U.S. patent application number 13/898718 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for controlled motion exercise device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Joshua Norris. Invention is credited to Joshua Norris.
Application Number | 20130310230 13/898718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49581794 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130310230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Norris; Joshua |
November 21, 2013 |
Controlled Motion Exercise Device
Abstract
An exercise apparatus includes a frame, one or more pull cables
running through cable guides to provide resistance exercise, and a
mechanism for providing variable resistance to the cables. The
frame may include a pair of uprights and a pair of cross members
that combine to form a rectangular construct that allows the cable
guides to be mounted at a multiplicity of selected points above and
to both sides of a user standing between the uprights. The guides
may be mounted at any of the selected points on the uprights and
the cross members to allow the user to select an advantageous "pull
point" for a desired exercise without moving the frame members and
without moving other guides. A computer/processor may be used to
control the resistance force applied to the cables and/or to record
exercise results.
Inventors: |
Norris; Joshua;
(Springfield, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Norris; Joshua |
|
|
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49581794 |
Appl. No.: |
13/898718 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61649616 |
May 21, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4035 20151001;
A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 23/03575 20130101; A63B 21/153
20130101; A63B 69/06 20130101; A63B 23/0355 20130101; A63B 21/0058
20130101; A63B 21/018 20130101; A63B 2069/0006 20130101; A63B
24/0087 20130101; A63B 21/156 20130101; A63B 23/03541 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/115 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/018 20060101
A63B021/018 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a) a frame, comprising: i) a
pair of upright support members, and ii) at least one cross member
spanning between said pair of upright support members; b) one or
more guides selectively positioned at a multiplicity of mounting
positions on one or more of said upright support members and on one
or more of said cross members, said guides being effective for
establishing a multiplicity of selected pull point for a cable
passing therethrough; c) one or more cables having a pull end and a
winding end, and a length passing through one or more of said
guides; d) a winding/coiling mechanism comprising: i) a
winding/coiling shaft, ii) a spool mounted on said winding/coiling
shaft and effective for controllably winding one or more of said
cables around said shaft upon rotation of the shaft, iii) a
winding/coiling shaft gear mounted on said winding/coiling shaft
and effective for rotating said winding/coiling shaft upon rotation
of said winding/coiling shaft gear; e) a resistance power mechanism
comprising: i) a resistance power shaft, ii) a motor for rotating
said resistance power shaft at a variable speed and with a variable
force in a direction effective for winding one or more of said
cables around said winding/coiling shaft, iii) a resistance power
shaft gear mounted on said power shaft and engageable with said
winding shaft gear and effective for turning said winding shaft
gear upon rotation of said power shaft gear.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said upright members are spaced
between 36'' and 96'' apart.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one cross member is
mounted to said upright members at a height of between 60'' and
120''.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said "at least one cross
member" comprises two cross members.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said a motor is effective for
providing a variable resistance force that includes all or at least
some of the range between 5 lbf and 1000 lbf of resistance
force.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said a motor is effective for
winding said cable at a variable speed of between 0 ft/second and 3
ft/second.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said guides comprise a pulley
mounted on a shank that is mountable to said uprights and to said
cross members at one or more of said multiplicity of mounting
positions.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said multiplicity of mounting
positions comprise slots for receiving the shank of said
guides.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a
computer/processor effective for controlling the resistance force
applied to the cables.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including a
computer/processor effective for recording exercise results.
11. An exercise apparatus comprising: a) a frame, comprising: i) a
pair of upright support members spaced apart at a distance of
between 36'' and 96'', and ii) a pair of cross members spanning
between said pair of upright support members, with one of said
cross members being mounted at a height of between 24'' and 60'',
and the other of said cross members being mounted at a height of
between 60'' and 120''; wherein said uprights and said cross
members combine to form a rectangular construct that allows cable
guides to be positioned around the rectangle at a selected
multiplicity of points above and to both sides of a user standing
between the uprights; b) one or more guides selectively positioned
at a multiplicity of mounting positions on one or more of said
upright support members and on said cross members, said guides
being effective for establishing a multiplicity of selected pull
point for a cable passing therethrough; said cable guides being
movable from one pull point to another pull point without moving
either of said uprights or either of said cross members; c) one or
more cables having a pull end and a winding end, and a length
passing through one or more of said guides; d) a winding/coiling
mechanism comprising: i) a winding/coiling shaft, ii) a spool
mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and effective for
controllably winding one or more of said cables around said shaft
upon rotation of the shaft, iii) a winding/coiling shaft gear
mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and effective for rotating
said winding/coiling shaft upon rotation of said winding/coiling
shaft gear; e) a resistance power mechanism comprising: i) a
resistance power shaft, ii) a motor for rotating said resistance
power shaft at a variable speed and with a variable force in a
direction effective for winding one or more of said cables around
said winding/coiling shaft, iii) a resistance power shaft gear
mounted on said power shaft and engageable with said winding shaft
gear and effective for turning said winding shaft gear upon
rotation of said power shaft gear.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/649,616, filed May 21, 2012, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to exercise
equipment, and more particularly to exercise equipment with
controlled velocity or controlled range of motion.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many exercises for therapy, sports, recreation or
body-building involve the use of free weights. Free weights are
held in the hand and moved along predetermined trajectories to
exercise specific muscle groups. The motion is repeated for a
specific number of times. However, it is difficult to precisely
follow a predetermined trajectory for each repetition. It is also
difficult to maintain a smooth and controlled motion. Abrupt loss
of control may injure muscles. In certain strenuous exercises
involving relatively heavy free weights, the repeated motion and
weight can impact muscle groups other than those intended to be
exercised, leading to injury and bruises. A heavy free weight held
in the hand intended to exercise chest muscles may exert an
unintentional heavy load on the knees. Free weights are also
associated with dangers to other individuals exercising in the
vicinity in case of loss of control. If a free weight falls from an
individual's hand it may hurt other individuals.
[0004] Some exercise machines have been developed to overcome
disadvantages associated with free weights and permit safe
exercising. These exercise machines involve the use of adjustable
weights loads enclosed in a frame, which are connected through
pulleys, gears and cables to frames and handles. The user exerts
force on the handles and frames, and the cables transmit the load
of the weight to the user. This may reduce some of the dangers
associated with free weights.
[0005] However, these exercise machines are expensive. Many of them
are directed to exercising specific muscle groups. Further, these
machines often have a limited adjustability and the configuration
of use is largely fixed. It is difficult to use the same machine in
different configurations. A machine devised for a healthy
individual exercising in a gym may not be suitable for a
hospitalized individual who is unable to move from his or her bed.
A machine devised for exercising the thighs may not be useful for
exercising the forearms.
[0006] The motion of free weights or the weights in exercise
machines move according to the laws of gravity. When these weights
are moved along a trajectory, they always exert a force component
in a downwards direction. When a free weight is lifted, the part of
the trajectory in which the weight is moved against the ground is
controlled by the individual. However, in the final part of the
trajectory, the weight moves towards the ground. In this part of
the trajectory, the force exerted at every point of the trajectory
against the user's muscles is uniform and dictated by the weight.
In case of the exercise machines the force exerted is always
uniform and depends on the selected weight or load.
[0007] This makes maintaining a uniform velocity throughout the
trajectory very difficult for individuals. An individual may be
able to move the weight with a controlled velocity for a part of
the trajectory but may lose control, leading to a rapid velocity
change. Such unintended velocity changes along the trajectory of
motion of free weights or weights in exercising machines can cause
short-term or long-term injuries to the user.
[0008] Certain exercises need the velocity of motion along the
trajectory and exerted force to vary in a predetermined manner
along the trajectory path of motion of the exercise equipment.
[0009] A need exists for a low-cost and flexible exercise machine
that allows controlled motion exercise of various different muscle
groups. A need also exists for an exercise machine that ensures the
safety of the exercising individual and the safety of other
individuals in the vicinity of the exercising individual. A need
also exists for a machine that can be used by users who may not
have full control over their bodies. A need also exists for an
exercise machine that can be used by users in various positions
such as standing, sitting or lying horizontally. A need also exists
for a machine that exerts force varying along the trajectory of
motion of exercise in a predetermined manner. A need also exists
for a machine that allows exercising parts to move along a
specified trajectory with a velocity that varies along the
trajectory of motion in a predetermined manner. Various aspects and
embodiments of the present invention are intended to address one or
more of these needs.
SUMMARY
[0010] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an
exercise apparatus comprising: [0011] a) a frame, comprising:
[0012] i) a pair of upright support members, and [0013] ii) at
least one cross member spanning between said pair of upright
support members; [0014] b) one or more guides selectively
positionable at a multiplicity of mounting positions on one or more
of said upright support members and/or on one or more of said cross
members, said guides being effective for establishing a pull point
for a cable passing therethrough; [0015] c) one or more cables
having a pull end and a winding end, and a length passing through
one or more of said guides; [0016] d) a winding/coiling mechanism
comprising: [0017] i) a winding/coiling shaft, [0018] ii) a spool
mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and effective for
controllably winding one or more of said cables around said shaft
upon rotation of the shaft, [0019] iii) a winding/coiling shaft
gear mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and effective for
rotating said winding/coiling shaft upon rotation of said
winding/coiling shaft gear; and [0020] e) a resistance power
mechanism comprising: [0021] i) a resistance power shaft, [0022]
ii) a motor for rotating said resistance power shaft at a variable
speed and/or with a variable force in a direction effective for
winding one or more of said cables around said winding/coiling
shaft, [0023] iii) a resistance power shaft gear mounted on said
power shaft and engageable with said winding shaft gear and
effective for turning said winding shaft gear upon rotation of said
power shaft gear.
[0024] The illustrated apparatus utilizes upright members that are
spaced between 48'' and 96'' apart.
[0025] The illustrated apparatus utilizes at least one cross member
that is mounted to said upright members at a height of between 60''
and 120''.
[0026] The illustrated apparatus may utilize a motor that is
effective for providing a variable resistance force that includes
all or at least some of the range between 5 lbf and 500 lbf of
resistance force.
[0027] The illustrated apparatus may utilize guides that comprise
an eye and a shank mountable to one or more of said multiplicity of
mounting positions.
[0028] The illustrated apparatus may utilize a multiplicity of
mounting positions which individually comprise slots for receiving
the shank of said guides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain
embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the
same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the
scope of the invention is thereby intended, and alterations and
modifications in the illustrated device, and further applications
of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are
herein contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the
art to which the invention relates.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a CONTROLLED MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE 100
according to an embodiment. The CONTROLLED MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE
100 contains a BASE 104. The BASE 104 supports the machine. In
various embodiments, the BASE 104 is made of a metal, wood or other
materials that safely support the weight of the machine and the
user. In various embodiments, the BASE 104 has a protective layer
of plastic or rubber or other materials. The protective layer may
help users of the machine get a grip on the surface while standing
or sitting on the BASE 104.
[0033] The CONTROLLED MOTION MACHINE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1
contains a RIGID FRAME 112. In various embodiments, the RIGID FRAME
112 is made of metal, plastic, carbon-fiber composite or any
material strong enough to withstand the overall load exerted on the
RIGID FRAME 112. The RIGID FRAME 112 contains ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116.
An ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 is secured to the ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116. In
an embodiment, the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 is in a horizontal
configuration. In another embodiment, the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 is in
a vertical configuration. In yet another embodiment, the ADJUSTABLE
BEAM 120 is in a diagonal configuration. In other embodiments, the
ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 is in any suitable configuration.
[0034] In various embodiments, removable fasteners firmly secure
the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 in the predetermined configuration for the
duration of the exercise to the RIGID FRAME 112. The ADJUSTABLE
BEAM 120 remains in a fixed configuration once secured to the
ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116. The configuration and position of the
ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 can be readjusted for different exercises by
disengaging the removable fasteners securing the ADJUSTABLE BEAM
120 to the ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116, rearranging the position or the
configuration of the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120, and then reengaging the
fasteners to secure the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 to the RIGID FRAME 112
in a fixed configuration.
[0035] HOOP SLOTS 124 may be provided at various locations on the
RIGID FRAME 112 and the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120. In an embodiment, HOOP
SLOTS 124 completely pass through the material of the ADJUSTABLE
BEAM 120 and/or the RIGID FRAME 112. In another embodiment, HOOP
SLOTS 124 partially pass through the material of the ADJUSTABLE
BEAM 120 and/or the RIGID FRAME 112. In an embodiment, a
predetermined number of HOOPS 128 are secured to predetermined HOOP
SLOTS 124 on the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 and/or on the RIGID FRAME 112.
In another embodiment, HOOPS 128 are secured to the HOOP SLOTS 124
by easily removable fastening mechanisms. In an embodiment, HOOP
SLOTS 124 have recessed threads and HOOPS 128 have protruding
threads such that HOOPS 124 can be screwed on to HOOP SLOTS 124. In
another embodiment, HOOPS 124 have eyelets at their ends and they
are secured with latches after passing through the HOOP SLOTS 124.
In another embodiment, HOOPS 128 are secured to HOOP SLOTS 124 by
nut-and-bolts or any other fasteners.
[0036] A COILING MECHANISM 132 may be secured to the BASE 104. The
COILING MECHANISM 132 allows a CABLE 136 to be wound on it. In an
embodiment, the COILING MECHANISM 132 contains a spring or similar
elastic element that retracts the CABLE 136 when not in use.
[0037] CABLE 136 has two ends, a WINDING END 140 and an OPERATING
END 144. The WINDING END 140 of the CABLE 136 is wound on the
COILING MECHANISM 132.
[0038] To prepare the CONTROLLED MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE 100 for a
particular exercise, the user or trainer passes the CABLE 136
through a GUIDE PULLEY 146 and one or more HOOPS 128 such that the
OPERATING END 144 of the CABLE 136 is free to be engaged by the
user when the exercise begins.
[0039] In the embodiment if FIG. 1, a ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is secured
to the BASE 104. In another embodiment, the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is
contained in a motor housing secured to the base 104. In an
embodiment, the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is coupled to the COILING
MECHANISM 132 through a GEAR SYSTEM 156. The ROBOTIC MOTOR 148
turns the COILING MECHANISM 132 such that the CABLE 136 is wound or
unwound according to the exercise on the COILING MECHANISM 132. In
an embodiment, the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is controlled by electronic
impulses sent by a COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158. The COMPUTER CONTROLLER
158 may be a laptop, a desktop computer or a portable computer or
any other computing device. In another embodiment, the COMPUTER
CONTROLLER 158 is connected to the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 through a
POWER AMPLIFIER 160 in a feedback loop. The POWER AMPLIFIER 160
amplifies the electronic impulses sent by the COMPUTER CONTROLLER
158. In an embodiment, the feedback loop allows the COMPUTER
CONTROLLER 158 to sense the operation of the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 in
response to electronic impulses and force exerted on the CABLE 136
by the user. In another embodiment, the feedback loop also allows
the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158 to receive information about the load
or force exerted on the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 through the GEAR SYSTEM
156 by the CABLE 136.
[0040] The user exerts a force or load on the CABLE 136 against the
force exerted by the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 to exercise target muscles.
A user selects an exercise through the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158. The
COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158 selects a program of electronic impulses
and sends these electronic impulses determined by the exercise
selected by the user to the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 through the POWER
AMPLIFIER 160. The ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 begins to wind or unwind the
COILING MECHANISM 132 as directed by the electronic impulses. The
COILING MECHANISM 132 either retracts the CABLE 136 at a
predetermined velocity or allows the CABLE 136 to be extended at a
predetermined velocity depending on the exercise chosen by the user
using the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158.
[0041] The user exerts load or force on the OPERATING END 144 of
the CABLE 136 against the force applied by the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148.
The ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 senses the force exerted by the user on the
CABLE 136 and operates such that the CABLE 136 moves at a
predetermined velocity regardless of the force exerted by the user,
resulting in a controlled motion exercise.
[0042] In one embodiment, the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158 continuously
monitors the force exerted on the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 by the user.
The COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158 directs the motion of the CABLE 136 by
sending electronic impulses to the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 in response to
the force exerted by the user so that the CABLE 136 moves in
accordance with the exercise chosen by the user.
[0043] The HOOPS 128 guide the motion of the CABLE 136 along a path
appropriate for the exercise chosen by the user so that the motion
of the cable results in the application of force in a predetermined
direction such that specific muscle groups are exercised without
harming the other muscles of the user.
[0044] In one embodiment, an ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is be connected to
the OPERATING END 144 of the CABLE 136. In various embodiments, the
ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is in the form of a rod, a handle, a ball, or
any other form that is useful for particular exercises. In an
embodiment, the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is shaped like a ball for
exercising baseball pitching movements. In another embodiment, the
ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is shaped like a staff for facilitating rowing
exercises.
[0045] In one embodiment the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is connected to two
CABLES 136, and with the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 in the form of a rigid
staff secured to both CABLES 136, such that pulling on the staff
engages both CABLES 136 simultaneously. In yet another embodiment,
the OPERATING ENDS 144 of two CABLES 136 can be connected by an
ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 in the form of a long rod or a staff, for
martial arts or other exercises. In various embodiments, the
ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is made of materials such as metal, rubber,
plastic, wood or any other material suitable for a particular form
of exercise. In an embodiment, the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 has a shape
suitable for physical therapy. In another embodiment, the ergonomic
grasp 164 is shaped such that a trainer can assist the exercising
user in exerting force.
[0046] In one embodiment, the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is connected to
the OPERATING END 144 of the CABLE 136 by a FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR 170.
In various embodiments, the FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR 170 contains
springs, rubber cables, elastic bands, rubber bands, or other
flexible elements. The FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR 170 allows the user to
get non-linear play in the motion superimposed on the predetermined
velocity of the CABLE 136 controlled by the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148. This
allows the user to exert slightly higher or lower forces on the
cable without facing sudden velocity changes that can result in
injury.
[0047] The Examples given above are merely illustrative and are not
meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible embodiments,
applications or modifications of the invention. Thus, various
modifications and variations of the described methods and systems
of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Although the invention has been described in connection with
specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as
claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments.
Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying
out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the
chemical arts or in the relevant fields are intended to be within
the scope of the appended claims.
[0048] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention
there is provided a controlled motion exercise device that includes
a frame, one or more cables for the user to pull to provide
resistance exercise, and a mechanism for providing variable
resistance to the cables.
[0049] The frame may comprise a pair of uprights and one or more
cross members, optionally mounted to a base. The uprights are
preferably spaced between 36'' and 96'' apart to allow a user to
mount cable guides on both sides of the user's body when the user
is positioned near the center of the frame. More preferably the
uprights are spaced between 36'' and 72'' apart.
[0050] At least one of the cross members is preferably positioned
at a height of between 60'' and 120'' to allow a user to mount
cable guides well above the user's head when the user is positioned
near the center of the frame. In one preferred embodiment there are
two cross members mounted at varying heights to the pair of
uprights. In such embodiments, the second cross member is
preferably positioned at a height of between 12'' and 60'', and
more preferably at a height of between 24'' and 48.'' The cross
members are preferably horizontal with respect to the base.
[0051] A plurality of positions for mounting a cable guide to the
frame are provided on each of the pair of uprights, and on one or
more of the cross members. Such positions for mounting a cable
guide preferably comprise slots that are sized to receive the shank
of a cable guide as described below. The slots provide discrete
locations for mounting a cable guide shank, with such locations
preferably being between 6'' and 12'' apart (preferably about 8''
apart) along at least a portion of each upright and along at least
one cross member.
[0052] A plurality of cable guides are preferably mounted to the
uprights and/or the cross members. The cable guides are adapted to
allow a pull cable to pass therethrough, thus providing one or more
"pull points" from which the resistance on the pull end of a cable
may be applied. The guides may be mounted to any of a plurality of
points on the uprights and/or the cross members to allow the user
to select an advantageous pull point for a desired exercise. When
multiple guides are provided on the frame, and particularly when
those guides are mounted to different uprights and/or different
cross members, the user may independently pull two or more arms
and/or legs simultaneously, with the two or more arms and/or legs
meeting resistance from different pull points which may be on
different sides of the user's body.
[0053] The cable guides may comprise an eye or a hoop that is
provided on the end of a shank. In one embodiment the cable guides
comprise a pulley on the end of a shank. The pulley allows the
cable to pass through the guide with less resistance than is
provided by a hoop or an eye.
[0054] The cable guides are mountable to one or more of a
multiplicity of mounting positions on the frame by providing the
frame with a plurality of slots adapted to receive the guide
shanks. This allows the user to quickly and easily change the pull
point of a particular cable, and also allows such change to be done
without also changing the position of the uprights and/or the cross
members, and without changing the locations of the pull point of
other cables that may be being used at the same time. The user
simply pulls the cable guide shank from one slot and pushes it into
a different slot without requiring the cable or the frame to be
adjusted.
[0055] Each cable comprises a pull end and a winding/coiling end,
and a length that may pass through a guide. The guides accordingly
provide "pull points" from which the resistance on the pull end of
a cable is applied.
[0056] The winding end of each cable is wound around a coiling
mechanism that may comprise one or two or more winding/coiling
spools or reels on a shaft. A coiling gear is also provided on the
shaft. The ends of the shaft are stabilized so that the shaft may
rotate to allow the cable to wind or unwind around the
spool/reel.
[0057] The winding/coiling mechanism is connected through a pair of
gears to a resistance power mechanism. The resistance power
mechanism comprises a resistance power shaft and a motor. The motor
may be a robotic or servo motor that provides variable and
selectable resistance power to resist a pulling force applied by a
user to the pull end of a cable. The gears allow a small resistance
force to be generated by the motor and a greater resistance force
to be applied to the user.
[0058] A computer/processor may be used to control the resistance
force applied to the cables and/or to record exercise results.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the illustrated
device is an exercise apparatus comprising: [0060] a) a frame
(200), comprising: [0061] i) a pair of upright support members
(201), and [0062] ii) at least one cross member (202) spanning
between said pair of upright support members; [0063] b) one or more
guides (203) selectively positionable at a multiplicity of mounting
positions, such as slots (224), on one or more of said upright
support members and/or on one or more of said cross members, said
guides being effective for establishing a pull point for a cable
passing therethrough; [0064] c) one or more cables (204) having a
pull end and a winding end, and a length passing through one or
more of said guides; [0065] d) a winding/coiling mechanism (205)
comprising: [0066] i) a winding/coiling shaft (205a), [0067] ii) a
spool (205b) mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and effective
for controllably winding one or more of said cables around said
shaft upon rotation of the shaft, [0068] iii) a winding/coiling
shaft gear (205c) mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and
effective for rotating said winding/coiling shaft upon rotation of
said winding/coiling shaft gear; and [0069] e) a resistance power
mechanism (206) comprising: [0070] i) a resistance power shaft
(206a), [0071] ii) a motor (206b) for rotating said resistance
power shaft at a variable speed and/or with a variable force in a
direction effective for winding one or more of said cables around
said winding/coiling shaft, [0072] iii) a resistance power shaft
gear (206c) mounted on said power shaft and engageable with said
winding shaft gear and effective for turning said winding shaft
gear upon rotation of said power shaft gear.
[0073] A computer/processor 240 effective for controlling the
resistance force applied to the cables and effective for recording
exercise results is also included.
[0074] The illustrated apparatus utilizes upright members that are
spaced between 36'' and 96'' apart.
[0075] The illustrated apparatus utilizes at least one cross member
that is mounted to said upright members at a height of between 60''
and 120''.
[0076] The illustrated apparatus may utilize a motor that is
effective for providing a user-selected variable resistance force
that includes all or at least some of the range between 5 lbf and
1000 lbf of resistance force. In addition to being adjustable as to
force, the motor may also be adjustable as to speed, which
preferably may wind the cables at a user-selected speed of up to
about 3 ft/sec, and more preferably up to about 1 ft/sec.
[0077] The illustrated apparatus may utilize guides that comprise
an eye and a shank mountable to one or more of said multiplicity of
mounting positions.
[0078] The illustrated apparatus may utilize a multiplicity of
mounting positions which individually comprise slots for receiving
the shank of said guides.
[0079] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown
and described and that all changes and modifications that come
within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. In
addition, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may
comprise or consist essentially of any or all of the illustrated or
described elements and/or features. For example, the present
invention includes devices comprising each of the elements and/or
features illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the present invention
includes devices consisting essentially of any of the elements
and/or features illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, all of
the features and/or embodiments disclosed in Applicant's U.S.
Patent Application No. 61/649,616, which is incorporated herein by
reference, may be combined with any or all of the features
disclosed herein to provide a device that comprises or consists
essentially of such features.
* * * * *