U.S. patent application number 12/462162 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for range of motion control device.
Invention is credited to Dean Sbragia.
Application Number | 20110028282 12/462162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43527561 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110028282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sbragia; Dean |
February 3, 2011 |
Range of motion control device
Abstract
A device for controlling range of motion of a stack of weights
of a pin selectorized strength machine. First and second assemblies
of the device are sized and dimensioned respectively for insertion
into a hole of a weight selector stem of a pin selectorized
strength machine, and for clamping to a guide rod. Methods of using
the device.
Inventors: |
Sbragia; Dean; (Fallbrook,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Harris Brotman - Brotman Bioscience Patent Law
Suite 300, 7911 Herschel Avenue
La Jolla
CA
92037
US
|
Family ID: |
43527561 |
Appl. No.: |
12/462162 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 2071/0081 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/99 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/08 20060101
A63B021/08 |
Claims
1. A device for controlling range of motion of a stack of weights
of a pin selectorized strength machine, said device comprising a. a
first assembly sized and dimensioned for laying on the top surface
of a weight plate, said first assembly comprising a planar body
having a thickness, a protrusion extending from one end of said
planar body, said protrusion sized and dimensioned for insertion
into a hole of a weight selector stem of a pin selectorized
strength machine; b. second assembly comprising a clamping
mechanism sized and dimensioned for Attachment to a guide rod of a
pin selectorized strength machine.
2. A method for dosing a range of motion of a pin selectorized
strength, said method comprising the steps of a. clamping a
terminal limit assembly of a device for controlling range of motion
on the guide rod thereby establishing a terminal limit of motion;
and b. insertion of the weight selector pin of a start limit
assembly of said device into a hole of the weight selection stem
mechanism, thereby limiting vertical movement of the weight
selector stem mechanism, thereby establishing a start limit of
motion, wherein said device comprises ii) a first assembly sized
and dimensioned for laying on the top surface of a weight plate,
said first assembly comprising a planar body having a thickness, a
protrusion extending from one end of said planar body, said
protrusion sized and dimensioned for insertion into a hole of a
weight selector stem of a pin selectorized strength machine; and
(ii) a second assembly comprising a clamping mechanism sized and
dimensioned for attachment to a guide rod of a pin selectorized
strength machine.
3. A pin selectorized strength machine comprising a. a first
assembly sized and dimensioned for laying on the top surface of a
weight plate, said first assembly comprising a planar body having a
thickness, a protrusion extending from one end of said planar body,
said protrusion sized and dimensioned for insertion into a hole of
a weight selector stem mechanism; b. a second assembly comprising a
clamping mechanism sized and dimensioned for attachment to a guide
rod of said pin selectorized strength machine.
4. A method for dosing a range of motion of a selected stack of
weight plates of a pin selectorized strength machine, said method
comprising the steps of: a. clamping a terminal limit assembly of a
device for controlling range of motion on the guide rod thereby
establishing a terminal limit of motion; and b. insertion of the
weight selector pin of a start limit assembly of said device into
the hole of the weight selection stem mechanism, thereby
establishing a start limit of motion.
5. A kit comprising at least start assembly and a terminal
assembly.
6. The kit of claim 5 further comprising one or more pin
selectorized strength machines.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to devices which limit the
range of motion of weight stacks in exercise machines. In
particular, the device limits the range of motion on weight-lifting
machines using selectorized variable-resistance.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A class of resistance exercise devices incorporates a
plurality of stacked weights providing resistance to the movement
of a user's arms, legs, torso, or neck. In a selectorized weight
lifting apparatus, a plurality of weights are nested together, and
mechanisms for selecting an amount of weight which the user moves
through a range of motion (ROM). Typically, selectorized weight
machines use a cam weight transfer mechanism to limit the range of
motion (Cybex, Inc.) Prior ROM limiting mechanisms have utilized
the weight transfer cam, and a series of holes with a pull pin
adjustment, and are specific to the machines. The "selectorized"
aspect of selectorized variable-resistance exercise machines allows
the user to select how many weight plates from a weight stack the
user wishes to lift for a particular exercise. The user chooses a
desired number of plates is typically by inserting a pin into a
hole in one of the plates. Selectorized variable-resistance weight
machines are well known in the commercial industry, for example,
those prior models made by CYBEX International, Inc. and Nautilus
Sports.
[0003] Certain users of selectorized weight machines have
limitations which restrict their arms, legs, torso or neck from a
full range of motion. For rehabilitation, it is often important to
limit the range of motion for the patient. Rehabilitation patients
and elderly would benefit from a device that would allow control of
both start and terminal range of motion on all selectorized
variable-resistance weight machines. ROM limitation mechanisms
would also be useful in exercise and training
[0004] Selection of the correct start and stop point in the range
of motion is critical to prevent injury. Sports medicine and
rehabilitation physicians and physical therapists have long
recognized that there are certain safe ranges of motion for
rehabilitation for certain injuries, and that the use of
selectorized variable-resistance exercise machines can aid in
rehabilitation within the critical range limits.
[0005] Virtually all weight equipment manufacturers make machines
for "healthy normals", who do not require ROM controls.
[0006] Presently, the only way to control ROM is to use or buy
machines with integrated ROM limits, available only from a few
manufactures, and at considerable cost. There are no portable,
independent ROM devices that can be used in conjunction with
strength machines.
[0007] It would be advantageous for clinicians to have machines
with the ability to "dose" a range of motion to their
patients/clients. It would be preferable to have a device that
easily and reversibly converts a selectorized weight machine into
one which is appropriate for individuals who additionally require
or prefer an exercise device with a controlled range of motion.
[0008] These shortcomings are resolved by the present invention
which provides rehabilitation and exercise professionals with a
simple tool to limit the range of motion both at start and terminal
points. The device of the present invention adapts for use with
most commercially available pin-selectorized weight-stack machines,
and provides safe use of equipment which otherwise would be deemed
inappropriate for the application.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention provides a device for controlling
range of motion of a stack of weights in a pin selectorized
strength machine (PSSM). The device comprises two assemblies. A
first assembly is sized and dimensioned for laying on the top
surface of a weight plate. The first assembly comprising a planar
body. A protrusion extends from one end of the first assembly, the
protrusion sized and dimensioned for insertion into a hole of a
weight selector stem. A second assembly comprises a clamp which is
sized and dimensioned for attachment to a guide rod.
[0010] The invention includes a method of using the range of motion
control device of the invention for dosing a range of motion on a
pin selectorized strength machine. The method comprises the steps
of clamping a second assembly, which is a terminal limit range of
motion controller, thereby establishing a terminal limit of motion.
Another step comprises insertion of the weight selector pin of a
first assembly, that is, a start limit assembly into a hole of the
weight selection stem mechanism. This step achieves limiting
vertical movement of the weight selector stem mechanism, thereby
establishing a start limit of motion.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention is a pin selectorized
strength machine in combination with the range of motion control
device. Accordingly, the invention is directed to a PSSM comprising
a first assembly sized and dimensioned for laying on the top
surface of a weight plate, the first assembly comprising a planar
body having a thickness and a protrusion extending from one end of
the planar body. The protrusion is sized and dimensioned for
insertion into a hole of a weight selector stem mechanism. The PSSM
further includes a second assembly comprising a clamping mechanism
sized and dimensioned for attachment to a guide rod of said pin
selectorized strength machine.
[0012] Still another aspect of the invention discloses a method for
dosing a range of motion of a selected stack of weight plates of a
pin selectorized strength machine. The method comprises the steps
of clamping a terminal limit assembly for controlling range of
motion on the guide rod thereby establishing a terminal limit of
motion; and insertion of the weight selector pin of a start limit
assembly of said device into the hole of the weight selection stem
mechanism, thereby establishing a start limit of motion.
[0013] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a kit which
comprises at least one device of the invention (i.e. a start
assembly and a terminal assembly). An aspect of the kit further
includes one or more pin selectorized strength machines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a typical weight stack of a pin selectorized
strength machine (PSSM.) with the two assemblies of the device
installed.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view of FIG. 1 showing a pin selector inserted
through a weight plate and engaged in the weight selector stem
mechanism in the weight stack below the first assembly of the
device of the invention. The terminal assembly is clamped on a
guide rod above the top plate, the start assembly positioned on the
top weight plate of a selected stack of weight plates, the start
assembly inserted into a hole of the weight selector stem
mechanism.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the weight stack showing
the first assembly atop the top weight plate of the stack of weight
plates. The terminal assembly is clamped on a guide rod above the
top plate. The pin selector is positioned below the top weight
plate, both the first assembly and the pin selector engaged in
respective holes of the weight selector stem mechanism.
[0017] FIG. 4 shows the protrusion of a start point limit assembly
engaged in a hole of the weight selector stem mechanism, which is
illustrated in ghost.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top side perspective view of the start
assembly.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the terminal assembly
clamped onto the ghost of a guide rod.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the terminal
assembly.
[0021] FIG. 8 shows dimensions of an embodiment of a first
assembly.
[0022] FIG. 9 shows dimensions of an embodiment of a second
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present invention is device that allows quick and easy
controlled range of motion (ROM) dosing on virtually all
commercially available pin selectorized strength machines (PSSM).
The invention is detachable from a PSSM, and can be used in
combination with other PSSMs.
[0024] In use, the device in combination with a PSSM provides
users, clinicians, and rehabilitation, and exercise professionals
the ability to dose a range of motion for their patients/clients.
In operation, the device limits the range of motion both at
inception and terminal points of exercise, inception alone, or
terminal alone. This invention provides safe use of equipment which
otherwise would be deemed inappropriate for the application.
[0025] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a typical PSSM includes a
conventional weight stack for providing resistance to a user's
movement of an input assembly. The weight stack is operatively and
selectively connected to one end of a tether or cable by inserting
a pin in one of the holes of the weight plates of a selected stack
as is well known in the art. FIG. 3 shows the pin sufficiently
inserted to engage, as well, in the cognate hole of the weight
selector stem mechanism, thereby linking the selected stack of
weights to the weight selector stem mechanism, which depends from
the bottom surface of the top plate. The tether extends up from the
top plate, and an intermediate portion of tether extends over
pulleys to an input assembly.
[0026] A starting point is determined by the user inserting the
protrusion of the start point assembly into a hole in the partially
exposed weight selector stem mechanism. Accordingly, when a start
point assembly is engaged with the weight selector stem mechanism,
the downward travel of the weight selector stem mechanism is
obstructed by the engaged start point assembly, thereby achieving a
starting position for the range of movement.
[0027] Should the user desire to add weight to the resistance, the
selector pin of the PSSM is inserted in a desired weight plate into
engagement with the weight selector stem mechanism at a position
below the start assembly's engagement with the weight selector stem
mechanism.
[0028] Simultaneously, a terminal limit assembly of the device
placed in clamped fixation to a guide rod thereby achieving the
ending position for the range of movement. The ending position is
also referred to herein as the terminal ROM limit. Accordingly, use
of the device of the invention allows the exerciser to adjust the
start and stop positions through an allowable or specifically dosed
adjustment range. Thus, a method of adjusting the start and stop
positions of the range of motion is achieved by a method comprising
the steps: (a) selection of a vertical position on the guide rod
for clamping the terminal limit assembly and (b) placement of the
start limit assembly on top of the top weight plate of a
selectorized nested stack of weight plates and insertion of a
weight selector pin shaped as a protrusion of the start assembly
into the corresponding hole of the weight selection stem mechanism.
Either start or terminal ROM limits may be used alone, or in
conjunction.
[0029] In FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the start point assembly is depicted
laying on the top surface of the top weight plate of a selected
stack of plates, and inserted into the cognate hole of the weight
selector stem mechanism. Should the user desire to add weight to
the resistance, the PSSM's selector pin is inserted into the stem
mechanism below the position of the starting assembly, thereby
"nesting" a stack of weight plates.
[0030] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the terminal limit assembly,
clamped on a guide rod. The terminal ROM limit is achieved by the
terminal assembly obstructing the upward movement of the upper
weight plate along the guide rod at the level the user wishes to
terminate the movement.
[0031] Accordingly, the device combined with the weight stack guide
rod and top plate and weight selector stem assembly achieves both
start and terminal range limits on the user's motion.
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a typical weight-stack of a pin
selectorized strength machine (PSSM) with the two assemblies of the
device installed. The weight-stack is the resistance aspect of most
selectorized strength-training equipment. The weight-stack consists
of an outer frame [1] that supports two guide rods [3] and a series
of iron or steel weight plates [5] that slide up and down on the
guide rods. The weights are pulled up by the person using an input
assembly via a tether or cable [7] that is connected to a specially
adapted weight plate [9] sometimes called a "top-plate" from which
depends a weight selector stem mechanism[11]. The selector stem
mechanism has a series of holes (60) that line up with
corresponding holes, i.e. cognate holes, in the weight plates [5]
when the machine is at rest. The person who operates the input
assembly of the machine uses the PSSM's selector pin [13] (FIGS. 2
and 3) to change the weight they are going to lift by inserting the
selector pin into the desired weight-plate and into inserted
engagement with the respective hole of the stern mechanism, thereby
coupling a desired number of weight plates to the stem mechanism.
Positioned on the top weight plate of the stack of weight plates,
the start point limit assembly [15] is shown insertingly engaged
into one of the holes of the weight selector stem mechanism [11].
The terminal limit assembly [17] is shown clamped onto one of the
guide rods above the top-plate[9].
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 show an embodiment of the start point limit
assembly [15], which comprises a substantially planar body having a
thickness and an upper and lower surface bounded by edges and
walls. A protrusion or weight selector pin extends from an end of
the assembly. The distal region of the protrusion is sized and
shaped for insertion into a hole of the weight selector stem
mechanism. At the other end of the assembly, an embodiment has a
recessed portion [19] formed on a surface of the assembly which
allows a user easier purchase of the assembly when inserting or
removing the weight selector pin into or from a stem hole. Another
embodiment of the assembly comprises CONTROCON rubber dampers [23],
and magnets [25] which help hold the start assembly onto the stem
of the weight-stack. The start point assembly may be fabricated
from a variety of metals or plastics, one being, without
limitation, aluminum. A preferred version of the protrusion is
fabricated from hardened steel.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows a view of the bottom of the preferred
embodiment of the terminal limit assembly [17]. The terminal limit
assembly comprises a clamping mechanism sized for rigid, but
detachable, attachment to a guide rod. The terminal assembly has a
main body [27] that forms half of a "C" clamp. The hinged jaw of
the clamp [29] is tightened into the main body [27] by turning an
adjustment knob [31] with a threaded shaft [33] clock-wise, which
screws into a barrel nut [35]. A return spring [37] biases the
clamp open as the adjustment knob is turned counter-clockwise. The
guide rods of a typical weight-stack are polished, hardened steel.
Accordingly, a preferred embodiment of the clamp comprises rubber
inserts positioned in both the jaws so to keep the clamp from
slipping in use. Rubber bumpers [41] are placed where the
weight-stack makes contact with this assembly to minimize the
impact forces on it and help to hold it in position. Also shown in
this view are the components of an embodiment of the terminal
assembly which comprises an audible limit sounding device. When the
weight-stack rises to contact the lower surface of the terminal
limit assembly, the weight stack contacts a trip-lever [45] of a
momentary snap-action switch [43]. This switch allows an electrical
current to flow from a miniature battery [47] to a piezo-electric
tone generator [49], creating an audible tone. An on-off switch
[51] in the circuit may be incorporated to keep the buzzer from
being activated when the device is not in use. In certain
embodiments, the terminal limiting comprises a radio frequency
transmitter operatively connected to the trip lever for wirelessly
transmitting performance data.
[0035] It should be understand that a clamp is a fastening device
to hold or secure objects tightly together to prevent movement or
separation through the application of inward pressure the clamp
operates for temporarily positioning the terminal weight assembly
during operation of the PSSM. The terminal assembly clamp is used
to position the assembly temporarily as a range of motion limiting
device.
[0036] Anything which performs the action of clamping may be called
a clamp, so this gives rise to a wide variety of terms across many
fields. These are some of the more common ones:
C-clamps are typically made of steel or cast iron, though smaller
clamps may be made of pot metal. At the top of the "C" is usually a
small flat edge. At the bottom is a threaded hole through which a
large threaded screw protrudes. One end of this screw contains a
flat edge of similar size to the one at the top of the frame, and
the other end usually a small metal bar, perpendicular to the screw
itself, which is used to gain leverage when tightening the clamp.
When the clamp is completely closed, the flat end of the screw is
in contact with the flat end on the frame.
[0037] A C-clamp is used by turning the screw through the bottom of
the frame until the desired state is reached. In the case that the
clamp is being tightened, this is when the objects being secured
are satisfactorily secured between the flat end of the screw and
the flat end of the frame. If the clamp is being loosened, this is
when a sufficient amount of force has relieved to allow the secured
objects to be moved.
[0038] FIGS. 6 and 7 show, respectively, a top and a bottom view of
an embodiment of the terminal limit assembly [53]. This assembly
has a main body [53] that forms half of a "C" clamp. The hinged jaw
of the clamp [29] is tightened into the main body [53] by an
adjustment knob [31] with a threaded shaft [33] which screws into a
barrel nut [35]. There is a return spring [37] that biases open the
clamp as the adjustment knob is turned counter-clockwise. Rubber
inserts [39] set into both jaws of the clamp prevent the terminal
assembly from slipping when clamped to a guide rod. An embodiment
comprises rubber bumpers [41] placed where the weight-stack makes
contact with the terminal assembly to minimize the impact forces on
it and help to hold it in position. The terminal point assembly may
be fabricated from a variety of metals or plastics. One embodiment
comprises a clamping mechanism formed from aluminum. Although not
limited to the set of dimensions disclosed herein, it is understood
that first and second assemblies are dimensioned and shaped for use
with pin selectorized strength machines. Accordingly, an embodiment
of the device comprises first and second assemblies dimensioned as
set forth in FIGS. 8 and 9.
Operation of the Device
[0039] The present invention is a two-membered (i.e. two
assemblies) range-of-motion control device. The device finds
utility with most commercially available pin selectorized weight
machines. In particular, the device is used with fitness systems
manufactured by Hoist.TM. Fitness Systems, San Diego and
Nautilus.TM. strength devices.
[0040] In use, to establish the start position, the user defines
the start point by inserting the protrusion into one of the holes
of the stem mechanism, thereby defining the limit of vertical
travel of the stem mechanism, and determining the beginning point
of exercise.
[0041] Once the start point has been established, an appropriate
load of weight plates situated below the top weight plate of the
stack may be pinned into operative connection with the stem
mechanism. The load to the exerciser is limited by the number of
pin holes in the stem mechanism used to establish the start point.
Accordingly, if the start point is determined to be three pin holes
down below the top plate, then the maximum weight that can be
utilized on the stack is three plates from the bottom of the
stack.
[0042] The terminal ROM limit is achieved by attaching a clamping
mechanism onto one of the two guide rods, at the level the user
wishes to terminate the movement. In one embodiment, the terminal
assembly comprises an piezo electric sound device, which when
contacted by the upward movement of the weight plate, triggers a
switch positioned on the lower surface of the C-clamp, alerting the
patient and clinician that the desired range has been achieved. The
audible mode can be disabled with the on-off switch.
[0043] The start and terminal ROM limits may be used independently,
or in conjunction, dependant on clinical indication.
[0044] For exemplary purposes, the above disclosure has detailed
the first and second assemblies of the present invention in
combination with a weight stack on a pin selectorized weight
machine. Likewise, the present invention may be used on other
exercise machines where the user rotates an input assembly
connected to a cam in tethered connection with a pin-selectorized
weight stack. Input assemblies include, but are not restricted to a
leg curl machine, or an arm curl machine, a rowing machine, leg
press, shoulder press, low back, prone leg curl, lat pull,
abdominal, cervical (neck), triceps press, lateral raise, incline
press, hip adduction/abduction, torso rotation, pulleys, pectoral,
and rear deltoid.
[0045] It should be understood that embodiments of the range of
motion control device comprise a PSSM. Further the invention is
directed to a method of using a PSSM for dosing a range of motion,
the method including steps of attaching or engaging the first and
second assemblies of the device to a PSSM, and exercising using the
PSSM under the control of the range of motion control device.
[0046] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a packaged kit
which comprises at least one device of the invention (i.e. a start
assembly and a terminal assembly). An aspect of the kit further
includes one or more pin selectorized strength machines.
* * * * *