U.S. patent application number 11/214370 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for rapid circuit training machine with dual resistance.
This patent application is currently assigned to Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Mrako Fenster, Mark J. Kannel, Robin Knox, J. Addison Pettis, Nathan Pyles.
Application Number | 20070049470 11/214370 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37805086 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070049470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pyles; Nathan ; et
al. |
March 1, 2007 |
Rapid circuit training machine with dual resistance
Abstract
A training machine provides two independently operable
resistance systems for providing resistance to the upper and lower
body of a user and to enable training equivalent to circuit
training in a small amount of time. A first resistance system
provides training resistance to the upper body and comprises a
first resistance member with handles coupled thereto. A second
resistance system provides a second training resistance to the
lower body, and comprises a seat support and a seat, the seat
having a first position with a first potential energy and a second
position having a second potential energy, the differential
providing the second training resistance. Handles are each
independently coupled to the first resistance member by a cable fed
through a pulley to a cable reel assembly so as to enable the user
to operate the handles separately from each other and in any
direction.
Inventors: |
Pyles; Nathan; (Lake Mills,
WI) ; Kannel; Mark J.; (Oconomowoc, WI) ;
Fenster; Mrako; (Madison, WI) ; Pettis; J.
Addison; (Mazomanie, WI) ; Knox; Robin; (Stoke
on Trent, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICIA SMITH KING
P O BOX 5266
MADISON
WI
53705
US
|
Assignee: |
Johnson Health Tech Co.,
Ltd.
Taichung Hsein
TW
428
|
Family ID: |
37805086 |
Appl. No.: |
11/214370 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/95 ;
482/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/153 20130101;
A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 22/0023 20130101; A63B 22/0089
20130101; A63B 21/157 20130101; A63B 21/0622 20151001; A63B
2071/0683 20130101; A63B 2022/0079 20130101; A63B 21/068
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/095 ;
482/072 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/06 20060101
A63B069/06; A63B 21/068 20060101 A63B021/068 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine, comprising: (a) a frame having a base
supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface; (b) a first
resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an
upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a
first resistance member mounted on said frame and one or more
handles coupled to said first resistance member; and, (c) a second
resistance system for providing a second training resistance to a
lower body of the user, the second resistance system comprising a
seat support mounted on said frame and a seat movably mounted on
the seat support, the seat having a first position on the seat
support with a first potential energy and a second position on the
seat support with a second potential energy, the difference between
the first and the second potential energies providing the second
training resistance.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said second resistance
system is operable independently of said first resistance
system.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said first resistance
system is operable independently of said second resistance
system.
4. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein said first and second
resistance systems are operable independently of one another.
5. An exercise machine, comprising: (a) a frame having a base
supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface; (b) a first
resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an
upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a
first resistance member mounted on said frame and one or more
handles coupled to said first resistance member; and, (c) a second
resistance system for providing a second training resistance to a
lower body of the user, said first and second resistance systems
being operable independently of one another, the second resistance
system comprising a seat support mounted on said frame and a seat
movably mounted on the seat support, the seat having a first
position on the seat support with a first potential energy and a
second position on the seat support with a second potential energy,
the difference between the first and the second potential energies
providing the second training resistance.
6. The exercise machine of claim 5, wherein said one or more
handles comprise a right handle and a left handle, said right and
left handles each being separately coupled to said first resistance
member by means of a right and a left cable, respectively, and so
as to enable said right and left handles to operate independently
of one another.
7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said right and left
cables are functionally engaged with a right and left pulley and a
right and a left cable-reel assembly, respectively, the right and
left pulleys and right and left cable-reel assemblies being mounted
on said frame, the right and left cable-reel assemblies operating
independently of one another so as to enable independent operation
of the right and left handle.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said right and left
handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an
amount of the first training resistance.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein said right and left
handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an
amount of the second training resistance.
10. An exercise machine, comprising: (a) a frame having a base
supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface; (b) a first
resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an
upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a
first resistance member mounted on said frame and a right handle
and a left handle, said right and left handles each being
separately coupled to said first resistance member by means of a
right and a left cable, respectively, and so as to enable said
right and left handles to operate independently of one another;
and, (c) a second resistance system for providing a second training
resistance to a lower body of the user, said first and second
resistance systems being operable independently of one another, the
second resistance system comprising a seat support mounted on said
frame and a seat mounted on the seat support in which the user is
positioned, the seat having a first position on the seat support
with a first potential energy and a second position on the seat
support with a second potential energy, the difference between the
first and the second potential energies providing the second
training resistance.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein said right and left
cables are functionally engaged with a right and left pulley and a
right and a left cable-reel assembly, respectively, the right and
left pulleys and right and left cable-reel assemblies being mounted
on said frame, the right and left cable-reel assemblies operating
independently of one another so as to enable independent operation
of the right and left handle.
12. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the right and left
handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an
amount of the first training resistance.
13. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the right and left
handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an
amount of the second training resistance.
14. The exercise apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an
instructional console.
15. An exercise machine, comprising: (a) a frame having a base
supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface; (b) a first
resistance system for providing a first training resistance to an
upper body of a user, the first resistance system comprising a
first resistance member mounted on said frame, a right handle and a
left handle, said right and left handles each being separately
coupled to said first resistance member via a right and a left
cable, respectively, each right and left cable being functionally
engaged with a right and a left pulley and a right and a left
cable-reel assembly, respectively, the right and left pulleys and
right and left cable-reel assemblies being mounted on said frame,
the right and left cable-reel assemblies operating independently of
one another so as to enable independent operation of the right and
left handles; and, (c) a second resistance system for providing a
second training resistance to a lower body of the user, said first
and second resistance systems being operable independently of one
another, the second resistance system comprising a seat support
mounted on said frame and a seat mounted on the seat support in
which the user is positioned, the seat having a first position on
the seat support with a first potential energy and a second
position on the seat support with a second potential energy, the
difference between the first and the second potential energies
providing the second training resistance.
16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the right and left
handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an
amount of the first training resistance.
17. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the right and left
handles further comprise one or more controls for controlling an
amount of the second training resistance.
18. The exercise apparatus of claim 15, further comprising an
instructional console.
19. The exercise apparatus of claim 16, further comprising an
instructional console and wherein the right and left handles
further comprise communication means for communicating with said
instructional console.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Overall fitness is a goal many people strive to achieve by
combining a large variety of strength training programs with a
cardio vascular program. The challenge is combining these programs
in such a way as to achieve optimal results in minimal amounts of
time using as little equipment as possible.
[0002] Circuit training is one means of providing a wide variety of
strength workouts, but this requires that a user navigate a circuit
of weight training and other types of exercise machines according
to a prescribed program. In practice, this requires that a person
frequent a gym where he or she has access to a room full of
exercise equipment. Providing the required variety of exercise
equipment at a health club, much less in a person's own home, can
be cost and space prohibitive.
[0003] Achieving proportionate conditioning is also a challenge,
generally requiring that a person seek advice of a trainer who can
provide them with a program of training that works all part of the
body proportionately and includes an appropriate amount of
cardiovascular training.
[0004] Attempts have been made to make exercise machines that
provide a user multiple forms of exercise, thereby reducing the
number of exercise machines needed. At core, exercise machines
generally provide a resistance against which a user works in some
way, thereby exercising one or more parts of their body.
[0005] Many machines provide only one source of resistance against
which a user works. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,879 to Berdut,
provides only one resistance means and that resistance is provided
solely by a user's body weight. By tilting a table on which the
user sits or lays, a variety of exercises may be performed to
exercise different parts of the user's body. Though handles are
provided in one version, they are not used to provide resistance,
the user is still relying on his body weight to produce resistance
as he pulls on the handles, etc.
[0006] Conventional rower exercise machines attempt to exercise
both the upper and lower portions of a body, but are generally
limited to providing a user with a cardiovascular workout--no
actual strength training workout is provided. In addition, they
tend to place a disproportionate load on the user's upper body
exhausting the upper body relative to the lower body of a user.
This is because the seat moves nearly parallel to the ground which
places a disproportionate load on the user's upper body in relation
to the comparative strength of the user's muscles.
[0007] A further limitation of conventional rower machines is that
they generally only provide a single handle. In exercise machines
providing two handles, the two handles do not operate independently
of one another nor do they allow arm movements at variable angles.
Providing only one handle, or two which do not operate
independently of one another, limits a user's ability to perform
exercises beyond synchronous pulling exercises. Without two handles
operating independently of one another, asynchronous arm movements
are not possible, nor are one-armed movements--preventing a user
from performing such exercises as flies, independent arm curls, and
the like. Likewise, in current two-handle machines, both
handle-cables feed through a single cable-reel, therefore the
resistance provided each handle is the same. Again, having no
independence of the amount of resistance to each handle, limits the
variety of exercise a user is able to perform.
[0008] Attempts have been made to expand on the rower model to
include more balanced strength training aspects, such as U.S. Pat.
No. 4,625,962 to Street. In Street, handle resistance means are
provided to work the upper body, and in one version a user may push
up against weights with his or her legs to work the lower body.
However, the exercises possible with Street are limited. For
example, the handles do not operate independently of one another,
so a user cannot conduct many types of upper body exercises.
Likewise, no squat type exercises, among other types, are possible
for training of the lower body.
[0009] For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a trainer that
enables a user to gain proportionate conditioning in a short period
of time using a single space-saving trainer by providing two
resistance systems that operate independently of one another so as
to enable circuit training, i.e., the performance of a wide variety
of exercises having different proportions of upper and lower body
resistances. There is furthermore a need for a trainer that enables
a user to exercise his or her arms independently of one another to
allow more varied and precise exercises to be performed.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention is directed to a device that satisfies
these needs for an exercise machine that enables a user to gain
proportionate conditioning in a short period of time using a single
space-saving trainer, and that also enables a user to exercise his
or her arms independently of one another and in diverse ways. The
trainer of the present invention satisfies these needs by providing
two resistance systems that may operate independently of one
another so as to enable circuit training (i.e., the performance of
a wide variety of exercises in sequence) by shifting the proportion
of load between the user's legs, arms and cardiovascular system
throughout a single exercise session on the trainer. The trainer
furthermore provides a first resistance system for the upper body
that enables the user to perform varied arm exercises either
synchronously or asynchronously.
[0011] The exercise machine generally consists of a frame having a
base supporting the exercise machine on a floor surface. A first
resistance system provides a first training resistance to the upper
body of a user and consists of a first resistance member mounted on
the frame and one or more handles coupled to the first resistance
member. A second resistance system provides a second training
resistance to the lower body of the user. The second resistance
system consists of a seat support mounted on the frame and a seat
mounted on the seat support. The seat has a first position with a
first potential energy and a second position with a second
potential energy, the difference between the first and the second
potential energies providing the second training resistance. The
first and second resistance systems are operable independently of
one another, enabling different resistance levels to be provided to
the upper and lower body of the user so as to shift the proportion
of load between the user's legs, arms and cardiovascular system
throughout a single exercise session on the trainer.
[0012] In another version, two handles are provided, each
independently coupled to the first resistance member by a cable so
as to enable the user to operate the handles separately. The
handles may be pulled individually or together in asynchronous or
synchronous fashion. Further, the user may pull the handles in any
direction to enable a wide variety of exercises to be
conducted.
[0013] In another version, two cable-reel assemblies are provided
each operating independently of one another to enable independent
operation of the handles.
[0014] In yet another version, a method for employing the exercise
machine described above is disclosed.
[0015] Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:
(a) to provide an exercise machine that enables a user to gain
proportionate conditioning in a short period of time using a single
space-saving trainer; (b) to provide an exercise machine with two
resistance systems that are independently operable of one another
allowing a user to use only one or both together; (c) to provide an
exercise machine with two independently operable resistance
systems, each of which may be set to provide different levels of
resistance to the upper and lower body of the user over time so as
to shift the proportion of load between the user's legs, arms and
cardiovascular system, thereby enabling a user to perform the
equivalent of circuit training, intervals training and the like
throughout a single uninterrupted exercise session on one machine;
(d) to provide an exercise machine that enables a user to exercise
his or her arms independently of one another or synchronously; and,
(e) to provide an exercise machine that enables a user to operate
handles independently of one another so the user may pull the
handles out at any angle using one arm only or both arms either
contralaterally or together, synchronously or asynchronously, so as
to enable the user to perform a wide variety of upper body
exercises such as arm curls, reverse flies, and more.
[0016] The reader is advised that this summary is not meant to be
exhaustive. Further features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description, accompanying drawings and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1a, shows a side view of one version of the exercise
machine of the present invention positioned with the seat support
120 at an angle of incline of about 10 degrees, with the seat 124
in a first position and showing features interior to a shroud
150;
[0019] FIG. 1b, shows the exercise machine of FIG. 1a, with the
seat 124 in a second position;
[0020] FIG. 1c, shows the exercise machine of FIG. 1a with the
shroud 150 in place and no interior features showing;
[0021] FIG. 1d, shows the exercise machine of FIG. 1b with the
shroud 150 in place and no interior features showing;
[0022] FIG. 1e, shows the exercise machine of FIG. 1a positioned
with the seat support 120 at an angle of incline of about 40
degrees and with the seat 124 in a second position;
[0023] FIG. 2, shows a front right perspective view of one version
of the present invention showing both right and left sets of
handles 132, pulleys 138/139, cables 134 and cable-reel assemblies
136;
[0024] FIG. 3a, shows a rear right perspective view of one version
of the present invention noting the locations of the pulleys
138;
[0025] FIG. 3b shows a close-up view detailing one version of a
pulley 138 showing a V-type groove and defining the angle of the
groove (i.e., V-angle) and the depth of the groove (i.e.,
V-depth);
[0026] FIG. 3c shows a close-up view detailing one version of a
pulley 138 with a wide V-type groove and with a cable pulled out to
the right, suggesting the wide range of angles at which the cables
may be pulled out;
[0027] FIG. 4, shows a diagram of how a user may use the controls
of a handle 132 to control the angle of incline of the seat support
120;
[0028] FIG. 5a, shows one version of a handle 132 with a single
control button 170, 171;
[0029] FIG. 5b, shows a close up view of a handle 132 showing a
detail of one version in which two control buttons 170, 171 are
provided;
[0030] FIG. 6, shows a schematic of one version of a handle 132
seated in a dock 160;
[0031] FIG. 7a, shows a right rear side view of one version of the
exercise machine depicting handles 132 in a docked position
relative to the console 140 and the foot support 128;
[0032] FIG. 7b, shows a close up view of the handles, console and
foot support in FIG. 7a;
[0033] FIG. 8a, shows a lift-type version of a seat support 120
with seat 124 in a first position;
[0034] FIG. 8b, shows the seat support 120 of FIG. 8a with seat 124
in a second position;
[0035] FIGS. 9a and 9b, show a side view of one version of the
exercise machine of the present invention on which a user is seated
to illustrate how the user pushes the seat 124 back from a first
(FIG. 9a) to a second (FIG. 9b) position and also how the user may
simultaneously pull out on the handles (see dashed line);
[0036] FIGS. 10a and 10b, show the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1e
where the seat rail 120 is set to an angle of incline of about 40
degrees and illustrating movement of the seat 124 between a first
(FIG. 10a) and a second (FIG. 10b) position;
[0037] FIGS. 11a and 11b, illustrate how the plane formed by the
seat bench 126 and the footplate 128 position (indicating the
user's foot position) vary relative to one another as the seat rail
120 pivots at the pivot point 116 to change the angle of incline
from a lower angle (FIG. 11a) to a higher angle (FIG. 11b).
[0038] FIGS. 12a and 12b, show a user pushing the seat 124 back
along a seat rail as the seat rail angle of incline simultaneously
increases;
[0039] FIGS. 12c and 12d, show detail of the seat 124 in FIGS. 12a
and 12b, showing how the seat back 125 may incline as the user
moves the seat back along the rail 120;
[0040] FIG. 13, shows a side view of an inclined seat rail version
of the present invention with seat resistance means 220 connected
to the seat 124 via a seat cable 222.
DESCRIPTION
[0041] Referring now specifically to the figures, in which
identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference
numerals throughout, a detailed description of the present
invention is given. It should be understood that the following
detailed description relates to the best presently known embodiment
of the invention. However, the present invention can assume
numerous other embodiments, as will become apparent to those
skilled in the art, without departing from the appended claims.
[0042] It should also be understood that, while any methods
disclosed herein may be described and shown with reference to
particular steps taken in a particular order, these steps may be
combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form an equivalent method
without departing from the teachings of the present invention.
Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and
grouping of the steps is not a limitation of the present
invention.
Detailed Description--Apparatus
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, the exercise apparatus of the
present invention is a rapid circuit training machine ("trainer")
100 with dual resistance. The trainer 100 consists generally of a
frame 110, a first resistance system for providing a first training
resistance to an upper body of a user, and a second resistance
system for providing a second training resistance to a lower body
of the user. The first and second resistance systems may be
independently operable of one another allowing a user to use one
resistance system only or both together. Each resistance system may
likewise be set to provide different levels of resistance and those
levels changed over time. The trainer 100 thus allows different
resistance levels to be provided to the upper and lower body of the
user and for those levels to be varied over time so as to shift the
proportion of load between the user's legs, arms and cardiovascular
system throughout a single uninterrupted exercise session on one
machine. The equivalent of circuit training is thus possible during
a single session on the trainer 100 as is intervals training and
the like.
[0044] The frame 110 provides structural support to the trainer 100
and includes a base 112 which supports the trainer 100 on a floor
surface. The frame 110 may be constructed of any material able to
provide the strength and rigidity required to support the weight of
the user and the first and second resistance system.
[0045] A shroud 150 may be provided as a covering to enclose the
various components of the trainer 100 to protect the enclosed
components from exposure to dirt and the like and for safety
purposes. The shroud 150 is shown in place in FIGS. 1a to 1e, with
features interior to the shroud visible in FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1e (in
which shroud 150 shown as transparent). FIGS. 1c and 1d show how
the trainer 100 may look with the shroud 150 in place and the
interior features enclosed within.
[0046] First resistance system. As mentioned above, the first
resistance system provides the first training resistance to the
upper body of the user. It generally consists of a first resistance
member 130 mounted on the frame 110 and one or more handles 132
coupled to the first resistance member 130 by means of one or more
cables 134. When the user pulls on the one or more handles 132, the
user is pulling against a resistance provided by the first
resistance member 130, thereby exercising his or her upper body.
The first resistance system may be operable independently of the
second resistance system.
[0047] The first resistance member 130 provides a dynamic
resistance to the cable(s) 134 when the user grips and pulls on the
one or more handles 132. In versions where two handles 132 are
provided (i.e., a right and a left handle 132), a right and a left
cable 134 are provided to independently couple the right and left
handles 132, respectively, to the resistance means 130. The first
resistance member 130 may comprise a combination of flywheel and
eddy current break (ECB) with optional fan resistance, or other
means for providing the dynamic resistance to the cables 134 and
handles 132.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, front right perspective view of one
version of the present invention is illustrated in which a right
and a left handle 132 are provided, each independently coupled to
the first resistance member 130 via right and left cables 134 which
are each, in turn, threaded around a right and a left pulley 138.
The cables 134 may further thread around a second set of pulleys,
right and left directional pulleys 139. The right and left cables
134 then pass to a right and left cable-reel assembly 136,
respectively. Each of the right and left cables 134 is thus
functionally engaged with its own respective pulleys 138 (and 139)
and cable-reel assemblies 136.
[0049] The right and left pulleys 138 are designed to enable the
right and left cables 134 to be pulled out smoothly and at any
angle to facilitate performance of a wide variety of exercises by
the user. This may be achieved in any number of ways, for example,
the pulley heads themselves may swivel, the pulleys may have
V-grooves to allow any angle of pull, or other similarly
functioning designs may be employed.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 3a to 3c, views of versions of the
trainer having V-groove type right and left pulleys 138 are
illustrated. The pulleys 138 have wide V-grooves which function to
allow the cables 134 to be pulled out at almost any angle.
Referring to FIG. 3b the V-groove defines an angle (i.e., V-angle)
and a depth (i.e., V-depth). The V-angle will generally be greater
than 60 degrees. The V-groove of the pulley 138 will generally be
less than 20 percent as deep (i.e., V-depth) as the diameter of the
pulley 138. Thus the V-groove of this version of the pulley 138 is
relatively wide in angle and shallow in depth.
[0051] Each right and left cable-reel assembly 136 may generally
comprise springs which function to rewind the cables 134 to remove
any slack when a cable is not under tension, and a clutch bearing
which functions to allow the right and left handles 134 to operate
independently of one another on a common axle.
[0052] In another version, a second pair of handles (i.e., rear
handles) may be provided that are located behind the user so as to
enable the user to conduct pushing type exercises (vs. pulling type
exercises using the first pair of handles 132 located in front of
the user). In this version, the rear handles may be connected to
the same resistance means 130, but, for example in the case of a
flywheel type assembly, have separate step up drive/clutch
assemblies.
[0053] The right and left handles 132 are independently operable by
the user, enabling the user to pull the handles 132 out at any
angle and to do so using one arm only or both arms either
contralaterally or together, synchronously or asynchronously. This
allows the user to customize a workout according to his or her
needs. For example, they may exercise just one arm at a time. Using
both arms, they may perform synchronous movements or move the arms
independently of one another in asynchronous fashion. This enables
the user to perform an extremely wide variety of upper body
exercises including arm curls, reverse flies, and the like.
[0054] The handles 132 may further be provided with hand-actuated
controls integrated therein (see FIGS. 4 to 6) to enable the user
to simultaneously control the first and second resistance system
manually or to switch to automatic operation where a program
controls the resistance levels and amounts of time for each in the
circuit training session (see method section below for an example
of a circuit training program). Under manual control the user
controls the level of resistance provided to his or her upper and
lower body via the first (e.g., by setting level of resistance on
the cables 134) and second (e.g., by setting angle of incline of
the seat support 120) resistance systems. Many different
arrangements and numbers of hand-actuated controls may be provided.
For example, only one (see FIG. 5a) or more than one (see FIGS. 5,
5b, 6) control button may be provided. A control button 170 may be
provided to actuate automatic control and a control button 171 is
provided to actuate manual control. However, buttons 170/171 may
control other functions and other types of controls and locations
may be provided on the handles 132. For example, a control button
may be provided for control of the first resistance level and
another button provided for the control of the second resistance
level.
[0055] Communication means 172 may likewise be provided in the
handles 132 to, among other things, communicate the user's settings
to the first and second resistance systems when manual mode is
selected, or to communicate the user's choice of circuit training
program to the console 140 when automatic mode is selected (see
FIG. 6). Various modes of communication may be employed such as
infra red (IR), radio frequency (RF) and the like. In the diagram
of FIG. 4, the user has, for example, changed the angle of incline
of the seat support 120 to 20 degrees (see below for discussion of
seat support 120) to either increase or decrease the amount of
resistance to his or her lower body, depending on what the original
angle of incline was. In versions where the user's heart rate (HR)
is being monitored, the handles 132 may further comprise HR
monitoring means and the communication means 172 may transmit those
HR measurements to the console 140. HR transmissions to the console
140 may provide feedback to the program, affecting changes in first
and second resistance level settings.
[0056] Handle docks 160 may further be provided to facilitate
docking of the handles on the trainer 100 before, during and after
an exercise session. Referring to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional
schematic of a handle 132 seated in a dock 160 is shown. In this
version of the handle 132 and dock 160, the dock 160 is also
capable of charging the handle 132 while the handle is seated in
the dock (see paired electrical contacts in the handle 132 and dock
160). Inductance charging can help to reduce the amount of time and
effort required to maintain the trainer.
[0057] An instructional console 140 may optionally also be provided
(see FIGS. 7a and 7b). The console 140 may provide programming to
simultaneously control the amount of resistance provided by the
first resistance member 130 and the angle of incline of the seat
support 120 (and/or amount of resistance provided by a seat
resistance means 220; see below). Under automatic control, the
programming may simultaneously control both resistance to the upper
and to the lower body (i.e., first and second resistances) to free
the user from needing to think about what to do when and for how
long. Levels of resistance to the upper and lower body are changed
according to the program and the user is prompted, if necessary, to
perform certain types of exercises in order to complete the
training program. The user may manually, or automatically through a
circuit training program, simultaneously change the angle of
incline of the seat rail 120 and the resistance to the cables 134,
thereby shifting the proportion of the load between his or her
legs, arms and cardiovascular system.
[0058] The console 140 may consist of a display for providing
instructions and feedback to the user. For example, under automatic
mode operation, a program may prompt the user to perform a specific
type of exercise for a specific number of repetitions. The
instructions and feedback may be provided visually and/or via sound
transmissions (for which headphones may be provided). For new users
especially, coaching instructions may be provided to inform the
user of proper form, to provide encouragement and the like.
Likewise, the program may display the particular portion of a
circuit training program the user is experiencing (e.g., "warm up;"
the first and second resistance level settings, and the amount of
time for the segment, and the like).
[0059] Second resistance system. As mentioned above, the second
resistance system provides the second training resistance to the
lower body of the user. It consists generally of a seat support 120
mounted on the frame 110 and a seat 124 mounted on the seat support
120 in which the user is positioned. The seat 124 is movable by the
user between a first position located near the lower end 121 of the
seat support having a first potential energy (see, e.g., FIGS. 1a,
1c) and a second position nearer the upper end 122 of the seat
support having a second potential energy (see, e.g., FIGS. 1b, 1d)
by pushing against the foot support 128 (see also, FIGS. 9a-9b,
12a-12b). The differential in potential energies between the first
and second positions provides the second resistance against which a
user pushes in moving the seat 124 between positions. The second
resistance system may be operable independently of the first
resistance system.
[0060] The seat support 120 may be provided in various forms. For
example, it may be provided as an inclined seat rail type seat
support 120, as generally illustrated throughout the figures.
Alternatively, it may be provided as a lift-type seat support 120
(see FIGS. 8a and 8b). Other types of seat support 120 that enable
a seat 124 to move between a first and second position with
different potential energies, are possible as well.
[0061] In the seat rail version illustrated throughout most of the
figures (see, e.g., FIGS. 1a-1e, 2, 7a, 9a-10b,), the seat 124 is
slidably mounted on the seat rail 120 and may be moved along its
length from a first position at the lower end 121 of the seat rail
to a second position at an upper end 122. When the seat 124 is in
the first position (an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 1a,
10a), it has a first potential energy and when the seat 124 is in
the second position (an example of which is illustrated in FIGS.
1b, 10b), it has a second potential energy. In this case, the first
position lower on the rail 120 (i.e., near the lower end 121 of the
seat rail 120) has a lower potential energy than the second
position higher on the rail 120 (i.e., near the upper end 122). The
difference between the first and second potential energies provides
the second resistance, and this resistance is to the lower body of
the user when the user, with one or both feet positioned on a foot
support 128, pushes the seat up the seat rail 120 against the
second resistance.
[0062] The greater the differential in potential energies between
seat positions, the greater the resistance level and the more
difficult it is for user to push the seat from the first position
to the second position using one or both of his or her legs. Hence,
the second resistance system functions to exercise the lower body
of the user. Compare, for example, FIGS. 1a-1b and 9a-9b in which
the seat rail 120 is inclined at about a 10 degree angle and where
the differential in potential energy between the first (FIGS. 1a,
9a) and second (FIGS. 1b, 9b) seat positions is smaller than when
the seat rail 120 is inclined at a higher angle of about 40 degrees
(see FIGS. 10a and 10b).
[0063] The seat 124 consists of bench 126 and back 125 portions and
is attached to the seat support 120 by mounting means 127 (see,
e.g., FIGS. 1a-1e, 2, 9a-9b). In the case of the seat rail type
seat support 120, the mounting means 127 enables the seat 124 to
slidably mount upon the seat rail 120. In one version of the
mounting means 127, rollers are provided to slidably mount the seat
124 to the seat rail 120. However, other means may also be employed
to mount the seat 130 to the seat rail 120.
[0064] The seat 124 is oriented so that when the user is seated
therein, he/she faces toward the lower end 121 of the seat rail 120
(see, e.g., FIGS. 9a-9b, 12a-12b). The first and second positions
of the seat 124 may be located anywhere along the length of the
seat rail 120.
[0065] In one version of the seat rail type of seat support 120,
adjustment means 129 are further provided for varying the angle of
incline of the seat rail 120, thereby providing for greater or
lesser differentials in potential energies between the first and
second positions of the seat 124, and thereby also the amount of
resistance against which a user must push (with his or her feet
against the foot support 128) in order to move the seat 124
equivalent distances along the seat rail 120 by comparison to a
seat rail 120 having a fixed angle of incline. Compare, for
example, FIGS. 1a and 1b in which the angle of incline of the seat
rail 120 is set to about 10 degrees, with FIGS. 10a and 10b in
which the angle of incline is set to about 40 degrees. Comparing
FIG. 1a to FIG. 1e shows how angle of incline may be increased
while the user is pushing the seat 124 back along the seat rail 120
(in this case angle of incline goes from about 10 degrees to about
40 degrees while the seat 124 is moved between the first and second
positions).
[0066] In this version, the frame 110 further consists of a pivot
114 extending upward from the base 112 to a pivot point 116 (see
FIGS. 1a-1b, 1e, 2, 9a-10b). The pivot point 116 may be positioned
at a location between the midpoint 123 and the lower end 121 of the
seat rail 120. Positioning the pivot point 116 at a location on the
seat rail 120 at some distance in from the lower end 121, helps to
get the user's body into a typical squat position and facilitates
this type of exercise. This also tends to reduce the shear stress
on the user's knees.
[0067] FIGS. 11a to 12b are provided to illustrate how the plane
formed by the seat bench 126 and the footplate 128 position
(indicating the user's foot position) vary relative to one another
as the seat rail 120 pivots at the pivot point 116 to change the
angle of incline. At lower angles of incline (as shown in FIGS.
11a, 12a), the user's foot position will normally be below the
plane formed by the seat bench 126, and the user's toes will be
pointed forward on the footplate 128 about 135 degrees from the
seat rail angle of incline. By contrast, at higher angles of
incline (as shown in FIGS. 11b, 12b), the user's foot position will
normally be above the plane formed by the seat bench 126, and the
user's toes will be pointed forward only a small amount (e.g., such
as 105 degrees) from the seat rail angle of incline.
[0068] The seat rail 120 is tiltably mounted on the pivot 114 at an
angle of incline which is adjustably variable in degrees relative
to the floor surface. Generally, the angle of incline is adjustable
between 0 and 45 degrees.
[0069] Preferably, the angle of incline varies between 10 and 40
degrees (see FIGS. 1a-1d, 2, 9a-9b for an approximately 10 degree
angle of incline; see FIGS. 1e, 10a, 10b for an approximately 40
degree angle of incline). At an angle of about 10 degrees or more,
a user's weight enables the user's feet to movably maintain contact
with the footplate 128 (see below). Unlike with conventional rower
machines, the user's feet are not held in a static position via
foot straps or cups on two separate foot pads. On the present
trainer 100, the user is able to move his or her feet according to
preference and the type of exercise being done. Also, by providing
a positively inclined seat rail 120, the user is provided with a
resistance against which the user's legs must push. The user of the
present trainer 100 is essentially rowing, or simply pushing his or
her body weight, uphill, providing proportionately more leg
resistance than with a conventional rower machine and thereby also
providing a more balanced upper and lower body workout. The steeper
the angle of incline, the greater the portion of the load placed on
the user's legs.
[0070] The adjustment means 129 may be manual or motor driven. In
either case, by changing the angle of incline of the seat rail 120,
the user can adjust the second resistance level relative to the
first resistance level, thus shifting the proportion of the load
between his or her legs, arms and cardiovascular system.
[0071] When the adjustment means 129 is mechanical, the user may
set the incline by mechanically positioning the seat rail 120 at
the desired angle. This may be accomplished in many ways including,
for example, using a hand-turned worm screw or similar devices
enabling manual adjustment.
[0072] Alternatively, the adjustment means 129 may be automated
electro-mechanically to allow the angle of incline to be varied
uninterruptedly while the user continues exercising. Employing such
a motorized adjustment means 129, enables continuous variations in
angle of incline to be achieved. Unlike with mechanical adjustment,
virtually any angle of incline may be achieved. The adjustment
means 129 may be controlled by the user via controls on the handles
132, for example, or by programs in the console 140 which is in
communication with the adjustment means 129.
[0073] The motorized version of adjustment means 129 may consist of
a lift mechanism (such as a worm screw actuator or the like) to
lift/lower the upper end 122 of the seat rail 120 to adjust the
angle of incline.
[0074] Automatic adjustment of the angle of incline, and thereby
the amount of leg resistance, allows a user to continue exercising
without having to stop to adjust the amount of leg resistance. This
enables a user to switch between upper and/or lower-body training
without interruption. It also enables a user to do intervals
training and the like otherwise not possible. It also enables
resistance to be varied in such a way as to maintain a certain
heart rate when used in combination with heart rate monitoring.
This further enables heart rate zone training.
[0075] In the lift-type version of the seat support 120 illustrated
in FIGS. 8a and 8b, the first and second seat positions are
achieved by the user pushing against the foot support 128 to move
the seat back and up from a lower first position (FIG. 8a) to a
higher second position (FIG. 8b). The seat support 120 lifts the
seat to the higher second position when the user pushes the seat
124 back.
[0076] The second resistance system may further include resistance
means for the legs to increase the resistance against which a user
pushes in moving the seat 124 between the first and second
positions beyond that provided by the differing potential energies
between the two positions. The additional resistance means may be
provided by a cable 222 attached to the seat 124 on one end, and an
axle and seat resistance means 220 on the other end (see FIG. 13).
The seat resistance means 220 may be provided as an alternative to
adjusting the angle of incline of the seat rail 120 in order to
increase or decrease the differential in potential energy between
the two seat positions and thereby the amount of resistance against
movement of the seat.
[0077] The seat resistance means 220 may consist of a flywheel
attached to the axle with resistance provided by a magnetic brake,
a generator or the like. The advantage of using a generator is that
the unit could be completely self-powered so no external power
source is required. In health clubs where outlets are sometime
short in supply, this is a significant advantage.
[0078] A foot support 128 (or footplate) is mounted on the frame
110, separate from the seat rail 120 to provide a step-through
design (see FIGS. 1a-1e, 2, 3a, 7a, 9a,-10b, 13). Unlike with
conventional rower machines, the footplate 128 of the present
trainer 100 is a single unit of relatively large size which does
not fix the user's feet in place (e.g., by means of straps, clips
and the like). Instead the user is able to move his or her feet
freely about the footplate 128. The footplate 128 is relatively
large and stable providing solid footing to the user, and enabling
the user to do a wide variety of exercises such as squats (both
one- and two-legged), controlled jumping, and more.
[0079] Additionally, the footplate 128 is not connected to the seat
rail 120 enabling the seat 124 to move up/down the seat rail 120
independently of the footplate 128. Additionally, the footplate 128
may itself be tiltably movable to enable both the seat rail 120 and
footplate 128 to move independently of each other.
[0080] The footplate 128 may further comprise a resilient cushion
on its surface. The resilient cushion forces the user's stabilizing
muscles to engage, thereby expanding the workout to develop those
muscles.
[0081] As mentioned above, a seat mounting means 127 is provided to
enable the seat 124 to be slidably mounted on the seat rail 120
(see, e.g., FIG. 1a). One version of the mounting means 127 may
comprise rollers for slidably mounting the seat 124 on the seat
rail 120. However, other means may also be employed.
[0082] The seat rail 120 may be provided with adjustable stops
dispersed along its length to enable the user to limit the downward
travel of the seat 124 while in use and/or upon dismount. In
addition to this, or alternatively, the seat mounting means 127 may
further comprise a locking means (or, "locking mechanism") for
retaining the seat 124 in position. Having a locking mechanism
enables fixing the seat 124 in position for when the user wishes to
do arm-only type workouts. It also facilitates the
mounting/dismounting of the trainer 100.
[0083] Several alternative locking mechanisms are possible. For
example, the locking mechanism may consist of a spring-actuated
friction brake that is unlocked when the user bears his or her
weight on the seat bench 126. When the user's weight comes off of
the seat bench 126, the spring causes a friction pad to engage on
the seat rail 120, effectively holding the seat in place. The
locking mechanism may further employ geometry that causes it to be
self-energizing, thereby increasing its holding power beyond what
the spring can do.
[0084] The seat bench 126 is generally sized to fit an average
user. The seat back 125 may be resilient, i.e., able to tilt in
synch with the user's efforts so as to help the user to maintain
proper posture during exercise (see FIGS. 12a-12d). The back 125
may tilt by means of a spring mechanism or the like.
[0085] The seat 124 may further accept a cushion disc surface.
Having a cushion disc surface in place promotes more rapid
development of the core abdominal and back muscles because the user
is required to tension those core muscles throughout the
workout.
Detailed Description--Method of Use
[0086] The trainer 100 as described above provides two
independently operating resistance systems, a first resistance
system for exercising the upper body of the user and a second
resistance system for exercising the lower body of the user. Used
in combination, the equivalent of circuit training may be achieved
using a single machine. A user may simultaneously change the level
of the first and second resistances either manually or
automatically via a pre-programmed circuit training program.
[0087] Different types of circuit training programs may be
programmed. For example, if the first resistance member 130 is
provided with resistance levels 1 to 5 (i.e., first resistance
level or "FRL"), and the seat support 120 of the second resistance
system may be set to provide resistance levels of 1 to 5 (i.e.,
second resistance level or "SRL;" e.g., in the inclinable seat rail
version of the seat support, by adjusting the angle of incline),
one example of a circuit training program may be as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Program portion FRL setting SRL setting Duration
(mins.) Warm up: 1 1 1 Upper body: 3 1 1 Lower body: 1 3 2 Total
body I: 3 3 2 Total body II: 5 5 2 and so forth according to the
particular program . . . Cool down: 1 1 1
[0088] By executing this or another circuit training program, the
user is doing something different every minute or so and combining
a large variety of strength training exercises with a
cardiovascular workout, as in typical circuit training. However,
unlike with typical circuit training there is no need for the user
to use multiple machines and take time moving between each to
complete a program.
[0089] In addition to varying the time each resistance is set to a
certain level, the actual exercises performed by the user may vary.
For example, the independent operability of the handles 132, allow
a user to operate the handles 132 independently of one another so
the user may pull the handles out at any angle using one arm only
or both arms either contralaterally or together, synchronously or
asynchronously, so as to enable the user to perform a wide array of
upper body exercises such as arm curls, reverse flies, and the
like.
[0090] Likewise, a wide variety of leg exercises is also possible
given the provision of a large foot support 128 and the ability to
vary the angle of incline of the seat support 120.
Advantages
[0091] The previously described versions of the present invention
have many advantages, including: (a) providing an exercise machine
that enables a user to gain proportionate conditioning in a short
period of time using a single space-saving trainer; (b) providing
an exercise machine with two resistance systems that are
independently operable of one another allowing a user to use only
one or both together; (c) providing an exercise machine with two
independently operable resistance systems, each of which may be set
to provide different levels of resistance to the upper and lower
body of the user over time so as to shift the proportion of load
between the user's legs, arms and cardiovascular system, thereby
enabling a user to perform the equivalent of circuit training,
intervals training and the like throughout a single uninterrupted
exercise session on one machine; (d) providing an exercise machine
that enables a user to exercise his or her arms independently of
one another or synchronously; and, (e) providing an exercise
machine that enables a user to operate handles independently of one
another so the user may pull the handles out at any angle using one
arm only or both arms either contralaterally or together,
synchronously or asynchronously, so as to enable the user to
perform a wide variety of upper body exercises such as arm curls,
reverse flies, and more.
[0092] The present invention does not require that all the
advantageous features and all the advantages need to be
incorporated into every embodiment thereof.
Closing
[0093] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions
thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and
scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the
description of the preferred versions contained herein.
* * * * *