 52 (where the lifter begins his/her repetition)
to the full extension of the weight support 40 with associated
weight 40 for a particular user (e.g. a repetition). It should be
understood that the starting point and the full extension of the
user may vary according to the type of exercise and the user
lifting the weight, as well as the muscle extension of the user,
and the user's form. For example, the starting point 52 for the
device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 is where arms or rest pins 50
are located. In another embodiment, rest pin 50 may be selectively
positioned at any location along vertical posts 22a-b and 24a-b,
and therefore, starting point 52 may move accordingly. Moreover, it
is possible that rest pin may be removed so that start point is
surface 26. In addition, as mentioned the extension of the user may
have an effect on the lift range 92 because taller user's may have
a higher extension that a shorter user, and thus, the lift range 92
may be extended. The user's stature, strength, preferred stance
and/or preferred lift range can also effect the throw range as
discussed below.
[0026] The throw range 94 includes the distance from the location
where the weight has been accelerated by the user to effectively
leave the user's body and travels to the apex 96 of travel. "User's
Body" is used herein because as discussed above, exercise training
devices of the present invention are not limited to the exercise
training device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, but rather may
comprise bench press, leg press, etc. Thus, weight could
effectively leave a user's hand, leg, foot, back, shoulder, head,
elbow, etc. In the illustrated example, throw range 94 may commence
at the point where the weight bar 44 pulls away from the user's
shoulders because of the upward force and explosion "through" (e.g.
from beginning to the end) the repetition. As mentioned, depending
on the user's strength, weight 46 associated with weight support
40, repetition number, and relative acceleration, weight bar 44 may
never fully disengage the user's shoulders (e.g., the user may not
be fresh or strong enough to accelerate weight completely from
their body). Accordingly, the throw range 94 in such example may be
very minimal. In fact, where the user is fatigued, apex 96 of throw
range 94 may be the point where the weight is no longer traveling
upward/outward or through a working range of motion. Should the
same user decrease the weight, it is contemplated that the user
will move through the working range with such force so as to thrust
the weight bar 44 further and/or completely away from the
shoulders. In this example, the weight would continue upward until
gravity stops the upward motion. The furthest point of travel is
the apex 96 of the throw range of motion, or more broadly, the
limit of the working range of motion. Of course, the apex 96 level
may vary based on the user's strength, the amount of weight and/or
the repetition number in the set.
[0027] Continuing with the example of FIG. 3, once the weight bar
44 reaches the apex 96 as described above, the weight bar 44 pauses
only instantaneously before it enters a reverse range of motion 98.
The reverse range of motion comprises a distance between the apex
96 of the throw range 94 (or working range), through the lift range
92, to the starting point 52. It is one aspect of the present
invention for the movement of the weight support 40 (weight bar 44
in FIGS. 1 and 3) to be hindered, dampened and/or retarded through
the reverse range of motion 98. In this way, a user can force
weight through the working range 92 and the throw range 94 and
allow the weight to passively return to the starting point in a
hindered manner so as to prepare for the next thrusting
repetition.
[0028] For use of the exemplary velocity exercise training device
of FIGS. 1-3, the user positions himself/herself in the exercise
training device 10 beneath weight bar 44 in preparation to perform
squat exercises. As the user lifts and accelerates weight bar 44
and associated weight 46 upwardly, the base lever 68 rotates
pivotally about base 72 and weight lever 64. The weight lever 64 in
this example also rotates pivotally about weight bar 44. This
action causes body 82 and piston 84 of dampener 80 to rotate about
extension 67 of base lever 68 and plate 59 of weight lever 64,
respectively. Piston 84 of dampener 80 generally freely compresses
through the working range of motion 92 and the throw range of
motion 94 without damping or adding any significant resistance. At
the end of the working range 92, the weight bar 44 effectively (if
not partially or completely) disengages user's shoulders into the
throw range 94 (e.g. the apex). Upon downward motion of the weight
bar 44 (the reverse range of motion 98), dampening assembly 60
retards the descent of weight bar 44 with associated weight 46.
More particularly, the piston 84 of the dampener 80 is extended out
of dampener body 82 at a predetermined rate based on position of
extension knob 89. If desired, the user may additionally aid in
supporting the weight bar 44 through its reverse range, may stop
the reverse range and explode through another repetition, and/or
may exit through the other side of the exercise training device 10
and allow the dampening assembly 60 to guide or support the weight
bar 44 to its starting point 52. In this way, the dampening
assembly 60 retards and/or controls the catching of the weight
support adjacent its apex, then returns the associated weight and
support of the device to a starting position automatically and
controllably. By controllably, it is meant that the retardation or
dampening can be adjusted to allow for negative exercises or
unattended return of the device, support and weight to a home or
start position.
[0029] It should be understood that the pivotal connections (C, D,
E and F) discussed above allow a user to lift weight in a free
weight fashion without obstruction in the path of travel or range
of motion. However, in another embodiment, it is possible to
fixedly secure weight lever 64 to weight bar 44 or any other weight
support 40 so as to provide a predetermined, guided path of travel
for the weight support. Such may be desired with use of nautilus
type machines (e.g. weight using cables and pulleys and/or
predetermined guided movements), or other selectorized weight stack
machines.
[0030] The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many alternatives,
modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art of the above teaching. For example, the velocity training
device in accordance with the present invention may utilize any
number of assemblies to dampen weight through a reverse range of
motion. Accordingly, while some of the alternative embodiments of
the dampening assembly and exercise training devices have been
discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or
relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all
alternatives, modifications and variations that have been discussed
herein, and others that fall within the spirit and broad scope of
the claims.
* * * * *