U.S. patent application number 11/552521 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-29 for tibialis anterior strength training machine.
Invention is credited to William Anthony Harkness, Jason Allan Ramsey.
Application Number | 20070275833 11/552521 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38750190 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070275833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ramsey; Jason Allan ; et
al. |
November 29, 2007 |
Tibialis Anterior Strength Training Machine
Abstract
A strength training machine for exercising the muscles of the
lower leg that lift the foot toward the body, namely the tibialis
anterior. The machine includes a frame that supports a seat and
either one or two foot positioning devices, such that a seated user
can insert his or her feet into the positioning device(s). The
positioning device(s) are rotatably supported by the frame with an
axis of rotation that approximately intersects the location of the
ankles when the feet are inserted into the positioning device(s). A
cam, cable, and pulley system connect each positioning device to
weights, thereby providing resistance to ankle dorsiflexion.
Inventors: |
Ramsey; Jason Allan;
(Oklahoma City, OK) ; Harkness; William Anthony;
(Everett, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JASON RAMSEY
2301 NW 122ND ST APT. 3603
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73120
US
|
Family ID: |
38750190 |
Appl. No.: |
11/552521 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11420791 |
May 29, 2006 |
|
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11552521 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 23/085 20130101; A63B 2208/0233 20130101; A63B 21/4015
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/79 |
International
Class: |
A63B 23/04 20060101
A63B023/04 |
Claims
1. A tibialis anterior strength training machine, said strength
training machine comprising: a frame; a seating apparatus attached
to said frame; two positioning devices for a user to insert the
feet to perform the exercise; means for rotatably supporting each
of said positioning devices such that each of said positioning
devices includes an axis of rotation that is approximately common
to the ankle joint axes of a user when the feet are inserted into
said positioning devices; and means for providing a rotational
resistance to said axis of rotation of said positioning
devices.
2. The strength training machine according to claim 1, wherein said
seating apparatus is located at a distance from said positioning
devices.
3. The strength training machine according to claim 1, wherein said
seating apparatus includes means for selectively adjusting the
vertical and horizontal positioning of a user's hips supported by
said seating apparatus, whereby a user may optimize the orientation
of the legs relative to the orientation of said positioning devices
while said positioning devices are at rest.
4. The strength training machine according to claim 1, wherein said
means for rotatably supporting each of said positioning devices
includes two coaxial pivot shafts fixedly attached to opposite
sides of said positioning device such that the axis of said pivot
shafts approximates the location of a user's ankle when the foot is
inserted into said positioning device, said pivot shafts rotatably
supported by said frame, whereby a user may rotate each of said
positioning devices independently.
5. The strength training machine according to claim 1, wherein each
said positioning device comprises: a plate having sufficient size
to provide a resting surface for the bottom of a user's heel; two
side walls fixedly attached to opposites edges of said plate, said
side walls oriented perpendicularly to said plate; and a bar
supported between said side walls, said bar spaced apart from said
plate, whereby a user can insert the forefoot between said bar and
said plate.
6. The strength training machine according to claim 5, wherein said
bar has a cushioning material attached thereto, whereby compression
of said cushioning material allows further passage of the forefoot
under said bar to allow users having various sized feet to align
the ankle in close proximity to the axis of said pivot shafts.
7. The strength training machine according to claim 6, wherein said
bar is rotatably supported by said side plates, whereby as a user
inserts the forefoot under said bar while the forefoot it in
contact with said cushioning material, said cushioning material and
said bar rotate in unison to reduce the effort required for passage
of the forefoot.
8. The strength training machine according to claim 1, wherein said
means for providing a rotational resistance comprises: a vertical
stack of a plurality weight plates supported by said frame, each of
said plates having a central hole such that when said plurality of
weight plates are vertically stacked a vertical passage is formed
throughout said vertical stack, each of said plurality of weight
plates having a horizontal channel in the bottom thereof
intersecting said vertical passage; a lifter rod vertically
positioned within said vertical passage, said lifter rod having a
plurality of holes, a selected one of said plurality of holes being
registrable with said channel of a selected one of said plurality
of weight plates; a selector pins engaged to said selected one of
said plurality of holes, whereby when said lifter rod is lifted
said selected one of said plurality of weight plates and all said
plurality of weight plates above said selected one of said
plurality of weight plates are lifted with said lifter rod; a
lifter pulley rotatably supported atop said lifter rod; a cable
have a middle and two ends, said middle of said cable routed around
said lifter pulley; at least one guide pulley supported by said
frame, said cable being routed around said at least one guide
pulley; and two sets of at least one pulley supported by said
frame, each of said sets of at least one pulley corresponding to
one of said positioning devices, said cable being routed around
said sets of at least one pulley; and two cams having an outer
perimeter, each of said cams corresponding to one of said
positioning devices with said cam fixedly attached to one of said
pivot shafts, each of said ends of said cable corresponding to one
of said cams and fixedly attached thereto, whereby as the user
rotates the ankles so that the feet move toward the body while the
feet are inserted into a said positioning devices, more of said
cable is taken up around said outer perimeter of said cam resulting
in said lifter pulley and said weight being lifted with said lifter
pulley distributing equal resistance through said cable to each
said cam.
9. The strength training machine according to claim 1, wherein said
means for providing a rotational resistance comprises: two vertical
stacks of a plurality weight plates supported by said frame, each
of said plates having a central hole such that when said plurality
of weight plates are vertically stacked a vertical passage is
formed throughout said vertical stack, each of said plurality of
weight plates having a horizontal channel in the bottom thereof
intersecting said vertical passage; two lifter rods, each said
lifter rod corresponding to one said vertical stack of a plurality
weight plates, said lifter rod vertically positioned within said
vertical passage, said lifter rod having a plurality of holes, a
selected one of said plurality of holes being registrable with said
channel of a selected one of said plurality of weight plates; two
selector pins, each said selector pin corresponding to one said
vertical stack of a plurality weight plates, said selector pin
engaged to said selected one of said plurality of holes, whereby
when said lifter rod is lifted said selected one of said plurality
of weight plates and all said plurality of weight plates above said
selected one of said plurality of weight plates are lifted with
said lifter rod; two cables, each of said cables corresponding to
one said lifter rod, each of said cables having a first end and
second end, said first end of said cable being fixed to said lifter
rod; two sets of at least one pulley supported by said frame, each
of said sets of pulleys corresponding to one of said cables, said
cable being routed around said at least one pulley; and two cams
having an outer perimeter, each of said cams corresponding to one
of said positioning devices with said cam fixedly attached to one
of said pivot shafts, each of said cams corresponding to one of
said cables, said second end of said cable being fixed to said cam,
whereby as the user rotates the ankles so that the feet move toward
the body while the feet are inserted into said positioning devices,
more of said cables is taken up around said outer perimeters of
each of said cams resulting in said stacks of a plurality weight
plates being lifted.
10. A tibialis anterior strength training machine, said strength
training machine comprising: a frame; a seating apparatus attached
to said frame; two positioning devices for a user to insert the
feet to perform the exercise; means for rotatably supporting each
of said positioning devices by said frame; means for users having
various sizes of feet to adjustably insert the feet into said
positioning devices such that the ankle joint axes are
approximately common to the axis of rotation of said positioning
devices; and means for providing a rotational resistance to said
positioning devices.
11. The tibialis anterior strength training machine according to
claim 10, wherein said means for rotatably supporting each of said
positioning devices includes two coaxial pivot shafts fixedly
attached to opposite sides of said positioning device such that the
axis of said pivot shafts approximates the location of a user's
ankle when the foot is inserted into said positioning device, said
pivot shafts rotatably supported by said frame, whereby a user may
rotate each of said positioning devices independently.
12. The strength training machine according to claim 10, wherein
each said positioning device comprises: a plate having sufficient
size to provide a resting surface for the bottom of a user's heel;
two side walls fixedly attached to opposites edges of said plate,
said side walls oriented perpendicularly to said plate; and a bar
supported between said side walls, said bar spaced apart from said
plate, whereby a user can insert the forefoot between said bar and
said plate.
13. The strength training machine according to claim 12, wherein
said means for users having various sizes of feet to adjustably
insert each foot into each of said positioning devices comprises a
cushioning material attached to said bar, whereby compression of
said cushioning material allows further passage of the forefoot
under said bar to allow the user to align the ankle in close
proximity to the axis of said pivot shafts regardless of foot
size.
14. A tibialis anterior strength training machine, said strength
training machine comprising: a frame; a seating apparatus attached
to said frame; one positioning device for a user to insert the feet
to perform the exercise; means for rotatably supporting said
positioning device by said frame; means for users having various
sizes of feet to adjustably insert the feet into said positioning
device such that the ankle joint axes are approximately common to
the axis of rotation of said positioning device; and means for
providing a rotational resistance to said positioning device.
15. The tibialis anterior strength training machine according to
claim 14, wherein said means for rotatably supporting said
positioning device includes two coaxial pivot shafts fixedly
attached to opposite sides of said positioning device such that the
axis of said pivot shafts approximates the location of a user's
ankles when the feet are inserted into said positioning device,
said pivot shafts rotatably supported by said frame.
16. The strength training machine according to claim 14, wherein
said positioning device comprises: a plate having sufficient size
to provide a resting surface for the bottom of a user's heels; two
side walls fixedly attached to opposites edges of said plate, said
side walls oriented perpendicularly to said plate; and a bar
supported between said side walls, said bar spaced apart from said
plate, whereby a user can insert the forefeet between said bar and
said plate.
17. The strength training machine according to claim 16, wherein
said means for users having various sizes of feet to adjustably
insert the feet into said positioning device comprises a cushioning
material attached to said bar, whereby compression of said
cushioning material allows further passage of the forefeet under
said bar to allow the user to align the ankles in close proximity
to the axis of said pivot shafts regardless of foot size.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to a strength training machine for
exercising the muscles on the front of the lower leg that lift the
foot toward the body.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Overall physical fitness is achieved by exercising all the
major muscles of the body. It is especially important to exercise
antagonistic muscles, ones that oppose one another. Exercising a
muscle continuously while neglecting its antagonist often leads to
strength and postural imbalances. Also, the neglected muscle has an
increased susceptibility to injury. A muscle particularly subject
to these concerns is the tibialis anterior.
[0008] The tibialis anterior muscle is located on the front of each
lower leg just lateral to the shin bone. It is responsible for
dorsiflexion, which is when the foot pivots at the ankle toward the
body. Other muscles of the lower leg contribute to dorsiflexion as
well, but the tibialis anterior is the most powerful. During the
swing phase of human gait, it lifts the foot clear of the ground to
prevent tripping. It also controls the lowering of the foot
immediately after the heel strikes the ground, thereby dampening
impact.
[0009] The calf muscles act antagonistically to the tibialis
anterior, meaning they induce the opposite motion. This opposite
motion is known as plantar flexion, in which the foot pivots at the
ankle away from the body. An exercise regimen that includes
strength training for the calf should also include strength
training for the tibialis anterior to ensure muscular balance.
Strength training machines for the calf are commonly found in
fitness centers, while those for the tibialis anterior are
unfortunately rarely present.
[0010] An isolation exercise is one where movement is restricted to
one joint and one muscle group. This technique is appropriately
applied to the tibialis anterior when only ankle joint rotation is
permitted and only dorsiflexion is resisted. The machine axis of
rotation should be closely aligned with the ankle axis of rotation.
If these mechanical and anatomical axes do not closely match, the
ankle joint is able to translate relative to the machine axis.
Consequentially, other muscles and joint motions may aid in this
translation of the ankle. This has the undesired effect of reducing
the tibialis anterior contribution to the exercise and thereby
diminishing the strengthening benefit for the tibialis anterior.
The present invention includes unique structural features that
provide better strength training isolation for the tibialis
anterior than any of the related art machines.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,542,074, issued to William Bierman on Feb.
20, 1951, shows an exercising apparatus for the carpal-tarsal
joints which allows for limited strength training of the tibialis
anterior muscles. The Bierman machine is intended for
rehabilitation of paralyzed patients while they are lying down. The
device is intended for resistance levels insufficient to meet the
strength training demands of athletes. Further, the foot support of
the apparatus lacks an axis of rotation that goes through the foot
near the ankle to appropriately isolate the tibialis anterior.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,954, issued to Chris J. Apostol on Feb.
11, 1964, shows an exercise machine that allows for strength
training of the tibialis anterior muscles. The Apostol machine
lacks any support for the bottom of the foot while exercising the
tibialis anterior muscles. This may result in ankle instability and
poor isolation of the tibialis anterior.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,916, issued to Vance Allen Cline on Feb.
4, 1975, shows an exercise machine that allows for strength
training of the tibialis anterior muscles. The Cline machine lacks
an integral seat, forcing the user to provide seating which may not
be dimensionally appropriate for the machine. Further, the swing
arms of the device lack an axis of rotation that goes through the
foot near the ankle to appropriately isolate the tibialis anterior
muscle.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,712, issued to Lloyd J. Lambert, Jr. on
Dec. 2, 1980, shows an exercise machine for the calf muscles. The
Lambert machine is designed to resist the motion of plantar flexion
and is therefore not appropriate for strength training of the
tibialis anterior.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,149, issued to Daniel R. Godfrey on May
27, 1986, shows an exercise machine that allows for strength
training of the tibialis anterior muscles. The bar lifted by the
foot in the Godfrey machine moves linearly rather than
rotationally. Thus, the bar moves relative to the tops of the feet,
which may result in discomfort for the user. The Godfrey device
lacks an axis of rotation that goes through the foot near the ankle
to appropriately isolate the tibialis anterior. Further, the device
requires manual loading of weights which can be cumbersome and
inconvenient for the user.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,874, issued to Lloyd R. Little on Feb.
28, 1989, shows an exercise machine that allows for strength
training of the tibialis anterior muscles. As claimed, it is a
combination device for both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion
resistance with separate stations for each exercise. In a practical
sense, the dual use of the machine would be wasted since most
people would not feel comfortable exercising shoulder to shoulder
with another person. Not only would the Little machine be more
costly to manufacture since it is two machines in one, plantar
flexion machines for the calf muscles are commonplace and it is
highly likely that fitness centers would already have one. A
standalone machine for the tibialis anterior is more practical.
Furthermore, the Little device contains an unnecessary apparatus
for adjusting the range of motion of the machine, whereas the
adjustable seat can be used to alter the orientation of the user's
lower legs and thus match the ankle range of motion to the machine
range of motion. The Little machine utilizes a strapping system for
fixating the feet, which causes inconvenience by requiring the user
to bend down and adjust straps for each foot. The present invention
includes an alternative method that avoids this.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,270, issued to Henry H Maag on Nov. 28,
1989, shows a strength training machine for the tibialis anterior
muscles. As claimed, the device incorporates rigid seating and no
method for users of different size to match their ankle range of
motion to the machine range of motion. Further, the Maag device
does not allow independent motion of each ankle necessary to ensure
each foot is applying equal amounts of resistance.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,535, issued to Ron D. Williams on Nov.
10, 1998, shows a strength training machine for the tibialis
anterior muscles. The exercise bar in the Williams machine spans
both feet and therefore does not allow independent motion of each
ankle necessary to ensure each foot is applying equal amounts of
resistance. This flaw may result in unbalanced conditioning of each
leg's tibialis anterior muscle. Further, the Williams machine lacks
an axis of rotation that goes through the foot near the ankle to
appropriately isolate the tibialis anterior. The Williams machine
contains an unnecessary lever system that raises the exercise bar
so that the user can position his or her feet. The purpose of the
lever in the Williams machine can be accomplished by the adjustable
seating that allows a user to match the starting position of the
feet with that required by the machine.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,057, issued to Craig Hayden on Aug. 21,
2001, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,897, issued to Blair R. Patton on
Sep. 4, 2001, show ankle conditioning devices that allow for
limited strength training of the tibialis anterior muscles. The two
devices employ piston-cylinders and elastomeric bands,
respectively, for resistance, making changes in resistance
inconvenient, especially since the user would have to reach to
ground level to make such changes. Each apparatus incorporates one
foot platform, limiting exercise to one foot at a time. Further,
the foot platforms of the Hayden and Patton devices each lack an
axis of rotation that goes through the foot near the ankle to
appropriately isolate the tibialis anterior muscle.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,935, issued to Michael D. Bartlett on
Jul. 23, 2002, shows a therapeutic rocking shoe that provides
limited strength training for the tibialis anterior muscles. The
device uses body weight for resistance and therefore may provide
inappropriate resistance for certain users. Further, the resistance
cannot be readily altered to provide the intensity level of
strength training demanded by athletes.
[0021] In conclusion, no single prior art exercise device for the
tibialis anterior has the combined benefit of properly isolating
the tibialis anterior muscles to limit compensating use of other
muscles, providing a means to ensure equal resistance to both feet,
providing a means to seat and position different users, and
including measured resistance levels that are convenient to alter.
None of the above patents is seen to describe the present invention
as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention relates to a strength training machine
wherein a user in a seated position causes rotation of a cam or
cams by dorsiflexing the feet. Rotation of the cam(s) causes taking
up of cabling attached around the cam(s). The cabling is routed
around a pulley system and supports at least one stack of weight
plates, whereby rotation of the cam(s) causes take-up of cabling
around the cam(s) and lifting of the weight plates. The weights
translate resistance through the cabling to the cam(s), thus
providing resistance to rotation of the cam(s) that the user
experiences as resistance to dorsiflexion.
[0023] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide a strength training machine for exercising the tibialis
anterior muscle, which is the primary dorsiflexor for the
ankle.
[0024] It is another object of the invention to provide a strength
training machine for exercising the tibialis anterior muscle,
wherein the resistance experienced during the exercised can be
known to the user and easily modified by the user.
[0025] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
strength training machine for exercising the tibialis anterior that
includes means for users of different size to comfortably and
adjustably positions themselves to effectively perform the
exercise.
[0026] It is an object of the invention to provide a strength
training machine for exercising the tibialis anterior that includes
elements and arrangements familiar to fitness equipment
manufacturers, so that production of such a strength training
machine would be inexpensive and result in a desirable product that
is dependable and successful in accomplishing its intended
purposes.
[0027] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following
specifications and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In the drawings, closely related parts have the same
reference number but different alphabetic suffixes. The positioning
of a user as shown for the first embodiment of the present
invention should be assumed to be similar to the positioning of a
user for the second and third embodiments of the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing a person using the first
embodiment of the present invention with just the primary
assemblies referenced.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the unoccupied first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the exercise assembly that
interfaces with a user's feet in the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the seating assembly that
positions a user's body in the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the weight stack assembly
that provides resistance to motion of a user's feet in the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the exercise assembly of the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the seating assembly of the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the weight stack assembly of
the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the third embodiment of the
present invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the exercise assembly of the
third embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the seating assembly of the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of the weight stack assembly of
the third embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1-5--First Embodiment
[0042] The first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 is a strength training machine 20, which includes an
exercise frame 22, a positioning device 24a for a user's left foot,
a positioning device 24b for a user's right foot, a seating frame
26, an adjustable seat 28, an adjustable backrest 30, and a weight
stack frame 32. Exercise frame 22 is fixedly attached to one end of
seating frame 26, while weight stack frame 32 is fixedly attached
to the opposite end of seating frame 26. Positioning devices 24a
and 24b are rotatably supported by exercise frame 22. Adjustable
seat 28 and adjustable backrest 30 are slidably supported by
seating frame 26.
[0043] Exercise frame 22 consists of two parallel members 34 and 36
supporting a plate 38. Member 36 includes two bolt holes 40 that
allow attachment of exercise frame 22 to seating frame 26. Four
inclined members 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d extend from plate 38. Four
bracing members 44a, 44b, 44c, and 44d more rigidly fix inclined
members 42a, 42b, 42c, and 42d respectively. Inclined members 42a,
42b, 42c, and 42d support bearing units 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d
respectively.
[0044] Positioning device 24a for the left foot includes two side
plates 52a and 52b that are fixedly attached to opposite sides of a
foot plate 54a. A forefoot bar 56a is rotatably supported by side
plates 52a and 52b. Forefoot bar 56a has a cushioned covering 58a.
Two coaxial pivot shafts 48a and 50a are fixedly attached to side
plates 52a and 52b respectively. Pivot shafts 48a and 50a are
rotatably supported by bearing units 46a and 46b respectively. A
cam 60a is fixedly attached to pivot shaft 50a. One end of a cable
62 is fixed to cam 60a. Along a portion of the periphery of cam 60a
is a groove 64a that ensures cable 62 tracks along the periphery of
cam 60a as positioning device 24a rotates.
[0045] Positioning device 24b for the left foot includes two side
plates 52c and 52d that are fixedly attached to opposite sides of a
foot plate 54b. A forefoot bar 56b is rotatably supported by side
plates 52c and 52d. Forefoot bar 56b has a cushioned covering 58b.
Two coaxial pivot shafts 48b and 50b are fixedly attached to side
plates 52c and 52d respectively. Pivot shafts 48b and 50b are
rotatably supported by bearing units 46c and 46d respectively. A
cam 60b is fixedly attached to pivot shaft 50b. The other end of
cable 62 is fixed to cam 60b. Along a portion of the outer rim of
cam 60b is a groove 64b that ensures cable 62 tracks along the
periphery of cam 60b as positioning device 24b rotates.
[0046] Seating frame 26 has two collinear horizontal members 66 and
68, separated by a vertical guide 70. Horizontal member 66 has a
bolt plate 72 fixedly attached to its end, allowing attachment of
seating frame 26 to exercise frame 22. A vertical spacer 74
projects from the end of horizontal member 68. Another horizontal
member 76 is fixedly attached between vertical spacer 74 and
vertical guide 70. Two bolt plates 78 and 80 are fixedly attached
to horizontal members 68 and 76 respectively. Bolt plates 78 and 80
allow attachment of seating frame 26 to weight stack frame 32. A
vertical member 82 projects from horizontal member 76. A horizontal
guide 84 is fixedly attached to vertical member 82. An inclined
member 86 projects from horizontal guide 84. A bolt plate 88 is
fixedly attached to inclined member 86. Bolt plate 88 allows
further attachment of seating frame 26 to weight stack frame
32.
[0047] Adjustable seat 28 consists of a cushioned surface 90
fixedly attached to a selector insert 92. A knob 94 is attached to
a spring loaded pin (not shown). A housing 96 for the pin is
fixedly attached to vertical guide 70. The spring loaded pin
attached to knob 94 passes through the wall of vertical guide 70
and engages with one of several holes 98 distributed along the
length of selector insert 92.
[0048] Adjustable back rest 30 consists of a cushioned surface 100
fixedly attached to a selector insert 102. A knob 104 is attached
to a spring loaded pin (not shown). A housing 106 for the pin is
fixedly attached to horizontal guide 84. The spring loaded pin
attached to knob 104 passes through the wall of horizontal guide 84
and engages with one of several holes 107 distributed along the
length of selector insert 100.
[0049] Weight stack frame 32 consists of a base member 108, two
upright members 110a and 110b that project from base member 108,
and a top member 112 that extends across upright members 110a and
110b. Base member 108 includes two bolt holes 114 for attachment of
bolt plate 78. Top member 112 includes two bolt holes 116 for
attachment of bolt plate 88. Top member 112 also includes two
openings 118 for passage of cable 62. An intermediate member 120
extends between upright members 110a and 110b at a height
intermediate to base member 108 and top member 112. Intermediate
member 120 includes two bolt holes 122 for attachment of bolt plate
80. Intermediate member 120 supports a stack of weights plates 124
when weight plates 124 are at rest. Two guide rods 126a and 126b
extend between top member 112 and intermediate member 120. Guide
rods 126a and 126b pass through weight plates 124 and confine
weight plates 124 to vertical displacement only. Guide rods 126a
and 126b also pass through bumpers 128a and 128b located beneath
weight plates 124 to dampen the impact of weight plates 124 during
the exercise.
[0050] Each weight plate 124 has a central hole aligned with
similar holes in all other weight plates 124. Thus when weight
plates 124 are stacked atop one another, a vertical passage is
formed through all weight plates 124. A selector rod 130 fits
through the vertical passage of weight plates 124. The bottom of
each weight plate 124 has a horizontal channel 132. Each channel
132 intersects the vertical passage through which selector rod 130
fits. Selector rod 130 includes a plurality of holes (not shown)
distributed along its length, each of which corresponds to a
channel 132 when weight plates 124 are at rest. A selector pin 134
is inserted through a channel 132 and engaged in the corresponding
hole in selector rod 130 to select which weight plates 124 that are
to be lifted during the exercise.
[0051] A pulley 136 is rotatably supported above selector rod 130.
The middle of cable 62 wraps around the underside of pulley 136 to
exert a lifting force on selected weight plates 124 during the
exercise. Pulley 136 ensures equal tension is created in the two
pathways of cable 62 that are routed back to cams 60a and 60b. Two
pulleys 138a and 138b are rotatably supported above top member 112.
Pulleys 138a and 138b function to route the two pathways of cable
62 downward after each pathway of cable 62 passes through openings
118 in top member 112. Two pulleys 140a and 140b are rotatably
supported between base member 108 and intermediate member 120.
Pulleys 140a and 140b function to direct the two pathways of the
cable 62 horizontally toward cams 60a and 60b of positioning
devices 24a and 24b respectively.
Operation of the First Embodiment
[0052] The first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 is a strength
training machine 20 which is intended for exercising the tibialis
anterior muscles on each leg. Contraction of the tibialis anterior
muscle causes the foot to dorsiflex about the ankle, bringing it
toward the body. A force applied to the top of the forefoot tends
to cause it to plantar flex about the ankle, in which it rotates
away from the body. Therefore, the tibialis anterior muscle must
contract to counteract such a force and create dorsiflexion
necessary to complete the exercise.
[0053] The user positions himself or herself by sitting on seat 28
and against backrest 30. Seat 28 and backrest 30 may be slidably
adjusted to accommodate the user's size by disengaging their
respective spring pins and then reengaging them into different
holes 98 and 107 respectively arranged along selector inserts 92
and 102 respectively. The user inserts the feet into positioning
devices 24a and 24b, resting the heels on foot plates 54a and 54b
with the forefeet under forefoot bars 56a and 56b. The user aligns
the ankles of the feet in close proximity to the common axis of
pivot shafts 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. This alignment is made
possible for a range of foot sizes by means of compressible
cushions 58a and 58b that cover forefoot bars 56a and 56b
respectively. Vertical adjustment of seat 28 allows the user to
keep the thighs in contact for greater comfort; however, this is
not necessary as long as the feet can reach positioning devices 24a
and 24b. Horizontal adjustment of backrest 30 determines the
horizontal distance of the user's torso from pivot shafts 48a, 48b,
48c, and 48d. In order to maintain the positioning of the feet
inside positioning devices 24a and 24b after an increase in
horizontal distance of the torso from the axis of rotation of pivot
shafts 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d, the angle of inclination of the
lower legs must decrease. This is desirable in that it maximizes
the plantar flexed starting position of the feet at the beginning
of the exercise, ensuring ample range of motion when the exercise
is performed. The horizontal distance may be decreased if necessary
to ease insertion of the feet into positioning devices 24a and
24b.
[0054] To perform the exercise, the user first selects a resistance
level from weight plates 124. The user then dorsiflexes his or her
feet about the ankle, exerting lifting force against cushions 58a
and 58b and thereby causing rotation of positioning devices 24a and
24b. This results in uptake of cable 62 along the periphery of cams
60a and 60b. For this to be possible, each tibialis anterior muscle
must generate sufficient force to counter the resistance from
selected weight plates 124 routed through the pulley and cable
system to each cam 60a and 60b. The configuration of the pulley and
cable system gives each positioning device 24a and 24b a mechanical
advantage of two. This means each positioning device 24a and 24b
receives one half the resistance selected from weight plates 124.
Likewise, each leg's tibialis anterior muscle provides equal effort
to lift selected weight plates 124, thereby ensuring balanced
muscular conditioning. This configuration provides the user with
the option to lift and return positioning devices 24a and 24b in
succession or in unison.
FIGS. 6-9--Second Embodiment
[0055] The second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6-9 is a strength
training machine 220, which includes an exercise frame 222, a
positioning device 224a for the left foot, a positioning device
224b for the right foot, a seating frame 226, an adjustable seat
228, an adjustable backrest 230, and a weight stack frame 232.
Weight stack frame 232 is fixedly attached to one end of exercise
frame 222, while seating frame 226 is fixedly attached to the
opposite end of exercise frame 222. Adjustable seat 228 and
adjustable backrest 230 are slidably supported by seating frame
226.
[0056] Exercise frame 222 consists of parallel members 234 and 236
supporting a plate 238. Member 234 includes bolt holes 240 on each
end that allow attachment of exercise frame 222 to weight stack
frame 232. Member 236 includes two bolt holes 242 that allow
attachment of exercise frame 222 to seating frame 226. Four
inclined members 244a, 244b, 244c, and 244d extend from plate 238.
Four bracing members 246a, 246b, 246c, and 246d more rigidly fix
inclined members 244a, 244b, 244c, and 244d respectively. Inclined
members 244a, 244b, 244c, and 244d support bearing units 248a,
248b, 248c, and 248d respectively. Two inclined members 250a and
250b extend from the ends of parallel member 236 toward weight
stack frame 232. Two bolt plates 252a and 252b are fixedly attached
to inclined members 250a and 250b respectively. Bolt plates 252a
and 252b allow further attachment of exercise frame 222 to weight
stack frame 232.
[0057] Positioning device 224a for the left foot includes two side
plates 258a and 258b that are fixedly attached to opposite sides of
a foot plate 260a. A forefoot bar 262a is rotatably supported by
side plates 258a and 258b. Forefoot bar 262a has a cushioned
covering 264a. Two coaxial pivot shafts 254a and 256a are fixedly
attached to side plates 258a and 258b respectively. Pivot shafts
254a and 256a are rotatably supported by bearing units 248a and
248b respectively. A cam 266a is fixedly attached to pivot shaft
254a. One end of a cable 268a is fixed to cam 266a. Along a portion
of the periphery of cam 266a is a groove 270a that ensures cable
268a tracks along the periphery of cam 266a as positioning device
224a rotates.
[0058] Positioning device 224b for the left foot includes two side
plates 258c and 258d that are fixedly attached to opposite sides of
a foot plate 260b. A forefoot bar 262b is rotatably supported by
side plates 258c and 258d. Forefoot bar 262b has a cushioned
covering 264b. Two coaxial pivot shafts 254b and 256b are fixedly
attached to side plates 258c and 258d respectively. Pivot shafts
254b and 256b are rotatably supported by bearing units 248c and
248d respectively. A cam 266b is fixedly attached to pivot shaft
254b. One end of a cable 268b is fixed to cam 266b. Along a portion
of the periphery of cam 266b is a groove 270b that ensures cable
268b tracks along the periphery of cam 266b as positioning device
224b rotates.
[0059] Seating frame 226 has two collinear horizontal members 270
and 272, separated by a vertical guide 274. Horizontal member 270
has a bolt plate 276 fixedly attached to its end, allowing
attachment of seating frame 226 to exercise frame 222. A transverse
member 278 is fixedly attached to horizontal member 272. A vertical
member 280 projects from transverse member 278. Another horizontal
member 282 is fixedly attached between vertical member 280 and
vertical guide 274. A horizontal guide 284 is fixedly attached to
vertical member 280.
[0060] Adjustable seat 228 consists of a cushioned surface 286
fixedly attached to a selector insert 288. A knob 290 is attached
to a spring loaded pin (not shown). A housing 292 for the pin is
fixedly attached to vertical guide 274. The spring loaded pin
attached to knob 290 passes through the wall of vertical guide 274
and engages with one of several holes 294 distributed along the
length of selector insert 288.
[0061] Adjustable back rest 230 consists of a cushioned surface 296
fixedly attached to a selector insert 298. A knob 300 is attached
to a spring loaded pin (not shown). A housing 302 for the pin is
fixedly attached to horizontal guide 284. The spring loaded pin
attached to knob 300 passes through the wall of horizontal guide
284 and engages with one of several holes 303 distributed along the
length of selector insert 298.
[0062] Weight stack frame 232 consists of a base member 304, two
upright members 306a and 306b that project from base member 304,
and a top member 308 that extends across upright members 306a and
306b. Base member 304 includes two bolt holes 310 that align with
bolt holes 240 of member 234 for attachment of exercise frame 222.
Upright members 306a and 306b each include a set of bolt holes 312a
and 312b respectively for further attachment of bolt plates 252a
and 252b respectively. Top member 308 includes two openings 314a
and 314b for passage of cables 268a and 268b respectively. An
intermediate member 316 extends between upright members 306a and
306b at a height intermediate to base member 304 and top member
308. Intermediate member 316 supports two stacks of weights plates
318a and 318b when weight plate 318a and 318b are at rest.
[0063] Two guide rods 320a and 320b extend between top member 308
and intermediate member 316. Guide rods 320a and 320b pass through
weight plates 318a and confine the weight plates 318a to vertical
displacement only. Guide rods 320a and 320b also pass through
bumpers 322a and 322b located beneath weight plates 318a to dampen
the impact of weight plates 318a during the exercise.
[0064] Two guide rods 320c and 320d extend between top member 308
and intermediate member 316. Guide rods 320c and 320d pass through
weight plates 318b and confine weight plates 318b to vertical
displacement only. Guide rods 320c and 320d also pass through
bumpers 322c and 322d located beneath weight plates 318b to dampen
the impact of weight plates 318b during the exercise.
[0065] Each weight plate 318a has a central hole aligned with
similar holes in all the other weight plates 318a. Thus when weight
plates 318a are stacked atop one another, a vertical passage is
formed through all weight plates 318a. A selector rod 324a fits
through the vertical passage of weight plates 318a. Each weight
plate has a channel 326a formed in the bottom thereof. Each channel
326a intersects the vertical passage through which selector rod
324a fits. Selector rod 324a includes a plurality of holes (not
shown) distributed along its length, each of which corresponds to a
channel 326a when weight plates 318a are at rest. A selector pin
328a is inserted through a channel 326a and engaged in the
corresponding hole in selector rod 324a to select weight plates
318a that are to be lifted during the exercise.
[0066] Each weight plate 318b has a central hole aligned with
similar holes in all the other weight plates 318b. Thus when weight
plates 318b are stacked atop one another, a vertical passage is
formed through all weight plates 318b. A selector rod 324b fits
through the vertical passage of weight plates 318b. Each weight
plate has a channel 326b formed in the bottom thereof. Each channel
326b intersects the vertical passage through which selector rod
324b fits. Selector rod 324b includes a plurality of holes (not
shown) distributed along its length, each of which corresponds to a
channel 326b when weight plates 318b are at rest. A selector pin
328b is inserted through a channel 326b and engaged in the
corresponding hole in selector rod 324b to select weight plates
318b that are to be lifted during the exercise.
[0067] A pulley 330a is rotatably supported above top member 308.
Cable 268a is fixedly attached to selector rod 324a to exert a
lifting force on weight plates 318a during the exercise. Cable 268a
extends upward and passes through hole 314a, then wraps over pulley
330a. A pulley 332a is rotatably supported below intermediate
member 316. Pulley 332a functions to direct the pathway of cable
268a horizontally toward cam 266a of positioning device 224a.
[0068] A pulley 330b is rotatably supported above top member 308.
Cable 268b is fixedly attached to selector rod 324b to exert a
lifting force on weight plates 318b during the exercise. Cable 268b
extends upward and passes through hole 314b, then wraps over pulley
330b. A pulley 332b is rotatably supported below intermediate
member 316. Pulley 332b functions to direct the pathway of cable
268b horizontally toward cam 266b of positioning device 224b.
Operation of the Second Embodiment
[0069] The second embodiment of the present invention illustrated
in FIGS. 6-9 is a strength training machine 220 that a user
operates in similar fashion to the strength training machine 20 of
the first embodiment. The distinguishing feature strength training
machine 220 has in comparison to the first embodiment is the
presence of two stacks of weight plates 318a and 318b. The user
must select the desired resistance for each positioning device 224a
and 224b from each stack of weight plates 318a and 318b. Weight
plates 318a operate exclusively with positioning device 224a and
weight plates 318b operate exclusively with positioning device
224b. Simultaneous motion of positioning devices 224a and 224b in
opposite directions is not detrimental to the exercise since they
are not linked to a single weight source.
FIGS. 10-13--Third Embodiment
[0070] The third embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10-13 is a
strength training machine 420, which includes an exercise frame
422, a positioning device 424, a seating frame 426, an adjustable
seat 428, an adjustable backrest 430, and a weight stack frame 432.
Exercise frame 422 is fixedly attached to one end of seating frame
426, while weight stack frame 432 is fixedly attached to the side
of seating frame 426. Adjustable seat 428 and adjustable backrest
430 are slidably supported by seating frame 426.
[0071] Exercise frame 422 consists of two parallel members 434 and
436 supporting a plate 438. Member 434 includes two bolt holes 440
that allow attachment of exercise frame 422 to seating frame 426.
Three inclined members 442a, 442b, and 442c extend from plate 438.
Three bracing members 444a, 444b, and 444c more rigidly fix
inclined members 442a, 442b, and 442c respectively. Inclined
members 442a, 442b, and 442c support bearing units 446a, 446b, and
446c respectively.
[0072] Positioning device 424 includes two side plates 448a and
448b that are fixedly attached to opposite sides of a foot plate
450. A forefoot bar 452 is rotatably supported by side plates 448a
and 448b. Forefoot bar 452 has a cushioned covering 454. Two
coaxial pivot shafts 456 and 458 are fixedly attached to side
plates 448a and 448b respectively. Pivot shaft 456 is rotatably
supported by bearing unit 446a. Pivot shaft 458 is rotatably
supported by bearing units 446b and 446c. A cam 460 is fixedly
attached to pivot shaft 458. One end of a cable 462 is fixed to cam
460. Along a portion of the periphery of cam 460 is a groove 464
that ensures cable 462 tracks along the periphery of cam 460 as
positioning device 424 rotates.
[0073] Seating frame 426 has two collinear horizontal members 466
and 468, separated by a vertical guide 470. Horizontal member 466
has a bolt plate 471 fixedly attached to its end, allowing
attachment of seating frame 426 to exercise frame 422. Another
horizontal member 472 projects perpendicularly from horizontal
member 468 and has a bolt plate 474 on its end. A vertical member
476 is fixedly attached to the end of horizontal member 468.
Another horizontal member 478 is fixedly attached between vertical
member 476 and vertical guide 470. A horizontal guide 480 is
fixedly attached to vertical member 476. An additional horizontal
member 482 projects perpendicularly from vertical member 476 and
has a bolt plate 484 on its end.
[0074] Adjustable seat 428 consists of a cushioned surface 486
fixedly attached to a selector insert 488. A knob 490 is attached
to a spring loaded pin (not shown). A housing 492 for the pin is
fixedly attached to vertical guide 470. The spring loaded pin
attached to knob 490 passes through the wall of vertical guide 470
and engages with holes 494 distributed along the length of selector
insert 488.
[0075] Adjustable back rest 430 consists of a cushioned surface 496
fixedly attached to a selector insert 498. A knob 500 is attached
to a spring loaded pin (not shown). A housing 502 for the pin is
fixedly attached to horizontal guide 480. The spring loaded pin
attached to knob 500 passes through the wall of horizontal guide
480 and engages with holes 504 distributed along the length of
selector insert 498.
[0076] Weight stack frame 432 consists of a base member 506, two
upright members 508 and 510 that project from base member 506, and
a top member 512 that extends across the tops of upright members
508 and 510. Base member 506 includes two bolt holes 514 that allow
for attachment of bolt plate 474. Upright member 510 includes two
bolt holes 516 for attachment of bolt plate 484. Top member 512
includes an opening 518 for passage of cable 462. An intermediate
member 520 extends between upright members 508 and 510 at a height
intermediate to base member 506 and top member 512. Intermediate
member 520 supports a stack of weights plates 522 when weight
plates 522 are at rest.
[0077] Two guide rods 524a and 524b extend between top member 512
and intermediate member 520. Guide rods 524a and 524b pass through
weight plates 522 and confine weight plates 522 to vertical
displacement only. Guide rods 524a and 524b also pass through
bumpers 526a and 526b located beneath weight plates 522 to dampen
the impact of weight plates 522 during the exercise.
[0078] Each weight plate 522 has a central hole aligned with
similar holes in all other weight plates 522. Thus when weight
plates 522 are stacked atop one another, a vertical passage is
formed through weight plates 522. A selector rod 528 fits through
the vertical passage of weight plates 522. Each weight plate has a
channel 530 formed in the bottom thereof. Each channel 530
intersects the vertical passage through which selector rod 528
fits. Selector rod 528 includes a plurality of holes (not shown)
distributed along its length, each of which registers with a
channel 530 when weight plates 522 are at rest. A selector pin 532
is inserted through a channel 530 and engaged in the corresponding
hole in selector rod 528 to select plates 522 that are to be lifted
during the exercise.
[0079] A pulley 534 is rotatably supported above top member 512.
Cable 462 is fixedly attached to selector rod 528 to exert a
lifting force on weight plates 522 during the exercise. Cable 462
extends upward and passes through opening 518, then is guided along
pulley 534. Another pulley 536 is rotatably supported above top
member 512. Pulley 536 functions to direct the pathway of cable 462
over the side of weight stack frame 432 and along upright 508. An
additional pulley 538 is fixedly attached at the corner of upright
508 and base member 506. Pulley 538 functions to direct the pathway
of cable 462 horizontally toward cam 460 of positioning device
424.
Operation of the Third Embodiment
[0080] The third embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
FIGS. 10-13 is a strength training machine 420 that a user operates
in similar fashion to the strength training machines 20 and 220 of
the first and second embodiments respectively. The distinguishing
feature strength training machine 420 has in comparison to the
first and second embodiments is the presence of only one
positioning device. To perform the exercise, both of the user's
feet are inserted into positioning device 424. While it is the
opinion of the inventors that the first and second embodiments are
functionally superior since they best ensure equal resistance to
both feet, the simplified structure of the third embodiment would
make it less expensive to manufacture.
Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
[0081] The present invention is the only piece of strength training
equipment known to the applicants that is specifically intended for
a user to perform exercises of the tibialis anterior muscles with
the combined benefits of: [0082] properly isolating the tibialis
anterior muscles to limit compensating use of other muscles; [0083]
providing a means to ensure equal resistance to both feet; [0084]
providing a means to seat and position different users with ease;
and [0085] including measured resistance levels that are convenient
to alter.
[0086] Although the description above contains much specificity, it
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently
preferred embodiments of this invention. Those having ordinary
skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize
additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the
scope thereof.
[0087] It is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover any
and all such applications, modifications and embodiments within the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *