U.S. patent application number 14/068118 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-01 for movable pulley systems, methods and devices for exercise machines.
The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Patrick McGinnis, Jeremy Strom.
Application Number | 20140121071 14/068118 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50547796 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140121071 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Strom; Jeremy ; et
al. |
May 1, 2014 |
Movable Pulley Systems, Methods and Devices for Exercise
Machines
Abstract
An exercise machine may comprise a frame and a weight stack. The
weight stack may be positioned within a portion of the frame. The
exercise machine may further comprise a weighted cable having a
first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of
the weight stack, a guide track defining a path, and a movable
pulley assembly slidably coupled to the guide track. A positioning
mechanism may be coupled to the movable pulley assembly and
configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly along
the path defined by the guide track. Additionally, the weighted
cable may be routed through the movable pulley assembly.
Inventors: |
Strom; Jeremy; (Logan,
UT) ; McGinnis; Patrick; (Providence, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50547796 |
Appl. No.: |
14/068118 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61720840 |
Oct 31, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/99 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/156 20130101;
A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A63B 2220/13 20130101; A63B 2220/806
20130101; A63B 2220/16 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 21/062
20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B
21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 21/4043 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/99 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/062 20060101
A63B021/062 |
Claims
1. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a weight stack
positioned within a portion of the frame; a weighted cable having a
first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of
the weight stack; a guide track defining a path; a movable pulley
assembly slidably coupled to the guide track; a positioning
mechanism coupled to the movable pulley assembly and configured to
move and position the movable pulley assembly along the path
defined by the guide track; wherein the weighted cable is routed
through the movable pulley assembly.
2. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the guide track defines
an arcuate path.
3. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the positioning
mechanism comprises a motor attached to the movable pulley
assembly.
4. The exercise machine of claim 3, wherein the guide track
comprises a toothed rack and the motor is coupled to a gear having
teeth intermeshed with teeth of the toothed rack.
5. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the positioning
mechanism comprises a belt coupled to the movable pulley assembly
and coupled to a motor.
6. The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the positioning
mechanism comprises a cable coupled to the movable pulley assembly
and coupled to a motor.
7. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a handle
coupled to a second end of the weighted cable.
8. The exercise machine of claim 7, further comprising a sensor,
the sensor positioned and configured to detect at least one of the
vertical position of the handle and the angle of the handle
relative to the frame.
9. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the sensor is coupled
to the handle.
10. The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the sensor comprises
at least one camera directed toward the handle.
11. The exercise machine of claim 10, wherein the sensor comprises
a color video camera, an infrared projector, and a monochrome
complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor sensor.
12. The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a sensor,
the sensor positioned and configured to detect the angle of the
weighted cable to the frame.
13. The exercise machine of claim 12, wherein the sensor further
comprises an arm extending from and pivotable relative to the
movable pulley assembly, and wherein the weighted cable is routed
through at least a portion of the movable arm.
14. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; a toothed guide track
defining a path; a movable pulley assembly comprising a gear having
teeth intermeshed with the teeth of the toothed guide track; a
weight stack positioned within a portion of the frame; a weighted
cable having a first end configured for selective attachment to
weight plates of the weight stack and a second end coupled to the
movable pulley assembly; a second cable having a first end attached
to the movable pulley assembly, the second cable positioned and
configured to apply a torque to the gear of the movable pulley
assembly in response to an applied tensile force.
15. An exercise machine comprising: a frame; at least one bearing
block fixed relative to the frame; a guide track defining a path,
the guide track slidably coupled to the at least one bearing block;
a movable pulley assembly coupled to and fixed relative to the
guide track; a positioning mechanism configured to move and
position the movable pulley assembly and the guide track along the
path defined by the guide track; a weight stack positioned within a
portion of the frame; a weighted cable having a first end
configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the weight
stack and a second end coupled to at least one of the movable
pulley assembly and the guide track.
16. The exercise machine of claim 15, wherein the positioning
mechanism comprises a second cable routed through the movable
pulley assembly, the second cable having a first end fixed relative
to the frame, the second cable configured to move the movable
pulley assembly and the guide track when a tensile force is applied
at a second end of the second cable.
17. A method of manufacturing an exercise machine, the method
comprising: positioning a weight stack within a portion of a frame;
coupling a guide track defining a path to the frame; slidably
coupling a movable pulley assembly to the guide track; coupling a
positioning mechanism configured to move and position the movable
pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track to the
movable pulley assembly; installing a weighted cable having a first
end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of the
weight stack, and routing the weighted cable through the movable
pulley assembly.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising attaching a motor to
the movable pulley assembly.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein slidably coupling the movable
pulley assembly to the guide track further comprises intermeshing
teeth of the guide track with teeth of a toothed gear of the
movable pulley assembly.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein coupling the positioning
mechanism to the movable pulley assembly comprises coupling a belt
to the movable pulley assembly and coupling the belt to a motor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
application 61/720,840 filed on Oct. 31, 2012.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to weighted cable
exercise equipment including a movable pulley assembly and related
methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Exercise equipment including a sliding pulley is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,015, assigned to the assignee of the present
application. The exercise equipment includes a frame housing a
weight stack and a sliding assembly coupled to the frame and weight
stack. In some embodiments, the sliding assembly includes a guide
column, a sliding element disposed on the guide column, a pulley
attached to the sliding element, a first mount disposed at one end
of the guide column, a second mount coupled to the sliding element,
and a first cable disposed in the pulley. The first cable has a
first end attached to one end of the guide column, and intermediate
portion disposed in the pulley, and a second end terminating in a
handle. A second cable may have a first end attached to the sliding
element or the first mount and a second end attached to the weight
stack.
[0004] Improved exercise devices and methods utilizing movable
pulleys would be desirable. For example, exercise devices
comprising improved guides and positioning devices would be
desirable.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise machine
may comprise a frame and a weight stack.
[0006] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the weight stack may be positioned within a portion of the
frame.
[0007] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weighted cable having
a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of
the weight stack.
[0008] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a guide track defining a
path.
[0009] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a movable pulley
assembly slidably coupled to the guide track.
[0010] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a positioning mechanism
coupled to the movable pulley assembly and configured to move and
position the movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the
guide track.
[0011] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the weighted cable may be routed through the movable
pulley assembly.
[0012] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the guide track may define an arcuate path.
[0013] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a motor attached to
the movable pulley assembly.
[0014] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the guide track may comprise a toothed rack and the motor
may be coupled to a gear having teeth intermeshed with teeth of the
toothed rack.
[0015] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a belt coupled to
the movable pulley assembly and coupled to a motor.
[0016] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a cable coupled to
the movable pulley assembly and coupled to a motor.
[0017] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a handle coupled to a
second end of the weighted cable.
[0018] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a sensor, the sensor
positioned and configured to detect at least one of the vertical
position of the handle and the angle of the handle relative to the
frame.
[0019] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the sensor may be coupled to the handle.
[0020] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the sensor may comprise at least one camera directed
toward the handle.
[0021] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the sensor may comprise a color video camera, an infrared
projector, and a monochrome complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor
sensor.
[0022] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a sensor, the sensor
positioned and configured to detect the angle of the weighted cable
to the frame.
[0023] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the sensor may comprise an arm extending from and
pivotable relative to the movable pulley assembly.
[0024] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the weighted cable may be routed through at least a
portion of the movable arm.
[0025] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise
machine may comprise a frame and a toothed guide track defining a
path.
[0026] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a movable pulley
assembly comprising a gear having teeth intermeshed with the teeth
of the toothed guide track.
[0027] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weight stack
positioned within a portion of the frame.
[0028] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weighted cable having
a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of
the weight stack and a second end coupled to the movable pulley
assembly.
[0029] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a second cable having a
first end attached to the movable pulley assembly.
[0030] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the second cable may be positioned and configured to apply
a torque to the gear of the movable pulley assembly in response to
an applied tensile force.
[0031] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an exercise
machine may comprise a frame and at least one bearing block fixed
relative to the frame.
[0032] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a guide track defining a
path.
[0033] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the guide track may be slidably coupled to the at least
one bearing block.
[0034] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a movable pulley
assembly coupled to and fixed relative to the guide track.
[0035] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a positioning mechanism
configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly and the
guide track along the path defined by the guide track.
[0036] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weight stack
positioned within a portion of the frame.
[0037] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the exercise machine may comprise a weighted cable having
a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of
the weight stack and a second end coupled to at least one of the
movable pulley assembly and the guide track.
[0038] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the positioning mechanism may comprise a second cable
routed through the movable pulley assembly.
[0039] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the second cable may have a first end fixed relative to
the frame.
[0040] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the second cable may be configured to move the movable
pulley assembly and the guide track when a tensile force is applied
at a second end of the second cable.
[0041] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of
manufacturing an exercise machine may comprise positioning a weight
stack within a portion of a frame.
[0042] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise coupling a guide track defining a
path to the frame.
[0043] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise slidably coupling a movable pulley
assembly to the guide track.
[0044] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise coupling a positioning mechanism
configured to move and position the movable pulley assembly along
the path defined by the guide track to the movable pulley
assembly.
[0045] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise installing a weighted cable having
a first end configured for selective attachment to weight plates of
the weight stack.
[0046] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise routing the weighted cable through
the movable pulley assembly.
[0047] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise attaching a motor to the movable
pulley assembly.
[0048] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise intermeshing teeth of the guide
track with teeth of a toothed gear of the movable pulley
assembly.
[0049] In a further aspect, which may be combined with other
aspects, the method may comprise coupling a belt to the movable
pulley assembly and coupling the belt to a motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present methods and systems and are a part of the
specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of
the present systems and methods and do not limit the scope
thereof.
[0051] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise device comprising
a curved guide track and a positioning device similar to a winch,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a sensor comprising a camera,
which may be utilized with an exercise machine such as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0053] FIG. 3 is a side view of a sensor comprising an extending
arm, which may be utilized with an exercise machine such as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exercise device comprising a
guide track including channels, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 5 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise
device comprising a guide track including a toothed rack, according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise
device comprising a guide track including a toothed rack and a
positioning device including a motor, according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
[0057] FIGS. 7A and 7B are side detail views of a portion of an
exercise device comprising a movable pulley assembly fixed to a
movable guide track, according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise
device comprising a positioning device including a motor and belt,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a side detail view of a portion of an exercise
device comprising a positioning device including a motor and screw,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, an exercise machine
may 10 comprise a frame 12, a weight stack 14, at least one cable
16, 18, and a movable pulley assembly 20. The weight stack 14 may
comprise a plurality of stacked weight plates 22 positioned within
a portion of the frame 12, each weight plate 22 configured to
provide a specified weight force (e.g., each weight plate 22 may
weigh about ten pounds (about 4.5 kilograms)).
[0062] A weight selecting device 24 may be configured to be
positioned through or along the stacked weight plates 22 of the
weight stack 14 to facilitate the selection of a number of stacked
weight plates 22 to be coupled to a weighted cable 16, and thus to
facilitate the amount of weight to be applied to the weighted cable
16.
[0063] A weight selector rod 26 may be sized for insertion through
vertical apertures of the stacked weight plates 22. The weight
selector rod 26 may include a plurality of apertures, each aperture
of the plurality of apertures corresponding to a weight plate 22 of
the weight stack 14. A weight selector pin 28 may be inserted into
a horizontal aperture 30 of a selected weight plate 22 and a
corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures of the
selector rod 26 at a position corresponding to a desired number of
weight plates 22, and thus a desired weight, to be attached to the
weighted cable 16.
[0064] The weighted cable 16 may include a first end coupled to the
weight selecting device (e.g., the weight selector pin 28), and a
second end coupled to a handle 32. The weighted cable 16 may be
routed through one or more stationary pulleys 34, and through the
moveable pulley assembly 20.
[0065] The stationary pulleys 34 may comprise a wheel rotatable
about an axle that is stationary (i.e., fixed) relative to the
frame 12. The stationary pulleys 34 may be positioned to direct and
position the weighted cable 16 about the exercise device 10 and
facilitate a full range of motion of the components of the exercise
device 10.
[0066] The moveable pulley assembly 20 may be positioned on a guide
track 36, which constrains the movement of the movable pulley
assembly 20 along a fixed path. In some embodiments, the guide
track 36 may have an arcuate (e.g., curved) shape. For example, the
guide track 36 may be an arcuate shaft.
[0067] The moveable pulley assembly 20 may comprise a bearing
system 38 configured to facilitate the movement of the movable
pulley assembly 20 along the fixed path defined by the guide track
36 with relatively little friction. For example, the moveable
pulley assembly 20 may comprise rollers positioned adjacent to the
arcuate shaft. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the movable
pulley assembly 20, the movable pulley assembly 20 may travel along
the guide track 36 with relatively little friction. In further
embodiments, the bearing system 38 may comprise plain bearings, or
another type of bearing known in the art, rather than, or in
addition to, rollers.
[0068] The movable pulley assembly 20 may be attached to a
positioning device 40 configured to position the movable pulley
assembly 20 along the guide track 36. In one embodiment, the
moveable pulley assembly 20 may be coupled to a motor 42 and pulley
44 by a cable 18. In some embodiments, the motor 42 may be fixed
relative to the frame 12 and a shaft of the motor may be
mechanically coupled to the pulley 44, as shown in FIG. 1. In
further embodiments, the motor 42 may be coupled to the movable
pulley assembly 20 (see FIG. 6).
[0069] The motor 42 may retract the cable 18 (i.e., reduce the
effective length of the cable 18) by rotating the pulley 44 in a
first direction and may release the cable 18 (i.e., increase the
effective length of the cable 18) by rotating the pulley 44 in a
second direction, similar to a winch. When the cable 18 is
retracted by the motor 42, the movable pulley assembly 20 may move
in a first direction along the guide track 36 (e.g., the pulley may
move upward along the arcuate path). Likewise, when the cable 18 is
released by the motor 42, the movable pulley assembly 20 may move
in a second direction along the guide track 36 (e.g., the movable
pulley assembly 20 may move downward along the arcuate path).
[0070] The exercise device 10 may also include a position sensor to
facilitate the determination of the relative position of the
handle. In some embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate the
determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical position)
and/or angle of the handle relative to the frame of the exercise
device. In further embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate
the determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical
position) and/or angle of the handle relative to the movable pulley
assembly of the exercise device.
[0071] The position sensor may comprise a sensor 46 coupled to the
handle 32. In some embodiments, the sensor 46 coupled to the handle
32 may comprise a level sensor, which may facilitate the
determination of the angle of the handle 32. In additional
embodiments, the sensor 46 coupled to the handle 32 may cooperate
with a sensor coupled to the movable pulley assembly to facilitate
the determination of the position of the handle 32 relative to the
movable pulley assembly 20.
[0072] In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, a position
sensor may be separate from the handle. For example, the position
sensor may comprise a camera directed toward the handle 32 of the
exercise device 10. In some embodiments, the sensor may comprise a
video camera 50 (e.g., a color VGA video camera), and a depth
sensor 52. The depth sensor may comprise an infrared projector 54
and a monochrome complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
sensor 56. For example, a KINECT.RTM. sensor 58, available from
Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., may be utilized as the
position sensor.
[0073] The position sensor may be in communication with a computer
60 and the computer 60 may be in communication with the positioning
device 40. Accordingly, data from the positioning sensor may be
communicated to the computer 60, which may analyze the data and
determine the position of the handle 32 relative to the movable
pulley assembly 20. The computer 60 may then send instructions to
the positioning device 40. In response to the instructions sent
from the computer 60, the positioning device 40 may move the
movable pulley assembly 20 along the path defined by the guide
track 36.
[0074] In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a position
sensor 80 may comprise an arm 82 extending from the movable pulley
assembly 20. The arm 82 may pivot relative to the movable pulley
assembly 20, and the weighted cable 16 may be routed through the
movable arm 82. For example, the movable arm 82 may include a set
of pulleys 84 and the weighted cable 16 may be routed between the
pulleys 84 of the arm 82. Accordingly, as the handle 32 moves
upward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the weighted
cable 16 may pull up on the arm 82 and cause the arm 82 to rotate
upwards relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. As the handle
32 moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the
weighted cable 16 may pull down on the arm 82 and cause the arm 82
to rotate downwards relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. The
position sensor 80 may further comprise one or more electronic
components to report the position of the arm 82 relative to the
movable pulley assembly 20 to a computer 60.
[0075] For example, a first microswitch 88 may be positioned
adjacent to an upper side of the arm 82. When the arm 82 moves
upward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the first
microswitch 88 may be activated by the arm 82 and a signal may be
sent to the computer 60 indicating that the handle 32 is positioned
above the movable pulley assembly 20. Additionally, a second
microswitch 90 may be positioned adjacent to a lower side of the
arm 82, opposite the first microswitch 88. When the arm 82 moves
downward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20, the second
microswitch 90 may be activated by the arm 82 and a signal may be
sent to the computer 60 indicating that the handle 32 is positioned
below the movable pulley assembly 20.
[0076] For another example, a shaft of a potentiometer 92 (e.g., a
rheostat) may be coupled to the arm 82. When the arm 82 rotates up
or down, the shaft of the potentiometer 92 may also rotate.
Accordingly, the position of shaft of the potentiometer 92, may
indicate to the computer 60 a relative position of the arm 82
relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. Thus a signal
indicating the position of the handle 32 relative to the movable
pulley assembly 20 may be sent to the computer 60.
[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, an exercise device
100 may comprise a guide track 110 that includes one or more
channels 112. A movable pulley assembly 114 may comprise one or
more wheels 116 positioned within each channel 112 of the guide
track 110. The channels 112 may extend to an exterior of the guide
track 110, as shown. In additional embodiments, channels of a guide
track may not extend to the exterior of the guide track.
[0078] In further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, an exercise
device 200 may include a guide track 210 that comprises a toothed
rack 212, and a positioning device 214 that comprises a
corresponding toothed gear 216. A movable pulley assembly 220 may
be coupled to the weighted cable 16, and a second cable 222 may be
attached to a pulley 224, the pulley 224 being integral with, or
coupled to, the gear 216. The second cable 222 may be routed around
the pulley 224 and a handle 230 may be attached to a second end of
the second cable 222. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the
second cable 222 via the handle 230, the second cable 222 may apply
a torque to the gear 216 via the pulley 224. The torque applied to
the pulley 224 may cause the gear 216 to rotate, and thus to
translate along the toothed rack 212.
[0079] In yet further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, an exercise
device 300 may include a guide track 310 that comprises a toothed
rack 312, and a positioning device 314 that comprises a
corresponding toothed gear 316, similar to the exercise device 200
described in FIG. 5. The positioning device 314, however, may
utilize a motor 318 coupled to the toothed gear 316, rather than a
second cable.
[0080] The weighted cable 16 may be routed through the movable
pulley assembly 320, around a pulley 324, and coupled to a handle
330. The pulley 324 may rotate freely relative to the toothed gear
316, allowing the weighted cable 16 to be moved through the movable
pulley assembly 320 without rotating the toothed gear 316. The
exercise device 300 may include a sensor, such as described with
reference to FIGS. 1-3, which may detect the position of the handle
330 relative to the movable pulley assembly 320. Accordingly, when
the handle 330 is moved (e.g., vertically) relative to the movable
pulley assembly 320, the motor 318 may be actuated to rotate the
toothed gear 316 and move the movable pulley assembly 320 along the
guide track 310.
[0081] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, an
exercise device 400 may comprise a guide track 410 that is coupled
and fixed to a movable pulley assembly 412. As shown, the guide
track 410 may be configured to move with the movable pulley
assembly 412 along a path defined by the guide track 412. For
example, the guide track 410 may comprise a rod 414 extending
through and slidably coupled to one or more bearing blocks 416,
which may be fixed relative to the frame 12.
[0082] In some embodiments, the second end of the weighted cable 16
may be coupled to at least one of the guide track 410 and the
movable pulley assembly 412. A second cable 420 may have a first
end fixed relative to the frame 12 and a second end coupled to a
handle 422. The second cable 420 may be routed through the movable
pulley assembly 412, and may be utilized as a positioning device.
Accordingly, the movable pulley assembly 412 and the rod 414 may
move along a fixed path defined by the length and shape of the
guide track 410 when a sufficient force is applied to the second
cable 420 via the handle 422, as shown in FIG. 7B.
[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, an exercise device
500 may comprise a positioning device 510 including a belt 512, a
motor 514, a drive pulley 516 and a stationary pulley 518. A shaft
of the motor 514 may be coupled to the drive pulley 516 and the
motor may be configured to selectively rotate the drive pulley 516.
Each of the belt 512, the drive pulley 516 and the stationary
pulley 518 may be toothed. Additional arrangements, however, such
as one or more of a V-belt, a flat belt, a round belt, a polygroove
belt, a ribbed belt, a chain, a rope, and a cable may be utilized
in further embodiments.
[0084] A movable pulley assembly 520 may be coupled to and fixed
relative to the belt. The weighted cable 16 may be directed through
the movable pulley assembly 520 and a handle 522 may be attached to
the second end of the weighted cable 16. Additionally, the movable
pulley assembly 520 may be slidably coupled to a guide track 524.
The exercise device 500 may also include a sensor, such as
described with reference to FIGS. 1-3, which may detect the
position of a handle 522 relative to the movable pulley assembly
520.
[0085] Accordingly, when the handle 522 is moved (e.g., vertically)
relative to the movable pulley assembly 520, the motor 514 may be
actuated to rotate the drive gear 516, which may in turn rotate the
belt 512 and move the movable pulley assembly 520 along the guide
track 524. Additionally, when the motor 514 is not moving, the belt
512 of the positioning device 510 may maintain the position of the
movable pulley assembly 520 on the guide track 524.
[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, an exercise device
600 may comprise a positioning device 610 that includes a linear
actuator. As shown, the linear actuator may comprise a motor 612, a
screw 614, and a nut 616. The screw 614 may be positioned parallel
to a guide track 618. In additional embodiments, however, the screw
614 may be utilized as a guide track. The motor 612 may be coupled
to the screw 614 and the nut 616 may be coupled to a movable pulley
assembly 620, which may be slidably coupled to the guide track
618.
[0087] The weighted cable 16 may be directed through the movable
pulley assembly 620 and a handle 622 may be attached to the second
end of the weighted cable 16. The exercise device 600 may
additionally include a sensor, such as described with reference to
FIGS. 1-3, which may detect the position of a handle 622 relative
to the movable pulley assembly 620.
[0088] Accordingly, when the handle 622 is moved (e.g., vertically)
relative to the movable pulley assembly 620, the motor 612 may be
operated to turn the screw 614, and the screw 614 may rotate
relative to the nut 616. Helical threads of the screw 614
interacting with mating helical threads of the nut 616 may cause
the nut 616 to move along the screw 614. Accordingly, when the
motor 612 is operated, the movable pulley assembly 620 may be moved
along the path defined by the guide track 618.
[0089] In operation, referring again to FIG. 1, a user may select a
desired weight load with the weight selecting device 24. For
example, a user may insert the pin 28 into an aperture 30 in a
weight plate 22, and a corresponding aperture in the selector pin
26. The user may then pull on the weighted cable 16 with a force
greater than the weight selected and cause the selected weight
plates 22 to be lifted by the weighted cable 16.
[0090] As the user pulls the weighted cable 16 through the movable
pulley assembly 20, the handle 32 may begin to move, both
vertically and horizontally, relative to the movable pulley
assembly 20. The vertical movement of the handle 32 relative to the
movable pulley assembly 20 may then be detected by the sensor
46.
[0091] The sensor 46 may send a signal to the computer 60
indicating the vertical position of the handle 32 relative to the
movable pulley assembly 20. For example, the handle 32 may move
downward relative to the movable pulley assembly 20. When the
handle 32 moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly
20, the sensor 46 may send a signal to the computer 60 indicating
that the handle 32 is lower than the movable pulley assembly 20.
The computer 60 may then send a signal to the positioning device 40
to move the movable pulley assembly 20 downward. The computer 60
may send the signal to the positioning device 40 to move the
moveable pulley assembly 20 downward until the sensor 46 no longer
detects that the handle 32 is positioned below the movable pulley
assembly 20 and ceases to send the corresponding signal to the
computer 60. Accordingly, as the handle 32 is moved downward by the
user, the positioning device 40 may move the movable pulley
assembly 20 downward as well.
[0092] When the handle 32 moves upward relative to the movable
pulley assembly 20, the sensor 46 may send a signal to the computer
60 indicating that the handle 32 is higher than the movable pulley
assembly 20. The computer 60 may then send a signal to the
positioning device 40 to move the movable pulley assembly 20
upward. The computer 60 may send the signal to the positioning
device 40 to move the moveable pulley assembly 20 upward until the
sensor 46 no longer detects that the handle 32 is positioned above
the movable pulley assembly 20 and ceases to send the corresponding
signal to the computer 60. Accordingly, as the handle 32 is moved
upward by the user, the positioning device 40 may move the movable
pulley assembly 20 upward as well.
[0093] For exercise devices 10, 300, 500, 600 wherein the
positioning device 40, 314, 510, 610 includes a motor 42, 318, 514,
612, such as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 8 and 9, the computer 60 may send
a signal to a switch (not shown) that may activate the motor 42,
318, 514, 612 to operate in a first direction when a signal is
received from the computer 60 corresponding to moving the movable
pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 downward. The computer 60 may
send a signal to another switch (not shown) that may activate the
motor 42, 318, 514, 612 to operate in a second direction when a
signal is received from the computer 60 corresponding to moving the
movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 upward.
[0094] By utilizing the sensor 46, 58, 80, the computer 60, and the
positioning device 40, 314, 510, 610, as the handle 32, 330, 522,
622 of the weighted cable 16 is moved upward and downward relative
to the frame 12, the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 may
also move upward and downward relative to the frame 12. As the
movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 may be moved in a
direction corresponding to a direction of movement of the handle
32, 330, 522, 622, the direction of force applied to the handle 32,
330, 522, 622 by the weighted cable 16 relative to the frame 12 may
remain substantially the same throughout the workout. As the force
applied by the user to lift the selected weight plates 22 will be
directly opposite the force applied to the handle 32, 330, 522, 622
by the weight plates 22, the user will exert a force in a direction
that is substantially constant throughout the workout.
[0095] In additional embodiments, the computer 60 may be programmed
to position the movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 at
specified speeds and directions according to specific exercises.
Accordingly, a user may select an exercise to be performed and the
movable pulley assembly 20, 320, 520, 620 may be moved along the
guide track by the to positioning device 40, 314, 510, 610 to
facilitate the selected exercise during the workout.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0096] Improved exercise devices and methods utilizing movable
pulley assemblies would be desirable. For example, exercise devices
comprising improved guides and positioning devices would be
desirable.
[0097] In some embodiments, an exercise machine may comprise a
frame, a weight stack, at least one cable, and a movable pulley
assembly. The weight stack may comprise a plurality of stacked
weight plates positioned within a portion of the frame, each weight
plate configured to provide a specified weight force. In additional
embodiments, weight may be applied by devices other than weight
plates, such as one or more of elastic members, a motor, a users
body weight, pneumatic resistance, and hydraulic resistance.
[0098] A weight selecting device may be configured to be positioned
through or along the stacked weight plates of the weight stack to
facilitate the selection of a number of stacked weight plates to be
coupled to a weighted cable, and thus to facilitate the amount of
weight to be applied to the weighted cable.
[0099] A weight selector rod may be sized for insertion through
vertical apertures of the stacked weight plates. The weight
selector rod may include a plurality of apertures, each aperture of
the plurality of apertures corresponding to a weight plate of the
weight stack. A weight selector pin may be inserted into a
horizontal aperture of a selected weight plate and a corresponding
aperture of the plurality of apertures of the selector rod at a
position corresponding to a desired number of weight plates, and
thus a desired weight, to be attached to the weighted cable.
[0100] The weighted cable may include a first end coupled to the
weight selecting device (e.g., the weight selector pin), and a
second end coupled to a handle. The weighted cable may be routed
through one or more stationary pulleys, and through the moveable
pulley assembly.
[0101] The moveable pulley assembly may be positioned on a guide
track, which constrains the movement of the movable pulley assembly
along a fixed path. In some embodiments, the guide track may have
an arcuate (e.g., curved) shape. For example, the guide track may
be an arcuate shaft. In additional embodiments, the guide track may
define one or more of an arcuate path, a linear path, a vertical
path, a horizontal path, a diagonal path, and a parabolic path.
[0102] The moveable pulley assembly may comprise a bearing system
configured to facilitate the movement of the movable pulley
assembly along the fixed path defined by the guide track with
relatively little friction. For example, the moveable pulley
assembly may comprise rollers positioned adjacent to the arcuate
shaft. Accordingly, when a force is applied to the movable pulley
assembly, the movable pulley assembly may travel along the guide
track with relatively little friction. In further embodiments, the
bearing system may comprise plain bearings, or another type of
bearing known in the art, rather than, or in addition to,
rollers.
[0103] The movable pulley assembly may be attached to a positioning
device configured to position the movable pulley assembly along the
guide track. In one embodiment, the moveable pulley assembly may be
coupled to a motor and pulley by a cable. In some embodiments, the
motor may be fixed relative to the frame and a shaft of the motor
may be mechanically coupled to the pulley. In further embodiments,
the motor may be coupled to the movable pulley assembly. The motor
may be one or more of an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, and a
pneumatic motor.
[0104] The motor and pulley may retract the cable (i.e., reduce the
effective length of the cable) by rotating the pulley in a first
direction and may release the cable (i.e., increase the effective
length of the cable) by rotating the pulley in a second direction,
similar to a winch. When the cable is retracted by the motor, the
movable pulley assembly may move in a first direction along the
guide track (e.g., the pulley may move upward along the arcuate
path). Likewise, when the cable is released by the motor, the
movable pulley assembly may move in a second direction along the
guide track (e.g., the pulley may move downward along the arcuate
path).
[0105] The exercise device may also include a position sensor to
facilitate the determination of the relative position of the
handle. In some embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate the
determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical position)
and/or angle of the handle relative to the frame of the exercise
device. In further embodiments, the position sensor may facilitate
the determination of the position (e.g., relative vertical
position) and/or angle of the handle relative to the movable pulley
assembly of the exercise device.
[0106] The position sensor may comprise a sensor coupled to the
handle. In some embodiments, the sensor coupled to the handle may
comprise a level sensor, which may facilitate the determination of
the angle of the handle. In additional embodiments, the sensor
coupled to the handle may cooperate with a sensor coupled to the
movable pulley assembly to facilitate the determination of the
position of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly.
[0107] In further embodiments, the position sensor may be separate
from the handle. For example, the position sensor may comprise a
camera directed toward the handle of the exercise device. In some
embodiments, the sensor may comprise a video camera (e.g., a color
VGA video camera), and a depth sensor. The depth sensor may
comprise an infrared projector and a monochrome complimentary
metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. For example, a KINECT.RTM.
sensor, available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., may
be utilized for the position sensor.
[0108] The position sensor may be in communication with a computer
and the computer may be in communication with the positioning
device. Accordingly, data from the positioning sensor may be
communicated to the computer, which may analyze the data and
determine the position of the handle relative to the movable pulley
assembly. The computer may then send instructions to the
positioning device. In response to the instructions sent from the
computer, the positioning device may move the movable pulley
assembly along the path defined by the guide track.
[0109] In some embodiments, the computer may be on or within the
frame of the exercise device. In further embodiments, the computer
may be separate from the exercise device. The computer may
communicate with the sensor and the positioning device via one or
more of wires and a wireless network (e.g., via a radio signal, an
infrared signal, an optical signal, etc.).
[0110] In further embodiments, the position sensor may comprise an
arm extending from the movable pulley assembly. The arm may pivot
relative to the movable pulley assembly, and the cable may be
coupled to the movable arm. For example, the movable arm may
include a set of pulleys and the cable may be routed between the
pulleys of the arm. Accordingly, as the handle of the pulley moves
upward relative to the movable pulley assembly, the cable may pull
up on the arm and cause the arm to rotate upwards relative to the
movable pulley assembly. As the handle of the pulley moves downward
relative to the movable pulley assembly, the cable may pull down on
the arm and cause the arm to rotate downwards relative to the
movable pulley assembly. The position sensor may further comprise
one or more electronic components to report the position of the arm
to a computer.
[0111] For example, a first microswitch may be positioned adjacent
to an upper side of the arm. When the arm moves upward relative to
the movable pulley assembly, the first microswitch may be activated
by the arm and a signal may be sent to the computer indicating that
the handle is positioned above the movable pulley assembly.
Additionally, a second microswitch may be positioned adjacent to a
lower side of the arm, opposite the first microswitch. When the arm
moves downward relative to the movable pulley assembly, the second
microswitch may be activated by the arm and a signal may be sent to
the computer indicating that the handle is positioned below the
movable pulley assembly.
[0112] For another example, a potentiometer (e.g., a rheostat) may
be coupled to the arm. When the arm rotates up or down, the
potentiometer may also rotate. Accordingly, the position of the
potentiometer may indicate to the computer a relative position of
the arm relative to the movable pulley assembly. Thus the position
of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly may be
reported to the computer.
[0113] In some embodiments, the guide track may comprise one or
more channels. The movable pulley assembly may comprise one or more
wheels positioned within each channel of the guide track. The
channels may extend to an exterior of the guide track, as shown. In
additional embodiments, the channels may not extend to the exterior
of the guide track.
[0114] In some embodiments, a positioning device of an exercise
machine may comprise a belt, a motor, a drive pulley and a
stationary pulley. Each of the belt, the drive pulley and the
stationary pulley may be toothed. Additional arrangements, however,
such as one or more of a V-belt, a flat belt, a round belt, a
polygroove belt, a ribbed belt, a chain, a rope, and a cable, may
be utilized in further embodiments.
[0115] The motor may be coupled to the drive pulley and may
selectively rotate the drive pulley. Accordingly, the rotating
drive pulley may cause the belt to rotate about the drive pulley
and the stationary pulley, thus causing the movable pulley assembly
to move along the path defined by the guide track. Additionally,
when the motor is not moving, the belt of the positioning device
may maintain the position of the movable pulley assembly on the
guide track.
[0116] In some embodiments, a positioning device of an exercise
machine may comprise a linear actuator. The linear actuator may
comprise a motor, a screw, and a nut. The screw may be positioned
parallel to the guide track. In additional embodiments, the screw
may be utilized as the guide track. The motor may be coupled to the
screw and the nut may be coupled to the movable pulley
assembly.
[0117] When the motor is operated to turn the screw, the screw may
turn relative to the nut. The helical threads of the screw
interacting with mating helical threads of the nut may cause the
nut to move along the screw. Accordingly, when the motor is
operated the movable pulley assembly may be moved along the path
defined by the guide track.
[0118] In some embodiments, the guide track may comprise a toothed
rack, and the positioning device may comprise a corresponding
toothed gear. The movable pulley assembly may be coupled to the
weighted cable, and a second cable may be attached to a pulley, the
pulley being integral with or coupled to the gear. The second cable
may be routed around the pulley and a handle may be attached to a
second end of the second cable. Accordingly, when a force is
applied to the handle, the cable may apply a torque to the gear via
the pulley. The torque applied to the pulley may cause the gear to
rotate and thus to translate along the toothed rack.
[0119] In some embodiments, the guide track may be coupled to the
movable pulley assembly and may be configured to move with the
movable pulley assembly along the path defined by the guide track.
For example, the guide track may be a rod extending through one or
more bearing blocks, which may be fixed relative to the frame.
Accordingly, the rod, and thus the movable pulley assembly, may
move along a fixed path defined by the length and shape of the
rod.
[0120] In operation, a user may select a desired weight load with
the weight selecting device. For example, a user may insert a pin
into an aperture in a weight plate, and a corresponding aperture in
the selector pin. The user may then pull on the weighted cable with
a force greater than the weight selected and cause the selected
weight plates to be lifted by the weighted cable.
[0121] As the user pulls the weighted cable through the movable
pulley assembly, the handle may begin to move, both vertically and
horizontally, relative to the movable pulley assembly. The vertical
movement of the handle relative to the movable pulley assembly may
then be detected by the sensor.
[0122] The sensor may send a signal to the computer indicating the
vertical position of the handle relative to the movable pulley
assembly. For example, the handle may move downward relative to the
movable assembly. When the handle moves downward relative to the
movable assembly, the sensor may send a signal to the computer
indicating that the handle is lower than the movable pulley
assembly. The computer may then send a signal to the positioning
device to move the movable pulley assembly downward.
[0123] When the handle moves upward relative to the movable
assembly, the sensor may send a signal to the computer indicating
that the handle is higher than the movable pulley assembly. The
computer may then send a signal to the positioning device to move
the movable pulley assembly upward.
[0124] For devices wherein the positioning device includes a motor,
the computer may send a signal to a switch that may activate the
motor to operate in a first direction when a signal is received
from the computer corresponding to moving the movable pulley
assembly downward. The computer may send a signal to another switch
that may activate the motor to operate in a second direction when a
signal is received from the computer corresponding to moving the
movable pulley assembly upward.
[0125] By utilizing the sensor, the computer, and the positioning
device, as the handle of the weighted cable is moved upward and
downward relative to the frame, the movable pulley assembly may
also move upward and downward relative to the frame. As the movable
pulley assembly may be moved in a direction corresponding to a
direction of movement of the handle, the direction of force applied
to the handle by the weighted cable relative to the frame may
remain substantially the same throughout the workout. As the force
applied by the user to lift the selected weight plates will be
directly opposite the force applied to the handle by the weight
plates, the user will exert a force in a direction that is
substantially constant throughout the workout.
[0126] In additional embodiments, the computer may be programmed to
position the movable pulley assembly at specified speeds and
directions according to specific exercises. Accordingly, a user may
select an exercise to be performed and the movable pulley assembly
may be moved along the guide track by the to positioning device to
facilitate the selected exercise during the workout.
* * * * *