U.S. patent application number 12/791151 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-23 for apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise.
Invention is credited to Edward F. Horne.
Application Number | 20110152045 12/791151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44151901 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110152045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horne; Edward F. |
June 23, 2011 |
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COUNTER-RESISTANCE EXERCISE
Abstract
An apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise includes
a cable and pulley system and a force sensing device operatively
coupled to the cable and pulley system. The cable and pulley system
has at least one pulley and at least one substantially inelastic
cable configured for engagement with the pulley. The force sensing
device is operable to generate data relating to a mechanical force
applied to the cable by a user during a counter-resistance exercise
in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or
muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group. In
one embodiment, the mechanical force applied to the cable is
transferred to a load cell and the load cell converts the
mechanical force to a proportional electrical signal. In another
embodiment, a wireless transmitter transmits the electrical signal
to a display configured for wireless communication with the
transmitter and the display provides the user with biometric
feedback relating to the exercise.
Inventors: |
Horne; Edward F.; (Matthews,
NC) |
Family ID: |
44151901 |
Appl. No.: |
12/791151 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61289629 |
Dec 23, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0062 20130101;
A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B 2024/0068 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 21/0628 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/131 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for counter-resistance exercise comprising: a cable
and pulley system comprising at least one pulley and at least one
substantially inelastic cable configured for engagement with the
pulley; and a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable
and pulley system and configured to generate data relating to a
mechanical force applied to the cable by a user during a
counter-resistance exercise in which the mechanical force is
applied by a first muscle or muscle group and is opposed by a
second muscle or muscle group.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cable and pulley
system is mechanically coupled to a substantially rigid
support.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pulley is
configured to rotate relative to the support about an axle.
4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pulley is fixed
relative to the support and is formed with a substantially
friction-less channel or groove, while the cable is configured to
slide within the channel or groove.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical force
applied to the cable of the cable and pulley system is transferred
to the force sensing device, and wherein the force sensing device
converts the mechanical force to a proportional electrical
signal.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the proportional
electrical signal is provided to a transmitter that is operatively
coupled to the force sensing device.
7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the transmitter is a
wireless transmitter configured for wireless communication to a
wireless receiver device.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a
transmitter electrically coupled to the force sensing device and a
display in communication with the transmitter for providing the
user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transmitter is a
wireless transmitter configured for wireless communication with the
display, and wherein the display comprises a wireless receiver.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1, configured to be
retro-fitted into an existing exercise machine comprising weights
or resistance elements that are retro-fitted with the cable and
pulley system.
11. An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a
transmitter for transmitting data relating to the exercise
generated by the force sensing device to a display for providing
the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1, configured to be integrated
with a conventional exercise machine comprising weights or
resistance elements that are replaced by the cable and pulley
system.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a
transmitter for transmitting data relating to the exercise
generated by the force sensing device to a display for providing
the user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.
14. An exercise machine for counter-resistance exercise comprising:
at least one pulley mechanically coupled to a support; at least one
substantially inelastic cable operatively coupled to the pulley; at
least one of a handle and a roller mechanically coupled to the
cable; a seat for supporting a user in a position for performing a
dynamic exercise in which a mechanical force is applied by a first
muscle or muscle group to the cable and is opposed by a second
muscle or muscle group; a force sensing device operatively coupled
to at least one of the cable and the pulley for measuring the
mechanical force applied to the cable; a transmitter in electrical
communication with the force sensing device for transmitting an
electrical signal proportional to the mechanical force; and a
display in communication with the transmitter for receiving the
electrical signal from the transmitter, generating biometric
feedback relating to the exercise from the electrical signal, and
providing the user with the biometric feedback.
15. An exercise machine according to claim 14, wherein the
transmitter is a wireless transmitter configured for wireless
communication with the display, and wherein the display comprises a
wireless receiver.
16. An exercise machine according to claim 14, further comprising a
means for determining at least one of a range of motion and a rate
of motion of the exercise.
17. An exercise machine according to claim 16, wherein the
determining means comprises a series of indicators and an
associated reader for reading the series of indicators and
transmitting an electrical signal to the display for processing at
least some of the biometric feedback.
18. An exercise machine according to claim 17, wherein the reader
is an optical transceiver that transmits an optical signal and
receives a reflected optical signal from the series of
indicators.
19. An exercise machine according to claim 13, further comprising
means for adjusting the location of the at least one of a handle
and a roller relative to the support.
20. A method for counter-resistance exercise comprising: providing
a cable and pulley system comprising at least one pulley
mechanically coupled to a support and at least one substantially
inelastic cable configured for engagement with the pulley; applying
a mechanical force to the cable by a user during the exercise in
which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle
group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group; providing
a force sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley
system and configured for generating an electrical signal
proportional to the mechanical force applied to the cable;
providing a transmitter for transmitting the electrical signal
proportional to the mechanical force to a display; and processing
the electrical signal transmitted by the transmitter to provide
biometric feedback relating to the exercise to the user on the
display.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/289,629 filed on Dec. 23, 2009, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to exercise apparatus and
methods of exercise. More particularly, the invention is an
apparatus and associated method for counter-resistance exercise
including a cable and pulley system, a force sensing device, a
transmitter and a biometric feedback display for displaying
exercise information to a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART
[0003] Numerous isotonic (dynamic) and isometric (static) exercise
apparatus and methods of exercise are known. Isotonic exercise
apparatus and methods extend and contract the muscles through a
range of motion, while isometric exercise apparatus and methods
work the muscles against an immovable force, commonly referred to
as "overcoming isometric," or alternatively by opposing a
resistance, commonly referred to as "yielding isometric." Both
types of exercise apparatus and methods have certain advantages and
disadvantages.
[0004] Isotonic type exercise apparatus and methods allow for a
full range of motion, and therefore, are useful for improving
flexibility and mobility, as well as strength. However, the
apparatus and methods available for isotonic type exercise are
typically designed to target only a specific muscle group.
Furthermore, such apparatus and methods require weights or
resistance elements (e.g. elastic bands, cables, ropes, springs,
bars, rods, beams, etc.) that require periodic adjustment to
provide the desired amount of resistance. These weights or
resistance elements are typically heavy and often bulky to
maneuver, and as a result, present safety concerns. In addition,
the inertia of the weights or resistance elements can produce
undesired effects after the exercise is concluded and the weights
or resistance elements are returned to the initial exercise
position.
[0005] Isometric type exercise apparatus and methods do not utilize
weights or resistance elements that require adjustment and that are
heavy, bulky or potentially dangerous. As a result, isometric type
exercise apparatus and methods are more readily available for use
away from a gym or health club, and in addition, are easier and
safer to use. However, the apparatus and methods available for
isometric type exercise do not allow for a full range of motion of
the muscles, and provide the user with only limited control over
varying the amount of resistance. Furthermore, such apparatus and
methods do not permit significant variability or customization of a
workout, for example a combined heavy resistance and cardio type
exercise workout. In addition, isometric type exercise apparatus
and methods typically do not permit significant adjustment of the
force or resistance experienced by the user during the
exercise.
[0006] Several isotonic and some isometric type exercise apparatus
are configured to provide exercise information to the user before,
during or after the exercise. In most instances, however, the
exercise information is limited to data such as the static force
(weight) or resistance provided by the exercise and the total
number of repetitions or time expended by the exercise. The
exercise information available from known apparatus and methods is
useful, but does not permit the user to make adjustments to the
force, resistance or speed of the exercise during the exercise. In
particular, there are no known exercise apparatus and methods
capable of providing biometric feedback to the user during the
exercise so that the user may make real-time adjustments to the
force, resistance or speed of the exercise. Real-time biometric
feedback would be particularly useful for monitoring rehabilitative
workouts and for performing unique combinations of aerobic and
anaerobic exercise routines.
[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for an exercise apparatus
and method that combines the advantages of isotonic and isometric
exercise apparatus and methods without their disadvantages. More
particularly, there exists a need for an exercise apparatus and
method that allows for a full range of motion, and therefore, is
useful for improving flexibility and mobility, as well as strength.
There exists a further need for an exercise apparatus and method
that does not utilize weights or resistance elements that require
adjustment and that are heavy, bulky or potentially dangerous to
use. There exists a further and more specific need for an exercise
apparatus and method that provides real-time biometric feedback,
and thereby permits variability and customization of an exercise
routine or workout for a particular user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for
counter-resistance exercise including a cable and pulley system
having at least one pulley and at least one substantially inelastic
cable configured for engagement with the pulley, and a force
sensing device operatively coupled to the cable and pulley system.
The force sensing device is operable to generate data relating to a
mechanical force applied to the cable by a user during a dynamic
exercise in which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle
or muscle group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle
group.
[0009] In one embodiment, the cable and pulley system is
mechanically coupled to a substantially rigid support and the
pulley is configured to rotate relative to the support about an
axle. In another embodiment, the pulley is fixed relative to the
support and is formed with a substantially friction-less channel or
groove, while the cable is configured to slide within the channel
or groove. Regardless, the mechanical force applied to the cable of
the cable and pulley system is transferred to the force sensing
device, which converts the mechanical force to a proportional
electrical signal.
[0010] In another embodiment, the proportional electrical signal
generated by the force sensing device is provided to a transmitter
electrically coupled to the force sensing device. The transmitter
may be electrically connected to a display for displaying exercise
information to the user. Preferably, however, the transmitter is a
wireless transmitter configured for wireless communication with a
display in communication with the transmitter for providing the
user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise.
[0011] In another aspect, the invention provides an exercise
machine for counter-resistance exercise including at least one
pulley mechanically coupled to a support, at least one
substantially inelastic cable operatively coupled to the pulley, at
least one of a handle and a roller mechanically coupled to the
cable, and a seat for supporting a user in a position for
performing a dynamic exercise in which a mechanical force is
applied by a first muscle or muscle group to the cable and is
opposed by a second muscle or muscle group. The exercise machine
further includes a force sensing device operatively coupled to at
least one of the cable and the pulley for measuring the mechanical
force applied to the cable, a transmitter in communication with the
force sensing device for transmitting an electrical signal
proportional to the mechanical force, and a display in
communication with the transmitter for receiving the electrical
signal from the transmitter. The display is operable for generating
biometric feedback relating to the exercise from the electrical
signal and for providing the user with the biometric feedback.
[0012] In one embodiment, the exercise machine further includes a
means for determining at least one of a range of motion or a rate
of motion of the exercise. Preferably, the determining means
includes a series of indicators and an associated reader for
reading the series of indicators and communicating an electrical
signal to the display for processing at least some of the biometric
feedback. For example, the reader may be an optical transceiver
that transmits an optical signal and receives a reflected optical
signal from the series of indicators.
[0013] In another embodiment, the force sensing device is a load
cell configured to measure the mechanical force applied to the
cable and pulley system by a user during a counter-resistance
exercise. In another embodiment, the exercise machine further
includes a means for adjusting the location of the at least one of
a handle and a roller relative to the support.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for
counter-resistance exercise including providing a cable and pulley
system having at least one pulley mechanically coupled to a support
and at least one substantially inelastic cable configured for
engagement with the pulley. The method further includes applying a
mechanical force to the cable by a user during the exercise in
which the mechanical force is applied by a first muscle or muscle
group and is opposed by a second muscle or muscle group. The method
further includes providing a force sensing device operatively
coupled to the cable and pulley system for generating an electrical
signal proportional to the mechanical force applied to the cable.
The method further includes providing a transmitter for
transmitting the electrical signal proportional to the mechanical
force to a display, and processing the electrical signal
transmitted by the transmitter to provide the user with biometric
feedback relating to the exercise on the display.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the generic components of an
apparatus for counter-resistance exercise according to the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance
exercise according to the invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of an apparatus and method for counter-resistance
exercise according to the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating yet another
exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for
counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic showing a generic biometric feedback
display configured for use with an apparatus and method for
counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating yet another
exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for
counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing the center
pulley and force sensing device of the counter-resistance exercise
apparatus of FIG. 6 in greater detail.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another exemplary
embodiment of a force sensing device configured for use with the
counter-resistance exercise apparatus of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The accompany drawing figures illustrate various exemplary
and preferred embodiments of an apparatus and method for
counter-resistance exercise in accordance with the present
invention. The exemplary embodiments shown and described herein are
intended to illustrate broad concepts of the invention and are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In
particular, the invention should not be construed as being limited
to the particular embodiments and equivalents thereof shown and
described herein, or to specific features, advantages or objectives
associated therewith.
[0024] As used herein, the term "counter-resistance exercise" is
intended to refer to a dynamic (as opposed to static) exercise in
which a mechanical force is applied by one muscle or muscle group
and is opposed (i.e. resisted) by another muscle or muscle group.
Counter-resistance exercises according to the invention are derived
from isometric-style push and pull exercises. However, unlike an
isometric (i.e. static) exercise, the counter-resistance exercise
allows for a full range of motion with resistance being provided by
and controlled by the user. In essence, the user applies a force to
the apparatus with a first muscle or muscle group while opposing
that force with a second muscle or muscle group, and then increases
the force applied by the first muscle or muscle group without
increasing the opposition provided by the second muscle or muscle
group. As a result, the user moves through a desired range of
motion for the particular exercise. The counter-resistance exercise
can then be reversed to move the user through the same range of
motion (or a different desired range of motion) in the opposite
direction. In this manner, the user can control the static force of
the exercise as well as the rate of the exercise and the range of
motion produced by the exercise. In the embodiments shown and
described herein, for example, the resistance for the
counter-resistance exercise is generated by the right arm (or leg)
of the user pushing against the left arm (or leg) of the user, or
the converse. The difference between the mechanical force imparted
by the one arm (or leg) and the resistance generated by the other
arm (leg) determines the rate of the exercise and the range of
motion produced by the exercise.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the generic components of an
apparatus, indicated generally at 10, for counter-resistance
exercise according to the invention. The apparatus 10 comprises a
cable and pulley system, indicated generally at 12, and a force
sensing device, indicated generally at 14, operatively coupled to
the cable and pulley system. As shown, the apparatus 10 is
mechanically coupled in any suitable manner (e.g. fixed) to a
support, indicated generally at S. In the generic apparatus 10
shown in FIG. 1, the cable and pulley system 12 comprises a single
cable 11 configured for engagement with a single pulley 13. In
other embodiments, however, the cable 11 may comprise a plurality
of cables or a plurality of cable segments joined together.
Likewise, the pulley 13 may comprise any number of pulleys,
including a pair of pulleys operatively coupled to one or more
cables 11. Regardless, the cable 11 is routed around the pulley 13,
and preferably around the outer periphery of the pulley 13. The
pulley 13 may be configured to rotate freely in both directions
relative to the support S about an axle 15, as indicated by the
curved doubled-headed arrow in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the pulley 13
may be fixed relative to the support S and formed with a
substantially friction-less channel or groove (not shown), while
the cable 11 is configured to slide within the channel or groove
with minimal friction. In either case, the force applied to the
pulley 13 by the cable 11 is transferred through the axle 15 to the
force sensing device 14. The force sensing device 14 converts the
mechanical force, for example via an internal displacement, stress
or strain gauge, to a proportional electrical signal and in turn
provides the electrical signal to a transmitter 16 electrically
coupled to the force sensing device. Force sensing device 14 may be
any conventional means for measuring a mechanical force including
by way of example and without limitation, a strain gauge, a simple
spring, hydraulic or pneumatic scale, or a torque transducer.
Preferably, however, the force sensing device 14 is a load cell
configured to measure the mechanical force applied to the cable and
pulley system 12 by a user during a counter-resistance exercise.
Transmitter 16 may be a wired transmitter electrically coupled to a
receiver device, but preferably is a wireless (e.g. Bluetooth)
transmitter configured for wireless communication to a wireless
receiver device, for a purpose to be described.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus
and method for counter-resistance exercise according to the
invention. The apparatus 10 shown and described with reference to
FIG. 1 is integrated with an exercise machine, indicated generally
at 30, commonly referred to as a "Pec-Deck Machine" when configured
for horizontal movement, or a "Lat/Row Machine" when configured for
vertical movement. Exercise machine 30 is conventional in design
and construction with the exception that the weights or resistance
elements are replaced by, or alternatively, retro-fitted with the
components of the apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise. In
particular, the left and right handles 32 of the exercise machine
30 are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the apparatus 10,
and the pulley 13 and force sensing device (i.e. load cell) 14 are
mechanically coupled to a vertical support 34 of the exercise
machine. As shown, the pulley 13 and load cell 14 may be disposed
within a housing 17 to isolate the user from the rotating pulley
and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards the
handles 32. The housing 17, along with the pulley 13 and load cell
14, may be adjustable in a vertical direction as indicated by the
linear double-headed arrow in FIG. 2 to permit users of different
heights to comfortably and effectively utilize the exercise machine
30. Exercise machine 30 is further provided with a seat 36 that is
preferably rotatable as indicated by the curved arrows in FIG. 2 to
permit the user to exercise through a full range of motion. If
desired, the seat 36 of the exercise machine 30 may also be made
adjustable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction for the
comfort of the user and the effectiveness of the exercise. Machine
30, and in particular apparatus 10, further comprises a display,
indicated generally at 20, in communication with a transmitter 16
(e.g. disposed within housing 17) for providing the user with
biometric feedback relating to the exercise, as will be described
in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. Preferably, display 20
is in wireless communication with a wireless transmitter 16.
Accordingly, display 20 may be positioned at any convenient
location on exercise machine 30 within the line of sight of the
user.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an
apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to
the invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 shown and
described with reference to FIG. 1 is integrated with an exercise
machine, indicated generally at 40, commonly referred to as a
"Hamstring Curl Machine." Exercise machine 40 is conventional in
design and construction with the exception that the weights or
resistance elements are replaced by, or alternatively, retro-fitted
with the components of the apparatus 10 for counter-resistance
exercise. In particular, the left and right rollers 42 of the
exercise machine 40 are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the
apparatus 10, and the pulley 13 and force sensing device (i.e. load
cell) 14 are mechanically coupled to a vertical support 44 of the
exercise machine. As shown, the pulley 13 and load cell 14 may be
disposed within a housing 17 to isolate the user from the rotating
pulley and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards
the rollers 42. Exercise machine 40 is further provided with a
torso pad 46 that may also be made adjustable in a vertical
direction as indicated by the linear double-headed arrow in FIG. 3
for the comfort of the user and the effectiveness of the exercise.
Apparatus 10 further comprises a display, indicated generally at
20, in communication with a transmitter 16 (e.g. disposed within
housing 17) for providing the user with biometric feedback relating
to the exercise, as will be described in greater detail with
reference to FIG. 5. Preferably, display 20 is in wireless
communication with a wireless transmitter 16. Accordingly, display
20 may be positioned at any convenient location on exercise machine
40 within the line of sight of the user.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an
apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according to
the invention. The apparatus 10 shown and described with reference
to FIG. 1 is integrated with an exercise machine, indicated
generally at 50, commonly referred to as an "Arm/Hand Curl
Machine." Exercise machine 50 is conventional in design and
construction with the exception that the weights and/or resistance
elements are replaced by, or alternatively, retro-fitted with the
components of the apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise. In
particular, the left and right handles 52 of the exercise machine
50 are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the apparatus 10,
and the pulley 13 and force sensing device (i.e. load cell) 14 are
mechanically coupled to a horizontal support 54 of the exercise
machine. As shown, the pulley 13 and load cell 14 may be disposed
within a housing 17 to isolate the user from the rotating pulley
and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards the
handles 52. Exercise machine 50 is further provided with a seat 56
that is preferably rotatable as indicated by the curved
doubled-headed arrow in FIG. 4 to permit the user to exercise
through a full range of motion. If desired, the seat 56 of the
exercise machine 50 may also be made adjustable in a horizontal
and/or vertical direction for the comfort of the user and the
effectiveness of the exercise. Apparatus 10 further comprises a
display, indicated generally at 20, in communication with a
transmitter 16 (e.g. disposed within housing 17) for providing the
user with biometric feedback relating to the exercise, as will be
described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 5. Preferably,
display 20 is in wireless communication with a wireless transmitter
16. Accordingly, display 20 may be positioned at any convenient
location on exercise machine 40 within the line of sight of the
user.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a typical biometric feedback
display, indicated generally at 20, for use with an apparatus and
method for counter-resistance exercise according to the invention.
The display 20 receives and processes data generated by force
sensing device 14 and transmitted from the force sensing device to
the display by transmitter 16. As previously mentioned, transmitter
16 is preferably a wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) transmitter so that
display 20 may be positioned at any convenient location on an
exercise machine that is within a convenient line of sight of the
user, and to avoid the need to route any cords, cables or wires
around moving parts of the exercise apparatus. Display 20 may be
powered by an external power source and include a power cord that
is routed to the display in a manner that does not interfere with
operation of the exercise machine. Preferably, however, display 20
is provided with an internal power source (e.g. extended-life
battery or rechargeable battery) such that no external cords or
cables are required. Display 20 comprises a receiver 22 for
receiving the data transmitted by wireless transmitter 16 and a
microprocessor 24 (e.g. PCB) that processes the data generated by
load cell 14. The microprocessor 24 thereafter controls the display
of information relating to the exercise (also referred to herein as
"exercise information") to the user in digital format 26, analog
(e.g. LED) format 27 and/or graphical format 28. In the exemplary
embodiment shown and described herein, exercise information such as
"EXERCISE NAME/SET NUMBER", "REPETITION NUMBER" and "DIGITAL WEIGHT
READOUT" data is displayed in digital format 26. Exercise
information such as "USER NAME" and "CLocK" data is displayed in
analog format 27. Exercise information such as "TARGET WEIGHT
OVER/UNDER GRAPHIC", "HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE" and "GRAPHICAL WEIGHT
READOUT" is displayed in graphical format 28. However, display 20
is preferably fully-programmable so that any desired information,
and in particular any desired exercise information, may be
processed and/or displayed. Display 20 may further comprise one or
more input and/or output ports 29 for communicating with an
external data, media or entertainment device, such as a laptop
computer, Blackberry.RTM., iPOD.RTM., or the like. The display 20
may be a "smart display" having wired or wireless Internet
capability for transmitting exercise information, such as workout
data, to a remote (on-site or off-site) back-up server. The smart
display 20 may also utilize such Internet capability to upload
workout data for a particular user so that the user may retrieve
his or her personal workout data for use on any apparatus 10 for
counter-resistance exercise constructed in accordance with the
invention. In this manner, a traveling user can access historical
workout data at any counter-resistance exercise apparatus 10 having
Internet capability.
[0030] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of
an apparatus and method for counter-resistance exercise according
to the invention. A modified version of the apparatus 10 for
counter-resistance exercise shown and described with reference to
FIG. 1 is integrated with a multiple purpose (i.e. "multi-purpose")
exercise machine, indicated generally at 60, configured for
performing various arm and upper body exercises. Exercise machine
60 is similar in design and construction to the embodiments
previously described with the exception that the single pulley 13
of the cable and pulley system 12 is replaced by multiple pulleys
63 interconnected by the single cable 11. In the embodiment shown,
the cable and pulley system of the exercise machine 60 comprises a
total of three pulleys, consisting of a pair (2) of outer pulleys
63 and a center pulley 63'. Similar to the embodiments shown in
FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, exercise machine 60 comprises left and right
handles 62 that are mechanically coupled to the cable 11 of the
modified apparatus 10. The cable 11 is routed from the handles 62
around an outer pulley 63 on each side of the exercise machine and
guided into a housing 67 containing the center pulley 63' and the
force sensing device (i.e. load cell) 14. As previously mentioned,
the center pulley 63' and the load cell 14 are disposed within
housing 67 to isolate the user from the rotating center pulley
and/or to guide the cable 11 in a suitable direction towards the
outer pulleys 63. Outer pulleys 63 are each attached to a vertical
support 64 of the exercise machine 60 by an articulated joint that
permits the handle 62, cable 11 and outer pulley 63 to move up and
down (i.e. vertically) relative to the vertical support, as
indicated by the linear double-headed arrows in FIG. 6, as well as
to rotate relative to the vertical support, as indicated by the
curved double-headed arrows in FIG. 6. If desired, the articulated
joint may also, or alternatively, be configured to permit the
handle 62, cable 11 and outer pulley 63 to move forward and
backward (i.e. horizontally) relative to the vertical support 64.
In this manner, exercise machine 60 allows the user to perform a
variety of different arm and upper body exercises on the same piece
of exercise equipment without the need to make modifications or
adjustments to the machine. The articulated joint may be configured
in any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art that
achieves the objective of providing the user with a "multi-purpose"
exercise machine.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, cable 11 is also routed around center
pulley 63' disposed within housing 67 and the center pulley 63' and
load cell 14 are mechanically coupled to a bracket 68 that is
adjustable in a vertical direction within housing 67. Adjustment of
the position of bracket 68 within housing 67 consequently raises
and lowers the location of handles 62 relative to a seat 66 mounted
on a horizontal support 65 of the exercise machine 60. As shown,
the position of bracket 68 within housing 67 may be adjusted by
raising or lowering the handles 62 to a comfortable position for
exercising and then inserting pin 69 through corresponding openings
67' and 68' formed through the housing and the bracket,
respectively, in a known manner. However, any suitable means for
adjusting the position of bracket 68 within housing 67, and
consequently the location of handles 62, may be utilized without
departing from the intended scope of the invention. As previously
mentioned, seat 66 of exercise machine 60 is preferably rotatable
to permit the user to exercise through a full range of motion, and
if desired, seat 66 may also be made adjustable in a horizontal
and/or vertical direction for the comfort of the user and the
effectiveness of the exercise. Exercise machine 60, and in
particular the modified apparatus 10 for counter-resistance
exercise, further comprises a display 20 in communication with a
transmitter 16 disposed within housing 67 and coupled to load cell
14 for providing the user with biometric feedback relating to the
exercise, as previously described with reference to FIG. 5.
Preferably, display 20 is in wireless communication with a wireless
transmitter 16 so that display 20 may be positioned at any
convenient location on exercise machine 60 within the line of sight
of the user without wires or cables that could interfere with
operation of the exercise machine.
[0032] Exercise machine 60, and in particular the modified
apparatus 10 for counter-resistance exercise, further comprises a
means for determining the range of motion of the exercise and/or
the rate at which the exercise is performed. A preferred exemplary
embodiment of a means 70 for determining the range of motion and/or
the rate of motion of the exercise is shown in FIG. 7. The means 70
for determining range and/or rate of motion comprises a series of
indicators, for example graduations, 72 and an associated reader
74. The graduations 72 may consist of a plurality of strike marks
having the same or different thickness formed on an outer face of
the center pulley 63' near the radial periphery of the face in a
predetermined pattern. The reader may be an optical transceiver
that transmits a constant optical signal and receives a reflected
optical signal from the strike marks. However, any other suitable
known type of reader, for example mechanical, electrical, magnetic,
inductive, etc. may be utilized without departing from the intended
scope of the invention. By varying the thickness of the strike
marks, for example, the reader 74 can determine the direction of
the motion of the center pulley 63', as well as the range and the
rate of motion of the center pulley (and hence the range and rate
of motion of cable 11 and handles 62). Furthermore, the reader may
be in electrical, optical or wireless communication directly with
display 20, but preferably is in electrical or optical
communication with a wireless transmitter 16, which in turn, is in
wireless communication with display 20. In this manner the range
and/or rate of motion, and the direction of motion of the exercise
may be provided to the display 20 for use with one or more of the
digital format 26, analog format 27 and graphical format 28
portions of the exercise information.
[0033] FIG. 8 shows another exemplary embodiment of a force sensing
device 14' configured for use with the counter-resistance exercise
apparatus and method of FIG. 6. In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates
at least one load cell 14' coupled to the cable 11 adjacent a
handle 62 of the exercise machine 60. In this embodiment, the load
cell 14 may or may not also be coupled to the center pulley 63'
disposed within the housing 67 of the exercise machine 60. The load
cell 14 and the load cell 14' may be used in a conjunctive system
(e.g. the mechanical force data from both load cells is added
together and averaged), or may be used in a redundant system that
provides a back-up capability in the event that the primary load
cell is damaged or becomes inoperative. In addition, load cell 14'
may be coupled "in line" with cable 11 as shown, or may be the
disposed adjacent the cable 11 in a manner similar to load cell 14
disposed adjacent center pulley 63'. Furthermore, a load cell 14'
may be provided adjacent one or both of the handles 62 in a further
conjunctive or redundant system. Regardless, load cell 14' provides
mechanical force data that is transformed into a force measurement
in a well known manner. The force measurement data is then
transmitted to the display 20 for processing as needed with respect
to the digital format 26, analog format 27 and graphical format 28
portions of the exercise information. The force measurement data
may be transmitted to the display 20 electrically through wires or
cables that are carefully routed along the cable 11. Preferably,
however, the force measurement data is transmitted to the display
20 via a wireless transmitter disposed within the load cell 14' for
the reasons previously stated.
[0034] The foregoing has described one or more exemplary
embodiments of an exercise apparatus and method for
counter-resistance exercise. In exemplary embodiments, the exercise
apparatus includes a cable and pulley system, a force sensing
device, a transmitter and a biometric feedback display for
displaying exercise information to a user. Preferred embodiments of
the apparatus and method have been shown and described herein for
purposes of illustrating and enabling the best mode of the
invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art, however, will
readily understand and appreciate that numerous variations and
modifications of the invention may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such
variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the
appended claims.
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